Before I move on – I forgot to mention that after we checked into our motel we had to drive around looking for food. It was late and most of the places were closed. But we found a little place called Freddy’s and got chicken tenders and onion rings. The inconceivable thing was that they were out of — SALT! If you know me, you know I am a salt-aholic! But I managed and the food was good. And it felt good to tumble into bed, with an early morning wakeup call!

It was a beautiful sunny day, and our first rest stop had both the crepe myrtle trees in bloom and the famous Palmetto trees. Of course we had to get pictures. As we were posing I looked down and found a painted rock. I picked it up and it was one of those ‘post pictures and re-hide somewhere else’ rocks. I carried it around with me until we left the city on Thursday, and placed it outside one of the historic buildings after posting a picture on facebook. It was very tempting to keep it, as it was beautiful and would have been a treasure to have!

We made it into Charleston before noon, and since we couldn’t check into our motel until after 3pm, we headed into Mt. Pleasant (SC!!!) and ate at the King Street Grille. A dear friend of mine for many years – Donna Kier – had 2 sons, Scott and Brian, that moved to Charleston YEARS ago (before she passed away) and opened the King Street Grille. I had made up my mind that if ever I got to Charleston I would try to eat there. Neither were in that day, but Kath and Paul were gracious to indulge me, and we ate there for lunch. It was very nice to have that connection, and the food was good. They had a Steeler wall (it’s a sports bar) and it was in a very nice little section of the town.

Our first official tour was Ft. Sumter, boarding at Liberty Square. We had reserved our time online, and we arrived early enough to browse around the museum and watch the boats and ships on the water. At 2:30 we boarded The Spirit of the Low Country and headed out for our 35 minute ride to the fort. Our tour guide – on the way over – gave us lots of information about the battle, with names and dates, and was actually an information overload! But we then had an hour to wander around the fort, seeing the cannons and battlements and remnants left behind. It was the bombardment of Fort Sumter by the South Carolina militia (the Confederate Army did not yet exist), and the return gunfire and subsequent surrender by the United States Army, that started the American Civil War.

It was very interesting to be immersed in the southern culture and history – seeing everything for the other side of the situation. I have spent my whole life with a ‘Northern’ viewpoint – and it’s enlightening to hear interpretations from the other side’s viewpoint. It was fascinating and humbling when you understood the siege and the significance of that bold attack and the outcome.

Jim’s message from Florida will be in post #3 (Day 2!)

On this day in 1652 New Amsterdam (NYC) enacted the first speed limit law in North America, and in 1778 the Liberty Bell returned home to Philadelphia after the British departure. The Great Stock Crash on the NY Stock Exchange was in 1893; the world’s first ATM was installed in London in 1967, and in 2003 the US National DO NOT CALL registry registered 3/4 million people the first day! Helen Keller was born in 1880 and Ross Perot in 1930. In 1964 Ethel Merman married Ernest Borgnine.

TOMORROW June 28 is:

• National Logistics Day
• National Paul Bunyan Day
• National Insurance Awareness Day
• National Alaska Day

Part 2 of Day 2 is in post #3. God bless….

The beginning! I will split these posts up when the day is too full. As Day 1 was mostly travel I can cover it all in one post – I think!

I drove over to Kathy and Paul’s about 8 am Sunday morning. We loaded up and organized the drinks and snacks (very important!), then put Paul in the driver’s seat. He is a natural – he knows the routes and remembers all the places to drive and stay and eat and visit. We felt very comfortable handing him the keys! And thanks to Rege at Pinnacle, we had a very roomy, comfortable Mazda CX5 (my favorite car!!!) for the trip.

We headed to River Hill Church of Christ for a little fellowship, praise, prayer and preaching. I met a very nice lady named Dottie Sanders who has made it her ministry to keep the church blooming. She is a ‘retired’ florist and she shares her talents with River Hill’s members. She hand painted all the baskets and created the arrangements. Such a lovely ministry!

