Early childhood found the month of June giving me a choice of possibly spending the summer with my sister and her family on the farm, helping them in the harvest field when I got older. I loved it. It was different. Also, it included what entries I planned to do for the County 4-H Fair latter on in the summer. Then following graduation from high school, it was the choice of finding a suitable place in the work force field and so on down the path of life.

After my children came along, some of their decisions for this month would have included what sports they wanted to participate in with the Summer Recreation Program. Swimming, baseball, softball, sports in general, different from my life as those things were not available in the smaller community in which I lived. But as their Mom had done, they were also active in the 4-H program, did their summer projects and with Mom as one of the project leaders were very active during the time of the Fair, usually end of July. Then following their graduation, it involved possibly a short summer job in anticipation of going off to college for the Fall term.

All in all, similarities in family life does exist and after attending several weddings during the past weeks, it really became more evident then ever for as we sat in the church pews, along side the dance floor, and enjoying breakfast brunches, the opportunity to see it all come together once again was joyously revealed. Very familiar actions, occupations, characteristics and nature of individuals, and above all, the pouring forth of love that emphasized time after time that it is not enough to love those who are near and dear to us, we must show them that we do so.

No man or woman of the humblest sort can really be strong, gentle, pure and good without the world being better for it, without somebody being helped and comforted by the very existence of that goodness. Look at Dad, your father, your grandfather! Fathers Day give each and everyone, during the month of June, a gentle little nudge to share the honor the fathers in our lives so richly deserved! The sacrifices made, the love they shared, the gentle words and actions to show they cared. It was there. Did you find it?

Sharing in the wedding ceremonies, the dances, the brunches, the love that was present was more then obvious. Observing the 'looks' that passed between the bride and groom, time and time again as well as the expressions on the parents of the two people making a new choice in their lives. Leaving the nest, so to speak, to make choices of their own, on their own, but with the blessing of the parents! Choices! Choices!

You can chose to be happy. You can chose to be sad. You can chose to be honest. You can chose to be dishonest. Basically, when one cuts away all the 'junk' of life, every situation has a choice. We, ourselves, choose how we react to situations. We choose how people affect our moods. Sometimes we actually amaze ourselves by our reactions to incidents, to people, to choices that are necessary as we travel along the highway of life; however, my philosophy of life is something like this....'No one ever injuried his eyesight by looking on the bright side'. Every morning, when we wake up, we have two choices...be in a good mood, or choose to be in a bad mood. Each time something bad happens, we can choose to be a victim or choose to learn from it. Everyone time someone comes complaining, we can choose to accept their complaining, or point out the positive side of life. Everytime someone fails to acknowlege, follow or recognize the importance of laws of our land and rules and regulations, we can choose not to follow their path and choose instead to follow the path that leads to the best possible positive outcome for all, not just a few. We can choose how we react to situations. We can choose how people affect our moods. Choices! Choices!

And, as the words flow from my fingertips about the month of June, I can't help but hear the words of wisdom spoken often by and from my mother.............who, by the way, would have loved to have been with the families during these happy, blessed events of the last several weeks.................as she said the following challenge selected for this week:

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

"If you can't do it right............don't do it at all!"

And Mark Twain would have said it something like this....'Always do RIGHT as this will gratify some and astonish the rest.'

The old saying, 'You can take the girl out of the country but you can't take the country out of the girl' seems to apply to me today as I watched the activities across the street and marveled at how things have changed from 'my day'.

Harvest is earlier then in 'my day'. My mother celebrated her birthday July l, and it seemed that poor mom had to wait for a family celebration after harvest, because everyone was in the fields, or sometimes, she and dad would come to the fields where we were cutting, and join us in a round or two, so having harvest today, on the First Day of Summer is a change also.

