Not Just a Break in the Gingerbread

            My holiday season is filled with something that I have not experienced in some length of time. Outside of traveling, Christmas parties, lots of food, and the other usual Christmas festivities; my life is full of little else. In fact, I sit now in a warm, cozy house in a padded seat unwinding as my day comes to a close.  This evening will be filled with a cup of hot coffee and perhaps a dish of some black raspberry ice cream. I will probably eat more than I’m hungry for and stay up later than I should. Regardless, I have no plan and in essence, I am taking a break.

           

I once received some advice to “just relax and be a kid for a little while.” After hearing this I was immediately filled with the perception that I must do nothing and have no agenda in order to relax and take a break. Today I realize that this is not the case. In fact, a break can look a lot of different ways to a lot of different people. For instance, being in a new location with little time constraints is a break for me. I have always been one to work often so taking a break from everything just isn’t something I find occurring often.

           

If I could impart any knowledge on you, it would be just that. Breaks look a lot of different ways to a lot of different people. This holiday season may be one that allows you to take some time off and get some good ‘ol R&R. Perhaps you’d rather spend every waking second with friends and family. Maybe you’d like to set the world record for attending the most holiday gatherings. Possibly you’re like me and have a healthy mix of all the above…family gatherings, hanging out with friends, rest, relaxation, and just a bit of work along the way. Whatever you need this holiday season, do not be afraid to get just a little of all of it.

I know that it is winter break, and it may seem as if you need to sleep in as late as possible, eat as much as possible, and do as little as possible. I also know that this may not be the case. Above both of these options, I know that this is a chance to relax. This may mean a lot of different things depending on who you ask so I encourage you to do this: find your own way of relaxing. Yep, that's it. It is incredibly simple when you really look at it. Find what makes you happy this holiday season and do it. More importantly than all, enjoy the time you have now…especially those in which you get to share it.

Good tidings to all,

Derek Berkshire

2014-2015 Indiana FFA

State Sentinel

A Lesson Learned in Mud

I love mud! Growing up, I can remember in the back yard my momma’s colossal garden. My dad every year would bring out the tiller and work diligently turning the soil. However, the best part was when my brothers and I would have a dirt clod fight. We would find huge chunks and chuck them at each other  till we were covered in mud.Needless to say the boys and I had a real good time. My mom however never thought it was very funny. Anyhow one day my thoughts were completely changed about mud through a sermon I heard online. 

I came across the sermon thinking, hmmm this could be interesting. I clicked on the video and began watching. The pastor was talking about how there is a message in the mud. I thought the man was crazy. How could the thing that was the main ingredient in most of my pies growing up could have a message in it? The man began with a question “What does the mud really mean?” After posing the question he told the story of the blind man in John Ch. 9 who Jesus ordered to put the mud he made on his eyes. Jesus ordered the man to go wash his eyes. Once the man cleaned his eyes he could see.

The pastor started talking about different points. The more I became engrossed in the sermon the clearer it all became. The very last point blew me away. Miracle in the mud, is always messy. He broke it down. The dirt equaled opportunity and failure equaled fertilize. Just like before the man was blind and then the mess of the mud was washed away creating the miracle of sight. My mind was blown! In milliseconds I connected this to my passion agriculture.

Agriculturist see dirt as an opportunity. The opportunity could be crops, a location for livestock production, an agribusiness or simple just innovation. Those obstacles or failures that one encounters is only fertilizer to drive that goal farther.That fertilizer fuels that passion. But if you choose to see the mud as a mess you’ll totally miss your miracle. 

Reflecting back I know I can relate to this idea that the pastor introduced. We all have had some real messy times in our lives. But once we finally found clarity... is truly feels like a miracle.Whether you’re a young kid having dirt clod fights or an agriculturist that deals with soil on a daily bases or simply someone that enjoyed the earth think about it. We are messy people. But we miss interpret the mess of life. Mess is the meaning of life. How will you find the message in your mud? Will you see it as a simple mess or will your choose to see the mess as a miracle. No matter what, don’t be afraid of the mud.

