I took a little longer walk this morning. Not too much work at either store, so I went to the bank, stopped at the lawyer’s office, and popped into the church to check out the tables and the space. Mike was there and was a big help. Saturday’s coming!!!

Nate and Dave came after work, and carried the old china cupboard down to the shed. I uncovered the plastic from the Shaker cabinet and they attempted to carry it up to the kitchen. I almost threw up – it’s so heavy and I was sure it was going to fall on them and kill them both. They managed safely, and it’s clean and polished and all organized. But I cried for an hour after they left. I could see so many horrid things happening. I won’t ever ask them to do something that dangerous again – without at least a dozen people to help! MY neck is stiff and sore and I didn’t even help carry! Ugh. But it is beautiful and I’m very pleased. There is SO MUCH MORE ROOM in it!

I will share Paul’s message from LAST week – Hoping beyond Hope. We all need something to believe in – we need HOPE! Hope has to be based in reality 1) Promises rest on His grace, not our perfections. 2) God can & does do the impossible – God spoke creation into being. Why would you build your hope anywhere else? 3) God is the basis of our hope because of who He is! It’s a rational decision to believe that God will do what he said he would do. Where is your hope? In what you do or what God does? God’s grace allows Him to freely give us what we don’t deserve. Miracles happen to those who believe.

On this day in 1692 five people were hanged for witchcraft in MA (total was then 19). In 1948 Amelia Jenks Bloomer introduced a new fashion trend for women: “Bloomers”. In 1961 the first in-flight movie was shown (TWA); and in 1969 the Apollo 11 went into Moon orbit. Samuel Colt (invented the Colt 6 shot revolver) was born in 1814; Lizzie Borden in 1860. Percy Spencer – inventor of the microwave – was born in 1894; Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith – great grandson of Abraham Lincoln – was born in 1904, the last of Lincoln’s descendants. James Garner died in 2014 (He was a favorite of mine), and in 1966 Frank Sinatra (age 50) married Mia Farrow (age 21). And as an added bonus today, something I didn’t post yesterday: In 1966 WOULDN’T IT BE NICE was released by the Beach Boys!

TOMORROW July 20th is:

• National Fortune Cookie Day
• National Moon Day
• National Lollipop Day
• National Pennsylvania Day
• MY MOM’s BIRTHDAY!!!!

I have ironing to do, and some cards to write out – so I’m outta here! Have a happy Tuesday! God bless….

There’s a lot to do getting ready for Christmas! I had about 2 of my 35 boxes (???) of Christmas decorations, and sprinkled them through the house (and outside) to make it festive. I put the chipped ham BBQ on at about 9am, and it was perfect when we ate at 3pm.

I waited until the last minute to shower and dress – in my Santa shirt and Christmas earrings, necklace, etc. Connie wore her Christmas shirt and had a BIG jingle bell necklace on. Connie also came a little early with a big basket of extra decorations, and we scampered through the house and added them to the décor. Gwen bought us all elf ear headbands and we wore them most of the afternoon!

Kathy had gathered up bells from Mom’s collection, and she offered them up and a small remembrance for everyone to choose one. The girls were very excited to get one of Mom’s bells, and it seemed like there was the perfect bell for everyone – and no one wanted the same one! Even though I had one, since there were so many, after everyone chose I took the small one from Colonial Williamsburg. Near to my heart!

I had tables set up in the garage (which I had cleaned and sort of decorated!) for the food, and it saved everyone from going up and down the steps. That is very tricky, especially with a plate of food in one hand! It was very hot at first, and then it rained, so we just got comfy inside – we ate, and visited, and shared, and I read my traditional short story as entertainment. The girls were very generous, and I received several very special Christmas presents as a hostess thank you! Sweet, sweet cousins! THANK YOU!!!

Karen V had a Christmas craft planned, so we cleaned up the food and moved into the garage and made Christmas frames into wreaths – or just kept them as frames. I was the odd man out and made a patriotic frame. I like the way it turned out – and that’s rare for me, because I glue myself to things. I actually glued myself to the frame about seven times before it was finished.

We decided to have round two of dessert (cookies, Boston cream pie, Pineapple delight, Jello pretzel salad), and then sat on the deck for a little while between showers. Jen stopped over for leftover for Nate and she took a few pictures of the SH girls.

The day went so fast, and it was after 8pm before we even realized it! I was sad to see everyone leave and we are already trying to plan the next event. I will carry the happy memories of our day together – food, family, fun, laughter, stories, sharing, and more memories – for a very long time. I am blessed beyond measure to have these ladies in my life. I love each of them totally and am so thankful for them! Merry Christmas, girls – Linn Run, here we come. (Just have to decide when!!!)

