Soil in My Blood

 

Soil in My Blood                    

By John W. Vander Velden

 

This is the fourth crop Justin has raised on my farm, yet it feels odd when I climb into the combine cab. I accept the training seat, or buddy seat, or whatever you call the extra place all newer combines have within their cabs. He asked if I wanted to drive the massive machine. Perhaps there was a day I would have gratefully taken the controls.

That day has passed.

It’s not that I couldn’t, with a bit of coaching, manage tolerably, but rather I recognize the quantum leap of technology that has found its way into harvesting equipment since my machine. Perhaps it’s my age, for my years at the controls are in my rearview mirror, and that’s OK.

But after more than forty years at the helm of one combine or another, it feels odd being a spectator. Though I recognize it is the natural way of things...yes, I MENTALLY understand...yet I feel unbalanced a bit as I watch the grand machine devour acres.

Though I might feel out of place sitting next to the controller of the machine, I do not yearn for the life-clock to be turned back. No, I have had my time and I have freely passed the baton to my nephew...perhaps gladly even. For me it is a joy to see the quality of farmer I have entrusted the soil that my parents gave their all to acquire. The farm where I too poured out more than sweat without complaint...for I also have given blood and the largest part of my life to those few acres.

I suspect that Justin too feels much the same about the personal investment DEMANDED upon anyone that is brave enough, or fool enough, to pick up the chalice and tread through mud, or dust, through long days of heat and cold, and willing to continue long after the sun has gone to its rest. Farming is a life commitment. It is not something that can be explained. It is impossible to understand until you have twenty or more years in the seat of tractors or harvesters. It is a life unimaginable by those that drive by on US Highway 6. It is a life very different that the one that those that envied me at the task I had chosen, believe. It is a life I have never regretted.

Farming is HARD.

Yes, I have turned over Sunrise Acres, my parent’s farm, and the two farms I added to it, to Justin. But my mind is filled with the memories of all the years I served the land. I will never forget the GREAT years. I will try not to remember the awful ones. The years of attempting to survive, and doing so by the skin on my teeth. The times when I was certain I had failed, destroyed by low prices, or unforgiving weather, or my errors of my decisions.

In the end I came out on top. Reached a place I never expected. In the end I succeeded, might even say I prospered. The good outweighed the bad only because I, as my parents before me, didn’t give up. There is something to be said for persevering.

So now I write books. And though I have yet to put together my story...my personal battle with weeds, weather, difficult to work land, with cattle, with cantankerous feeding equipment, my cracked hands, and throbbing feet. Stories of how I have fought mud and equipment breakdowns. I have been changed by the experiences that farming has thrown my direction. Perhaps one day I will write that story...but not now.

You see I may be an author, but I will always have soil in my blood!  

(617 Words) 10-23-2020

The Gift of a New Day

 

The Gift of a New Day

By John W. Vander velden

 

I observed the sky painted in its glory this morning. The day does not always break in such colorful magnificence, and too seldom I take the time to notice. Even this morning with the many, many things on my agenda, I could have easily done what most morning I have done, hastily push forward not giving the day’s birth a moment’s notice.

But on this particular morning I understood that there are times when it is best to put both feet on the brakes, stop, and force myself to take the time. To take the time to step out in the cool morning. To wander the backyard, stepping on the dewy grass and the leaves shed by our hardwoods that are scattered all about. To gaze with wonder at the colors, the shifting hues of blues, brilliant oranges, and the pale golds that boldly filled the eastern skies.

I was reminded that each morning’s sky is unique...like no other. Taking the time I studied the clouds, their rims set ablaze by the sun, yet to rise. I accepted THIS gift spread before me and promised myself that, on other mornings, I would stand...watch...wait...absorb the wonderful moments of early day.

This morning, as I stood beneath the maple tree that had yet refused to release the bulk of its leaves, my eyes became damp. Aware of the magnificence that surrounded, and once more I KNEW the importance of the gift I had been given...A new day!

Continually driven to do what I can, to make each parcel of time I have been allotted, of value, I sometime forget the value of the time GOD has given. Charging forward as if each day was a footrace. I must DO this or that. Yes, I have been granted gifts which I should not squander. Talents GOD would wish me to use to their fullest. Sometimes that is a heavy burden. But I feel driven to push forward SO hard that I forget to take the time to accept the quiet and almost invisible realities presented me. The laughter of children, my dog’s devotion, my wife’s respect, and my GOD’s presentation of a new day.

