If This House Could Talk

Down a small gravel road, more than a mile from the nearest blacktop highway, stands this old house. As one can see, the house looks forlorn – open to the elements as windows and doors are missing.

Sitting abandoned for many years, the paint disappeared long ago. In the light, the old wood siding shows its dull gray coloring from years of aging and exposure to the elements.

Even in winter, the house is almost hidden. It sits lonely in a wooded area – where a yard once had been. There are a couple interesting features about the property . A small ravine is just a few feet from the front door. Also, a much newer house stands in an open area a few hundred yards from this old structure.

I have loved old homes since I was a boy. In fact, my parents raised my sister and me in an old farmhouse.

Near the time when we became teens, our Dad and Mom bought an old Victorian house. It became a labor of love that united us closer as a family over the years as we worked on the property. Many memories were made as we undertook various projects together there. Looking back, I wonder if the house was our parents’ way of keeping me and my sister from getting into too much mischief?!

Thinking about these two houses, I wonder about all of the things that happened within their walls. What were the families like who once treasured these houses as their homes?

Many of us want the newest things such as houses, clothing, vehicles and electronics. We live in a world that values possessions. But, we’re also quick to discard anything that is seen as obsolete or of no value. These old homes beg us to think about what we value – and, what is quickly thrown out and abandoned.

We are the same way with people. As long as someone brings value to us, or they’re fun to be with, than we want them in our lives. Unfortunately, we often don’t give time to those who may be different, or who we don’t believe brings value to our lives.

We become richer when you and I learn to love and have compassion for others – especially those who are not like us. It is often in those relationships where we learn new things about ourselves, and find the true value and joy that come from engaging with others.

Old houses have taught me some important lessons about buildings and relationships – primarily that beauty can be found in both. There’s often so much more value to see – if we will just take the time to discover it.

Have a great day!

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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New Life at Easter

“Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring-time.”  –  Martin Luther

Growing up in the country, one of the things that I often enjoyed was the new life that was born in the spring.  You saw it as trees, plants and newborn animals all came to life.

Another, more important, reminder of new life starting in spring is Easter.  It is the day that we, who are Christians, take time to reflect on Jesus resurrection from the grave.

Perhaps, though, you are wondering about the claims that Jesus rose from the grave.  That is fine.  Questions are always a great way to learn something.

First off, we have various authors’ written claims of Jesus’ resurrection in the Bible.  We also have accounts by secular historians of His day – such as Josephus.  In addition, we have physical evidence that has been unearthed by archeologists.  All of these sources tell us that Jesus and His followers were actual people that lived at the time that the Bible tells us.

We also see how Jesus died.  He was flogged 39 times, forced to carry a wooden cross, nailed to that cross and hung there for several hours, speared by a Roman guard and placed in a tomb.  After facing all of this, how could He have remained alive and been strong enough to roll a stone that some estimate could have weighed up to 4,000 pounds and defeated Roman guards that were standing guard at the stone?

Why did the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders have the Roman authorities post a guard?  After all, Jesus was dead – and His disciples had all deserted Him.  How was He going to leave a tomb?

Yet, those same men who had fled would eventually all believe in His resurrection and be willing to be persecuted for their belief in Him.  If they did not truly believe in Jesus death and resurrection, why would they have died for a lie?

The question that each of us is forced to answer is what are we going to do with the death and resurrection of Jesus?  Will we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, or are we going to deny Him?  Jesus allows us to make our own decision – wanting us to come to Him on our own.

In closing, let me share with you something else that I have seen in nature.

When land has been burned, new growth always comes and grows in the place that was destroyed by fire.  In the same way, sin has come to destroy us.  But, if we are willing, Jesus wants to come and reside within us – creating a new life out of our ashes.

Have a great day!

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”  –  John 14:6 (NIV)

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Spring, New Life and Maple Sap

Many people associate the arrival of spring with flower blooms, tree buds, newborn animals and the arrival of birds chirping. After the cold of winter, the new season is a welcome sight as the temperatures start to warm and people once again enjoy outdoor activities.

