WAY too cold to walk outside – it snowed on and off all day. Just going from the car into the house after our MOM visit froze my hands – a harsh wind. We had a pretty nice visit with mom. She smiled a few times and was saying a few words – but generally to the aide and not to us! It’s like we don’t totally exist in her world. But we sang 3 or 4 songs for her, which she AND the aide seemed to really enjoy!

When I took the garbage up to the road, I stepped down on the hill and clipped a few lilacs from the tree. Only the dark purple are out right now – and I don’t know if I’ll get any white or lilac blooms after this snow and the predicted freeze. But for now, it’s a nice bouquet.

I will share Rod’s message on forgiveness from Martin’s Ferry. He plans on doing a series for the next several weeks, at least. We are all worth saving – Jesus prayed: Father, forgive them. Forgiveness was born in the Garden of Eden and reached maturity on the cross. God is our example. Forgiveness is a decision: WE choose to give it or not give it. 1) God won’t hold our sin against us. 2) He will never bring it up again 3) He will restore our relationship with Him. The hardest person to forgive is the one closest to you, or even ourselves. What will you choose? Bitterness, hate, revenge, damnation? Forgiveness sets us free. If we understand God’s forgiveness to us, we learn to forgive. We should long to be like God.

One this day in 1789 John Adams was sworn in as the first vice-president (9 days before George Washington). In 1865 Abraham Lincoln’s funeral train left Washington DC, and in 1878 first Lady Lucy Hayes held the first egg rolling contest on the White House lawn. In 1898 Spain declared war against the US, and in 1918 The Red Baron was shot down and killed in France; in 1956 Elvis’ first hit – Heartbreak Hotel – became #1. In 1963 the Beatles and the Rolling Stones met for the first time. Catherine the Great (Empress of Russia) was born in 1729 and Charlotte Bronte (wrote Jane Eyre) in 1816. In 1926, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor – Elizabeth II, Queen of Great Britain – was born. Mark Twain died at age 74 in 1910, Manfred von Richthofen died at age 25 in 1918 (Red Baron), and in 1952 Clark Gable divorced Sylvia Ashley (my mom would care – she had a huge crush on Clark Gable (Gone with the Wind)!

TOMORROW April 22nd is:

• National Earth Day
• National Girl Scout Leader’s Day
• National Jelly Bean Day
• National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
• National Teach Children To Save Day

I hope it starts to warm up a bit. Not crazy about the cold, especially after the beautiful days we just had. God bless…

Delightful walk outside this morning. Saw my neighbor walking his dog Marley for the first time in MONTHS! It was nice to see them both; Marley was even excited to see me! Friends are SO important!

Got home from work very early, and went outside to start on the hill. I worked ALL DAY! It’s wonderful to have it all done! The only parts left to weed now (before I start all over again) are the stones between the fences and a tiny bit in the front. But weeding and yard work is a never-ending task – until winter comes round again.

Today I am sharing Steve’s message. It was a very thought-provoking and cutting-edge message and I won’t do it justice but I’ll recap a few lines. It was: The Acts 3 & 4 Church – Courage. We, too, have to face powers that are against the churches. We are called on to be a Matthew 25 church, but we already DO this! Can we be more relevant, though? We can if we are an Acts 3&4 church. We need to Preach (share) Christ and His salvation. Don’t fall under ideology concepts. Secular and radical theologies are over-shadowing the Holy Spirit. Do not be afraid; have courage to speak boldly. These are trying times. Have courage – believe and pray!

On this day in 1611 – first known performance of MacBeth at Globe Theatre, and in 1862 the first pasteurization test (Louis Pasteur). The first world motor race was in France in 1887, and in 1918 Manfred von Richthofen (Red Baron) shot down his 79th and 80th victims – sure glad Snoopy wasn’t one of them! Adolf Hitler was born in 1889. George Clinton – 4th Vice President of the US died at age 73 in 1812 – he was the first vice-president to die in office. And Bram Stoker (wrote Dracula) died at age 64 in 1912.