None of the things I do will leave long lasting impressions. Yet I strive to make the world, GOD’s world, a little better place. That task, for me, is formidable. I am no more than the single drip of water in a cave that carries with it just a minute particle of sediment that I will add to the slowly growing formations, stalactite or stalagmite. Confident that my tiny addition goes unnoticed, only the smallest part of something much larger. Yet if that is the case then I will be satisfied.

Surely all those thoughts and so much more passed through my mind as I stood...shivering...in my back yard this morning. But for a few brief moments...for a small sliver of my life...I stopped the race...caught my breath as I stood in awe and accepted GOD’s gift of this new day... 

(533 Words) 10-14-2020

 

Living Beneath the Shadow of COVID

 

Living Beneath the Shadow of COVID         

By John W. Vander Velden

 

What have you learned during these difficult months we have lived beneath the shadow 
of Covid-19.

That was the question that was asked of church leaders of my denomination. Though some that know me might be surprised that John would be found among those in that category, yet in truth I am. So when I was asked this very important question I responded with the following words.

 

1^st in the general scope of things, I have been reminded that things can suddenly change in ways unexpected. I did not imagine that something as Covid-19 could so dramatically change the world as I knew it. And I saw how it could change the lives of each of us―my family and myself included. Since I am retired from my lifelong career and worked to accomplish much of what I do at home, my life changed less than others. But I witnessed the change in the patterns of what might have been normal evaporate. I learned that life can go on―if we share the burden. For it was obvious some faced a much more difficult scenario than others.

2^nd I learned it is important that someone remind those around us that Covid-19 is a temporary situation. To be a source of realistic optimism. For the unknown is frightening. I learned that the tension of fear is exhausting. I have observed how the frustration of these unknown times feeds anger, and that too often rage is directed at anyone handy. I have observed that anger seems to be as contagious as the virus which causes the unwanted changes in the first place.

3^rd I learned that we must learn new ways to serve our LORD and SAVIOR. That worship is more than a place. That it is MY obligation to care MORE for others in ways I had not thought of before. That I am OBLIGATED to reach out in new ways. That even within the framework of social distancing things can be done and MUST.

4^th I have come to believe that someone or something must bridge the divide that has torn society into bitter factions. That US AGAINST YOU accomplishes nothing. That we must do our best to be a calming voice within the storm of rhetoric driven by fear and anger. And until a louder voice than mine becomes bold enough to remind our neighbors and all those around our country, that WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER, it falls on my shoulders to speak those words.

Hopefully friends you find something within these ramblings that might be helpful.

Blessings,

John

I put these few words together last summer, yet they remain true. The months since have only reinforced those things I have learned, as I continue to live, always in consideration of others. For we are responsible for more than ourselves, and our actions...each one...affect so many others.

So I await until the moment comes that Covid-19 is no more than a memory, knowing that if we stand together it will be sooner than later. But if we become selfish and headstrong, abandoning the small things that each of can do, then it will likely take much longer.

So I remember the words of Tom Hanks... “Wash your hands, practice social distancing, and wear a mask, it really isn’t complicated.” And thank you Tom for what each of us must do really isn’t complicated at all.

(577 Words) 10-2-2020

  

September Open Spaces Vol. 20.9

 

Open Spaces

Vol.: 20.9

By John W. Vander Velden

 

So the summer of 2020 has officially ended. We have been so blessed to have had a string of delightful days of late. And though it remains incredibly dry, the recent days of cooler temperatures have aided in the preservation of greenish grass. But even now the first signs of autumn are appearing. The crops, corn and soybeans are changing. Here and there fall’s presence can be seen in trees as well. Yes, friends the season is changing.

Many will be pleased that we have nearly completed another month. Each of us look forward to turning this pandemic, we are enduring, into a memory. It is hard not to allow COVID-19 to be in our thoughts, yet even now, after the months beneath its shadow, we must remain diligent. Remember that we are all in this together, and if we unite in our actions, perhaps we can eliminate COVID’s threat once and for all. But it will take a UNITED effort, for together we WILL surely stand, but if we are divided success is less certain.

Jackie and I have remained well, which is incredible considering that she works in the public. Let no one tell you differently, masks, hand sanitizers, and frequent hand washing DOES help. For our continued health is proof enough for me.

It is our hope that you and yours have been spared from the harsh effects of COVID. That you have found ways, perhaps new ways, to enjoy the summer now behind us. One thing is for certain these last months will leave memories and stories we will share in the future.

As for us we have taken a few outings, not far, not long. Always using our best efforts in social distancing etc. Even so we have had those moments when our obligations have placed us in groups which left us a bit concerned. Yet we, as I said before, remain spared. But August was a month where tragedy came too often to our little family, and those we care deeply about. We are praying that the rest of 2020 will spare us the pain August gave.