I don’t remember our exact route, but I know it involved Routes 43, 79, and Route 77 to our overnight stay in Rock Hill SC. Route 77 had amazingly beautiful scenery, with lakes and mountains and impressive vistas. I could not adequately capture the views or the beauty but I breathed it in as joy to my soul! God’s creation is beautiful, indeed!

During the afternoon we listened to some music, and I also tuned in to several of the preachers I normally listen to. When we got to the end of that list (some of the sermons did not come in loud enough in the car), we played Bible trivia, American states facts and questions, and then played the alphabet: A my name is Alice and I’m going to the Arctic and taking antelopes. You get it. Then we tried to think of restaurants with the names of the alphabet. We got stuck on several, even with looking them up! But it passed the time.

The rest stop going in to North Carolina was the most beautiful ever! It was filled with gardens and wildly blooming day lilies of every color. The bright yellow were everywhere! Looked like about 2 hours left to go until we crossed over into South Carolina and our motel at Rock Hill.

Since I didn’t take notes this week, I’ll just give a short synopsis of the messages. Paul’s message from River Hill was in honor of Father’s Day – What are dads’ responsibility toward their families? 1) Providing for them 2) Protecting them 3) Praying for them. We can be thankful for our fathers’ care and protection, and especially for our Heavenly Father’s care for us!

On this day in 1959 Queen Elizabeth and President Eisenhower opened the St. Lawrence Seaway; in 1977 Elvis sang in Indianapolis – the last performance of his career. In 1997 Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (first book in J K Rowling’s series) was published. Deaths: Liz Claiborne at age 78 in 2007 (Fashion designer); In 1974 Elizabeth Taylor’s 5th divorce – from Richard Burton – and Sonny and Cher divorced in 1975. Birthdays: Abner Doubleday in 1819 (inventor of baseball) and Gretchen Wilson (country singer) in 1973. And my long-time friend Kathy Earnest Heckman is celebrating a birthday today – we’ve known each other since elementary school and we still both attend Hempfield Church. Happy, happy birthday Kathy! It only gets better from here, right?

TOMORROW January 27 is:

• National Chocolate Cake Day
• Library Shelfie Day –

We’ll see what adventures we embarked on for Monday on the next post! Check in later – and watch for the numbers (#1, #2, #3) to get them in the right order! God bless…

The week is about over, and we are home safe and sound – although Nate said he wasn’t sure how ‘sound’ I was! I must agree…

By the time I got the car emptied out, laundry sorted and kept moving, food and things put away, the car washed, some bills paid, checkbook caught up, money sorted from vacation — It’s 9:30pm. I’m just checking in and will post details of the trip starting tomorrow. I need to grab a quick bite of food before bedtime.

I will say that the vacation was wonderful. I am totally in love with Charleston. It’s a quaint, inviting, charming city; not at all imposing or confusing. We waded in fountains, road on a boat, tour bus, carriage, trolley, and walked. Visited historic houses, plantations, forts, parks, markets, harbors, restaurants, and monuments. I even dreamed about them last night. It was like reliving everything.

So check back tomorrow and I’ll give you the first day of the trip! In the meantime, thanks for being patient and missing my posts!

In 1868 Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Caroline were readmitted to the US; in 1876 – Battle of Little Bighorn – Custer’s Last Stand. In 1950 the Korean War began; in 1951 the first color TV broadcast was the Arthur Godfrey show. In 2020 the Dixie Chicks changed their name to The Chicks. June Lockhart (actress: Lassie) was born in 1925; Carly Simon – singer/songwriter – in 1945. George Armstrong Customer died at age 36 (Battle of Little Bighorn); Michael Jackson in 2009 at age 50 and Farrah Fawcett at age 62 in the same year. In 2006 Nicole Kidman married Keith Urban.

TOMORROW June 26 is:

• National Barcode Day *
• National Coconut Day
• National Beautician’s Day
• National Chocolate Pudding Day
• Summersgiving 

Have a great weekend – God bless!

Today is a day to celebrate Dads! I was blessed to have a wonderful, loving, FUN-loving dad – and then again blessed by having a Godly, caring step-father who loved our Mom. I celebrate them both today.