First I will say that Hempfield’s special music today was by Patty Buschek and her grandson Jonathan. He has a wonderful voice, and he had just shared with Patty that he was choosing to follow his grandfather Ron into the ministry! She teared up when she shared that with me! Jonathan looks so much like Ron – but Ron couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket. So he takes after him Grama Patty for that one!

I will share Hempfield’s message today – Steve Fulton from Mountain Mission School in Grundy Virginia was our guest speaker. He spoke about the ministry of Hope. God is on our team, and we can be on HIS. There is a 1) Purpose, which is to get noticed. Stand strong in the storms. Everyone gets rained on, it’s how you handle it that gets noticed and makes an impact. 2) a Plan – God picks the most unlikely person. One that obviously fits the ‘old is gone, and the new is come!’ We go from fear to hope. 3) Power – HE can do more than we can ask or imagine. It’s in His power! Let him work in and through you. Check out the website for Mountain Mission School at www.mmskids.org to see this wonderful place and the amazing stories of lives changed.

On this day in 64AD the great fire of Rome began under emperor Nero, and in 1864 President Lincoln called for 500,000 volunteers for military service. In 1938 Douglas ‘Wrong Way’ Corrigen arrived in Ireland after a 28 hour flight – supposedly having left NY for California! (A little off course, I think!) In 1969 Ted Kennedy drove his car off a bridge, swam to shore and spent the night in a motel, and called the police in the morning; his passenger Mary Jo Kopechne died in the crash. Jane Austen died at age 41 in 1817; Machine Gun Kelly died at age 59 in 1954 (on his birthday!). General William Westmoreland died in 2005. In 1992 Whitney Houston married Bobby Brown. Birthdays: Yesterday, Country artist Luke Bryan celebrated, and a friend and former Hempfield minister Bill Pullin had a birthday yesterday. Happy one-day-late birthday, Bill! Hope you had a wonderful day and can celebrate all year! God bless! Today: In 1867 the Unsinkable Molly Brown was born – she’s called that because she survived the sinking of the Titanic. Machine Gun Kelly, gangster, was born in 1895; Red (Richard) Skelton in 1913, John Glenn – astronaut – in 1921.

TODAY July 18th is:

• National Sour Candy Day
• National Caviar Day
• National Ice Cream Day

TOMORROW July 19th is:

• National Words With Friends Day *
• National Daiquiri Day
• National Get Out of the Dog House Day 

Since I didn’t post yesterday, thought I would include today’s NATIONAL day – simply because there may still be time for you to have ICE CREAM! I intend to! God bless….

It was a glorious wonderful day! It would take way too long to share everything, and it’s 10:35pm. I’m exhausted and still have one sort of major project before bed.

So I’ll suspend this post and catch up tomorrow! God bless….

** Warning – almost no pictures today…) Early walk, but I took my time. I knew that Barry would call me when he was coming up to start the car – and it wasn’t until about 10am that he did. In the meantime, I made good use of my time. I moved the stereo onto the dry sink in the corner of the living room (doesn’t look the best there, but it will do for now!), then I slid the secretary desk on thick bath towels over to where I wanted it.

I started wiping it all off, and cleaning the hinges, etc, I got everything done but the pigeon holes before it was time to leave for work. Barry put a new battery in the Buick and she was peppy and happy all day! After work I ran a few small errands, then ate lunch and cut the grass. It’s not fun to cut the grass in the hot 88* sunshine – – but better than cutting in the rain. About an hour later it poured and poured – with thunder rumbling in the distance. It’s still raining.

I finished cleaning the desk, all the little antique items that I had brought down, and then placed them nicely. I also scrubbed the trunk, and put the Christmas flag on the flag holder out back. Chrissy and Hope ended up here to get cooled off and raid the fridge – then I took them home. Now I am going to make a quick meal for myself – because tomorrow is our Christmas in July and I will have to decorate the house and make the BBQ!

I will share Micah’s message – Liberty and justice for all. Liberty is release from our sin. God cares for his creation; ask for wisdom We should be a servant for Christ. We have guidelines (rules) for OUR benefit. The reason is for the Lord’s sake. Face things with respect (It’s our responsibility). Let God bless American in HIS way. Follow God’s will through works and words. The Will of God and the Way of God – it’s not a free pass. Our choice should be to choose Jesus as a master. He is the perfect example. 1) HONOR even if you don’t agree. 2) Love one another, even your enemies. 3) Fear God – respect who he is: FEAR is the beginning of wisdom!

