Balancing Urgency And Patience

Last Sunday evening Jan and I attended a Jeremy and Adrienne Camp concert at UNI in Cedar Falls. One of the songs they sing is Keep Me In The Moment- "I've been thinking about time, and where does it go. How can I stop my life from passing me by, I don't know".

Early last evening the Saturday crew was discussing whether to call it a week or to move on to the next farm. The calendar, the crop conditions, and the weather are all saying it's time to keep working at it. Thanks for the picture overlooking the Skunk River bottom Karl.

Patience comes in using the younger grandkids. Jackson, a sixth grader, is keeping the corn away from his Dad's (Kurt) combine. He even loaded semis by himself. Jackson put in a long day helping harvest Howell Station near Pella on Wednesday.

Urgency comes after a wind we had on Tuesday night blew down some corn. I'm guessing space to put the crop will come into play in various communities as well.

It's early for applying hog honey. However with firm dry fields and full pits, there seems to be an urgency with this job as well. Thanks for helping out Roger.

In any job, you can't accomplish your goals without fuel. In running equipment, that's diesel, and we have two loads coming Monday along with DEF. In life, that's purpose, and we use energy and attitude for the long days. In our faith walk, that's being unashamed, and we use speaking the truth without fear, loving, being an example of good, and confronting evil. In our current culture, I hope the church feels the urgency to reach folks who don't know the Lord yet, and to stand in the gap and take a stand against darkness.

A health update: After more tests on Jan, we agree with a surgeon in Iowa City to monitor the tumor growth with another scan early next year. If it's growing, it comes out. If it's not, there are options. It's been 8 weeks since surgeon Dr Jesse removed around a third of my colon. At a visit with the cancer team four weeks later, I passed on the chemo recommendation. This past Tuesday at a visit with that same team, the doctor said that after more blood work, he was comfortable with my decision. Jan and I don't have the words to thank you all enough for all your prayers, words of encouragement, and friendships.

                             

After being sold out overnight a week ago the worship service at 5:30 this evening at Cornerstone church in Pella, with Steve Deace as speaker, has a few openings. It's free. If you want to go however you must register. Email: Iamnotashamedevent@gmail.com 

Like Jeremy Camp's song, I've been thinking about our week, and where did it go? On the one hand last Sunday feels like ages ago. On the other hand it's Sunday again, already! Jeremy's song ends with, "Help me live with my eyes wide open, 'cause I don't want to miss what You have for me". Knowing and following what God has for us is the secret to balancing urgency and patience. How can one know that plan and purpose? When praying, don't do all the talking. Give yourself time to listen. Thoughts, ideas, and words will come to mind. Thanks for the picture Karl. Blessings.