Left the house at 6:45am to head to Kelly’s. She had a small surgery scheduled on her nose (last of the skin cancer, hopefully!) and needed someone to stay with the boys while Matt took her. Please pray for her quick healing – the stitches are rather uncomfortable across her nose! Ruth Ann planned to stay with the boys, but they scheduled a medical test for her and she couldn’t be there. As it had snowed Tuesday night, I had to clear part of the driveway in the dark so I could get out. None of the roads were touched until I reached Route 119, but then everything was clean. Kelly & Matt left when I got there, as did Ruth Ann.

Ruth Ann was not to drive for 12 hours after her test, so Peyton and I went and picked her up at noon. I made food for the boys upon request, and did a few small chores for Kelly inside the house. I was going to take a walk down to the creek by the covered bridge, but it was 27* and wind chill was like 13* and I was not tramping in the deep snow down to the water. Peyton was going to drive me down in his side-by-side but a wire came off. By the time he fixed it, dusk had set and I was heading out, and the prime daylight for photos was gone.

On our trip to get Ruth Ann, Peyton took me down an old street, and I took a picture of a really neat looking church. I was sitting in traffic so it was hard to capture. When we got home, the boys decided to sled ride so I went out just long enough to take some photos. They didn’t stay out long! Once Kelly and Matt were home and settled, Matt took Peyton to youth group, Ruth Ann was resting in her room watching TV, and Kelly and the younger boys were watching Star Wars. I headed out, but right after I crossed the covered bridge I saw these guys munching on the tall grasses by the creek. Got home a little after 7pm, glad to be here but missing my family already!

Today I will share Steve’s message from Maplewood. It’s so good to have him back and be listening to his messages again! It was JARS OF CLAY. We are treasures from God – it’s not the jar, but what’s in it. It’s not the messenger, it’s the message. We are jars of clay; inside of us is the message of God that we share with others, which is very important. We need to live out the message of the life and death of Jesus. We are going through distress, being crushed. Our jar may crash and crack, but that does not devalue the message. Our worth is priceless and will bring life to others. You don’t suffer in vain – the treasure within you is working out all things for good. Don’t fear or despair – God is at work in us!

On this day in 1864 Samuel Clemens first used the pen name Mark Twain. In 1882 P T Barnum bought his world famous elephant, Jumbo. In 1951 The Victor Borge Show premiered on TV – he was such a funny guy! – and in 1959 The “Day the Music Died”: Buddy Holly died in a plane crash at age 22. Johannes Gutenberg (invented the movable printing press) died at age 70 in 1468, and Woodrow Wilson – 28th president – died at age 67 in 1924. Ferdinand Magellan was born in 1480, and Elizabeth Blackwell in 1821 (She was the first woman to receive a medical degree in the US). Pretty Boy Floyd (Gangster and FBI most-wanted criminal) was born in 1904, and George Nissen (created the trampoline) was born in 1914. Two of my friends are having birthdays today. First, Maggie Susa from church. She is currently in college (I think Chatham in Pittsburgh) and is editor for their school newspaper. So I have a great respect for that and am excited for her! The other person is Claudia Winter, a friend I met through volunteering at Hanna’s Town. We worked on several projects together, and I so enjoyed doing that! I am anxious for things to open up again so we can get back to planning special events! Happy birthday, ladies! Enjoy!!!

TOMORROW February 4 is:

• National Create a Vacuum day
• National Hemp Day
• National Homemade Soup Day (Well, I was off a few days…)
• National Thank a Mail Carrier Day
• Optimist Day (I struggle with this one!!!)

It was a long day, and started out a bit tense with the snow and covered roads. But I loved spending the day with the boys, and regretted having to come home. Hopefully I’ll have another day with them soon! God bless…

It really was groundhog day – same start as yesterday! I bundled up and shoveled the driveway, decks, and walkways. I think we’re good for a couple of days; no more snow in the forecast. I spent most of the day in the kitchen, my least favorite room, in fact. I made stuffed pepper soup and also a batch of meatballs to freeze. Kelly txt and asked me to help out with the boys tomorrow, so I’ll head out and spend the day there very early in the morning. Double glad there is no snow in the forecast!