In 'my day', we did not have air conditioned cabs in which to ride comfortably all day, instead I drove the combine while my father drove the tractor. And bumpy it was. I recall one year that we had a very wet season, similiar to this year, and once we were able to get into the fields, we still experienced a lot more problems then usual because the combine would get stuck, so then my father would motion for me to get down off the platform, unhook the combine from the tractor, then he would come in at a different angle, then I would hook the tractor to the combine and hurry to my post on the platform, and hold onto the levers that controlled the platform that cut the wheat, while he pulled the combine out of the mired down area. Then we would be off and running until we hit another wet spot and the process repeated it self. What a struggle. I remember that we had 40 acres of summer fallowed wheat, and were getting a heavy production which certainly made up for all the aggrivation we experienced that summer. I was black and blue from being jostled along the side of the bin that held the wheat, but the good thing was, I think I lost about ten pounds that season from all the running required of 'the combine man'.

I hope you are able to enjoy the pictures I have taken. Two combines, going full force around this half section of land. They do not wait for the truck to come along side the combine and unload, instead they have a separate tractor and loader which takes the wheat from the combine and then brings it to the truck, in this case, sitting neat and snug on a paved street right on the edge of town. But, rest assured this is not normal either. Most trucks are parked at the nearest entrance to the acreage so that when the truck has been filled with several bins of wheat from the combines, they have no trouble accessing the main road, on their way to storage grainerys or elevators, depending on the farmers choice. At todays wheat prices, I would suspect the farmers will be inclined to sell rather then pay storage fees, retaining what wheat they need for seed in the fall. Again, depends on the farmer and his choices. And something else, I would wager that they cut this half section of land quicker then we cut those forty acres with that old pull type combine. Any bets???

But think of the accomodations and how they have changed. Sure, dad put up a tractor umbrella to shield me from the sun, but in no way did it compare to todays air conditioned cabs, music from a nearby favorite radio station instead we battled flying insects and bugs, was jostled from sun up to sun down and it was HOT! Hey, with all of todays modern equipment and accomodations, why harvest is a cinch!

In spite of all of this, the memories of harvest are great. Up early in the morning, greasing the tractor and combine, filling the truck with gas, all in preparation for the days work ahead. Working late into the night, until the night air cooled the wheat down and the moisture content started to rise, then it was time to call it a day and head in for home where the women usually had a feast fit for a king. Sometimes, after supper, we would sit outdoors in the dark of night, relaxing and talking about the days work, what yield everyone thought they were getting per acre, possibly enjoying a dish of home made ice cream and some home made angel food cake. It was fun. We were together. We were a family! What more could we ask for!

I still love harvest. I watch the wheat across the street from late fall, when it is planted, until this special day, HARVEST! In fact, as the wheat is nearing harvest, I observe people stopping across the street, the men getting out and walking into the field, tenderly pull off one of the heads of the stalk of wheat, examining it to see how it is filling, how many heads are on the stalk, and then the part I like best, watching the man rub some of the kernels from the heads into his hand, slowly put it into his mouth as he chews the kernels. It is then that I know he has farm background for he is testing the texture of the grain, in his own special way. But all of this is topped at the joy of watching the grains being seperated in the combines and elevated to the grain bin on the combine itself! Observing the golden grains! What a beautiful sight!

At the International Convention of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia held in Hays last week, we learned about the Kansas Miller who was the promoter of Turkey Red Wheat, Bernhard Warkentin, settling in Newton, Kansas and his story of bringing the wheat to this area. The terrain of the Plains and its climate proved to be as successful in producing this beautiful, golden hearty grain as it had for the immigrants in their original homeland. It too, found a new home in a New World just as our forefathers did!

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

'Let KIND words and GOOD deeds flow over the lands like fields of golden grain'.

I MISS MY DAD. It is hard to imagine that he has been gone from our midst for forty years. Forty years this year, as a matter of fact. Does not seem possible, for I remember the many Fathers' Days that I was able to spend with him, with the fondest of memories. They varied, of course. Each year blended well into my private life, therefore, each year was different. In earlier years, it was usually church, followed by a large dinner with some of the siblings returning to share the noon meal, then the remainder coming in the afternoon with cards and gifts to remember Dad on this special day. Maybe sharing in an angel food cake and a freezer of home made ice cream to compliment the occasion. As the years progressed, of course, we had our own little Fathers' Day celebrations within our own family circle in the early part of the day, but we always managed to spend part of that special memorative day with our father. It was important that we do it, for he was an important part of our lives.

