A Farm Family Wedding

Over the past 15 years there have been a number of our visits that come to the top of my memory. They all involve relationships. This past Friday afternoon we parked the farm equipment and enjoyed each others company as family and friends. Our son BJ and Cassia's daughter Rachel and Carson were married at 5pm on the farm. Thanks for the picture.

Around 300 guests attended the ceremony. During all the years of sharing our yard, pond, and facilities with the community, we've had a policy of no weddings. However we were honored to make an exception for family.

Our son-in-law Brian, who pastors Faith Church in Pella, knocked it out of the park with his message to the couple about a love that is over, under, around, and through.

Our nephew's wife Tennessee photographed the celebration. After the ceremony next to the pond, guest moved to our shop across the road for supper and fellowship.

Remember Cassia's brother, Micah and Rupa? Last July Jan and I attended and shared about their outdoor wedding in Walden, Colorado. Micah, with the help of his dog Juniper, was Rachel and Carson's MC for the reception. Fathers of the couple, BJ and Andy, prayed before the meal. And we sang the doxology together as praise to our Heavenly Father for his continual provision, protection, and blessing in an ever changing world.

Kudos to granddaughter Amelia and her friend Tyson for hanging out with her younger cousins.

The new couple greeted friends as they excused the 40 tables of guests to get in one of 4 lines for food. Thanks to Jan, Cassia, and Stacy's friends and co-workers Bonnie and Kathy for helping serve. So many others helped make things happen. It was truly a success because of family and friends selfless acts of service.

After Rachel's Uncles served ice cream, a line was formed outside with lit sizzlers to see the couple off. Our second pond across the road and a beautiful sunset were in the background.

Monday we started planting in earnest. For the most part Kurt keeps the 24 row high speed going.

Our fulltime helper and friend Alex runs the 16/32 soybean planter on 15" rows.

BJ runs the 12 row high speed using a 940 Fendt we recently acquired with the help of Becks Seed commitment rewards. Keeping the planters running with two seed tenders is a fulltime job.

The Fendt tractors are a whole new level of technology. BJ has 6 monitor screens on his right, plus a 7th in front of the steering wheel. He has 40 buttons on and around his joy stick on the right console. This tractor is serviced by our Cat dealer, Zeiglar.

I just about titled this visit Planting Hope. Somewhere between a pandemic and our government leadership's insanity we as a country went from sliding to plummeting into total depravity. Yesterday's development of Iran, Israel, and USA shooting at each other puts a whole new spin on the future.

I was blessed to attend the FFA banquet with 5 grandchildren last evening. Three of which were in officers roles.

Yet during our country's captivation with evil, God continues to be faithful. And grace for a time. 3000 years ago when Israel was exiled and captives in Babylon, God told Jeremiah to write a letter to the people and tell them this: Jeremiah 29:5-7. To build homes, plant gardens, and eat the food they produce (make a living). He said to marry and have children. He added, then find spouses for them so you can have many grandchildren. He closes, to work for the peace and prosperity of the place I have sent you. To pray for where you're at. For it's welfare will determine your welfare. (For such a time as this). Congratulations Rachel and Carson. God has given you a hope and a future.