The first mention of Groundhog day was on February 2, 1840, Pennsylvania Dutch Country journal, but the first time it is officially celebrated at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxy is on February 2, 1887. Just thought you might like to know that.

Today I will share Scott’s message from First Baptist. Bram has been hoping to take a step backing from fulltime preaching, and as of January 31st he can do that. The church has called Scott Jones and his family to be Senior Pastor at the church. His message was GROWING UP – The Lord molds and shapes us to make us more useful. The older we are the younger we grow! Traits of a mature Christian are: Be humble, be gentle, be patient, and keep unity of Spirit. Humble: Evaluate yourself, lift each other up. No one is more important than the other, regardless of your ‘gift’. Gentle: Value each others gifts, avoid harshness and violence. Patience: give each other time to grow. See those around you as who God is making them to be, not as they are now. Unity – make every EFFORT – it’s not easy! We are one body together. You can always find fault, but each of our gifts are essential. Serve others – together! Grow up! We are all important.

On this day is 1653 New Amsterdam became a city, which was renamed New York. In 1975 Dorothy Hamill won the US Female Figure Skating Championship. Boris Karloff died in 1969 at age 81, and Gene Kelly (Singin’ in the Rain fame!) died in 1996 at age 83. In 1957 Elizabeth Taylor’s 3rd marriage was to Mike Todd, and in 1985 O J Simpson married Nicole Brown, who was murdered in 1994. James Joyce was born in 1882, and Farrah Fawcett in 1947. Two friends are celebrating birthdays today. My dear friend Diane’s youngest daughter, Shannon, has a birthday. Shannon loves Halloween and Unicorns – and taking nature photos on her numerous hikes! And my country cousin Danny Cornman celebrates with the groundhog, as well! He lives in a treehouse that he built himself, and loves his dog! Happy birthday to Shannon and Danny!

TOMORROW February 3 is:

• National Carrot Cake Day (I love carrot cake!)
• National Day the Music Died Day
• National Missing Persons Day
• National Women Physicians Day
• National Girls and Women in Sports Day 

Autmn just txt me to remind me that TODAY is National Tater Tot Day – she must have had them for supper! It WAS on yesterday’s list…. So don’t forget to have carrot cake tomorrow! Yum! God bless…

Well, I braved the cold and snow this morning and shoveled my driveway, first thing. For me that was a little after 7:30am. I had about half of it done when my neighbor popped over to say hi and see how I was. As usual, we got to chatting and it was after 9am when I finally finished the chore. It was clear all day but I think it will snow again tonight. When I was done work, I was able to get the blanket I wanted for my mom for Easter. If you don’t get it now, you won’t get it. So I did! And I also picked up what I need to make stuffed pepper soup tomorrow. Yum.

I happened to glance out my window after lunch, and saw these two gentlemen taking a stroll up Wren Drive. It’s not so unusual – we have a lot of walkers in the neighborhood. I said hello, but…. no response!

My sympathies go out to one of my bosses – Barry Freger. His father Ralph passed away over the weekend. Ralph had a rough go over the last several months and it was not an easy time. My prayers and thoughts are with Barry and his family.

I will share Micah’s message: Instructions for life. The Bible is our instruction manual. You must carefully teach it, carefully keep it, and carefully choose it. Search for the truth; it’s absolute, not up for debate. Teach: Write it on your heart, hands, and head, and teach with your life. Speak the truth but live it as well. Keep: Love God, walk in his ways, and hold fast to his love and teaching. Choose: is His word a blessing or a curse? You must choose. Obey, and love – you can do it! God forgives our past and gives us a future. Read, obey, and live the Bible.

On this day in 1865 General Sherman’s march through South Carolina began. In 1953 YOU ARE THERE with Walter Cronkite premiered, and in 1965 Peter Jennings (at age 26) became anchor of ABC’s nightly news. Clark Gable was born in 1901 and Lisa Marie Presley in 1968.

