Happy Birthday America. 250 years ago, under God's direction, our forefathers drafted a Declaration of Independence. Then they fought for 6 years, sacrificing their time, their property, and their lives for a cause they believed in. Thanks for the picture Suzanne.
What we forget is that only about a third of those in the 13 colonies were patriots for the cause of independence. Another third were loyalist and wanted to stay with Britain. The final third was undecided. I read an article written by my friend Del that said George Washington showed appreciation to his soldiers and to the communities where they fought. While with the British, everything was expected, including the redcoats as well as the communities they often ransacked. The undecided third of the colonist were won over by how people were handled.
Are things in life expected? Absolutely! However expectations can quietly turn blessings into burdens, while appreciation brings out the best in people. Jan's Grandfather was Carl, then Elijah, then Rev John, then Ben, then this fellow John, who was a Revolutionary soldier. Our history (His-story) isn't that old folks. Our son Karl has been to this gentleman's grave twice in Boone County, Indiana. Thanks for the picture Karl.
Because of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, I was able to start farming 52 years ago and purchase this IH 856. 51 years ago last March, I was blessed to marry this gal. Before that she spent summers running the baler for her father. She still can. Although I don't always get it right, I appreciate and love her very much.
Speaking of the old days, Jan's father had wire tie bales (we still do), and insisted on tight, heavy bales. So back then he built a homemade scale to make sure the baler driver knew the bales were tight enough.
You don't come across many neatly stacked loads of small bales these days. For those that don't remember, stacking small bales was an art. These young men and their fathers and uncles did a great job of stacking 4 loads on a very hot Thursday afternoon. I hope they all know how much they are appreciated and loved.
Jan has a beautiful garden. And since our shelves and freezers are full, we have enjoyed delivering and sharing produce with others. Last Wednesday evening I was thanked for an act of kindness I've been doing for a number of years. Although not expected, the gratitude given was truly appreciated. And energizes me to continue to try and be at my best.
Does our United States have another 8 generations of life in it? If so, how will we be remembered? Yes, I expect things of folks. But will they remember those acts and deeds were appreciated? Thanks for the picture Jan.
A couple of weeks back I turned our Bethlehem star on a couple of nights. Really no reason other than I was thankful for my 70th birthday. Because we accept Christ's gift, we expect and look forward to eternal life in Heaven when our life on earth ends, as it will. However just as we earthly fathers appreciate gratitude, our Heavenly Father appreciates our thank-you to Him for everything we have been, are now, and will be.
After harvesting wheat, we had scheduled baling straw Friday, kind of a holiday. Thursday afternoon John tested moisture and the straw was 11 to 15% so we rocked and rolled with good help. Thursday evening I planted a second crop of soybeans and then got an inch of rain on them. Had we not taken advantage of weather Thursday, we would still have windrows of wheat straw on the ground. We started this morning with Suzanne's picture of a soybean field. We'll end with the same. Always appreciate and take advantage of opportunities. In your jobs, in relationships, in life.
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