Traded a chilly outside walk for a warmer treadmill. Did some laundry, mixed up scones for tomorrow’s breakfast, and then had a Chick Fil-A sandwich for lunch. Yum. I spent part of the morning on the phone getting information for our upcoming vacation – Charleston and Savannah! I used to be a pro at arranging vacation plans – when it was Williamsburg or Boston or Philly. Somehow the ‘south’ seems more challenging! But we’re getting it put together slowly but surely!

The day waffled between clouds and rain and sun. The rain just quit and the sun is out – but too wet to work in the gardens and to chilly for anything else. The combination of rain and sun seems to be helping the new grass grow. So that’s a good thing!

I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt. Psalm 23 and the Great Commission. After teaching all day, Jesus told them to get into the boat and GO TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SEA OF GALILEE. A storm came up and everyone but Jesus panicked. He calms the storm then asked them where their faith was. He SAID they were going to the other side. Jesus calmed the storm and it was completely still. The Holy Spirit calms us in a furious storm. The disciples did not HEAR what Jesus said nor did they trust His words. They were afraid. Christianity is not a religion. It’s a relationship. We are to Go, Teach, Baptize, Teach. Work for the kingdom, and fear nothing. He is with us. As we GO, Christ will speak through us. He doesn’t ask us to go without him. We are never alone. Go catch some FISH for His kingdom!

On this day in 1718 the city of New Orleans was founded, and in 1789 the first US Presidential inaugural ball was held for George Washington in NYC. The first printed copies of “Poems” by Emily, Charlotte, and Anne Bronte were in 1846 – sold 2 copies. Letters To Mary did better than THAT!! In 1915 the RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German Submarine; 1198 lives lost. Alfred Vanderbilt gave his life to help save many, many children and women that day; he worked until the very end when it was too late. Glenn Miller recorded Chattanooga Choo Choo in 1941, and it became the first record to be designated as gold. In 1966 the Mamas and Papas record “Monday, Monday” because #1, and in 1970 ‘Long & Winding Road’ was the Beatles’ last American release. Birthdays: Robert Browning, poet, in 1812; Johannes Brahms (Braham’s Lullaby) in 1933, Gary Cooper, actor, in 1901, and Johnny Unitas, NFL Quarterback, in 1933. Again, Alfred Vanderbilt died in 1915 on the Lusitania at age 37.

TOMORROW May 8th is:

• National Coconut Cream Pie Day
• National Have A Coke Day
• National Student Nurse Day
• National Birth Mother’s Day
• National Babysitter’s Day
• National Dog Mom’s Day
• National Train Day
• National Archery Day
• National Miniature Golf Day
• Cornelia De Lange Syndrome Awareness Day
• Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day

A lot going on again tomorrow. I know I have a wedding to attend – at a Stable! (Professional even center) I’ll be sure to fill you in tomorrow! God bless.

** I’ll leave you with this: Every day is another chance to change your life. (Change it for the good!)

I am more worn out tonight than last night. I think the adrenalin wore off! I could fall asleep sitting here! So this will be as short as I can make it. I did get to walk outside this morning – despite the chill. I tried to take a picture of the squirrel’s nest in the tree out front, but it’s not very obvious. Nate thinks that’s what made the mess.

I cleaned the house after work, then went to Kathy’s. We had facetime with Mom, then had a planning meeting for our June vacation. It took a while to wade through the information but we finally have hotel reservations and a sketchy agenda. I was only outside for a minute to get the mail, and took a picture of my new garden flag. Gabe’s have some really nice ones and they are very well priced.

Today I will share Micah’s message – Excess baggage. If you travel, you know that baggage is often restricted. Especially by airlines, but even if you are traveling with your family and everyone has their ‘must have’s’. If a plane or car is overloaded it can be very dangerous. Even innocent and good things can be excess baggage. Here are things you don’t need: 1) Anxiety – be anxious about nothing! Let go and let God – of fear (don’t be overcome), of your foes (devil), and finances – God will supply. 2) Burdens A) Unnecessary pressure (peers? employers?) B) Unwarranted guilt – God releases us from guilt. C) Ungodly choices of others D) unforgiveness. 3) Circumstances. A) Submit to God’s will; let God fix it; don’t do it yourself. B) select acceptable attitude C) Stay with it; hold your ground and don’t give up. Endure. Finish and finish well!