TOMORROW is February 2:

• National Heavenly Hash Day
• National Tater Tot Day
• National Groundhog Day

Will you watch the movie GROUNDHOG DAY? I may if I think about it! But now the question is: Will he or won’t he see his shadow??? Only the SHADOW knows! God bless….

I was pleasantly surprised when I awoke to almost no snow – after the treat of horrid weather and the unpredictable prediction of lots! But after the treadmill, shower, breakfast and Paul’s message, I decided to get a few small errands done. I had to return something at Target, pick up paint chips for a possible kitchen project (I know – another one!), look for a blanket for my mom, and grab something quick at Walmart. When Kelly was here, she loved my spring dogwood blanket so I gave it to her, then popped into the store and replaced it. Still trying to find a vaccine list to get on, but no one knows when they will get it. Really, the whole thing (as serious as the situation is!) is a complete zoo of inadequacy, uncertainty, and unavailability. No one knows anything, and you cannot put your name on a waiting list. So, as adamant as everyone is about getting the vaccine, most of us can’t!

Chrissy and Autmn decided to spend the afternoon with me – so they are enjoying GLEE on TV, after having scrounged the plunder in my pantry and made lunch for themselves.

Paul’s message from River Hill was about Miriam, Moses’s big sister. It was a dark time for the Israelite nation, being in captivity in Egypt. All the baby boys were to be thrown in the Nile river – but when Moses was born his parents knew he was a special child, so they hid him. Finally they had to do something to save him, so they placed him in a basket in the river where the Egyptian princess bathed, and set his sister Miriam to watch. When the princess found him, she had compassion, and instructed her servant to bring her the child. Miriam risked everything to watch over and protect her baby brother, and to reach out to the princess to suggest a nurse. That took amazing courage! Her hope & trust were in God, to care for her and for Moses. WE need to do that; put our hope and trust in God, and he will work it out for good. We all need a Miriam to watch out for us, and we need to BE a Miriam. And when the slave girl rescued the baby, she did not realize that this baby would grow up to be her rescuer, along with all of the Israelites in captivity. We don’t know how God will work things out. We just need to be willing to let Him use us. Be willing to serve in the background, but have the courage to step out. God showered them with blessings and answered their prayers. He even went the extra mile and paid Moses’ family to care for him! Jachebed taught her son about his heritage and about his God, so he was ready when God called him. God is at work in our lives – we must have the courage and faith to trust – he uses our problems to bless our life, not destroy it. He has a plan!

On this day in 1865 Robert E Lee was named commander in chief of the Confederate armies (Civil War). In 1961 MISFITS premiered; it was the final movie for both Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe. Guy Fawkes (Gunpowder Plot) was hanged at age 35 in 1606, A A Milne (Winnie the Pooh) died in 1956 at age 74, and Samuel Goldwin (the ‘G’ in MGM Studios) died at age 91 in 1974. Justin Timberlake was born in 1981, and my best friend Gen’s son Christopher is celebrating a birthday today! Happy birthday, Chris, and enjoy the day with your wife and little son Jackson Zane! Sending hugs!

TOMORROW February 1 is:

• National Baked Alaska Day
• National Freedom Day (Freedom From Slavery)
• National Get Up Day (I get up EVERY day!
• National Serpent Day
• National Texas Day

Tomorrow is a brand new month – one more step in the right direction! Have a great day and a wonderful February! God Bless…

Left the house a little before 7:30am to pick Kath up – Kelly drove her new van so we had lots of room. Between the 3 of us, we bought half a cow!!! Beef Day did not disappoint! The cow was not quite 700 pounds – that’s a lot of beef to cut and trim and grind and wrap! We even had time for a quick trip to get cheese at the Smicksburg Country Store. Donna always has her tree decorated for the seasons and today it was snowflakes! We were able to finish up the ground beef and do most of the cleanup before heading back home. Got here about 7:30pm, but Kelly and Sarah Pelc had another hour’s drive! Very long day, but good friends and a worthy payoff made it great! Love these people!

