Winter on the Farm. Each distinct Season is beautiful in it's own way. There is purpose and need for each. Winter can be harsh and cruel; yet the beauty counteracts the hard. This winter has been hard on so many levels. My farmer shows amazing perseverance and grit. I do not possess such strength. In the face of all this adversity he continues to press forward. I would have given up long ago. Yet, somehow he pulls from a strength that is rare to see today. Isaiah 40:29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. He still find time to visit the ... View Post
When You Become the Same Age as Your Brother
He's turning 17. That farm boy. The same age as his brother. No longer here. The two so similar. Yet so different. My heart aches. The farm boy is full of ideas. So creative. Full of energy and youth. He loves deeply. Plays hard. Confident. Yet is haunted by the joy thief. He rises to fight. He digs deep to keep two feet planted. He's growing corn; trading vehicles. Making payments on a tractor. Building his future. Yet these things he holds lightly in view of ... View Post
Through the Music Day #12 of Thankfulness
I clean up the kitchen. Last nights mess. Not even the current chaos. There is a presence in this place. A peace. Remembering in the pain. It's grip strong today. I play music. Beautiful. (Pandora is a wonderful thing.) The urge to call my mom strong. To talk about holiday plans; and a list of so many other things. The music plays on It soothes my being. I recognize the melody and style. Both favorites of my mom. Interesting how that song, played by that accompanist would come on at this exact ... View Post
The Ultimate Sacrifice Day #11 of Thankfulness
Fancy pants dining. It's what they do. All these kids. From the time they were little. Aunt Clara's china being used. The candle light glowing. It's in those moments I see the table full. All the seats occupied. The laughter and joy around the farmhouse table. Things have changed. So much. One space remains empty; forever. The future, here on this earth, not mine to know. I know he was dedicated. Committed. He wanted to serve this country with his life. The eleventh ... View Post
Do You Have Plans For The Next 40 Days? ( a re-post from the archives)
Today is the beginning of Lent. A practice many in the Christian church do not observe. A practice centuries old; representing Jesus' time in the quiet; in the wilderness. It was during this time he was tempted by Satan; Matthew 4:3-4 The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" It was during this time that he fasted for 40 days. A time when he was tired, hungry and weak. He withdrew from all the chaos and ... View Post