On this day in 1541 King Henry VIII ordered a Bible in English be placed in every church in England. In 1937 the Hindenburg airship exploded in flames and ended the age of the Zeppelin. Bob Hope performed in his first USO show in 1941. Henry David Thoreau died at age 44 in 1862, and in 1950 Elizabeth Taylor married for the first time to Conrad Hilton. Birthdays: Orson Welles in 1915, Willie Mays in 1931, and George Clooney in 1961. My friend Marty Cummins (former co-employee at Smail’s) had a birthday today. Happy birthday, Marty, and many more!!!

TOMORROW May 7th is:

• National Packaging Design Day
• National Paste-Up Day
• National Barrier Awareness Day
• National Roast Leg of Lamb Day
• National Military Spouse Appreciation Day
• National Provider Appreciation Day
• National Space Day
• School Lunch Hero Day 

As we move into Mother’s Day weekend, let someone in your life know how much they mean to you! There is a lot to appreciate! God bless…

Snoopy will leave you with this little nugget of blessing:

Drove to West Alexander in the rain, but when I pulled off Exit 1 from Route I-70 it quit! I helped Kelly with some household chores and the boys with breakfast and then schoolwork. After a quick sandwich Kelly and I went to the workshop. We moved some things outside, then cleaned and organized the boxes and files and supplies and shirts inside. It looked pretty good when we were done! Bonus for me was that they had a few extra plain shirts that I grabbed for around the house. Peyton found some too so he was happy! I snapped a picture of the creek – it was very high and had overflowed earlier. Peyton showed me the inside of his truck – overhead ambiance!

After that the guy from 4H came out and tagged the pigs. Now they are registered and official for the West Alex fair Labor Day week! Kelly and I had to pop over to the Highlands (shopping complex) to pick up a gift card from Books a Million. Their church is having a fundraiser for their new building with a car show, and I offered to donate a basket. It was fun to put together.

When I was leaving Peyton was starting a fire and had his country music turned up – Blake Sheldon – and I felt a little sad to be leaving, but it was late. I plugged in my iPhone, pulled up my tunes, and cranked it up loud the whole way home. Some favorites: Lee Greenwood, Amy Grant, Cole Swindell, Thomas Rhett. Just drivin’ and singin’! Prayed for the deer the whole way home (between songs) that they would stay SAFE in the WOODS!!!! It was a perfect day! Love my Hancher family!

I will share Maplewood’s message – Steve did not preach – Chuck McPhearson had the message, a Deacon’s Work. The apostles assigned the work of the church to the deacons. They served. WE are to be deacons, GO into the world. Go, teach, baptize, teach. Do the work of a deacon; Christ is with us. We all have different gifts; use yours!

On this day in 1891 Carnegie Music Hall opened in New York. In 1921 Chanel No. 5 was released by Coco Chanel (Always wondered where the name came from!). In 1952 ‘Lucy Does a TV Commercial’ aired (Vitameatavegamin episode) with 68% of viewers tuned in. When we went to the Lucy Museum in New York last October we saw the episode, and could even pretend to reenact it – script and all! Birthdays: 1818 was Karl Marx; 1865 Nellie Bly, American journalist and writer; 1926 Alice B Davis (Alice on the Brady Bunch), and in 1942 Tammy Wynette. Napoleon Bonaparte died in exile in 1821.

