It was a slow and easy day – treadmill, breakfast, then Pinnacle/Greensburg. It was actually fun to be out and about. I came home and mixed up a recipe for Grama’s Sugar Cookies that Gail and Colleen each sent me. I will keep it in the fridge overnight and see what happens tomorrow… Think I’ll make shamrocks and freeze them. I need to make cinnamon rolls, too, as I think Kelly’s family is coming up next week for a day and the boys love them. I see Abie and Bimbo’s pizza in my future, as well.

I will share part 3 on Elijah by Rod from Martin’s Ferry. LIVING IN HIS SHADOW. God can fix anything in your life. God sent Elijah from the brook to find a widow who would take care of him. Elijah found her in the kitchen – doing day to day chores. He asked her to make him a cake of bread, promising that God would supply her needs if she supplied his. She did, and God did! There was always enough. Always remember to thank God! When the widow’s young son died, Elijah did 3 things: 1) He hid (again) and took the boy and was alone with God. 2) Elijah asked God to raise the child. No one had been raised from the dead up to that point, but Elijah had faith. 3) Everything rested in the hands of God. Elijah believed and we should too. It will all be made perfect in His time. The Lord HEARD and he HEALED the boy. See beyond the messenger/preacher, and see the Lord. We are in the shadow of God, and he’s at our side. We can ask for anything. Belief must turn into action – faith leads to action. Reach out in faith!

On this day in 1861 Abraham Lincoln stopped his train at Westfield on his way to Washington to thank 11-year old Grace Bedell in person for her advice to grow a beard to gain more votes. In 1964 the Beatles made their 2nd appearance on the Ed Sullivan show, and in 1968 Elvis received a gold record for HOW GREAT THOU ART. In 1969 Tammy Wynette married George Jones, and in 1982 Lee Majors divorced Farrah Fawcett. Vera-Ellen (Judy in White Christmas) was born in 1921, and today is Rebecca Sinclair’s birthday. She was my daughter’s College roommate and they were in each other’s weddings. I miss seeing her as she lives in the south now. Happy birthday, Becca!!!

TOMORROW February 17 is:

• National Random Acts of Kindness Day
• National Cabbage Day
• Ash Wednesday

In case you were wondering, as I was, the significance of Ash Wednesday: (Quote) “Ashes are an ominous sign, and we use them on Ash Wednesday to remind ourselves of our own impending deaths . Death may come sooner, or it may come later, but it will surely come.” I say we focus on Jesus’ death for us, because of love, and his resurrection to save us FROM death! It’s an interesting origin, though, and worth looking into. God bless….

President’s day – lots of ice, a little snow. I was pretty sure I wouldn’t get to work, but it warmed up and cleared off. I put the Valentine decorations away (there were only a shoe-box full or so), cleared off the driveway, and made it to work. Got home about 3pm, had soup and a piece of meatloaf, did laundry, and answered emails.

When I talked to Deb last night she mentioned a song that she really liked – TRUTH BE TOLD by Matthew West. It’s worth listening to, and it ties in with Jeremy Hazelton’s sermon a few weeks ago. It’s OK to not be OK.

Wednesday is slated for the couch pick-up day. I’m excited, and hope the weather co-operates!

In honor of President’s day, I will share four bits of information. 1) President Lincoln was raised in a strict Baptist family and was taught to have a deep devotion to God and to the Bible.

The story is told of an occasion when President Lincoln was given a Bible as a gift from some grateful freed slaves in 1864. This was his response:
“In regards to this great book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good the Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it, we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man are to be portrayed in it.”  A. Lincoln (*credit for this goes to Gwen Wolfgang, taken from her daily Devotion on 2-15-2021)

2) GEORGE WASHINGTON: “Whereas it becomes us humbly to approach the throne of Almighty God, with gratitude and praise for the wonders which his goodness has wrought in conducting our fore-fathers to this western world…and above all, that he hath diffused the glorious light of the gospel, whereby, through the merits of our gracious Redeemer, we may become the heirs of his eternal glory.”

