Happy New Year / My God Bless You.
Posted by Scott on Jan 02 2012 | 1 Comment »
From the Johnson Family to all of you. May God Richly Bless you this year.
A Special Commitment
Posted by Johnson Team on Feb 10 2012 | 2 Comments »
Have you ever made a commitment before? Was it life changing? A month ago yesterday I made a commitment with God and my family to stay pure until God brings the one HE’s chosen for me into my life. This is a very serious thing. Today, in our world, it is very hard to maintain purity.
The world has so many temptations, evil thoughts, pictures etc. that can defile you. I thank God that HE has given me godly parents that have kept me from these evil things and are step by step helping me prepare for marriage.
Back in the Bible time young ladies had a hard time maintaining purity. It’s nice to know we’re not alone!!(: We can read about different young ladies that had their purity defiled, we use this as an encouragement to do what’s right. In Genesis 34:1 we read “And Dinah, the daughter of Leah, which she bear unto Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land.” 
This is where she made her mistake-BIG mistake! If she had stayed under her father’s umbrella of protection and if Jacob had fulfilled his God-given responsibility to teach and protect her, there’s a high probability that Dinah wouldn’t have been defiled (See Genesis 34:1-31). May we willingly choose to stay under the proper authority until the proper time!
Also we read in 2 Samuel 13:1 that David had a daughter named Tamar who was also defiled by her half-brother Amnon (See II Samuel 13:1-20). Again we are reminded to keep ourselves pure! In Proverbs 31:3 Solomon’s mother (Bathsheba) warned Solomon of strange women. “Give not thy strength unto strange women…..and unto strange women shalt thou not go.” Even though this is given to a man it is just as important for us women to not become that “strange women!”
Dad gave me an illustration one day. He said “What if you had a life like one of those girls you see out there in the world. You flirted, kissed, hugged, paired up, broke up, paired up, broke up and had relationships with many different men. Meanwhile, you have given pieces of your heart away to these different men. 
Then one day you meet the one you’re supposed to marry. How would he feel when all you have to give him is just one little piece of your heart? I t would not mean much to him nor to you when you have defiled yourself and only have a little piece left for him.” My purpose is to give my whole heart and my first kiss as well because it is the right thing to do! Wow, what a lot to think about!
So, on January 8, 2012, I made a commitment before God and my family to stay pure until marriage. I said the following words from memory:
This ring stands for purity. I make this promise between God, my parents and me.
To keep me on a path of righteousness
So your plan I will see.
I know you have a special person for me,
My one true love,
To whom you have chosen
and sent from above.
This person I will wait for
Because it is Your Heavenly Will.
Until that day
When he makes my heart stand still.
This is the promise I make
With the help of You, LORD, and my family
I know that when I succeed
My blessing will be plenty.
The ring that Dad gave me has a silver heart with a red charm in the middle. The red charm is like a ruby and the ruby is God’s precious jewel just like I am precious to God. God compares a virtuous woman to a ruby (Proverbs 31:10). The heart is a symbol of a pure heart. “Blessed are the pure in heart……” Matt. 5:8 and “the King’s Daughter is all glorious within….” Psalms 46:13. You are the King’s Daughter and you can not remain that way by yourself, but with God’s help stay pure in heart!
In closing I would like to share my Grandma’s exhortation to me:
Dear Christina,
When your Dad told me you were making a “Purity Commitment” this Sunday, January 8th, I decided to write a few thoughts down to you, with the hope, you will take them to heart. I am very proud of you and encouraged by your decision to make this commitment to the LORD.
In II Kings 2 :9, Elisha asked God, “that a double portion of Elijah’s spirit be upon him.” This was a bold request, but God granted it. Why? Because Elisha’s motives were pure. His main goal was not to be better or more powerful than Elijah, but to accomplish more for God. When our motives are pure, we don’t have to be afraid to ask great things of God.
Psalms 119:9 says “Wherewithal shall a young man(woman) cleanse his (her) way? By taking heed thereto according to the Word. In other words, by reading God’s word and doing what it says.
