Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Threefold Cord (04/12/12)
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TITLE: Family Unity | Previous Challenge Entry
By Patsy Hallum
04/19/12 -
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“We're changing tactics.” He sat down on the rock. “We need a system.” He pulled his red bandanna out of his back pocket and wiped his sweaty face, looking from one child to another, then at his wife. “Well, do any of you have any ideas we can use? We all have to work together you know.”
“Maybe we could use a pitch fork like a crowbar!” Matt, the middle boy said. “ Maybe we will have to ride to town and buy another crowbar to replace the one that was stolen, if the pitchfork don't work.”
“No, I don't think the pitchfork is strong enough to pry with.” Don said as he sprawled on the ground. “Maybe a lever type system?”
“Well, Don, How would that system work?” Papa asked as he cleared a space in the dirt. “Draw your thoughts here.” Papa grinned and winked at his wife, Lora.
“Gene, don't you believe that as a family, we can do anything?” she asked. She knew that her husband challenged their children to think about the problems they encountered.
“Of course I do, Darlin'” He threw a stick to Don. “What are you going to use as a fulcrum?”
“Well, it's like this,” Don began to mark the dirt. “This is the rock, it's tight against the ground everywhere except on the north corner where there's a small hole. If we enlarge this hole enough to get a four or more inch tree trunk in under there. Then we put that smaller rock under the tree trunk about a foot from the rock.” He was drawing while he talked. He stopped a minute, thinking and getting the picture in his mind. “Then, the tree trunk will be about five foot off the ground at the end. So, If we all got a hold of it, Dad at the highest point, pulling down, Matt, Me, Pam and Mom will set on the log. Then, Jacob will push smaller logs under the north side of the rock as it rises up. That way, if it falls, it will not go plum to the ground. What Ya think, Dad?”
“I think it will work! However, We need to move the rock quite a ways. How is getting it up on one side, going to help?”
“I don't know yet.” Pam stated as she studied the drawing “Wait! What if we build a cross frame, put a pulley on it, tie a rope around the rock, put the end through the pulley. We would have to put the pulley frame where we wanted the rock to move too or farther back than that. Then, after the rock is off the ground on the north side, it will slide better as we all pull on the rope.”
“That sounds great, Sis.” Matt said. “I'll get the timbers to make the pulley frame. Okay Pa?”
“Yep, Get 'em. While we figure out how to make a rope strong enough to pull without breaking.” He motioned for everyone to gather round. “Lora, what do you think we can do with the clothesline rope, the baling twine, and the rope we bought for the kids to make jump ropes out of?”
“Well, Dear, God says one by itself is weak, but if you braid them together, you can't break them. So lets braid them together and do it!” It was important to get that rock moved. Lora needed the space for her garden shed and garden, besides, she wanted to keep chickens, guineas, and a calf in the shed.
“Help me braid Pam, please.”
At last all was ready. Once again, grunts and groans filled the air as the first part of the lift was accomplished without a hitch.
“Everyone get a drink, then move to the rope.” Dad was busy tying the rope around the rock as he spoke.
“Ready, Set, Pull!” The rock began to move! When it was in place Papa yelled. “A three fold cord and a family that works together cannot fail! Praise God!”
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