Early morning sunny walk outside, then work at both stores. I came home and started in the front yard to pull more weeds around the house – in front and on the far side and under the deck. I watered the new plants and the grass – which is coming along very nicely. Won’t be long until I can mow it!

Nothing else exciting today – just playing in the dirt! So I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt. Pigs in Space. When we look at the world around us several things are evident. We need Jesus as the answer to our problems. Not Washington DC or any other person. And we are all possessed by sin. Jesus doesn’t throw us aside. He cleanses us. Our purpose as the church is to evangelize – be fishers of men! He talked about the demon possessed man in the tombs – Jesus cast the demons into the pigs, and they flew into the air and over the cliff and drowned. The man was so grateful, he wanted to go with Jesus. Jesus told him to go home and spread the seeds of God’s power – evangelize! And he did – and the word spread far-reaching. Here are some hints to help in evangelism. 1) Know what you are fishing for: souls. 2) Go where the fish are; which is – to YOUR pond, those around you. 3) Don’t leave fish in order to find fish – finish what you start. 4) Think like a fish: they are focused on food, swimming, daily life, NOT about eternal destination. GET to them so they do! 5) Catch fish on their terms. Get to know them and what will work for them.

Also, the results are: 1) We grow warmer through fellowship together 2) We grow deeper through discipleship. As we reach out to others and become closer to them, together we grow closer to God. 3) We grow stronger through worship. 4) We grow broader through ministries 5) We grow larger (as a group) through evangelism. GO — TELL — what the Lord has done for you. “I once was lost but now I’m found.” GO GET ‘EM!!!

On this day in 1883 Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show opened, and in 1884 Alaska became a US Territory. In 1900 the Wonderful Wizard of OZ was published (by L. Frank Baum). Sugar Ray Leonard – boxer – was born in 1956, and John Deere died in 1886 at age 82. In 1985 Bobby Ewing (Patrick Duffy) was killed off on DALLAS, and in 1827 President Andrew Johnson married Eliza McCardle (of course he wasn’t president yet!).

TOMORROW May 18th is:

• National HIV Vaccine Awareness Day
• National Visit Your Relatives Day
• National No Dirty Dishes Day
• National Cheese Soufflé Day

Don’t forget to VOTE! Tomorrow is election day for the primaries in Pennsylvania! Pray, research, and vote your conscious! Do the dishes first, though. God bless – – –

Mike and Joann Noel – missionaries home from Tanzania, spoke at first service. Very good to see them and catch up just for a minute. They were actually at Kelly’s on Friday doing a presentation on Africa for their homeschool geography group. They have been in Tanzania for 9 years and were sorry to have to leave their mission there.

Went to breakfast after church with Mary – it’s always so good to sit and visit with her! We can literally talk about anything – and we do!

Today was my day to volunteer at Hanna’s Town. Started off cloudy but got sunny and nice quickly. I had a family tour – the mom was in a wheelchair after surgery. I think the tour lasted for a record 2 hours! Her daughters and grandson wanted to hear everything! They were a good audience and participated in everything – especially 8 year old Jude! Dan from Proctor’s Militia was set up in the LeFevere house with his guns, and gave us an interesting presentation of the weapons and the early history of Pennsylvania. I could have stood and listened another hour!

And since I spent the day there, today in 1775 ‘Hanna’s Town Resolves were adopted. After hearing the news of the British firing on its citizens in Lexington and Concord, the people of Westmoreland County gathered at Hanna’s Town to discuss what their reaction should be. They adopted the Hanna’s Town Resolved declaring their willingness to take up arms to defend their rights from British oppression. Although they stopped short of declaring independence, it was a bold precursor to the Declaration of Independence, which followed more than a year later.’

I will share Mike Noel’s message this morning – if we have a strong faith, if we believe – Jesus heals. Doesn’t matter if we are honored or shamed, Jesus will focus on us; we belong to him. Our identity is with Jesus; we often cling to the shame Satan drums into us through other people. We should cling to Jesus’ value of us. Jesus takes great delight in you. He not only takes away our sin, but also our shame!

