Rejoice

We finished harvesting on Tuesday before the rains moved in.  The unloading auger chain on the combine broke for the third time this fall.  We fixed it and were able to finish, but it will need to be replaced before wheat harvest next summer.  It was stress free then when we received 3.5 inches of rain over the next few days.

Down a winding gravel lane in a nondescript building in the timber south of Secor, is the home of  Rejoice  Records and an impressive recording studio.  My siblings decided to make a recording for my parents for a Christmas gift to honor them for the Christian heritage and music appreciation that they passed down to us.  On Friday night and Saturday we children (and spouses), along with our children (and spouses) and grandchildren, and the Streitmatters gathered in the studio to sing some old family favorites.  Denny and family welcomed us and were very patient with our large group.

When four of us siblings were attending Goodfield Grade School in the middle 1960's, we entered the annual talent show and sang "The Church in the Wildwood" because we used to sing it on our way to church on Sunday mornings.  We won our division and each received a dollar.  We sang that song with the little children.  In honor of Rita practicing piano to get out of washing dishes, we sang "Suppertime", the one song she knew and played over and over.  In memory of Uncle Vernie, we sang "Jesus Hold My Hand", which  he always sang with us when driving. Ned added a violin track to "Love at Home". Some men's quartet songs, a couple of female numbers, and other group songs rounded out our time.

We didn't sound very practiced or professional, but since most of the family made it for the weekend, we had a blessed and enjoyable time.

The first cousins practicing their song before recording.

The masters at the control panel.

Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Jah, and rejoice before him.
Psalm 68:4