In the first days of March, as cold nights give way to mild days, another sight welcomes spring around here. It’s common to see plastic bags, tubing or buckets suspended from Maple trees to collect the sap that flows from them.

Once collected, the sap is taken to a sugarhouse. Here it’s cooked down – allowing the water to be evaporated, leaving the sweet, brown, sticky substance that we call Maple syrup. Many of us love to cover homemade pancakes and waffles with it. Still, others enjoy it as a cooking ingredient, or made into sweet Maple candies.

As the weather changes and grows mild, let’s remember the beauty of spring. Nature’s signs help us to visualize another aspect of the season: Easter and the new life that it represents.

In these first days of spring, I hope that you’ll enjoy the fresh air, sunshine and new life that are springing up all around. My family and I will join you!

Have a great day!  🙂

“Taste and see that the Lord is good…”  –  Psalm 34:8a (NIV)

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Not Just Another Farm

At first glance, it appears to be just another Amish-owned property. In many ways, it looks like one of the thousands of old farms in the rolling hills of eastern Ohio.

Perhaps, there’s more to this place than what readily appears. As someone who loves history, this farm is something of interest.

Since I was a young boy, I’ve heard the story that this place was once a station on the Underground Railroad. As men, women and children of African heritage escaped the cruel bondage of slavery in the south, homes like this became stopovers for them as they made their ways to safe places in the northern states and Canada.

While this particular location hasn’t been confirmed, it’s very probable since the escape network had other stops in the region. Along the route, these places provided food, lodging and protection to these refugees seeking a better life. The homes along the way were a means for families to show compassion and the love of Christ to those in need.

While a memory of America’s past, this farm is a reminder that we all need help. It’s also helps to underscore the simple truth that God often uses ordinary people to carry out many of His extraordinary blessings and purposes.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Getting Ready for Spring

I had to stop for this tractor and liquid manure spreader recently. It may have cost a minute or two of my time, but the other guy’s safety was well worth it.

What you don’t see is the operator behind his equipment. He was using a push broom to sweep mud off the road that his equipment had brought there. The man was being a good neighbor to those who lived around there.

With spring just around the corner, many farmers have started getting their fields ready for planting. This picture is a great reminder that we need to be careful with the increased activity on many rural roadways.

Perhaps, it may also serve to help us remember to slow down through life in general.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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An Old Barn and Chevy Pick-Up

Sometimes you stumble upon a fascinating scene that’s hidden on some small dirt road.

That was definitely the case when I came across this old Chevrolet pickup parked under a barn overhang.  After making a delivery at a nearby residence, I stopped long enough to grab this photo of that scene.

While I had driven past that barn on many occasions, that day was the first time that I had seen that Chevy parked there.  It was an image that seemed to be jump out of some painting or old picture.

The vintage truck and old barn serve as reminders of a different era.

There was a time when generations of family members spent much of their time together.  Fathers and sons would work side by side to plant and harvest crops.  Families would join together for times of prayer and Sunday dinners.

Of course, things were made to last back then.  Buildings were built more for function, than beauty.  People seemed to be more resourceful – not always chasing after the current fads, but rather they often made more effort to take care of what they already had.

This scene is a great visual reminder of our need to slow down and rest.  That’s the opposite of what we are often seem to believe – as most of us are now constantly moving.

We’re inundated with new technologies today that are supposed to make our lives easier and save us time.  Yet, it seems as if many of us have less time for our family and friends – the things that truly matter in life.

Likewise, social media often promises to keep us more connected with others.  But instead, as many of our friendships are maintained behind computer and phone screens, we lack the physical and emotional aspects of our relationships with loved ones.  We must “unplug” from our devices to really connect with our family and friends.

As I contemplate that old truck and barn, I’m reminded that some of life’s best lessons are found on those little gravel roads.  It’s in those places where forgotten memories often have a way of helping us see what is truly important.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Be Like Maynard

While making a delivery at a house some time ago, two young brothers were riding bikes near my truck.  While I was unloading, the older one who was perhaps about six, stopped to talk to me several times.

