Mowing in the rain

Today is a special Birthday party for a special granddaughter. She is planning on having it down at our family swimming hole; the Whirl Hole. That could be a little in doubt now though, due to some rain.

I went down to mow, because it has been over a month since it was mowed.  When I got started mowing it started sprinkling and as I mowed it came down progressively harder. I was soaked when I got to the house.

I kept mowing until I got a fairly large enough space for a party, and access to the Creek for swimming.

We have not heard for our daughter Monica; if it is still a go. Addyson will surely be disappointed if it is rained out for the Creek.

Even if it is raining I am sure she will enjoy the meal at Flat Creek in Republic.

Happy Birthday to Addyson Worley  14 years old.

After a Dry Spell

I awoke this morning and heard some distant thunder. I had some information from accu-weather that is was supposed to rain, and I was hoping it would the ground was dry; even down a foot deep it was dry.

I know that because early the week before I had the sad duty of burying a dog name of Archer which had suffered for a long time from arthritus (spelling), and other problems.  He was a big loving, lovable dog.  The ground was dry and hard.

This morning around six or so at our house, in Mill Valley, on the banks of Flat Creek it started to rain.  It came with lightening, thunder, and wind. O, how I was glad and happy to receive the blessing.

A couple of months ago we were wondering when it was going to stop raining.  Many homes and businesses were flooded, and suffered damage, and sadly in some places people perished in those floods.

Myself I am thankful for the rain when ever it comes.  I do not ask God to stop it.  I will not complain about too much rain.  I will thank Him for it; He is the One who gives itl

From the banks of Flat Creek south of Jenkins,

`tim

Storms, and Flooding Last Night

The State of Missouri,  Southwest Missouri for my part was inundated with wind, storms, and lots of rain.  There was flooding in Cassville, and I heard reports of Roaring River State Park evacuating campers,  and rightly so.

Flat Creek which is on the edge of our back yard anyway is up into a part of the yard.  I will share with you a couple of pictures I took a few minutes ago.

Just for your assurances; it is several feet from our residence, so we are not concerned with flooding of our home.

This morning as I considered the night I thought of Nahum the prophet chapter 1 verse 3.  He is in charge.

That is the way it is today on 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

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

October Fifth Twenty Sixteen Rain

We have been receiving a blessing of some much needed rain today.  It started falling sometime after midnight, and has continued intermittently since then.

Thank the LORD of all creation for this blessing.

From the banks of Flat Creek.

~tim

Flat Creek Has Been Rolling Heavy

We have received 9 – 10 inches of rain from Saturday night through Monday evening.  At last look at my bucket it had about 9 inches in it and we received a bit more after that.

I am including some pictures.  The Creek has gotten as high as I ever remember, and it got higher than any of the past five years we have lived here for sure.

These pictures are in our backyard.

 

The following pictures are down stream at our swimming area, and called the Whirlhole, and the road down to the hole.

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” Proverbs 21:1

That is how it is on the banks of Flat Creek.

-tim

In Need of Some Rain

LORD God of creation we are a needy people today, and always.  Many places, including ours are in need of a good rain.  Send as YOU see fit for YOUR glory.

Thank YOU for the rain.  In YOUR blessed name.  Amen.

Blessed with some Rain

As I sit here at the computer writing; it is raining; with some lightening and thunder. It sounds almost like Spring.

Yesterday evening  I was watching the evening news, and I heard a noise I had not heard in a while.  It was the sound of rain hitting our house.  It was coming down pretty hard, and it came down for at least five minutes, and maybe ten.  I looked out the window, and it only appeared to be raining on us and to the North of us.  There is still a need for a good general rain, and it will come.

It was a blessing and a reminder that there is more coming.

We must remember that rain is a blessing from our Creator; and it is given for our crops, for our health, and reminder of the wonderful graces that He gives us each day.

Thank YOU LORD.