Much Love Indiana FFA,

Lindsey O’Hara

NRVP 2014-2015

Count Your Blessings

As I sit here peacefully in our living room, I cannot help but think of everything that happens throughout the holiday season. As state officers we have just begun our business and industry visits this week. A couple days ago we began our travels at Elanco by starting with a tour of their facilities and new additions to their company while also having the opportunity to speak one-on-one with a couple of their key employees. We are incredibly thankful for Elanco’s constant support of the FFA and us as a state officer team. They always provide an uplifting atmosphere within their headquarters that is so inviting to FFA members across the state.

As we made our way to Elanco in the morning traffic, I realized that through the hustle and bustle of this season there are little moments that we never notice or little actions that we are not thankful for, simply because we miss them. Christmas is coming up and some dread the holidays because to them it means rushing around the city to find those last minute presents they forgot, or they may even dread driving in the ice and snow; however, what they do not realize is all the good that happens within the magic of the Christmas season.

As I make quick runs to Wal-Mart it always seems to be a blessing to drop some cash in the Salvation Army bucket. Who could have guessed that such a small contribution could give so much hope to one person? While we go into those stores to find the last minute gifts, what if we thought of those thousands of children who would not get a Christmas gift all season? Just by purchasing a few toys and giving them to organizations, we could change Christmas for so many children this year. The little things we do for others or what others do for us are often lost in the commotion of life moving at such a fast pace. Sometimes it is just a good idea to sit back and reflect on life and see all the small blessings that have been placed in our lives. Whether reflection to you means prayer, journaling, or even listening to music that reflects your life, there is always time we can carve out of each week to just sit. To be able to sit and let all the stress of this life go and just see what we have been graced with is one small ability we have to handle the commotion of the season.

As I sit listening to music about being grateful for life, I think of how many things I have that I should be thankful for: my state officer family, my family back home, my friends, FFA members, an education, the ability to attend church, and even a warm house. There are so many things we take for granted every day that we have the tendency to only be thankful for on Thanksgiving, but sometimes in the chaotic moments it is more important to remember what we have rather than be disappointed at what we do not have.

It has been a blessing to see all the changes of seasons from the window of the state officer house, but what is even better is seeing all the positive changes FFA members make after leaving the FFA Center. My teammates and I cannot wait to spend the Christmas season with FFA chapters around the state and share what we are thankful for during the holidays. Through the chaos and hustle of the season, there is always a light shining on the blessings we are given each and every day. The only question is: Will we notice that light over all the headlights we pass in traffic? It is always the small things we sometimes miss that can make us the happiest. One great quote I love goes like this:

“Enjoy the little things in life….for one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.”

Through the holidays take time to notice and love the small moments within the big moments. Be sure to enjoy the crazy moments with friends while you are shopping, appreciate the person standing for the Salvation Army in the cold, sing Christmas songs like crazy with your family, decorate too much, dance like no one is watching, and love always.

Forever Blessed

Dakota Westphal

2014-2015 Indiana FFA State Reporter

Nothing but Grateful

My year serving as a state officer has been full of surprises, amazing people, new experiences, and above anything else it has been full of blessings. One of those many blessings took place on Tuesday, November 18 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

For the past 4 years the Colts have partnered with Kids Against Hunger (now known as Thrive 360) for what they call “The Million Meals Marathon”. The name says it all, but starting at about 8 am 4,000 volunteers fill Lucas Oil Stadium over the course of the day to fill over 1 million bags of food to help feed children who are food insecure. The state officer team, as well as the volunteering Indiana FFA chapters, worked the first 3 hour shift of the day and achieved the feat of filling 252,000 bags of food. Pretty amazing, right?!

As amazing as those numbers are, they aren't what impacted me most throughout my day there. When we first arrived a couple of key sponsors of the event gave opening remarks that really stuck with me. The first one was from Founder and Board Chairman of Thrive 360, Dan Hintz, “Within three or five miles of anyone, there’s somebody in need who doesn't know sometimes where their next meal is coming from.” What Mr. Hintz said really hit me because it’s easy to forget that hunger doesn't just happen in 3^rd world areas. It happens even in Indiana. It happens right down the road. Not only did it put hunger into a different perspective for me, but it also set the tone of our work day. Another thought provoking quote I gathered from the day came from the Indianapolis Colts Defensive Tackle #90 himself, Cory Redding. “You have to have a tremendous amount of energy, passion to do this. This is not centered around you this is centered around starving children around the state of Indiana.” I truly appreciated what he said for a couple different reasons. First of all, it was a great reminder as to why we were there for the day. Second of all, it was a great reminder as to what this year is all about for me. Taking what he said out of the context of hunger, this year is all about the members. One of the biggest reasons I wanted to serve as a state officer was so I could meet more members and learn their stories.  I’ve learned that FFA members have some really amazing goals and aspirations for their lives!

