Up in the Air Again

Small airplane
courtesy photobucket.com

Two brothers, Roy and Virgil had inherited a large house and ranch from their parents and since they were both bachelors they decided to run the ranch together. 

For additional income they each had other jobs working as carpenters, and Virgil did some crop dusting.

Roy attended the same church as my Grandparents, and when my aunt Edna returned home from Bible school, she lived with Grandma and Grandpa.

As time went by, Roy became interested in Edna as a wife, and when they married, Edna moved into the big house with the two brothers. 

Uncle Virgil had a large area upstairs that they as carpenters had made into separate quarters for him.  It was away from the rest of the house with an inside stairway plus a private outside entrance.

They were a family and meals were shared in the large kitchen, as well as the evening news and newspapers. 

When the children came along, Uncle Virgil became like a second dad to them.  Virgil remained a bachelor, but he had an interesting hobby, flying his small airplane.

Usually on our visits to Grandma, we would enjoy a nice dinner at Edna’s place.  On one of these visits, Uncle Virgil asked me if I would like to go up in the air with him and fly his airplane.

Mother gave her permission and as a 12 year old I was thrilled.

 
Virgil explained that he would do the take off, and would land the plane, but once in the air, he would give me the controls.  Turn the wheel slowly right or left for a turn, and pull up on the wheel to go higher, and push down to level off.

The surrounding area was orange orchards and olive trees, and from the air they were in lovely patterns.  This was my first airplane ride and everything below was so beautiful.

We flew over some houses and over the town where they lived.  I hoped my mother could see me now.

When we arrived back at the ranch, I told my mother, when I get old enough I will buy me a plane, because that was lots of fun.

No, I never bought me an airplane as other things became more important.

But hopes and dreams kept alive, will keep us alive.

 

This post is linked with Laura’s Faith Filled Friday

 

Chili Rellenos

Courtesy Food.com

 

The day was cold, and my husband asked me to help him assemble one of our favorite easy recipes.   I mixed the eggs, flour and milk and he grated the cheese.

I decided to strain the egg mixture over the finished product to get out any flour lumps.

Here is our favorite recipe and quick to fix.

Chili Rellenos Easy and Simple

1, 7oz can chopped green chilles (Ortega)  We like the chopped variety)

1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Jack cheese

2 T flour

2 eggs

1 can evaporated milk

1, 8 oz can tomato sauce

Sprinkle 1/2 of the chilles in a 9x12 Pyrex baking dish.  Layer the cheddar cheese next.

Add the rest of the chilles.  Top layer is the Monterey Jack cheese.

Beat eggs, flour and milk in a bowl and pour over the top of the mix in the pan.

Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees.  Then pour over the top, the can of tomato sauce.

And bake 15 minutes more.  Let stand 10 minutes and serve. 

We cut any left over into serving size pieces and wrap and freeze.

Enjoy this recipe and amble over to Food on Fridays at http://annkroeker.com/ to view others who have entered their favorites.

Flying the Sky

Courtesy photobucket.com

Our local traffic reports were given by a Radio announcer as he rode the sky in a helicopter observing the flow of traffic. 

In our day that reporter was Lou Hurley, and Jim Dunbar referred to the copter as "The Hurley Bird"

TV was still fairly new but the traffic guy needed more work for KGO radio and KCBS Television. 

Lou was selected to be Master of Ceremonies for the day time movies.  The station had decided to use Lou’s home instead of a studio which freed Lou from traveling to San Francisco to host the show. 

Lou’s cute small dog Myrtle sat on the sofa with him as he introduced the next movie and Lou would give a run down about the stars and the story behind the movie.  Myrtle became almost more popular than Lou.

One day KGO cooperated in a fund raiser against cancer and it was announced on the traffic program that those who would call in and pledge a certain amount would enjoy a ride in the helicopter while Lou gave the morning traffic report.

My husband Robert thought that would be a fun thing for our daughter Becky and me, so he asked Becky to call in and pledge for us in our roofing company’s name.

Becky and I arrived on time at the heliport and the pilot instructed us how to enter and exit the plane and to keep our heads down.

Lou greeted us warmly, and shook our hands as he introduced himself and welcomed us aboard.

Everything looked so small from the air, and Lou gave a dashing traffic report and included that he had two beautiful ladies flying with him this morning who had responded to the fund raiser.  Then he gave an appeal for more pledges along with a telephone number to call.