3) “Our Nation’s honored tradition of prayer has sustained us and strengthened our trust that God will continue to watch over and accompany us through the best of times and the darkest hours.”

TRUMP STATED THE IMPORTANCE OF DEPENDENCE ON GOD

Trump’s statement spoke to the power of God’s love to help families and communities move toward “abundance and peace.”

“We … acknowledge our dependence on God’s love to guide our families, communities, and our country away from harm and toward abundance and peace.”

4) Joe Biden recalled the Catholic hymn “On Eagle’s Wings,” a song he said was important to his family.

“It captures the faith that sustains me, which I believe sustains America. And I hope … I can provide some comfort and solace,” he told the crowd before reciting the hymn. “And he will raise you up on eagle’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn. Make you to shine like the sun and hold you in the palm of his hand.”

Biden ended with this: “And now, together — on eagle’s wings — we embark on the work that God and history have called upon us to do.”

Let us thank God for the leaders that, each in their own way, has continued to lead our nation in His ways, even though the paths have been often steep and rough. And continue to pray for and encourage them as they lead us. And God Bless us – every one.

On this day in 1933 President Elect Franklin D Roosevelt survived an assassination attempt, and in 1936 construction of the VW Beetle was announced. In 1950 Walt Disney’s CINDERELLA premiered, and in 1965 John Lennon passed his driver’s test- one year before me! (I’m not sure why this is an important event…). Also in 1965 the Red Maple Leaf Flag became the official flag of Canada. In 1978 escaped mass murderer Ted Bundy was recaptured, and in 1992 Jeffrey Dahmer was found SANE (???) and guilty of killing 13 boys. Charles Lewis Tiffany (jeweler) was born in 1812, Susan B Anthony in 1820, and Cesar Romero in 1907. Nat King Cole died at age 49 from cancer in 1965.

TOMORROW February 16 is:

• National Almond Day
• National Do A Grouch a Favor Day
• Fat Tuesday – Day Before Ash Wednesday
• Paczki Day – Day Before Ash Wednesday
• Fastnacht Day – Day Before Ash Wednesday
• National Pancake Day – IHOP 

Be safe and careful if you have to go out – don’t go if you don’t have to! Remember your blessings, and America is one of them! God bless…

Everything was ice this morning – so I stuck with the treadmill. Spent the morning in the kitchen and made a big meatloaf and a large pot of cream of potato soup. After lunch I managed to get my couch. I have two weeks to pick it up, so I’m in the process of arranging a truck. Nate and Dave will help with the switch.

Since it’s a day of love and friendship, I thought I’d send Kudos to those who have held me up and kept me semi-sane over the last year or so. Some – a lot longer! (Sorry I don’t have photos of everyone!) First, of course, is my sister – without whom I would have no anchor. She keeps me on track, and rooted, but lets me fly, as well. Helps me stay focused on what is important, and strengthens my faith daily.

High school friends Gen and Diane – hard to believe I’ve known them both for so many years (Gen since 8th grade and Diane since 9th). Both have made me look outside myself, and appreciate everything that surrounds me, and to be thankful!

People I have met through work: First, the Smail PEEPS – April, Liz and Joelyn. My sounding boards, my support system, three ladies who mix it up! I miss them A LOT! Bill and Rick, Jen, several more… The Pinnacle guys validate my purpose, and help me to feel the value of what I do.

Writer friends – Linda, Nancy, Katy, Mary Ann, Judith, Barb – just to name a few. I know the minute I would need anything, they are there. Best critique group ever – in addition to steadfast friends!

Hanna’s Town group – Bruce, Lisa, Joanne, Pam, Claudia – and many more. I REALLY miss being out there, and all the programs that got cancelled or rearranged, and hoping they can be up and running soon!

Ron in Florida, who has stuck by me for over eleven years, and has seen the worst of me, the best of me, and the in-between! Miles do not separate those who care.

Bear from the Civic Center Theater. We’ve known each other since the early 1980’s. In fact, I’m helping to usher at the play next weekend.

