Sometimes You Need To Jump

Do you ever remember being hesitant as a child to do something that maybe others were doing or your parents were encouraging you to do? I remember classmates jumping out of a swing during recess at school. I wasn't crazy about it because there were never pleasant landings and I wasn't ever sure what the point was other than to impress the girls. Below Jackson is jumping out of the combine knowing his Dad will catch him. 

 Last Sunday while on a Ranger ride Jan and I stopped and picked a box of apples for apple sauce. If you've ever picked fruit off of a tree you know the best always seem to be just out of reach. Since we don't jump as well as we used to we pulled the Ranger under the tree and used it for a ladder.

Over the years Mike has dared to step out and tackle projects involving pushing dirt and has become very good at it as a result. Mike is starting to build another pond. It's on a farm close here that BJ farms. When finished the dike will be a crossing from one farm to another. We did use him, as well as grandsons John, and Gideon in the grain carts a couple of days this week. Thanks guys. 

Ben Franklin once said that to succeed we need to jump at opportunities as quickly as we jump to conclusions.

We have had guest in the field just about every day this past week. Below Pastor Paul and Ellen's brother Dave came out for a visit to a farm on the north edge of Ottumwa. When we were finished we put them to work helping move vehicles to the next farm.

I always look forward to supper in the field when it happens. Malaki and four week old Sydnie came with Kristin one evening. We usually push harvest operations until Cargill/Eddyville closes and then we can relax some, enjoy each others company over a meal, and fill semis for the following morning. Thanks Kristin.

Jumping always involves faith that things will work out. If we always listen to and react to the questions and negatives we would never fall in love. We would never take a chance on friendships. We would never go into or grow our businesses. Most things worthwhile involve risk. Maybe even mistakes once in a while. 

One afternoon after an early Cargill close Emily brought us out lasagna and a homemade kind of cheese bread that tasted like candy on a farm near Fremont. Thanks Emily.

Well, Karl is finally full of pigs. Many of the pigs Karl feeds come out of Texas. These came right off their mom's from Missouri.

Jan is usually always up for jumping into her next project ranging from planting trees, to landscaping, to quilts, to grandkids, to cooking. Yesterday I stopped by the house to tell her she left her phone in town. I received a call from Jan's phone from a strange lady's voice. Good thing I didn't answer by saying "Hello sweetie". I smelled something good and asked what the occasion was. She answered, O nothing. I just had all these leftover and unused ingredients I threw together and froze for later. Wow. Baked potatoes, gouda cheese, bacon chip dip, soup, and of course lots of butter. 

Ellen planned a family get-together on her side of the family to celebrate a number of birthdays and anniversaries. Those attending were supposed to be a surprise to her sister. However I kind of spilled the beans when on the first day of their arrival I asked, "when are the rest of the folks coming?" :) They invited Jan and I to join them for a delicious supper last evening. Making new friends is the fun part of sharing our cabin.

Last evening we joined the folks from the little Bethel country church near Bussey to listen to these fellows from Kalona. The group sings all their numbers acappella. Wow. What a neat time. At coffeetime afterwards we learned this group's congregation learned to and loves to sing as a result of singing as children in their local Christian School.

Last Sunday evening Jan and I went to church with Kurt and Emily and attended their interim Pastor's farewell at Pella II. Pastor Tom and Erin and Pella II both took a leap of faith and were totally blessed. Tom and Erin originally agreed to be pulpit supply for ten weeks. The relationship was blessed and lasted for two years. Bev from KCWN did an excellent job of writing and reciting a poem entitled The Last Man On The List. Pastor Tom was the tenth pastor they called to ask to come for a spell. Best wishes Tom and Erin as you move on to the next steps God has planned for you. I've appreciated your friendship.

Are there opportunities in your life, in your business, in your church? Is it time to jump? Do the good apples seem just beyond your reach? In 2005 when Lois and I worked and had responsibilities together with the new campus of Pella Christian High School things seemed impossible. Lois said, "for such a time as this". Just as Jackson was sure his father would catch him jumping out of the combine, we can be sure our Heavenly Father will catch us when we jump out in faith.