Tag Archive for: Family

Do Your Best

It was another Friday evening and I was washing some dust off of my truck before going home from work. I wanted to make sure that the truck was clean for the following Monday morning – and, the start of another work week.

After another busy day, I was looking forward to heading home to spend the evening with my family. As I finished up, I thought back to a childhood lesson that my parents taught my sister and me.

Growing up, Dad and Mom insisted on us doing our best at whatever we were involved in. Whether it be academics, sports, extracurricular activities or anything else, my sister and I were expected to be diligent and give our very best efforts. Our parents didn’t expect us to be the quickest, but they wanted us to grow as we learned responsibility and the importance of doing a job that was well-done.

Along those lines, I thought back to two comments made by different customers in the last few days. One person had commented on how clean the truck was (I didn’t point out the dust on the back of the truck!). Another individual had asked if the vehicle was new. (It’s a couple of years old.).

It was nice to receive both compliments. Yet, as I was rinsing off the truck, it made also think about how often we do work that is subpar, or even mediocre.

When we don’t do our best, people often use that as a basis to judge us. They may also critique our relationship with God by how well we live out our lives as we serve others through our families, work and other activities.

The reality is that God doesn’t expect us to be experts – the best at whatever we do. Yet, He wants us to give our best as an offering to Him. How we live every facet of our lives is an opportunity to bring praise or insult to God.

Most people don’t think of dirty work vehicles as being part of a testimony to God’s greatness. Yet, we can show love and gratitude to God in even the most obscure and trivial matters.

Have a great day!😀

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” – Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

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

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Homemade Ice Cream

June is National Dairy Month in the United States. During this time, America’s dairy farmers and processors are honored for providing safe, nutritious food products.

For more than forty years, my father has worked in a cheese factory. As a result, grown up, we have often enjoyed homemade ice cream that was made from rich cream during the summer months.

Memories were made of get-togethers with several family members cranking multiple ice cream freezers. Even today, it’s not uncommon to make ice cream for at least one or two family gatherings.

In honor of National Dairy month, here is the ice cream mixture recipe that my Mom has used for many years.

COUNTRY STYLE VANILLA

4 Eggs. Approximately 5 Cups of Milk. 2 Tablespoons of Vanilla. 2-1/2 Cups of Sugar. 4 Cups of Whipping Cream. 1/4 Teaspoon of Salt.

In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs until foamy. Gradually add sugar; beat until thickened. Add cream, vanilla and salt and mix thoroughly. Pour into can. Add milk to fill line on can and stir well. Freeze as directed. Makes 4 quarts.

Enjoy and have a great day!😀

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

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The Equipment Shed

An important building on any farm is the equipment shed. It’s the structure where machinery is stored out of the weather and often worked on.

While not as impressive as many barns or farmhouses, these sheds are still a vital part of the farm. They help to protect the family’s investment in equipment. These buildings are also a place where important conversations are held – often around tractor hoods and tires.

As I think about these buildings, I remember going with my father to a neighbor’s farm as a child. While it was fascinating to watch the hogs and cattle, I thought that it was more exciting if we went to the shed. It was always fun to climb on one of the tractors – especially if Dad was going to use it.

Looking at this picture, I wonder how many memories were made at that shed. One may imagine a child watching as his or her father worked on a piece of equipment. Or, think about the cold meals that were served and hastily eaten there as something was being repaired.

You may have a building like this on your farm – or, where you were raised. Perhaps, this picture will bring back enjoyable memories of conversations and tractor rides for you as well.

Have a great day! 🙂

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

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An Old Stone House and Its Springhouse

There is an old stone house that sits along one of the gravel roads that led to where my grandparents used to live.  I don’t know the story behind the house; but, it’s pretty fascinating to look at.

The exterior is made of large cut stone – much like what is used in barn foundations.  Almost as impressive is the front door, which has massive wood jambs that fit the oversized exterior walls.

Over the years, the house and accompanying farm have become a country favorite for my wife and me to drive by.  Nestled among rolling hills, trees and pastures, and sitting along an old rural road, it’s picturesque and invokes memories of a time when life seems to have been simpler and slower – at least by today’s standards.

An old bank barn, equipment shed and corn cribs are all nicely painted and well maintained.

Perhaps, of all of the outbuildings on that property, it’s the old spring house that stands out in my mind as I write this.  Once a necessity to most farms, these little buildings have largely become obsolete – if they even still exist on farmsteads today.  This little structure stands in the shade of nearby trees, providing a ready source of cool water for the household.

One can almost hear children’s laughter coming from the springhouse as they splashed little toes in the water – or, perhaps tried their hand at catching little crayfish that might occasionally come out from hiding beneath the slippery rocks lining the spring basin.

You can see a man coming from the barn – stopping at the spring to splash some water on his hot, tired and dirty face in an attempt to look halfway presentable for supper.  Or, he may get a cool drink from an old granite dipper hanging on a nail in the building.

Then again, perhaps you can imagine the vegetables and melons that were placed in the fresh spring water to cool down for an evening meal.

As I think about that old farm, several thoughts come to mind.

I can’t help but think about the stability of the home. With those massive stones and the heavy front door, I imagine that it has the ability to withstand many storms.  It reminds us that in life, we all face various types of storms.  That house seems to ask me to consider Who I am placing my trust in and what am I allowing into my life.