In Matthew 23:24, Jesus said “Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.” Jesus was condemning the Pharisees and religious leaders for appearing saintly and holy outwardly, but inwardly remaining full of corruption and greed. If our Christianity is merely a show for others, it’s like washing a cup on the outside only. When we are clean or pure on the inside our cleanliness won’t be a sham or fake.
In John 17:17, Jesus said “Sanctify them through thy truth, they Word is truth.” Jesus was referring to His disciples in this verse, but it applies to us today, just the same. A follower of Christ becomes sanctified (meaning set apart for sacred use, cleansed and made holy, by believing and obeying God’s Word. Daily application of God’s Word has a purifying effect on our minds and hearts. It points our sin in our lives, and guides us back to the right path.
In today’s world, it is harder than ever to maintain purity in our lives. My prayer for you, Christina, is that you stay as close to God, throughout your life, as you can. By believing and staying in God’s Word, obeying Him, and believing in His promises, no matter what your circumstances are, at the time. Always remember, you will never go wrong, if you follow what’s right, in God’s sight. Listen to your parents, obey them. They love you and have your best interest at heart, and never be afraid to go to them, to seek their counsel with any problem or concern you have. Next to God, they love you more than anyone. Your grandmother also loves you very much, and prays God will bless you always, and help you keep your commitment to Him, in all things.
Proverbs 3:5-7
Love always,
Grandmother
Lastly, some books that have encouraged me, and may encourage you:
The Bible
“Beautiful Girlhood” by Karen Andreola
“Before you meet Prince Charming” by Sarah Mally founder of Bright Lights
“The Duggars : 20 and Counting” by Michelle and Jim-Bob Duggar
“A Love that Multiplies” by Michelle and Jim-Bob Duggar
It may also help to have a list of what you want to have in a future husband and always send those who may come to court you to see your Dad first!
Merry Christmas to all
Posted by Johnson Team on Dec 25 2011 | 3 Comments »
What a wonderful Savoir we have in Christ the Lord, the hope we have in His birth, death and resurrection . Christmas for us is a time to remind us of His great love for us and the gift of his Son. 
Grandmother of course loves to shower the kids with gifts. 
May the LORD bless you and keep you this Christ-mas and give you 10 fold in the New Year. 
The Johnson Team 2011
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !!!
The Staddon Family
Posted by Johnson Team on Nov 13 2011 | 2 Comments »
We desired as a family to have fellowship with other families that are like-minded and that we can grow and learn from. We found that encouragement in the Staddon family as we drove down from Virginia’s historical landmarks and into the picturesque country roads of West Virginia.
We arrived in the evening of Friday the 28th of October with the knowledge that we could find ourselves waking up to snow. We also had the privilege of meeting Donna’s parents that evening as we sat down to a scrumptious taco salad and later a pumpkin pie made with honey as a sweetener. 
There was also applesauce which was homemade and also without sugar. It amazed me how much I think that we “need” sugar in things but find it is quite delicious without it! Our kids didn’t notice either!
We spent some time talking together in the cozy dining area and then retired to our rooms for the evening. Donna and her Mom 
cleaned up the kitchen and I found out that it is a regular event to have her Mom and Dad over on Friday evenings. That was an encouragement to our family as well. It is important to work on those generational relationships. We all need each other!
The next morning we did indeed wake up to snow softly falling on the ground outside their home. I noticed it when I went to the van to get something and slipped on the sidestep. When I came in, an excited little “Hopey” told me it was snowing as well! It didn’t stay on the ground too long, but we did go our and enjoy it while it was there.
We all had a devotional time together first before breakfast and even before our time in the snow. Proverbs has so much wisdom to glean from 
and each time a chapter is read, it seems we all glean something new we didn’t glean before. I’m sure that is why God’s Word is described as being ALIVE.
For breakfast we had pumpkin pancakes which we all thoroughly enjoyed. The Staddons had made their own maple syrup that was so delicious! (If you read my posts, you may find a common thread here. I seem to always talk about food. You may get the impression that I like to eat. I guess I do!) But, the idea of homemade syrup is impressive to me. I used to live near a place in Union that sold their own maple syrup and I think I visited it when I was young. 