Also celebrating my brother-in-law Paul – as he and Kath and I are heading for a vacation. He has been a wonderful loving example to his family.

And here’s to my son Nate – who couldn’t love his girls more. And I couldn’t love HIM more!

And my son-in-law Matt – who works hard and loves my family all the time, every day. A wonderful example, one that I for all he does to support, teach, and lead.

And to God above, who teaches all of us what the word FATHER even means.

I will share Micah’s message RECALL -After his resurrection Jesus revealed himself as alive – and he still reveals himself to mankind. A recall is for something defective; not working properly. WE don’t work properly! Jesus loves you, cares for you and wants you to serve Him. He KNOWS the needs. He recalled the disciples and pulled them back to Him. He began a good work in us and will see it through. He invites us to come to Him; we should come boldly and seek Him. He still calls us. God looks at us through the righteousness of Jesus and wants to fellowship with us. Stay in His presence – When you listen, you will be blessed!

On this day in 1840 Samuel Morse patented the telegraph; in 1863 West Virginia was admitted as the 35th state of the Union. President Andrew Jackson announced the Alaska Purchase in 1867; in 1944 Nazis began mass extermination of the Jews at Auschwitz (unthinkable – cannot even imagine); and in 1975 Jaws (movie) was released. Brian Wilson (Beach Boys!) was born in 1942 and Nicole Kidman in 1967.

TOMORROW June 21 is:

• National Peaches ‘N’ Cream Day
• National Day of the Gong
• Go Skateboarding Day
• National Daylight Appreciation Day
• National Selfie Day
• National Arizona Day

June 21st is my friend Sandy Brinker’s birthday – we’ve known each other since before 1st grade! Happy birthday Sandy! It’s also the beginning of a break from my posting on the Word Garden – will resume up again the 26th or 27th! Until then – and always – God Bless!!!

Despite the clouds and slightly cooler temperatures, a nice amount of people were at Hanna’s Town this morning to enjoy Court Days. This is an annual event that celebrates the actual court cases that were tried at Hanna’s Town in the late 1770’s. Proctor’s Militia were there; blacksmith demonstrations, interpreters at the historic buildings. Kids games, basket weaving, a food booth. I was stationed at the Gaol (pronounced JAIL) for the morning. An added bonus was the colonial musicians that were playing music all day right across the path!

If you are local, you might want to go out tomorrow and join in the fun. I won’t be there tomorrow but all the fun and festivities will be. Our new shirts were in, and now I’m excited for the next event so I can wear it!

Nate’s family stopped over last night – Autmn brought me back an onyx type star and a post card from her vacation trip. I was excited to have them.

I will share Mike’s message from Hempfield – still in James. Do not slander (gossip) – That’s speaking evil for specific purposes. Don’t judge another. Life is short and uncertain. Be careful with what you plan. God’s plans are different than ours, and His WILL happen. We don’t know what will happen. Our life is like a mist, appearing for a moment. We must walk in the will of God even if it isn’t what we want or expect. Those things aren’t failure: God’s will is always for our good. We can’t count on our plans. Don’t presume: know that God directs our life, our steps. When we step outside His will we fail, even when we succeed. Don’t presume your plans are right. Let God lead. Who is in control in their own life???? Not!

On this day in 1865 Union General Gordon Granger declared slaves are free in Texas, now the date the end of slavery is celebrated across the US as Juneteenth. In 1910 Father’s Day was first celebrated in Spokane Washington, and in 1952 “I’ve got a Secret” with Garry Moore premiered. Taz – Tasmanian Devil (Warner Brother Cartoon) debuted in 1954; and in 1978 Garfield – by Jim Davis – first appeared in the comic strips. Birthdays: 1896 Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor; in 1897 Moe Howard (of Three Stooges fame); and in 1903 Lou Gehrig – baseball player. Nathanael Green died at age 43 in 1786 (Revolutionary War military leader – Greensburg was named after him). In 1953 Julius (age 35) and Ethel (age 37) Rosenberg were executed for espionage.