Having said that, I worked with a couple different table groups throughout my 3 hours so I could talk to as many members as possible. Let me tell you what, I met some incredible people! One of the first questions I asked when I joined a table was if the members had any ideas about what they wanted to do when they got of high school. I heard some excellent answers such as how some wanted to be vets, or doctors, or ag teachers. I talked to a couple people who have a passion for traveling and they want to visit the world when they graduate. I talked to members with hearts the size of Texas who weren’t completely positive where they wanted to go, but they knew without a shadow of a doubt they wanted to be in career field where they could help others. What encouraging answers to hear from the next generation of agriculturalists! However, in the many answers I heard throughout the day there was one answer that stopped me in my tracks. I was busy sealing bags (my designated role) when I asked the boy standing next to me this exact question. He paused for a minute, and then looked at me.

“You know, I really don’t know what I want to do. I just know I want to make an impact. I hope I do something that leaves this world better than how I found it.”

Wow. All I could manage was a smile and a “That’s amazing to hear, I’m sure you’ll make that impact.”, but my mind was swirling. This was a sophomore whose main goal was to improve the world. Talk about inspiring.

It was perfect to be able to help with the Million Meals Marathon right before Thanksgiving especially since giving feels so much better than receiving. It also helped remind me of all the blessings in my life. I’m beyond blessed to have a loving family and always having a meal on the table, but I have so much more to be thankful for outside of that. I’m thankful for the opportunity I have to travel this year. I'm thankful to have gained 3 brothers and 3 sisters. I’m thankful to be able to speak about my passion for agriculture nonstop. I’m grateful to be able to meet people who want to change the world around them. Most of all I’m so incredibly grateful that I made the decision to join FFA 4 years ago. What I’m trying to say is thank you. Thank you to my family who has supported me every step of the way. Thank you to the advisors who dedicate their time and passion to agriculture as well as their students. Thank you to the members who have welcomed me in like an old friend. Thank you Indiana FFA for being the amazing organization that you are.

Happy Thanksgiving and Many Blessings,

Kathleen Jacobs

Indiana FFA State Treasurer

Life-Long Learning

            Last Saturday was a busy day for most of us here in the State Officer house. And, when I say most of us that includes everyone except me. I found myself home alone, and without much to do. I didn’t really want to sit alone and watch a movie. I wasn’t hungry. I had already been running earlier that day, and I was tired of working on scholarship applications. So I decided I would kill the rest of the afternoon by paying a visit to the Trafalgar Library. I walked in with my backpack containing all the devices I might need to get some work done should the notion come over me. However, as I found a quiet spot near a window, I didn’t feel like doing any work at all. I set my things down and started wandering aimlessly through the shelves of books. I made my way through the low canyons of books, carelessly skimming the titles as I strode past. I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, but eventually I found a book that grasped my interest. It was about life in medieval England. Standing there surrounded by countless books, this particular one stood out to me as I thought about the fact that I knew very little about life in medieval England. Satisfied, I grabbed the book, and returned to my seat. For the next hour or so, I skimmed through the book picking up random bits of information on everything from the diet to the social order to the role of the Christian Church in eleventh century England. Later that afternoon, after reading a fair amount of that random book, I left the library feeling satisfied that I knew more than I did when I entered.

 I don’t feel like I know everything about everything. Honestly, I don’t feel like I know everything about anything, but I love the feeling of knowing more than I did previously.  I must admit, I have a habit of going to libraries and picking up random books. Sometimes it’s a book about tax law, or Greek architecture, or renaissance painters, or Islam, or forms of Government around the world. The subject of the book isn’t so important, as long as it provides the opportunity to learn something new. The reason I’m telling you all this isn’t to clue you in on one of my many odd quirks, but to express the idea of being a life-long learner. Being someone who has completed high school, I can state that high school will not teach you everything. There is still a lot out there to learn.

