Wedding on a Budget

 

courtesy google search

Waking my mother and dad up, I announced that my cousin was going to drive me and Robert to Reno and we would get married that night.  Dad said okay, but mother was very upset.  She said, “Child, please don’t do this.  Don’t you want a church wedding with all your friends and the family in attendance?  I will help you.”

So it was that instead of running off to Reno, my mother agreed to help me plan a Church wedding on a budget.  Actually this pleased me to know that we would have sweet memories at our church. 

Funds were limited, but mother was a good shopper.  She made phone calls to obtain the best price for invitations, plates, napkins, cake, flowers and accessories.  The ladies at church offered to bake various cakes, as we would be serving cake and punch only.

Now I needed a dress, and also formals for my attendants.  I worked downtown Oakland, so on my lunch break I walked from my office to the JC Penny store. 

 

There in the front window was a lovely white satin gown.  The neck was high with lace inset and tiny pearl beading over the front.  Covered satin buttons closed the sleeves at the wrist.  The price was only $29.99 because it was a sample and priced less than the other gowns on the rack.

Hurriedly I entered the store and asked the size.  Even though it was a size larger the sales girl assured me that they could easily alter it for me at a small charge. Then I requested to please place that wedding gown on lay-away, and they were happy to do so.

On my way back to my work, I passed a dress shop and quickly entered.  “Do you have any formals?” I asked.  Ushering me to the rear of the store the sales girl showed me several gowns each in a different color.  My ladies would be a pastel rainbow and that was fine with me.  Again I asked them to hold the formals for me.

By then I was very excited and my happiness ran over as I returned to work.  One of my co-workers had recently married, and she offered, “You need something borrowed, so you can use my veil.”  I was elated because a veil could cost as much as a dress.

 
A couple of days before the wedding we rented a tiny furnished apartment and moved in enough items to set up housekeeping, so now we had a place to live.

Our wedding was scheduled on a Thursday night, and since we took Friday off from work, we had the week end for our honeymoon.  Robert borrowed a car from his uncle and after the ceremony we headed to Sacramento as that was as far away as we could afford.  Touring the State Capital and also visiting Sutter’s Ford was historic and fun.

The wedding was lovely and certainly on a budget - - - and for many years our marriage was also on a budget.   We now have an empty nest, but we are still careful how we spend our money. 

 

Many things in life can be enjoyed without spending a fortune.  God promises to show favor to those who serve Him and he has done that for us.  He will also do that for you.

 

 This post is linked with Jennifer at:  God-Bumps and God-Incidences

This post was also shared at Bonnie’s Faith Jam and

"@Bonnie Gray - Faith Barista".

 

Pay Attention Because There is NO Where Else to go!

One Way courtesy photobucket.com

Pastor Jerry was reading from John 6 where Jesus was speaking about his flesh and blood being given for our eternal life, and I share gleanings from his sermon. 

There was much speculation and misunderstanding. The things Jesus was saying sounded creepy and cannibalistic; to eat his flesh and drink his blood.  Yes, it would seem sinister and disturbing to a first timer who had no understanding of what Jesus was teaching.  If those who left so quickly had stuck around, they would have picked up on the truth.

Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can hear it?“  From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.  Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.  And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

The multitude had been following Jesus, thinking “He gave us bread, now what more can we get from him?”

Some people come to church only to see what they can get personally or perhaps to receive some help financially.  They did not come to worship the giver of eternal life.

Jesus was making things difficult, as there are no simple answers.  Jesus was the answer, but he wasn’t making it easy to become his follower.

After a Bible study, did you ever leave with more questions than you came with?  Why do the innocent suffer is the perennial question that never goes away.

Was Jesus actually offensive, or was He trying to gain their attention?  Hard as the words of Jesus are, can we accept them and follow Him?

Why do some quickly accept the Gospel, while others just as intelligent find it difficult to realize the symbolic means that Jesus taught?  We must allow his teaching to leach and soak into our soul.  Let the river of life flood our being.

Words alone do not always get our attention.  Often we need a visual illustration.  Jesus gave us one to remember - - a view of the cross, and a vision of the empty tomb and his promise that He will return again.

