Generational Cycles

Weak men make hard times: For almost a century America was the peacekeeper of our world. There is a huge difference by the way between a peace keeper and a peace lover. Our country's strength kept evil folks thinking twice about consequences. Then that same evil and corruption have overwhelmed our leadership. Continue praying for our friends in Israel. Thanks for the picture Amir.

Hard times make strong men: Hard times often force us to our knees. To acknowledge where our help comes from. And to ask God for help. Hard times build character. Thanks for the picture Harrison and Miriam. And thanks for living for the Lord and serving others in Africa.

Strong men make good times: There are folks that make things happen. Folks that watch things happen. And folks that wonder what happened. Our job as parents is to teach our children to teach their children to acknowledge, love, and serve God. That is the foundation for multi generations to continue to make things happen. How does one make things happen? To give 110%. To take responsibility. And to care about others.

Good times make weak men: History is full of examples of good times creating a weak society. Of losing their edge. Of abandoning morals and principles. Of getting too comfortable. Of building a life on self. Which leads to apathy. Of putting their security in something other than God. Which leads to fear rather than faith during tough times and the cycle continues. Thanks for the picture. 

Mike continues to move from one job to the next, building terraces. Even with our small showers the ground is still dry and pushes hard. Thanks for the picture Mike.

The first part of the week was huge on soybeans with one customwork job left. On soybeans we send all but one semi to the processors delivering pre-sold contracts. Then  one semi delivers to a bin as a relief valve to keep the combines rolling. Harvesting soybeans require dry weather so early mornings are used to fuel up and service the cutter bars.

We've had a few small breakdowns and one big one this week. Below Dean and others are replacing a belt before enjoying an evening meal of chili and corn bread that Cassia and Natalie brought us northwest of Peoria.

Speaking of repairs, how many grandkids and friends does it take to fix a Suburban? Thanks for the picture Mark. It made me smile. And thankful kids are willing to tackle projects.

We wrapped up soybeans on a farm Karl and Kristin rent near Galesburg late Wednesday night. Usually there are a number of semis loaded for first thing the following morning.

That same night we put the cornheads on and switched the combines over to corn. We are blessed to have part time help that comes after their fulltime jobs. Below Matt and Kurt are visiting before Kurt heads to the field with BJ.

Corn harvest happens at a much faster pace than soybeans. There is 4 times more commodity to keep away from the combines. And corn can be harvested anytime day and night.

Thanks for the picture Andy, Amara, and family. It reminds me of times 40 years ago when Jan would take half the kids in the combine. Without a buddy seat by the way. And I would take the other half in the grain truck. Before seat belts.

About 4000 years ago God called Abraham and said he was going to make a great nation of his descendants. Those descendants today are the people of Israel. He gave them many promises if they would be faithful to Him through the generations. 2000 years ago when Christ came to live on earth, and to go to the cross for our sins, those promises were extended from just the Jews (Israelites), to the Gentiles (us) as well.

For no particular reason I'm thinking about life after earth this morning. Funerals often have two themes, sometimes three. The first theme is usually about the individuals life and accomplishments on earth. The second theme is often God's generational promises including the promise of heaven giving the family assurance. Sometimes the 3rd theme is offering the attendees that same assurance if they accept Christ's gift. All three themes are good. As most of you can tell I do love my job. I love my family. I love helping folks. There are about a half a dozen of you that are occasional readers to this weekly visit that are possibilities for doing my funeral someday if you outlive me. Don't forget to tell folks I loved my Lord. And His generational promises. Blessings