-tim

One Year Ago Today…

We moved into our new home along the banks of Flat Creek.  It has been a joyous year being able to step outside our home; especially out the back doors, and hear the sound of the creek as it rolls down toward Table Rock Lake several miles away.

It was a joy to last Winter watch the Eagles as the soared above our heads, house and land.  It was also with joy that when the tornado struck Joplin, MO. we had the house and space for our son James, his wife, and Archer and for a short while even Pillar and Skillet; to move in with us for a couple of months until they could find them a new home.  Archer, ended up finding his home with us permanently.  We have really enjoyed having him around too.  I do not remember as a boy with a dog having as much fun and joy as I have had with Archer.

Anyway, the year has gone by quickly.  There is much work we need to do around our home yet.  We need to get a front porch built on it.  We also want to built a back deck.  That will still come.

One day we would like to get the old house my father was born and raised in fixed up and use it for family and friends to stay in when they come visit.  That will be a while in coming.  There is much work to do, and with being a pastor, driving a school bus there just does not seem to be enough time in the day to accomplish everything I would like to do.

I just thank the LORD Almighty for His blessings, His grace and His mercy.  I also thank Him for our home which we are only stewards; and I pray will be always faithful stewards of what He has entrusted to our care.

Being blessed daily along the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

Eagles Are Flying

Of course that is not really anything new.  They have been flying, perching, birthing, eating, breathing, and living for millenniums of time.  However,  I did see my first eagle this season flying over our house.

It flew in a circle over the house as though he was checking us out, and to let me know they were back.  There was no doubt in my mind it was a bald eagle.  The white head and tail feathers glistened in the afternoon sunlight.

I was glad to see our friends had returned to the banks of Flat Creek.  A blessing from our Creator, Jesus the Christ, Son of the Living God.

And, one other little thing.  Do you remember the “Little Girl” (the little corgy dog which adopted us) well, now she is “Little mama”.  On Sunday evening October 23, she was beginning to have puppies when we arrived home from church.  Monday morning when I left to go drive the school bus, she had seven, though one was dead, laying beside its mother.

If anyone wants a puppy in a few months let me know, and we will see what we can do about that.

-Tim

Flat Creek

If you notice the background picture of this blog you will see Flat Creek as it flows along toward the bluff the road is on toward our house.  You will also notice the name change of this blog.  It seems to be a bit more fitting than the name of this contributor to the blog.

I grew up on a farm along the banks of Flat Creek.  That farm is part of the piece of land which my wife and I have ownership of; and have been given to care for for a while.  We enjoy living where we live.  We can hear the creek as it flows; and at times we can see it as we sit at our dining room table through the patio door.

I think the name change is a positive thing.

Enjoy, be blessed as we write of living along the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

Unsettled Dust

On the afternoon of July 30, 2011 we had a massive historical event take place at our house.  It rained.  It rained so much it moved the dust from the ground to the air.  When it stopped raining the dust fell back to the ground.

It’s still dusty.  I say this laughing, because the rain had no sooner left, then the ground was dry again.

If I get to feeling pretty bad about the dry; all I need to do is think of those people in Africa who are in drought and famine; and then I see how blessed we  really are.

Lord of all creation, Jesus, we need some rain; and please help those people  in Kenya, Africa who are experiencing such chaos of drought, famine and military barbarism.  Meet their needs, and glorify YOUR name.

It’s Sunday.  Go to church today and worship our Lord and Savior.  Pray for the Lord to reveal your sins, confess them to Him, repent of them.  Then, pray for rain.

We need rain along the banks of Flat Creek too.

-Tim

Marriage of a Country Boy and a City Girl

In 1973 a young, teenage country, dairy farmer boy was in love with a beautiful city girl.  The country boy would drive 55 miles every weekend to spend time with her, and stayed the weekend with his cousins who lived a short distance away, so they could go to church together.  It all began in 1972 right after this country boy graduated from High school, and had returned from a trip to Florida with three friends.

