We live in a world that is always in a hurry. In the process, we often lose focus on what really matters: God and people. As a result of this misguided view, the rest of our lives, work and many of our best intentions become mediocre.
What if we took the time to experience God and listen to others? Perhaps, if we order our lives in a slower more orderly way, you and I can then say that we have given our best.
(Photo Credit: My wife.)
(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)
Work boots are one of my favorite forms of footwear. Ever since I was a young boy, I appreciated the hard work that they represented. Since then, steel toes have protected my feet many times. And if I’m being completely honest, since I’ve always been a bit vertically-challenged, I like the additional height that they offer.
These work boots have traveled a lot of miles – quite literally. In addition, they’ve supported a lot of weight – mine, and the heavy, bulky construction materials that I often have to shoulder. After wearing them for over two years, they’re finally worn to the point that they will need to be replaced soon.
My boots don’t look nice anymore. The leather is faded and cracked – with holes developing in the toes. They are tattered and worn – having survived many seasons of both weather and life. If you were to talk about them with my wife, she may also tell you that they don’t smell very nice, either!
These work boots resemble how some of us may feel. We may feel battered, worn and exhausted by life – like we’re falling apart. Fortunately, God never says that we’re too old to have value, or worn beyond usefulness.
This picture reminds us of the importance of hard work and commitment. It also is a reminder that young boys will become men one day, so parents, let’s raise them up well.
Have a great day! 🙂
(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)
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.)
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.)
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.)
You may have heard of the Dr. Seuss title, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go”. Perhaps, you have even read that story.
Different things, like this picture, remind us of people who we’ve met, experiences that have been had and places where you and I have gone.
Each of our journeys look different. Yet, the ebbs and flows of our lives help us to be unique – allowing God’s love to be shown in different ways.
It’s been said that our lives are a gift from God – what we do with our lives are our gift to God. Let the journey and the places that we go be a means to see and reflect the Father’s love.
Have a great day!
(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)
A manure spreader doesn’t make for a real appealing photo subject to most folks. I realize this – even if it’s horse-drawn, and found on an Amish farm.
I lived in the country when I was growing up. Whenever one of the neighbors was spreading manure on their fields, Mom would sometimes ask my sister and me if we could “smell that fresh country air”. To a former farm girl, I suppose that she figured that there weren’t many things more “fresh” smelling than newly-spread manure. Perhaps, that was one of the reasons why she didn’t mind not having to farm as an adult!
We realize that manure is a natural fertilizer. It provides valuable nutrients for the soil. In addition, for farmers with livestock, spreading it on fields is a cost-effective manner of removing the livestock-generated waste material.
There’s another aspect of manure that many probably overlook: how corrosive it can be. I saw this firsthand recently, when I saw a farmer pulling a liquid manure spreader. A large portion of the tank’s top had rusted away – likely from years of hauling waste, exposing the inside of the spreader.
Images of farmers spreading manure provide us with a couple of powerful lessons.
As manure helps crops grow, our words and actions can also have a positive effect on others – helping to encourage them.
However, we must be cautious. Our words can take root like a random kernel of grain or a weed seed that may be found in manure. Whether intentional or not, just like a manure spreader throwing its contents over a field, what we say and do can be thrown around in such a way as to inflict pain on others.
A manure spreader is a powerful reminder that we must be careful with our words and actions. We can spread something that encourages growth – or, that is corrosive.
Let’s be sure that what we say doesn’t hurt and poison others. Rather, may our lives and actions be lived out in a way that will promote and nurture kindness and grace to all who we may encounter.
Have a great day!
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11a (NIV)
(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)
Growing up in a rural, farming community, I’ve always loved watching farmers work in their fields. This is one of the reasons why I have always looked forward to spring and fall. After all, what young boy wouldn’t be enthralled with large powerful trucks, tractors, combines and the host of other equipment used during planting and harvest?
Living in an area with a large Amish population, I also enjoyed watching as farmers used teams of draft horses to work their fields. While I loved the sights and sounds of more modern farm equipment, there was also a sense of enjoyment watching a four or six-horse hitch of Belgians or Percherons working in a field.
With my love of farm equipment, it’s no wonder that I was fascinated by this old, horse-drawn grain drill. It has covered many acres during its years of usefulness. Even in retirement, it still serves as a planter – of a different type.
Seeing this drill is a great reminder that we plant into others’ lives. Our words and actions often affect one another – even though we may not notice it at the time.
Looking at this picture, I’m reminded of all of those who enjoy watching farm equipment working cropland every spring. In the same way, I hope that kindness, joy and grace will be crops that my life sows into the lives of others.
Have a great day!
(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)
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.)
Recently our son asked my wife and me what he should be someday. His mind has already come up with some interesting ideas of jobs that he would love to pursue. So, his question was interesting.
As I think about his question, I’m thinking of one of my own childhood dreams – having a few trucks. It was my plan to one day hand that business over to my son. Like the picture shows, I wanted him to follow in my steel-toed footsteps – right down to having similar Peterbilt caps – his, of course is the “Future Trucker” one.
I know that there are some who would say that I shouldn’t want to pass on my career dreams to my son. My parents didn’t even do that for me – since they knew that trucking isn’t an easy business to be in. Yet, there’s something about wanting to share a dream with your child and seeing them become excited with the same things that interest you.
As parents, we want our children to grow up into healthy, responsible adults. We want to see them become compassionate individuals who care about others and seek to do their best at serving others. .
While trucking continues to fascinate me, I’m learning that part of parenting is allowing children to make their own choices. It doesn’t mean that you don’t offer then advice, but rather, being there for them – coaching and cheering them on so that they will make wise decisions.
Who knows, perhaps one day, I may still end up with trucks. Perhaps, my son will decide on his own to be a trucker, as well. But, if none of that happens, then we’ll meet whatever the future holds with excitement knowing that the Creator’s plans are best.
Have a great day!
(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)