TOMORROW May 6th is:

• National Nurses Day
• National Beverage Day
• National Crepe Suzette Day
• National Day of Prayer
• National Day of Reason
• World Password Day

Whatever you choose to do tomorrow, take time to pray – – for our country and its leaders, for our churches and pastors, for our neighbors and friends, for our family and ourselves. What an honor to approach the creator of the universe on His throne! God bless…

** I’ll leave you with this: Don’t start today with broken pieces of yesterday!

When the day started it seemed like it was going slow – but here it is 7pm and I’ve been busy all day. Outside walk, work, a few inside chores and emails. It quit raining and I took a chance cutting the grass even though I knew it’d be wet. The rest of the week is sort of busy. It looks nice! And the new grass is coming in!

After I mowed, I gathered a bouquet of garden flowers and filled a vase. The white lilacs and lily of the valley have a sweet, happy aroma. White, lilac, and dark purple lilacs; lily of the valley, 4 colors of Azalea, buttercups, columbine, coral bells.

Nate stopped over and helped me fix the facia on the shed, and brought my winning basket from the fundraiser on Sunday. Full of fun things that I will use, and a few things that I’ll share. I even like the ‘basket’!

I will share Paul’s message from River Hill – Restoration starts with the Heart. We have all sinned; we must repent or perish. We think that if no one knows what we did, we’re ok. But GOD knows! When we sin, we are rebellious – only Jesus can bring us back to God. Our prayers should be 1) prayers of confessions. Go to God through Jesus and tell him what we did, even though he knows. WE need to SAY it. 2) Prayer of Concession. Acknowledge we are sinners 3) Prayers of cleansing – God made Jesus to be our salvation; Jesus takes us and makes us clean if we confess. Don’t hide your sins away. Confess and trust God to forgive and cleanse us; we are restored day by day. 4) Prayers of commitment – commit our lives to God and fill our life with good things. JESUS is the answer!

On this day in 1864 Ulysses S Grant attacked Robert E Lee’s army (Civil War); in 1878 Thomas Edison’s phonograph was shown for the first time. In 1942 food was first rationed in the US. and Margaret Thatcher became the first woman elected as Prime Minister in the United Kingdom in 1979. Moe Howard (One of the three stooges) died in 1975 at age 77. Birthdays – Audrey Hepburn in 1929 and Randy Travis in 1959. And I missed one yesterday! My cousin Beth’s son-in-law, Danial Sandoval, had a birthday yesterday. Thank you for your service, Daniel! Have a great year and God bless. Love you!

TOMORROW May 5th is:

• National Astronaut Day
• National Cartoonists Day
• National Silence the Shame Day
• National Totally Chipotle Day
• National Hoagie Day
• Cinco de Mayo
• National Bike To School Day
• National Skilled Trades Day
• National Interpreter Appreciation Day 

Hats off to my sister Kath – the best interpreter I know! May your day be calm and your workload be light! Love you! God bless…

I’ll leave you with this: Every morning starts a new page in your story; make it a great one!

It was a rainy morning so I opted for the treadmill. I’m in a love/hate relationship with the book I’m reading (no names) – the plot is compelling and there are some excellent thoughts on self worth and grief recovery – but the characters are a little off for me. But I’ll keep reading, and I’ll buy the 3rd book in the series when it comes out next April, because I have to see what happens! (And no, it’s NOT my beloved Sarah Elizabeth Bromke!!!)

Jeannette was busy but Greensburg wasn’t. I stopped to get gas in the car, but pulled on the wrong side (new car) and couldn’t find the gas door release! Came home to lunch and laundry. I went up front to pick up a fairly big branch in the yard, and found that something (woodpecker??) had scattered bark, wood chips and twigs all over the place! I couldn’t see any place on the tree that looked compromised but it sure made a mess.