Jesus asked, “Will you also leave?  Peter (and we also) answered, Where shall we go, for we know you are the Holy one, the Son of the living God? !!

This post is Linked up today with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

Fear Not for I am With You

Fear courtesy photobucket.com

 

Fear Not for I am With You

Shadows darken round me,

Night is falling . . . falling

Where is the voice

That I hear calling . . . calling?

Waters billow and cover me,

When shall the morning bright

Break over the dawn

And bring me light.

Dreams of tomorrow

Are so dark, nothing is real

All is lost as my hopes

Vanish in the pale

The voice comforts me

You shall rise again,

In God there is no fear,

Your trust is not in vain.

A new day approaches,

Help is on the way

I will be with you

Through the coming day!

03-16-11 Hazel Moon

Peace courtesy photobucket.com

The One Word Carnival is Hosted today at Flowing Faith
The word is FEAR



Apple Betty (repost)

Apples courtesy photobucket.com

Finally we are getting a few apples from our formerly barren trees. 

We washed, peeled and sliced a bowl full of the lovely fruit and poured them into a buttered Pyrex baking dish.

Here is my Mother Ruth’s favorite recipe for Apple Betty or as know by some as Apple Crisp.  This recipe is a keeper and you will want to make a copy of it for your files.

The last time I made this dish, I added a handful of blue berries that I had in the freezer.  They were a nice addition to our favorite apple desert.

Apple Betty
4 to 6 cups sliced apples
3/4 cups quick oats
3/4 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup soft butter
Optional: add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Slice the apples into a Pyrex baking dish. Mix the other ingredients in a separate bowl and sprinkle over the apples. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes. Serve hot or cold. It is also good with some ice cream.

Autumn is the season for apples, so if you do not own an apple tree, I do suggest you purchase some nice cooking apples and try this delicious and favorite recipe.

It will become your favorite method to serve baked apples.

We welcome Ann back with her Food on Friday site, after her technical problem with her computer.  All is well now!  Happy Happy day!

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s  Food on Fridays    

Do visit her site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes.

Personal Appearances Not Wanted

image courtesy photobucket.com

 

Soon after Uncle Douglas (who is the same age as our son) came to live with us, his older teen age brother, David paid us a surprise visit.  He was trying to convince Doug that we did not really want him and he needed to get his things and come live with him and dad.

I only overheard part of the conversation, but I could see Douglas was in tears as he rushed to our upper floor.

Hurrying up the stairs after Doug with David trailing behind me, I caught up to him in the bedroom that he shared with our son Steve.  He was pulling his belongings out of the dresser and I ordered him to stop.  He did stop as he wiped his eyes and looked at me.

I told Douglas, “You are NOT going anywhere,” and turning to David I continued to use my commanding voice and said, “David, you are only causing trouble and I want you to leave now, because  Douglas is staying here, and Bea wants him here with her and us.”

David wasn’t all bad, he thought he was rescuing his little brother, but I knew what would happen if I allowed Doug go with him.  A twelve year old is impressionable and living with us - - at least he was in school and attending church.

Sheepishly David hung his head and retreated down the stairs to leave.  I told Douglas to put his things back in the dresser, and to go wash up for dinner.  He did and all was well.

The Devil does not make personal appearances, but he often uses our family or friends to stir up trouble and bring problems.  It is when we recognize what is actually happening that we can get the upper hand.  Look behind the problem not the person, and know that you are under attack. 

Our family and friends are not the enemy - - Our family and friends are not the devil and they are NOT demon possessed, but there are instances that they can be USED by Satan when he plants suggestions into their minds and they act on them.

When trouble begins, there are times we stand in the place of Jesus and we must speak out and act like Jesus would do.  Just be wise and not foolish as we listen to the Holy Spirit along the way. 

When his disciples were afraid, Jesus spoke peace to the storm.

While others watched the money changers, Jesus turned over their tables and told them that God’s House was a place of worship, and they had made it a den of thieves.

When his disciples wondered how they would be able to feed a multitude, Jesus had the answer and supplied their need.

