Surviving on Thriving in 2006 A young woman from our church family was sharing this week about her adventures as a missionary in Japan. As a tall blonde white woman she really stands out in her adopted home. She is there to share the love of God, and help people grow. “You can’t commend what […]
Why I Love My Church Family
Why I Love My Church Family “Sometimes I just wish my family would show me some respect, and appreciate what I do around here”. Under the shadow of a picture of Jesus at the Last Supper, a weary farmer shares his deep frustration within a complex family business. I ask him about the love and […]
Checked your oil lately?
Checked your oil lately? My car has covered a lot of miles this winter, and I was shocked that my oil was “below add.” I hadn’t been paying attention. A seized engine is not my idea of fun, so I am glad I heeded my hubby’s advice to check the oil more often. Oil is […]
Farm Coach story on Elaine Froese
Farm Coach story on Elaine Froese By Bill Redekop Winnipeg Free Press April 30,2006 BOISSEVAIN – Elaine Froese doesn’t look like someone who once had 23 shock therapy sessions for what her doctor called the worst post-partum depression he had ever seen. Froese is energetic, upbeat, engaging and direct. Her experience is part of the […]
Reading and Greeting
“Reading and Greeting” “Tomorrow will be another day” said the farmer as he reflected on a very wet seeding season. I admired his tenacity, hope and sense of optimism as we closed off our conversation. “Our lives are shaped by the people we meet and the books we read” someone once said. What are you […]
Mom, Help me Find a Job!
“Mom, Help me Find a Job! “It isn’t what you did for me; it’s that you believe in me.” Moms believe their children can accomplish anything, it’s part of the mommy code of life. We’re about to celebrate and honour mothers…in less than two weeks. It’s also the time of year when students are trying […]
Have you got a hope?
Have you got a hope ? “Happy Easter, Happy Spring…Happy Everything” read the brightly coloured card, complete with coloured eggs nesting in fresh straw. We celebrate Easter early this year, and some old timers say that spring will be early. I’ve listened to pain filled personal stories of several farm folks this winter. It seems […]
Harvest an Opportunity
“Harvest an Opportunity” Learn a new skill…CASS…Canadian Agricultural Skills Program Usually this is the time of year that I anticipate the things we need to get ready to make harvest a good experience. What do you write when there is no harvest? Well, this year may be your time to upgrade your skills and learn […]
Hidden in Plain Sight
“Hidden in Plain Sight” A wedding on New Year’s eve at Redvers, Saskatchewan led us to Sylvestre’s B&B, home of Andre and Lorna Sylvestre. Andre’s boyhood farm home is now his refuge to fix up Massey tractors, and entertain houseguests. He also helps another farmer with harvest. Lorna enjoys grinding flour for her homemade bread, […]
60 Questions for Farm Transfer
60 Questions for Farm Transfer The Quebec Farmer’s Association and FGCAQ use these questions to help farm families check out their expectations of one another in the transfer process. You just have to sit down with your copy of the questions and answer yes or no to each question. Then you need to discuss the […]