On this day in 1866 Charles E Hires invented Hires Root Beer, and also in 1866 congress authorized minting the nickel (5 cent piece). In 1939 the first US Food stamps were issued, and in 1966 the BEACH BOYS released their album Pet Sounds – which I love and still have!! In 1986 Top Gun premiered (Nate was 4 1/2 and LOVED that show. We watched it non-stop!) In 2020 the 118 year old department store J C Penney’s filed for bankruptcy. Margaret Hamilton (wicked witch from the Wizard of OZ) died in 1985 at age 82. Jim Henson (Sesame Street and Muppets fame) died at age 53 in 1990, and Sammy Davis Jr at 64 the same year. Marie Antoinette married (King) Louis XVI in 1770. Birthdays: 1905 Henry Fonda; 1919 Liberace; 1973 Tori Spelling (actress). And my cousin Paul – one of my ‘title’ people!!! – is celebrating a birthday today. Happy birthday Paul – have a blessed year and many happy years of fixing and selling cars!!!

TOMORROW May 17th is:

• National Pack Rat Day
• National Cherry Cobbler Day
• National Graduation Tassel Day
• National Walnut Day
• National Idaho Day

The only way I can celebrate Idaho is to eat one of their potatoes. Might happen…. Have a great week and enjoy the spring weather! God bless…

Well, we are about in the middle of May already! Today was a beautiful sunny day. I went with Kath, Paul, Sarah and Millie up to the Ligonier Farmer’s Market. I saw Trent, Michelle and the boys, and also Anna and her husband Dan. Nice to say hi! I loved the mountains in the distance on the drive up. I bought a lemonade and an ‘ice plant’ – never saw one before. But I noticed by early evening that the flowers closed up. They sort of look like small daisies, about the size of a nickel. Mine are two shades of pink.

After lunch, I changed clothes and went to play in the dirt. I planted the flowers in the front yard, then spread the mulch. Then I planted the flowers in the back yard, swept everything up, and cut the grass. Watered everything and washed all my tools, then got a shower. Now I smell like Lilacs and violets – my new soap! Fish is in the oven and that’s next.

I will share Steve’s message from Maplewood. Who are your Gentiles? The story of Cornelius and Peter, and God showing Peter not to call any man unclean. We can all receive the Holy Spirit and belong to Jesus, Jews and Gentiles alike. We must have a balance between grace and the law. Should we judge people before we accept them? If the church is limited only to people who are exactly like us, the church will die. God loves us all. Do not extinguish the spirit – who are our Gentiles, who are different from us? Open your heart to be accepting of all.

On this day in 1869 Susan B Anthony & Elizabeth Cady Stanton formed the National Women’s Suffrage Association, and in 1905 Las Vegas was founded. In 1944 14,000 Jews were deported to Auschwitz, and in 1957 Billy Graham launched his crusade in front of 18,000 people in Madison Square Garden. Emily Dickinson, poet, died in 1886 at age 55, and in 2003 June Carter Cash died at age 73.

TOMORROW May 16th is:

• Honor Our LGBT Elders Day
• National Barbecue Day
• National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day
• National Love a Tree Day
• National Mimosa Day
• National Piercing Day
• National Sea Monkey Day
• National Biographer’s Day
• National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day
• Take Your Parents To The Playground Day –

I am doing tours at Hanna’s Town tomorrow at 1pm and 3pm – it should be a lovely day to be outside! Come out if you have time! God bless…

Took a longer walk this morning in the sunshine. After breakfast I went down to L&L Fleatique just to browse. I ended up buying two little silver trees that I have been eyeing for MONTHS. They look nice with my deer. I stopped at Walmart for the rest of my groceries, but of course they didn’t have a few things that I wanted.

Autmn called and needed a ride to work – so I drove her down and they fed me tacos! They were very good – and so filling! I ate two and I’m done eating for the day – and that was at 3pm! Excellent – I recommend it!

I stopped at Lowe’s to get ground cover, but wasn’t happy with their offerings. But I did find a tray of all different ones, so that will do nicely. I chose that over the hanging basket. Had a little issue I had to solve, so it was later in the evening that I finally got my mulch. All ready for tomorrow’s yard work.

