I did get to take a walk this morning, then started cleaning. As I always do, I took the throw rugs out to the deck. Then I clean the upstairs, run the sweeper and mop the floors. THEN I shake the rugs and put them back down. About 11:30am it started to storm, and I didn’t even realize what that meant as the windows were all closed. Suddenly it dawned on me that the rugs were outside in the POURING rain! I threw them in the dryer but the heavy ones didn’t get dry. I hung them in the garage as it may rain again.

After I finished cleaning, I picked Autmn up at work and had my delicious payment – a fresh taco! When I came home, I moved a few plants that weren’t working where they were. Dottie (my ambitious gardening neighbor) inspired me, as she has a small ‘nursery’ over there, planting and moving and landscaping every day! Some of the gardens around my house are full of beautiful blooms! So far, that has been my day!

I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning – Careful Considerations. God is faithful and expects us to be moral – don’t fall for temptations. He doesn’t play favorites – the ground is level at the foot of the cross. We have to learn from our own mistakes. 1) Examine our thinking – watch your pride (Devil’s tool). Our mind is a battlefield – concentrate on what you know is truth. You take God with you everywhere you go: Is He as happy as you are? 2) Escape temptations – temptations are blessings – Satan doesn’t tempt the ungodly. When you fail you’re not done – He forgives and cleanses. He will never say “NO” if we ask sincerely. 3) Endure the test. Satan exhausts us! Emotional stress is harder than physical. When you quit, you stop too soon. Press on! Put on the armor of God and STAND! It’s our own fault if we live a defeated life, because God gives us everything we need to press on and LIVE!

On this day in 1805 Lewis and Clark first sighted the Rocky Mountains, and also in that year Napoleon was crowned king of Italy. Boston University was chartered in 1869, and Dracula by Bram Stoker was published in 1897 in London. In 1941 Betsy Ross’ home was given to the city of Philadelphia, and in 1975 Rhinestone Cowboy was released by Glen Campbell. Birthdays: Al Jolson, jazz singer, in 1886; John Wayne (who’s real name was Marion Robert Morrison) in 1907. Jack Kevorkian – right to die activist – in 1928, and Hank Williams Jr. – Country singer and song-writer – in 1949. Edsel Ford – son of Henry Ford and former President of Ford Motor Company – died in 1943 at age 49; Eddie Albert, actor (Green Acres) died in 2005 at age 99; Art Linkletter at age 98 in 2010. Michael Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley in 1994.

TOMORROW May 27th is:

• National Cellophane Tape Day
• National Grape Popsicle Day

Grape was always my favorite popsicle! So glad it has its own day. I’m a mild-mannered fan of Cellophane tape, I guess. It sure can come in handy! Have a great day tomorrow – God bless!

As mentioned several times, Kelly’s boys are home-schooled; they also belong to a co-op that combines the kids for tricky classes to get the best resources. Tuesday night their group sponsored a formal event for their high school students. There were about 18 students and 3 adult sponsors at the formal. Kelly (a sponsor) sent me pictures of the decorations – the building was an historic church that was repurposed into an event center, and very appropriately classy.

The food looked pretty good; made me hungry when I saw the spread. She said that there was some dancing going on, but often the boys were at one table playing cards and the girls at another. Also a lot of line dancing and group dances, too. But she assured me that they all had a wonderful time. So good that the kids could be together and actually do a normal high-school tradition.

Below are pictures of Peyton and his date Evelyn. They have been friends for years, and have enjoyed doing things together, including this!

It’s good to see the students smiling. Hope this is the first of many fun events! Proud and happy Grama, here!

I woke up in the middle of the night and took a picture of the moon out my window; then this morning took a picture of the shadows of the star decals on my window shade! Very nice morning walk – then short work day! I snapped a photo at a red light of a little leaf that hitched a ride on my windshield. I was surprised at how long it hung on before flittering off! After doing a few chores, inside and out, I rode with Teresa down to Arona Road Greenhouse. She wanted to get flowers and we needed to catch up. I couldn’t wait any longer- since I was impatient – so I put Autmn’s graduation sign in the front yard! Yea! Next Friday 6/4 is the day.

Ron sent me a picture from his Sunday evening walk — only ten feet away from this thing. I’ll stick with my bunnies! And by the way, I did sneak a photo of Bonnie Bunny fussing with the nest on Sunday night. Then she covered everything up and you can’t even detect it’s there. I was transplanting a small plant to another flower bed and disturbed an anthill. By the time I realized what happened they were swarming all over me. I got bit several times and my leg and arm are stinging something fierce. And I’m also ‘antsy’ (get it?) that there are others ones still crawling in my shirt! Think I’ll take a shower – be right back!

