Tag Archive for: Amish

Changing Seasons

The long hours of fall harvest for many farmers is over for another year.  Yet, in many Amish fields around here, one can still find corn shocks standing – even after the beginning of a new year.  In fact, the shocks may seem to look out of place with the snow on the ground.  However, they are often left to dry out further before being ground into livestock feed.

Looking at this picture, my mind goes to thoughts of both fall and winter. As I think about this, I’m reminded that there’s a season for everything. In fact, the events and experiences of our lives are often broken up into short segments of time.

These periods overlap as we make transitions throughout life. The combinations of these various seasons may resemble a patchwork quilt.

All of the different experiences and events from our lives helps to define who we are and impacts how we react to different situations. In many instances, these various seasons don’t just affect us, but also others with whom we come into contact.

Nature often has a way of pointing out life lessons.  These corn shocks in a winter field offer another opportunity to reflect on the seasons of life.

Have a great day!  🙂

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…”  –  Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)

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The Unhitched Disk

Driving by a field where corn had recently been picked, I found this disk. It was waiting for a team of horses to pull it back and forth across the field.

Sitting there, that disk was a reminder of a couple of truths.

First, there’s a season for everything. Just as there are times to plant and harvest crops, each of us experience seasons – such as when we go to school, work and have families. Inside of these years, are smaller seasons when we’re blessed with different opportunities – things that we may only get a brief chance to experience.

The other truth that emerges from this picture is that most things in life – at least those things that really matter, don’t always come easily. We may have to sow and nurture our opportunities and dreams to see them come to fruition. In the end though, the final outcome isn’t based on just us. While we have a responsibility to work with all of our hearts, God has the final say – knowing what we need to draw us closer to Him.

Even in those quiet moments like we see here, there are still things happening behind the scenes. Sometimes we just have to work at quieting our lives so that we can hear the voice of our Creator more clearly.

Have a great day! 🙂

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After the Harvest


I found this corn picker and gravity wagon standing in a recently picked field. Older farm equipment like these pieces are common on many small farms near where I live. This set belongs to an Amish farmer, hence the steel spoke wheels.

These pieces are a throwback to an earlier time. They stand in contrast to the large, modern combines and grain carts that are found on many larger farms today.

This corn picker and wagon brings back a couple of memories for me.

When I was growing up, some English (non-Amish) neighbors had tractor-pulled equipment like this. I loved watching as they would pick corn each fall.

I also recall when Dad would draw pictures for me when I was a young child. On several occasions as he was taking message notes at a Sunday evening church service, he would also draw farm scenes for me – to keep my adolescent self quiet. Those pictures often involved barns, tractors and equipment like these pieces.

In many ways, farming has changed over the years. But for many of us, the sight of equipment – whether vintage or modern, brings back wonderful childhood memories.

Have a great day! 🙂

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What Are You Picking?

I captured this picture a few years ago. This Amish farmer is seen picking corn with a pull-behind corn picker.

A lot of work goes into a crop before it gets to harvest. There’s the initial time invested in fieldwork and planting. Afterwards, comes countless hours cultivating and tending the new crop to help it reach its greatest potential.

Of course, lots of hard work and care doesn’t ensure that a crop will turn out well. Weather, insects and other variables can wreak havoc on plants.

Ultimately, the success of a crop is in the hands of the Creator. Yet, He desires the farmer to work with Him.

It’s through that joint endeavor that we learn more about His character and care for us.

As we begin a new year, we will face many opportunities. Some things will succeed, while others won’t.

In the end, the outcome of the harvest depends on God. Let’s make sure that we make the most out of where He plants and leads us!

Have a great day! 😀

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Time to Plow

I recently photographed this team of draft horses on a farm that I was making a delivery to. They were taking a break from plowing while the farmer stepped away briefly to attend to something else.

Now that we’re in spring, sights like this are common around here. It’s not unusual to watch neighboring farmers plant their crops – one using modern equipment, while another uses horsepower from another era. Both forms of farming are fascinating to watch.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, we’re reminded of the various seasons of life – including times to plant and reap.

This picture is an interesting reminder of a once common sight across America. It also helps us to remember the importance of the various seasons – and to keep our eyes on the One who plans out our lives.

Have a great day! 🙂

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

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