As I sit here and type, I hear thunder rumbling in the distance – and dark clouds are rolling past. I’m very thankful the storms waited until this evening to visit!

Again it was in a drizzle that I walked this morning, but it was comfortable and I enjoyed being out. I baked the scones that I mixed up the other night and had one warm right out of the oven for breakfast. Yum. I drove over to Teresa’s at 10am and from there we went to pick up her friends Janice and Darlene, and headed to the Pittsburgh Arts Festival. I have not been to downtown Pittsburgh for anything fun in probably a decade, and I’ve never been to the festival. I loved the tall buildings, the unique buildings, the artsy buildings. It got pretty warm but we walked around for over 3 hours looking at all the vendors.

We went to the one strip along the river and I got pictures of the bridge, PNC park, and a beautiful mural painted on a building. It was not crowded and we took our time, checking out jewelry, baskets, pottery, art work — it was all very unique and fun! We ate lunch at The Oyster House in Market Square – another place I had never been. It was much more relaxing than I pictured it to be! We headed home a little after three, which gave me time to write this! It was a day off – much needed – and I do feel refreshed.

I will share Stephen Weiss’s message – he was the guest speaker at River Hill – Sheep. Sheep always need guided and rescued – they cannot exist without people. How can they not be extinct? WE are like sheep – we need a Shepherd! We need fellowship. We should see crises as opportunities to reach out – We shouldn’t be looking at the issues, but the individuals. Our job is to go from frightened sheep to shepherds. Seek the lost sheep and don’t wall yourself off from those who are different, hurting, lost. Don’t place people into categories – look for people who are lost and abused and be a shepherd.

On this day in 1789 James Madison introduced a Bill of Rights to the US House of Representatives, and in 1942 Bing Crosby recorded Silent Night. Thomas Paine (early author) died at age 72 in 1809, and Andrew Jackson – 7th president – in 1845 at age 78. Birthdays: Frank Lloyd Wright in 1867; Barbara Bush in 1925, and Joan Rivers in 1933. My long-time neighbor and friend, Carole Johnson, is celebrating a birthday today. Happy, happy birthday, friend – and many more!

TOMORROW June 9th is:

• National Donald Duck Day
• National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day
• National Earl Day

Tomorrow morning early Kath and I will head north again to see John one last time as we celebrate his life. So glad that this man loved my mom and shared so much of his life with her. We’ll miss him! God bless….

It was nice to take a walk this morning. There was an occasional drop or sprinkle of rain but I didn’t get wet. Worked both stores, then had to stop at Bath and Body works for hand soap. Then I came home and did laundry, cleaned, and handled some financial business and emails. Charlie Brown often has words of wisdom, but I’m not sure what I’d do with this one…

When I took the girls bathing suit shopping on Saturday I saw a back-pack type bag that appealed to me for my vacation. Last fall when we went to New York I struggled. I had a string back-pack that kept getting stuck and didn’t work well, and a very small purse that didn’t hold anything. I put the purse in the backpack and it was annoying. So this one wasn’t very expensive, so I took a chance. It should hold what I need it to and be easier access. I’m going on an outing with Teresa and her friend tomorrow so I’ll try it out!

I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning- Stretched Out. We feel often feel stretched out – But that can be good. It teaches us to rely on God. When we feel stretched, Jesus meets us where we are. He comes to us, so we should intercede for others. God is in the business of big issues – we need to have great faith. Be sincere and specific when you go to Him – he will answer your prayers. Have a 1) specific request – tell Him what you need/want. 2) Expect the reward – answered prayers and requests. 3) There is a reason for what has happened – look for the reason. Go to the Lord – BELIEVE – care and share!

1 On this day in 1665 the Great Plague of London: Samuel Pepys wrote in his diary of houses marked with a red cross in London’s Drury Lane, meaning somebody inside is infected with the plague and must be locked in for 40 days or until death. (So maybe our pandemic wasn’t so bad, after all???) In 1776 Richard Lee (Virginia) moved Declaration of Independence in Continental Congress. In 1946 Pirates players voted 20-16 to walk out rather than play the Giants, and in 1955 Eisenhower was the first president to appear on color TV. In 1975 ‘Thank God I’m a Country Boy’ hit #1 (John Denver). Birthdays: Susan Blow – the mother of kindergarten – 1843; Dean Martin in 1917, and Tom Jones (‘What’s New, Pussycat?’) in 1940. And my friend Nancy Myer – a fellow grad from the Seton Hill Master’s writing program – has a birthday today. Happy birthday, Nancy – have a great year and may it bring you joy and peace! God bless!