My mind also wanders to the cool, refreshing water that may be found in that spring house.  As I think about the refreshment found there, it causes me to reflect on the ways that I find peace, joy and rest in my life.

Gravel roads often have a way of making us slow down.  Along the way, scenes like this old stone house and its accompanying buildings help us to reflect on what is really important in life.

Have a great day!

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

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The Cost of Freedom

For many, Memorial Day is part of a three day weekend. It’s a time to get together with family and friends, have a cookout or go camping. For others, it is an opportunity to remember family and friends who have passed away.

Yet, the true reason of Memorial Day goes much deeper. It’s about a great debt.

Memorial Day is when America, as a nation, remembers those who have died while on active duty. Those brave individuals gave the ultimate sacrifice – offering their lives defending the ideals of freedom. On this day, we remember those who would never make it home to see their loved ones nor see old age.

As we spend Memorial Day with family and friends, let’s remember that freedom is never free.

Have a great day!

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13 (NIV)

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

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Calves and a Milkman’s Lesson

On a recent delivery to a dairy farm, I noticed several calf hutches near the driveway. Several young Jersey calves were resting at these enclosures. While I loved seeing the young animals, it also brought back another memory a day later as I thought back to that stop.

Seeing those Jersey calves brought back memories of my Grandfather. He hauled milk for many years – until I was around six years old. Grandpa is where I got my love for trucking. (He may also be partially responsible for why Dad has worked at a cheese factory for more than forty-five years – and, they both played a part in why I love farms and rural life.)

Growing up, I loved trucks. It was always exciting to go to my grandparents’ place and climb into one of Grandpa’s truck cabs. All of those knobs and buttons were very tempting for little fingers!

But, there was more to Grandpa than just trucks. He loved people – his family, and the individuals that he met over the years. People are where these calves come in. I remember hearing how Grandpa used to enjoy talking to farmers as he picked up their milk. He also enjoyed sharing a funny joke or good story – and likely, many of those farmers looked forward to his arrival to add some color to their days.

As I’ve grown older, I still enjoy trucks. I don’t always find their cabs to be the fascinating playgrounds that I did as a child. Yet, like Grandpa, I’m finding that trucking allows me to have a unique way to enter other people’s lives.

I don’t have the ability to spend long periods of time getting to talk to my customers. Yet, I still enjoy those few moments of conversation that I often have with various people. It’s a privilege to get to enter into the lives of others – earning their trust as they tell me their stories. Those moments aren’t something that I take lightly – but, believe to be an opportunity that God blesses me with.

The Jersey calves reminded me of an important lesson that I learned from Grandpa many years ago – that we’re seldom too busy to give a listening ear to somebody else.

Have a great day!

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

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The Old Brick House

This farmstead sits just down the road from where my grandparents used to live. Ever since I was a boy, it has sat abandoned – causing me to be intrigued by this setting.

Old brick farmhouses built in this fashion are not as common around here as wood-sided structures. This causes me to wonder about the uniqueness of the place, and the family who might have built and called it home.

There’s beauty and a story in every house – and the life of each person. Even the most dilapidated structure or grievous offender can display the Creator’s love.

Every trip is an chance to see something new. It’s up to us to find diamonds – even in the rough.

Have a great day!

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

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Going for a Drive

Ever since I was old enough to remember, I’ve enjoyed going on drives. Each trip is a new adventure. You never know what will be seen on each outing.

I think that there’s something almost soothing about a small rural road. It is here, where I can often slow down as I get away from the hustle and competing noises of the world that we live in.

It’s out on these small roads where I enjoy a front row seat at watching the Creator’s hands at work. All of creation speaks of God’s wonderful love and affirms His goodness.

So, let me encourage you to take a drive on some small, rural road. Take your time, roll the windows down and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. You’ll be glad that you did!

Have a great day!

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

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Gluten-Free Pancakes

It’s been a few years since my wife and our son went gluten-free.

A normal Saturday morning breakfast for us are homemade, gluten-free pancakes. They also freeze well, allowing us to heat them in the toaster at other times.

Here’s my wife’s recipe:

2 c. gluten-free flour blend

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. sugar

2 c. buttermilk

2 eggs – beaten

2 T. vegetable oil

1 tsp. vanilla

Whisk dry ingredients together. Add wet ingredients to bowl and mix. Scoop onto hot griddle – mixture will be thick. Cook until golden brown on both sides.

Enjoy!

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

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Going Home

I’ve traveled this stretch of gravel road hundreds of times. It was one of the ways that I could reach my grandparents’ place.

It’s been a number of years since they have passed away. Yet, I still go through here occasionally as I make deliveries.

Seeing this picture reminds me of all of the times that I spent visiting with Grandpa and Grandma. If they were home, the doors were unlocked, because they loved having family stop by. There was always something interesting to talk about – often with a cup of tea or can of pop, along with something to eat. They made it feel like home for many of us who would stop by to visit.

This photo also reminds me of one day going Home – not to visit, but to stay. I look forward to the meal and conversation when I’m seated with other “family” at the table in the Father’s house. I hope to chat with you there!

Have a great day!

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

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