TOMORROW April 21st is:

• National Chocolate Covered Cashews Day
• National Kindergarten Day
• National Yellow Bat Day
• National Administrative Professionals’ Day 

My days of being an Administrative Professional are behind me – and I’m not a bit sorry; nor do I miss it! I like being just where I am! God bless…

It was very cool but nice walking outside this morning. After work I cut the grass and pulled weeds for a few hours until it was time to come in. Not a very exciting day but a beautiful day to be outside.

I sent Peyton’s pigs a note in the mail and Kelly posted it on facebook. I thought they needed welcomed to their neighborhood!

I noticed that my friend Linda posted on facebook that she was hungry for cake (it’s her birthday!) but wasn’t up to a Walmart run. She’s been having issues with her hip that makes it painful to walk much. So I got cleaned up and zipped over to get her a small cake! No one should have their birthday go uncelebrated! And I was able to find her favorite cake.

Today I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning – The importance of prayer. Prayer isn’t easy but it’s very important. Jesus gave us the model prayer with a pattern: 1) Acknowledge the supremacy of the Father 2) See His sovereignty 3) Ask for supplies 4) Lead us from temptations 5) ask for forgiveness 6) Our opponent – to resist the devil. Be persistent; keep asking, seeking, knocking. Prayer is our first priority. God promises to reward those who seek him and ask.

On this day in 1775 the American revolution began in Lexington MA – the Shot Heard Round the World took place later that day in Concord; also in 1775 Paul Revere and two others were captured by British troops. In 1932 President Herbert Hoover suggested the five day work week (I like this guy…) In 1934 Shirley Temple appeared in her first feature length film – Stand Up and Cheer, and in 1963 Johnny Cash released ‘Ring of Fire’ (co-written by June Carter, his future wife). Charles Darwin died in 1882 at age 73. And as mentioned above, my friend Linda is celebrating a birthday today – with cake! Happy birthday Linda- enjoy your treat and have a wonderful celebration and a happy year!

TOMORROW April 20th is:

• National Cheddar Fries Day
• National Lima Bean Respect Day
• National Look Alike Day
• National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day

Wow – I never knew it was important to respect a lima bean. I guess I should research that, and maybe see if it has a look alike somewhere? Have a terrific Tuesday! God bless…

What an amazing, beautiful, sunny, warm day! It felt like a gift sent just for me, and I absorbed it all in. After first church Mary, Joni and I went out to breakfast. The company is always the highlight rather than the food (but it was good). We sat and talked about everything from church and relationships and jobs and family. It’s good for the soul to share with friends!

I love the new blind in my bedroom! This morning the sun cast a cool shadow!

I spent the rest of the day playing in the dirt. I got a huge chunk of my hill garden cleaned up and weeded. It looks so nice. Can’t wait to do the other two sections. My purple tulips are really blooming this year!

Chrissy is in the spotlight today. First, because on Friday night her team (flag football) played 2 games, and they won one! Hurray! Then, she took some pictures that she loved and sent them to me – I promised they would be on the Word Garden.

I will share Mike’s message from Hempfield since I was there in person. We are in the book of James. Listening and Doing. Don’t just listen: DO! Prep work is important – we want the short, easy way. How do we prepare? 1) Have an open ear – quick to listen, to others and to God. 2) Be slow to speak- we can’t learn when speaking. 3) Be slow to anger – have a calm spirit. ANGER is not sin – how you deal with it can be. 4) receive and welcome the truth with meekness. Have a teachable spirit. God’s word reveals our inner character; we should reflect what we’ve learned. The blessing is in the DOING. Don’t just learn or absorb; DO it – don’t just THINK it. Information without action can be destructive to our lives. Inner restraint is what we do within ourselves. How does our religion stand up to these tests?

On this day in 1506 the cornerstone of St. Peter’s Basilica was laid, and in 1775 Paul Revere rode from Charlestown to Lexington with the warning: The regulars are coming! In 1861 Robert E Lee turned down the offer to command the Union armies, and 1906 was the San Francisco earthquake and fire. In 1950 the first opening night baseball game – the Cards beat the Pirates 4-2 (and this is new HOW???). In 1977 Alex Haley (ROOTS) was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. Albert Einstein died at age 76 in 1955, Dick Clark in 2012 at age 82. In 1951 Charles Schulz married Joyce Halverson; Actress Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III (Monaco) in 1956. And today my long time friend and former Smail co-worker Joyce Butler Cumo is celebrating a birthday. She lives in Florida now that she and Mario are empty nesters! Have a great day, Joyce, and a wonderful year of fun and blessings!