I will share Scott’s message from First Baptist: His Standard, our Deviations. We all need God’s grace; we all sin. We cannot make ourselves worthy; we need Jesus! Apart from Him we are nothing. 1) There is a standard, and it’s GOD. 2) We deviate from right worship and make our own self/life priorities and idols. 3) We deviate from right thinking; i.e., life was an ‘accident’, not created. Our thinking is warped; God wants us to turn to Him for answers. 4) We deviate from right desires. We want our OWN way and ignore God’s standards and teachings. When we buy into the devil’s antics we are miserable. 5) We deviate from right character. Don’t leave God behind. God MUST remedy the deviations, but HOW? Release his wrath on WHOM? JESUS paid it Himself, for us. Keep your eyes on how GOOD the GOOD NEWS is; it’s better than we could imagine for ourselves.

On this day in 1662 a royal charter was granted to Connecticut, and in 1937 Margaret Mitchell won a Pulitzer prize for Gone with the Wind. Birthdays: Bing Crosby in 1903, Eric Church (country music star) in 1977, and our local radio personality Stoney Richards has a birthday today! He’s on Y108 and I love the morning show, Y’d Awake, with Stoney, Maria, and Kristen.

TOMORROW May 4th is:

• National Star Wars Day
• National Weather Observers Day
• National Renewal Day
• National Orange Juice Day
• National Candied Orange Peel Day
• Bird Day
• National Foster Care Day
• National Teacher Appreciation Day –

As you could see by the weather, I did not get to meditate in my garden or sit on the bench – unless I wanted to be very wet! But tomorrow at least I can observe the weather. And wonder if it really is a BIRD that is chipping at my tree. BEAVERS don’t climb trees, right??? 🙂 How about a wood chuck… Hmmm. God bless…

Absolutely beautiful, sunny day. I was busy from morning until now – and still not totally done. I went to first service at HCC, and from there I went to the Ninth Life Rescue flea market. I bought a few little things; a star necklace, a 2 inch Snoopy in a fleece vest (it’s on my desk), a painted bunny to hang at Easter, and a star lantern that I put in the kitchen, with most of the other stars. From there I came home and went through my ‘to do’ list, and finished everything but writing out cards and making scones. I ushered for Bear again at the Garden and Civic Center, then came home and changed clothes to play in the dirt. It was so relaxing and calm and quiet. I just came in at 6pm. I’ll finish this then find something for supper.

I will share the message from HCC since I was there in person. One of our elders, and former minister in another state, gave the message this morning. It was Staying Afloat in a Drowning World. Sin and destruction are all around us, and it’s hard to keep our faith and our footing. But this is not new. Noah had the same – or worse – issues. But he was able to stay righteous and blameless and walk with God – he found favor in the eyes of the Lord. We can do this; we should be bold but gentle and loving. His points were: 1) Noah was obedient to what God asked of Him. We can, too – because we can expect God to do his part if we do ours. God can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. 2) Noah was persistent. Press on – don’t give up. Jesus stands at the door and knocks – we have to open the door and let him in. 3) Noah expressed gratitude. We need to express our love for God, in worship. We often fail and fall short; we aren’t perfect. But God is forgiving. Put time and effort into worship and relationship with God – Your efforts will be rewarded.

On this day in 1863 Stonewall Jackson was wounded by his own men (Civil War). In 1865, President Johnson offered $100,000 reward for the capture of Jefferson Davis, and in 1932 Jack Benny’s first radio show premiered. Leonardo de Vinci, painter, died in 1519 at age 67; J. Edgar Hoover – first director of the FBI – died in 1972 at age 77, and in 2011 Osama bin Laden died at age 54. Donald Trump and Marla Maples separated in 1997. Birthdays: Manfred von Richthofen (Red Baron) was born in 1892, Benjamin Spock – pediatrician and author – in 1903, and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge in 2015. My niece Tonia Eisaman has a birthday today – wishing you a wonderful, love-filled celebration and year! My young friend Sarah Pelc (Greg’s daughter) has a birthday today – happy, happy birthday Miss Sarah! God bless! And my dear friend Mary Corsi is celebrating today! Hope it was a great birthday weekend retreat (Harper’s Ferry & Gettysburg!) – and we WILL celebrate next weekend! Love you ladies!

