StillwatersIowa

Cornerstones are the start of foundations. They shape and set the direction for the rest of the project. They are also used for boundaries. Capstones protect and keep unwanted material from coming in and destroying from the inside out. Keystones lock the other pieces in place and distribute the load equally to all. Standing stones are a reminder for those who come behind us of blessings, faithfulness, events, and accomplishments.  Lane, Jackson, and Jayden, riding Grandpa's Scrambler, are being taught these values and life skills now so they can in turn teach them to their kids for a strong family structure that will stand the storms. I've always told Jan if she is going to have stones on our yard they either need a name or have sentimental value. We have a number of large stones. This is our borrowed stone. Some years ago we found this one building a pond on one of BJ's farms. It was so heavy we barely got it to the edge of the field along the road. Months later we not...

Today is Father's Day. Our children, our culture, and our country all need real men. Men that provide and protect. Men that give 110%, that aren't afraid of responsibility, and care about others more than themselves. Men that are willing to stand up to a school board and say, "heck no you're not going to teach my kids or our community kids porn or gender change". Men that show their families they have a bold courage in times of crisis. Jayden, Sydnie, and Lane are looking for baby kittens under a trailer. Gals, you play a huge responsibility in our families and our culture today. Your ability to make things happen are God given and appreciated. Moms, you play an essential role in raising boys to be real men by not coddling them, not over protecting them, not making them the center of attention, and allowing them some of the adventure that God built in their DNA. Wives, you also determine whether your man succeeds or fails, by either your encouragement and affirmat...

Hope is believing things will work out. Especially when it seems otherwise. Hope is optimistic and forward thinking. Hope anticipates. Below eight grandchildren from four families are out watching the rain move in. Thanks for the picture Jan. Last Sunday morning the young people's group from our church headed for Kentucky for a work trip to help folks. BJ and Cassia, along with other leader couples joined the group, including several of our grandchildren. This picture is from the previous Saturday. Scott who is BJ's landlord and has cattle, chops the cover crop. Then they double crop soybeans after taking off the rye. We had a bearing out on the high speed disc that we wanted to fix before we put it away. However the assembly was pretty stubborn. So we heated the outside tube red hot with two torches. In a spiritual context hope is a noun. We talk about having a hope. That means we have faith in a higher power. That higher power is God. And we believe His help and grace is nece...

During a busy Memorial Day this past Monday I stopped by the house about supper time. I just had this blessed feeling and gratitude for everything that was happening. I shared that with Jan. She said she was feeling the same way and we shared encouraging words about each other and our family. Jan asked how that Bible verse was worded that I like so well.  Ecclesiastics 5:18-20 "It is good for people to make a living and enjoy their work here on earth during the short time God has given them for this is their destiny. Moreover when God gives possessions and good health, the ability to enjoy work, and to accept their destiny in life-this is indeed a gift from God. Folks seldom look back on the days of their lives, because God keeps them occupied with the gladness of heart". Thanks to Jim installing a new fuel tank and Dean for fixing leaks in hydraulic cylinders this week, the old 330 Owatona skid-loader is alive and well. When I drove it out of the shop I was quite surprised. ...