God is interested in our everyday lives, and when trouble comes, he is ready and willing to provide an answer.  If He instructs us to speak out, then that is what we must do.

This post is linked with Jennifer at:  God-Bumps and God-Incidences

Also shared at:  Joy’s Wednesday; Flaws and Nakedness

 

Uncle Douglas

Sunday Suit
courtesy photobucket.com

Most families have problems at times, and my Mother-in-Law, Bea had a BIG one.  She rightly suspected her husband of having an affair, and she paid him back her way. 

A week went by and she finally phoned me from the Gray hound bus depot requesting that I come get her as she was back in town.  On the way to our place she asked me to pick up Douglas and bring him too as she wanted to spend a few days with us.  Uncle Douglas was 12 and the same age as our son.  It would be good for Doug to be with us and it looked like to be a long while.  His older brother David stayed with his dad by choice.

Bea loved to shop and she and I went to the bargain room at our nearby department store.  There I spotted a boys navy blue suit with shirt and tie size 12 and I knew it would fit Douglas and the price was right.  Taking it home, I hung it on the kitchen door so he could see it when he arrived home from school. 

Yes, he knew the suit was his and now he had something nice to wear to church. 

Although we usually drove our car, the church was in walking distance, and Douglas liked to walk there.  One Sunday he met one of his friends on the way to church.  His friend decided to tease Doug as he looked so nice in his blue suit carrying his Bible.  Boys often show their jealousy in mean ways.

The boy using his sing song voice said, “Are you going to Church, little boy?”  Douglas answered him by saying, “Yes I am - - and that is where you should be going too.”  I was so proud of him when he told me about it later.

Douglas lived with us for five years, even after Bea and her husband were reunited about a year later.  I kept making excuses as to why Douglas should stay with us.  Bea agreed and said he could stay.

Those years were important and unlike his brother David, he chose to not drink or smoke.  Douglas’s decision to follow Jesus did not waver even at age 17 when he moved home to live with his parents. 

He had asked my permission to move, and I told him, I would allow it, but that it was not a wise choice.  I said, “You will stop going to church, and you will drop out of High School.”   He answered back, “Oh no, I won’t do those things.”  But he did.   

Soon after, he began to work for Robert and was important to our roofing business because we could trust him.

So it was for five years we had five teenagers in our home, our three and two more.

But that is another story.

This post has been linked with Joan Davis at: Sharing His Beauty

Also shared at: Tell Me a Story  http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/  

   

What is Real?

image courtesy photobucket.com

Pastor Jerry read from John 6: 51-58  and I share gleanings from his message on Sunday.

courtesy photobucket

John 6:58  This is the True bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.”

For many of us, what is real depends on where you are and what you see around you.

Language today is confusing to some unless you are in the know.  Companies have their old abbreviations and words that mean certain things to the in crowd, but are strange to anyone else.

The computer and texting on the phone has abbreviations that mean something to those who are on familiar terms with short forms such as:  ty, yw, lol, wtg, OMG

OMG  God must be pleased to hear and see his name invoked daily, Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God. OMG.  Not real language, but understood.

Pastor said he did a virus scan on his computer and it revealed thousands of threats.  He did not know he had so many enemies.  Were they real?  Probably not.

Many terrorists have strapped bombs to them selves and blow themselves up believing they will reach heaven.  It was not real, but they believed it.

Although we speak English, the many Christian denominations have their own language for certain doctrines.  Certain realities are expressed differently.  What is real?

In the Bible there were many false prophets, they were not real.

Paul was called a “Pest” because he preached the one true God who was real.  Others worshipped many gods including animals and Caesar proclaimed himself to be a God.

Peter in prison was released by an angel, yet he thought it was a dream and not real.

Some things in life cause us to become bitter, what we need to do is change our attitude and reach out to reality in Christ.

The Velvet Rabbit wanted to become a real rabbit, and he discovered that Love was the key.  He was tossed around, became dirty from touching the world, torn and forgotten, but not broken.  He found love that made him real.

Don’t be a person who breaks easily, allow Jesus to build you up on the inside, real is what Jesus did for you.  The things of the Spirit are real and as real as it gets.

