Devotions

Pages, smudged and yellow

Binding, loose

Copyright 1927, price two dollars

Electric Refrigerator Recipes and Menus

Specially Prepared for General Electric Refrigerator.

Author Miss Alice Brady extols

the advantages of the electric refrigerator,

with so many possibilities she compares

it to a magic Aladdin’s lamp, and

not knowing which way to rub it.

She assures readers “the refrigerator

requires no attention, not even oiling,

and is surprisingly easy to keep clean”

and “offers health and happiness

to homemakers across America.” 

I can picture my Great Aunt Ruth

bustling about the big box

now taking up a corner of her kitchen,

wondering what they will think of next.

What would she have thought of the PC?

Treasures in Heaven

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:20)

Old books fascinate me, particularly this old book, since I knew its previous owner. Aunt Ruth was my mom’s mom’s sister. She was married to a tall thin man, Uncle Ben, who reminds me of the man with a pitchfork in Grant Wood’s painting American Gothic. However, Uncle Ben wasn’t dour, he was very jolly. My cousin and I liked to stop in and see Aunt Ruth and Uncle Ben when we were in our teens and they were up in years. One particular time we visited after Christmas. She brought out her Christmas cookies and she’d say things like, “Take two they’re small!” and “Have some they’re grand!”

They talked about the gifts they received and Aunt Ruth received some women’s long- johns. Uncle Ben said, “Show them your snuggies dear!” To which Aunt Ruth said, “Oh Ben!”

They reached their 50^th wedding anniversary and everyone bought them something gold. Another of my cousins made them a popsicle stick napkin holder painted gold. Aunt Ruth announced that from all of the wonderful gold pieces she received, it was her favorite gift.

I don’t know much about what Aunt Ruth’s and Uncle Ben’s early lives were like, except that Uncle Ben was from Wales. I regret not finding out. I wish I had been more inquisitive.

What was it like to live without a refrigerator? Or most of the appliances and technology we have now?

I remember when we were young, we were amazed that our parents could remember a time before television. My kids find it equally odd that I can remember a time before colored TV, microwaves, and home computers.

Who knows what’s ahead with technology? A few generations from now, will people be taking vacations to the moon? We don’t know what the future holds. The best we can do is try to make it a better place for the next generations and lay up treasures in our future Heavenly home.

Prayer: Lord, while here on earth, I pray that we will leave it a better place than we found it. May all we think, say and do glorify Your name.

Recommended Reading: Philippians 3:7-14, Colossians 3:1-4