TOMORROW June 8 is:

• National Best Friends Day
• National Name Your Poison Day
• National Upsy Daisy Day
• Call Your Doctor Day 

I have several best friends – but one of my #1 best friends is coming to see me from New York on Thursday. I’m very excited for the visit! I HOPE I don’t have to call my doctor…. Have a great day! God bless…

Very warm today, but a nice breeze. After church, Mary and I had our now-every-week-breakfast together (it’s better every time!), then I picked up Autmn, Josie, Chrissy, and their friend Riley. We did a quick snack-stop at Dollar General, then I dropped them off at Park N Pool in Youngwood. Perfect day to be in the water, with two bags full of snacks and a soft cooler filled with water and ice! I’m sure they will have a great time!

I did a flower walk around my yard, just checking on the gardens. I remember every time we went to Mom’s we would walk her yard, looking at all the flowers and bushes, often taking little shoots to plant in our own gardens. I had discovered that a melon-colored rose bush that my neighbor was planting had lost a branch – and with her permission I brought it home to nurture and coax into blooming. It did! I’m hoping to plant it to see if it will grow for me! Grama Crooks said it could be done – so I’m doing it!

I will share Kyle’s message from Hempfield today – still in James, continuation of Wisdom: Godly wisdom. World’s wisdom ends in quarrels and fights. We should seek God’s wisdom, and we will receive it if we ask for the right reasons. We don’t always get it right. The world won’t let go of us sometimes, and we are in conflict to do the right thing. We plow forward doing whatever we want, regardless of the damage we leave behind. Remember that friendship with the world is enmity with God – we cannot serve two masters: Will it be YOU or GOD? If we try to do both, we commit adultery against God. But God chooses us – we are his child. He LIKES US! We can humble ourselves and submit to God – let God work through us. Keep him on the throne so others see Him in us.

Today is D-Day – a time to reflect on World War II, and how so many brave men and women went forward to fight for our freedom. For the freedom of countless people in dozens of countries, and even for those yet to be born. How grateful we are for these people and all they gave.

On this day in 1716 the French transported the first African slaves to Louisiana, and in 1844 the YMCA was formed by George Williams in London. The Electric iron was patented in 1882 (That’s my next chore: IRONING!!!), and in 1925 Walter Chrysler founded the Chrysler Corporation (Automobiles, of course!). The first drive-in theater opened in New Jersey in 1933; D Day was June 6, 1944 – the 82nd Airborne and 156, 000 Allied force landed in Normandy France. In 1946 Henry Morgan was the first person to take his shirt off on TV (Wow – how far we’ve come! Good or bad??), and in 1983 Betty White was the first woman to win Outstanding Game Show Host. Patrick Henry (Give me liberty or give me death!) died at age 63 in 1799, Robert Kennedy (42) died in 1968 from an assassin’s attack, J Paul Getty (billionaire – Getty Oil) in 1976 at age 83, and swimmer Esther Williams at age 91 in 2013. In 1967 John Denver married Annie Martell (Annie’s Song). Nathan Hale (I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country) was born in 1755; my friends Sharon Cowan and Jennifer Forrest (both writers!) are sharing a birthday today. Happy birthday, ladies! Have a great day and a fantastic year!!!

TOMORROW June 7 is:

• National Boone Day
• National Chocolate Ice Cream Day
• National VCR Day
• National Oklahoma Day

I’m all for the ice cream! Especially when it’s so hot! Enjoy a fresh, brand-new week, with no mistakes in it! Walk humbly with the Lord – depend on Him! God bless —

For being a stay-at-home day I didn’t stay at home! Well, I did until afternoon. I got up to normal Saturday chores – changing bed sheets and doing laundry. Had breakfast then went outside ‘before it got too hot.’ NOT! It was already hot! But I pushed on and got the entire yard weed whacked, blown clean, and pulled weeds for an hour on the hill. I was ready to come in and get a shower.

Di called and had some shirts and shorts for the girls – so I decided to go get them from her on my way for groceries. Before I could leave Diane’s, Chrissy txt me about taking her and Josie for swim suits – which we did. After I deposited them at home I grabbed my shopping list and did finally end up getting groceries. Had to get printer ink – why is it so expensive! Yucky-ducky! But the fun thing was that Di had given me two jars for candles – Snoopy and Charlie Brown – I was very excited! Such a thoughtful thing to share!