At one point, he told me that his father worked for a man named “Maynard”.  Then, the boy said that he wanted to work for Maynard someday, too.

Well, I’m not sure who Maynard is.  But apparently, he must be a pretty nice man.

Since that day, I’ve thought several times about that conversation that I had with that young boy.

Each one of us has countless opportunities to make impressions on people.

How often do we take time to show kindness to those who we come into contact with – even little children?  Do people see that we genuinely care about them?  Or, do they feel like they’re an inconvenience to us as we hurry through our days?

The fact that that young boy wants to work for his father’s boss also says something.  If you’re an employer or manager, would your employees recommend that their children seek employment under you?

As we go through each day, let’s be conscientious of the people who cross our paths.  How we treat them may impact them in ways that we will never know.  Let us treat others in a way that they know that they’re valued by God – and us.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Path of Leaves

Like many people, I love to see trees display the changing fall colors of their leaves.

However, leaves often lose some of my interest once they have fallen off of the trees.

As they dry and decay on the ground, their vibrant colors fade.

I realize that the brown, shriveled remains make for a good compost and ground cover for gardens. Fallen leaves also provide the fuel for an autumn bonfire to be enjoyed with family and friends.

Yet, they also serve as a reminder that summer is over.

It was recently while making a delivery when I saw these newly-fallen leaves.

The fence helped them to form a type of path.

Still wearing their bright colors, they serve as a reminder that peace, and even joy, can be found in nearly every circumstance, regardless of where life seems to lead us.

These leaves help to remind us that when we keep our eyes on the One who colors them, then we will always find hope in every season and situation that we face.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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The Oreo Cookie Cows

I was making a delivery to a dairy farm one day when I saw these two head of cattle.

At first glance, many people may think that they’re Holsteins because of their black and white coloring.  However, they’re a breed known as Dutch Belted – or around here, they’re sometimes referred to as Canadian Belted.

The breed originally came from Switzerland and Austria.  However, it was the Dutch nobility who officially established the breed.  Today, this breed is very rare in America, with less than two hundred head of cattle officially registered.

These cows brought back memories.

When I was growing up, there was a farm a couple of miles from my grandparents’ house who had several head of this breed.  My family used to refer to those animals as the “Oreo Cookie Cows” because of their white centers and black ends.

Seeing these cows remind me of the great diversity that we see in Creation.  Even something that’s black and white – in this case, cows – has the ability to show us God’s amazing handiwork.

We often think of majestic mountains, roaring rivers or the brilliant lights of the sky when we think about God’s greatness.  Yet, these cows are a great example of the extraordinary ways that He is always at work.

While many may see these cows as ordinary, they’re not.  Dutch Belted cattle were a nobility’s chosen breed that allows us to see the Creator’s genius at caring for us.

Have a great day!

“How many are your works, Lord!  In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.”  –  Psalm 104:24 (NIV)

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Cold, Worn Wagon

It’s obvious that this old wagon has seen better times. Now, it’s closing out its last days as a rustic lawn ornament – as it slowly rots and rusts away from the effects of the seasons and elements.

Perhaps, there are times when many people think that they can relate to this picture. Like this wagon, they’re given to thoughts of feeling lonely, worn – and, left out in the cold.

Yet, none of us are ever truly alone.

In Proverbs 18, verse 24, we read that God is a friend who is closer than a brother. Further, God promises Believers in Hebrews 13, verse 5, that He will never leave them.

These promises are great foundational truths of the Gospel. God promises them to each person who has accepted His Son, Jesus, as their Lord and Savior.

Friend, I may not know what you are facing, but God does. In fact, He wants to carry you safely through that experience. All you need to do, is place your trust in Him – leaning into the loving arms of the Savior.

That old wagon serves as a fascinating focal point. But, our lives don’t have to share its misfortune.

Have a great day!🙂

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