It Has Been Awhile

Last November 16 was when I shared my last thoughts on this site. I shared one someone else had posted on April 7th, 2020, but nothing of my own.

Since about March 16 of this year things have really gone crazy, we have had quite the adventure; unlike anything I have ever seen. I have not heard of this nation being shut down due to anything. I know about the “Great Depression”, but things were shut down because of other things, and people could still get out and work.

There have been worse sicknesses, and viruses that have hit our Country, and the nation has closed up everything except the government bureaucracies and needed hospitals.

I know, I am like most of you. I am tired of hearing about this stuff.  I prefer to trust my government, but when things like this happens it causes me to ask questions and doubt their intent.

I have no intent of attacking anyone, or trying to get anyone in particular to agree with me.  When government agencies are allowed to continue working; why is it the populace cannot? It seems to me to be more of a power grab, than protecting the people.

How many millions have lost their jobs. Families are hurting, and it  is not the govs responsibility to bail us all out – personally, or business, or State wise.

I pray for all those who have gotten ill from COVID-19 to get well and for full recovery. For family who has lost love ones to this enemy, my prayers to Almighty God goes up for you, your comfort, and encouragement.

My last thought is to pastors and churches it seems we have given cause for those who are out for a power grab, to make a precedent for this time, and who knows what it will be next. God our Creator has it in His hands.

O, by the way. The Church of which I am pastor has not closed its doors.  We have been meeting every Sunday regular services; except one Sunday night that was scheduled anyway. God has blessed. It was because I had no clear direction otherwise.

From the banks of Flat Creek,

~tim

Sorghum, and the Mill

As I was on my way to Shell Knob today I drove past an old decaying, falling in building that was built by my Dad and a cousin named Harold (my Dad’s nephew).  They had a dream, and desire to supply an income for their families, and grow in the process of making this dark, syrupy, fragrant, and sticky stuff called sorghum.

I have some pictures I want to share with those who will come here to read and see them. The first one is of a plaque my wife made for me of the old can label they had put together for the sale and promotion of their business.

The next two pictures are of the old mill which they built using cedar logs set in the ground.  They then built a base to set the sorghum pan upon of rock and clay or cement.  They were a couple of men who did not have much money, but they had a little bit of a dream, and desire to make a good product; and they set to it.

 

 

 

I was standing next to the road by the gate into this property which belongs to a brother of Harold’s now.I was able to figure out how to do a zoom in on the camera of my phone.

I remember this quite well as a young boy in the early 1960’s  When they were making sorghum there were trees all round the back and to the east side (right) and my cousin who was nearer my age at the time ran through those woods having a great time.

Sorghum is made through squeezing sorghum cane, which my Dad and Harold grew on the ridge somewhat nearby.  They would take a tractor and wagon, go with cane knives, and cut down a heaped up load, and bring it back to the mill to make the sweet sorghum.

Before they squeezed the cane on the press, they would light a fire under the pan, get the heat going, then they let the juice roll down the delivery chute.

We used to eat quite a bit of Sorghum cake.  Pretty good stuff  putting butter on while it was still hot is delicious.

Most sorghums you find in store nowadays is mixed with corn syrup which ruins the good flavor.

Well that is really only part of the story.  My Dad and Harold are in heaven together now.

I just thought I would share something that was part of my upbringin’ as a child.

from the banks of Flat Creek,

`tim

 

Mist-i-fying Mowing

I was trying to get our yard mowed before rain started falling again.  I have gotten the front yard completely done, and most of the back now.

As I was trying to keep mowing even when there were some drops falling I noticed a mist flying from the discharge of the mower.  I thought now that is mistifying [not supposed to be mystifying]. The spelling corrector tried to change my mistifying to mystifying.

At any rate, I did not get to complete the yard; but was mystified by the mistifying.  Maybe I should spell it like I did in the title “Mist-I-fying”.

from the banks of Flat Creek,

`tim

Preparing the Garden Spot

It has been some time since writing on Flat Creek Rolling, but here goes…

I have nothing in the ground to call a food garden.  We have plenty of things to call garden. They have flowers and such growing in other spots, some have already bloomed and died off like they are supposed to do.

However, back to our garden spot.  It had been covered in tall weeds and grass.  I mowed it down, rode it down with the mower on Wednesday (6/6/18).

