Tag Archive for: Family

Stories and Foundations

Old houses and outbuildings dot the rural landscape of eastern Ohio where I live.  Some of the structures have been rebuilt or at least maintained for present-day use.  Others have been left in various states of disrepair.

Driving by these buildings, I sometimes wonder about their past.  Thoughts of the pride of the family that built one of these places may come to mind.  

I can see a couple who are proud to own their own home.  Maybe in that moment of imagination, I can envision a family gathered around a meal table, or parents tucking their small children in after bedtime prayers had been said.  Perhaps one can picture adult children coming back home to visit with their own families.

An old barn brings thoughts of a farmer doing his evening chores.  One can almost hear the conversations that are happening between a father and his son or daughter.  Topics could range from an afternoon spent fishing in a local stream to what’s inside the latest Sears catalog.  Or the man may be talking to his wife or a neighbor about last Sunday’s sermon or the most recent livestock market prices at the local sale barn.

I can understand some of the reasons why these old buildings are left to slowly crumble into oblivion.  They can be a financial burden to maintain, and perhaps have outlived their usefulness.  

Yet, there’s a portion of me that is also saddened.  They were part of a family’s life.  Not just that, but houses, barns and other buildings also tell a story about a community.

That these old structures are still standing, even in rough condition, is a testament to their sturdiness.  Often constructed from locally-sourced lumber, and built with the help of family and neighbors, they speak to a time when people truly cared about one another – and had a sense of deep community pride and service.

These old buildings are from a different time.  In a world that is filled with faux replicas and cheap imitations – take it from someone who delivers building materials, structures from another era help remind us of the value of people and community.  Built to hold up against the storms of life, they help us recognize our own need for a solid foundation – one that can withstand any weather we may face.  

In life, I’ve found that the perfect foundation can only be found in the Heavenly Father.  Every other belief, person and item is temporary.  If we place our hope in them, our footing will eventually erode and wash away.  Yet, God has promised to never leave or abandon us – and He has continually proved to be true to His Word.  

Next time you see an old building, consider the stories that it could tell if only it were able to talk.  Then look at its foundation and see what’s holding it up – and don’t forget that buildings and people both need to be built on solid rock.

Have a great day! 😊

/by

Milk Cans and Memory Lane

A trip down memory lane could describe this picture. This farm once was a stop on one of my grandfather’s can milk routes more than fifty years ago. When I showed my father this picture, it brought back many memories from his childhood. The farmer that used to live here would bring his cans of milk to the end of the lane to be picked up.

Over the past half century, the elements, time and changes have all joined together as this farm slowly fades away. The muddy lane and overcast atmosphere of a midwinter day matches the condition of the old barn that’s slowly falling down and succumbing to nature – fading into another story of a past era.

It’s important to remember the past. Memories and pictures help link us to our heritage and our loved ones who have gone before us.

Have a great day! 😀

/by

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! 🙂

/by

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Each season has favorite foods and beverages.  Now that we’re in fall, a snack food that we enjoy at our house is roasted pumpkin seeds.

Here is the recipe that my wife uses.  Hope that you enjoy!

1-1/2 cups raw pumpkin seeds

2 tablespoons melted butter or oil

Salt or seasoning of choice.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Clean off any chunks of pumpkin that may still be on the seeds. Toss pumpkin seeds in a bowl with the melted butter or oil and seasoning of your choice. Spread pumpkin seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.

/by

Counting Blessings (and Turkeys)

It has often been said that if one can’t fall asleep, then they should count sheep.  When I was growing up, my Mom put a little twist on that.  She told my sister and me to count our blessings if we couldn’t sleep.

A few weeks ago, I drove by a farm with this large flock of turkeys.  I’m sure that this pasture is now empty.  Those birds have gone from feeding on grass, to being the main feature of many Thanksgiving Day meals.

While I don’t know how many turkeys were in that pasture, it reminds me of sheep.

There’s no doubt that this year has been challenging for many people.  Yet, even in the midst of struggle, there’s often a glimmer of hope – something to give thanks for.  What if we thought of each of these birds representing a blessing that we have been given.

As we begin this holiday season, I hope that you’ll join me in counting our blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving!  🙂

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”  –  Psalm 118:1 (NIV)

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

/by

Slowing Down

Backroads have a way of making people slow down. It may be the loose gravel, mud or potholes. That, or a desire to go slower may be because of the scenery that seems to appear only in places that are off of the beaten path.

I’ve always loved these roads – except when they’re covered with snow and ice.  They offer an opportunity to get away from the hustle of the world around us.  Along the way, we’re able to unwind and allow our minds a chance to rest as we enjoy the views that change around every curve and over each hill.

Each season offers unique glimpses of the changing countryside.  But, it’s autumn that I always enjoy the most.  Old farms and falling leaves offer a journey down “Memory Lane” – as I recall stories that my parents and other family members have shared with me over the years.