To be loved is REAL

This post is Linked up today with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

Frozen food aDefrosting

Freezer open - courtesy photobucket.com

By now you know that last week, Ann Kroeker had some technical problems with her computer last week, and it has now been repaired !  This story was last fridays post, and I thought you might enjoy it on her Food on Friday site.

This a brief story about frozen food that is defrosting.  The reason is because the freezer in the garage did not have the door properly closed on the last entry.

Robert allows me to sleep in most days, and as I woke to the smell of roast beef and chicken breasts baking in the oven, I wondered if we were expecting company. 

Robert wasn’t talking and I did not dare ask.   I observed other meats and frozen food packages sitting on the counter.  He was busy trimming the fat off some beef flank and he finally decided to let me know what was going on.

Earlier that morning he had gone into the garage to get the blower to blow off the leaves on our driveway.  There he discovered the freezer door wide open and a huge amount of meat and other items defrosting.

NO blame here, because that can happen to anyone, but he was the last person to place something in that freezer.  So, I knew he was beating himself up over that, and I was wise enough to keep quiet.

The freezer door shuts good, but it does need coaxing to be really closed and stay there.

Thankfully we were able to find room in our refrigerator freezer for things that were still pretty frozen, and we baked and refroze the rest.   The good news is the outside freezer still works so we can use it again.

Our granddaughter just turned 18 and is having a Birthday party and sleep over for 10 girls.  She and our Son-in-law brought their big Irish Setter over for us to dog-sit for a day or two as the dog would not be welcome at the party.  As they left, we offered them a defrosting Stokers Lasagna that might go well for a snack for the girls. 

What happened to the “Food on Friday” site?   

For some reason, Ann did not open her "Food on Friday" site, and I can only use my wildest imaginations to wonder why.  Instead I will believe she is very tired and is just taking a much needed break from blogging.   My other thought is the electricity went out, or her computer crashed.  Both have happened to me. 

Regardless the reason, may we all say a prayer for Ann at this moment. 

Prayer was answered!  Thank God for computer technicians! :-)


This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s  Food on Fridays   
Also shared at Michelle Derusha’s Graceful Summer 

A Grimms Fairy Tale Repost

image courtesy photobucket.com

Once upon a time, there was an old woman who lived in a shoe and she decided to write a blog.

She tried to write lovely flowery words like the others she witnessed out there in cyber space, but the only thing that would come from her pen were raw stories about her youth. 

Then flowed tales about her children and mischief that she and others had done through the years and lessons those events had taught her.

Parables seemed to be an excellent method to teach about life and mistakes that can be made and how to avoid them.

She was reminded that Jesus often used stories to illustrate points he desired to put across. She remembered that the Bible says that many things that are written in God’s word are there for examples so that we can profit from them.

Hopefully if we observe someone in the Bible making a terrible mess, supposedly we can try to prevent ourselves from getting into a similar situation. Then again if we view someone in the Bible being blessed, it will encourage us to obey God and likewise be blessed.

There were times when the old woman would rant and rave because she hated to see the path some of those she knew and loved - - were traveling in life.

She wrote about making wise choices and staying out of situations that might prove harmful. Mostly she urged those who would listen to serve God and follow Jesus all the days of their life.

Did anyone listen? Some did, and others did not. At least those who listened had some food for thought, and perhaps if not now, then possibly later on they could make it to the good path.

She was told by a few that she preached too much! But then what did others know? The old woman became discouraged, and she wondered if she should simply put down her pen and keep quiet. To still the noise!

Then she began to hear remarks and comments of people being blessed by her words, and this encouraged her to write on.

She questioned to herself, “Do other writers often feel that they are out there all alone and perhaps that no one is listening?”

Then it occurred to her that if only one person was listening, that would be enough!

This post has been linked to Michelle’s Thought Provoking Thursday

SO AM I

Baby Kisses - courtesy photobucket.com

The attendant from the Gas station we viewed from our apartment window came over and knocked on our door telling us we had a telephone call over at his station.  For the life of me, I could never figure out how my husband’s mother who lived in Tennessee could find that telephone to call, but she did.