Kath and Paul are in TN with their family – and spent the day in the Smokies. They did some hiking and sight-seeing, and even saw a momma bear and three cubs! I’m so glad they are having a good time – we’ve had a lot on our plates lately….

I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt – Psalm 119- focuses on the Hebrew alphabet. The theme is the Word of God, who is the God of order. We will be studying Psalm 119 over the next few weeks. Overview for today: We attempt to obey the law; we have a desire from within to obey. God claims us as we follow Him. We are formed by the WORD, not the WORLD. God blesses us if we follow His decrees. Verses 1-8 are ALEPH, or BLESSING – some of His blessings are: Wisdom, health, counsel, peace, joy, knowledge, charity, respect for God, relationships. On this memorial day, we acknowledge our memorial: Communion, where we receive our freedom.

On this day in 1846 the first telegraph line opened between Philadelphia and Baltimore. In 1937 Henry Ford initiated a 32 hour work week, and in 1940 the Battle of France began World War II; In 1968 Robert F Kennedy was shot three times (dies the next day). O. Henry – short story writer – died at age 47 in 1910, and Ronald Reagan – 40th President – died ag age 93 in 2004.

TOMORROW June 6 is:

• D-Day
• National Eyewear Day 
• National Higher Education Day
• National Gardening Exercise Day
• National Yo-Yo Day
• National Drive-In Movie Day
• National Applesauce Cake Day
• National Cancer Survivor’s Day

D-Day is the day (June 6, 1944) in World War II on which Allied forces invaded northern France by means of beach landings in Normandy. We’ll talk about that tomorrow! Have a great day in the house of the Lord! God bless.

It was an exciting day – getting ready for graduation! It actually started last night at about 9:30pm, when Autmn called me in a semi-panic that she needed her dresses and gown pressed off – and the zipper was pulling away and it needed stitched. So I picked her up and got the dresses, her gown, a face mask – and we set about the tasks. All done and perfect in good time. And today, she looked so grown up in her yellow dress!

I found it cute that the class song was ‘Six Feet Apart’ by Luke Combs. If you don’t know it, possibly search it out and listen. It’s very fitting for the class of 2021!

We took a few pictures before the event – and then some during and after. The student speakers were wonderful; they added humor and insight and even encouragement and excitement about the paths that are ahead of them. There were several guest speakers – one I really liked and the other two had interesting things to say but I was waiting for the presentation of diplomas, as was everyone! I can’t speak for anyone else (well, except maybe for Nate…. and possibly Autmn… Come to think of it Jen…) but I know I shed a few tears now and again. Just thinking of that tiny little girl in her crib grown to the beautiful graduate in front of me! Wow. So I’ll share pictures below.

On this day in 1896 Henry Ford took his first Ford through the streets of Detroit, and in 1940 the first night game was played at Forbes Field (Pirates 14, Braves 2). In 2018 Former President Bill Clinton and James Patterson published a thriller novel ‘The President is Milling’. George III – King of Great Britain during the American revolution – was born in 1738, and Angelina Jolie in 1975. And in 2021 Autmn Rose graduated from Hempfield High School!

TOMORROW June 5 is:

• National Gingerbread Day
• National Moonshine Day
• National Veggie Burger Day
• National Black Bear Day
• National Bubbly Day
• National Prairie Day
• National Trails Day 

So a huge congratulations to my Autmn Rose Stairs-Burke: the first of my ‘grands’ to graduate. I’m so proud of my little girl – who is all grown up, now, and ready to take on the rest of her life! God bless you, my sweet girl! Love you to the moon and back!

Took an outside walk this morning, then worked both stores. It was cloudy and rainy but cleared up later. Joe had his puppy Wilson at the store today. Wilson is a cuddly little guys, but does like to bark! He felt most comfortable on Joe’s lap (which meant Joe struggled to get anything done on the computer!) but when someone came in he had to check them out!

Chrissy called me, and she passed all her classes (even the dreaded math!) so she’s officially 10th grade! Chase is going into 7th; Logan into 9th; Peyton into 10th but has several 11th grade credits. Tomorrow night at this time I will be at Autmn’s graduation ceremony!

Kelly, Matt and the boys came up to get title work done on Peyton’s Dodge truck. We ordered pizza – Kelly and I sat out on the deck and the guys watched funny videos – we could hear them laughing from outside! Then I restacked the wood piles behind the shed and moved the hummingbird feeder; it didn’t seem to be attracting birds. It’s closer to the flowers now, so maybe that will help. It’s also close the rose bushes, which are overflowing with roses!