That is why I have created a challenge for myself, and I am now extending it to anyone who reads this. Recently, I have challenged myself to find fifteen minutes every day to get on the internet or open a book, and learn something new. Some days I spend that fifteen minutes browsing the New York Times leaning about current events. Some days I come up with a random question like: what was Julius Caesar’s childhood like? Then I google it, and try to come up with an answer. Some days that fifteen minutes is much more than fifteen minutes, and it is spent in a library looking for books on topics that I don’t know much about. Regardless of how you spend those fifteen minutes, I simply challenge you to find them, utilize them, and learn. Try to learn something every day, and become a true life-long learner. 

Jacob Mueller

2014-2015 Southern Region Vice President

The Disease of Business

If you would have asked me last week how I was doing, I would have answered with a statement along the lines of being busy and not having enough time to get things accomplished. Come to think of it, I find most of my friends and acquaintances living this very same busy lifestyle almost every day. Today however was different. No major obligations. No important tasks. No timeline or schedule to follow. In this society we all are a part of, it seems that days like today are becoming few and far between.

A typical day in most of our lives looks something like this: wake up far earlier than we’d like, prepare for our day by eating breakfast with the seemingly endless noise of negativity coming from the morning news, drive to work or school later than we had planned, sit through our day for hours on end, drive home thinking of all we still have to do, complete some form of “homework” (supper, dishes, school work, etc), and try and catch some rest before this cycle begins all over again the very next day…and the day after that…and so on and so forth.

Today, while being caught bored and making tasks to accomplish to occupy my time, a thought began to form in my head. How did we end up living like this? Why do we do this to ourselves? When did we forget that we are human beings, not human doings?

Let’s look back at a typical day in the life of me, Derek Berkshire. Kicking around a soccer ball, making the world’s greatest mud pies (you all know you’re guilty of making a few in your day too), climbing trees, creating the next famous work of art using my unique art supplies…crayons, building forts throughout the house, and living in my self-created world. I had no agenda. No responsibilities. No schedule dictating my actions.

Don’t get me wrong, I am well aware that this life I now live, a more adult life with actual responsibilities, is vastly different from that of my youth. However, what changed to make my life and perhaps yours too, one with a seemingly endless to-do list, so different from the life I once lived? When did a family supper, a meaningful conversation with a friend, random trips to the movies, spontaneous phone calls, game nights, and all of those other “past times” we used to partake in become inferior to the life we now live? The life full of obligations, bills, paperwork, house cleaning, schedules, meetings, jobs, and so much more.

How did we create a world in which we have more and more and more to do with less time for leisure, less time for reflection, less time for community, less time to just…be? For me it’s a multitude of things. Technology, the natural pace of society, deadlines. It seems that we have created a world in which we must have no down time in order to feel satisfied; yet, at one point in our lives we felt content with the simplicities that now escape that very same person.

It’s true; life has evolved. To a certain extent, we are forced to live a life full of actions in order to succeed or make ends meet. Our lives are full of schedules and lists and a plethora of other occurrences. Perhaps, we must live this newly evolved life void of mud pies and crayons. Perhaps, down time simply is ceasing to exist. Regardless, the question remains. How are you doing?

As I sat around the house in sweats and soaking in the boredom that my day off allowed, I realized something. Maybe, just maybe, this question of “How are you doing?” isn’t asking what I initially thought. Maybe, it’s instead asking “How are you…how is your heart…how is your soul…how are you?”

With that question in mind, I would have answered this way: I am a busy human being. “Being” used with extraordinary care. No, I’m not a human doing despite my phone, laptop, to-do lists, and schedules being used each and every day. You see, it’s all about attitude really. Those healing conversations, that connection with my friends and family, the fact that I’m doing what I love…that is what makes today—along with every day—great. So go ahead, with that in mind, ask me. How am I doing? I know what I’ll say. I am too busy and feel there is not enough time to get things accomplished but that’s okay, I am doing great. How are you doing?

