Summer In America

Summer is long days, heat, events, freedom for school kids, ball games, vacations, and small town get-togethers. Summer is when families take time to be families. And community folks enjoy each others company. Thanks for the picture Lyndsay.

 

So is life still happening on the farm? Of course. There are weeds to kill, grass to mow, some grain to haul, hay to put up, shop work, ponds to build, a little leftover tiling, and as per the picture below, a little hog work. However I'm going to share about summer events this morning. Thanks for the picture Karl.

Jan and I spent last weekend enjoying a Christian outdoor concert called Risefest in Sheldon, Iowa.

Have you ever been tempted to tell someone what you really think when they are inconsiderate? Ten times out of ten you'll be grateful you kept your mouth in neutral. This situation at Risefest resolved itself after a time.

Remembering last week's events would be incomplete without mentioning America helping out Israel. After visiting Israel in 2019, we have a number of friends there. Iran used to be called Persia in Bible times. And did not become an extreme radical nation until 1979.

Last Sunday afternoon I stopped by Howard Jr's 70th birthday party at the fairgrounds. Jr farmed for 30 years. He also poured concrete and enjoying racing stock cars. During Covid he had a debilitating stroke that caused severe issues with speech and physical activities. Thanks for the friendship Howard.

Karl and I attended a regional meeting in Colfax Monday. We got caught up on Becks current season and looked forward to what's coming in 2026.

On Tuesday evening we had a Family Leader board and executive staff meeting at our new facility near Bondurant. One of our many agenda items was the Family Leadership Summit on July 11. The Family Leader's goal is to empower the Church at the intersection of faith, family, and government. We don't ask churches to get political. However churches have a Biblical mandate to engage in transforming our culture.

Karl and his son Malaki loaded 15 loads of hogs on a warm week. We were also blessed with rain showers 4 days this past week. Our corn is just starting to tassel.

Last evening we attended the Pella Christian Fun Shoot. Granddaughter Rachel won the Mom's competition. Thanks for the picture Cassia.

Mark, Elijah, and Anton went to Nebraska and competed in a motorcross event. Sounds like they did well. Thanks for the picture Mark.

Grandson Ethan entered he and his Dad's semi at the truck show at the Oskaloosa Fairgrounds this weekend. Kurt, Emily, Kristin, and Linda served wood-fired pizzas at the event.

Mike and Cody enjoyed time together last week. We look forward to Cody and Tori's wedding in Mitchell, SD on July 19. Thanks for the picture Suzanne.

Attention Boender cousins and families: Don't forget Saturday afternoon, July 5, here at our farm. Some of our kids will be grilling burgers and brats for us later in the day. It will be a great time remembering the funny stories about our older generation. We will also be blessed to remember how faithful God has been to our family.