The Animal House

Now it is time to address the menagerie we acquired while living in the Mojave Desert.

Jigaboo was the name given to our first dog -- a mixed black and white collie-haired dog.  It was not us that named this dog!  It was either my grandfather or great grandfather who named her.  She was acquired when I was just a baby and was my personal protector.  Jigaboo adjusted quickly to her new life in the country.

Then comes the chickens!!!  One of my chores  -- feeding them and gathering the eggs.  This was not a favorite past time for me!  Ever walked barefoot in a chicken coop with chicken poop squishing between your toes?  (Wearing shoes was just out of the question!  Too confining!)  Once the chicken feed was served, then began the battle of the water can!  The water can consisted of a tall metal canister which was filled with water.  A lid was fit onto the canister, then you flipped it over very, very quickly.  A small trough was then available to the chickens and the water replenished itself as they drank.  The only problem with this method...if the lid was not on tight, it would end up with the whole thing coming apart with water gushing out.  Back to filling it up again!!!  So frustrating!

Dear old Billy goat!!!  Yes, we were goat owners for awhile.  The biggest problem with them was just feeding them!  If I turned my back, look out!!!  They jumped on my back!!!  And they were big trouble makers!  Every opportunity that presented itself, they would escape...favorite place to go...jumping on top of our car!!!

One summer, donkeys and little burros were residing in our fields as a courtesy to the Boy Scout troop.  Fortunately,  this was not a chore for me!  However, it was entertainment for my brother, Brian, as he tried to ride one of the burros.  Only problem, no saddle, no bridle and he would slide right off the back end of the animal!

And then there were 24...cats!  Babies having babies all the time!  Don't worry...they did not live in the house!  They caught mice and other little critters.  When we would get attached to one specific cat, then something would happen.  Some of them liked to crawl up in the warm engine of the car after it had been driven.  If we forgot to check the engine and started the car, Daddy was digging a hole in Cat Cemetary.

Another mode of demise for the cats was the mower.  They loved to hunt in the tall alfalfa but were not smart enough to skedaddle out of the field when Daddy came through with the mower.  The mower consisted of a long blade with triangular cutting teeth.  It was lowered flat on the ground to cut the alfalfa.    Another dip in the cat population!! Rabbits also fell victim to the mower.

Desert tortoises would visit us occasionally and sit on our front porch.  I recall one day when I was on the front porch and Mama inquired about the tortoises.  I replied that I had no idea where they were, not realizing that I was sitting right beside one with my arm propped on its back!!!!  Obviously, I was day dreaming!

Horny toad lizards were sometimes our little pets for a few days whenever we found them in the dirt.  We would put them in a shoebox and feed them for a few days and then let them go.

Parakeets added to the chore list as well and that was another tedious job...take out the bottom pan, put new paper in, give them water and food.  And hope they did not get out and fly around, pooping all over the house!

Last but not least, the desert snakes!!!!!  Sometimes we would see a black king snake.  These were a good thing to have around as they kept the rattlesnakes away.  I recall one rattlesnake found on the ranch on the side of my grandparents apartment.  Hearing stories or seeing one (dead usually!), gave me nightmares!  We quickly learned to watch where we were going and listen for the rattle.  This stood me in good stead many years later when we lived in Africa.  Except...the deadly snakes there do not have rattles!!!  I was forever telling myself to remember they didn't rattle and be very, very observant.

Racing .... to win?  

No, not to win!  To stay alive!!!  I was 8 1/2 years old, approximately, during the summer when we were able to spend the most time with Daddy.  There was a Model A Ford that Daddy drove around the ranch sometimes to check on the fields.  (This picture is not the actual car.)  

One late afternoon, Brian and I were riding along, Brian squashed between Daddy and I.  We had driven on the paved road in front of the house, turning onto the dirt side road by our house.  As we turned the corner, going about 25 mph or so, the passenger door flew open....and me with it!!!!  Since we are a wacky, crazy family, of course, I did not just fall out and stay put!  I fell out on both feet, running as fast as the car! A few feet later, my legs could not keep up the speed and then I fell to the ground!  Fortunately, I wasn't hurt, just a skinned knee, I believe.  Something else for us to laugh about!  And to remember to latch the door!!!!

Two Paths

Another devotional ... which had to be edited somewhat for the publication!

Two Paths
Ephesians 4:30-32

Death of a friendship begins with a hasty response, a cutting word, an accusation, anger boiling up, imagined hurts, imagined slights.  Then a slow awakening -- a decision must be made.  The wounded spirit has a choice to make -- forgive or not to forgive?  Practice unconditional love or nurture the wounded spirit?

Walk willingly away from that one person who was your best friend, your confidant, yet in their humanness made a mistake that caused you hurt and walk willingly down a new path?  The path of forgiveness given, although not requested, with no regrets, peace resting securely in His example.  Or a path fraught with the quicksilver of the unforgiving spirit?  A place where bitterness and anger slosh in and out of the heart day after day, flooding your emotions at the most unexpected moments, niggling whispers of the turmoil hidden in your soul.  Which path to follow --- forgiveness or bitterness?

Wise, godly counsel for all believers who are struggling with making this decision is found in our Scripture reference.  How can one NOT forgive the hurts and anguish someone has inflicted?  Did not the one and only Son of God endure the torture, agony and humiliation of the cross for each and everyone, more specifically, YOU?  He bore the wrath of His righteous, sinless Father...through which everyone can receive the gift of salvation.  We are forgiven and made righteous in His eyes!  How then, can we do any less than to forgive those who hurt or offend us?  Stop for a moment and consider the importance of this hurt weighed along side the supreme sacrifice offered on the cross at Golgotha.  Determine to allow the Savior's abundant, passionate love to fill your heart and overflow as you choose the path of forgiveness.

Teachers

I was asked to write for a monthly devotional booklet that our church distributes so I will share those with you all.  This sure has stretched my brain!  It's fun but being brief with 250 words is so hard for me!!!!

Teachers
I Timothy 4:12

Everyone realizes the importance of having a teacher who teaches with passion, enthusiasm and love.  Have you ever considered the effect your teachers had on you, whether positive or negative?  Teaching is a responsibility with long term impact on all the lives that come in contact with you.

I will never forget my 4th grade teacher who taught me by example what prejudice means.  I certainly did not have that word in my vocabulary nor did I comprehend the definition of said word.  There were twin black boys in my class who the teacher was constantly harassing and humiliating.  His mode of discipline consisted of a 36 inch yard stick which he would turn on the edge and whack them on the head.  I myself had gotten whacked once because I was talking in class.  But these boys did not deserve to be singled out and disciplined so harshly on a daily basis.  I watched and learned prejudice is hurtful and impacts lives.

Your job description may not include that of a teacher.  However, each and everyone of us daily are teaching someone, somewhere, something.  Your children, your family, your friends, your co-workers -- even the cashier, the waitress ---all who look on your face, listen to your voice and follow your actions -- they are learning from you whether it be good or bad.

May we strive to be like Jesus, the Master Teacher, as we interact within our circle of influence, every moment an eternal lesson.