Along these narrow roads, we’re also allowed to experience the hand of God in new and unique ways.  As we cross over streams, wind our way through woodlands and pass by old buildings and pastures, each new scene allows us a different perspective of the Creator’s handiwork.

The trees will soon lose all of their leaves as the air grows colder. Yet, there’s beauty just out of sight as we travel along on these backroads.

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.)

/by

A Millcreek Perspective

“How did you get that picture?”

My father asked that after he first saw this picture. As the son of a milk hauler, he knew this valley well from his childhood.

Growing up, I learned many of these local landmarks and farms from Grandpa, Dad and my uncles. Traveling these roads between home and my grandparents, I learned a lot of these places by the names of the farmers who once lived there – when my grandfather picked up milk cans. In fact, more than four decades later, Dad can still recite the can numbers for some of those farms.

Today, I deliver lumber and building supplies in this area. Most of these farms have changed hands – some several times in the past half century.

Yet, there’s something about traveling the same backroads and country lanes as Grandpa and Dad did years before. Even today, many of those old names are referred to as I talk to Dad or my wife.

We live in a world that seems to be becoming more divisive and fragmented. Yet, these narrow country roads help me have a greater sense of community – and being able to serve those who live nearby.

We all have a responsibility to care for and serve those around us. Let’s look for opportunities to build up our communities!

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.)

/by

Fall Colors and Holiday Caramels

Autumn is my favorite season of the year.  I enjoy seeing the fall colors and watching farmers harvest their crops.  

With the days growing shorter and the air brisker, autumn has another appeal.  I’ve always loved that it leads into the holiday season.  Thanksgiving and Christmas have special activities and family get-togethers that are highly anticipated.  In addition, I’ve always looked forward to seasonal holiday foods.

This picture was taken about a half mile from my grandparents’ place.  It’s been a number of years since they were here to enjoy the season with us.  Yet, that time with them was always special.

What you may not see is how the road leads over two streams.  Like the old Christmas song says, “Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go.”  The writer forgot to add “… and up the huge hill”.  But, I suppose that they didn’t know the way to my Grandma’s!

One of my favorite seasonal things my grandmother made was her caramel candies.  They were rich, sweet and creamy!  Actually, creamy may be an understatement.  I suppose that is because those candies started when Grandpa used to haul milk.  They continued long past that, since Dad works in a cheese factory.  So, there was always sweet, rich cream in those caramels – nothing diluted there!

Now that my grandmother is gone, my wife continues that caramel tradition.  Grandma didn’t leave her recipe to anyone, so my wife found one that was very similar – just for me!  

Looking at this picture and thinking about those caramels, reminds me of the importance to slow down and “enjoy the scenery”.  Life is too short, and in the end, the things that are most important are our loved ones and the memories that were shared with them.

I’m also reminded of the beauty with which the Creator has painted His universe.  Thinking of that, and Grandma’s caramels, I remember the passage in Psalm 34, where we’re told to “Taste and see that the Lord is good…”

This autumn, I hope that you’ll take time to enjoy the beautiful fall colors.  Along the way, I hope that you’ll take time to remember years past, and look forward to what lies ahead.

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.)

/by

A Story of Love and Faith

It may look like another small country church. Yet, it’s part of my family’s story.

Today is Dad and Mom’s anniversary. This is where they exchanged their wedding vows before God, family and friends many years ago.

Having moved away long ago, our family hasn’t attended here since I was a young boy. Today, we only make it back for an occasional visit to the neighboring cemetery.

This picture reminds me of the importance of God in my parents’ lives. Commitment, love, faithfulness and grace are some of the many lessons that they are still passing on through their example.

We live in a world that is filled with many distractions. Yet, this old church reminds me of lessons taught by Dad and Mom: to remain committed to God and our families.

Have a great day!😀

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV)

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

/by

Combining Oats

It’s a scene that looks like it could have taken place nearly seventy years ago. However, the year is 2021 and an Amish farmer is using a team of horses with a pull-type combine.

Today, most of us are used to seeing farmers operating modern self-powered combines, equipped with the latest, most-advanced technology. Yet, there are those who use older pieces of equipment.

This farmer is working only a few miles from where I live. Several of his neighbors still cut their oat fields using older binders – and then have to go back and make shocks. Likewise, some English (non-Amish) farmers with small farms cut wheat by using old pull-type combines ran behind tractors.

These oats will be used as livestock feed during the coming winter. The chaff will most likely be raked and baled as straw for animal bedding.

As I look at this picture, I’m reminded that we often reap what we sow. Crops grown in good conditions will often produce a good yield. A lot of work is involved including planting, cultivating and harvesting.

Seeing this horse-drawn combine may cause us to ask what we’re growing. Do our lives yield kindness, generosity and concern for others?

Let’s work at producing crops that reveal our care for others.

Have a great day! 😀

“A man reaps what he sows.” – Galatians 6:7b (NIV)

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

/by