TOMORROW June 20 is:

• National Kouign Amann Day
• American Eagle Day
• International Nystagmus Day
• National Hike with a Geek Day
• National Vanilla Milkshake Day
• National Ice Cream Soda Day
• Father’s Day
• Turkey Lovers’ Day
• Anne and Samantha Day
• National Seashell Day
• Summer Begins 

Lot’s of things to celebrate tomorrow. I kinda like seashells, and eagles are ok. Seldom hike with Geeks. Not an ice cream soda fan, or a vanilla milkshake fan. But we can all celebrate Father’s Day in one way or another. I’m sure Kath and I will discuss our dad and John! Have a great week – God bless…

After a brisk morning walk – and several phone calls (even one from Goshen IN) and txt messages and facebook posts! – I got busy on my Friday chores of cleaning and laundry. I felt blessed all day to have so much attention, love, and friendship pouring to me. Huge thanks to everyone who made the day special! And CARDS! Lots of fun cards!

My cousin Deb felt that cleaning house was not a fitting way to celebrate a birthday, so she picked me up and we had lunch at Parkwood. I had the fish sandwich and it was so huge I only ate about half. The fries were homemade and I ate them first! 🙂 Thank you, dear friend/cousin! We even used her brand new tripod/selfie stick and took our picture. It was the first time she used it, and before we figured it out the auto photo had taken 79 photos! But she figured it out (it had a really neat remote control!) and now we have a happy memory of the day!

After supper Kath, Paul, Sarah and Millie called me and sang ‘Happy Birthday ‘ – and then blew noise makes. Millie even wore a princess crown because she said ‘she knew me best!’ What a sweetie! Thanks to my family for making me smile today.

As I cleaned, my balloon followed me through the kitchen. A star! Someone knows me well… And the little bunny was nibbling beside the deck again. They are so cute when they are small.

Kath sent me another picture of Mom having her cake yesterday. You can see her attempt at eating the whole piece at once! Thankfully she figured it out and only took a small bite. But she did love that cake!

I will share Paul’s message – Judgement vs Kindness. God grieved that he made man; but Noah found favor. Often things that God has condemned find favor with man! We should be careful not to accept the ways of the world. Don’t water down God’s word. We are to love good and hate evil. We are all judgmental: We all sin & deserve God’s wrath. We can’t save ourselves. Don’t judge others – you are not qualified. We look for loopholes in God’s judgement, but we will all be judged and God’s judgement is impartial. There will be no last minute negotiations or a ‘free pass.’ There is no favoritism in God’s eyes; no defense against God’s judgement. Kindness matters – share it. Kindness is important. We do deserve God’s judgement, but there is hope. He didn’t have to create us; didn’t have to save us; didn’t have to send His son. If we are faithful, salvation is a gift of God. it’s only through Jesus that we can be forgiven and receive pardon. God blesses us with kindness and is patient with us. We have done nothing to deserve salvation. Grace keeps no record of wrongs. We need to show forgiveness.

On this day in 1682 William Penn founded Philadelphia in the Pennsylvania Colony, and 1815 was the battle of Waterloo. The first photo of lightening was taken in 1847, and in 1928 Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic ocean. Martin Luther King Jr married Coretta Scott in 1953. And I share a birthday today with Paul McCartney (1942) and Blake Shelton (1976).

TOMORROW June 19 is:

• National FreeBSD Day
• National Garfield the Cat Day
• Juneteenth
• National Watch Day

Tomorrow is COURT DAYS at Historic Hanna’s Town. Check on line for the activities schedule and stop out. It will be a great weekend there. I’ll be in the tavern from 9am to 11am so come visit. Demonstrations and re-enactors! Super fun day! God bless….

Hanna’s Town Court Days

Step back in time to when Hanna’s Town served as the seat of government for Westmoreland County! Join us for reenactments of actual court cases heard at Hanna’s Town between 1773 and 1786 along with militia encampments and demonstrations, living history demonstrations and displays, activities for children, and more. www.westmorelandhistory.org

Another crazy day – glad I could start out with a quiet walk in the cool sunshine. Rege traded me cars for vacation – something a little bigger. A Mazda CX5, one of my favorite cars! (I love the Buick Encore, too! It’s just a bit small for a trip like this one.)

