Attitudes And Actions

Welcome to December in southern Iowa. Last evening we had our 3rd measurable snowfall in the last 10 days. Deciding to embrace winter and the actions and responsibilities it requires on the outside, like scooping sidewalks, pushing driveways, and keeping livestock dry and comfortable, starts with an attitude on the inside, like looking forward to family and friends during the holidays, Christmas carols, treats, giving, and spending more time inside next to the woodstove reading.

Thanks for the picture Emily. When the days get short and ruts (or snow drifts) get in the way, I find helping someone else or an act of kindness fulfills a purpose. Jackson and Jayden are working to push brother Lane out of some deep snow. I'm wondering if they are pushing the right direction. 😊

BJ and Cassia went to northeast Iowa along the Mississippi River Thursday to haul a tractor home for a friend. Online auctions are the new normal these days.  Thanks for the picture.

Jan and I went to Indianapolis early this week and attended Christmas Extravaganza with Becks. The agenda centered around attitudes and actions, new horizons with artificial intelligence, and being a friend and helping others during a tough ag economy.

I also find my attitude is better if I start the day with a conversation with God. A conversation includes listening. We hear from God in scripture, in those little nudges, and taking quiet time to think. Since I'm an early riser the conference room was a quiet place to start. Then coffee. Then visits with old and new friends.

After leaving Indiana Wednesday morning we drove across central Illinois on 2-lane highways, through small rural towns, to Havana, IL.

We found what we were looking for, a quilt shop. We also enjoyed observing the farmsteads we drove by. Some very neat. Some not so much.

On Friday morning we drove to the Dordt University campus in Sioux Center. This stained glass light fixture was designed and built by our son-in-law's (Brian) parents about 20 years ago. Nope, we don't have any grandkids at Dordt this year.

The Church Ambassador Network, sponsored by The Family Leader, and led by Greg, are doing a Breaking Bondage Tour. It's purpose is to show the effectiveness of churches, pastors, and believers engaging in the civil arena and in our culture. Especially involving helping the DHS with pre-foster care, mentoring, discipling, and involving others in our church programs. Five years ago Iowa's foster care was at 8000 kids. Today it's 3700, thanks to the actions of relatives and churches who care.

Whether we want to admit it or not, we did not get to where we are at by ourselves. I'm not sure what the turtle in the picture is doing on a fence post, but I'll guarantee you it had help. When we remember back to the folks that impacted us, we start to connect the dots. Then we ask ourselves, how can we with the right attitude, be a dot, act, and help others? Thanks for the picture.

Yes, it's December. It's also Christmas time. "And when I think that God, His son not sparing, sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in. That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing. He bled and died to take away my sin. Then sings my soul, my Savior, God to thee. How great thou art".

Then after health issues this past summer, my attitude is: "When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation. And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow, in humble adoration, and then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art". Yes, How Great Thou Art is a Christmas song. Blessings this season friends.