Church friends – too numerous to mention, from the early days at Hempfield to now, when we can’t see each other as we like. Mae, Teresa, Mary, and Joni most especially, and my little kindergarten class. Probably by the time I get back to teaching them, the ones I will teach haven’t even been born yet! Heavens!

Family – Kelly’s family, Nate’s family, Kath and extended family, and my sweet Mama. Of course, the Violets (Deb/Kath) and the Skunk Hollow Girls (Gail, Connie, Karen, Holly, Beth, Colleen, Gwen, Karen V, Kath) – what would I do without you? AJ/UC – special anchors for me as my ship tosses! Cousins! Dear sweet cousins and their families!

And even those friends I seldom see these days, like Linda and Lynn and Lynne and Caroline…

My seven sermon guys: Paul, Mike/Kyle, Greg, Steve, Micah, Rod, Bram/Scott. They feed my soul!

I know once I post this I will think of a dozen more – but even if I didn’t mention you (like my two prayer partners, Ashly and Natalie) you are still occupying a little corner of my heart. Stay strong, stay safe, and stay close to God’s love – and share the love He gave you with everyone! Love you all!!!

I will share Mike’s message from Hempfield, as he inspired this post. Relationship boosters: Friendships. “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” We need friends; true friends: 1) challenge us to be better people, not be complacent and accept less for ourselves than we should. 2) encourage us in the Lord; keep us honest and real 3) will tell you the truth in love and not just say what you want to hear. Value your true friends, and be a valuable friend to others. Friendships are truly a blessing from God!

On this day in 1349, 900 Jews were burned alive after being blamed for the spread of the Black Death (And we think there’s a strong reaction to COVID!) In 1849 James K Polk was the first serving President to have his photo taken, and in 1931 Dracula starring Bela Lugosi was released. The George Burns & Gracie Allen show debuted on the radio – I remember watching them on TV much later! In 1962 First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy conducted a White House tour on TV, and in 1967 RESPECT was recorded by Aretha Franklin and became Billboard song of the year. Jack Benny (another show I watched on TV!) was born in 1894. Dolly the Sheep died at age 6 in 2003 – She was the first mammal cloned from an adult cell. Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid were married in 1991. And 31 years ago today Jim proposed to my Violet cousin Deb! Happy proposal anniversary – she told me the sweet story! I love to hear happily-ever-after stories!

TOMORROW February 15 is:

• National Gumdrop Day
• Singles Awareness Day (I’m very aware I’m single!!!)
• National Wisconsin Day
• Presidents Day

Happy Valentine’s Day, my sweet friends. May God richly bless your lives with health and laughter and delightful friends! God bless…

THERE ARE TWO POSTS TODAY! Make sure you read both…

As is my luck recently, I went to look at a recliner/couch — and they didn’t have any in stock, had no idea when (if!!) they would get any, and couldn’t offer price guarantee. Ugh. Well, I guess I’m just not supposed to spend money, so there’s nothing wrong with that!

Here is a recap of Kyle’s message from Hempfield last Sunday – Transform our Mind. What is our purpose for life? Why are we here? TO GLORIFY GOD and enjoy him forever. Only God knows why we exist and we need to seek Him and His will for us. Glorious means extra ordinary, has value; infinitely better, more than describable. We should GLORIFY God; call attention to God’s worth, bring God’s value to light; make God known. We were created to be advertisements for God, not to promote ourselves or our importance. Look at things through God’s POV. How do we incorporate glorifying God into healthy relationships? Seek the Lord every day; pray; read scripture; sing praise. As you bask in Him, you will be satisfied that he will give you what you need! And you can keep giving!