Today I will share Dennis’s Memorial Day messaged from Inverness (FL) about friends. We should pick our friends carefully. Worldly friends are centered on themselves; spiritual ones serve and are respectful to others. We are all valuable to the body of Christ, and we need to be free to worship and share. The church is a sanctuary, and freedom to worship there comes at a cost. We should stop and consider how WE will be remembered. There are many different battles we may fight: Military, religious, personal, life itself. We have eternal life to celebrate along side our friends, and to remember those who have fought to keep us free. At the end of the service Taps was played, and it was very moving. Let us never forget…

On this day in 1864 General Robert E Lee won his last victory of the Civil War at the battle of Cold Harbor. Jefferson Davis – President of the Confederate States of America – was born in 1808; Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) – boxer – died in 2016 at age 74, and in 1937 the Duke of Windsor married Mrs. Wallis Simpson (scandalous – read about it!)

TOMORROW June 4 is:

• National Clean Beauty Day
• National Old Maid’s Day
• National Cheese Day
• National Cognac Day
• National Hug Your Cat Day
• National SAFE Day
• National Doughnut Day 

Hug your cat day! That sound comforting! I think National Doughnut Day will get the most attention – Y108 was talking about it all morning! Made me hungry for a buttercruch donut from Dunkin’ Donuts! Share a donut with your favorite cat, and have a SAFE day! God bless…

We left Greensburg this morning a little before 8am and headed north to Edinboro to see John. There was a bit of a drizzle and lots of clouds but little traffic and no issues. Edinboro Manor is a beautiful facility, and we were able to visit for over an hour with John. He was in good spirits and was interested in everything we said – but we didn’t have too much exciting to say! He’s a little thinner but has good color and seems to appreciate the care he is being given.

We stopped by the ‘farm’ (as John calls it!) and Barb met us there to let us in. I was looking for a certain book that Mom had (couldn’t find it!) but we did come across a few small things that we brought back. We don’t plan to take anything from the house unless all the kids are together. Kath and I did pick a few garden flags that we had purchased originally, and I hung a very colorful one on my shed. It brightens up the bottom yard.

The other thing I wanted to get was a plaque that I got in Sunday School on my 7th birthday. Mom loved it and hung it in her kitchen, both in Greensburg and Albion. It has special meaning to me and I felt like it needed to come home with me. Also brought the matching gazebo to my red one (hers was blue). Just a few tiny things to take us back to those days of our younger times! They are things that I will cherish.

I will share Scott’s message from First Baptist – Anti-humanist manifesto. Here is the catch: We try to be good, and think we are good, but still feel guilty for reasons we can’t figure out. So we set our own standards of good, and as life changes and our choices change, we change those standards to adapt to our choices, desires, and thoughts. We feel guilt, because we ARE guilty. We sin. Jesus died to set us free and forgive our sins and erase our guilt. Don’t define goodness by comparing yourself with others – GOD is goodness itself, not just good; He’s good all the time, while we seek our own agendas. We fall short in 1) understanding, 2) motives, 3) speech, 4) practice. We need grace. We struggle with goodness every day – but God is good, ALL THE TIME!

On this day in 1835 P T Barnum circus went on first US tour, and in 1862 Robert E Lee took command of the confederate armies of North Virginia. The second day of the battle of Cold Harbour was in 1864, and in 1875 Alexander Graham Bell made his first sound transmission. In 1928 Kraft rolled out Velveeta Cheese (and changed our world!!!); in 1933 FDR authorized the first swimming pool to be built inside the White House, and in 1953 was the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Lou Gehrig, baseball player and hall-of-famer, died at age 37 from ALS in 1941. and in 1886 U.S. President Grover Cleveland (49) wed Frances Folsom (21), 1st presidential marriage to be held at the White House (He was the 22nd and 24th presidents). Johnny Weissmuller (actor who played Tarzan) was born in 1904, and today ‘Aunt Kimmie’ (Matt’s sister Kim) is celebrating a birthday! Happy birthday, Aunt Kimmie – have a great day and enjoy being with your Kentucky family!

TOMORROW June 3 is:

• National Egg Day
• National Repeat Day
• National Chocolate Macaroons Day

Have a happy Thursday, and enjoy your egg, enjoy your egg, enjoy your egg… Wait – I’m repeating myself! God bless!

Feels like forever since I was outside for a morning walk, but it was only since Friday. Felt nice to be outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Worked both stores – but they traded out my car first thing. It’s a Buick Encore and that is one of my favorite cars to drive! So I’m happy about that. It’s silver.