The thought of that 
process is interesting to me. I know the kids would like to see that as well. Laura Ingalls talks about the process in “Little House in the Big Woods” but it still would be neat to see it live.
Later, Scott went and listened to the input for the book Don Staddon is writing about music. He learned some things about music and enjoyed that time of discussion. He enjoyed the music the Staddons played over the speakers. He found it had a calming effect on his spirit. It made him think about the effect music does have on a person.
We had a bonfire in the afternoon with hot dogs and everybody’s favorite 
SMORE’S. Boy, hot dogs taste great when they’re done over the fire. We had sloppy joes as well and then we played some games. “Four on the couch” or “Hat game” is what we played. Our final game was “Occupation”. 
Time was certainly a vapor as we found that it was time for bed. Church starts at 8:30/9:00 where the Staddons attend so we knew we’d best get some “shut-eye.”
The next day was our trip to church. It was a bit of a windy drive, but that is the norm in West Virginia. The sermon was about Jonah and 
his lack of obedience to go to Nineveh. The second session was the Sunday School lesson and the one that really made me think. This text was on the beautitudes in Mathew and caused quite a discussion in the congregation. The teacher talked with enthusiam about the LORD and took a stand in his preaching for the LORD. He really caused you to think about the words in the beautitudes.
Our final time was back at the Staddon’s home for lunch. We had some meat, carrots and vegetables, homemade bread and apple butter, and cookies that Esther had made. Mrs. Staddon made some tea that she had made herself as well as a ginger tea for me to have with our cookies. We took a final picture together and were on our way. Thank you Staddon family for sharing yourself with us and for the time we had building memories with you!
Obedience is the KEY!
Posted by Christina on Oct 17 2011 | 1 Comment »
Three military men were standing on the deck of an aircraft carrier. Suddenly their commanding officer spotted an approaching missile. He shouted to them to “drop”. Two of the men did, but the third one looked around to see what the problem was. Just as he turned, the missile struck and killed him. If you think of this, he could have obeyed and not had instant death. This account shows two ways of obeying.
The first is the Greek approach. That is to understand first and then obey. The soldier who turned around wanted to know why he should drop and then he would obey. This lead him to an immediate end.
The second is the Hebrew model. Obey first, understand later. This is the method that God used with Abraham when he asked him to leave his homeland and also to take his son’s life.
In the case of wood ducks, they demonstrate the Hebrew model. When it is time to leave the nest, they have to jump down from a nest that is high up in a tree. One such occasion, all the ducks but one obeyed. He didn’t want to leave the nest because he was afraid of perishing from the fall so instead he perished in the abandoned nest. Obedience is the very best way!
Of course, it is hard to obey first, ask later. But, God says in His WORD that we must obey, so…how about practicing it at home?
Here’s a test…..
1. Do you obey regardless of what you are told to do?
2. Do you ask for reasons when your request is denied?
3. Do you obey immediately when told?
4. You may do it, but do you do it with a smile?
5. Do you give reason to not obey when told to?
6. Have you been reminded to do the task right?
7. Have you had to do the task twice?
8. Do you ask one parent after the other said “NO”?
9. While you are doing work , do you plan recreation?
10. Do you ever think the job is stupid or worthless?
11. Do you say “I know”, and run off before you know what the job is?
12. Does the parent have to have you repeat what they said because you weren’t listening?
“Obedience to God’s will is the secret of spiritual knowledge and insight. It is not willingness to know but willingness to do God’s will that brings certainty.” Eric Liddell
The alternative to obedience is not freedom, but tyranny…..
So…………..do you need to work on your obedience? I know I do! This world we live in is failing and falling in so many places I see. There is much disobedience and disrespect to parents, lawlessness, and more. Let us be a light!!
Much of the information contained in this post is found in “The Power for True Success How to build character in your life” and is published by the Institute of Basic Life Principles, Inc. The wording is changed in some areas, but Christina wanted to share this post about obedience and since it can be convicting to me and maybe a blessing to other readers, I think it was a great idea!
