I Still Believe

Good morning folks. To say we are living in interesting times is an understatement. I don't know what to think about this coronavirus deal. I'm definitely not as worried about the cause as I am the effect. In 2009 their were 61 million cases of the H1N1 (swine fever) virus worldwide yet it didn't make as big a wave. I tend to think we are so informed instantly worldwide at the tip of our fingers with our electronics that it has blown up. I also think the media is continually and intentionally fueling the fire.

Here in southern Iowa the cause of this emergency seems as far away as the possibility of a train coming on one of our Sunday afternoon Ranger rides down the track that runs through our farms.

However the effect of this current situation is coming at us like four engines and a mile of train cars. Those effects are crashing markets, empty store shelves, cancelled trips, closed schools, and a host of cancelled sporting and other events. And just like meeting a train, this is not a time for panic, but rather being prudent in our thinking, planning in our actions, and patient in the face of our many disappointments.

We have been encouraged to socially keep our distance and stay away from crowds. As we do that let's not build a wall. That doesn't mean isolation unless we are sick. What I still believe is there are folks, maybe most of us, that need friends. Encourage each other. You all know how much you value an encouraging note or email. Let folks know they're appreciated. In the book, How To Win Friends And Influence People, written in 1935, Dale says being appreciated is one of two of our most desired cravings as human beings. We'll probably have to put our hand shakes and hugs on hold for awhile. Isn't it interesting how we take advantage of the power of touch until we're asked not to do it? Below Jan and I drove several miles along the wall between Arizona and Old Mexico a couple of weeks ago.

Just one farming story this week. Last week we talked about cleaning up across the road.

We worked at continuing to load steel for Shragos, taking down an old building and building sites, and burning what would burn.

Then we started pushing dirt. You see very few places south of Hwy 92 are level. Underneath about four feet of dirt we found an old basement foundation and a well. Jan said her Mom remembered a Gingerbread looking house sitting on this property when she was young. Seeing that basement foundation made me wonder about the folks that lived here 80 years ago. I'm sure they had their share of emergencies as well. No toilet paper. :) Losing everything and the stock market crash in 1929. Barely having enough to feed their family. Think about living through World War II and having loved ones fighting and dying. I have told you before and I still believe that generation's character and work ethic came from trials and tough times. Thanks for the picture Kasey.

We currently have just over an acre level spot we can rock for parking machinery again or maybe another shed someday. At 63 years old you start to think about what would work for your children and grandchildren.

Speaking of grandchildren, a big thanks to 8th grader John who went in 50 degree water for me to check out why our pond isn't draining. We didn't find or correct the problem yet.

Just an update on one of last week's story about Grandpa letting our little people climb up the garage ladder and play in the store room unobserved. Nope, It's not cleaned up yet. Stay tuned.

I have no idea what the future holds. But I know who holds the future and I know He (our Lord and Savior) is still in charge. You may be thinking I forgot a couple of alliterations starting with P early in our visit this morning. Continue the purpose you were put here on earth for. For us, it's continuing to get ready for a planting season. We have been reminded this week we are a global group of folks. In our case our purpose is to help feed this world. And contrary to what a politician said recently, it can be a tough job.

Be intentional about helping and looking after each other. Have conversations. Inspire people. Don't let fear control us. And pray for each other, our communities, our country, and our world. It's what President Trump asks us to do today. It's what God expects us to do always. Yes. He knows what's going on. But He wants His children to come.

Speaking of children coming, ours came for our anniversary last Sunday. They are really not ours. They are God's. However I am so blessed that God has allowed me to be part of this wonderful family. And equally blessed that they all know and look forward to their eternal future, no matter what happens. Brian was absent from this picture and home with sick kids last Sunday.

I did lose a cousin this week. Tim is from Waverly and lost his battle with blood cancer. He and his brothers used to come from Pella to our  place and help us farm on Saturdays decades ago. Karl's landlord also lost her husband this week. A farmer friend of ours and a member of this blog family from Kirksville lost his father. And finally my sister Beth's friend Lori from Prairie City passed away after battling cancer. Our sympathies and we promise to keep all of you in our prayers Carol, Delores, John, Russ, and families. Thanks for the picture Carol.

Wrapping up. Jan and I went to see I Still Believe last evening. It's a true story about Jeremy Camp, a current Christian music singer and song writer, and his first wife who died after just 4 months of marriage. There were 10 of us at the theater including Dave and Barb, and friends from Sully. What an inspiring story. You need to go see it. I think it came to the theaters providentially for such a time as this. It's a story of love, praying, believing, and walking through the fire with loved ones. And a story of reaching for Heaven. As from the movie, suffering and tough times don't destroy faith folks. It refines it. I don't know what next week holds. Our crisis may be forgotten like an empty train track. Or it may be looming closer than ever like a 4 engine train coming. No matter. I still believe.