TOMORROW April 19th is:

• National Amaretto Day
• National Garlic Day
• National Hanging Out Day
• National North Dakota Day
• National Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day

If tomorrow is as nice as today I hope to complete section II of my hill garden. And also, I am working on a free style piece of poetry that I’d like to finish – but I’ve hit a snag – we’ll see what happens tomorrow! God bless…

Another cold morning – so stayed inside. Today was our last color day for Di and Carol and I – and it was a grand finale! It was…. RAINBOW! There were quite a number of fun songs, including Judy Garland’s untouchable classic, and Kermit’s musing. Now we’ll see what we come up with next!

After changing bedsheets and baking the scones and eating breakfast, I headed for refresher training at Hanna’s Town. I haven’t really been too involved there over the last 2 years with everything that’s been going on, and I was totally surprised by the changes in the sites and in the tour content. I will have some serious homework to do to get ready! I plan to shadow another guide on opening day (May 1st) until I get comfortable adding all the new information and emphasis. Below is a smattering of photos that I took. My encouragement is that you come out to the site and catch a tour or an event! This will be an amazing season!

I will share Steve’s message from Maplewood – Faith before Certainty. Thomas needed evidence in order to believe – most of us do, as well. But we have been given enough to believe. We want someone to PROVE it, then we’ll believe. But trusting and believing must come first, and then you will have the certainty. In John’s gospel he says, “I could have said more, but this is enough!” Blessed are those who have not seen, yet believe.

On this day in 1492 Christopher Columbus signed a contract to find the ‘Indies’, and in 2011 the Game of Thornes premiered. Ben Franklin died at age 84 in 1790, Doris Roberts, actress (you’ll recognize her from the photo!) died at age 90 in 2016, and First Lady Barbara Bush died at age 92 in 2018. Birthdays: J P Morgan, banker, in 1837; Daffy Duck (cartoon character) debuted in 1937. Two friends are celebrating. A former Smail co-worker Brian Kirsch has a birthday today, and my sweet friend and former prayer partner (as a young girl) is celebrating today – Ashly Stillwagon Staley. Happy birthday Ashly – hope you have a wonderful day and an amazing year, and that all your dreams and wishes come true. Love you!

TOMORROW April 18th is:

• National Animal Crackers Day
• National Columnists’ Day
• National Lineman Appreciation Day

“Animal Crackers in my Soup!” – so who sang that to make it famous! Yep! Shirley Temple…. Have a great Lord’s Day — God Bless…

Di and I spent another hour txting ‘RED’ songs this morning! I think we both had some really good ones, like RED RUBBER BALL and ROSES ARE RED. Tomorrow is the last color day, and the grand finale! It was cold and rainy so I stuck with the treadmill, and listened to the songs while I was ‘treading’. Eleven songs total, I think! Of Course Snoopy and the Red Baron were in there!

I intended to stay in today, but ended up doing a few errands. Bank, then the clock repair shop in New Stanton. I’m finally getting Grama Crooks’ mantel clock fixed – it hasn’t worked for years. It will be pretty costly but I feel it’s an important family heirloom and want to preserve it. He’s very busy so may not get it back for a while.

My cousin stopped to give me title work to do, and also a nice thank you note. It’s really great to feel appreciated and to know you are able to do something for someone else that is helpful and a blessing to them. Also finally started reading the GOOD GREIF book that was a gift from Ron as the first official guest of the Burke Bed & Breakfast this season. (Unofficial would be family – but no less cherished and important!)

I will share Justin’s message from Martin’s Ferry. What comes next? (After Easter). After such a high point, we often find ourselves in the valley. We are anxious about what will happen. But — PEACE comes next – it’s promised. Be filled with the spirit continually. BUT – we leak! We find ourselves empty – we’re on ‘E’. There are 3 things that rob us of the Holy Spirit. 1) we stop desiring and go against the Holy Spirit – we chase after wrong things. Be careful what you do – don’t live in conflict with God. He lifts us out of the slimy pit and sets our feet on solid ground. 2) We are resistant – we go against God’s plan; we want only a little bit of God. We should live for Him, as he has great plans for us. 3) ‘You have not, because you ask not’. ASK for the Holy Spirit’s power. Ask, seek, and knock. The Holy Spirit takes over for us; it’s God’s gift to us. We need to be filled. That’s what comes next.