Rege (my boss in Jeannette) showed me a picture of a fawn curled up in the corner of his front porch. His wife Jean went outside and there it was! It was there for some time – and then was gone! Cute little thing – spots are really visible.

Changed my Snoopy flag today from patriotic to graduation! Just a few more days, Miss Autmn Rose Stairs Burke! Yea!

After lunch I took the decorations down and packed them away, then went out to weed a few of the flower beds. Of course I didn’t finish, but again, fresh air and busy hands are good things!

I will share the message from Martin’s Ferry – guest minister Henry Lewis – on Love. Last week was Pentecost, and he shared some of the facts about the original feasts and the gift of the Holy Spirit arriving. He focused on how everyone could understand what was said in their own language, and there were a vast number of different nations represented. He also talked about a paraclete – which is someone who ‘has your back’ – or is a helper and advocate for you. The Holy Spirit is our paraclete – a gift given on the day of Pentecost – BUT he’s still here! We just have to reach out to him. We have God with us every day. Then the question is: What is YOUR language? How do you communicate with people so they can understand? It should be LOVE, which is God’s language. What are you willing to do to share God’s language of love?

On this day in 1533 Anne Boleyn was crowned Queen of England, and in 1638 there was the first recorded earthquake in the US in Plymouth MA. The first Quakers arrived in New Amsterdam (NY) in 1657, and in 1774 the port of Boston was closed to punish the colonists for the Boston Tea Party. In 1792 Kentucky became the 15th state, and in 1796 Tennessee the 16th. The first skirmish of the Civil War was in 1861 at Fairfax Courthouse VA, and 1864 was the Battle of Cold Harbor, VA. Daniel Crouch was in that battle – Read LETTERS TO MARY to find out more! Birthdays: Brigham Young – religious leader – in 1801, Andy Griffith in 1926, Marilyn Monroe in 1926 as well; Pat Boone (my Mom’s heart throb in her day!) in 1934, Paul Coffey (Hockey player) in 1961, and Heide Klum, supermodel, in 1973. James Buchanan, 15th president of the US, died at age 77 in 1868; Lizzie Borden (wild story there!) at age 66 in 1927, and Helen Keller at age 87 in 1968. In 1949 Lucy And Desi married for the 2nd time, and in 1991 Roseanne Barr and Tom Arnold remarried. And today my daughter Kelly and her husband Matt have been married 19 years (that’s a long time – seems like yesterday!); my Skunk Hollow cousin Karen O’s daughter Brenda and her husband Derek have an anniversary today, and although it was posted today, Chip and Joanna Gaines were married on May 31, 2003. So happy, loving wishes to these couples – may your lives be blessed over and over as you share them together! Special wishes and lots of love to Kelly and Matt!

TOMORROW June 2 is:

• National Rotisserie Chicken Day
• National Rocky Road Day
• National Bubba Day
• National First Ladies Day
• National Leave The Office Early Day
• National Running Day

Tomorrow Kath and I are planning a trip to visit John – it will be a short visit in the nursing facility, but it’s something important that is on our hearts. So off we go! Please pray for a safe trip and for John’s peace and comfort. Have a great day – God bless!

Beautiful day! Spent part of it outside, but did laundry and ironing and listened to 3 of my sermon messages. Nate came over and hung a few hooks for me in the bathroom behind the door. Then Chrissy and I went shopping for shorts for her – but knowing Chrissy, it’s never just about shorts – it’s about shirts too! So she got several of each. Then cut the grass.

We picked up Autmn and then went back to Nate’s for a cookout – just the five of us. Hot dogs, burgers, salads, corn – yummy! Chris climbed the big tree in the back yard, and Autmn stayed on the ground. Nate had power washed the animal crates and Chrissy crawled in one – Autmn shut her in! We saw a Chinese Lantern landing out on the street, so the girls ran to catch it – then saw another one drift over head. They are bigger than I thought they would be!