She was only fifteen when they started dating, but shortly thereafter turned sixteen.  The country boy was just seventeen, out of school, and no intentions of going on.  Without making the story too long; he proposed to her in December of 1972, and they determined to wait until she graduated from High school.  That, however, was not how it turned out.  They wanted to be together so much that they moved the date up to July of 1973, and married on July 28, 1973.

The wedding took place at Dale Street Baptist Church in Springfield, MO.  After five children, and now having 12 grand children [two with Jesus in Heaven] we have been married for a blessed 38 years.  That country boy and city girl of course is Madge and I.  Secret exposed :).

How things have changed in those 38 years.  More couples living together without marriage. They will say things like, “Marriage is only a piece of paper.” or “If we aren’t married then we won’t have to go through all the legalities of divorce when it happens.”  As for the first one it’s much more than a piece of paper; it is a bound, a commitment to one another.  It is held together by much more than a piece of paper or law; it is held together by genuine love, no lust, but love.

Genuine love is much more than “feeling” it is a decision you make when you get up every morning.  I am going to love her/him today, no matter what.  I am going to demonstrate that love, no matter what.  One doing something for the other without expecting anything in return.  Genuine love is a God-like love; sacrificial.  Loving even when the other may show hate.

Madge and I have had our ups and downs, however, for my part it has been thoroughly worth it.  I have learned more about God’s love for me, and for all by our marriage.

As for the second part of what I wrote above;  You have no love, just lust, and it will not last.  You cheapen yourself, you cheapen one another to nothing more than a source of your pleasure.  Most of all you cheapen marriage.  O yeah!  Marriage is between a man [one man] and a woman [one woman].  Faithfulness to one another is a blessing and not a curse.

From the banks of Flat Creek; Happy Anniversary Madge.  I love you today and always.

-Tim

Maybe It was Mowing the Dirt

I wrote a post the other day that I title “After Mowing”.  I spoke of mowing dirt and the heat.  It has been hot; there is certainly no denying that, but I choose to be thankful for it, rather than complain about it.  I mean think of the alternative – it could be below zero, and without the heat of the sun to warm us there would be no life at all.

The other night while I was sleeping I had a dream of snow and slick roads.  I guess that was a way of reminding me of last February.  I must admit I don’t do much outdoor work when it is hot like this.  It probably wouldn’t be too wise for someone who has had stents placed in their heart to do so; at least too aggressively.

I did go out yesterday afternoon to move a mound of dirt which was out in the yard from the septic lateral, which I had to mow around.  It was just a small mound.  I took my pick and shovel to it and had it moved in short order, but in that 100 degree sun it made short work of me too.  I thank God for those guy and gals who are out in it doing road work, building houses, farm work, and all other legitimate work.  No matter what your age may be; working out in that sun’s heat will zap your body of needed nutrients and strength.  Take care of yourselves.  Drink lots of water; no caffeine or alcohol; these will harm you rather than help you.

Maybe it was mowing that dirt that caused me to dream of cool weather and snow.  I know it is a coming.

Watching the sunrise along the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

Here It Is…

…Another wonderful morning; and to make it even greater; it’s Sunday morning.  Getting up way before the sunrise has become a habit with me.  It seems I function best at this time, but the rest of the day not so well, at times.

I hear cattle bawling across the Creek, our neighbor across Flat Creek is a physician, I hear, and has a pretty nice place over there.  I don’t know what all the bawling is about, but they are doing it.

There is a beginning of sun light starting to show itself.  I can see the trees along the banks in silhouette form, where an hour ago it just looked black and dark outside.  Looking forward to going to church today to worship the God of all creation, the Son of God, God incarnate, Jesus Christ.

I pray you have already made that your plan for the day.  Honor God every day, worship Him every day, and get with others in worship and fellowship as oft as you can.  We are having a fellowship dinner at Carr Lane Baptist today.  We all always look forward to our dinners, fellowship times.

The light is getting brighter for the new day ahead along the banks of Flat Creek of Southwest Missouri.