On this day in 1705 Queen Anne of England knighted Isaac Newton (is he the one who invented those fig cookies?) and in 1861 President Abraham Lincoln outlawed business with confederate states. In 1900 the US Post Office issued the first books of postage stamps, and in 1935 the first radio broadcast of Fibber McGee and Molly aired. In 1956 the first solar powered radios went on sale, and in 1977 Alex Haley found his roots in Gambia. Rosalind Franklin – chemist & Co-discoverer of the structure of DNA – died at age 37 in 1958 of ovarian cancer. Birthdays: 1867 – Wilber Wright (aviator); Charlie Chaplin in 1889; and Jimmy Osmond (from Osmond Brothers, Donnie and Marie’s brother) in 1963. And today by very good friend and one of my employers – Regis Faddish – is celebrating a birthday today. I have so much respect and enjoy working for him so much – I am blessed to be a friend! Happy birthday, Regis! Have a wonderful day and a successful, happy, prosperous year!

TOMORROW April 17th is:

• National Crawfish Day
• International Bat Appreciation Day
• National Cheeseball Day
• National Ellis Island Family History Day
• National Haiku Poetry Day
• National Auctioneers Day – 

I think I’ll create my own National day to celebrate – and it may have to do with the refresher training at Hanna’s Town that I will attend tomorrow. I’m so glad to be going back! Have a wonderful weekend! God bless —

For those of you who like to put things off, don’t panic; you have until May 17th to get your taxes done…. Thankfully mine are!

On this date in 1974 I married who I thought would be my forever. And even though it was NOT forever, I bring this up for one purpose. The most precious and wonderful gifts I have ever had or will have came out of that marriage. My two precious children – Kelly Sabrina (Matt) and Nathan Wade (Jen) – are the lights of my life. And the sub-blessings are the five grandchildren who fill my life and heart with gladness: Autmn Rose, Peyton Matthew, Christina Kelly, Logan Wade, and Chase Emerson. God knew what I would need, and I couldn’t ask for anything better! Love you guys!

Driving home from work this morning I heard one of my favorite songs. I was in the mood to sing, so I cranked it up and blasted the music. Thankfully, it drowned out my voice…

Today I will share Scott’s message from First Baptist: In Doubt or In Faith. Our MISSION is powered by the spirit, Jesus’ spirit. We aren’t going about God’s business alone. We must stay attached to Jesus, our vine, to bear fruit. Christ’s love completes us, it’s in our heart. The obstacle in our way is doubt. We don’t like the unknown, but Christ can help us. As in scripture: I believe – help me overcome my unbelief! The Lord will provide the faith we need. Christ’s blessing is faith. We trust though we have not seen. God blesses us with what we need for our mission. He will prepare you for what you need to go through. Just seek Christ and his Holy Spirit and we will accomplish our mission.

On this day in 1861 Federal army of 75,000 volunteers was mobilized by Abraham Lincoln. In 1865 Abraham Lincoln died 9 hours after he is shot. In 1912 the unsinkable Titanic sinks at 2:27am as the band played on… In 1945 FDR was buried on the grounds of his Hyde Park home, and in 1952 the Franklin National Bank issued the first bank credit card. In 2019 Notre Dame catches on fire, toppling the spire and destroying the roof. Leonardo da Vinci was born in 1452, Elizabeth Montgomery (Samantha on Bewitched) in 1933, Emma Thompson in 1959, and Emma Watson in 1990. Abraham Lincoln (as mentioned) died at age 56 in 1865. In 1912 Edward Smith (captain of the Titanic) died at age 62, and John Jacob Astor IV (richest person on board) died at age 47 on the Titanic. Corrie ten Boom died in 1983 at age 91. In 1994 Robert F Kennedy Jr married Mary Richardson, 21 days after his divorce.