Bea as my husband called his mother, and her husband wanted to let us know that they were moving back to California and would be arriving in about a month or so.

 Our one room apartment with the wall bed was no place to take in company, but they said not to worry as they had made arrangements to stay with Bea’s sister Hazel until they could find a place.

 A few days later our cousin Billy dropped by to chat and left a newspaper that he had finished reading.  He had been looking for work and the page was open to the want ads.  I picked up the newspaper and discovered an ad for a one bed room apartment for rent in the neighborhood that was my husband’s old stomping grounds.   Our church was near by and his Aunt and Uncles place was in walking distance.

 We quickly drove over to the apartment and the kind landlord was willing to take half a months rent which was all the money I had.  We moved the next day, with everything we owned in the back seat and trunk of our car.

 Time passed and Bea and LD arrived in California and my husband and I walked over to his Aunt’s place to welcome them back home.

After chatting for awhile, I decided to let Bea know our news.  "Bob and I wanted to let you know that I am pregnant; we are going to have a baby." 

My mother-in-law looked at me and then softly said, “So am I.”

That is how our children were going to have an uncle very close to their own age. 

There are times in life when we want to say “So am I.”

 Especially when a friend tells us they are now a Christian.
         “So am I.”

Can you think of times you would also like to say those words?

This post has been linked with Joan Davis at: Sharing His Beauty

This post is also shared at:  “Tell Me a True Story”  http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com
I do hope you are also enjoying reading as many stories as you can and giving your comments.

 

The God who sees your pain

Annette and Ron Thiesen - Missionaries

A letter from our Missionary to Honduras, Annette Thiesen

Annette is in Africa now and I thought you would enjoy this letter.

Dear Daughters of Destiny,

Please pray and fast with me for the women of Africa and their children.

I am only two weeks away from leaving Honduras to speak at a three day woman's conference in Kisumu, Kenya.  I will be there for two weeks together with Annette Rice and we will be speaking in churches around the area, as well. I actually leave Tegucigalpa on August 7th and return on August 23rd. Please pray for Ron and Hector in my absence, as our daughter Natalie will be going back to college on August 13th.

The theme the Lord is putting on my heart is The God who sees your pain!.

Hagar, the slave woman who was cast out of her home and family, was the one who coined that name for God as she was in the wilderness with Ishmael and they were at the point of death. God sent his Angel to rescue them and show them that He has great plans for their lives, that He sees their pain and rejection. He is with them just as he is with Abraham and Sarah to bless them and give them hope and a great future.

I will be fasting this week and asking the Lord to redeem the Hagars and Ishmaels of Africa.

Joy of the Lord is our Strength
courtesy photobucket.com

If you can join me in prayer and skipping a meal throughout your busy schedule, I would so appreciate it.

If you would like to send a love offering to help cover the cost of this trip, please send it to the following address and tag the check with Annette Thiesen for Africa. AFCM International, P.O. Box 1918, Willmar, MN 56201

Thank you for being a part of changing the destiny of many women and children in Africa!

Always serving the cause of Christ,
Annette Thiesen 

 

What Does Love Taste Like?

Bread The Staff of Life - courtesy photobucket.com

John 6:51  I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.

Pastor Jerry was reading from John 6: 35, 41-51 and as I took notes, I gleaned from his message.

We can taste of many memories, some are sad, and of despair, others of joy, happiness and good times.  Children may not remember but they can be told of events in the past that were good or bad.  There are times of cooperation, working together, encouraging one another and memories that lift us up. 

Can this world actually survive in this age?  There is curiosity and just recently another robot was placed on Mars.

There are fond memories of Food prepared with love.  My Grandmother baked a green tomato pie that was a taste of Love served at the family table.  It was a special pie that tasted like apple pie and the taste of that memory lingers even today.

What’s for supper?  We are more health conscious about nutrition and not just to control weight.   In this world there are people who are starving and hungry.  Even in our city there ought not to be any who are starving, but many are hungry.

Food and diet is a parallel to health physically and spiritually.  Bread shared is Life giving.  The bread of Life is for our spiritual health and feeds us as we hunger after God.