Trip to CT
Posted by Yvonne on Oct 10 2011 | Comment now »
The last time we had been to Connecticut for a visit was in 2006, I believe. I was pregnant with Jonathan and didn’t think I would be able to go to my Mom’s 60th birthday party, but we went up to the house for a few hours and surprised my Mom. Even then, I wasn’t able to see my Grandma Kaleta and have been anxious to see her since then. We made the decision to go on the 29th of October. Scott drove and we arrived in CT on Thursday evening. 
Our original plan was to visit my sister in Vermont on Friday, but that didn’t work out. It would have worked if we had gone two weeks earlier as we had originally planned, but we postponed due to Irene and the rain that came in continuously after Irene.
Since we didn’t go to Vermont, we decided to visit my Mom at work so that the people at the bank could see us, and then visit my Grandma in the nursing home. 
Some of the people I had known when I was in Connecticut (and possibly worked with when I was home for the summer and in need of money for the next years’ college expenses) were still faithfully working at the bank. It was very good to see them. My mother was thrilled beyond imagination that we came to see her at the bank. She was able to “show off all her “grands” as she calls her grandchildren. Her only disappointment was that Julie Maynard wasn’t there who is the wife of the young man I held the title for friendliest in our senior class. Other than that, her smile and excitement was practically leaping out of her.
Our next stop was the nursing home. I wasn’t sure how this visit would go as I was told that it often is a short visit because Grammy gets tired. When we walked into the nursing home, a worker was waxing the floor in the room she shares with two other ladies, so we had to wait. Grammy had no idea who was in the hallway, though I believe she was told the visitors were for her. She couldn’t see me, and I’m sure she didn’t recognize the rest of the family. My family stepped in first, then I came in and she saw me. Then she exclaimed “Evie” which is my nickname she had for me all my years of growing up. In fact, we lived right next door to her in Union. She stayed in the house next door until she moved into the nursing home and her house was sold to someone else.
Grammy surprised me greatly on this visit. She hugged me very tight and for quite some time. She has a great deal of strength for a 95 year old woman! (In fact, she even told my husband that she wasn’t bad for a 95 year old woman)! Her mind is very good; was aware that I was supposed to come on Saturday instead of Friday. The only thing that isn’t good is her hearing. I wrote some things on a paper to talk to her until my Stepdad Carl called and told me where her hearing aid was. Then I could talk to her. 
We brought back a lot of fond moments with my Grandma that I won’t share here on paper, but that were very precious and special to me. I was so glad to see her, I even considered asking Scott if we could go again on Saturday! The nursing home is such a special place to be. People we didn’t even know were waving, smiling and even reaching to touch our hands as we went by them. What a ministry opportunity for a family!!!
The next thing we did that evening was go out to dinner with Mom and Stepdad Carl. We were going to go to the Golden Corral, but we left too late and traffic was backed up so much that we met at Hometown Buffet instead. We had a nice dinner together and then retired for the evening.
On Saturday, we arrived at the house sometime around 1:00 p.m. The house has had some changes, but is mostly the same. The inside is different with the music equipment in the living room and the bedroom which is now a dining room. The upstairs looks mostly the same and still has that “country store” appeal with the many things to look at on the walls. Jonathan even said that they made the bathroom really beautiful to look at as he looked at the many things on the wall!
I wanted to look outside at the property and maybe I even sensed the memories of days gone by creeping up on me. When we had come up for my Mom’s birthday, (which my husband had graciously planned as a surprise to me and my Mom) we had been there for a short time and had many things that we did together as a family, so I didn’t have time to think. This time, the memories of my Grandma who used to live next door, my Dad not being there at all for me to see, and my Grandpa who has been gone for many years now as well as all the changes I saw in Union, I was overwhelmed. My tender-hearted husband came out and hugged me as well as spoke gently to me and helped me through those moments. I thank God for my husband and for the time he takes to be with his family and for the way he has willingly gone places he knows his wife GREATLY desires to go. I also am thankful for the love he shows to me and the forgiveness for the lack that I show towards him at times. It reminds me of God’s everlasting love towards us and of the verse that talks about how God’s goodness repents man. Sometimes when I see what God does through my husband for me, I am sorry for my lack of love towards him and ultimately my lack of love towards God.