Now for a bit of writing news.

This month I began the first round of revisions of a book length work, tentatively titled House on the Lake’s Shore. You may remember I finished the draft in May and it has been set aside and waiting. Putting things on the back of the shelf is one of the steps I use to turn ideas into publishable materials. I have been working, in the interim, on another book length piece titled Severed Ties. The plan was to put down that project while I revised my primary objective. But you know how plans go. By the end of August the first draft of Severed Ties was so near to completion I continue chipping away at it in small snippets of my writing time.

As for the revision it goes pretty much according to plan. It is a lengthy draft, and to do a thorough job it will take time. My editor has let me know she is anxious to set her teeth into the work. But she understands that with my many obligations it takes me more time than other authors. But 1^st revisions are just one of the many steps House on the Lake’s Shore must endure. So my friends be patient as the story moves forward...slowly but surely.

So I see by the word count that I have nearly used my quota for this month’s Open Spaces. Let me close with these few thoughts. As the year winds down, I wish you contentment. Contentment is a greater goal than happiness. For if we are content, happiness will surely follow, but it we continually chase after happiness we will never be content. I pray that God provides you with what you need, for so many are left short of the basics we take for granted.  And lastly, that the Master of the Universe protect and keep you safe in this world that has so many dangers, known and unknown.

Blessings,

John 

Amazon Links:

Misty Creek

Elizabeth's Journey

  

To Race Onward

To Race Onward

By John W. Vander Velden

 

It was cool yesterday when I pulled down my bicycle and took it out. Most mornings, if I decide the weather’s fit, I take a short ride. The stretch of our road that remains paved is not long, just from one crossroad to the next. I don’t like driving on gravely ways, if I can help it, so it’s just to the cross road and back.

Our road is quite narrow, so I wait until the neighbors have gone to their employment and the school bus has passed, so I have the road for myself. Yes, that makes it safer and I prefer it that way.

It gives me time to focus.

But it was cool yesterday and I began to consider the wildflowers along my way. The tiny daisy like flowers were covered with new buds, a day or more away from bursting into a fresh bloom. You see they and other plants knew that the season was about to change and seemed to be racing onward...to finish this summer’s task.

The length of the days had begun shrinking in June, but now as we pass mid-September minutes of daylight disappear from each day. I miss the swallows that abandoned the farm late August. They knew as well, racing on their wings to warmer places of longer days, even while summer’s heat raged on.

These things remind me that we too, those perceptive to notice, are racing onward. We rush, forward we hope, aware that time, be it daylight or broader, the allotted time of our own days, is not infinite. There are things to do! Important things! Or so we think, and time runs shorter with each sun rise.

I feel that way myself these days. I see ALL the projects I WANT to complete. Birthdays remind, this stack of weary and aching bones that my calendar does not stretch to infinity and beyond. Well it does actually, of that I am confident, God will care for me one day, but my time on the green side of the sod is another matter. It is that quantity of time that concerns me often as I race forward.

And that is how it often feels. When I set my lifelong task of farming aside, I recognized that the NEW challenges, I picked up in its wake, would keep me hopping. And that is good. But I KNOW the list of stories in my head will likely exceed the time God has set aside for my work upon them.

Oh how that once drove me crazy...this feeling that no matter how hard I raced onward I would not...

You get my meaning. But with the completion of Elizabeth’s Journey my second novel I felt I had completed something important. At least important to me, and I hope it was important to you as well. Though I’m not proud enough to think so, perhaps it was even important to God.

Now I have a new mindset, I take on this new writing challenge, House on the Lake’s Shore, The title is tentative folks, and pray each day that I am allowed to finish THIS project. And when it is finished I will begin in earnest on the next. I’ll not, or try not to in any case, concern myself with all the stories waiting in the green room for their own opportunity to slip out of my cranium and onto the page.

So I will race onward in short sprints, even though each feels like it is marathon in length, and not worry about the next track event.

For it will be enough and I thank my God for the opportunity and the time He has given and the stories He has provided. (629 Words) 9-19-2020

August Open Spaces Vol. 20.8

 

Open Spaces   Vol.: 20.8

By John W. Vander Velden

 

August 26, 2020

 

Now that August comes to its conclusion, we know that summer is nearing its end. I hope you have found ways to enjoy your summer. For most, Jackie and I included, the summer of 2020 has been unique.

We did not take our usual summer escape this year. Dreams of Door County, Wisconsin will remain for another time. But we haven’t remained locked behind our doors either. Of course there is work’s demands. Work being very different for the two of us. My work is very close to home, Jackie’s is...well a little further away. Yet we have enjoyed the summer within its limitations.