Piggy was outside nosing around in the dirt while Jen and Nate were making sure the fire pit got going. We had a really nice time together

Today I will share Paul’s Memorial Day message from River Hill – Living Memorials. A Memorial is something designed to keep remembrances alive. We should reflect on willingness to service and what it cost. 1. Never forget – remember the cost. Monuments help us remember what we have. 2. Offer a way for us to remember – use them to tell the stories to our children and future generations – and give honor. These people lay down their lives for their friends; they were committed to the cause, willing to face fears and move forward at all cost. How do we accept these sacrifices? 3. Be thankful – every time we remember. It doesn’t come naturally; we have to learn gratitude. Dwell on the good, not the sad. 4. Jesus gives us a living memorial – communion. It’s an eternal reminder. We should be living memorials for Jesus that others see. During the Civil War both sides could pay someone to take their place as a soldier and go to fight in their place. That is what Jesus did for us. God LOVED us and sent his son. Jesus is our substitute. We should focus on National freedom and Spiritual freedom. If Jesus sets us free, we are free indeed! Memorial Day is all about freedom – paid for! Are we thankful? Will we remember?

On this day in 1790 the US Copyright law was enacted, and in 1837 the Astor Hotel (later called Waldorf Astoria) opened in NYC. In 1879 Madison Square Garden opened and was dedicated to the 4th president James Madison. Dr. John Harvey Kellogg patented flaked cereal in 1884, and in 1889, 2209 people died in the Johnstown (PA) flood. In 1911 the RMS Titanic launched in Belfast to be tested, and in 1968 Jimmy Stewart retired from the US Air Force after 27 years. Jack Dempsey, boxer, died at age 86 in 1983. Birthdays: Clint Eastwood in 1930; Joe Namath in 1943; Brooke Shields in 1965. My friend Cathy Rose (Hertzog) is celebrating a birthday today – we were in youth group together at Hempfield Church back in the 60’s. Those were great times! Happy Birthday, Cathy!

June 1

• World Reef Awareness Day
• National Olive Day
• National Heimlich Maneuver Day
• National Go Barefoot Day
• National Nail Polish Day
• National Say Something Nice Day
• National Penpal Day
• National Hazelnut Cake Day

Tomorrow is a brand new month – the unofficial start of summer. School is almost out, graduations are already happening, pools are opening – hang on for a fun, fantastic summer! God bless…

Went to early service then had breakfast with Mary – I have really come to enjoy those times together! It’s great to have friends that hold each other up and still keep our feet on the ground. On the way home I stopped at the cemetery (I pass it several times a week) to visit Dad. The flags the entire way down the lane are impressive and moving. Also took a photo of the one plot – all the little flags in the distance represent those who served – and that’s just one small section. So many gave so much.

I drove down to Kelly’s, and we spent the day cleaning up the porch and the yard and even ran errands. Met Matt and Peyton at Cold Stone Creamery (I NEVER go there – it was a treat! Thanks, Matt, for my Mint Chocolate Chip!). We even lit the burn pile and filled the entire valley with smoke! There were lots of damp shrub trimmings and clippings in that pile… Even visited with the pigs! They looked happy in their little pen.

I will share Kyle’s message from Hempfield – from the book of James – Wisdom. Two kinds – worldly and Biblical. Often the URGENT pushes aside the IMPORTANT – it’s difficult to balance those. Biblical wisdom involves living the good life, with good deeds – and living it out. In the world view, we dictate our own life, but in Biblical we know that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom – putting our faith into practice and obeying God; God is wise as no one else is! God’s character should fill us and ooze out of us! Earthly wisdom results in selfish, destructive practices. Is it US on the throne, or GOD on the throne? If our faith never changed us, WE are on the throne. Show your wisdom by living the good life and doing good deeds; put God on the throne. Don’t be overwhelmed by the urgent – it pushes God off the throne. Focus on the important, and do the urgent in a way that honors God – do eternal things!

On May 30th in history, in 1431 – 19 year old Joan of Arc was burned at the stake, and in 1848 William G Young patented the ice cream freezer (gotta love that guy! – he needs his OWN DAY!!!). In 1968 Decoration Day (Memorial Day) was first observed in the northern US, and in 1906 Hersheypark opened. The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in 1922, and the Beatles’ ‘Love Me Do’ was #1. Finding Nemo was released in 2003. Benny Goodman was born in 1909. Wilbur Wright, aviator, died in 1912 at age 45. In 1536 Henry VIII married Jane Seymour, his 3rd wife, and in 1966 Dolly Parton married Carl Dean (they are still married!).

TODAY May 31st is:

• Autonomous Vehicle Day
• National Save Your Hearing Day
• National Speak in Sentences Day
• National Macaroon Day
• National Utah Day
• National Smile Day
• Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Day
• National Memorial Day 

God Bless the USA – and all who have worked and sacrificed and died for our rights as Americans. The least we can do is to honor them and uphold that which is sacred and cherished. God Bless…