Tag Archive for: Travel

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

What Way to Go?

I had driven almost a mile back the lane to make a delivery when I came to this sign.  At this “fork in the road”, the private drive split to go to neighboring farms.

If I went to the left, then I could visit a little variety store and basket maker.  Turning right, sweetcorn and pigs laid ahead.  Oh, the choices!  Perhaps, at this point, some may ask if you met both farmers in the middle, could you get a picnic basket to go?!

Just like this little junction, you and I face countless choices every day.  Most of the time, our decisions seem to be inconsequential – like what we’re going to wear for the day or have for breakfast.

Then, there are those times when we must decide on something that can have long-term consequences.  Thoughts of marriage, careers and homeownership all come to mind here.

Often our choices have no vital outcome that affects our lives.  Yet, as a truck driver, I’m also aware of how many decisions can be life-altering – for me and others.

Yet, the biggest choice that you and I can make is whether or not we will follow Christ.  That one simple decision is the most life-altering that anyone will ever make.

Everyday you and I are going to be tasked with making hundreds of choices.  Let’s give careful thought to each one – and in case you were wondering, I chose to visit the farm with the hogs and corn patch!

Have a great day! 😊

/by

Oat Sheaves

Oat sheaves are a common sight on many Amish farms in east-central Ohio during the middle of summer. Commonly used as a source of horse feed, the cut oats are bundled and stacked in the fields to dry. After a few days, they will be hauled off to a barn where they will be run through a thrashing machine. From there, the oats will be separated from the chaff – which may be baled into straw for livestock bedding.

While oats are grown in many countries, perhaps it’s fitting that they’re still grown here. For just over an hour away by highway in Ravenna, Ohio, the Quaker Oats Company once milled oats. Known by its logo consisting of a man in simple, plain clothing, Quaker took a crop that was largely used as livestock feed and promoted it as a healthy, wholesome breakfast cereal.

In a world that seems to be constantly changing, something as traditional as oats and real horsepower helps to remind us of our roots. In fact, a simple crop can teach us lessons for life.

For one thing, we usually harvest what we sow. If we plant good seed, barring no drought or other natural disaster happens, we will often get a healthy crop. Planting, caring for and harvesting a crop takes patience and work on our part. Ripe crops don’t just happen!

We can also relate to this field. Just as the Creator provided the right conditions for the oats to grow, He also provides what you and I need to be the people whom we’re meant to be.

Like every oat seed, each person has great potential locked inside. Let’s be careful to allow God to cultivate our lives and relationships in ways that benefit everyone we meet.

Have a great day! 😀

/by

A Friday Evening Errand

It’s not what I expected.  Yet, at a theme park I found a replica of a mid-Twentieth Century restaurant with vintage cars to complete the picture.  The scene reminded me of how young people used to cruise streets of their local towns on Friday and Saturday nights.

Thinking later about that view, it reminded me of a story that I had heard a pastor share.

An older couple went to town one Friday evening to run some errands. Driving along, they saw several young couples sitting close in vehicles that they passed.

Finally, the wife from her place across the pickup cab asked, “Do you remember when we used to sit like that?”

From behind the steering wheel, her husband with a quick glance her direction said, “I have never moved.”

Perhaps, you can relate to this story.

You may feel distance between a spouse, relative or friend.  What caused that distance?  A particular situation may come to mind, or it may have just been a gradual separation.  May I ask if you have done anything to reconcile that rift?

I’ve had friendships that have gradually grown apart.  It’s not a fun feeling to see a former friend as a mere acquaintance.  Experience also has shown that it can be difficult reviving some of those relationships – especially in the hectic world that we find ourselves in.

Going a little deeper, have you ever felt that God seemed far away?

Yet, like the old gentleman in the story, our Creator never moves.  It’s always you and me that puts distance between ourselves and the Heavenly Father.

I don’t know where you’re at in life.  Perhaps, there are some relationships that need mending.  Maybe you need to make time to get alone with God?

Friend, let’s look for ways to rebuild friendships and draw close to the Heavenly Father.

Have a great day!