Ron has lakes and ponds all around where he lives. Today he stopped and grabbed lunch to go, and ate it beside the peaceful water.

My little pond is not quite as secluded and peaceful, but I stopped on my way to work – finally – and took a photo of a pond full of lily pads. I’ve seen some unique ducks on the pond at times, and the bright pink flowers right now make me smile every time I drive past.

When I picked Kath up for our visit with Mom, Digger greeted me exuberantly! He’s a good dog but really full of energy! Digger is Jesse’s dog, and they are in Florida until tomorrow. So he’s staying with Grama and Grandfather.

We had a nice visit with Mom. She smiled and nodded several times, and was very engaged when we said we had cake! (We got approval and permission earlier in the day to take cake. As you can see she licked the platter clean! It took her about 45 minutes to eat her little piece of cake but she really enjoyed it. Thankful for good visits and time to spend with our Mom.

Chrissy sent me some photos of her ride on a ski lift. She loved it! Beautiful views!

I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt – but I won’t begin to do it justice. It really spoke to me after the difficult week and I knew God was working through Greg. He shared with me that he felt the Spirit leading his words, even straying a little from his original message. We are in Psalm 119 – ‘Enlightened’. Learn from God – love the law; meditate all day long. He is teaching us, and we learn to hate the wrong path. We need: wisdom, insight, understanding, stability, direction. 1) God’s word is my counselor; that’s a priority. Open my eyes that I may see the wonderful things in your law. We are a stranger on earth. We are spiritual beings on earth. Don’t listen to the World – listen to the WORD! 2) You need a guide! God KNOWS. Jesus went to heaven but sent the counselor for us, who will lead us and guide us. Keep your eyes on Jesus, not the world. Trust God’s word! Continue in what you have learned in the word. Don’t be swayed by false teachings and opinions around you. Stay in the word! All scripture is God breathed. Choose you this day who you will serve.

On this day in 1837 Charles Goodyear obtained his first rubber patent; in 1885 the Statue of Liberty arrived in NYC on the French ship ISERE. In 1894 the first US Poliomyelitis (Polio) epidemic broke out in Vermont, and in 1972 five men were arrested after trying to bug the Democratic National Committee Office in the Watergate Complex, Washington. And in 1994 LA Police chased OJ Simpson in his Ford Bronco for 1 1/2 hours until he gave himself up (murder charges). I remember watching that on TV at Mom’s – this lone, white Bronco with a bunch of police cars behind it! Made no sense! Newt Gingrich – politician – and Barry Manilow – singer- were born in 1943. Kate Smith, singer, (God Bless America) died in 1986 at age 78, and in 2019 Gloria Vanderbilt, designer and heiress, at age 95. In 1950 Robert F Kennedy married Ethel Skakel, and in 1977 Joe Biden married Jill Jacobs.

TOMORROW June 18 is:

• National Wanna Get Away Day *
• National Go Fishing Day
• National Splurge Day
• Wear BLUE Day
• National Take Back the Lunch Break Day
• National Flip Flop Day –

I wanna get away – I’ll do that on Sunday. And KATH! National Flip Flop Day! Your favorite! Sounds like a good day all around. And for sure Isaac and Peyton are loving ‘Go Fishing’ day! Have a great weekend – God bless!

Another brisk morning walk – then after breakfast I started organizing for vacation. All the miscellaneous stuff, and making lots of notes! Kelly and the 3 boys got here about 10:30am and I made them all egg sandwiches. They had an appointment at noon in Irwin, so I finished organizing and did a little in the yard. Yesterday Dottie’s daughter Torilyn (neighbor) brought me over a bowl of chicken and dumplings – it was very good! Torilyn (14) made it herself!

Autmn sent us some more photos of their West Virginia trip.