OK I’m back. All showered and put anti-itch cream on. Hoping it helps quickly! Today I will share Paul’s message from River Hill – Gospel according to Paul (Romans). To start: We can’t save the world – but we can make a difference to one at a time! Gospel means Good News. Here are the ‘P’s that Paul presented: 1) Pride – we are not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. 2) Power – Gospel is more powerful that dynamite – it’s the power of God unto salvation and can overturn sin. It’s spiritual power and eternal. 3) Pardon – we are saved by the Gospel of Christ – it’s the cancellation of our sins by the Lord. When we pray, Jesus PAYS! 4) People – the gospel is available to EVERYONE – Jesus took the penalty for all people; we must just BELIEVE to RECEIVE! The ground is level at the cross. 5) It is the righteousness of God. God will never act contrary to his nature. We receive a new life, new way to live, new & living hope. There is Power in the Blood.

Just throwing this in at the last minute – My friend Mike G that I do paperwork for – – his daughter Madison got married on Saturday. I got to see pictures of the wedding – and here is one I managed to get of Michael and Madison. It’s nice to have fun things to share!!!

On this day in 1738 a treaty between Pennsylvania and Maryland ended the boundary dispute, and in 1787 the constitutional convention opened in Philadelphia with George Washington presiding. In 1895 Oscar Wilde was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment for gross indecency, and in 1919 Casey Stengel released a sparrow from under his baseball cap. In 1927 Henry Ford announced he was ending production of the Motel T, and in 2011 The Oprah Winfrey Show ended its 25 year fun. Ralph Waldo Emerson (philosopher) was born in 1803, and Frank Oz, muppetteer (Grover on Sesame Street) was born in 1944. In 1898 Milton S Hershey married Catherine Sweeney.

TOMORROW May 26th is:

• National Blueberry Cheesecake Day
• National Paper Airplane Day
• National Senior Health & Fitness Day 

I did paperwork for my cousin Paul this afternoon, and his wife sent over fresh, warm muffins for me. It wasn’t Blueberry Chessecake – better! Oh, yum! Delight! God bless…

I started out for a walk early but wasn’t very far when it started to rain – lightly. I kept going, but it kept getting harder. By the time I got home I was soaked through three layers! Work was not busy, but I just got home when I got called out to meet a friend who wanted to buy a book. We had lunch and caught up, then I came home and started putting up the red/white/blue decorations. I figured if I was going to all that effort, I should enjoy it for at least a full week!

Last Friday night was the playoffs for Chrissy’s flag football league. They won all three games and ended up the Champions! And Chrissy made a touchdown! So proud and happy for her. She loves her flag football!

First Pres of Inverness FL (where Ron attends) has had interim ministers for over a year. They finally called a minister to give a trial sermon and be voted on – the vote was a yes, so I will be sharing some of Lou Ellen Hartley’s messages from time to time. Her official start date is July 11th. Today’s message was Pentecost, which was actually a harvest festival 50 days after the Passover. Our story starts there, since the beginning of time it had finally all come together. God was fulfilling his promises. The Bible is the story of our relationship with God and His with us – the Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost – and thankfully it was poured out on flawed, ordinary men. This is their story, and our story. We are God’s child: share His love, tell the story. DON’T tell the story of fear or anxiety or concerns; tell the story of the Spirit: Love, Grace, and Hope – and God.

On this day in 1738 John Wesley was converted, launching the Methodist movement; and in 1775 John Hancock was unanimously elected president of the continental congress. In 1844 Samuel Morse tapped out “What hath God wrought” – world’s first telegraph message. In 1883 the Brooklyn Bridge opened, and in 1899 the first auto repair shop opened (in Boston). “Sugar, Sugar” was released by the cartoon band The Archies in 1969, and in 2016 Bill Cosby was ordered to stand trail for sexual assault. Bob Dylan was born in 1941; Roseanne Cash in 1955. Dick Martin (Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-in) died at age 86 in 2008, and in 2014 Kanye West married Kim Kardashian.