I feel that every day is a gift from GOD. Even days under the shadow of a pandemic. The attitude makes it easier to get out of bed in the morning. Yet it remains difficult at times to be excited by EVERY new day, but I believe being so motivated is worth the effort. You may find comfort in the fact that I do FAIL to find rosy glasses some morning. Maybe more often than some.

Here the school year is beginning. COVID-19 shapes the way schools have opened. Many continue off sight learning. E-learning it is often called. It strains teachers, students, and parents, trying to find the best ways to teach, the best ways to protect children and staff. Things will remain different for a time, but I am confident it is only temporary.

 Though our school years are behind us, behind our son’s well, the virus yet influences our lives. Jackie and I do our part. We wear our masks, avoid crowds, practice social distancing, use hand sanitizer often, and wash our hands. We recognize that all of us face this danger together, and small things can make big differences. And fortunately our household remains well.

It is our hope that yours is also.

Now for a bit of writing news.

Next week I begin revising the draft I completed in May. Taking on that project in earnest means the other project on which I had been working must be set aside. Though I regret leaving the book length work I have worked upon these months incomplete, I know I will return to it on my next “dead writing time”, such as when  I send the revisions to the editor. I have no idea how much time will be needed for this first revision, but it is my hope to complete it early next year.

I will keep you posted.

Now I have reached the end of this installment of “Open Spaces”. Take care my friends, make your choices carefully, consider the needs of others, especially the weak and vulnerable, share kindness, and above all remember that GOD loves you.

May His love comfort you and ease your mind during these unprecedented times, and that He guide your feet to open spaces where you will find peace.  

With CHRIST’s love, and blessings,

John W. Vander Velden

Author of Misty Creek and Elizabeth’s Journey

 

         If you wanted the link to my 1^st Virtual Author’s Event here it is....

 

https://youtu.be/DTCx2-9tB2A

    

Thinkin' About Love

Thinkin’ About Love                

By John W. Vander Velden

 

Some feel that love is simply an emotion. A feeling that people acquire that comes along and sometimes disappears.  Something intangible that may be driven by hormones. The fortunate, they say, are those who have that affection aimed at another that shares the same intensity of feelings. Love is an emotion...

Love is that but it is not ONLY that, at least not from my perspective. It’s OK to disagree with me, I’m no expert. I see love through a much wider lens. I am, presently, writing a standalone novel titled, “Severed Ties”. One of the threads that I have woven within that story is the cord of love. A binding that is more than a chosen feeling.

You see I know that GOD is love. The terms are not necessarily interchangeable but it is an important link of the concept of what GOD is in relation to HIS creation...in relation to us. One of my characters tells the primary character as they part for the last time, “God loves you (Mike) and no matter what or where you go you have that love.” Greg laid both palms on the faded roof of his car. “And one more thing. Love is a cord that is stronger than anything. It is a binding that cannot be broken by distance or circumstance.” 

You see, my character, Rev. Gregory Mainstay is trying to convince his new friend that love is more than an emotion. It is a force that binds everything together. But even after Michael, the main character, has been told those words, he is not ready to take the concept at its full value. No, he had been cut off from his family as a child. Death has taken most of those that helped raise him. Which to him is the ultimate separation. He questions his personal value, surely he is unlovable. He has been damaged by experiences of his youth, and those wounds have not fully healed.

Only the love he shares with his wife and their children seems the exception. Yet he feels that even those cords are frail and can fail him at any time.

How many of us feel as Mike? How many of us feel that we are unworthy...undeserving and that love’s fleeting connection is temporary? Probably most of us to one degree or another. And if love is only a feeling, then surely that feeling can pass to memory.

But I say love is more than just some emotional intangible. Love is an unexplainable force so grand and powerful that it binds EVERYTHING together. Love is the only thing that makes EVERYTHING worthwhile. Love can overcome adversity. And Love binds US all TOGETHER in ways we are unable to understand. Yes, “Love is a cord that is stronger than anything. It is a binding that cannot be broken by distance or circumstance.” Even death is unable to destroy love’s connection.

Though love surrounds us, we must be open to it. I believe that hate doesn’t really exist. Hate is just the absence of love. Just as cold is the lack of heat, and darkness is the absence of light.

GOD is love!

And GOD can lift us, through love, to places higher and grander than our imaginings are able to create. GOD’s love can displace the emptiness of hate that resides in each of our hearts, as darkness is replaced by light.

Those are my thoughts about love and it drives me to try harder, see deeper, and care more. I hope God’s love pushes you forward as well...

 (605 Words) 7-30-2020