Kath popped in real quick to bring me Suzie Squirrel. We each dress her up special and exchange her for birthdays. I got her back – I’ll return her (in a different outfit!) for Kath’s birthday in December. Today she’s decked out for vacation!

Since Kelly was here, Nate and Jen came over and we celebrated an early birthday. The cake was cupcakes! Very cute, and equally tasty. We had pizza, and Jen made her yummy ranch dip with chips. It was fun to have my family gathered around talking.

My nephew Jesse’s family are in Florida this week, and his son Isaac (14) caught a 10 foot hammer head shark. It was a catch and release because it’s protected, but he was pretty excited. It was tagged and marked, so if it gets caught again Isaac will be notified where it was found!

I will share Steve’s message – House waiting in the heavens. In the past 18 months we have become more aware of our mortality – our own and others. What is coming? Heaven is where God has our body and home ready for us. Heaven and earth will be one. Our body will be put aside but God will have a new body for us – being embodied matters. We all need a place to live. Joy is coming that will never pass away – the joy before us will make all earthly experience pale in comparison. Our new life will be glorious, resurrected into a new world that will never pass away. Hold fast! God is not finished; he’s working to complete us and it will be GREAT!

On this day in 1784 Holland forbade the wearing of orange clothes (???), and in 1858 Abraham Lincoln said: A house divided against itself cannot stand. In 1902 the Wizard of Oz musical opened in Chicago; in 1960 Psycho opened in NYC, and in 1978 the film Grease opened. George Reeves (actor – Superman) died in 1959. Birthdays – Geronimo (Apache leader) was born in 1829. My friend Nikki Saldi – a missionary with her husband and daughter to France – has a birthday today; Jessica Kintigh (her grandmother Sandy and I were neighborhood best friends up through high school!) is 23 today, and Ron Buschek would have celebrated a birthday today! Ron was our first youth leader when I was a teen – and he left a lasting impression on me. I just had to take a minute to acknowledge him as he has been in my thoughts all day! Birthday blessings to all!

TOMORROW June 17 is:

• Global Garbage Man Day
• National Eat Your Vegetables Day
• National Stewart’s Root Beer Day
• National Apple Strudel Day
• National Cherry Tart Day
• National Mascot Day
• National Career Nurse Assistants’ Day

I have a root beer in the fridge, and just made a big pan of roasted veggies – and tomorrow is our trash day! The planets must be aligned! God bless —

Here we are, half way through June already! This morning’s walk was a little breezy – 57* – but it felt good to be outside and walking briskly. After work, I was finally able to mow! So that’s done until Saturday. Yesterday around midnight I woke up and looked on the floor beside the bed. Rainy had insisted on coming in to sleep on my rug! If you stare at the photo really intensely you can see her shadow sprawled out!

Today’s post is two fold. First, Autmn! They are on vacation in West Virginia, and she sent me a few photos of their adventures. I love the picture of Chrissy and Autmn in front of the falls, and the one of the gorge. Autmn took the pictures on ‘live’ mode, and when I click on them you hear/see a bit of motion. That won’t transfer to this post – I tried it! But it looks like they were having a good time. She facetimed me yesterday morning for a ‘tour’ of the cabin, and Chrissy was making pancakes for everyone! Quite a crew to cook for!

Ron -as mentioned – retired on Friday, and on Saturday morning he was out on a local lake. Take note of the beautiful sunrise! His friend took some pictures for him – his first official day of ‘freedom’!!!

Today I will share Micah’s message about Worth the Effort – our tasks seem overwhelming and to have no effect – even the Apostle Paul had regrets – but don’t dwell on your past; focus on what God has entrusted you with. It’s worth a life of sacrifice to serve others. When you are prepared to die you are prepared to live. Depart: 1) Set sail – pull up the anchor 2) Take down the tent – we leave our earthly body. We have a departure time already set; we don’t know when. Don’t fight the wrong fight. Fight the good one. Finish the fight, stay on course. Stay with it, one step at a time. Don’t give up! Keep the faith. There are worse things than dying. There is a crown and treasures waiting for believers. We are all in our own story, with a beginning, middle and end. Live a life of service to God.