On this day in 1955 John Adams graduated from Harvard (2nd president); in 1951 Catcher in the Rye (JD Salinger) was published; Apollo 11 was launched in 1969 (would land on the moon 4 days later), and in 1999 JFK Jr, his wife and sister-in-law were killed in a plane crash that JFK Jr was piloting. In 2004 Martha Stewart was sentenced to five months in prison for lying to federal investigators. Mary Todd Lincoln died at age 63 in 1882; Harry Chapin (Cat’s in the Cradle) died in 1981 at age 39, JFK Jr in 1999 at age 38; and Kitty Wells (It wasn’t God who Made Honkytonk Angels) died at age 93 in 2012. Meg Ryan divorced Dennis Quaid in 2001 (I think that’s why he’s been reduced to making Insurance commercials…). Orville Redenbacher (Popcorn guy!) was born in 1907; Ginger Rogers (actress/dancer) in 1911; Will Ferrell in 1967. Dan Bricklin – known as the Father of the Spreadsheet (created the first computer generated spreadsheet) was born in 1951. (THAT one was for you, Ron!) My cousin Beth’s beautiful granddaughter Hazel is 13 today! Happy, happy birthday to Hazel – have many, many more!

TOMORROW July 17th is:

• National Lottery Day
• National Peach Ice Cream Day
• National Tattoo Day
• Wrong Way Corrigan Day
• National Yellow Pig Day
• World Emoji Day
• National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day
• Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day 

Today is Christmas in July Eve – and tomorrow is Christmas in July DAY! Everyone celebrate! I’m having a party for the Skunk Hollow Cousins – and we are all very excited. So Jump in Bed and Cover your Head…. God bless!

The Ides of July! Midway through! Sort of….

What an adventure today was! I don’t even know where to start. Maybe at the end, because the day is almost over (except for this post) and we are all home and safe and a little bit wiser. And a lot happier!

There were so many variables in the plans for today’s trip to Albion that I had trouble keeping myself straight. I barely slept last night, but managed to wake up refreshed. Chrissy spent the night and was ready to travel with me – we were picking up Kath, Paul, and Isaac. Paul and Isaac would pick up the truck and head to Albion. This was all good – until my car wouldn’t start!

We were also waiting to hear if Kelly and Peyton could make it. Everyone has things going on and things to deal with!

Dead car 🙁 – Kath agreed to drive, so they picked up Chris and I and we got the truck – then headed north. Only 45 minutes behind our time. Not bad, because U-Hall is notoriously slow… Rege promised to check out the Buick, and I confidently left it in their care.

Bobbie, Dick, and Barb were already working at the house when we got there. Kelly and Peyton pulled in about 10 minutes after we did – then about 20 minutes later, the truck. We all got to work, and as happened last time, we really enjoyed being together, talking, laughing, working. Chrissy had a fun day; found lots of tiny treasures and enjoyed our – HER! – family! We cleaned out the furniture pieces that we were bringing to Greensburg, and the boys (Peyton and Isaac) strong-armed them into the truck. Byron’s dad, Jim, came over in the afternoon and helped lug furniture up and down the steps and into the truck. He’s a very nice person, lots of fun, and a willing spirit. A big thanks to everyone who helped!

Rege txt that he and Barry got the car running, so when we got home I got in to back it into the driveway – I had several pieces of furniture to store in the garage until they were cleaned and placed where they would live – with me! Hmmm. Car wouldn’t start! So I called Rege. Barry’s coming in the morning to start the car and we’ll get it handled. In the meantime, some stuff is in the shed, some in the living room, in the family room, and wrapped in plastic outside by the air conditioner. I’ll deal with it all tomorrow.

I did realize when they unloaded the stuff from the truck that a few things got left behind. Darn. But they are things that will fit easily in the car, so I’ll plan another trip up soon. We made a nice dent – Kelly got 3/4th of the upstairs walk-in closet emptied out! She’s a workhorse. Barb and Bobbie emptied and wrapped all the delicate glass and dish ware from the 2 china closets and packed it in boxes. Chrissy had a good eye for the little thing, and found several fun things! We stopped mid-day for lunch of subs and chips and cookies – and we were tired and ready to head back about 4:15pm. Great day, great family – so blessed.

