A Bowl of Beans

image courtesy of PhotoBucket

When I was quite young, we lived a city block away from the Rail road trains. I loved to run down to the corner and wave at the engineers.  They always waved back and blew their loud whistle.

There were men who rode the freight trains trying to get to a different city, perhaps to return to their home, or they might be looking for work. We called them Hobo’s. I suppose today we would call them homeless men.

One day, there was a knock at our back door and a clean man, neatly dressed in a suit told my dad that he was down on his luck and was hungry. He asked if he could do some work for us in exchange for some food.

My dad took one look at him and invited him to come in and sit at our kitchen table.

A big pot of red beans was cooking on the store and that was to be our dinner. However mother always cooked plenty so there could be some left over if anyone was hungry later.

Mother had just removed a huge pan of corn bread from the oven and she began to slice a large portion for our guest.  Our kitchen must have smelled like heaven to that dear man!

Dad scooped up a big bowl of the steaming beans and set it before our visitor.

It was evident that this gentleman was telling the truth that he was hungry, because he ate those beans and corn bread with a vengeance. I can remember as a small child, watching him and thinking that I was glad he came to our house.

This was not the first man who had knocked on our door and probably wasn’t the last one either, but my parents always fed whoever requested something to eat. They did not require them to work for it or to pay them money. For the hungry person it was FREE.

I am reminded that this is just like our Lord? When our spirits are hungry for God, He gives to us freely because Jesus has already paid for our salvation by his death, burial and resurrection. It is up to us to receive what He has provided for us.

I am also reminded that the Bible tells us that when we give to those in need, that we are giving as unto the Lord. It is the same as if we were presenting gifts unto Jesus himself.

In another scripture, it says, that some have entertained angels unawares!!

Wow that truly is an amazing thought!!

I suppose that we will never know on this earth, who we have actually entertained, but one day those secrets will be revealed to us when we arrive in heaven.

In the mean time, as you have opportunity, do good unto all persons.

Scroll down for the Recipe for Home Made Chili Beans

This post was inspired by Floyd’s post about “A Homeless man.” Please read his post at: http://theregoi.com/finding-floyd/a-homeless-man/

This post has been entered in Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays at http://annkroeker.com/
Do visit her site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes.

HOMEMADE CHILI WITH BEANS

1 pound bag of pinto beans or kidney beans soaked over night
in three times their volume of cold water before cooking.
Brown and cook these ingredients separately and add when beans are done.

1 lb ground beef
2 tbsp. salad oil
4 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 large chopped onion
1 green pepper, chopped (optional)
2 cans tomatoes
1 cup water
2 tbsp. flour

After soaking the beans, drain and add fresh water to the cooking pot.

Bring the beans to a boil, and then lower the heat and simmer for 60 to 90 minutes, or until the beans are tender.

Do not add other ingredients until beans are tender.

Beans are done when they can be easily mashed between two fingers or with a fork. Always test a few beans in case they have not cooked evenly

While beans cook, do not add salt or acidic ingredients, like vinegar, tomatoes or tomato juice, as this will slow the cooking process. Instead, add these ingredients when the beans are just tender.

In a large skillet, brown ground beef; add chili powder, salt, sugar, onion, green pepper, tomatoes, and water. Simmer until all is cooked. Add rest of ingredients, mixing flour with liquid from beans for thickening.
Serve with hot corn bread and if you like a fresh green salad.