StillwatersIowa

I'm sure many of you watched the Olympics some as we did. Starting well was the key to finishing strong in most of the competitions including skiing, bobsledding, and even figure skating. The same is true in our everyday lives. At a meeting in Huxley Austin used a quote from Dana when talking about starting something well. Just like those Olympian athletes our results are often determined by our willingness to give 110% effort and take a chance. Often the folks that say they never had a chance are the ones that never took one.   Last Sunday BJ and Cassia returned home from the Cayman Islands where BJ had lower back disc replacement surgery. It was great to have their family together again.   Although he is limited to no twisting and no lifting for a couple of weeks he was at the shop every day visiting and helping make decisions. He drives everywhere and has been going to sprayer certification, tax appointments, and bank visits. BJ worked out the de...

A gift is something given to someone without cost or without expectation of a return favor. The most unexpected gifts are often the most remembered. Some gifts aren't recognized or appreciated until long after they are given.     The Gift of Memories. When I was a teenager this drive in theater sat where the County shop is now on the west edge of Oskaloosa. I was sort of prohibited from going because my folks thought movies were a bad influence. One Sunday evening my friends and I decided to go see a movie. I broke three rules at once. First by going. Next on Sunday. And finally several of us hid in the trunk on the way in so we didn't have to pay. Wow. I feel guilty even telling you about it. I'm sure some of you around this community remember this place. I bet a few of you even hung out there occasionally. Now there were two things I remember were totally off limits for me. The rock and roll radio station KIOA. And the Pizza Den. What's wrong wit...

No journey through life is a straight and predicable path. Today's visit is a story of examples of the unexpected in our health, in our work, and in our walk with the Lord. As many of you in our community know our son BJ has been struggling and doctoring with a herniated disc in his lower back. BJ's MRI looked like a large portion of his spine had died. The diagnosis from the doctors here was therapy and waiting since back surgeries are serious and fusions are often unsuccessful. The details of this next part of the story is to show you how God steered our family to the possibility of an alternative solution not yet approved in our country. Remember last week's visit on the miracle of friendships about making a last minute stop. Four weeks ago as Jan and I were leaving Grand Cayman Island we stopped at the grocery store to pick up some spices for home grilling. Jan told me I was more than welcome to wait in the rental car since she would just be a minute. ...