Now to handle the car…. And a big thanks to Rege for being so kind and supportive. Couldn’t do this without my Pinnacle guys! Big thanks to Paul for driving the truck, the guys for loading (Nate helped unload), and the girls for cleaning and packing and sorting. I’m really ready for bed….

My encouragement for today is this:

On this day in 1870 Georgia was the last state to be readmitted to the reunion. 1957 was the first official day of production of the Edsel; in 1960 Chubby Checker released his version of the twist. Prince Charles and Princess Diana signed divorce papers in 1996. Rembrandt – Dutch painter – was born in 1606; Clement C Moore (‘Twas the Night Before Christmas author) was born in 1779, and Linda Ronstadt – country singer – in 1946. My young friend Anaya Grace Drown celebrated her 13th birthday today! Happy, happy birthday, my sweet girl! Can’t wait to see the places you will go! Love you!

TOMORROW July 16th is:

• National Corn Fritters Day
• National Personal Chef’s Day

And more importantly, tomorrow is Christmas in July Eve! I have SO MUCH to do! Decorate, clean, shop — no end! Such fun! I’ll keep you posted – God bless…

Short walk outside – had lots to do today. But I took my time and just handled things as I thought of them. Got the house cleaned, and some things organized for Thursday and some for Saturday. Then I ordered the balloons for the Loyalhanna Review Publication party – they needed to be ordered ahead of time. One thing off of THAT list, anyway.

It was pouring rain this morning, and when I stopped to grab lunch I noticed that my neighbor was mowing his grass. Whatever…

My Peanuts page a day struck me really funny today – so I’m sharing it!

I will share Rod’s message from Martin’s Ferry- about Joseph. First thought: You must be broken to be used by God. It will always be God’s will over ours. When God tests us we come forth as gold. If Joseph had quit, he’d have never known what God had in store for him. Joseph spoke the truth in kindness and we should, too. Things happen in God’s time, but God is with us the whole time. Not matter what happens, God will get the honor. Pharaoh saw God’s wisdom in Joseph and exalted him. Put your life in God’s hands and trust Him until the very end!

On this day in 1789 was France’s origin of Bastille Day – their National holiday. In 1853 President Franklin Pierce opened the World’s Fair, and in 1946 Dr. Benjamin Spock’s “Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care” was published. William Hanna – cartoonist (Hanna-Barbera) – was born in 1910; Gerald Ford, 38th President, in 1913, and Franklin Graham – Billy Graham’s son – in 1952. Billy the Kid (outlaw) was shot and killed in 1881 at age 21, and Richard J McDonald died in 1998 – he and his brother Maurice started McDonald’s in 1940. And my friend Jane Ball and her husband Bruce are celebrating a wedding anniversary today. According to Jane, it’s been 17,531 days! My niece Hannah and her husband Dan Gump are celebrating 20 years of marriage today. Congrats to both of these wonderful couples!

TOMORROW July 15th is:

• National Give Something Away Day
• National I Love Horses Day
• National Tapioca Pudding Day
• National Pet Fire Safety Day
• National Gummi Worm Day
• Get to Know Your Customers Day –

I have the perfect thing to give away: My debt! OK – I’m ready! Don’t be too alarmed if I don’t post anything tomorrow – it will depend on when we get back from Albion. I’ll catch up on Friday! God bless…

Early walk, then a short work morning. I stopped at Palmer’s Farm and got a few ears of corn and some fresh green beans. Had some of the corn for lunch and will have the green beans tomorrow.

This afternoon was boring chores but so glad to have them done! I did the ironing and put laundry away. Then I cut the grass, pulled more weeds, and trimmed a few shrubs. Had some emails to handle and some lists to make for all these events that are crowding in around me! Lists help keep me sort of sane.

Today I will share Lou Ellen’s message from Inverness FL – she officially started as their minister on Sunday. “Why are we here?” God put us here; He’s the reason. God decided we should exist, not because of ourselves – we are adopted into God’s family. Are we better than anyone else? Of course not, we are part of the family through love and grace – it’s a gift. Life can be difficult. We strive to be continually worthy; we ‘think’ we are self- sufficient, and that what we HAVE gives us value. But God wants US – and wants us to REST in Him. Our relationship with Him and with each other rest in the love of God.