TOMORROW April 16th is:

• National Bean Counter Day
• National Eggs Benedict Day
• National Healthcare Decisions Day
• National Orchid Day
• National Wear Your Pajamas to Work  Day
• National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day

It’s a good thing I don’t work tomorrow. I might be tempted. As for my medicine cabinet – it’s all good! Other than the fact that I have about 14 tubes of chapstick…. Have a great start to a wonderful weekend! God bless…

I took a walk in the cloudy drizzle this morning, but it was refreshing. I took lots of pictures of trees and flowers and that brightened my spirit!

I spent the day cleaning, and even did a quick scrub job on the white fence, and hosed it off. Looks much better. I picked Kath up and we went over to visit with Mom, but it was cold and windy, and the first thing she did was pull the blanket up over her head and wouldn’t come out! We got her a few extra blankets but she just snuggled down, eyes closed – so we didn’t stay very long. It was really not a good day to be outside!

I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt. Today’s churches are hurting; they stray from the Bible. We are told that some very small things are small but mighty, and Greg sited Locusts. Scripture says they have no leader, or no king – but look what they do as they move forward together. Destruction to everything in their path. We DO have a leader, a King – so as we advance we should leave constructive efforts behind! Jesus said to us, GO! And we are failing in that task. We need to be a transformed people – and follow our King! WE HAVE A KING and are not to be wondering around aimlessly. When we mess up, we are forgiven. Doesn’t your sin bother you? The Lord is on the throne, he’s our redemption, and he supplies all of our needs. He cleanses us. It’s a pleasure to serve our king; he covers us – He’s the BOSS!!!

On this day in 1828 the first American dictionary (by Noah Webster) was published; In 1861 the Union made a formal surrender of Ft. Sumter. In 1865 Lincoln was shot in the head by John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theater in Washington DC; in 1902 J. C. Penney opened his first store. In 1910 president Taft began the tradition of throwing out the ball on opening day, and in 1912 the Titanic hit an iceberg at 11:40pm. Loretta Lynn was born in 1932, Rachel Carson died at age 56 in 1964, and Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley announced intentions to divorce in 1994.

TOMORROW April 15th is:

• National Banana Day
• National Glazed Spiral Ham Day
• National Rubber Eraser Day
• National Take a Wild Guess Day
• National Tax Day (extended until the 17th this year)
• National Titanic Remembrance Day
• Purple Up! Day
• Get to Know Your Customers Day
• National High Five Day

I will not have a banana, but possibly some ham – and take a wild guess as to why it’s Titanic Remembrance day! Have a wonderful Thursday! God bless…

I bundled up and went for an early walk in the foggy morning. By the time I got back to the house the fog had burned off. Work(s) were light but did have things at both stores. After work I stopped at Walmart to get the correct window blind, but they didn’t have any. I ended up at Lowe’s for one, and they cut it to size. It was more expensive but seems like a very good choice. Came home to get the mail, and my long-awaited DVD – Wedding Every Weekend – arrived; it stars Paul Campbell (my absolute favorite!) and Kimberly Sustad and I was excited to get it. I’ll watch it this weekend.

Di and I usually start the day txting each other a ‘wake up’ song about 7:25am (very specific time!). This past week has been a ‘theme’ week, and the theme was colors. Today was white. She sent me 3 videos, and I commented on one by Marty Robbins. So she sent me another. I sent her one, and she sent one back! Then there were 2 more ‘white’ video songs, and some nostalgic reminisces about the 50’s and 60’s – including the fact that we were part of the ‘flower child’ age! It was a fun hour of sharing!

A quick check of the weather app told me that today was the perfect day to get the mowing done. I took it a step further and weed-whacked. The weed-whacker and I have a love-hate relationship. I love getting it done but hate doing it. We battle it out – it usually wins but today I think it was a tie. But I was the only one to shed blood. The bright spot was that my favorite tulip is in bloom!

Today I will share River Hill’s message, which was presented by Greg Voss – director at Camp Christian. He shared the importance of camp, how God works through camp. It is a place ripe for the harvest! This year (as previously shared) is the 40th anniversary and there are lots of activities planned. We should remember that Knowledge puffs us up, but Love builds us up. The scriptures are alive and fill us. We need to get the message of Jesus out there. There is ONE Lord – and all need to know Him. Camp is a perfect place to come and share and learn and grow and give.