I will share a new minister with you today – Jeremy Hazelton, Mike (from Hempfield)’s son, from Village Church in New York. He will spend a few weeks talking about the effects of the quarantine and what we have dealt with the last year. Quarantine creates stress & depression and anxiety. When the ‘church’ asks ‘How are you?’ – the church needs to accept honest answers from us, and we should give honest answers. We need each other, and should support and not condemn. 1) Jesus can meet us in difficult situations 2) We need to encourage each other. Faith is important, but seek help if you need it. It’s OK to not be OK!!! Cling to God’s presence and hope. We don’t have to be careful about how we pray – just talk to God. He will give us rest. We all feel difficulties. Don’t RANK them – If you are stressed or suffering, it’s real. There are no degrees. Sometimes we can’t see past them, but God offers rest for our souls. Be there for each other – Remember that if we share our burdens, they are cut in half; if we share our joys, they are doubled!

On this day in 1661 Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, was ritually executed after having been dead two years (However did they do THAT???). In 1961 “I Fall to Pieces” was released by Patsy Cline – Billboard Song of the Year. In 1965 Winston Churchill’s funeral in London was the world’s largest ever state funeral. Betsy Ross died at age 84 in 1836, and Orville Wright died in 1848 at age 76. Franklin Roosevelt -32nd President – was born in 1882, and Dick Cheney in 1941. And my very long-time friend, Bill Smail, is celebrating his 71st birthday today! I do so miss seeing him – we have had a long history together and spent lots of time working together. I met him my first week at work in 1967 when we were both still in high school. I wish you the very best of years ahead, dear Bill, and hope you celebrate in the best way possible! Miss you – love you! Happy birthday!

TOMORROW January 31st

• National Backward Day (I know several people who LIVE this way!!!)
• National Hot Chocolate Day
• National Inspire Your Heart With Art Day

There is a snow storm coming in tonight and tomorrow. If you must go out, be safe! Stay in if you can. Sending prayers for safety and health — God bless.

It was so good to have Kelly here all afternoon. We went shopping for her birthday and she had a successful venture – got several fun things that she needed and wanted! I found a Valentine plaque that didn’t have a hanging cord – it was half price – so I came home and fixed it. I’m not a fan of traditional Valentine’s day but love the sentiment of this plaque! Now to hang it somewhere… When we came home we made pizza and are now watching NOAH on TBN from Sight and Sound Theatres.

I stepped outside to take some trash out – the moon is bright and beautiful and white. I took 2 pictures. One with the flash and one without. Neither does it justice.

This afternoon when I went to the bank, I was chased over by a number of firetrucks. Turns out a house over on Mohawk had a chimney fire – people were climbing all over the roof, and trucks lined the streets. Fire is my ‘thing’ – I hate hearing about it – so I was happy to see later that all was well and calm and back to normal.

I will share Mike’s message from Hempfield – Anger. We deal with a lot of things that make us angry. Anger is not a sin – it’s how we deal with it. Righteous anger is acceptable, but vindictive anger is unforgiving anger. You don’t HAVE to sin in your anger. Anger is a ‘hurt’ problem: 1) Hurts other people physically and emotionally 2) Hurts US 3) Hurts our relationship with God. 3 ways to deal wrongly with anger: 1) Hold it back 2) Turn it inward 3) Be aggressive. Anger can be healed: 1) Don’t hold on to it – settle quickly and appropriately (Don’t let the sun go down on your anger) 2) Watch your emotions; turn the other cheek. Be under the control of the holy spirit. 3) PRAY for those who anger you. Give it to GOD!

On this day in 1785 John Hancock resigned as governor of Massachusetts; in 1845 Edger Allen Poe’s THE RAVEN was first published in NYC. In 1920 Walt Disney started work as an artist with KC Slide Co at $40 a week. Thomas Paine was born in 1737, William McKinley (25th president) was born in 1843. John D Rockefeller Jr was born in 1874 – and for those of you who don’t know, JD Rockefeller Jr – along with W A R Goodwin – were the minds and money behind the restoration of my beloved Colonial Williamsburg. SO happy to celebrate his birthday! W C Fields was born in 1880, Tom Selleck in 1945, and Oprah Winfrey in 1954. King George III (King during the American Revolution) died at age 81, Robert Frost at age 88 in 1963. Paul Newman married Joanne Woodward in 1958.

