I'm really happy to share my guest blogger with you. John Cotter is an old (much older in age, too!) friend of mine from high school. One of my favorite memories (that he probably doesn't even remember) is driving to the basketball playoffs in Switz City while it was like a blizzard outside. At that time I was too stupid to know that I was trusting my life into the hands of a long haired (yes, he had more hair back then), heavy metal blaring music, fast car, heavy on the pedal guy. Thankfully, he got us there in one piece...I think he was more in a hurry to see a girl named Kim than he was to see the game...John lives in Texas and is a pilot for United/Continental Airlines. He pilots the Boeing 777, flying international routes to London, Tokyo, and Frankfurt. While he loves his job, he really loves volunteering for the Commemorative Air Force. He spends his time flying different World War II airplanes, including the B24 he mentions below, and instructing in ex-Soviet military jets. 
It is the time of the year when people start thinking about the things they are thankful for: Loving family, great friends, and good health are usually included. I am thankful for those things plus more, including a unique gift that I receive during the warmer months. I have the honor and privilege to fly a B-24 Liberator WW II bomber at various air shows around the US. Out of over 18,000 built, there now are only 2 flying examples. We also offer the general public the opportunity to fly in this great airplane. Now, the truly rewarding part is when I get to fly veterans that were actual crewmembers during the war. Or when I get to fly “Rosie the Riveter” and this is the first time she has been around the B-24 that she helped create some 70 years ago. It is an amazing feeling to share that experience with the very people that built, flew in, and worked on this machine that helped ensure freedom for the World.
One thing is for certain, if you are with Anna Ward, you are having a great time. We always have fun and laugh until our sides hurt. Most people would be quick to say that Anna is funny and upbeat. I love those characteristics about her, but most of all, I love that she is an authentic Christ follower. She is quick to share her faith and an encourager to other believers. I love my friend, she has been a sound ear for me many times and a very loyal friend. Oh, and she happens to be my middle daughter's "other mother". Our girls are two peas in a pod. I love you, Anna Ward!
I'm sure that we have all heard the phrase “count your blessings” more than a few times in our lives. I personally have counted my blessings on more than one occasion. But have you ever stopped to consider what qualifies as a “blessing”? For most of us, blessings consist of our loved ones, our health, our jobs and our comforts.
Lately, God has been showing me a different kind of blessing. He is teaching me not only to thank Him IN the tough times, but also to thank Him FOR the tough times. Let's face it, none of us likes to go through hard times. Not once have I asked God to make things difficult for me. Who in their right mind would want to suffer? But tough times come none the less, just like the Bible promises they will. For most of my life I believed that tough times were God's way of punishing me for things done wrong. If I was suffering in some way it was because He was upset with me. By His saving grace I now know that trials are signs of His love for me. Realizing that He is shaping me and molding me into His likeness makes hard times bearable. I know in my heart of hearts that He will never bring me to a trial without going through it with me, and if He is with me then I have nothing to fear. This song has been following me around for months. I have no idea what God has planned for me, but I do know that He will be right there to take me through the fire every time. For that, I am eternally thankful.
It is the time of the year when people start thinking about the things they are thankful for: Loving family, great friends, and good health are usually included. I am thankful for those things plus more, including a unique gift that I receive during the warmer months. I have the honor and privilege to fly a B-24 Liberator WW II bomber at various air shows around the US. Out of over 18,000 built, there now are only 2 flying examples. We also offer the general public the opportunity to fly in this great airplane. Now, the truly rewarding part is when I get to fly veterans that were actual crewmembers during the war. Or when I get to fly “Rosie the Riveter” and this is the first time she has been around the B-24 that she helped create some 70 years ago. It is an amazing feeling to share that experience with the very people that built, flew in, and worked on this machine that helped ensure freedom for the World.