 

We were not as high as some airplanes in the sky, but my daughter and I were flying high on that day!


 

Tropical Fish Habits - Repost

Tropical Fish
courtesy photobucket.com

 

When our Children were just starting grade school, we decided to purchase a tropical fish aquarium. It came with a pump and filter and some decorations so the environment for the fish would look natural.

Wanting a nice variety of fish we selected some Angel Fish, Zebra fish, some Black Molly fish and a Plecostomus. Ugly as he was, he would help clean the sides of our tank.

Our children would stare at these fish for hours it seemed, and just watching them was relaxing even for me.

As I watched these fish I noticed something interesting. Each variety of fish would swim together. Although they were friendly to one another, the Black Molly fish and the Angel fish, and the Zebra fish each kept to their own type. There was no interbreeding or mixing of the fish. They each seemed to be proud of their own kind.

In the Bible, God forbid his children of Israel to give their sons and daughters unto other nations. They were to keep their race pure. That was plan A.

Now don’t get me wrong, because God loves all races, and that was evident when He included Ruth the Moabite woman to be in the linage of Jesus along with some others of questionable reputation. In fact God became very angry at Miriam when she criticized Moses, her brother’s Ethiopian (black) wife.

God always has plan A which is his perfect will. Then there is plan B which is his acceptable will, and plan C which is his good will. God will even go with you all the way to Z if you are that rebellious.

I said all that to say this: Our youth leaders at our church, invited a young girl from a neighboring Black church to work with our youth. She was Caucasian, fun loving, very outgoing and the youth all liked her.

One day she confessed to our daughter that she was pregnant by one of the black brothers in her church and they were going to get married. My daughter came to me very upset, because this girl was an example to our children and they all looked up to her.

By the next Sunday the girl had resigned and returned to her Black church.

 
If you are wondering, yes I phoned our Pastor and told him the situation and he took charge after that.

Did my children need protecting? Probably not, because often our children know more about life than we did at their age.

However it is up to parents to attend the PTA meetings and to know what is going on at school, and also to be aware of what is being taught to your children at church.

I am not pregidous, but I am opinionated, and it is my strong opinion that a marriage will be off to a rocky start if it is a “mixed marriage.”

When I say mixed, in addition to race, I mean by a Christian and an unbeliever, by culture, church denomination, political affiliation and background in general. Marriage is difficult enough without a road block in it's beginning.

I know you are ready to point out some of your friends who are very happy and never quarrel over doctrine, or are never shunned by friends because of their choice in a mate.

Be happy for them and also pray for them, because they probably need your prayers.

Thinking back to my fish aquarium, I am reminded that my fish were friendly with everyone in their environment. They played nice and got along well with others.

 

It would be good if we all could do the same.

This post is linked to Peter Pollock’s One Word Carnival

The word is; HABITS

 

 

Can You Tell Me Who - - -



image courtesy photobucket.com

 



As a young mother, I was surprised when my telephone rang and a radio station identified themselves as a quiz program, explained what the call was about, asked my name and requested for me to hold for a moment. 

The Master of Ceremonies was chipper as he came on and told me that there was a nice prize available if I could correctly answer the question - - he paused then asked.

Who was Abraham Lincoln’s Secretary of War? 

History was something I studied for the test, and then promptly forgot about it.  Had I been a current school girl with studies about the Government, I probably would have remembered the name, but instead I mumbled, I am sorry but I don’t know the answer. 

The MC acknowledged his sorrow, but said that as an alternative for the nice prize, the advertiser was sending me some free samples of their product in the mail. 

If only I had thought to give my maiden name, I would have won the grand prize.  The answer was Edwin Stanton.  That name had actually crossed my mind, but I considered it not a good answer, brushed it off and lost by not paying attention to recall.

Often a hunch will give good direction when you listen to it.  Actually I prefer not to call it a hunch or a premonition, but I believe God speaks to us in that inward voice giving insight when we will stop and tune in.

The prize I might have won was actually not that great!  I remember being disappointed at the prize in the Cracker Jack box.

Paul reminded us to strive for the grand prize of heaven which will be presented to all who finish their race. 

2 Timothy 4:8  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

This post is Shared with Laura at The Wellspring

And with Hazel at  Tell Me a True Story

http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

 

 

A Blaze of Glory

Transfiguration
courtesy photobucket.com

Each Sunday, I take notes of our Pastor’s sermon and share an edited portion with you.