On this day in 1837 Queen Victoria was the first monarch to live in the present Buckingham Palace, and in 1865 PT Barnum’s museum burnt down. Also in 1865 Horace Greeley – founder and editor of the NY Tribune – advises: “Go West, Young Man!”. In 1913 the first movie pie in the face was thrown; in 1923 the Hollywood sign was dedicated. In 1939 Frank Sinatra had his recording debut, and in 1954 Pig Pen made his debut in the Peanuts comic strip. NY City’s blackout was in 1977 – millions were left in darkness. Julius Caesar was born in 100BC; John Jacob Astor IV – richest passenger on the Titanic – was born in 1864; Harrison Ford – actor – in 1942, and Erno Rubik (invented Rubik’s Cube!) was born in 1944. In 1925 Walt Disney married Lillian Bounds.

TOMORROW July 14th is:

• National Grand Marnier Day
• National Tape Measure Day
• National Nude Day
• National Mac & Cheese Day

Hmmm. Well, that’s a strange mix of celebrations! I will do my normal Wednesday ‘clean the whole house’ chores and get organized for a day trip to Albion on Thursday. Have a happy day – but keep your clothes on! God bless…

Again, a nice morning walk outside! I worked both stores but was home a little after noon. Did some laundry and then scrubbed the white fence and pulled weeds at the bottom of the driveway and right outside the back door.

Plans are to finish ironing and then listen to Paul’s and Greg’s messages. Trying to keep organized for Thursday’s trip to Albion, Saturday’s Christmas in July party, and the Loyalhanna Review Publication party, which seems to have fallen into my lap! Hard to know what you are doing when you don’t know what you are doing! Sigh.

Here is Steve’s thoughts from Sunday – Can God Really Change me? We should think about who we want to be. Watch what God does, then DO it! Is that too idealistic? Make His teachings be the blueprint for your life. Work as hard as you possibly can on one thing, and see what happens. One thing! We will perfect it! The narrow way leads to life – but that means you have to say ‘no’ to a LOT. Enter the narrow way – everything will be given to you; your life will open up. Believing isn’t enough; do what he SAYS. YES God can change you. Put him to the test. What are you going to seek and perfect first? Don’t do NOTHING!

On this day in 1774 the citizens of Carlisle Pennsylvania passed a symbolic declaration of independence; in 1804 Alexander Hamilton died from being shot in the pistol duel with VP Aaron Burr. In 1843 Mormon leader Joseph Smith said God allows polygamy… In 1909 the 16th amendment was passed by congress, giving them the power to tax incomes (oh, great…) In 1957 Surgeon General Leroy Burney was the first US Federal Official to acknowledge the connection between smoking and cancer. Etch A Sketch first produced in 1960. Rolling Stones made their first public appearance in 1962, and Family Feud debuted in 1976 with Richard Dawson as host. Alexander Hamilton died in 1804 at age 49 (pistol duel), and in 1849 Dolley Madison (4th first lady) died at age 81. In 1543 Henry VIII married Catherine Parr – his 6th and last wife. Henry David Thoreau – naturalist and pacifist was born in 1817; George Eastman (invented the Kodak camera and founded Eastman Kodak company) in 1854; Milton Berle (comedian) in 1908; “Curly” Joe DeRita (one of the Three Stooges) was born in 1909; Roger Smith, CEO of General Motors) in 1952, and Bill Cosby in 1937. And one of my favorite DJ’s from the Y’d Awake morning show on Y108 has a birthday today. I’m sure she won’t be reading this, but I’m still wishing her a very happy day!

TOMORROW July 13th is:

• National French Fry Day
• National Beans ‘N’ Franks Day
• National Delaware Day
• Cow Appreciation Day

Looks like a good day to enjoy some yummy food – hope you don’t have to go to Delaware to do it! And Cow Appreciation Day! Oh Joy! Cows are SO special! Greg used to come ‘cow tipping’ at my house, because I had them displayed everywhere. Still have some – but not as many. So happy Cow day! God bless….

Went to first service at church, and for the first time in about 18 months we had Sunday School classes for all ages. Mary & I taught ages 4 through 1st grade, and we had 5 students. They were glad to be back. What a variety we had – two of them could have told the entire Bible story (one of them just about did!); one little visitor fluctuated between crying for his family and be totally delighted in the activity projects! The other two – brother and sister – were typical siblings, rivaling each other for attention and out-doing each other! But they really did have a great time. So did we!

I came home and went through a few Christmas boxes to pull out about half a dozen decorations for the Christmas in July party on Saturday. I wrapped and carried several items to the shed that I need to store away, then drove over to Twin Lakes. Jen’s rescue – Ninth Life Rescue – was having a volunteer appreciation picnic and I was invited! I don’t volunteer with the rescue, only indirectly: I volunteer by rescuing Autmn and Crissy, giving them rides, taking them shopping, buying snacks and bathing suits and short! So I felt comfortable. It was a beautiful sunny day until we started up the parking lot to head home – the storm hit with a vengeance and it was more like 10pm than 4:30pm! But it was a very nice event – lots of food, games, and friendly people! And as I type this, the sun is shining and the sky is clear and beautiful again!