TOMORROW May 25th is:

• National Missing Children’s Day
• National Tap Dance Day
• National Brown-Bag It Day
• Towel Day
• National Wine Day

Tomorrow is also seven months until Christmas Day, as Bud would remind me faithfully! But I’m glad it’s May – one of my favorite months! Enjoy! God bless…

Went to first service at Hempfield, then Mary and I had breakfast. I stopped at the store on the way home and bought 2 sleeveless tops to wear on vacation. Knowing that it would be HOT, and that I really didn’t have any cool shirts, I felt it was a good plan. Since we had a nice breakfast, I didn’t have to eat lunch. I started by making icing for the scones and a few other kitchen chores, including to mix up the feed for the hummingbird feeder that was in the basket I won last night. Also planted the seeds that were in there, too. I hope they grow! I don’t have much luck with plants from seeds.

I did pull a few weeds, tidy up a few beds, then watered everything. The gardens are looking bright and colorful – but I suspect I need to branch out more. So much purple! But I do love it.

I discovered a big hole in my side flower bed – not sure what intends to live there but hoping it’s not a skunk! I think it’s going to be baby bunnies – but it was suggested that MAYBE it’s fairies or hobbits! Hmmmm.

I will share Mike’s message since I was there this morning – We are still in James and talked about taming the tongue (it’s been called a 2 ounce beast!). Words from the heart are what can defile you; if your heart is right the tongue will NOT defile us. To control the tongue is to guard our hearts. 1) Be a cautious teacher; words we speak affect many lives and we will meet stricter judgement as teachers. 2) Learn to control your speech; it determines your course in life. Filth can accumulate there; the tongue is a beast that we cannot easily train and is full of deadly poison. Speak words that are good and kind and true. 3) Nature is consistent; our tongues are not. It speaks evil and good at the same time. Like a doctor with a tongue depressor – look behind the tongue to the heart. Who is in control of your tongue? God? Be under His control, not OUT of control. The Holy Spirit will help us. More people have been slain by the tongue than by the sword. KEEP CONTROL of the tongue; don’t destroy others or what we stand for as children of God.

On this day in 1785 Benjamin Franklin announced his invention of bifocals, and in 1922 Walt Disney incorporated his first film company. Bonnie and Clyde were killed in a police ambush in 1934, and in 1985 President Ronald Reagan awarded Jimmy Stewart the President’s Medal of Freedom and promoted him to Major General on the retired list. Birthdays: Douglas Fairbanks, actor (3 Musketeers, Zorro, Robin Hood) in 1883; Drew Carey, comedian, in 1958; Ken Jennings – 74 time American game show champion – Jeopardy, in 1974. William Kidd, pirate, was hanged at age 56 in 1701; William Bradford, printer died at age 89 in 1752 (Pennsylvania’s first printing press); Kit Carson, frontiersman and Indian fighter, died at age 58 in 1868; John D Rockefeller, philanthropist, at age 97 in 1937, Sam Snead, golfer, at age 89 in 2002; Roger Moore, actor, (James Bond) in 2017 at age 89, and in 2020 Saturn – American-born alligator that escaped the Berlin Zoo during WWII – died at age 85 in the Moscow (Russia) Zoo.

TOMORROW May 24th is:

• National Yucatan Shrimp Day
• National Aviation Maintenance Technician Day
• Brother’s Day
• National Scavenger Hunt Day
• National Escargot Day
• National Wyoming Day 

Why are Yucatan Shrimp so special? Are they all brothers? I bet if we went to Wyoming we would find out. Have a great week and God Bless…

I changed it up a bit this morning – after breakfast I went to a few community garage sales. I bought 2 small things, plus a lemonade from an enterprising young lady. The bracelet is my color, of course, and the plaque is near to my heart! The price on the back said $24.00. I bought it for $3, although it’s a bit worse for wear – which you generally pay big bucks to have things look like that on purpose! They call it ‘distressed’, I think! I stuck the little heart sticker where Home PA would be!

Came home and cleaned out a few little boxes of things that collect junk. I had phone charger cords that didn’t work – why am I keeping this stuff? Out they went! Before I left, I snapped a picture of my burgundy iris blooming. Beautiful! Then, I headed down to Kelly’s church (Martin’s Ferry) to the 1st Annual Car Show. It was super fun, and appeared to be very successful. I spent most of the time with Kelly in the tee shirt booth – I even bought a shirt to help out the fundraiser. One of the sample shirts caught everyone’s attention. I think I now no longer have to explain myself! Peyton’s job was to mingle through the crowd to remind everyone of food and auction in the gym. He did a great job and never stopped!

Here is a view from the rooftop that one of the girls took… There were 3 parking lots and at least two streets blocked off with cars!