Pastor Jerry was reading from Luke 9:25-38 about Jesus’ transfiguration upon the mountain.  Peter, James and John accompanied him to the mountain top.  As Jesus prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. .The men were tired, and fell asleep but they were aroused by the bright light and the appearance of Moses and Elijah speaking with Jesus about things to come. 

With out thinking, Peter spoke out of turn and suggested that they build three tabernacles in memory of the three men. 

While Peter was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud.  And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son.  Hear Him!   Then the cloud lifted, Moses and Elijah left and they were afraid and all was quiet.   Jesus instructed them to tell no one what had happened.  Next they returned to the valley and found trouble there needing attention.

Pastor suggested that we would be better off if we did less speaking and more listening as Peter should have done.

There might be times to build a tribute to remember something.  God instructed the Israelites to carry 12 stones from the middle of the River Jordan and build a monument of remembrance so that their children would know that God caused the river to stop flowing and there became dry land so they would walk across.

As Christians we may experience mountain top occurrences, but we cannot stay there, for we must return to the valley where our work is.

We must ask, “What is God doing now?”  There is a time to listen and a time to work.

We are to be shining examples of our Lord and to reflect His glory.

Life can get dull and complicated, and we may loose sight of what is important, then it is time to stir ourselves up, and look at the monuments in time that are examples for us.

Charles Wesley traveled over 250,000 miles on horseback, preached 4000 sermons, and wrote 400 books, ministering to thousands and leading them to receive Jesus as savior. 

We do enjoy the mountain top, but it is in the valley that we will fulfill our testimony.

“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify the Father which is in heaven.”

Go forth and be a blaze of Glory for the Lord!!

 

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

Others Who Are Different

Children of the World
courtesy free clip art

Our grammar school principal came into our third grade room and explained we would have a new boy in our class tomorrow. 

He told us, this boy is smart and the only difference in him and you is that he has only one arm that is missing at the elbow.  He instructed us that we were NOT to make fun of the boy, but to treat him as we would any other person. 

Our principal was a God fearing man and very wise, because had he not given us that presentation, no doubt the meanness in some of us might have taken over.

The boy arrived riding his bicycle to school, with his brown paper lunch sack pinned to his shirt.  He was a happy lad, and his grades were good.  He could throw a ball and was able to use his partial arm to play games with the other boys and to assist him in the school activities.

We have known many friends who have overcome what to us would be a handicap.

I am reminded of our good friend, an evangelist, who was born with his left hand smaller than the other, and with only three tiny fingers.  Yet he learned to play the piano, and is mightily used of God in his preaching ministry. 

In an unusual presentation, our friend operates in the ministry of a prophet, with the Holy Spirit gift the Word of Knowledge.  He is an anointed minister who challenges pastors and leaders to move out into the Supernatural and to allow God to use them in bold and powerful ways.  He did not permit being a bit physically different to handicap him in any manner.

Amazing isn’t it that we are all diverse in certain ways, but in other ways we are similar.

God only sees us as his child and knows each of us by name.

 

If you liked my story - -

You will probably enjoyed Floyd’s story The Last Walkin Cotton Picker

 

Sharing with Rosilind in Croatia, at Wednesday R and R  

 

 

Choosing a Cause

Hug a Tree Cause ??
Courtesy photobucket.com

As a newly married young woman, I worked at Montgomery Ward in their catalogue department.

My job with adding and subtracting amounts in my head and dividing up the order by our local store and other stores in cities where the rest of the customer’s purchase would be shipped.

After I had worked there a few weeks, my supervisor came to me and informed me that it was expected that I contribute to the organization that was handling charity for our area.

Each employee was not required, but was expected to select a cause or give to the general fund where it would go to where most needed.

Looking over the list, I found Salvation Army and decided that would be my cause so I pledged one dollar each week from my pay.  I was earning less than a dollar an hour so in those days a dollar was a nice amount.

My supervisor was pleased as she had obtained a pledge from all her girls in her department.

Today there are many “Good Causes,” but it pays to be careful and deliberate when we give.  Are we feathering the nest of the big CEO who heads an organization?  Is the group a scam and not really sending your funds to where they said they would? 

My monthly missions giving list is long and each missionary has a different agenda. 

I do not call these causes, but ministries and I enjoy being a part of them.   

