Men Of Valor

Fifty years ago I remember a pastor that would admonish the fathers of the world for not stepping up and being a dad. I wonder what he'd think today. The fifty year old tractor below is an IH 1456 getting ready to pull a 26 foot Wil-rich field-cultivator. New price on the 130 rated PTO horsepower tractor back then was $12300. 5600 were built and sold.

We used that tractor and cultivator Friday to level off a patch of ground that Mike cleared. The land was pasture ground fifty years ago that had been abandoned.

Valor is courage, boldness, determination, selfless, strength of mind, ability to lead. My friend Andy and I talked this week about perseverance and integrity. These are character traits that are not an option, but a must for fathers. Kurt is mowing road ditches below.

John and his Dad, BJ, baled hay all week for themselves and others. Farming is a vocation that has the advantage of fathers working with their children.

Farming also has the advantage of extended family. When kids can enjoy helping grandparents, especially when their are Rangers involved.

Valor is developed young by working, relating to adults, and learning to handle responsibility. Excessive screen time has negative effects including anxiety and loneliness to children and adults alike. I realize screens have benefits including our Sunday morning visits.

Less screen time doesn't mean all work. A week ago this past Friday Jan, I, Anton, and Zach, joined Cody in Sheldon, Iowa to attend Risefest, a two day outdoor concert, featuring Christian musical groups.

As a young man, Rob's desire was to be an athlete and farmer. Muscular Dystrophy cut short both those dreams while he was still in his teens. Rob journeyed through loneliness, depression, abuse, rebellion, and despair. And has come out on the other side with something important to say. Today he is a man on a mission. He is founder and president of RISE Ministries which organizes Risefest. Jan and I work with Rob, Sharla, and their daughter Reilly, in helping and sponsoring bringing Christian musical artist to Pella in the month of November annually. Below Rob is autographing his new book, Broken, Still Chosen.

As a father, are you a man of valor when it comes to your children and grandchildren. And I'm not talking winning. Are you an example to them in how you relate and react in their school activities and sporting events. Below Sydnie is at bat. Thanks for coaching Malia.

Jan and I are blessed and so enjoy having grandkids around on a weekly, sometimes daily basis. They often help me. I need improvement in attending more of their activities. I received a card this week from the 14 youngest ones. I'm not sure who was behind it, but I truly appreciated it.

Andy had a rough start as a kid. But he didn't let that stop him. He helped us for a number of years. Today he and Amara have a farming enterprise and custom work business of their own south of Barnes City. Below the family is mowing hay together in their self propelled mower-conditioner. Thanks for the picture Amara.

Human nature does not allow us to be men of valor on our own. But we can use a day dedicated to fathers to make goals to try harder. How can we show valor? By standing up for what we believe. How can we be a better father? By talking to God, cherishing our children's mother, and spending time with our kids and grandkids. I can use improvement in all areas. Blessings.