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:8a (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

America – A Blessed and Beautiful Nation

While waiting to enter the sanctuary one Sunday morning, a young boy saw a plaque with names on it.  Pulling his mother over to it, he proceeded to ask her what it was about.

Quietly, the boy’s mom explained that the names on it were for those from the community who had passed away in the service.

Without missing a beat, the young man asked, “Mom, did they die in the morning or evening service?”

We are often inundated with calls to separate faith from government.  Yet, the Bible lays a foundation for the behavior to be modeled by citizens.  Respecting our leaders, serving one’s nation and loving others – even those with whom we may not agree, are ways in which we can honor our Father.

Along these lines, many American believers have answered the call of their nation in times of war and peace.  Still others have found different ways to show their allegiance to the nation that they call home through other various acts of service.

In every age, and among each generation, there has been strife and conflict.  We shouldn’t expect any more or less, since we’re all human.  Yet, America is a sum – a total, of the people who call it “Home”.  From the diversity of its population to the brilliant landscapes, we remember with a grateful heart all that God has blessed us with.  It’s along these lines that many old church hymnals included a few patriotic anthems amongst their pages, as Christians chose to be thankful for God’s blessings on their land and petitioned their Creator to protect and draw them back to Him.

I hope that the following words will serve as a reminder of the blessings that God has bestowed on this nation.

“AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL”

Katharine Lee Bates, 1893

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet,
Whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness,
And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

(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 Tranquility

I first passed this country church on a delivery a couple months ago.

The building, with a small picnic shelter nearby, was well-kept. Seeing this church that afternoon, I knew that I’d have to photograph it sometime.

Several weeks later, my family was out for a Memorial Day drive to visit some cemeteries. We made a short side trip so that I could get a picture of this setting.

In a world that is marked with busyness and hurried reactions, this location speaks of peace and tranquility. It’s a great illustration of the kindness and mercies of God – asking us to rest and give Him our burdens.

Just like the gravel road that it’s along, this church asks us to slow down. It’s then, when we can truly enjoy the peace that the Father has to offer you and me.

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 Testament of Faith

It’s been many years since any services were held in this old church building. Yet, it’s history speaks to another era.

Across the road, and out of the picture, is a cemetery once belonging to the congregation that used to meet here. Just beyond the church, a crossroads is barely visible.

You may say that based on the location of the cemetery and roads meeting nearby, this structure stood at the intersection of faith and life.

There was a time when buildings like this were at the center of many communities. From raising children to follow God, to providing a final resting place, churches played an important role for generations of families. Passing along the cemetery today, one will see many last names that have ties to the area.

While times have changed, these old church buildings are a testament to the Bible’s timeless truths of Christ’s love and forgiveness to those who seek Him.

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

Contour Guidance

It may be a little hard to tell, but part of this field is being farmed using the contour method. You can see the one row going off in the middle of the picture. Another row follows along the tree line along the right side of the picture.

Here in the Appalachian foothills of eastern Ohio, contour farming is common. Unlike flat land where all of a field can be cultivated, farmland on the side of a hill has to be done like this. It helps to control and prevent water runoff – allowing the crops to get much needed moisture to grow. This type of hillside farming also minimizes erosion from plowed fields.

This picture is also a great image of how our Creator sometimes guides you and me. If we didn’t have His guidance to help us navigate the ebbs and flows of life, how would you and I survive?

As another growing season takes place, these fields allow us a unique glimpse into how the Father takes care of each person.

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 Scottish-Type of Spring

On my way to a recent delivery, I passed this farm. In a pasture near the road, nearly a dozen head of Scottish Highland cattle grazed.

Separated by a vast ocean, these animals were thousands of miles from their native homeland. Yet, they seemed content eating the fresh, green grass of an early Midwestern spring day.

Like those head of cattle, we often find ourselves in places that may seem foreign to us. Do we adjust to, and perhaps even thrive in, our circumstances? Or do we make them a place of hardship and grief?

You and I may not always have a choice in where we’re placed. But, we can decide to allow our Creator to help us make the most out of each situation.

We may not find grass very appetizing. However, there’s always something that can help us grow in every situation if we’re willing to look for it.

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