-Tim

After Mowing

I spent the day yesterday repairing my mower, and finishing up mowing my yard.  First of all when I was mowing the evening before the right front wheel fell off.  The cotter pin had broke, and thus left nothing to keep it on.  So Friday morning I drove into Cassville to get me some new bushings; which go inside the wheel slipping over the spindle/axle; also some cotter pins, and washers.  When I arrived back home I fixed the wheel, adding a lot of grease to the wheel and axle and bushings.

Even though I was using a rider the heat was putting a lot of stress on this decaying body, and I took several breaks.  If you don’t know – I have about 2.5 to 3 acres that I mow.  It was starting to look a bit scraggly, as well as brown from no rain.  It still looks brown, but looks much better with it mowed.  Anyway, I finished the mowing about 4:15 p.m., and a refreshing, breeze came up, with a little rain shower.  I just stood out in it absorbing the falling water.  It felt pretty good having the falling rain cool me off After Mowing the yard.

The rain, was what I said it was; just a little shower, because it didn’t last very long, or come down very hard.  It wet the ground; until the sun came back out,  then it was g-o-n-e.

I thank my Lord and GOD for the moisture, and refreshing that came After Mowing, along the banks of Flat Creek.

-Tim

The Heat is On

“It sure is hot!” or “It feels like a blast furnace.” or “It’s like stepping into an oven out there.”  How many times have you heard these phrases or something similar?  Probably several, if you live in the South, Midwest or Northeast parts of the USA.

Remember last February.  Temps on one day around Cassville, Mo fell in some places to about -30 degrees.  Yesterday [July 21, 2011], at my house, the temp was +110.  That would be a plus of 140 degrees from that day in February.

The heat is on, for sure, and the grass is no longer green; with the exception of a few places.  I mowed my front yard last evening, and it seemed that I was mowing dust; but the front yard looks much better.

It is hot outside, and when the morning temps are in the mid seventies, that doesn’t look like a cooling for the day ahead.  I much prefer the 110 to that of 30 below zero.  I am also very thankful for the heat of the sun.  Without it we would all freeze in a matter of minutes. Though none of us want to be roasted or baked alive.

GOD is so good to us.  He is full of mercy and grace.  He placed this planet in just the right location for life, especially human life; and there is no place like it in the universe.

There is no place like living along the banks of Flat Creek.  No place.

Enjoy the heat for the next few days.  Absorb the rays of  the sun.  Let it warm you.  You will need it in a few months.

LORD, we do ask for rain for growth and nourishment of crops, and filling the rivers and streams in our area.  Thank YOU Almighty GOD.

-Tim

My Reading Habits

Reading at times seems to be difficult.  I can read, I enjoy reading, but there are times I would like to read and cannot make myself do it.  There is, however, one book that I have committed myself to picking up and reading at least once a day; and that is the Bible.

Since the end of December I have read three or four novels; three of which were a series.  The series is by Stephen Lawhead, and was a different version of the story of Robin Hood. The first book is “Hood”; the second, “Scarlet” and the third “Tuck”.  A great story.  I also have read one of John MacArthur’s newest works, “Slave”; and it is sure inspiring and challenging.  I have also read “Radical” by David Platt, and found out what a Christian in today’s world should really be.  Biblical.  Radical.  Like Jesus.

I actually read “Radical” before “Slave”, and I find that though written by different men, who may have never met one another (I don’t know for sure about that), the books complement one another.

I haven’t been reading much except the Bible lately.  Partly trying to keep myself physically busy with our place, church and other matters; but I still need to do some more reading.  I have much I need to catch up on.

Reading novels takes me back in time and sometimes into the future.  They are mostly imaginary, fictional, and can sometimes be inspirational and informing.  Most of the news of the day I get from television news, some online which is reading.

The sun is going to be coming over the hill shortly.  It is good to look outside and see the “book” which God has written.  The book of creation, life, beauty, and sometimes chaos and tragedy.  It is the most exciting of all.  And, it has the perfect ending.

On the banks of Flat Creek shortly before sunrise.

-Tim