January 30

• National Croissant Day
• National Seed Swap Day (Rats! I already SWAPPED my seeds… NOT!!)
• Also, tomorrow if BEEF DAY!!! More about that in the next Word Garden!

Tomorrow will be a long, busy day – so if I don’t post until Sunday don’t be alarmed! In the meantime, have a great Saturday and stay warm – SNOW is on the way! God bless …

Very cold! Worked in Jeannette, then on the way to Greensburg a section of Route 30 lost power. Couldn’t do anything except file, so have to finish on Monday. Went to Rosendahl’s to check out fridge – It’s a GE so I’m still not convinced. Bummer. My friend Ginny sent me pictures of her twin Poodles, Charlie and Gracie. They are getting bigger, and cute fur balls. Don’t ask me which is which.

Woodstock is sharing one of his favorite scriptures. I’m thankful for God’s love that never ends, and for the love of my dear family and friends! Makes life worth hanging on to.

I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt. I lost my notes! First time EVER! But I can tell you that he talked about how we feel when someone we love and/or care about steps away from their committed faith. It tears us apart. And he talked about the LOST Chapter, Luke 15. Heaven rejoices – GOD rejoices! – when even one lost soul comes into the fold. He talked about losing the key to his wife’s car, and how upset he was (he HATES losing things!). He spent countless hours and DAYS searching every inch of his yard and house looking for the keys. He knew they had to be there because he drove the car home! He was in a horrid state when finally he found them. And he said if he was that determined and concerned over a key fob, how much more is Jesus when a soul is lost, then redeemed! All of heaven rejoices! We should be looking for lost souls as diligently as we look for something almost trivial that we have lost. Every single person is important. Every one.

Found the notes! Here is additional info on the sermon: Jesus drew attention – Pharisees, tax collectors, sinners, etc. But THEY didn’t change him!! He changed them. Value are revealed and Jesus seeks the lost. The pull of sin always is away from God and toward self. Lost sheep: Rejoice with me! Lost coin: God looks for us; he is searching for lost souls. Seek and save that which is lost is our priority. The two sons: The father let younger one go; but then RAN to welcome him home! Steps to redemption: 1) rebellion 2) response 3) regret 4) repentance 5) Rise above 6) return 7) restoration 8) REJOICE!

On this day in 1813 Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice was published, and in 1887 work began on the Eiffel Tower by Engineer and Architect Gustave Eiffel. Hmmm. Wonder how the Eiffel Tower got it’s name? In 1956 Elvis Presley first appeared on national TV, and in 1986 the space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after liftoff, killing all seven on board, including teacher Christa McAuliffe. Kelly was home from school sick that day (with Grama) and watched the entire day. She was very moved by the tragedy. Henry VIII died in 1547 at age 55 (could it have been all those WIVES???). Alan Alda (Mash fame) was born in 1936, and my friend Emily Spencer is celebrating a birthday today! Her mom Bitsy was a great friend and a wonderful mentor for my daughter Kelly – and we all still miss her. Emily is a sweet young woman and a true soldier in God’s army, and I wish her a wonderful day and many happy years! Happy birthday Emily!

TOMORROW January 29 is:

• National Corn Chip Day
• National Puzzle Day
• National Big Wig Day

Almost the weekend! I’ll never be a big wig, but I can do puzzles and eat corn chips! Kelly is coming up tomorrow for the weekend and I’m excited to have her to myself! Have a great weekend. God Bless….