I will share Mike’s message from Hempfield: Are you a disciple of Jesus? There is a difference between Church membership and following Christ. Do you focus your whole life around Jesus? Just going to church isn’t enough. Is Jesus everything to us? Go back to the basics of Christianity, which is – simply – Jesus. It’s NOT teaching, buildings, traditions, programs (alone). It’s Jesus. Our purpose should be to make disciples; make Him the main thing. He’s our 1) Savior – saved us from God’s wrath, from Satan, for good works, and to be citizens of Heaven. 2) Lord – we belong to Him, and should make disciples. Don’t be casual; be committed!

On this day in 1804 Vice President Aaron Burr mortally wounded Alexander Hamilton in a pistol duel, and in 1960 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee was published; The Newlywed Game premiered on TV in 1967. Laurence Olivier died in 1989 at age 82 (he was in Rebecca – one of my favorites!). Lady Bird Johnson – first lady) died in 2007 at age 95. John Quincy Adams was born in 1767; E B White (wrote Charlotte’s Web) was born in 1899, and Giorgio Armani – designer – in 1934. And my brother in law Paul is celebrating a birthday with his whole family! Hope it was a great day, Paul!

TOMORROW July 12th is:

• National Simplicity Day
• National Different Colored Eyes Day
• National Pecan Pie Day
• Paper Bag Day
• Eat Your Jello Day

For me tomorrow is ‘go to work day’ . I’m happy to have such a wonderful place in which to work. Have a great week! God bless…

Today’s walk was in the beautiful, bright sunshine, but still a bit chilly. Very pleasant. I chatted with my neighbor Dottie, who was outside on her porch with her Latte, enjoying the morning. When I finished my walk, I got busy doing little outside chores and before I knew it, I had putzied through breakfast and it was 10am!

Kathy stopped by with Edy and Hattie on her way to Indian Lake for a day on the water. After brunch, Mary popped over with Poppy (her little cutie dog!) and we went over the Sunday School material. At 2:00, I picked up Chrissy and Autmn and took them to work at Bull River Taco – and was paid for my efforts with a yummy taco! (Thanks, Bull River! Yum!)

On the way home, since I was in Irwin anyway, I stopped and picked up a cookie jar that I had seen yesterday but was still deliberating on – it looks very cute in the kitchen, so I’m glad I did that. In addition, I had cleaned up the pestle that I brought home from the farm and put it in the wooden bucket that my Uncle Jim had made me very many years ago. I just love having all these little quint antiques scattered about my house. Now if I just had the antique house to match them! It’ll never happen. I love my house!

I will share another devotion from my Garden of Faith book: 1) We are not called to be burden-bearers, but cross-bearers and light-bearers. We must cast our burdens on the Lord – Corrie Ten Boom. 2)Never yield to gloomy anticipation. Place your hope and confidence in God. He has no record of failure – Mrs. Charles E Cowman. 3) Worship and worry cannot live in the same heart; they are mutually exclusive – Ruth Bell Graham. 4) Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear – Corrie Ten Boom. Lord, wherever I find myself, let me celebrate more and worry less. (Great thoughts – meditate on those!!) PS – Keep your feet on the ground, but let your heart soar as high as it will – A W Tozer.

On this day in 1040 Lady Godiva rode naked on horseback through the street to force her husband to lower taxes. THERE’s a thought…. In 1780 the Comte de Rochambeau and 7000 French landed in Newport Rhode Island to join the American Revolution, and in 1850 Millard Fillmore was sworn in as 13th President of the US, replacing Zachary Taylor who died on July 9th. John Calvin, religious reformer, was born in 1509 and Fred Gwynne (actor- Munsters) in 1926. Clement C Moore died at age 83 in 1863 (wrote ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas). In 2010 Carrie Underwood married hockey player Mike Fisher, and in 1975 Cher divorced Gregg Allman.

TOMORROW July 11th iS:

• National Cheer Up The Lonely Day
• National Rainier Cherry Day
• National Blueberry Muffin Day
• All American Pet Photo Day
• National Mojito Day
• National 7-Eleven Day

Not too much exciting today, but I was busy and happy all day! Have a lovely day tomorrow in the House of the Lord (as my Mom always said!) – God Bless…