“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…”
On this Fourth of July, we remember the sacrifices of many!
Have a great day!😀
(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)
I made a delivery to this Amish farm. Before leaving, I had decided to get a picture of this old Case tractor. It didn’t wear the green and yellow implement colors that I love, but the unique setting had a vintage feel – like it should have been seventy or eighty years ago.
Some may wonder why a tractor would be on an Amish farm. While those farmers are often only allowed to use horses in the fields, many are able to use tractors for stationary power or to pull wagons and trailers on local roadways. In “Case” you missed it, this picture shows a belt linking the tractor to a pump that is out of sight.
Looking at this photo, I’m reminded of how many details we often don’t notice. There’s so much that we miss as we hurry through life. Perhaps though, the thing that most often suffers are our relationships with God, our families and friends.
Every generation has its own issues and trials. Yet, this tractor was built before all of our modern conveniences and distractions. It’s a testament to simpler times – and, the values that our minds fix to that era.
Have a great day! 🙂
(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)
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.)
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.
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.)
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.)
We live in a world that is often filled with commotion, turmoil and noise.
Sometimes we need to unplug and get away from the distractions around us, allowing us to reflect on God’s love for us.
As I was thinking about this photograph that my wife took a few weeks ago, this song came to mind. It had been awhile since I had last heard it, but I believe that the words capture this picture beautifully.
Have a great day! 🙂
Written by: Folliott Sandford Pierpoint, 1864
Public Domain
For the beauty of the earth,
for the glory of the skies,
for the love which from our birth
over and around us lies;
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.
For the beauty of each hour
of the day and of the night,
hill and vale, and tree and flower,
sun and moon, and stars of light;
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.
For the joy of ear and eye,
for the heart and mind’s delight,
for the mystic harmony,
linking sense to sound and sight;
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.
For the joy of human love,
brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth and friends above,
for all gentle thoughts and mild;
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.
For thy church, that evermore
lifteth holy hands above,
offering up on every shore
her pure sacrifice of love;
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.
For thyself, best Gift Divine,
to the world so freely given,
for that great, great love of thine,
peace on earth, and joy in heaven:
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our hymn of grateful praise.
(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)
We often find unexpected beauty along the paths that our lives take. That was the case when I delivered lumber to a new house being built at the end of this lane.
When I reached the delivery address, I found a narrow lane disappearing into the woods. The first few dozen feet of driveway had grass growing in the middle.
Seeing the condition of the driveway out at the road, and not knowing where it might lead, I was a little hesitant to turn in. However, the thought of carrying lumber to an unknown location was not a very attractive idea, either! So, I started back the drive – grimacing at the number of tree branches reaching out to scrape against my truck.
Soon, the grass-centered drive gave way to a nice, gravel path that skirted a small, quiet stream that wound its way through the woods. The filtered sunlight coming through the trees made for a tranquil scene that reflected peace and solitude. As I entered the clearing for the new home, it was easy to see why someone would want to build back there.
Thinking about that drive through the woods, our lives often take unexpected twists and turns that lead us off into the unknown. There are plenty of distractions that vie for our attention as we go through life – some good, others bad.
The journey may leave us with questions and doubts – and perhaps more than a few scratches and bruises as we travel along that path.
Yet, there’s also beauty along the road that we travel. The people and opportunities that you and I encounter may be seen as blessings in our lives. Along the way, they may offer moments of rest, refreshment and encouragement on our journey through life.
Seeing this picture, I’m reminded of the Twenty-Third Psalm. Even though there are times when we may walk through difficulties and troubles, there is One who wants to walk with us – if we allow Him to.
Every new day, and each trip, offers opportunities for us to experience beauty in life. Sometimes we just need to slow down, turn off the road and allow the Creator to guide us along that peaceful, calm stream.
Have a great day!
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” – Psalm 23:1-6 (NIV)
(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)
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.)
It looks as if these rows of corn shocks could go on forever.
For me, fall has always been one of my favorite times of the year. There’s a silent calming effect that I feel as I observe harvested fields, and seevlawns and gardens being tidied up before winter sets in.
As this picture shows, harvest is the culmination of a lot of hard work, sweat and likely, much prayer.
Farming and gardening require much doing on the part of the ones who tend the fields and gardens. Yet, they also insist on the farmer or gardener to have much faith – regardless of the yield.
Looking at these shocks a second time, it seems as if they reach into the heavens. They remind us of the One who continually blesses, loves and watches over us.
It’s in the simple beauty of nature, where our faith and hope are often greatly impacted.
Have a great day!
(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)
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.)