Practice Makes Better

Yesterday was the All-Iowa Showdown, a competition of the elite champion livestock showmen from each county who also won a regional showdown. They came to the Oskaloosa Fair Grounds Pavilion to show their stuff. The entire fairgrounds was filled with truck and show trailers from all over Iowa. There were nine regional showdowns, each with eight species representing that area: breeding doe, ewe, gilt and heifer; and market beef, goat, hog and lamb. There were 72 possible showmen however several had won with more than one species. We were honored to be there for two grandchildren from two different counties and Calvin was one who showed two animals: breeding ewe and market lamb. Bailey showed a market lamb as well.

Bailey and Calvin competed in the Market Lamb division of the All-Iowa Showdown in Oskaloosa yesterday.

There were four judges who were known for their species and each one mentioned how impressive it was to drive onto the fairgrounds and see the sheer number of families involved, plus the extensive amount of tack and equipment brought to represent Iowa. The judges were all in awe of this unique competition and praised the organizers of the event. Truly, it has taken several years of groundwork to make the Showdown happen and it was well done, honoring the kids who worked so hard to get there, as well as recognizing the parents, families, 4-H and FFA leaders who were in the background of each Ag student.

Just as with any organized event be it gymnastics, softball, soccer, dance, or church, people learn from others they gather with. Information is shared: the secrets of success, methods of best practices, or personal mistakes that led to a change. We all learn from a mentors or teachers; we look up to those who exemplify our goal.

As Christians, we learn through individual Bible study, group teaching and sharing, and formal worship sessions. Experience plays a big part in our growth of faith. Continued repetition of good practices helps build our skill and knowledge, whether it is sheep coiffure for show or Bible study. We must be consistent and practice, practice, practice. Our continual connection to God is mandatory for success.

"God's angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray. Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see--how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness," (Psalm 34:7-10 MSG).