On this day in 1775 George Washington was appointed Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, and in 1844 Charles Goodyear patented vulcanization of rubber. In 1918 one inch of snow fell in northern Pennsylvania; in 1924 Ford Motor Company manufactured it’s 10 millionth automobile. In 1969 Hee Haw with Roy Clark and Buck Owens premiered – my dad LOVED that show and laughed the entire time! We loved it because HE loved it! In 1974 Back Home Again album was released by John Denver. Waylon Jennings (country singer) was born in 1973; Janet Lennon of the Lennon Sisters (my cousin Karen LOVED them! Especially Janet!) in 1946; Helen Hunt (actress) in 1963; Courteney Cox (actress) in 1964. James Knox Polk died in 1849 at age 53 (11th president); John Connally Jr – governor of Texas wounded during assassination of JFK – died in 1993 at age 76; Ella Fitzgerald (Jazz/Blues singer) died in 1996 at age 78; and Casey Kasem (American Top 40) died in 2014 at age 82. In 1777 Betsy Ross married Joseph Ashburn; in 1945 Judy Garland married Vincente Minnelli; and in 2010 Harrison Ford married Calista Flockhart.

TOMORROW June 16 is:

• National Fudge Day

WooHoo! How about National Fudge BROWNIE Day? Perfect! With vanilla bean ice cream. Have a great day – God Bless.

I love flag day, and knowing about it and respecting it and honoring the flag and our country, for which it stands. So today I will do that!

On June 14, 1777 the Second Continental Congress passed a flag resolution stating: Resolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation. The first national observance of Flag Day was on June 14 1877, 100 years after the flag resolution was adopted by the Continental Congress. In the late 19th century, school teachers all over the United States began conducting patriotic ceremonies commemorating Flag Day as a way to teach children about history. One such teacher, Bernard J Cigrand, is often referred to as the “Father of Flag Day.” He (as well as the Colonial Dames and the Sons of the American Revolution) lobbied Congress for many years for Flag Day to be officially observed. In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that June 14 be National Flag Day, and in 1949 it was made official by an Act of Congress. William T Kerr, a native of Pittsburgh, PA, founded the American Flag Day Association of Western Pennsylvania in 1888 and became the national chairman of the American Flag Day Association one year later, serving for fifty years. He attended President Truman’s 1949 signing of the Act of Congress that formally established the observance.

Below are a LOT of pictures of flags in my immediate neighborhood:

I will share Steve’s Memorial Day message from Maplewood, about freedom to live our lives. Ask Jesus into our life. What matters most is that we are alive day by day and living for Christ. We are ALIVE in Christ. We were made to fill each other. We are filled, then empty ourselves into each other. In our nation thousands have given their lives so others may live – they emptied themselves for us. Jesus makes it all possible by His death and gives us life. He emptied HIMSELF for us; He took in all the sin and suffering and gave Himself. When you give yourself to Jesus, His love is given to us. We remember Jesus’ sacrifice – that keeps us faithful. We remember those who gave themselves so we can be faithful and live our life in Jesus.

On this day in 1775 the US Army was formed as the Continental Army to fight the American Revolutionary war, and in 1777 the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes flag. Sandpaper was patented in 1881, and in 1923 was the recording of the first country music hit: Little old Log Cabin in the Lane. In 1940 Auschwitz concentration and extermination camp opened, and in 1942 Anne Frank began her diary. Harriet Beecher Stowe was born in 1811 (author – Uncle Tom’s Cabin), and Donald Trump – 45th President – was born in 1946. Benedict Arnold died at age 60 in 1801, and in 1963 Betty White married game show host Allen Ludden.

TOMORROW June 15 is:

• National Megalodon Day *
• National Smile Power Day
• Nature Photography Day

Take time when you read this to be appreciative of our country, and the flag that represents it. We may have strange and distressing issues to deal with these days, but it’s still the greatest nation under God – and in the world! God bless…