StillwatersIowa

I've had more questions than answers over the last couple of years when it comes to the world we live in and our purpose in it. So I've often gone big picture to what I know is fact. Love God. Love our neighbor. Most of us know who God is. And who is our neighbor? Yesterday I went over to check on Mike as he was parking his rig where he was working south of Pella. Being a neighbor to his brother Kurt. About 80 generations ago a religious leader asked Jesus this question, "And who is my neighbor?" Luke, an eye witness, and the writer of the story in Luke 10 says he was testing Jesus. In the context of the story it seems the question had some legalistic connotation behind it as the church leader of that day was hoping to make himself feel good by checking this box. Last Sunday noon Becky, Brian, and family went to see Grandma where Becky and Hazel sang a song to my Mom that she had actually taught to Becky when she was a little girl. As you can see below Mom is singing ...

We will soon start to see some action as outdoor life sprouts, turns green, and grows. Brothers Jayden, Jackson, and Lane are ready. They, as well as the rest of our grandchildren, are ready for the 2022 growing season chapter of their lives. Their clear thinking, active spirits, and eagerness to work, promise exciting future chapters. I pray for freedom and continued opportunities as they write the rest of their story. Thanks for the picture Kurt. It takes strong women to allow these kind of grandchildren to live chapters of action and adventure. It also takes real men with grit and gratitude to walk and work along side these young stories. Our culture today is trying to devalue and diminish real men. Real men do not allow fear to determine decisions. Real men would not allow a guy to be on their daughters swimming team and in their locker rooms. Last Saturday evening Cornerstone Church (old Pella II) hosted a chili cookoff for guys. Thirty some gentlemen got together as businessmen, ...

Being ready means one is properly prepared to complete whatever tasks needs completing. Being ready means one could start at a moments notice. I think being ready also means thought out, looking forward, and eager, for such a time as this. Being ready is also applicable in making decisions. The road of life is filled with flat squirrels who just couldn't decide.  There will come a time, sooner than some think, when we as a Christians and Patriots will need to be ready to decide between complacency and confrontation. Our country is currently being run by, "And everyone did what was right in their own eyes". History constantly reminds us this doesn't end well. Last Sunday evening around 100 of us got together in our local city square to pray for the situation and people in Ukraine. Our square in Oskaloosa is lighted up in blue and yellow. Thanks to those who organized this event. And thanks to Steve and Doug who took pictures for me since I forgot my phone. This past Mo...

We often hear about the good ole days. Looking back often gives one a better perspective. I was asked recently what time frame I would pick for our grandkids to live if there was a choice. You know, there has been this overall battle between good and evil, between acknowledging God and denying Him, between truth and lies, since the Garden of Eden. Last Monday Jan and I were in Old Mexico. We asked our friend Israel to have this dessert scene painted for us while I had my boots polished, purchased our medications for the year, and had coffee and chips with the Mexican people. I asked him to add the words "Pray and Work" and then sign his name at the bottom. Last time we visited we were in Tuscon, AZ attending a Dordt University Presidents weekend. After a Saturday evening concert, Keith and Kristyn Getty led us in the music at our last Sunday morning worship service. Finishing with the doxology that morning was pretty cool. A doxology is an ending chorus that gives praise and ...