A funny thing happened (Really. It did!) last night when I was at Walmart with Kelly. I had to use the restroom, and when I was in there I heard a mom talking to her young child, who was pretty much wailing – she was saying not to cry, it happens all the time, everyone loses teeth, etc. When I was washing my hands the mom looked at me and said, “He lost his first tooth, and he’s not happy. He wants it put back in!” I grabbed a dollar out of my purse and handed it to the little guy. “I saw the tooth fairy last week, and he said if I came across anyone who has lost their first tooth that I should give it to them!” The little boy continued to wail but clutched the dollar. I think once he gets over his distress he won’t have any trouble spending the money. He mom just grinned and thanked me! I think he’ll be fine.

I will share Jim’s message from First Pres, Inverness FL – Don’t worry. Happiness is based on what happens around you. Joy is based on your inner feelings. Jesus had a lot to say – can we live up to his instructions? We shouldn’t worry about future, clothes, food – God knows already what we need. We can’t change the past even with lots of anxiety. Take one day at a time. Peace will surround you. Sometimes stress can be a positive thing – have faith that Jesus will be there. Our life is in God’s hands – seek first God’s kingdom, and don’t worry!

On this day in 1643 Louis XIV became King of France at age 4, and in 1787 delegates gathered in Philadelphia to draw up US constitution. In 1804 Lewis & Clark’s expedition (commissioned by Thomas Jefferson) set out from St. Louis, and in 1874 the first admission was charged at a football game: Harvard (3) over Montreal (0). The first passenger airplane flight was in 1908, and in 1998 Seinfeld’s ‘Finale’ aired – $2M for a 30 second commercial! Bobby Darin was born in 1936 and George Lucas, film director (Star Wars) was born in 1944. Henry John Heinz (57 Varieties!) died at age 74; in 1919, Billie Burke (good witch on the Wizard of Oz) died at age 85 in 1970, and Frank Sinatra at age 82 in 1998. Blake Shelton married Miranda Lambert (short marriage!) in 2011.

TOMORROW May 15th is:

• Peace Officers Memorial Day
• National Chocolate Chip Day ** I’ll have a chocolate chip scone!
• National Nylon Stocking Day
• National Armed Forces Day
• National Learn to Swim Day 

Tomorrow’s plans include spreading mulch in the front and planting flowers. I bought a small bag of top soil to help the little guys grow better! It’s to be a beautiful day tomorrow. Enjoy. God bless.

Another good morning for an outside walk! After work, I got gas (Yes, and there was plenty!) for my car and my mower. Deposited a check for Mom (and many thanks – you know who you are!!! – Love you!), then had a scone for lunch. Went down to Arona Road Greenhouse – they have wonderful plants and flowers and pots and hanging baskets. Anything you could want. It was hard to contain myself but I kept it to a few things. When I came back I trimmed back several lilacs and thinned out some dead branches. They should grow better now!

I made a quick stop on the side of the road just a few miles from the house. The view is amazing and I never get tired of looking at it!

I drove down to Washington (PA) to meet Kelly. I had forgotten my plants last week, and she’s not the best at keeping them alive for long. We did a little shopping, then had dinner. It was just the two of us and that seldom happens, so it was nice. (I did miss seeing the boys, thought!). She showed me pictures of them at Shooting Sports – they were doing archery. Chase was very excited when he hit the bull’s eye! It was his first night! Way to go, Chase!

I will share Scott’s message from First Baptist: God’s job and Our job. Big difference! What we AREN’T supposed to do – 1) judge others or be self-righteous. 2) We can’t save ourselves 3) Point out others’ faults – look at our own life! What we ARE supposed to do – 1) Examine our own lives 2) Be in tune with God’s word 3) Don’t ignore our own need for grace 4) Don’t seek honor for ourselves. Walking with the Lord is a full time job. Take it seriously! There are things that only God can do – we can’t see the heart of others. Show the light of God through our lives.

On this day in 1607 the English colonists lead by John Smith made a second landing near the James River, Virginia. In 1942 the helicopter made its first cross-country flight. Birthdays: Joe Louis (World Heavy Weight Champion) in 1914; Jim Jones (Leader of the People’s Temple Cult – look it up – didn’t end well!!!) in 1931, and Stevie Wonder in 1950. Gary Cooper (actor) died in 1961 at age 60 and Doris Day in 2019 at age 97. And in 2017 Dan Smyers (Dan + Shey, and Dan is from Wexford PA!!!) married long time love Abby Law.