Later on we had lunch together which Grandpa Carl fixed for us. He made hamburgers and hot dogs as well as fixed the barbecue ribs. There was also a macaroni salad and a potato salad that my Mom had fixed along with the usual chips and drinks. There was a chocolate cake for dessert.
My Mom had bought birthday presents for Jonathan and Elijah, so we had them open them for Mom so she could see their reactions. Granted, most kids aren’t excited about clothes for their birthdays, but there parents are! Scott and I really enjoy clothes from the grandparents!!!!
Mom had wanted to show us the memorial stone with Great Grandpa Victor Kaleta and Grandpa Frank Kaleta on the green in the center of Union. She was waiting for my cousin to arrive as well as stay with our family friend Lou Nelson at the house. Grandpa Carl wanted to take us up to the school, so that’s where my sister, Aunt Ruth and our family went next.
First we stopped at the green and saw the stone with the two Grandpas’ names on it. At this point, Sally (my cousin)and Kianna (her daughter) joined us. Then we finished our walk up to the school and saw the new building the town had built for the children in town. It is a very nice building, and pardon my nostalgia, but I liked the old building because it was so rich in memories for me. I know things can’t remain the same and they needed more space for children as well as the many programs schools are required to have by law now, but it isn’t the same for me.
After this, it was time for us to say our goodbyes and go back to the Martins house for the night. It was very good to see my sister, my brother, my Mom, Carl , my Aunt Ruth and my cousin Sally as well as meet Kianna. I carried home many rich memories of my visit with them. God richly blessed us and protected us on this journey . Blessed be the name of the LORD…. 
A Wonderful time with the Martins
Posted by Johnson Team on Oct 04 2011 | 1 Comment »
We had a very pleasant drive to Connecticut. You wouldn’t believe it, but we only stopped twice for potty breaks! With our ages of children, that was pretty amazing! We had one “meltdown” in the car from one of our children and a disturbance to one that was sleeping during the trip, but the children were very well behaved during the drive and both Scott and I were completely pleased and proud of the way the children were on the trip up to Connecticut.
We did arrive later than was originally forecasted by the “90 year old Hungarian grandmother” that gave us directions. It wasn’t her fault, even though she seemed to insist that we go over the George Washington bridge rather than the route we preferred to go on. Nonetheless, we were greeted by the Martin children’s joyful jumps in the living room as they saw our van pull up in the driveway. We also heard some “mahs” from the goat house. At first I thought it was some children outside in a playhouse (it was dark) alerting us to their presence. I guess the goats wanted to say “hello” too!
Jill had prepared a delicious mexican meal for us to enjoy with chips and cheese. It was delicious and enjoyed by all. Josiah was a bit concerned about one plate that was still on the table uneaten. We learned that he can “pack” it away even though he doesn’t show it in body mass. He has a high metabolism and burns it all off. He is happy to help with any extras!
The following day we had some time in the morning for breakfast of delectable cranberry scones as well as gluten-free muffins for Scott and Jordon. We left to go see my grandma and then came back to help Sean build a lean-to for the goats. The men and some of the oldest “men” of each family helped in this project. The LORD gave a beautiful sunny day and the project was finished before the Johnson team had to go to a restaurant to meet my Mom and Carl for dinner. It seems the project was just in time because the next day it rained and the goats were happy under their cover that day. I don’t think they were the only ones because Sean looked proud himself of the work and the fact that the goats were all “covered” under the lean-to.
On Saturday, we had breakfast with the Martins and then a tour of the church at the “Barn”. It actually was a barn for cows at one time and was converted into a church. There is a prayer room in one of the old silos with a cross, a crown of thorns, and candles. The room is sound proof, so you can pray out loud, or even warm-up if you are a singer in that room. After the tour, we stayed in the room called the “well” for a game of “ga-ga”. 
The Martins aren’t sure how that name came to be, but the game sure is fun. It seems to be a mix of volleyball and dodge ball. 
You’d have to play to see what it’s like. The Martins have played this game with some missionary friends, and then it became one of the villages favorite games!
We came back in the evening with the pleasant surprise that James Staddon was there for a visit until Monday. We prayed with him in the evening, had breakfast with him in the morning, and then were able to worship with him and the Martins at the Barn on Sunday morning.
