I Can’t See the Wind (Lift-off)
Posted by Marjorie Ainsborough Decker text© 2011 on Jul 25th, 2009
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Hello again Dear Friends of the Fellowship of the Blog,
This week, America is celebrating the forty-year anniversary of Astronaut Neil Armstrong’s historic moon landing. It’s a thrilling fact to remember that he left his footprints, along with an American flag, as a gift to the “man IN the moon” from the first man ON the moon.
Since the creation of flight was God’s idea in the first place, when He filled the air with “every winged fowl after its kind:” (Genesis 1:21). What a provocative sight their flight must have been to Adam, the first man on earth. (Note that Adam, God’s masterpiece, was created after the rest of creation was complete.) He opened his eyes to immediately see the infinite genius of God’s wisdom that lay before him: the breathtaking panorama of an earth filled with wonders, beauty and life.
Then God said, “Have dominion over it all, Adam.” What a gift! What possibilities! And is it possible the thought of flying flickered across Adam’s mind as he watched the first eagle fly across the sky?
That thought, aided by our inventive human curiosity and imagination, did more than flicker across the minds of the two French brothers, Joseph and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier. They were the inventors of the “montgolfière” style hot air balloon. 
After several years of trial and error, on September 19, 1783 they successfully launched a hot air balloon carrying living creatures in a basket: a sheep, a duck and a rooster. (the Christian Mother Goose balloon would follow 200 years later – honestly!) Read on for that story, after this companion Christian Mother Goose rhyme:
From the very first Christian Mother Goose Book published in 1978, our long-time readers know the part a hot air balloon plays throughout the book series. It began as just an illustration in Volume 1, but then became the real thing in 1982.
At that time, I was writing a script for the video production of “A Day at Dandelion Sea” – a Christian Mother Goose musical. The hot air balloon was essential to the script. So, a beautiful, rainbow Raven RX7 balloon (including its own aircraft number N57225) joined our family. And, like children, what adventures it brought with it!
First of all, our son, Kevin, went off to flight school to become a hot air balloon pilot. His mission? To navigate his mother, (Christian Mother Goose) safely through the skies in a wicker basket! Whew! (And not only once!)
After graduating, Kevin returned home a certified balloon pilot – 
and we planned the day for our first test flight.
That day, as I actually stood in that small wicker basket, with my destination the blue sky above, I said, “Oh, Lord, what we do for the Gospel’s sake!”
Right then, a roar from the burners above the basket, shot two 16-foot towers of flames into the balloon. Lift off! The 76,000 cubic feet of hot air briskly whisked us up to an altitude of 9,000 feet, soaring through the Colorado Rockies!
Kevin frequently checked four instruments: a pyrometer for heat, an altimeter for height, a variometer to check ascent and descent, and a transponder for radio communication with the chase crew (following us in the balloon van). 
These modern necessities added a modern flair to the ancient art of wicker baskets. And ancient they are, indeed. Even the patriarch, Moses, began his career floating in a bulrush wicker basket – and look how far he went!
As we floated along, marveling at the fabulous aerial views, Kevin explained to me the physical dynamics of ballooning (wind, contained air, heat, lift and power); bringing us to an interesting conversation of how those dynamics reminded us of the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The wrinkled fabric of the balloon itself (rightly termed the “envelope”) has no power. 
When collapsed, it fits into a bag about the size of a wheelbarrow. But filled with hot air, it rises to become a 70-foot high “light bulb” of beauty and power.
The Lord Jesus said in Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me…unto the uttermost part of the earth.” The Holy Spirit breathes the life and power of Christ into the humble fabric of earthlings; smoothing out the wrinkles of our lives, lifting us up to His “blessings in Heavenly places.” Oh, so many Scriptural illustrations, all from a balloon flight.
The montgolfière balloon’s first flight by humans, landed between windmills near Paris. The Christian Mother Goose balloon’s first flight landed in a corn field near Western Colorado’s rural town of Fruita.
Our balloon van chase crew team of Dale, Bradley, Keith, and three friends, was racing through the country roads to assist in securing the stability of our landed balloon. There are “soft” and “hard” landings, depending on the wind of the moment. An errant wind dragged ours into the “very hard” category, needing many helping hands. While Kevin was shutting down valves and wrestling other components, the basket tipped at a 60 degree angle; I tipped too, at the same angle, praying for the chase crew’s arrival…”a-tisket, a-tasket, please come and find our basket!”
Then, seemingly out of nowhere, three sets of hands appeared, grabbing the tether ropes and slowing down our drag. I was able to straighten up and heard two voices loudly asking the Lord for help. The other voice was obviously tipsy (perhaps enjoying his corn in some liquid form?). But, nevertheless, he hung on to the rope in grand style, shouting out strong “Amens” to the others’ prayers. Hurrah! The chase crew arrived, and nine souls mastered a victorious take-down!