There were 137 entries (cars) registered – and some were amazing. They were all wonderful and fun to see. It’s worth the trip out there so I hope next year a lot of people will go down from this area. It’s only an hour and a half to drive and it’s straight I-70! There was a food booth, live music, silent auction baskets (I was high-bid on the garden basket! So excited!), give-a-ways, and of course Kelly’s booth. I walked around several times looking at the cars, and took some photos of my favorites. Saw a booth for the motorcycle group 2nd Thief – there is a couple at our church who rides with them! (I even sold a copy of my book – that was a surprise!)

When I got off I-70, the sunset made the sky a beautiful pink. Perfect ending to the day!

Was excited to see the ‘Welcome to West Virginia’ sign on the way down, and equally excited for the ‘Welcome to Pennsylvania’ one on the way home. Never did see an ‘Ohio’ sign! But went through a tunnel, across an island, and over several bridges through the three states. Matt does that every day going to work! But again, it was a lovely day!

I will share Dennis’ message from Inverness Pres: Ten things to learn from Noah. First thing was that Noah listened to God’s plan – and ACTED on it! 1) Don’t miss the boat; let God be in charge. 2) Remember, we are all in the same boat and have things in common. 3) Plan ahead – it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark! 4) Stay fit – when you are 600 years old who knows what you will be asked to do, and we ALL have a talent. 5) Don’t listen to criticism; do your job! 6) Build your future on the higher ground. 7) For safety sake, always travel in pairs. WE is stronger then ME. 8) Speed isn’t always an advantage. Snails and cheetahs got there at the same time. 9) When you are stressed, float for a while. Take time to be with God. 10) Remember: The ark was built by armatures; the Titanic by professionals. Know-it-all people don’t always know it all! When God speaks, we have to act – Noah made history; be a team and support each other.

On this day in 1807 Former VP Aaron Burr was tried for treason (acquitted), and in 1849 Abraham Lincoln was the only president to receive a patent – for a devise to lift boats over obstructions. In 1892 Dr. Washington Sheffield invented the toothpaste tube, and 1992 was Johnny Carson’s final appearance as host of the Tonight Show. Arthur Conan Doyle (author – Sherlock Holmes) was born in 1859 and Laurence Olivier, actor (REBECCA – one of my all-time favorite movies!) was born in 1907. Martha Washington died at age 70 in 1802, and in 2001 Jane Fonda and Ted Turner were divorced.

Historic fact of the week: on May 21, 1937, Eleanor Roosevelt visited Norvelt. Norvelt was created during the New Deal as a Subsistence Homestead for unemployed coal workers. It was originally named Westmoreland Homesteads but was renamed Norvel in 1937 to honor Eleanor Roosevelt, a strong advocate for the program. The new name was created from the last syllables of her first and last names.

TOMORROW May 23rd is:

• National Lucky Penny Day
• National Taffy Day

It’s late and I had a busy day – so I’m off. As my mom always said, ‘Have a blessed day in the house of the Lord!’ God bless…

My busy day started with an outside walk – breakfast, then mow the grass, weed whacked, then washed the car. By then it was almost 2pm, and after a bite of lunch (literally!) and a nice conversation with my little sister, I got showered and changed and headed off to Bull River Taco to pick up Autmn. We stopped on the way back to get HER little sister Josie, and then went dress shopping. Autmn ended up finding 2 dresses, very different but both very pretty (for graduation!), shorts, shirts, shoes, makeup — I can’t remember a time when I was this tired. We went from one end of Route 30 to the other! The girls got Subway and then ice cream at the Frosty Shack on the way home. All good! Glad to be done for the day. And Mom actually DID smile yesterday – Kathy caught a picture!

I’ll share Paul’s message from River Hill – Praise to the God of all comfort. He promises to comfort us! God blesses us so we can bless others; he uses our experiences to reach and help others; otherwise the experience is wasted. We grow from adversity. We ALL need encouragement 1) Hardships are part of every life a) forgiveness b) comfort ‘Take Heart – I have overcome the world. Our guarantee is NOT comfort, but character development. 2) We share in Jesus Christ a) it gives people hope b) helps people overcome fears c) helps people break down barriers. 3) Our experiences produce endurance & patience a) we are a model for Christ, a smaller version of Him. 4) We must share sufferings with others; we don’t want to appear imperfect, so we often keep our problems and trials to ourselves. Jesus brings us hope and rescues us. We should share suffering AND comfort. ALL THINGS work together for good!