TOMORROW May 14th is:

• National Decency Day
• National Dance Like a Chicken Day
• National Underground America Day
• National Buttermilk Biscuit Day

I think I will make tomorrow Go For Groceries Day – and possibly get some soil to plant my flowers. I love to play in the dirt! God bless.

I had a schedule today, so I didn’t walk first thing. Just got a shower and breakfast and started cleaning! Had to meet customers at work, which took an hour out of the day, and I didn’t want to be late. Came home and finished cleaning, then Kath and I went to see Mom. She was a bit more chatty today, and held our hand a few times. She looked very nice as she had just had her hair done!

Took a long walk, and stopped to talk to (and listen to!) the brook on Swede Hill Road. The sky was beautiful with dramatic clouds. I’ll figure out dinner after I type this – then watch the last part of Godwink Christmas. Also watched (actually, listened to) a movie called Charly (stars Heather Beers – there are several movies with that name). It’s very good but gets emotional – so be prepared!

I will share Rod’s message from Martin’s Ferry – Forgive as you have been forgiven. People are human. But God isn’t. God won’t: Bring it up again, but he will FORGET it. He will restore our relationship if possible. Don’t let things fester – let it go and forgive. Don’t retreat from problems, resolve them. Forgiveness begins in the home – set a good example for your family. Don’t wait until the offender DESERVES forgiveness, or it isn’t forgiveness. DECIDE to forgive despite disagreements. Never lose hope and never stop praying; Forgive!

On this day in 1963 Bob Dylan walked out of the Ed Sullivan Show over a dispute about a song choice. In 1997 “It’s your Love” (single) was released by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill (They’re married, in case you didn’t know!) Uh, oh! Ron Shafer!! In Case you Didn’t Know! Yikes! Birthdays: Florence Nightingale in 1820, Katharine Hepburn in 1907, Mary Kay Ash (Mary Kay Cosmetics) in 1915, Kix Brooks (Brooks and Dunn, country duo), and here’s one for you – a first: Fictional TV Character Homer Simpson in 1956! J. E. B. Stuart (confederate general) died in 1864 at age 31, and in 1959 Elizabeth Taylor married Eddie Fisher – her 4th marriage.

TOMORROW May 13th is:

• National Crouton Day
• National Frog Jumping Day
• National Apple Pie Day
• National Fruit Cocktail Day

I’ll have an apple pie; forget the fruit cocktail. Have a terrific Thursday – God bless! And the best of fun to my vacationing Skunk Hollow Cousins Beth, Gwen, Karen V, and Colleen!

Took another nice walk outside this morning. Finished up at work and made two stops on the way home. Had some household chores to do, did some ironing, and cleaned out the pantry. This morning I took some butter cups (flowers) to work for Ken to plant – he’s trying to get ground cover on the little hill behind the display area. Watched a few very old Hallmark movies, which was fun, because I hadn’t seen them before. It’s been an uneventful but happy day.

I’ll share Paul’s message from River Hill: A Mother’s Influence. Mothers teach us: How to trust the Lord, How to love God’s word. They can bring their child to the Lord, and teach them to SING about the Lord! And take them to church! Mothers are made special by God. They also teach us good manners. Just the the old childhood game, we can ask: Mother, May I BE LIKE you? 1) May I have a faith like yours – so others will see it. Mothers say to us: Do whatever Jesus tells you to do! – just like Mary said of Jesus at the wedding feast. 2) May I have a heart like yours? – Mothers direct our hearts toward the Lord, through Bible Study and prayers. 3) May I have hands like yours? A Mother’s work is never done. We should use our gifts for God, and persevere. Being a mother is one of the highest callings in life!