This morning (Saturday June 9) I went and tilled a small spot at the lowest part of the old garden.  My thinking is, that when the creek has risen out of the banks the time or two since we moved in here, the water, as it lowered left better soil for growing things.

I may be too late in planting anything.  I am going to plant some beets, carrots, and things such as that, but we need some rain. The ground, this morning, was really too dry for tilling, but it got tilled anyway.

I am going to try, and we will see what happens.

From the banks of Flat Creek,

`tim

In Our Road

I was approaching our house up on top, before reaching the cemetery.  Coming home from driving the School Bus, and I saw several turkeys; a big Tom with a very long beard, and a few of the hens with him.

The Tom had his tail feathers spread, strutting his stuff.  This was the first I have ever seen a wild tom strutting with his tail feathers spread. It was quite exciting for me.  Here are some pictures I took.  Not sure if you can see them. I did not want to run them off too quickly…

Top left is, as you can see taken from inside the car. The other two are through the open drivers window looking over the bluff. I realize the picture is not real clear, but he is really there.

From the banks of Flat Creek, which you can see in the background over the bluff.

`tim

Snow in April 2018

It is not real rare, but we are hardly one month into Spring and we get a snow.  I remember a day in April of 1971 we received about six inches during the day, and it was gone by sundown.

Here are a couple of pictures from this morning, and from our front porch…

It is wonderful to live in the southwest Missouri Ozarks.  You just never know what the weather is going to do.

From the banks of Flat Creek

`tim

 

April’s Showers and May Flowers

We have been getting bunches of rain around here.  It is good to get, and I am sure ruins the plans of human ideas.  Let us be real though.  Without rain we perish.

Inches and inches of rain has fallen.  Flat Creek, out our back door is rising from last nights rainfall, and there is more on the way.  The creek is barely out of the banks.

I went down to look at an hour or so ago, and it is barely in the lowest spot which use to be part of our yard.  After the flooding of December 2015, I do not treat as part of the yard any longer.

April is almost over.  The many showers of April have fallen giving rise to hope which will bring prosperity for the ground, cattle, gardens, crops and life.  May flowers is the promise of beauty, peace, and prosperity.

Is it not wonderful how our Lord and God has blessed us with beauty and hope.  Have a great day ending April.  Be blessed in the month of May.

From the banks of a roaring Flat Creek.  The picture above is when the Creek is flowing peacefully.

~tim

April’s Green

We just celebrated Easter yesterday by remembering the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  With the coming of Spring, and the greening of everything since March 20 it is quite fitting to mention “Resurrection”

Spring signifies the renewing of all things living.  Going through Autumn and then Winter the plants seem to die, but then in Spring they come back to life.  Resurrection is testified to by even the Creation around us.

The siblings, myself and our mother experienced the passing away of our Dad (on February 9,2017), and our mother’s husband of 63 years.  Though that was and continues to be a sad departure for us we know Dad is more alive today, in the presence of Jesus, than he has ever been.  One day, and maybe soon, he will rise from the grave in which he is buried, along with all those who died in Jesus Christ; and those who are still living in Christ will join them all in the sky, with Him.

So shall we ever, forever live with Jesus.

Why do I believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus, and all who believe in Him?  The green of April declares it.  Most of all God in His word proclaims and declares it.  Jesus is risen. “He is not here.  He is risen.”

From the banks of Flat Creek,

~tim

Potato Garden

I know.  It has been several months since I wrote anything here.  This has not been a priority with me, but I will endeavor to make it so.

A few weeks ago I bought some seed potatoes (35 pounds), and my wife and I cut them up as you must, and then I planted them.  I ended up with nearing six full rows of approximately 100 feet in length.

As of today they are looking good.  We do need rain.  We received some rain this past week, and that helps.

Right now all we have is potatoes growing in the garden, but we have plans for tomatoes, bell peppers, and some spicy peppers too.

It is fantastic watching things grow.  It will we wonderful to have a good potato harvest, hopefully around July.

From the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

Missing Lynn Messer

Lynn Messer is an individual who has been missing since last July 8, 2014.  Her husband Kerry awoke early that morning to find her absent from their bed.  He looked through the house; then went outside looking around the farm buildings, and later over their land, and found no sign of her.

