On The Other Hand

Over the years at our home we've often used the statement, "no buts". Following a comment with "but" negates the first thought. For instance as a child, "I'm sorry, but he hit me first". Other words that change the direction of the conversation are, however, nevertheless, yet, and on the other hand.

We prepared ground for planting this past week. Chiseled cornstalks going back to corn is the driest in most areas. Southern Iowa could use a good inch of rain.

The planters are hooked up. Should one be planting? It's still March. On the other hand, the 4 inch soil temp is 50 degrees. On the other hand, there are cooler temps predicted. On the other hand, dry soil in southern Iowa at planting time is always a gift.

Mark and his son Ethan have been keeping their dump truck busy. In a conversation with a lender recently everyone agreed that crop farming needs another "gig" these days to cash flow. That means diversification like: trucking, cow/calf, custom finishing hogs, dirtwork, seed sales, custom farming, or maybe a pizza trailer.😊 Thanks for the picture Ethan.

We have been hauling some grain for landlords on quick ship bids. That means if a grain processor is slow on grain receiving they will offer a higher price for a promise of delivering  grain within a week. Thanks for the picture Kasey.

BJ has stayed busy tiling this spring. Kudos to Alex and Kasey for attaching the tile around our grain pit to an intake in the field.

The guys worked on sprayer tenders this past week. Depending on showers and windy conditions, we hope to start spraying tomorrow.

On Friday evening Jan, myself, and Jean, our friend who we rent land from, attended the Joshua Christian Academy banquet. JCA is an inner city Christian school in Des Moines that subsidizes tuition with class sponsors that help fund the school. Memory work is an important part of their curriculum.

I've thought quite a bit this year about how I can best serve God, my family, and others. What does sharing opportunities, responsibilities, and leadership look like at 68 years old? What kind of purposes does God have for me? Or borrowing a statement, what kind of me does God want for His purposes?

On the other hand, what does finishing strong look like? I came across this picture this week from back around 1980. I was 24 years old. Although I didn't realize it yet in this picture, I was about to enter the toughest 10 years of my life because of the 1980s farming crisis. My mother-in-law is helping me pour concrete. Even though she has been gone for 33 years, I still love and respect her for helping. Bottom line; God has been and is still in charge. I will continue to ask Him for direction. You would do well to do the same.