TOMORROW May 3rd is:

• National SAN Architect Day
• National Lumpy Rug Day
• National Garden Meditation Day
• National Specially-Able Pets Day
• National Two Different Colored Shoes Day
• National Paranormal Day
• National Chocolate Custard Day
• National Raspberry Pop Over Day
• National Textiles Day
• National Montana Day
• Melanoma Monday – 

I will definitely meditate in my gardens tomorrow! Wonderful place to be mellow and reflective! I’m wondering if I have the nerve to wear two different colored shoes…. I’ll see in the morning! God bless…

What a beautiful day, and a perfect day for the season opening of Historic Hanna’s Town. There was a good turnout, and I spent the day with friends, old and new. It was fun to help open the buildings, secure the shutters, meet the militia, walk the ground. I met the master gardener who was working the kitchen garden back to life, ready for planting. The first tour of the morning was at 11am and I shadowed that tour, getting a feel for the new tour path and information, plus the two new sites. My friend Teresa stopped out in the afternoon, and she and I did a private tour, which was fun for both of us. I like working with Pam (one of the directors) and meeting new guides.

The first message I’m sharing is from Rod at Martin’s Ferry- Forgiveness is a decision. We have to start with forgiving ourselves, which is the hardest person to forgive. The closer you are to the person, the harder it is to forgive. Your enemy is the easiest, and friends a little harder. We are human, not God, but we can be a child of God. We make mistakes; there is some Judas in every one of us. We think we’re not good enough – but the answer is to forgive ourselves. If the Lord has forgiven us, who are we to question that? We have to forgive and accept forgiveness, and restore our relationship with ourselves. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive and purify us. Accept and offer forgiveness.

Also, Scott’s message from First Baptist – The treasure of the Gospel (Good News). We must share and say the message of the gospel as it is – it contains the power of God and IS the greatest way to serve. What will we do with Jesus? The Gospel carries it’s own power which is the message of redemption and forgiveness of sin. We are a chosen people, God’s special possession. We WERE darkness; but now are the light! Live in the Light!

On this day in 1840 the world’s first adhesive postage stamp was issued by Great Britain, and in 1939 Batman first appeared in Detective Comics. Mr. Potato Head was introduced in 1952, and SpongeBob Square Pants in 1999. Calamity Jane, frontierswoman, was born in 1852, Jack Paar, TV host, in 1918, and Country musician and singer Tim McGraw in 1967. David Livingston, explorer, died in 1873 at age 60, and in 1967 Elvis Presley married Priscilla Beaulieu in Las Vegas.

TOMORROW May 2nd is:

• National Truffle Day
• National Life Insurance Day
• National Infertility Survival Day
• National Lemonade Day – 

Ooooh! Lemonade. Made me thirsty! And as for today’s ‘day’ I did play outside in the sunshine all day! I’ll see what happens tomorrow. God Bless….

As promised, here it is the last day of April, 2021. It was a very chilly walk this morning, but at least I finally got out to walk! And it turned out to be a profitable one – the neighbor was getting a deck refurbished, and I was able to connect with the contractor. He’s going to give me a quote on getting some upgrades on mine. The sun and the wind both stuck around for the morning, enough that I could get the grass mowed and a few little garden projects done. I came in to switch laundry loads and have lunch – and the rains came. Almost feels like winter again with the cold, damp, cloudy afternoon.

Jen’s rescue – Ninth Life – is having a fundraiser flea market again this year – tomorrow and Sunday. We went last year and there was SO MUCH STUFF! Hope you support the rescue and stop over!

I ushered for Bear at a play tonight at the Civic Center. The sky and the mountains were so beautiful I wanted to share them. Bear and I stood outside (it felt like it was freezing but was a ‘feels like’ of 38*) and talked for 45 minutes. It’s always so good to catch up, and we can talk about any subject under the sun! We could have USED some warm sun tonight!