Jesus said, I am the Bread of Life who comes down from Heaven, and the people said, who is this man?  Haven’t we seen him as a boy and wasn’t he our neighbor?

When Jesus fed the 5000, they gobbled it up, but they did not taste the love.  They did not understand when Jesus told them that the bread I give is my flesh that gives life to the world. 

 

The people murmured about his strange sayings and complained and criticized him. How can this be?   He was a stumbling block and an offence to them.  Jesus must have been doing something right.  

Contrary to the manna in the wilderness that did not last, the Bread of Life that Jesus offers is forever.  It is likened to the Living Water that causes us to thirst no more.

 

The bread He offers is his flesh.  It is a symbol at the communion table; the bread, his body, the wine, his blood.

Jesus was not just an example – He is our sacfifice and our Savior. 

Jesus gave his all.  This is what love tastes like!

This post is Linked up today with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

Never Give UP

Betty Robintson - A Winner

 Poor Betty Robinson. She was originally a silver medal winner in the 4 x 100 meter relay race, but there was no more running in her future when she was in a plane crash in 1931.

It's one thing to be in a plane crash and survive - it's another to be wrongly pronounced dead and then tossed into the trunk of a car.

When the undertaker realized she wasn't dead, they took her to a hospital where she lay in a coma for seven months. After losing the ability to walk, you might assume she'd take some time off, relax a bit, but that isn't Betty Robinson.

She wo-manned up, learned to walk again, and in the 1936 Summer Olympics, she took home a gold medal in the 4 x 100 relay.

 Let us follow her example and when the odds seem against us - - May we never give up!

Hebews 10:2 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith - without wavering, for He is faithful that promised.

 

 

Take That Brave Step  by Holley Gerth

It's funny how the biggest, bravest steps in our lives often happen quietly...
When we decide that God's silent whisper is somehow louder than the sound of our heart about to beat out of our chest. When we longingly look back at our comfort zone and say, "I'm going to miss you." When we cross the ocean and burn the ships and we don't yet know what we may find.

Everyone talks about when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea. But that's not the only time God parted the waters for them. On the edge of the Promised Land, they came to the Jordan river. When the priests stepped into the water then it parted. It always takes a step of faith to get to the Promised Land. Always. And if you wait until you're unafraid, you'll never cross.

Go for your Promised Land, friend.
Let nothing hold you back.
Put your feet into that water and feel the dry ground of God's goodness.
You can do this with Him-one step at a time.
"With God all things are possible."

Words of encouragement by Holley Gerth. For more hope and encouragement, visit her blog Heart to Heart with Holley.

Entertaining Strangers

Bum ??
courtesy photobucket.com

Matthew 25:40  And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

The year was 1936 when we moved to Oakland and lived in the rent house on 97^th avenue. 

My Dad had just started working at the Southern Pacific Railroad as a switchman, and because of his seniority he often had to work swing and midnight shifts.   Because of this he frequently was home when I returned from kindergarten.

The Great Depression was weakening, but many Americans were still poverty stricken.  Our family had been counted in the poverty class prior to my Uncle Clarence helping my dad get work at the railroad.  We were still struggling but we never went hungry.

It must have been ironing day, because a big pot of beans was on the stove and my mother was removing a pan of corn bread from the oven.

Suddenly there was a loud knock on our back door.  My Mother had just served Dad with a large plate of beans and was cutting the cornbread, so Dad answered the door.

There stood a man dressed in a suit looking fairly clean.  His words stumbled almost ashamedly as he asked if there was any work he could do for a bit of food. 

My dad opened the door and invited him in and asked mother to set another plate on the table.  Dad told him that he did not need to work for his meal and he was a welcomed guest at our table.  He was truly hungry because he eagerly devoured the beans and corn bread.  

I sat in the corner on the floor, with my eyes open big as saucers, and was taking it all in.

Apparently the gentleman had been a business man who was down on his luck and had been riding the freight train that ran a block from our house.  He was hoping to reach his home up north and get a job where his mother lived. 