On this day in 1881 the American Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton, and in 1980 Star Wars – the Empire Strikes Back – opened. In 1994 Trisha Yearwood married Rock bassist Robert Reynolds, and in 1950 Jeffrey Dahmer – serial killer was born. Also celebrating today is Sherree Johnson, Jen’s mom. Sherree is Ninth Life Rescue’s right-hand ‘mom’ and over all supporter and animal keeper. Happy birthday Sherree – many more!

TOMORROW May 22nd is:

• International Being You Day (who else would I be??)
• National Craft Distillery Day
• World Paloma Day
• National Maritime Day
• National Solitaire Day (* Paul Eisaman! Finally! Your day has arrived!)
• National Buy a Musical Instrument Day
• National Vanilla Pudding Day

I think I’ll start the day going to garage sales (2 neighborhood sales in the area) and maybe run down to the Car Show at Kelly’s church in Martin’s Ferry. I won’t stay long – I don’t want to drive home from Ohio in the dark. But it would be nice to go! I’ll report in tomorrow night. God Bless . . .

It was warm already this morning at 7:30am when I took my walk. I stopped on the way to work and picked up two yard signs for Nate for Autmn’s Graduation. Two weeks away! I’m planning to pick her up at work tomorrow and we’re going to look at dresses for under her gown.

Today was National Red Sneaker day, so I planned my outfit accordingly. Success! We had an outside visit with mom this afternoon, and although she couldn’t get the hang of smiling for the camera, she did smile a lot and even said a few sentences (although they didn’t make total sense). It was a nice visit and a nice day to sit outside.

Today I will share Steve’s message (Ascension Sunday) about the Church in Transition. Just as the first church was in transition from Jesus’ ascension to the gift of the Holy Spirit, we too are in transition. Those early members thought, Jesus is Gone – what now? Well, they got to work. The followers began doing things as they waited. They gathered together 1) constantly in prayer (despite disagreements!). 2) Holds fast and proclaimed scriptures 3) Everything centered around Jesus. They walked by faith, prayed and preached. We must be a part of the working of the church. We need the Spirit – we should base our lives/church on scriptures and get back to basics!

On this day in 1609 Shakespeare’s Sonnets were first published in London, and in 1862 North Carolina becomes the 11th and last state to secede from the Union. In 1862 President Abraham Lincoln signed into law the Homested Act – offering cheap land in the American West (80 million acres). In 1932 Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo/nonstop across the Atlantic, and in 1993 the 274th and final episode of “Cheers” aired. Christopher Columbus died at age 54 in 1506, the Marquis de Lafayette in 1834 at age 76 (he was a great asset to the American Revolution and a dear friend to President Washington); and Robin Gibb (Bee Gee’s) died at age 62 in 2012. Birthdays: Jimmy Stewart in 1908 (from Indiana PA!) and Cher in 1946. And the minister (and a friend) from Keepville Church (near Albion) (Byron Gurnee) is celebrating a birthday. He’s been a blessing to Mom and John all the years he’s served there – and I’m wishing him a wonderful and happy day and many more to come. And a close childhood friend of my daughter – Kristy Ridilla – is celebrating a birthday today – sadly the first birthday since the passing of her twin sister Kathy last August. Kathy is celebrating her first heavenly birthday – and here’s wishing Kristy a blessed, happy, and wonderful birthday as well. Thinking of you today, Kristy!

TOMORROW May 21st is:

• National American Red Cross Founder’s Day
• National Waitstaff Day
• National Strawberries and Cream Day
• National Memo Day
• National Endangered Species Day
• National Defense Transportation Day
• National Pizza Party Day
• National Bike to Work Day
• NASCAR Day 

I will have to re-work my schedule to include not only strawberries but PIZZA into my day tomorrow! My original plans fell through so it just might work. Happy Friday! God bless…

On these nice days that I spend most of the time outside there’s not too much to report. The new neighbors below me finally had their property surveyed (they said they planned to do that), and I was relieved that my fence was a nice distance from the line. We had the original survey report when we installed the fence, but these days you never know!

I did some inside cleaning, watered all the new plants and grass, then had a piece of meatloaf for dinner. I still have to iron. And Kath talked to John very briefly this morning – he sounded settled and accepting. They are keeping him busy with their medical schedules and taking good care of him. We’re so glad for the blessing of capable, compassionate workers!

