In the American Spirit of 1945

Welcome to the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Times and the National Celebration of the Spirit of 45. What a time to have been alive! Back then, no one felt the need to apologize for loving America.

I wish the same could be said for today. I for one refuse to apologize for the past. To begin with, I wasn’t there. And neither were those who are alive today a part of the dark periods in our Nation’s history. Within every person, there is a goodness and a dark side. Why should a country be any different? While that dark side might not be an aspect of ourselves we want to embrace, it is something we can learn from, grow from, becoming a better person. Just as the dark side of history is something we can learn from, grow from and become a better nation.

I grew up in a time when pride meant something. There was school pride, comminity pride, and national pride. Being proud of where you came from doesn’t make those around you any less important. I think everyone should stand tall. No one need lord over another. That’s not how we were created. Made in the image of God does not mean blond hair, blue eyed All Americans. The image of God is spiritual. We all possess a soul, formed in the image of God. A soul for goodness and love and compassion. I have to believe that the Spirit of 45 and the values of the greatest generation are still within us.

Today would be a great day to return to some basic truths. Love is truth. Respect is truth. Hate is a lie. That’s my lecture for today. Close the door on hate. It really is that simple.

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Celebrate all that is America in one delicious skillet breakfast. So easy and oh so good!

American Frittata
4 medium Idaho Russet Potatoes
1/2 White Onion
8 Eggs
1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
3/4 cup Cubed Ham
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
3/4 cup shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese

Note: Since Hubby doesn’t like cheese, while Kiddo and I do, I tried something different – covering only half of the Frittata with cheese. Worked beautifully, everyone got what they wanted. So I’d say cheese is optonal.

Heat oven to 350-degrees.

Peel and cube potatoes, set aside. Cut onion in half from root to tip. Save half for another purpose. Peel remaining half, slice into thin slivers. In a bowl, lightly beat eggs.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes, cook until tender but still firm, abut 6 minutes or so. Drain and set aside to cool. While the potatoes cook.

In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, warm oil. Add onion slivers, cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft but not yet browned, about 10 minutes or so.

Stir in eggs, potatoes, and diced ham. Season with salt and pepper. Cook on the stovetop until the eggs are firm on the bottom, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the top of the Frittata with shredded cheese. Place in the heated oven until the cheese has melted and the eggs are completely firm, about 8 minutes or so.

Serve straight from the skillet with toast and a piping hot cup of Joe.

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Look to Him that you may be radiant with joy.
And your faces may not blush with shame.
When the afflicted man called out, the Lord heard,
And from all his distress He saved him.