Of course, there was a picnic basket of supper for everyone to celebrate our first flight. The “praying hands” man-and-wife couple turned out to be evangelists, and the “corn” man was a kind soul who helped us. He seemed to thoroughly enjoy the happy crowd and our grateful thanks.
So, although we never went to the “uttermost part of the earth,” as Jesus said, we did leave a witness for Him in the cornfield, where the “corn” man truly appeared to have “ears to hear.”
Perhaps I’ll mention other balloon adventures in future blogs. In the meantime, I leave you with these wonderful words of promise: “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy in believing, that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
Cheerio, for now – and Up, Up and Away – with Heavenly Blessings for All!
Christian Mother Goose®
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From the shape of their hair-do (wigs, I presume), it looks like the Montgolfier brothers thought a lot about “lift.”
That CMG balloon was truly amazing! How exhilarating!! Never a dull moment.
Well Mrs. Decker, it looks like the sky’s the limit for you. I am not sure I would have the courage to get in that wicker basket, but I am sure the view is beautiful. Enjoyed the reminder of the moon landing very much too. Great pictures. Timothy.
What fun times those flights must have been! Thank you for sharing them and so many of the photos!
I worked on a student appointment at the USGS National Hdqtrs some years ago – unfortunately RIGHT AFTER my group had completed their work on the moon rocks! I was given copies of some of those nice glossy left over 8X10′s of that first moon walk that had been used in the studies! Where, oh where, are they now?!?
I just read one of the ‘Favorite Quotes’ in the top right corner here that matches this blog so well – one by Anne Frank, “The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.”
I wonder how many times Ann had heard Psalm 19 read to her? It’s one of my favorites, fits the quote from Anne’s diary, and I’m sure resounded in your thoughts and hearts on many of your heavenly flights! A bit long but I think worth writing out here …
“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their utterances to the end of the world …The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.” (Psalm 19:1-4a; 7-11)
All His Creation witnesses His unfailing love, power to save, and the work of His Spirit. Thanks be to God that we too, can participate! Keep inspiring the “choir,” dear CMG!
I took a hot air balloon ride once. It was a big thrill. I wonder if those inventors felt as I did when they lifted off the first time? Leaving the earth below was something I will never forget. It felt so close to God. Our landing was hard, but the ride was incredible. I would love to do it again someday.
Hello to all of you who kindly sent in your fun suggestions for naming the tiger piglets! I enjoyed hearing from you!
Timothy– You’ll have courage to fly in a balloon basket sometime…Just take along with you a dose of Romans 8:39 before you climb in! I did. It works wonders. Then ENJOY!
Lindsey– Glad you enjoyed your balloon ride. Did you notice that you can hear peoples’ conversations down on the ground from your position at 2,000 feet aloft? So it isn’t hard for God to hear your prayers!
Carolyn– Thanks for sharing Psalm 19. It’s a favorite of mine, too. Hope you can find your moon rock photos!
Ol Bean– Yes! Those Montgolfier Brothers look like the hot-air became
“hot-hair!” Perhaps that’s what happened in their passion for flying?
Hair-raising, isn’t it!
Hello Marjorie,
Hello from Davies family Remember us? We made the costumes and toy prototypes for CMG waaaayyyy back in 1986!
So good to have found you through face book, lots to tell. We were unpacking our basement boxes after our recent move back to Michigan ( from nearly twenty years in Dallas) when we found Tilly ,Toggle and Nothing impossible Possum in plastic bags. They had been stored away in moving boxes since 1987! They were safe and sound and as fresh as the day we recieved them from the samples sent to be made. Midge and I smiled at each other and remembered our wonderful association with CMG. We also found the signed volumes of CMG books that you gave to our sons Joshua, Jerod, and Isaac. There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t have some small little portion of our lives influenced by you and your writings. “The day is kind when we are kind” is among our favorites.
Many thanks ,
Jeffrey and Migdalia Davies
A BIG Hello Jeff and Midge! I am overjoyed to hear from you! Your photos were at the heart of our conversation just two days ago, as Kevin and I were reminiscing and praying for you.
What delightful memories we share with you around the development of the CMG life-sized plush characters. Your sweet spirit and special gifting have brought joy to many children. Please send us your new address there in Michigan. Our address as noted on the Christian Mother Goose product website is:
Christian Mother Goose, P.O. Box 330 Beggs, OK 74421.
Yes, there are many adventures to catch up with, as you can see from the Blog Archives. And we would love to hear how your Joshua, Jerod and Isaac are doing, too.
God bless you, dear friends!
Marjorie
Good morning! I just took a quick look to see what is new and was so delighted to see how this blog is really developing into community! An answer to prayer for you and all!
And, thank you for your comments back, CMG!
I have been thinking of how I wanted to come back at times and send off additional thoughts to you Marjorie, ol bean, etc. – so now I see we have a real blog – a real online meeting place bringing folks together! It’s especially fun to hear from / be introduced to the creators of those CMG plush toys that I’ve heard have brought so much joy, comfort, and truth to children.
Have a blessed day!
Carolyn