Dad told him that we could not offer him any money, but we would pray that his luck would change and that God would help him find work.

The man was sincerely grateful and repeatedly thanked mother and dad for the wonderful but simple meal and the prayer.

The Bible tells us that when we meet a stranger in need and we are moved to supply them with what they are lacking at the moment - - that we may have entertained angels unawares.  Another verse says we do this as unto the Lord.

Whether this gentleman was an angel or not I will never know, but I do know that Dad and Mother passed the test that day.

This post was shared at Michelle Derusha’s Graceful Summer 

 This post is also shared with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

Wild Rice

 Wild Rice Harvest by the Indians in the 19th Century
courtesy photobucket.com

Years ago after returning to California from Bible School, my husband and I were called to work at a church as Christian Education Directors.  Since we were new to the church, a young couple invited us to dinner and we cordially accepted.

Our hostess served a side dish that was very interesting and a new treat for the both of us.  We found it delicious and so I asked for the recipe. 

Our hostess explained that until the 1960s the Anishinaabe, or Ojibwe Indians had a virtual monopoly on wild rice production, but that changed when the University of Minnesota figured out a way to cultivate it.  Though the native people of Minnesota call it wild rice, it is actually not rice, but rather the seed of an aquatic grass (Zizania palustris) and is related to corn. It has far more protein than rice, which is why it sustains health so well.

In those days Wild rice was difficult to find and you usually needed to shop for it at the health food store.  Today wild rice is gaining in popularity and is available in most grocery stores.  You can find it in packages mixed with other rice, but we especially enjoy it this way.

This is a hearty side dish and it goes a long way!    
  

Wild Rice (Hilda Kvidt by way of Hazel Moon)

1 cup uncooked wild rice –
1/4 cup butter

Boil rice and butter in about 3 cups hot water 40 to 45 minutes until tender.

8 slices bacon – cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup chopped onion  (I add the onion to the rice as it cooks)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 tsp Worchestershire sauce
1 tsp salt  - - 1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp accent   1/4 tsp sage  Optional

 Combine all ingredients except half of the bacon crumbs. Place in casserole and sprinkle the rest of bacon on top.  Heat 30 to 45 minutes in 350 degree oven long enough to get crunchy on top.

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s  Food on Fridays   
Do hop on over to her site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes.

 

Not just One but Two

courtesy google search

Supervised play was something we enjoyed after school, using the courts, basket balls and the jungle gyms.  One set of bars was staggered with some bars lower and others higher and we loved to hang by our knees and do other tricks.

Girl with two borken arms
courtesy photobucket.com

One day my sister brave as she was, selected the higher bar to see how long she could hold on to it.  Finally she tired, and releasing her grip she fell to the sawdust pit below her. 

To soften her landing she bent forward and placed both hands in front of her.  Snap went both wrists.  You guessed it.  Both wrists were broken. 

Our home was just down the street, so as she screamed, my brother and I helped her run home.  We did not think to get assistance from the persons at the school office, because they were too far away from the exercise bars.

Fortunately my dad was working the night shift at that time, so he happened to be home and was able to drive her to the doctor.  For some reason, after setting her wrists, the doctor put splints on her arms and not a plaster cast. 

You can understand that my sister was pretty helpless to feed or dress herself, or tend to her other needs.  Mother had attached to the pages of her reader, wooden clothes pins that gave my sister a certain amount of independence to turn the pages with her mouth.

She seemed to thrive on all the attention as mother waited on her hand and foot.  Each week her teacher would bring her assignments and stay for an hour as together they went over her work. 

In time her arms healed, and it was back to school for her.  I have often wondered if the trauma that shocked her at that time, caused my sister to never be the same again. 

There are suppositions, but we can never really know why some members of our family become alienated and difficult to communicate with.  She has had a complicated, and thorny life, and although it was due to her own choices, she has at times blamed each member of the family for her misfortunes. 

At this time, she and I are on speaking terms, but other members of the family she will rant and curse and act crazy when she sees them. 

My thoughts are that when she broke both of her wrists, something else broke too!

I wish I knew how to fix it.