Early on they had law enforcement officials out investigating the situation, and they have no answers; to my knowledge anyway.

This is a farming family in Eastern Missouri, South of St. Louis.  Kerry and Lynn have been long time family advocates within the State of Missouri.

I have been following this tragedy since it began.  This is a great tragedy in this family, for their friends and for others too.

My prayer is that Lynn will be found.  No one knows whether she is still alive or tragically killed; yet I am sure it would be a great relief, and closure for her to be found.

You may find out more about this by going to the Facebook page FIND LYNN MESSER

Lynn’s birthday will be Thursday June 4th.  She will “turn 53 years 0f adventures”.  Please pray for this family.

Let it Rain

I was planning on doing some mowing today.  The very back of our yard that is beside the Creek needs mowing.

I will not curse the rain though. It is a much needed blessing.  There are places in the U. S. of A. that needs good rains.  Even in those places where they live by irrigation they still need much rainfall, and snowfall that only comes from the Creator to sustain their sources of irrigation water.

The rain we are getting at this moment is intermittent showers; but much appreciated.  If the sun would shine in a few moments for the rest of the day, then I would do some mowing.  If not: Thank you LORD for the rain.

That is my story on the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

Tick Season ‘Again’

It is that time of year. I have already had a few on me. Thanks to Town & Country Gardening.

Town & Country Gardening

There are few places on planet earth that are tick free.

Protect yourself by taking a few common sense precautions. When working, playing or entertaining out of doors, apply a tick repellant and check yourself,children and pets for ticks after outdoor activities.

Use repellents that contain 20 to 30% DEET on exposed skin and clothing for protection that lasts up to several hours. Always follow product instructions. Parents should apply this product to their children, avoiding hands, eyes, and mouth.

Use products that contain permethrin on clothing. Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin. It remains protective through several washings.

Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that are crawling on you.
Conduct a full body tick check using a hand held or full length…

View original post 736 more words

Frost

When I got up this morning it was 32 degrees.  There was frost on the ground and I was sure glad I had that trampoline over our tomato plants.

There seemed to be frost only in low lying places.  When I left the house to go drive my bus route the temp had dropped to 31 degrees.

It warmed up to 79 degrees this afternoon.  Love the Springtime.

The ten tomato plants are doing great too.

From the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

Dogwood Trees

I have noticed driving around lately; whether it be driving my bus route, in the car or truck; that there are numerous Dogwood trees in bloom.  They are so beautiful in bloom, whether they are white, red, pink, etc. they are lovely.

A year or so ago our son James and his wife Amber brought us three Dogwood plants, we planted them, but none have survived.  Sorry James and Amber.  Thank you very much for thinking of us.

Our son Timothy and his wife Sarah Lynn brought us three Dogwood plants to plant in our yard; just yesterday (April 17, 2015).  Madge and I went out this morning before the rain started falling, and planted them.  Hopefully these will make it.

I have noticed many Dogwood trees with a canopy top look; with a top that spreads out almost in a circular flatness.  It looks pretty neat with them in bloom.

I pray all are enjoying Spring.  I know I am. 🙂

From the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

Tomato Plants

For where my wife and I live we planted tomato plants earlier than we probably should have.  We however had the opportunity to purchase some plants that were big and  healthy for a very good price; and I purchased ten of them; so they needed in the ground.

On Thursday April 09 I purchased 10 Hybrid-Big Ds from a former Cassville School Teacher, and Bus driver who had purchased several from someone he knew.  I was told these plants are selling in Walmart and other places for 6 – 8 dollars per plant.  He charged considerably less.

On Saturday April 11 in the early evening hours we (Madge and I) put them in our garden.  I have been concerned with frost dangers for the earliness of the time; but I thought of a very good cover for them.

We have a trampoline in our backyard, that goes unused for weeks on end.  I got to thinking;  “You know the grass grows beautifully under that thing.  Why not pull it down over the plants.”  I did that this morning.  Now no frost worry.  Now if there is a hard freeze or something, that will be a different story.

Looking forward to having some good tomatoes this Summer.

From the banks of Flat Creek.

-tim

Sunny Day

It is a lovely Spring day here on March 25, 2015.  The sun is shining brightly, the temp is at 64 degrees hear only the rolling Flat Creek.

