The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Greetings to ever one in western Illinois and all readers of "The Quill."
The End Is Here
No, this isn't Barnyard. This is Aunt Polly, and Barnyard told me to give his farewell to readers if anything should happen to him, and he even asked me if I wanted to take over writing his column.
My first thought is to leave this space blank in tribute to the fact that I don't know of anyone who could fill his shoes. In this case fill this column as well as Barnyard Bruke did.
First, I know for a fact that Barnyard Bruke had a very busy life yet he collected lots of information and had boxes upon boxes of ideas for his column at his home.
He didn't write his articles without a lot of thought and preparation or in a hurry, but he would spend several hours pouring through articles and books at his home and then he would fashion together a most interesting Barnyard column.
I'm just an aunt, but I am mighty proud of Barnyard and would hear of people sharing his articles from neighbors to relatives and other neighbors all over the place and who knows how many extra readers of The Quill we have each week due to that entertaining man.
His unique way of writing and his insight on situations was most entertaining to read.
Many who have moved off their farms to sunny and warm states for retirement, seemed to love reading about what is going on in Illinois, down on the farm.
And of course there were so many thoughts and opinions he would relay in his column that the boys had brought up in the coffee shop that many shut-ins don't always hear about.
Many especially enjoyed when he wrote about the olden days as it would bring back such peasant memories.
All of his relatives just didn't know how a man as busy as Barnyard could take time to write this long lengthy column each week and keep up with everything else he was doing.
Well, The Quill has expressed their deepest appreciation for all his columns and loss and they regret saying goodbye to this dear friend
But, perhaps his old Aunt Polly can work up an article from time to time, or maybe Dessa can write something to fill the void.
Anyway, for this week, we will be busy attending a dear friend's funeral, Raymond E. Defenbaugh of Kirkwood, who is the only one I know who could fill Barnyard Bruke's shoes.
I was given a devotional from Dr. David Jeremiah that is a reminder of a similar thing Ray had shared with family:
You Can't Take It With You
But God said to him, "Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?" So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. -Luke 12:20-21
In 2010, Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett began recruiting fellow billionaires to commit to giving away at least half their wealth to philanthropic causes.
Since its inception, around two hundred individuals and couples have taken The Giving Pledge with commitments of over $500 billion.
This initiative is further evidence of the realization that "you can't take it with you."
Recommended Reading:
Matthew 6:19-21
That is a biblical realization as well.
Jesus' parable about the rich man who built bigger barns to store his abundant crops, drew a stern rebuke.
Laying up treasures on earth instead of in heaven is a shortsighted venture, for we never know when our earthly life will end.
Laying up spiritual treasures in heaven, Jesus further taught, is the surest way to be "rich" for all eternity.
Where we store our treasures is an indication of where our heart's priorities are:
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21).
Diligent saving is a wise habit (Proverbs 6:6-8), but not because it provides us security.
Our temporal and eternal hope is in the Lord (Psalm 146:5).
To forsake Christ for the world is to leave a treasure for a trifle. -William Jenkyn
That is a little advice we must all take heed and listen to, so:
"Make each day count"
"Do a good deed"
"Show a little kindness"
"Thank God in all things"
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Alice Defenbaugh and all her family for their loss in this time of grieving and to others who are grieving a loss of someone dear.
Hope to see you in church,
Be kind to your neighbor,
Aunt Polly