Today was cleaning day and I cleaned from top to bottom (literally). Always nice to have a clean, fresh home! I went over to Kath’s for the FaceTime visit with mom. Mom smiled a lot but said little, but it’s good to see she is carrying on and looking well. Kath made a tasty dinner – chicken/broccoli, green bean casserole, chipped ham BBQ, and a shrimp ring. Other than holidays, I never cook like that! We started our movie marathon, and watched Emma (Jane Austen). I hadn’t seen it in so many years, and it was cute and funny at the same time!

TODAY is my daughter’s birthday! What a blessing my children are to me, and it’s a joy to celebrate with her!

I’ve watched you grow from a tiny little baby girl into a strong, giving, loving woman. Your schedule makes me exhausted just knowing what it is, but there was seldom a time in your life that you didn’t keep me on my toes! You have always been selfless, giving, cheerful, determined, and had high expectations of yourself and subsequently those around you. Those who know you well are honored and pleased to be your friend. You are a caring daughter and a wonderful mother /wife /friend. I wish you many, many years of joy and laughter, and the strength to persevere through the hard times — and rejoice in the Lord through the joy and high places of life. Happy birthday, my sweet daughter! And I rejoice with you in your wonderful news of great healing!

Today I will share Paul’s message from River Hill – Faith and Obedience. Naaman’s wife’s servant, young Israelite captive, shares her faith when she suggests Naaman seeks out prophet Elisha to heal his leprosy. It gave him new hope. Borrowed faith is a start, but not enough. It must become OUR faith. 1) A little faith and hope can have a big impact. 2) Pride gets in the way. Do not forget the Lord your God. 3) God is God: WE are not! Let him be in charge! 4) Obedience is evidence of faith. Are you a FAN or a FOLLOWER of God?

On this day in 1825 US Congress approved Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma), clearing the way for the forced relocation of the Eastern Indian tribes via the “Trail of Tears. Thomas Edison patented the electric incandescent lamp in 1880, and Laverne and Shirley premiered in 1976. Nelly Bly (journalist) died in 1922 at age 57, and Jack Paar in 2004 at age 85. Lewis Carroll (wrote Alice in Wonderland) was born in 1832, and my sweet daughter is celebrating a birthday today! Have a wonderful day! Can’t wait to see you on the weekend. Love you!

TOMORROW January 28 is:

• National Blueberry Pancake Day
• Data Privacy Day
• National Have Fun At Work Day
• National Kazoo Day

Still on the quest for two things: Information about the virus vaccine, and clues to a proper fridge! So, hazard yet forward! God bless….

You would never think that the 2020 Pandemic affected purchasing a refrigerator. Ugh. I have been researching and searching and looking and talking for well over a month – and so far have come up very short. You would think I was asking for the moon or something! My wish list is simple, or so I thought. 30″ or at max 33″ black refrigerator. NOT GE (Hate GE products!!!). Bottom freezer with French doors for the fridge. Ice and water on the door. NONE – ABSOLUTELY NONE! The one sales clerk mentioned that some of the factories had to shut down or limit productions as they couldn’t get parts. So my quest continues. I have been instructed to check back in February. Thankfully my fridge is still performing well enough – but I see the writing on the wall. Thank goodness I’ve started early! I might have to dig a hole and make an ice house!

I will share Justin Hill’s message from Martin’s Ferry today. Mining for the values in others. Society judges quickly; they devalue others to esteem their own value. Satan feeds us lies and we believe them. Here are some of the lies Satan feeds us: 1) You are valuable because of what you DO. It’s too easy not to know the real person. Seek their value. Our value is who we are – God’s image. Mining for good is always worth it. 2) Our value is what others see. But we are bought with the Blood. See treasure in others, not trash. Can you put a price on Jesus’ sacrifice? 3) Your value is found in what you have. Possessions, money, education, job. It really comes from what you put into others. Barnabas was an encourager, and we also need to encourage. Help them find their worth. Don’t let others devalue you.