On this day in 1751 the Pennsylvania Hospital was founded by Dr. Thomas Bond and Ben Franklin. In 1752 the first US Fire Insurance Policy was issued in Philadelphia, and in 1816 the American Bible Society opened. In 1841 American explorer Charles Wilkes landed in Puget Sound – wonder if he was related to Ashley Wilkes?? 🙂 In 1864 General J. E. B. Stuart was mortally wounded at Yellow Tavern, and in 1959 ‘Kookie, Kookie Lend me your Comb’ hit #4 – sung by Edd Byrnes & Connie Stevens from 77 Sunset Strip. I loved that show, and that song especially! John D Rockefeller Jr died in 1960 at age 86 from pneumonia (philanthropist who donated so much for the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg). Suzanne Pleshette (64) married Tom Poston (79) in 2001 (actress/actor). Birthdays: 1888 Irving Berlin, composer – God Bless America and White Christmas. Salvador Dali in 1904, Phil Silvers (comedian) in 1912, Natasha Richardson, English Actress, in 1963 (Parent Trap 1998 version – a favorite!). Also today, a friend that I met my first day of work at Smail Auto in 1967 (Don Wassel) – his wife Sharon is celebrating a birthday today (Happy birthday, Sharon!) , and my nephew Jesse (Kathy’s oldest son) has a birthday today! Happy birthday, Jesse – have a wonderful day and a great year!!

TOMORROW January 12 is:

• National Curried Chicken Day
• National Kiss A Ginger Day
• National Marzipan Day
• National Pharmacist Day
• Shop for Travel Day

** I’ll leave you with this thought: Don’t wait from someone to bring you flowers. Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul! Great advise!!!

The crisp, sunny morning drew me outside despite the very low temps. I bundled up in layers and didn’t care if it looked silly for the 10th of May! It was nice to walk outside. Got a card in the mail from my cousin Beth – with a note asking me if I knew what the picture was on the front. Of COURSE I did! It’s Anne and Matthew! Green Gables!

After work I met a friend at the church, and we discussed the possibility of using the Welcome Center for a writer’s event. After that, went home to lunch and the afternoon outside. I finally weed-whacked – it wasn’t pretty. The yard was still very wet, and by the time I was done I had mud on my face and glasses, all over my shirt and jacket, grass stuck to my pants, and my shoes each weighed an extra pound from the wet grass and mud stuck to them. But good news! It’s all done — for now. I cut the grass, blew everything clean, pulled weeds in two flower gardens, and hosed off the fence.

I was just finishing when Autmn called and needed a ride. Her and Summer (her sister) needed to get some groceries for the house. I changed clothes and picked them up and then followed them around Dollar General until I got bored – than sat in the car and read until they were done. Ate a salad for supper and now this. Still have a little office work to do before the evening is finished. It was great to be outside and keeping busy – playing in the dirt!

I will share Mike’s message from Hempfield – Faith & Deeds. Faith not accompanied by action is dead. Faith is the foundation – then there is fruit to see the results of faith. Your faith will be apparent by the things you do. He gave the example of a fireplace. If you are inside you see the fire; if you are outside and look at the chimney, you see the smoke and KNOW there is a fire without seeing it! Functioning faith – not just word but deed: 1) Not indifferent but involved. 2) Not independent; it’s a partnership. 3) Not invisible; it’s on display. SHOW faith by what you do. Christ is alive in us. 4) Not intellectual, it’s from the heart. Don’t hid behind knowledge of God’s word (imperative but not enough). Add actions! Keep the faith; finish the race.

On this day in 1775 the 2nd Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia; named George Washington as Supreme Commander. In 1869 the Golden Spike was driven in Utah, completing the first transcontinental railroad in US – Connected the Central Pacific with the Union Pacific. In 1872 Victoria Woodhall was the first woman nominated for US President, and in 1924 J Edgar Hoover was appointed head of the FBI. In 1940 – World War II – the first German bombs of the war fell in Kent, England. In 1996 “TWISTER” premiered (Nathan loved that show – he loved seeing the cow being caught up in the funnel). Birthdays: John Wilkes Booth (Lincoln assassin) was born in 1865; Max Steiner (no relation!!!) – Austrian Composer in 1888 (Gone With the Wind); Fred Astaire in 1899; David O Selznick (award winning producer for Gone With the Wind and Rebecca) in 1902; Maybelle Carter – country singer – in 1909, and Bono (Singer/U2) in 1960. Paul Revere died at age 83 in 1818; Stonewall Jackson died in 1863 at age 39 of pneumonia. Heidi Klum married Seal in 2005 and President George W Bush’s daughter Jenna married Henry Hager in 2008. Whew! Lots going on for today!

TOMORROW May 11th is:

• National Eat What You Want Day
• National Foam Rolling Day
• National Twilight Zone Day

Eat what I want! I’ve been waiting for this my whole life! Well, I usually eat what I want, but I’m never told it’s ok! Maybe it really IS the Twilight Zone! Have a happy Tuesday – God bless.