On this day in 837, there was the best view of Halley’s comet in 2000 years, and in 1861 – after 34 hours – Ft. Sumter surrendered to Confederates. In 1869 George Westinghouse patented the steam power brake, and in 1954 FDR dedicated the Jefferson Memorial; 1997 was Mario Lemieux’s last NHL regular game. Frederick North, Prime Minister of Great Britain, was born in 1732; Thomas Jefferson (see I TOLD you!!!) was born in 1743 (3rd President); Butch Cassidy was born in 1866 and Werner Voss – WWI Flying Ace known as the Red Barron (and Snoopy’s arch enemy!) – was born in 1897. Don Adams (Get Smart fame) was born in 1923.

TOMORROW April 14th is:

• National Dolphin Day
• National Ex-Spouse Day -Why? I’m just asking. WHY???
• National Gardening Day  – yea! I’ll do it!
• National Pan American Day
• National Pecan Day
• National Reach as High as You Can Day
• Look Up at the Sky Day

Out of all of those I’m sure you can find something to celebrate! Have a wonderful Wednesday! God Bless…

Ron left just after breakfast this morning, even though his flight was scheduled out of Latrobe at 5pm. He stopped to have coffee with his son Matt, then stopped at his son Dustin’s Tire Shop. He also visited his good friends Judy and Joe – who live right by the airport. I, in the meantime, went to work, got gas for the car, and came home to cleaning up the BB&B: sweep, changed bed sheets, laundry, Wet-Jet the floors, vacuumed. Being a Proprietress is not easy! 🙂

Yesterday’s trip to Ohiopyle was indeed fun. It was chilly, windy and a little rainy, but there were moments of calm and even sun. We walked around and took pictures, and found things we didn’t know where at the park. We finally found a picnic table in a gazebo behind the pizza shop and had our supper there before heading home. The drive home was beautiful, as well. Such amazing views.

I will share Micah’s message – Walking with Jesus. We don’t see or understand what Jesus is doing. He has our best interest at heart, but we don’t have to understand what is happening right now. The Devil blinds our eyes so we can’t see the truth. Exercise your faith to strengthen it – just like your muscles! He read the passage of the stranger on the road to Emmaus and noted what hindered the men to recognize Jesus as they walked. 1) Impaired vision – Jesus meets you where you are. We don’t see what his plan is. When you have Jesus do you really need anything else? 2) Inaccurate view – We don’t see the whole plan, or who Jesus is. The men were sad and disappointed that this ‘man’ did not know who Jesus was. 3) Unanswered questions – only God can work it out. 4) Incredible vanishing. THE LORD IS RISEN INDEED! We should be EXCITED to tell the news. Let the scriptures open your eyes. Your spirit bears witness, and you KNOW the truth of who He is. Recognize Jesus. On a daily basis he gives us himself.

On this day in 1861 Fort Sumter SC was attacked by the Confederacy – beginning the Civic War (Kath! I hope we can go!!!), and in 1945 President Franklin D Roosevelt died in office and VP Harry Truman sworn in as 33rd President. In 1954 Bill Haley & the Comets recorded Rock Around the Clock. In 1955 Polio vaccine tested by Jonas Salk, who announced it to be safe and effective and given full approval by the Food and Drug Administration. In 1999 President Bill Clinton cited for contempt of court. Boss Tweed, politician and corrupt fraudster, died in 1878 at age 55; and Clara Barton died in 1912 at age 90 from tuberculosis. As mentioned, FDR Died in 1945 at age 63, Joe Louis (Boxer) died at age 66 in 1981, and Sugar Ray Robinson (Boxer) in 1989 at age 67 from Alzheimer’s. Birthdays: 1777, Henry Clay; 1947 David Letterman; 1957 Vince Gill.

TOMORROW April 13th is:

• National Make Lunch Count Day – that should be every day!
• National Peach Cobbler Day – Nope – no peaches for me, ever!
• National Scrabble Day – Not much into board games….
• National Thomas Jefferson Day – hint: His birthday!

It will be a quiet house – but not a still one! Lots to do! Have a happy day! God bless…