Hoping your day is great,
Derek Berkshire2014-2015 Indiana FFA State Sentinel 

Attitude is Everything

When I woke up this morning I decided I would make today great! Not for a particular reason other than I just wanted to. It was not until I was in the drive thru at a fast food restaurant that I realized attitude is everything. This is something that most would think to be common sense. You’re probably thinking, “well yeah, duh, I already know this”. But no, seriously. I realize that attitude can determine a lot of things throughout our lives but attitude is something that I seem to overlook in most situations. When I was in the drive thru this morning, I was cheerfully greeted by the lady on the other side of the intercom. She welcomed me by saying, “Good morning, how may I help you?” This is the usual for most fast food restaurants but it was different this time. The words were the same but the tone of the lady's voice was genuine and real. She seemed thoroughly excited to be alive and awake this morning! Instantly I began to smile as soon as I heard her enthusiastic voice. I placed my $1.83 order of Cinnabon Delights (they are delicious, try them sometime, completely worth every penny!) and I proceeded to the window to give the spirited lady my money. Just as I had imagined, she was just as friendly at the window as she was through the intercom. She greeted me with a smile and repeated the amount that I owed. I gave her the money and she handed me my little bag of heaven. She told me to have a great day and I responded with a smile and a, “thank you, you too!” Because of this lady's energetic and vivacious attitude, this helped me carry on my optimistic attitude for the day ahead. I truly believe that the woman at the restaurant loved her job and because of that she possibly has brightened the day of everyone who goes through the drive thru. As I proceeded to Starbucks to work on a few things, I had a seat in the corner. An older man named Steve came in the door and instantly was greeted by name by the people behind the counter. He came over and had a seat across from me. Instantly he began having a conversation with me about how often he has seen me at Starbucks (I’m guilty), and he joked with me and told me that as long as I don’t take his seat then we will both be okay. It was obvious he was a regular. As he continuously joked with the folks that were working, we talked about everything from politics to what I planned on majoring in in college. We talked about his years in the Army and at the downtown post office to his dreams of moving down south. We talked about his dogs to beautiful places to go to in Indiana. We talked about his planned vacation with his family and about his retirement. He talked about his grandson who he proudly boasted about and he talked about fishing while listening to all of his tunes on his iPad. Before Steve left he told me to have a great day and he asked me a few questions about FFA. After a few more minutes of talking with others at Starbucks he was on his way out the door to go hunt down a gas cap for his lawn mower. I’m pretty sure Steve doesn’t know a stranger! Steve loves life and he loves people. Whether he’s at Starbucks on his iPad or texting his friends when he’s supposed to be finding a gas cap for his lawn mower because his wife told him to or whether he is meeting new people and striking up conversation with strangers, Steve makes every day a great day with his wise, optimistic and amusing attitude! So what kind of attitude will you have today? Will you let one frustrating or upsetting situation determine the attitude of your entire day ahead? If you forgot your homework, struggled on a test, was told some bad news about an ill family member, had a flat tire, woke up with a cold, didn’t have your coffee this morning, only got a few hours of sleep, or maybe you had no reason but you just woke up in a bad mood out of habit, face the day with a smile on your face! Try to determine your attitude first thing in the morning as soon as you take that first step out of bed, just know that today will be great! Be thankful for every single day of life that you are blessed with! Everyone has had their struggles and no one can absolutely understand what someone else is going through. Do not let the arrogance of others bring you down. “Let your smile change the world. But never let the world change your smile.” Serving with a grateful heart, Brittany Young 2014-2015 Indiana FFA State President

If These Walls Could Talk.