I’ll leave you with this: When God gives you a new beginning it starts with an ending…

Mother’s Day! Despite the rain, there is sunshine in the world today because of loving, caring Godly mothers! I’m here today to pay respect to the mothers in my life and those that made ME a mom!

I will share Greg’s message today – MOMS. 1) Good moms PRAY – Hannah asked for, prayed for, a son. Then she dedicated him back to the Lord. 2) Good moms TEACH – No amount of structured programs or ministries will replace the parents’ training. Don’t let the WORLD define your family. Let the WORD define it! A Godly mom makes all the difference. Appreciate the prayers and teaching your mother devoted to you! Nothing could take the place of that!

On this day in 1914 President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Mother’s Day. John Brown – revolutionary (Harper’s Ferry) was born in 1800, Billy Joel in 1949. William Bradford (Governor of the Plymouth Colony) died at age 57 in 1657; Francis Hopkinson (designed the first American flag) died at age 53 in 1791, and Little Richard (Rock ‘n’ Roll singer) died in 2020 at age 87. In 2005, Renee Zellweger married Kenny Chesney. THAT didn’t last long; annulled after four months! That doesn’t detract from their incredible talents, though. Just makes me sad.

TOMORROW May 10th is:

• National Clean Up Your Room Day
• National Lipid Day
• National Shrimp Day
• National Washington Day (The city, the state, or the person???)
• National Women’s Checkup Day

Hope your day was everything you hoped, and that you celebrated Mother’s day AS a mother, WITH your mother, in HONOR OF your mother, or REMEMBERING those who were a mother to you. God bless your heart….

I could feel the wind chill inside the house (or so it seemed) so I did the treadmill after I changed the bed sheets and threw them in the washer. Then I baked my scones and had that with hot tea for breakfast! I finished watching a movie that I had started last night – called Moondance Alexander. It was so good, and based on a true story.

I balanced my checkbook (oh, joy!), folded the clean sheets, and ordered a few photos through Walmart.com. I believe tomorrow that Autmn and I are going to work on her senior project a bit. She says she has a good bit started!

This evening I went to the wedding of my cousin Deb’s son Michael. Mike and Talya got married at The Country Stables, which was an amazing venue. The views were incredible. The barn doors on each side of the barn opened like the ones at the end of White Christmas, giving a full view out the back of the mountains. It was too cold for the wedding to be outside (original plan) but with the arch inside it was beautiful. The cake and the topper were unique, as were the centerpieces. Talya’s dress was beautiful – the girls (including the bride) wore white Clogs! Once the dancing began, the ring bearer Nicholas (Michael’s cousin) stole the spotlight! He wore dark glasses and carried an locking ‘briefcase’ to protect the rings! It was great to catch up with family and to watch everyone having a wonderful time! It’s a blessing to have a family-friendly event that everyone can enjoy.

I will share the Florida message today – Making Jesus Visible – by interim pastor Jim Capps. People should see Christ in US. There are three major ministry characteristics of Jesus. 1) He preached with passion. He knew His message was important. SHARE, don’t shove. 2) He taught with authority, simple but profound. To teach is to inform the mind; to preach is reaching the will. 3) He healed with compassion. Physical, emotional, spiritual. We can have forgiveness and be healed. We will realize our potential and make Jesus visible. That draws others to Him.

On this day in 1835 Hans Christian Anderson’s Fairy Tales were published. Birthdays: Harry Truman, 33rd president, was born in 1884; Ricky Nelson in 1940 (he was SO a favorite! I still have several vinyl albums!); Toni Tennille (Captain & Tennille) in 1940. She was also listed as a female Beach Boy!); and former football coach Bill Cowher in 1957. Eddy Arnold (one of the first albums I ever bought!) died at age 89 in 2008. In 1783 Betsy Ross married John Claypool.

TOMORROW May 9th is:

• National Lost Sock Memorial Day
• National Moscato Day
• National Butterscotch Brownie Day
• National Sleepover Day
• Mother’s Day

I think Butterscotch Brownie is an oxymoron. I need pure chocolate! Take time tomorrow to celebrate the mothers in your life — even if one of them is you! God bless!