When the service was over in the morning, we all came back (with the exception of Sean who was still preaching for the second service) to make lunch and fellowship together. James had just come back from Mexico where he was asked to take pictures of the orphanage there.
James, way to disciple the younger ones as well as sharing an awesome testimony of cleaning and being faithful when and where God places you at any time in your life. God may not have you in something “big” in your own eyes, but HE does want you to be faithful to family and to your tasks at home. That is your training ground, and you never know where he may place you some day. Just be faithful !
The final chapter of our time with the Martins closed with a delicious Italian dish that Jill made (I can’t remember the name and don’t know how to spell it, but it was “DELISH”)! She also prepared some wonderful, moist, gluten-free brownies for all of us! Yum! The food was so good and so was their hospitality! Our children loved being with the Martin children and would group up often together. Scott and I enjoyed fellowship with the whole family and are very grateful for their willingness to host us for the weekend. We had a truly wonderful time! Thank you, Martin family! 
Labor of Love
Posted by Scott on Oct 03 2011 | 1 Comment »
What a blessing it has been to us, to help Josh and Lisa on there new house, to think of the wonderful memory’s they will make here and the one’s we are making now. God has blessed us in the doing. May the Lord richly 
bless this new family and this house. It was so exciting to see all the families working together to make this possible for the two of you. Many hands make lite work. As we commit our work unto the Lord may He established our thoughts. The Bible says in Proverbs 19:22a The desire of a man is his kindness. Our families desire is to love our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. 
To commit them to prayer and be in a state of love with each other day by day. We Pray for the health, peace, joy and hand of God on you both . What joy we have had working here, What joy the Lord bring us day to day, What love we have for one another, What hope we have in Christ today. May the Lord Bless you and keep you, Josh and Lisa Wilkes
Count your Blessings…….
Posted by Christina on Aug 18 2011 | 5 Comments »
Name them one by one…….. 
Our family has a pad that we write things down on that hangs on the refrigerator . Well, every time we write on something on it (mostly food needs), you always see the title“Count your blessings.” (This is what caused me write this post )So, let’s do that!!
One huge blessing in my life is my family. Now, some may say, “What, your family?!” Why my family is always fighting or something and yet you enjoy your family? Why, of course! God made each family different, so we can grow in HIM and learn things as a family. Some of our best times have been when we have been somewhere as a family.
One thing that God has been teaching me is to make your brothers and sisters your best friends. It is not always easy, but your family will always be in your life whereas your friends may not always be. Some of the people we knew back 2 or 3 years ago, we don’t even see most of them anymore and that just proves my point. God placed us all in a family. Each one of us he has a purpose and a plan for, so He could make you a part of His clan! So, as you’re growing in your family, your family is growing right along with you. Just remember, God is in control!
Another thing that always made me feel like our family didn’t do anything fun, was when I would compare our family to other families because of what I heard or saw them do something together. But, when I had or have these feelings, I need to 
count my many blessings and remember the times we have spent together as a family. It might be just one member of the family you can remember doing something with. When we decide to do this, then we can be surprised at what the LORD has done. So, count your many blessings name them one by one!!!!
“When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged thinking all is lost Count your many blessings name them one by one. And it will surprise you what the LORD has done!”
Here’s a list that I came up with of suggestions on how you personally can come up with your own way to “count”or be a “blessing.”
1. What blesses you most? Is it encouraging words, someone singing or a nice note ? Who usually is the one who blesses you?(a family member or friend) Write down how this blessed you.
2. Write down how many times your family has gone somewhere or done something together like a trip to the museum, state, country, or played a game, or surprised you on your birthday with silly string and water balloons (not mentioning any names here, like my own or anything-tee-hee). So, you get the idea, right?
3. What were some blessings in disguise? (Oh, that’s a hard one!) How about leaving some friends you really liked but they weren’t edifying to you or helping you grow closer to the LORD? What about times when you really want to do something your way but you obeyed and found out later that was the best thing for you to do because it was for your good and HIS glory?
4. How are your parents a blessing to you; your sister(s), and or your brother(s)? Write down how many times you can remember that they blessed you.