On this day in 1905 the world’s largest diamond – 3,106 carat Cullinan was found in South Africa. In 1962 Bishop Burke (no relation) of Buffalo Catholic dioceses declared Chubby Checker’s THE TWIST to be impure and banned it from all catholic schools. In 1998 President Bill Clinton says “I want to say one thing to the American people; I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky.” In 2005 Condoleezza Rice was sworn in as U.S. Secretary of State, the first African American woman to hold the post. In 2010 the World Health Organization rejected claims that it overstated the severity of the swine flu pandemic under pressure from vaccine companies. (What should we take from this???) Douglas MacArthur was born in 1880, Frank Costello (Gangster) in 1891, Paul Newman in 1925 (He was never a favorite of mine); Ellen DeGeneres in 1958. Kobe Bryant (basketball player) died in 2020 in a helicopter crash. And in 1940 Ronald Raegan married Jane Wyman.

TOMORROW January 27 is:

• National Chocolate Cake Day
• Library Shelfie Day 
• My daughter’s birthday – Stay tuned!!!

The world is a much better place because my kids are in it! Can’t wait to share Kelly’s photos tomorrow! God bless…

Eleven months from today…. 🙂 I was inspired today by Snoopy – and I actually did purchase some Chocolate Chip Mint ice cream! Yum!

Great news from my daughter today – follow up appointments with her surgeon (dermatologist) and oncologist. Scans were clear, and no sign of what they THOUGHT was still a few unresolved margins on her nose. She is scheduled to have a small spot removed in office on Wednesday of next week, but it all looks fine. Oncologist says she can stop the Chemo pills and this should be the end of it for her! We were both rejoicing – and when we hung up I cried! I’m so excited for her – God it good, all the time, and he heals and answers prayers. What a crazy eleven months it’s been.

I will share Bram’s message today from First Baptist – Lucy asks Charlie Brown to explain love. He finally admits he can’t do it! We see love in the lives of those who live it. We all have trouble describing love. First Corinthians 13 was actually written by Paul to a congregation, and he struggled to address them about it. Love is a way to practice our faith, how we conduct ourselves as we represent Jesus. What’s LOVE got to do with it? Everything!! Love: 1) Bears all things – hate stirs up strife but love covers offences. Love covers punishment with the purpose of redemption. Like an umbrella. It covers us and protects us and makes us aware that it does! 2) Believes all things – ready to make allowances, trust, hope and endure whatever comes. 3) Hopes – life is not hopeless. Our first instinct in love is to believe in people, believe the best despite the worst (Prodigal Son). 4) Endures – no end! In all things and in all seasons, love never ends. We cannot do anything to separate us from the love of God! That is the greatest love.

On this day in 1819 the University of Virginia was chartered with Thomas Jefferson as a founder. In 1858 Felix Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” first played, at wedding of Queen Victoria‘s daughter Princess Victoria. In 1957 Congress established the Electoral Commission to determine the disputed presidential election between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel J. Tilden – so see, this is NOTHING NEW! In 1881 Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison formed the Oriental Telephone Company, and in 1924 the first Winter Olympic Games opened in Chamonix France. In 1961 Walt Disney’s 101 Dalmatians was released (that was always my sister’s favorite Disney movie – Cruella de Vil!!! Yikes!!). Al Capone died at age 48 in 1947, Ava Gardner in 1990 at age 67, and Mary Tyler Moore in 2017 at age 80. Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn married in 1533 (his second wife). Virginia Woolf was born in 1882 (Who’s afraid of HER, anyway???); and today my daughter’s mother in law – Ruth Ann Hancher (‘MA’ to all of us!) is celebrating a birthday. Thank you, Ruth Ann, for loving my precious family and being there for them – and being an example of Christ for them! God bless and Happy birthday!

TOMORROW January 26 is:

• National Green Juice Day (That doesn’t even SOUND appealing!)
• National Peanut Brittle Day
• National Spouses Day (Opps! Don’t have one….)
• Plan for Vacation Day (I can plan all over 27 counties and 6 states – but that doesn’t mean it will happen!!!! But I can dream…)

Karen is hoping the Skunk Hollow girls can plan a getaway ‘Bonfire on the Beach’ weekend, and Kath and I hope to get to Newport this summer. Hope you can bring yourself to ‘dream’ of your long delayed vacation! God bless!