At year end I give an annual gift to a variety of military groups and toys for children.

You might ask how I can give to so many and still tithe to my church?  The answer was simple for me, and you must discover your own method. 

When a group of us retired from my job of 10 years, we were given a “Golden Hand Shake.”  It is a monthly amount that is in addition to my retirement check.  I decided the Golden amount was a gift from God, so I chose to give it back to God in the form of partial support to a variety of ministries.  Usually I add to it from my pension.

It works for me and I do not seek another cause.

You might enjoy a post by Billy Coffey, Pick Your Cause.

 

Take a Walk – Even a Short One

 

Taking a Short Walk
courtesy photobucket.com

One of my friends entered a splendid post at “Tell me a Story.” 

She listed 20 ways NOT to Waste Time.  I loved it!

I thought it was so awesome and interesting that I decided to make a comment and add one more suggestion as to another good thing that is “Not a waste of time.”

So I suggested  - - "Take a walk" even a short one. 

My two Black Labs love to stay in the house as long as they are near either me or my husband, Robert.  

Since I had been at my computer for a long while, I needed a walk, and so did my pups.   

They watched me carefully as I pulled my sweater on, and were ready to go even if it was only out to the mail box, and then once around the mobile.   Our Blue Tick Hound joined us for our walk.

To add productivity to my walk, I usually pick up sticks and small branches that have fallen off the oak trees, and carry them to a burn pile. 

All of a sudden my dogs rushed to the front fence for there they spied a lady walking her large dog.  Not only did they observe, they also let them know vociferously, this is our place so please go away. 

Our neighbor dogs picked up the cue, and continued the message LOUD and clear. 

With all that exciting activity over and done, they were ready for me to fill their favorite water bowl which is a "Plastic Swim pool," where they prefer to drink, and then follow me back into the house. 

I feel better now after a constructive walk, for me and for them. 

The Bible says, 1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Notice it does not say exercise does not profit at all – but it does a little.

So here you have it - -  A Little walk is good !  :-)


You might also enjoy this post:  Trust Me  Shared at Bonny’s site


 

Our First Telephone

courtesy free clip art

The year was 1936 and my dad needed to have a telephone so he could be called if there was extra work on the railroad. 

My Uncle lived with us and he also worked for the railroad and he too needed to use the phone for work.  Interesting enough my Uncle had a girl friend that worked for the telephone company and she was one of the operators.

Although we lived in the big city, we were on a party line, and sometimes the other party was using the phone so we would quietly hang up to be polite.

Our black telephone was tall with the speaker attached, and the receiver was on a cord.  When we picked up the receiver an operator spoke and said, “Number please.”  Then we would say “Fruitvale 456” and she would connect us to our party. 

In those days there was a district prefix that you would mention first then a short number, ours was Fruitvale, but there was Fairfax, Diamond and others.

I was in grammar school in the first grade, and was very interested in the telephone.  One day my mother was working in the garden, so I quietly lifted the receiver and heard “Number please.”

I gave her some silly numbers and then she quietly asked, “How is your mother today?”  I told her “She is fine.” “And what is she doing?”  “She is picking vegetables in the garden.”  Then she asked how my uncle was?  I was surprised and said, “Do you know me?  She said, I sure do, and it has been nice talking to you, but you had probably better go help your mother and tell her I said hello.  Good bye now and please hang up.”  I told her good bye and carefully hung up the phone.  I never did tell my mother the operator said to say "Hello."

I can’t honestly say that was my last phony phone call, but it was my first.  

Later when we kids were older, and we now had dial phones, we made some prank calls asking if their refrigerator was running?  When they replied yes, we told them to run and catch it - - as we laughed and hung up.   I hope you never did anything like that!

Changes happened quickly and soon we had a dial phone, no more party line and the operators were now for long distance and information please.  The phone numbers changed too although they were not as long as we have now.  To make a long distance call, you dialed “O” and told the operator the city, state and the number.

Our phones of today are friendly and we program the numbers of our friends and family.  Many carry their phone in their purse or pocket, ready to take pictures and receive e-mail.  Amazing how fast some can text a message without even speaking.

It is not a fearful thing to use a phone and I think of contacting our Father in Heaven with a whisper.  We should not fear to speak to our God.  He is a God we and run to in confidence.

Hebrews 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain

mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

This post has been shared with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday