Choose Wisely

Winter has arrived in southern Iowa. And it made up for lost time dumping 20 inches of snow along with strong winds and plummeting temps, late in the week. Schools, businesses, and churches are all closed. Travel has not been recommended. Thanks for the picture Karl.

This was Karl and Kristin's week to get in early weaner pigs after emptying out and power washing the week before. Sydnie and Brynn are helping Dad unload pigs. Thanks for the picture Karl.

Malaki, who usually also helps in the hog barn, is shown here taking care of his little brother Tatum. Thanks for the picture.

Jan and I actually left last Sunday morning for a week of warm weather. After a stop at Kerch Cafe for breakfast in Farmington, Illinois we stopped to visit a dear friend in central Indiana.

Last Monday morning we flew to Grand Cayman Island. Where we met up with farmer friends from multiple midwest states. This trip was a thank you for planting Becks Seed.

Becks Seed is built on Faith, Family, and Farming. It's the largest family owned seed company in America. They have chosen wisely over the years building and maintaining a culture that keeps their customer's success their top priority. Thanks for the picture Alex.

Many of you have heard this story. However everytime I share it, someone benefits. In January of 2018 while Jan and I were in Cayman we met Dave in the spice isle at Foster's Grocery. After the initial, "hey, how's it going" we found out he was on the island for his wife's back disc replacement surgery. Dave said back disc replacement was not allowed in the states as most doctors did fusions.

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Doctors who did fusions every day in the states developed a better way. However because of all the time, money, and red tape it takes to approve a procedure, they came to Cayman one weekend a month. Jan and I returned to our rental car wondering if God had put Dave in our path for a reason. Our son BJ was back home with a ruptured disc in his back. And he knew a fusion would severely hamper his farming career.

BJ and Cassia were flown to Cayman, arranged by the team of doctors, the following month. Since the surgery was uninsurable, the cost was the price of a nice pickup. On Feb 9, 2018 the team of doctors took BJ from a Condo to surgery, prayed with him, and did the procedure in about an hour and a half in a 12 bed hospital. He was up walking in two hours, out for supper in two days, and planting corn that spring. It was a wise choice on BJ and Cassia's part. Today this surgery is performed in the states under a trial basis. The company and team are called "3Spine". Thank you Dave for being part of God's divine intervention. Thanks for the picture.

BJ, Cassia, John, Ethan, and around twenty five other folks from our church went down to Mississippi this past week to work on storm damage. Thanks for caring about others, friends. And thanks for the picture. Last evening this group came home to many snow filled, closed, rural roads. Some made it home. Some stayed in town with family. BJ got a couple home with a truck and blade. And another with a snowmobile.

While here on the Island, Jan and I went out for supper one evening to celebrate our anniversary a couple of months early. At the restaurant we were privileged to meet the Premier Deputy of Cayman. I was amazed at what Andre knew about America's culture. And how closely others are watching our civic decisions. Andre even talked about Iowa and Monday evening's important caucuses. Folks, if possible, engage in the process. And choose wisely.

America is heading down a number of paths that are not sustainable, and lead to dark endings. Thanks for the picture Steve and Aaron. That's why it has been mentioned earlier in our visits that 2024 will likely be bumpy. However we need to encourage each other not to live in fear when things happen. In John 15:16 John quotes his earthly brother. Jesus says; "You did not choose me. I chose you, and appointed you to bear fruit (be productive). Fruit that will last". We need to know our why.

It's been a blessing this week to sit by the ocean beach early in the morning. And listen. To the breaking waves. And to God. And asking God to help me choose wisely in 2024. When we find our why, and then work hard to accomplish our why, we help ourselves, our family, our vocations, our community, and start to make a difference in our country, knowing all along, that it is with God's help we have our abilities.

My heroes are people who could have been great, but chose instead to help others become great. Remember, you have been created for a purpose. You will have choices. Choose wisely.