Daring Differently

Taking risk is part of farming. It's part of relationships. It's part of life. Daring differently takes courage. Not haphazardly. Not unnecessarily. But intentionally. Winter work days around here start in the shop office, with family, help, and occasional guests. It's visiting, planning, joking, and of course, black coffee.

We've had our share of winter already in southern Iowa. Mostly on weekends. There hasn't been much frost in the ground yet. However it's -20 windchill here on an early Sunday morning.

Dare to build. Kurt and Dean built a snow pusher earlier this week. No blueprints. Nothing to copy. Just a need and an idea. They started with a skidloader faceplate, some 1/4 inch 2 x 4 tubing, and an old tractor track.

This pusher is 13 feet wide and can hold a truckload of snow. We've cleared snow around here two or three times this past week. Thanks guys.

Dare to invest. Cattle numbers in our country are at 65 year lows. Cowboys are getting older. Good fences are hard to find. However we all still enjoy our hamburgers and even an occasional steak. According to Gideon and Emily's meat market, demand is as strong as ever.

Dare to rest. We were created for a weekly day of rest. For many of us that also includes worship. During the week it can also include fun jobs we never have time for, like moving black dirt back where it belongs. It's winter time in Iowa. Christmas is next week. Planting season 2026 is just 16 weeks away.

Dare to work. Over the years I've occasionally been criticized for making things happen. This statement needs to be immediately followed by acknowledging I'm nothing without God's purpose and blessing. However we were created to be productive. The Bible say's to be fruitful and multiply. That charge is more than just having kids. Also Faith, Family, and Friends come ahead of Farming. That being said, watching kids and grandkids help others this past week, I'm not sure I would have changed much. Thanks for the picture BJ.

Dare to lead. Leadership isn't a title. Neither is it assumed. It's earned. Kiddos, dare to be a leader behind the scenes. With your convictions, your goals, your values, and your God-given abilities. These are siblings and cousins at last evening's Christmas banquet at PCHS. Thanks for the picture.

Finally, Dare to trust and obey. This summer after coming on her 4 wheeler to fish, BJ and Cassia's 8th grader, Natalie, came in the office and wrote all these little notes of encouragement. This morning I'm sending them back to her. She, along with her parents, leave this evening after our candlelight service for Tennessee for back surgery. If you remember, join me in keeping our granddaughter in your prayers.