O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.                                                                                Psalm 107:1

I am thankful to the Lord for he is good. From the time of my birth on a rural Iowa farm to many years later the love of the Lord has been with me. I got my early education, fulfilled my military obligation, returned home and married a very sweet Iowa farm girl. We then decided to venture out in life, leave our home state, get higher education and explore.

Our venture took us to four states where we met many wonderful people and had good experiences with certainly highs and lows, all with signs that the Lord was with us on our travels. One of our highs was the birth of our healthy son and daughter. Thank the Lord for such great gifts. Another high would be our successful professional careers with the love of the Lord and many hours of hard work. The big low for our life came in 2015. our married son (46), father of three, died of brain cancer, glioblastoma. Our faith and the love of the Lord gave us our strength at that low time.

In 1996, our life venture took us to making our home on farm land in the middle of St. Croix County. Our careers continued and with hard work, developing the land into a wildlife habitat environment, and yes God’s love inspiring us. Then in 2009, after enjoying the beautiful land that God let use, we decided we needed to give back and let the public enjoy what God had given us. Today, that land (203 acres) which is public land know as “Nagel Wildlife Management Area.” We have been blessed and very thankful. The love of the Lord has been with us all the way.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your steadfast love, your blessing of help in difficult times. We pray for your continued presence as we approach other opportunities and challenges in life. In your name we pray. Amen