I will share Paul’s message from River Hill. These are the kinds of sermons I remember growing up with Raldo Cook as minister at HCC – back to basics, setting your heart and mind on the roots of Christianity. Biblical truths that are foundational. The message was The Blessing of Restoration. Here are some notes (And they are just touching the surface of the message) of how our lives and Churches should exist: All Christians are unified and patterned after the early church. There is ONE church, and we stand on the Bible. The Five-finger memory plan – We hear, believe, repent, confess, be baptized. Then live the Christian Life. Christian Churches and Churches of Christ are: 1) Non-denominational 2) The Bible is our text book 3) We are Christians only but not the only Christians 4) Believe in baptism by emersion 5) Partake in the Lord’s supper (Communion) every Sunday. What was the early church devoted to? 1) Apostle’s teaching (God’s word/Bible) 2) Fellowship – to each other, where we get our strength 3) Prayer – brings us into the throne room of God, the creator of the universe 4) Breaking of Bread – Lord’s supper. This shows us How He lived, Why He died, What He said, What He prayed. Communion shouldn’t become commonplace. We can’t live without it. JESUS is really our life: Teaching is JESUS; fellowship is with JESUS, pray in JESUS’ name; communion IS JESUS. LOVE is the greatest commandment.

On this day in 1492 Christopher Columbus is given royal commission by Spanish monarchs Isabella I and Ferdinand II to equip his fleet to the New World. In 1789 George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States, and in 1803 the Louisiana Purchase Treaty doubled the size of the United States. In 1945 ‘Arthur Godfrey Time’ began a 27 year run on CBS Radio. And in 1945 Adolf Hitler and his wife committed suicide (he was 56) when the Red Army captured the city. In 1997 42 million viewers watched as Ellen DeGeneres publicly declared she was gay. Agnes Moorehead died at age 73 in 1974 (Endora on Bewitched). Birthdays today – my children’s father – Stoney Burke – was born on this date; my former boss, Jim Smail, has a birthday today, and my great friend Teresa Shanta is celebrating today. We have held each other up through good times and bad, and shared lots of adventures and road trips. Happy birthday and have a great day!

TOMORROW May 1st is:

• National Loyalty Day
• May Day
• National Mother Goose Day
• National Chocolate Parfait Day
• Law Day
• School Principals’ Day
• Silver Star Service Banner Day
• Kentucky Derby
• National Fitness Day
• National Scrapbook Day
• National Homebrew Day
• Join Hands Day
• National Bombshells’ Day
• National Start Seeing Monarchs Day
• Free Comic Book Day
• National Play Outside Day

Who would have thought there was so much to celebrate on May 1st? I will be playing outside – as, again, Historic Hanna’s Town opens for tours tomorrow! Come join us!

It was a flurry of activity getting everyone up, fed, packed and out the door. I waited until Matt & Peyton left (Peyton had a Chemistry Lab in Shadyside), then helped Kelly and the younger boys get fed and packed and on their way an hour later. I took a quick shower, dressed, and went to work. Just enough to keep me busy for a while. Once I got home, I stripped the two spare beds, did laundry, remade the beds, did all the cleaning, and just now (8pm) had a chicken salad sandwich for supper. I have to admit I’m ready to be done with my day. My couch looks very inviting. I have been enjoying YouTube videos about touring Europe with Rick Steves. The scenery is amazing!

Chrissy got her hair cut for her birthday- sort of feathery and wispy. Can’t wait to see it in person! And Ron sent me a picture of his ‘neighbor’ – he was taking a walk after work. The lake is about a mile from his house…

I am sharing a new preacher/message – although it was his last sermon as an interim pastor at Ron’s church. It was called Wrangling over Words. When considering words, discover your own but also other people’s perspective. He talked about what the church was and meant. The Church is the PEOPLE. Acrostic: C – Christ is the head of the church. H – Holiness – set apart. U – Unity – love and respect and equality R – reform – Change is hard but important. It can be exciting! C -Children – No matter the age, we are children of God, the aroma of Christ – What fragrance do we emit? H – Hospitality – there should be no strangers, and welcome all equally. How do we treat people? This pastor, Dr. Dennis Bennett (80 years old!) will now be able to be part of the congregation rather than leading it!

