Hochmut

The Amish communities struggle with the same temptations we Englishers do. We both live in an imperfect world. They have a Pennsylvania Dutch word they use called "hochmut". It's a word for pride, arrogance, and haughtiness.

"Hochmut" goes further than just pride. It means wanting one's own way. With no consideration of others. Thanks for the picture.

 

Last Wednesday our crew spent the morning in class. We are required to spend three hours a year for continuing education in order to keep our commercial sprayer license current.

Bummer. Our purple Peterbuilt started using motor oil and smoking. That means an engine overhaul. So much for trimming the repair budget this year.

After our snow event here in southern Iowa in early January, we've been extremely dry again. This past week we started closing up corn stalk ground going to soybeans this spring. Trying to save as much moisture as possible. Thanks for the help Elijah.

Kudos to Ethan who helped us on semi repairs this past week. Below he is making his own gasket.

When John is not in school he is helping his Dad tile. Kurt also helped me do some tile repairs this week.

Mike moved home yesterday. He hopes to help Kurt near Howell Station tomorrow. He had a dozer repair this past week as well.

BJ moved home after finishing a large pattern tile job north of Ottumwa. He and John worked on some of our own land yesterday.

As grandkids build their forts out of boxes and blankets I wonder what their future looks like. And how I can finish strong for them. Many folks in Bible stories, and even in our past history did not finish strong. And in most cases it was "hochmut" that got the best of them. There is a quote in a restaurant scene in the movie, The Black Knight, that says, "You either die the hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villian".

We have friends that lost family members unexpectedly this past week. Our sympathies to the families of Darin, Ed, and Shirley. "Let us not become weary in doing good. For at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9. Have a good week.