Do Something

Our spring weather here in southern Iowa has been on the dry side with variable temps. A week ago Saturday we hit 94 degrees. Early yesterday morning we dipped under 20 in places. Any kind of fieldwork this past week has worked beautiful.

Years ago Jan threw out some peach pits along the edge of the yard. They grew. They must have been Missouri peaches because this tree tends to get it's buds froze off every year. Last year Jan put a kerosene heater under it on cold nights. When it produces, it grows amazing peaches. Early yesterday morning it was cold. The kerosene heater wouldn't light the night before. So it was time to do something. I went and got my favorite knipco heater, a chair, and a cup of coffee. The stars were bright during my devotions. The eastern sky turned from gray to purple to yellow. Did the peach buds survive? Stay tuned.

Because of activities in the Middle East our grain markets have followed crude oil and are at 12 month highs. With a good crop these prices could produce a small profit. Is it time to sell? If the old crop in your bins are your security, think about selling a little new crop. It's time to do something. If markets haven't hit your price yet, think about entering bid orders. Then during volatile (fast up and down) trading, your bid might hit. 

Dry soil in southern Iowa in spring is a gift. Fieldwork doesn't go as well here with tight wet soils. Is it time to plant even though it's still March?

Our family is blessed to have grandkids growing up. Amelia and Tysen get married Memorial Day. The gals had a bridal shower in the cabin yesterday.

Friday Little John (He's not little. We just have a Papa Jon. And used to have a Big John and a Banker John) and I went up north to pick up the JD 8420 and drill. I told him it was a gift he was married and congratulated him and Ella on expecting a baby later this year.

John told me he listened to a podcast recently where Charlie said if you want a successful marriage, get married early, and have children when you can't afford them. Our culture today is discouraging marriage. 63% of men between 18 and 29 are single. Our culture is also telling our next generation desire for freedom and financial considerations should precede having kids.

Today is Palm Sunday. Around 70 generations ago Jesus prayed for His cup to pass. Yet He knew His purpose on earth was to die for the punishment of our sins. It was time. So He rode into the city on a donkey. In Romans 6:23 the author says, "The payment for sin is death, but the gift that God freely gives is everlasting life found in Jesus our Lord". 

Our communities are full of friends and acquaintances who are just starting to "bud" in the knowledge of what God is offering us. It's scary to talk to folks we know about their faith walk and eternity. But God is asking us to first warm up and soften our hearts, and then theirs, so we all bloom, and then produce amazing fruit. What's happening in our world today is telling us our time here on earth is getting shorter.

Next week Sunday we celebrate Easter, an empty grave. Think about attending a church service where you will receive a warm welcome. If you attend regularly, invite someone to join you. In Romans 10:9 that same author says, "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved". It's that easy. Blessings.