This post has been linked with Joan Davis at: Sharing His Beauty

 Also shared with Hazel’s Blog party at:

“Tell Me a Story” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/   

  

The Family Table

Bread and Wine
 courtesy photobucket.com

John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Today I glean from the notes I took from Pastor Jerry’s sermon.   Pastor was reading from John 6 regarding the people seeking Jesus after he had fed the 5000.   Jesus told them that they were not seeking him because they saw the miracles, but because they did eat of the loaves, and were filled. 

Without labor or money, they desired to receive bread as did the children of Israel who gathered their manna each morning.   His reply to them was ³³ For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and gives life unto the world. 

Pastor began to tell us about churches where he has served as a minister and at each church the Holy Communion table was always open communion.  All who had accepted Jesus as Savior were invited to the table.  He likened the communion as to the family table.

At the family table, our children are taught good manners and to say please and thank you and to respect one another.  Families who share their meals together and have pleasant conversations at the table learn their family history, have higher self esteem and are better citizens.  

Pastor asked, “Was your home a ‘leave it to Beaver home?’ Or was it dysfunctional?” Today our families go in all direction, grabbing some take out, or fast food as they rush to soccer practice or some other busy event.

Just a few years ago there was no Face Book, twitter, or all this texting on the telephone.   It is possible for family members to be missing even while sitting next to one another.

Let us draw strength from our family and be reconciled to seek peace, forgiveness and to live in harmony.

As we partake of the Eutichrist we thank God for the bread and the cup representing His body and his blood.  We humans can twist and turn the mystery of the meaning of the last supper but instead or arguing about speculations may we come in simple faith to receive and not in mindless rote.

May we let the hot air out of our pride as we understand that the table is open to all, even the poor and downtrodden?  Are we ready to welcome others at the table?

Let us come to the table with clean hands and washed face giving thanks and prepared to receive Christ who is the bread from heaven.

This post is Linked up today with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

Be sure to check out the great posts you will discover there.

Christian Youth Camp

Campgrounds courtesy photobucket.com

It was summer time, and our church announced the opportunity for those 12 years and older to attend Christian Youth Camp at Lake Tahoe.   

Because both of our dads worked for the Southern Pacific rail road, they could obtain a free pass for me and my girl friend Gracie for the train ride from Oakland to Lake Tahoe.  

From there to Zephyr Cove we would need to pay for a short bus ride.  Our youth sponsor was traveling with us and another young man from one of the other churches so we were well chaperoned. 

We arrived tired but excited as we checked in and were assigned a cabin and beds.  The girl instructed us to keep our money with us and to watch our purses.  “No need to tempt anyone,” she said.

The mornings were filled with breakfast and singing then a chapel service, and afternoons were free to hike or swim in the freezing cold lake. 

That Monday I sent a letter home saying there was horse back riding available for $4.00 and by Wednesday I had a letter back from Mom with the money enclosed.  Gracie and I both took advantage of the horseback ride and the next day we had some sore legs, but we didn’t mind.

The music at the camp was outstanding with guest singers and musicians who motivated and inspired us to serve and love our Lord. 

Naturally Gracie fell in love with the male soloist and I thought she was being silly.  He was polite and stand offish but he agreed to give her his autograph.  Our Youth Sponsor told us to back off as he was happily married.  After all, we were 12 years old going on 13 so that was not a problem for us.

Each night after the evening meal there was a moving and inspiring service with special missionary speakers.  We were encouraged to become the best Christian that we could be for Jesus.    

One ultimatum that hit home to me was the importance of daily reading our Bible.

The speaker challenged us. “If you are serious and determined to be the best Christian that you can be, then tell God that you will read at least one chapter from the Bible every day for the rest of your life.”

That night I made a decision to do so, and I must say reading God’s word has kept me from a lot of trouble. 

The only time I failed to read my Bible was if I was so sick I could not lift my head to read.  Those times, I repeated scriptures I had memorized.

If you have children, or can sponsor a child to attend a Christian Youth Camp, may I suggest that it is an excellent investment? 

This post has been shared with Sandra at:  Still Saturday

Also shared at: Stacy’s Heartprints Hallelujah