Through the Storm

This past weekend I was blessed with the opportunity to attend the Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Conference in Des Moines to raise awareness about the Seeds of Hope Foundation. As many of you know, the Iowa Farm Bureau was a big part of Chasen's life here on this earth. We spent many years attending the conference, traveling, advocating for agriculture, and most importantly making lifelong friendships. Members of the Young Farmer Advisory Committee approached me with the opportunity to raise money for the foundation at the 2022 event. The Farm Bureau offered to match up to the first $1,000 raised. I am humbled to say that over $5,000 was raised to support young farm families diagnosed with long term illnesses. Thank you to each and everyone that made a contribution to the foundation. I can promise that your dollars will make a difference.

During the conference I had several people come up to me - "I don't know how you do it Justine / Chasen would be so proud / I am in awe of your strength".  As I tried to formulate a response, I struggled to find the words. So I settled with "you don't realize how strong you can be until God puts your faith to test." I have been honored by the chance to remember Chasen's legacy and compassion through the Foundation. It has created opportunities to help other young farm families through some trying times. Paying forward what so many did for us, a shining light in a dark time.  

Coincidentally we read from Mark today (4:35-41):  

On that day when evening had come he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." And leaving the crowd they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, "Teacher do you not care that we are perishing?" And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, "who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"

During life's storms filled with fear, anger and pain, it is so easy to question God. Similar to the disciples on that boat, I thought many times "God where are you? Do you care? Can you hear my prayers?" And one day I suddenly realized that I was here in this moment, in this storm for a reason. It was then that I was able to fully embrace my faith in God and it took me to another level. I can say that my faith in God was the strongest it had ever been in the eye of our storm. God is bigger and can calm any wind or wave this earth can muster.  

I remember my counselor saying to me several times - "Don't let this pain go to waste". She pushed me to be a better mom, a better friend, a better wife, a better coach through the storm. This past week a good friend of mine shared her storm with the world. I am so proud to have been a part of Maddie Caldwell's journey. If you haven't yet, take 10 minutes for Maddie and give her story a read. It was so humbling to watch Maddie grow and learn as a young employee. But after learning more about her storm this past spring, I had a new level of respect for the joy she brings to this world. A fruit beared by the power of her storm. 

In the middle of the storm, we need to trust our Savior. Truly realize that everything happens for a reason. When we experience the power of God we can find rest, we can grow in the spirit (Acts 1:8). 

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses".

God empowers us to make disciples and to be his witnesses. Today in church it was said that 53% of our community will not step foot in a church. As a single mom with a young child, I totally get it so please do not feel that I am shaming anyone but simply attempting to do just that. Helping you unleash God's spirit so you too can bear great fruit. 

Living in Pella has brought many blessings to Nolan and I, but one of the biggest was being exposed to Christian music. It is played in stores, coffee shops, salons, through the local radio station, and now on my Amazon Alexa. If you think a child belting out "Let it Go" brings a smile to your face, it can not compare to that of a song about Jesus. Today we listened to one of our favorites in church "Waymaker". If you haven't heard it, and are in the midst of a a storm, I ask you to take a listen. Focus on these words: 

Even when I don't see it you're working...Even when I don't feel it you're working...You never stop working"

If you can't find God in your storm, find a friend, find a family member. We are all here to help one another get to heaven. Wake us from our cushion so we can help you see the power and rest that God can offer.

And if you made it to the other side of the lake. Don't forget to take time and admire the rainbow. 

God bless all of you in this upcoming week.