Now, how can you be a blessing?!
1. Sing a hymn or special song while you work.
2. Encourage your family with a note or word of encouragement. (My special favorite
is to write notes and hide them so that family members can find them later).
3. Do something for someone like : the laundry, dishes, make a bed or two, clean up something for someone without their asking.
4. Always be joyful! This can go with being an encourager. It has a definite effect on the family!
5. Bless your Mom or Dad or both by your OBEDIENCE!
Remember that as I write this, I’m encouraging myself to do and be the same way!! You can probably come up with more for this list, but here are a few things to start with! If you are blessed by this post, I would love to hear from you! It would greatly bless me!! (Get it!?)Also if you don’t think this is a good name for this post tell me.
Our Independence Day
Posted by Scott on Jul 04 2011 | 4 Comments »
Our day started off with prayer and a family devotional. We thanked our Lord for His goodness and mercy. It’s our prayer that God will bless you and our Country on this Independence Day . 
A trip to the Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, VA
We had a great time looking at all the old planes and space craft there. 
Did you know that the first Space Shuttle orbiter, Enterprise is a full-scale test vehicle used for flights in the atmosphere and tests on the ground. Officially designated Orbiter Vehicle 101 or OV-101, Enterprise is not equipped for spaceflight. It has no propulsion systems and only simulated thermal tiles.
In 1977 Enterprise completed approach and landing tests at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center in California. It was flown atop a Boeing 747 carrier airplane and also released for piloted descents to check out its systems and performance. . It later underwent launch vibration tests and fit checks at other NASA centers. Although Enterprise never flew in space, it introduced a new era in space transportation and was the flagship for a fleet of reusable shuttles. The Smithsonian acquired Enterprise in 1985
Just look at some of the old computers NASA used in the early years . This is part of the Control Data 3800 series mainframe computer installed and used for many years at the Consolidated Space Test Center, Sunnyvale, California, 
where it was used in the management of various military space activities. The CDC 3800 was a military version of a general-purpose, commercial mainframe computer.
This computer was in operation at the CSTC from the late 1960s through Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
This is one of the family favorites: The SR-71 Blackbird – 
No reconnaissance aircraft in history has operated globally in more hostile airspace or with such complete impunity than the SR-71, the world’s fastest jet-propelled aircraft. The Blackbird’s performance and operational achievements placed it at the pinnacle of aviation technology developments during the Cold War.
This Blackbird accrued about 
2,800 hours of flight time during 24 years of active service with the U.S. Air Force. On its last flight, March 6, 1990, Lt. Col. Ed Yielding and Lt. Col. Joseph Vida set a speed record by flying from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., in 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 20 seconds, averaging 3,418 kilometers (2,124 miles) per hour. At the flight’s conclusion, they landed at Washington-Dulles International Airport and turned the airplane over to the Smithsonian.
The first supersonic airliner to enter service, the Concorde flew thousands of passengers across the Atlantic at twice the speed of sound for over 25 years. Designed and built by Aérospatiale of France and the British Aviation Corporation, the graceful Concorde was a stunning technological achievement that could not overcome serious economic problems. 
In 1976 Air France and British Airways jointly inaugurated Concorde service to destinations around the globe. Carrying up to 100 passengers in great comfort, the Concorde catered to first class passengers for whom speed was critical. It could cross the Atlantic in fewer than four hours – half the time of a conventional jet airliner. However its high operating costs resulted in very high fares that limited the number of passengers who could afford to fly it. These problems and a shrinking market eventually forced the reduction of service until all Concordes were retired in 2003. 
In 1989, Air France signed a letter of agreement to donate a Concorde to the National Air and Space Museum upon the aircraft’s retirement. On June 12, 2003, Air France honored that agreement, donating Concorde F-BVFA to the Museum upon the completion of its last flight. This aircraft was the first Air France Concorde to open service to Rio de Janeiro, Washington, D.C., and New York and had flown 17,824 hours
We went up in a observation tower and from there could see Dulles Airport. Planes seem to come in about every minute . Can you see the Johnsons van ?
Happy 4th of July, 2011
From the Johnson Team