If these walls could talk what story might they tell? Would they share the story of an industry that has changed? An industry that has grown and adapted? Would they share the story of an industry that, no matter the circumstance, can rise from the ashes and meet the challenge of feeding, clothing, and supporting a growing world, an industry that believes in the power of its youth? In 1988, out of the pole framework of a barn, and because of the efforts of volunteer agriculture teachers, emerged the Indiana FFA State Officer House. The house has provided a foundation for food, faith, and family for 26 teams. If these walls could talk they would share the stories of the legends that have spent their days in the house. Outstanding individuals like National FFA Presidents Mark Timm, 1989-1990, and Travis Park, 1990-1991or Indiana’s last National Officer Tyler Tenbarge in 2006-2007.   They would express the joy of housing members like, Lisa Moss Chaudion, Indiana FFA’s first female State President and Advisor, or Joe Kelsey, former Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture Throughout its history, 3 Indiana FFA Executive Directors, 3 Indiana FFA Foundation Directors, all Program Specialists, and 26 agriculture teachers have called these walls their home. These walls would share about individuals who entered the doors of the house and grew to be top of their class graduates, student body Presidents’, business leaders, scientists, lobbyists, and key proponents for agriculture. If these walls could talk, would they speak of individuals who joined as one not for the sake of themselves, but for the future of an organization? They would scream out the story of how seven completely different individuals could learn to love, to grow, and to serve. They would speak of tears of fear, of joy, tears of frustration, tears of empathy, tears of happiness, tears for knowing that you are part of something more. They have been onlookers for the thrill of victory and the sigh of defeat. They would express lessons learned, plans that fell through, and teams that pushed on no matter what. They would share the moments of sadness, the moments the officers struggled, or when the loss of a member of friend shook the team to its core. They would be sure to include the hysterical times; the times when officers stayed up late watching movies, or the constant bickering of loving siblings. They would share the times when officers, members, family, and State Staff gathered and shared a time of comradery. They would include the emptiness that is felt each and every year as the team becomes busier and time in the house just seems impractical. They would share the stories of that first night, that last night, and all those nights in between. These walls have supported numerous forms of life from insects, animals, and humans alike. If these walls could talk, they would elaborate on the layers of paint on them or the assortment of decorations that have covered them. They would speak of dust and construction that has begun to fill the air. These walls themselves have begun to crumble. These walls have barred their load for years, and are starting to feel their age. The voice of these walls grows old and weary. It slows its pace and slurs its words. These walls have been moved and changed, but their story stays the same. Each year these walls feel the tremble of new feet chasing each other through their halls. They sense the passion that can only be felt in the weakest of hours. They would speak of new beginnings, the beginnings of each team and the fresh breath that they bring to the house, the new spark that waits to make its impact. They would speak of the stargaze eyes that bombarded the house each march, eyes of capable individuals dreaming of making these walls their home. Over the last 26 years these walls have been spectators, observers of the pride, honor, and humbling passion held by each Indiana FFA State Officer that has lived in this house. These walls would whisper the secrets of the “incredible perfection” that is created by an organization that puts youth at the forefront. As I sit here today, housed, protected, and humbled by these walls, I wonder if these walls could talk what stories would they tell. Oh, if these walls could talk, what story would they tell?   Living to Serve, Skylar Clingan 2014-2015 Indiana FFA Secretary

Red Acres is the Place For Me

The worn leather under my hands…high above the world I was perched overlooking the vast hay field. The trees where brilliant reds, yellows and oranges. The air was fresh, it smelled like burning leaves and diesel fuel. Fall was upon us. As I took a trip around my Papole Kent’s farm (Red Acres) I remember searching the field that butted up to my papole’s property. In the distance, a combine was shelling beans and dust was flying everywhere. As the combine collected the beans I thought of numerous by-products that might come from the crop. As the Farmall BN and I rounded the other side of the field I couldn't help but feel the responsibility of farmers. Harvest season is my favorite time of the year. 

Back home in Northern Indiana! 

From a young age I learned how to operate my papole’s tractors, in fact I could drive tractors before I could ride my bike without training wheels. I could not get enough of the rush I felt high above the earth, hearing the sound the tractor made and smelling the ever so prominent diesel fuel. My papole has restored tractors ever since I can remember and only the red ones. His work ethic was a hard one and it showed in all of his tractors. The tractors bonded papole and I. The heritage that existed was intertwined in the frame work of each tractor. The Farmall BN that I was driving previously was my Great Grandpa’s. My papole would tell me of stories about the BN. He told about when my great grandpa first purchased it, how the dents got certain places and how diligently the tractor worked. A staple part of the farm and a piece of history to share with his 4th generation great granddaughter. 

This is my Papole Kent and I going on the many tractors ride I would take when I was little! 

Now that farmers are out harvesting, memories stir up from those long tractors rides. Taking walks down the road and admiring the changing crops. Spending time with family, friends and enjoying the beautiful fall season. No matter what part you reside in this fly over state we all know the importance of farmers and admire their tireless work to feed the world. As we drive past the farmers taking the combines another round remember how blessed we are to have such committed producers. I would like to give a shout out to those producers making the food on my table possible. I love farmers, they feed my soul.

Taken in Southern Indiana near the FFA Leadership Center. 

You Ag Lovin' and Farmall Driving Indiana FFA NRVP,

Love Lindsey O'Hara