I MISS MY DAD! Just returning home this morning after attending the International Convention of the Germans from Russia held at nearby Hays this past week, along with my baby sis, brought to mind even more so, the trials and troubles our forefathers bore for us and our freedom! I could not help but think, as we sat there listening to the stories shared with us, of the hardships they endured and what our lives might have been had not our forefathers been strong, brave and endured what they did to make our lives what we have today.......and we complain and gripe about the United States all the time. Folks, I wish you could have been there this past week, believe you me, you would think twice before you lamb blasted our government, our leaders. It really makes you think, and think hard. We are fortunate, very fortunate to live in the United States. I have really never doubted that, but the doubts, if there had been any, would certainly have been put to the way side after listening and sharing with those who have been thru these many struggles for mere survival.

I MISS MY DAD.......... But Dad left me a legacy. One I can be proud of. He was a big man! No only in stature.........for he was over six feet tall, over two hundred pounds without an ounce of fat......but in his integrity, his faith, his love for his family and friends. He passed these beliefs on to us, in a strong fashion. Gentle and kind though. He need only to say, 'hold your horses' when he thought we were being impatient and unyielding. We minded his wish! Or another expression was, 'quit piddling'. I knew that meant, 'get your work done, NOW'. A look of sternness, those blue eyes flashing, told us what was right and what was wrong and I will never forget the words of wisdom he and mother shared with us............"now when you are somewhere without mom or me, and you cannot decide whether what you are doing is right or wrong, just remember these words.........'If I do this, can I go home and tell mom and dad about what I just did'...........if you can't, you better not do it.".................... Those words of wisdom has seen me through many a trial and error period which I have experienced during my lifetime and, amazingly enough, it never ceases to end!

When I read that the most prized possession we can have is INTEGRITY..............I thought of Dad. When I read that GOD is the most important thing in our lives.........I thought of Dad. When I read that FAITH is our greatest asset...... I thought of Dad. When I read that the most powerful channels of communication is PRAYER...... I thought of Dad. When I read that the most satisfying work is HELPING OTHERS.....I thought of Dad. When I read that the deadliest weapon on earth is the TONGUE....I thought of Dad. For Dad, in his patient, loving, caring way, taught his family about all of these things!

For family, church, friends, neighbors.....my fathers strength seemed endless. He worked from sun up to sundown, with few complaints. Yes, he was an immigrant. He came to this country at the age of 9, along with his parents and 4 other brothers. Formal education was limited, but he always found his greatest strength in encouraging his offspring to never cease to grow in all areas, as he had done with his life. He was one of those people who never knew, fully, the lives he brightened during his lifetime as his family learned this at his final rites when the young people in the area came forth, and told my mother that had it not been for my father, and his efforts to help them by converting his ice truck, in the winter months to a mini bus and hauling them to Hoisington to high school, that they never would have attained this higher level of education. And, many with tears in their eyes as they shared this tribute to my father. What a joy! I pray he was able to look down from his seat in heaven and share these special moments as well!

As I take a minute to reflect on the legacy which he has left to us, his children, his grandchildren, his great and great-great grandchildren, I see this happening all over again in various personalities. The very fact that when you have a heart for God, you have a heart for ministry, and the two go hand in hand....is the legacy left to us by our father!

Yes, Dad, I DO MISS YOU! I miss being able to give you a jingle on the phone and ask for a bit of advice. I miss seeing you in the school yard as I pass by the school each day. I miss your hearty, easy laugh. I miss having that little blue Ford perking up the drive way. I miss watching you and Martin drive out of the yard on your way to a pond to do a little fishing together. I miss seeing you pick Maia up in your arms and laughing as you playfully tossed her up in the air and caught her again in your strong arms. I miss not being able to have shared any of my grandchildren with you. But Dad, you are here. Each and every day, you share part of your life with us, and we with you.............So, "Dad, thanks and we will never forget you.....God Bless!"

Challenge of the Week:

Following Dad's philosphy of life, I would like to share this......

"Let TRUTH lead, let FAITH guide".

Listen to the news sometimes from a truly judgemental view, write down all the negative statements made, compare them to the positive flow of words. Truly amazing!

