Being Love In Action

Jackson is in the 3rd grade. He and his brothers, Jayden and Lane, love their Mom and Dad. They love to help farm. And they love equipment including their Dad's truck. Bev remembered and Kurt reminded me of a valentine a year or two ago when Jackson's teacher asked her class to make and send a valentine to their mother. Jackson's valentine read,"My Mom is as beautiful as a Ram truck". 😊

I was in 3rd grade when our family moved. It was my first of five school changes. The move was about a month before Valentines Day. I still remember where I was sitting in that upstairs classroom at Osky Christian when Miss Tabok announced this would be my last day, and if you tell Steve good-bye he might cry. I was not impressed. About two weeks later she had the class of 23 all write me letters. I was impressed. Do you know how many times I read those letters? Thanks class. And thanks Miss Tabok for being love in action close to 60 years ago. 

I smile every time I see this picture. Because this family certainly isn't. What is it with old photos anyway? It must have been a sign of weakness to show emotion. Not exactly a billboard for being love in action. 😊 Anyway, this is my Grandpa Bill and Grandma Tina's family. My Dad was the youngest of 10 kids. I'm the striped one in the bottom left corner.

See what a difference it makes when everyone smiles. Congratulations to Andy, Amara, and family. They brought Malcom Drew home from the Pella hospital yesterday. Thanks for the picture.

Well, we had 10 inches of snow this past Thursday. With very little frost in the ground it makes the pond with no ice look pretty.

Keith and Julie's cows are busy calving at Kurt and Emily's place. Little Lane who we visited about a couple of weeks ago tells his Mom he's going out to check the cows. That's what kids living and working on a farm is all about. Thanks for the picture Kurt.

Alex drove to southeast Indiana Monday afternoon to pick up a load of Becks seed. This sunrise is early Tuesday morning. Thanks for the picture Alex.

Mike continues to service his dozers. Friday he finished putting new cutting bits on his blade. Kudos to Joe who has been helping him with mechanical work.

On a snowy Friday Jim is building trellises for Jan to mount on each side of our sidewalk bridge. So the grandkids quit driving their trikes off the sides. Dean is servicing and working on our planters. Karl and I are finishing up details in the seed business.

I love our country. What I haven't figured out is when to be silent and acknowledge God is in charge. It's not about me. And when to be bold and courageous and to be God's hands and feet to make a difference. You were all part of that struggle when I used too many words in last week's blog. Sorry.

Elijah and Ezra helped me Friday and Saturday. We put up a new flag which happens about twice a year due to all the wind we have here in flyover country.

 

Jan and I have a number of grandchildren in FFA (Future Farmers of America). Their farming background and ag education will be an asset to them later in life no matter what they choose to do. Cousins Amelia and Rachel below both have multiple part time jobs as well as attending high school. Thanks for the picture Stacy.

Yesterday my Mom told me she loves me. I told her I love her back. It got me thinking. We use love for so many things. I love farming. I love pepper. I love standing in front of a knipco heater after working out in the cold. I love a good story. I love our country. I love family. I love God. I'm wondering if such a broad description becomes inadequate. We can't truly love God and others until we experienced and accepted God's love to us.

Last week at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky chapel speaker Zach suggested students were welcome to stay after chapel and reflect after a message about God's love. The chapel became Spirit filled. A revival started and continues today. And thousands of folks from around the country came to be part of a life changing experience. That's real love in action. Church. Don't forget to tell folks God loves them personally. And then find a way for them to experience that love.

In 2008 Tim Tebow played college football for Florida. In a championship game he wrote John 3:16 in the black paint under his eyes. Later the team's public relations guy told Tim 96 million people googled, "For God so loved the world" that night. Folks, is your love in action? Is it more than just a valentines love? Tell the people close to you you love them. And show it. Blessings.