This morning as Madge and me were eating breakfast I was looking out the patio door watching a couple of geese down on the creek swimming, frolicking around, and enjoying the morning coolness.  I told Madge, “It is pretty neat to be able to sit at the table watching wildlife at play”  or something like that.

It is.  It really is neat to watch God’s creation through our door, and it is even better to get out in it when we can.

I do enjoy Spring.  I can practically hear the grass growing :).  It is grand.

From the banks of Flat Creek

-tim

Spring Is On the Way

Here we are in the middle of Winter, and I am thinking of Spring.  I do not think that I am alone.

It has not been a hard Winter or anything like that, but I am still longing for Spring.  Spring is a time of renewal, hope, life.

Yesterday I went out to burn trash, and noticed the singing of the birds in the trees in our backyard.  My what lovely music they were making.  I then noticed hundreds of birds fly from the tree tops, and they were Robbins.  There were many of them on the ground.  I guess they were looking for food, or something.  I do not think I have seen a larger flock of Robbins together at one time as then.

There were many of them on the ground in the backyard today.  Not near as many, but several, scattered over the whole yard.

I always see the Robbin as the hope that Spring is just around the corner.  I know what Phil said the other day.  I however do not need Phil to tell me there are six more weeks of Winter.  If you look at the calendar for the year; Spring begins on March 20, and it is about six weeks from February 02 through March 20 with only a four day difference.  So what?  Spring is on the way.

I am very glad.

From the banks of Flat Creek.

Hymn – “My Faith Looks Up to Thee”

As I was praying this morning this song came to may heart and mind; so I thought I would share it.

My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Saviour divine!

Now hear me while I pray, Take all my guilt away, O let me from this day Be wholly Thine!

May Thy rich grace impart Strength to my fainting heart, My zeal inspire;

As Thou hast died for me, O may my love to Thee Pure, warm and changeless be A living fire!

While life’s dark maze I tread, And griefs around me spread, Be Thou my guide;

Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow’s tears away, Nor let me ever stray From Thee aside.

When ends life’s transient dream, When death’s cold sullen stream Shall o’er me roll,

Blest Saviour, then, in love, Fear and distrust remove; O bear me safe above, A ransomed soul!

Ray Palmer, 1808-1887

Lowel Mason, 1792-1872

Life Anew

It is amazing how life just seems to repeat itself.  I know, I know this is not a new thing, yet all around, the seasons, plants – flowers, grass, trees, shrubs, etc. – proclaim over and over, “I am alive”

There are so many who laugh at the idea of resurrection, in particular the resurrection of Jesus Christ; yet it has been declared by God’s creation for millenniums of time.

For the picture.  When my wife and I first decided to put our house on our place here there was a Mamosa tree which was hanging so low to the ground, broken over, yet living; and in the way of the new power line coming in; that we cut it down.  Guess what it has life growing from it.  Resurrection.

Last Spring I planted some trees.  Due to our precious pets, dogs, they chewed some of them to the ground.  I nipped them with some shears near a growth spot, along next to the ground; and before last Summer’s end they were nearly shoulder high on me.  Now they are over shoulder high.  Resurrection.

Last Summer I planted Myrtle shrub, and a Redbud tree.  The Redbud was bitten off too.  I pruned it down to the ground.  It is up this Spring over six inches high.  The Myrtle died in the Winter.  I mowed it over a couple of weeks ago, and now it declares, “I am alive”

Every Spring the grass comes back from what others might call dormancy, but it is dead.  Some might say, “Well it is just the cycle of things.”  So be it.

God made man in His image.  He made man to live eternally.  The only answer for evil men, women, boys and girls, was for God to send His Son to die.  Sin, death, and the grave could not hold Him down.  It may just be the cycle of things, but Jesus arose from that grave.  He declares, “I am alive”.

The whole of creation declares the glory of God.  “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork.”  (Psalm 19:1)

-Tim

May Third of Twenty Thirteen

I write this morning because it is a rare morning; at least weather wise; and maybe historically.  It is snowing.

There is not much accumulated yet, but it is coming down like it would really pile up if it were colder, the ground was frozen, and conditions were better for snow.  With the grass green, leaves newly on the trees and such this will make a rare picture for Southwest Missouri.

I wrote this just for a note later.

-Tim