StillwatersIowa

Alive is about family and friends during that dash between the day we were born and the day we die. Life is about what we believe in and how we spend our time. Living is about 10% what happens and 90% how we respond to what happens. Pride is what about me? Humility is what about others? Offended is being hurt because we don't agree. Unoffended is I'm fine whether we agree or disagree. There is an awkward silence in America. On the one hand we have runaway inflation, shutting off domestic fuel production, constant talk about climate change, media untruthfulness, uncertainty about who's a boy and who's a girl, indoctrination of our children, disallowing early virus treatment and not recognizing natural immunity, vaccinations and mandates, political overreach, dying suddenly, and defying God. On the other hand we are again watching sports on TV. We are again traveling. We are finding fuel. Our shelves are not empty. Our kids are in school. We are buying and selling. We...

A story is told of two young men a long time ago. They were likable fellows, but lacked discernment. Their mischievous ways turned serious when they began stealing sheep from local farmers. Their wrongs finally caught up with them. The authorities of the day decided the boys punishment would be to be branded with the letters "ST" on their foreheads. That way folks would always know that these two men were "sheep thieves". The older boy never recovered from his poor choices and the stigma given him. He was angry for getting caught. He considered himself a victim. And blamed others for his own prideful mistakes. He died a lonely and bitter man. The younger boy however saw the error of his ways. He asked for and was given forgiveness by God and the local farmers. He decided to overcome his past and take his life in a more serving and productive direction. He worked hard and made an honest living. He helped anyone that asked. He shared his money. He became an asset in h...

So, what's your brand? I'm not talking vehicles, machinery, seed, politics, or church denomination. I mean you. It might be your business or logo. It might be your hobbies. It might be your name or family. Now a little more probing question. What's behind your brand? Goals, values, mission, accomplishments? That my friend, is your story. Thanks for the picture Kasey. Jan and I have been blessed to have spent this past week together in Cayman. It was earned as a thank you for our family seed order from Becks Seed. Several of our customers and their spouses will be enjoying a similar experience in various warm locations over the next few weeks.  Our family has been in the seed business for over 35 years. We love helping people. And having seed available for folks goes hand in hand with our custom farming business. A few years back we made a transition. Today Karl and Kristin operate K and K Seed. Yes, the Becks seed brand has a lot to offer including better performance and va...

Welcome to chapter 2023 of yours and my story. Jackson and Jayden started their year hunting raccoons with their Dad. Thanks for the picture Kurt. Yesterday morning grandsons Jackson, Elijah, and Ezra washed six vehicles. Lane is checking out a shank on an anhydrous tool bar. We heard from our friends in Malawi, Africa over the New Years holiday. This is Harrison, Miriam, their daughters, and their extended friends. Harrison is a farmer and a pastor. On our visits he has helped us as a translator, with exchanging money, and helps with transportation. Harrison told me they have hope and optimism for their new year and are grateful and reliant for God's faithfulness in the stories of their lives. Moses, Maria, Gerllad, and Praise Elizebeth also sent greetings. Praise is named after my sister Beth who lived in Malawi teaching English many years ago. This is an oven to fire bricks. Moses and Maria's congregation hopes to build a new church building soon. I love their church family ...