On this day in 1961 ABC’s Wide World of Sports debuted, and in 1967 Aretha Franklin released ‘Respect’. Alfred Hitchcock died at age 80, Burt Reynolds married Loni Anderson in 1988, and Prince William and Kate Middleton were married in 2011. Birthdays: 1863 – William Randolph Hearst (newspaper publisher); Duke Ellington (bandleader and composer) in 1899; Willie Nelson in 1933, Dale Earnhardt in 1951, and Jerry Seinfeld in 1954. And today my step-daughter Theresa Steele is celebrating a birthday. Have a great day, and a wonderful year! We need to get together soon! Happy Birthday!

TOMORROW April 30th is:

• National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
• National Bubble Tea Day
• National Bugs Bunny Day – This is fun!!!
• National Honesty Day – should be EVERY day!
• National Oatmeal Cookie Day
• National PrepareAthon! Day
• National Raisin Day
• National Sarcoidosis Day
• National Military Brats Day
• National Hairstylist Appreciation Day
• National Arbor Day –
• National Hairball Awareness Day – I do NOT want to be aware of hairballs….

If you plan to get a pet, definitely consider a Shelter Pet – A perfect match! It will be the last day of April – so make good use of your time! Look forward to a fun weekend – and remember Saturday is opening day for Historic Hanna’s Town!

It was cloudy but warm all day – but now it’s sunny! Rain was predicted but nothing yet. Kelly and I went to my favorite fleatique in Adamsburg, and I found a little house for my shelf. It’s a school house, and it has a sign above the door that says Book Worms welcome! The fun thing about that is that Elizabeth Bromke’s Author Page on facebook is called The Bookworms! I had to get it and post a photo on the page. Also found a pair of NASA sweatpants that I though Chrissy might like – but she didn’t like the stars too much. Funny thing – I love stars and they fit me so there you go! Only pair of sweatpants I own except for the ones I use to play in the dirt…

Kelly’s family went to visit friends in Ligonier for the evening so I am using the much-too-quiet time to post the word garden and maybe study my Hanna’s Town history manual – Saturday is opening day!

I will share Steve’s message from Maplewood: John’s Baptism is not Enough. John’s baptism was of repentance – which is important, but Paul taught the baptism of Jesus – where we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Early Christians had not even heard of that gift! So once they learned about the Holy Spirit, they were baptized in the name of Jesus and received not only forgiveness but the Holy Spirit as well – more than repentance – the Holy Spirit is GIVEN to us. The Spirit brings the life of Jesus – Christ then lives in us. This will be evident in the fruits of our lives, and also gives us power through our gifts. The divine gifts are to be used for the Kingdom – not just our natural abilities but the spirit also. Jesus’ power came through the Holy Sprit, given to him at his baptism. We have that Holy Spirit that is given to us, as well. Through Jesus’ death we are forgiven, but we are given even MORE through His life. We are united in His baptism and resurrection – His LIFE transforms OUR life. God can do amazing things through us if we go forth with the Holy Spirit; He does amazing things with cracked pots!

On this day in 1788 Maryland became the 7th State to ratify the US constitution. Birthdays: James Monroe – 5th President – in 1758, Lionel Barrymore (actor) in 1878, Harper Lee (wrote To Kill a Mockingbird) in 1926, Saddam Hussein in 1937, and Jay Leno in 1950. And my beautiful granddaughter Christina Kelly Burke is celebrating a birthday today – 15 years old! Happy Birthday, Miss Chrissy!!

TOMORROW April 29th is:

• National Peace Rose Day
• National Shrimp Scampi Day
• National Zipper Day 
• National Poem In Your Pocket Day

I love zippers. They are just so … zippy! My family is leaving tomorrow so maybe I won’t feel too zippy. I’ll miss them. We’ve had a lot of busy fun! God bless …