Again, I was blessed with parents who abhorred whining and complaining. WOW!!!! Best thing in the world they could have done for us. Think for a minute about a child who sits at the table, their lip nearly falling into their plate complaining, "I do not like that"................"I am not hungry".............or better yet, go out to a restaurant, with a friend, possibly a full grown adult........demanding to the point of pure aggravation. 'Bring me a different glass, please'.............'Take this back, it is not what I ordered'...............'I do not like white gravy, please take it back and put brown gravy on it'..............at least, note, that I have added 'please' in my sentences, more often then not when this situation happens, that word does not appear anywhere within the course of the conversation......But, you know something, when that happens, you know who I think of????? My parents. Bear in mind, they were not the most wealthy people on this planet, they lacked a very formal education, but we always had a clean house, food on the table, clean beds to go to bed in at night, we wore clean clothes, not the fanciest, but we were never cold.......but above all, there was always one thing above everything else...... LOVE!!! I can truly, honestly say, I never ever, ever heard any of those lines or sentences above ever spoken at my parents dinner table. I believe in the back of my mind that my parents attitude towards life and living could be fully encompassed in these words...................USE it up, WEAR it out, MAKE it do, OR DO WITHOUT!

How often do you hear young people of today complain, 'there is nothing to do'...........PUULLLEEAASSEE! We barely had a radio. There was no TV, no computers, no fancy cars, no game boards. We made our own fun. AND, it was fun! One time, and I will repeat, ONE time, I hinted to my mother that I was bored but it was really because I was wanting to go to my girl friends house to play dolls. That HINT was enough. I worked all day. I found out quite quickly I was not bored. Scrubbed the dining room floor and waxed it. (Hardwoods floors, and in those days such things as a gym floor finish was nonexistant for your put paste wax from a metal can on the floor after your scrubbed it and let it dry a little while and then you wrapped a big heavy worn out bathtowel over a brick and polished the floor until it shined). Swept the two porches, cleaned my bedroom, and, by that time I had learned a lesson of my lifetime.......never, never, ever, ever say you are bored. Because, face the facts, you aren't bored, there is always a lot of things in life one can do.

The world is in a turmoil right now, we all have to agree with that. So, rather then sit around and whine and groan about it, why not do something about it???

"Take the bull by the horns", turn it around. Remember the era of the Second World War when things were rationed? Sugar, flour, meat, shoes, gas, tires??? It could happen again. How will we react to that action? What can we do about it? Whine, groan? So the gas prices continue to climb. DO SOMETHING about it! Best thing I have found is.........SLOW down. Quit driving so fast. Statistics have proven that driving 60 MPH (oh please, Granny), you will reserve 38% of your gas consumption. It works. Try it. True, many cars will pass you, but that is OK. Just smile and wave to them. Maybe put a sign in your back window or have a bumper sticker which says, SAVE GAS...SLOW DOWN. Truckers are doing it. So why can't we? Quit listening to the negative aspects of the news broadcasts and do something about it.....................Cost of groceries escalating? You bet, by as much as 20%. Look what that does to everyones budget. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Get out and plant a garden. When you rinse your vegetables or fruits, save the rinse water, carry it to the garden and recycle that water. And, just had a friend tell me that they have installed the ole fashioned 'water barrels' and catch the water that comes off the roofs and are using it for their plants and gardens. Know something else? Nothing better in the world to use then that old fashioned rain water to wash your hair. Can eliminate buying hair conditioner. Does a beautiful job of softening your hair. Life shrinks and expands in proportion to ones strength and courage. Be brave!

There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still. Incorporate enthusiasm in your life, for enthusiasm is nothing more or less then faith in action.

So, next time you hear someone whine or groan about something, encourage them to do something POSITIVE about their attitudes for attitude, more then anything else, affects your life and those around you. Stay away from negative people, and if necessary, tell them why you are taking that couse of action, they may be surprised to learn that they are affecting people in a negative field..... and again, they may not. But, whatever you do, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!

Ending with this:

CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK:

'You're BRAVER than you believe.....
and STRONGER than you seem....
and SMARTER than you think'....................

for each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our family, our children, our friends, our associates!