I will share Scott’s message from First Baptist – Credible Christianity. Our words and life and attitude must be in keeping with Christ; how we live shows what we actually believe. We can’t rely on ourselves but on God – we all need the grace of God. We shouldn’t boast, but we CAN boast about God! We have to be witnesses for those who don’t know. We have a privileged calling, which bring with it a particular responsibility. We need to exhibit Authentic Living – be more like Jesus for people to see. Authentic Worship – doing acts without commitment is hollow. We have a new heart that will draw people to Christ. Authentic Identity – what we are inwardly. We have a heart from God. Reflect God’s light to others.

On this day in 1536 Anne Boleyn is beheaded at the Tower of London, and in 1884 Ringling Brothers circus premiered. In 2018 Meghan Markle married Prince Henry – Queen Elizabeth II granted the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex to the couple. Nathaniel Hawthorne, writer, died in 1864 at age 59; Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (64) died in 1994, and Millie – George H W Bush’s dog – died at age 12 in 1997. Two important birthdays today. First is my cousin Gail’s little grandson Cole Patterson. Happy birthday, Cole! And my dear, sweet Aunt Joan (AJ) is having a birthday today. We miss the frequent visits out there, but hopefully we can get back into that now! She has been an example of faith and love and family to us our whole lives (she played the piano for my wedding!), and I’m blessed to have her in my life! Happy birthday, sweet Aunt!!!

TOMORROW May 20th is:

• International Red Sneakers Day *
• National Be a Millionaire Day
• National Pick Strawberries Day
• National Rescue Dog Day
• National Quiche Lorraine Day

I’ll sign up to be a millionaire! Where’s the list? I guess I’ll have to settle for wearing red sneakers…. Have a happy, sunny day, my friends! God Bless…

On my early walk this morning I saw an old friend from a few streets over. There are so many people I haven’t seen since COVID struck! But we stopped and talked for a few minutes – He and Nikki are doing fine and stayed healthy. I voted, then went to the Jeannette store. Joe is still off so there wasn’t a reason to go to Greensburg’s store. I did stop at Gabe’s on the way home, and found a pair of super inexpensive stretch jeans (white) with silver stars in a row down the leg. My one purchase for vacation outfits!

Our darling, sweet Post Office (sarcasm there!) lost our order for temp tags (Jeannette Store) and they are really running low. I climbed out from under the lilac pushes that I was trimming and weeding, and went down there to re-order. I have the name of someone specific to send the order to so hopefully we’ll get them soon! I’ve been ordering Temp Tags for 54 years – NOW they lose the order!

I just got a call from John’s daughter Barb. His doctor advised moving him to a care facility to help with the healing of his ankle and feet – low circulation. This will be very hard for John, and for his children as well. Please keep them in your prayers!

I will share Rod’s message from Martin’s Ferry – Keep growing! He said people ask him what he was going to do when (if??) he retired, and he said: KEEP GROWING! …in favor with God. We should want to know God more and keep growing closer to Him. We do that through Commitment and Faith. We please God through faith – scripture says that without faith it is impossible to please God. 1) Keep growing by believing before seeing. Visualize the future. 2) Keep growing by obeying before understanding. Even when it doesn’t make sense. We have to take risks; ask yourself: What can I do today to force myself to live by faith? 3) Keep growing by giving before I have it. Two ways to give: a) by reason – calculate and reason out how to move forward b) by revelation – pray, ask, and give what God says to give! Believe that He will provide. 4) Keep growing by thanking before receiving. Thank and praise God in advance for the good things that are already taking place – even if you don’t see them!

On this day in 1631 John Winthrop was elected the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and in 1860 the US Republican Party nominated Abraham Lincoln for President. In 1897 Herbert Henry Dow founded the Dow Chemical; in 1970 the Beatles last LP “Let it Be” was released in the US; and in 1980 Mount St. Helens erupted. Elizabeth Montgomery died in 1995 at age 62 from cancer (Bewitched star), and in 1897 Frank Capra – director – (It’s a Wonderful Life) was born. And two of my little buddies formerly in my Sunday School class are celebrating today. Noah and Josiah Drown are 8 years old today! These little guys will definitely grow up to be Fishers of Men – if they aren’t already! I was constantly amazed at their Bible knowledge and love for God. Celebrate well and have a great year! Miss you!

TOMORROW May 19th is:

• National May Ray Day
• National Devil’s Food Cake Day
• Emergency Medical Services for Children Day
• National Juice Slush Day

This has been a beautiful weather week, and looks like it will continue. Enjoy a little bit of spring finally sticking around! Have a great day! God bless…