On this day in 1693 the College of William and Mary opened in Williamsburg VA, and in 1861 Abraham Lincoln was declared President of the United States. In 1866 Jesse James held up his first bank, stealing $15,000. In 1971 Vice President Spiro Agnew hit 2 tee shots (while golfing) into the crowd, injuring two people. GREASE opened on Broadway in 1972, and in 2000, the last original peanuts strip appeared in the newspapers, the day after Charles Schulz died. Bess Truman was born in 1885 (First Lady ), and Jerry Springer in 1944. And my cousin Brian’s wife, Kim Steiner, is celebrating a birthday today. Happy birthday Kim! Have a great day and many more!

February 14

• National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day
• National Ferris Wheel Day
• National Organ Donor Day
• Valentines Day

Hope you don’t have to run out last minute to get your Valentine’s Day treats! Have a lovely evening!!! God bless…

Here’s a little research I did yesterday, just for fun. Today’s post will be a bit different. Let this be a well-deserved tribute to the late Charles Schulz, who changed our lives and brought us laughter and happiness!

Charlie Brown -Both looser and leader, and rises out of every downfall with hope and determination.

Peppermint Patty – freckle-faced tomboy; has a crush on CB, whom she calls Chuck. Rival manager of opposing baseball team. Isn’t a student; often falls asleep at her desk. Seldom recognizes Snoopy as a dog.

Franklin – African-American; has intelligence and rationality; plays on P Patty’s baseball team.

Marcie – P Patty’s best friend, calls her ‘Sir’ – secretly likes CB

Shermy – CB’s best friend and straight man (before Linus).

Snoopy – CB’s pet beagle, intelligent beyond his species. Coolest beagle on the planet, independent-minded and prone to daydreaming and fantasies.

Violet – Vain and snobby

Schroeder – Piano-playing prodigy and catcher. Lucy’s unrequited love interest, admires Beethoven.

Lucy – Bossy, fussy, crabby – torments CB and bullies Linus, battles with Snoopy.

Linus – Blanket-toting best friend of CB – Sally’s ‘Sweet Baboo’. most insecure but the smartest and most intellectual out of all the character; frequent philosopher and theologian.

Pig-Pen – attracts dust (dust magnet!) Even when he’s clean, he’s dirty!

Sally – Has a crush of Linus; complains, overreacts, and overanalyzes situations. Shows little respect for CB.

Frieda – naturally curly hair and obsessed about her beauty. Tries to force Snoopy to chase rabbits…

Woodstock – Snoopy’s best friend; tiny yellow bird. Flies upside down.

Patty – Early character – token female.

Rerun – younger brother of Linus and Lucy – frequently rides on the back of his mother’s bicycle.

Peggy Jean – CB’s girlfriend in later years after the Little Red-Haired Girl (who was never seen in the strip itself).

Lila – Snoopy’s owner before CB

Fifi – Snoopy’s major love interest and was once captured by the Red Baron

Red Baron – Snoopy’s WWI nemesis and rival, when Snoopy is flying his Sopwith Camel.

Snoopy’s siblings: Andy, Spike (who stays in the dessert), Olaf, Rover, Belle, Molly, and Marbles

Great Pumpkin – appears on Halloween Night in the most sincere pumpkin patch – according to Linus.

Cat Next Door – often destroys Snoopy’s house.

Most famous : “Happiness is…”, Good Grief!!!, Security blanket, You Blockhead!!!

I think everyone knows my favorite character is Snoopy. He is displayed all over my house, and makes me smile! Take a minute to reflect on the Peanuts gang, and maybe find a smile for yourself! God bless —

Treadmill this morning, then a few errands. Nothing specific, just wandering around Greensburg aimlessly looking for things that don’t exist! But it was a fun way to spend the morning – and a few gallons of gas!

I smacked into my closet door (Which I had accidently left open) with the door to the garage and scraped paint off of it. Ugh. So after my rambling this morning – and a quick lunch – I got the paint out and touched it up. (It was dented already – for a few decades!) Then Deb came over to borrow a few more books from the Wren Drive lending library. In exchange she brought me homemade heart-shaped iced sugar cookies. I can’t wait to have them with a cup of hot tea!

I will share Paul’s message today, continuing in the A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM series. Josiah – wisdom. Are you smarter than a third grader? He became king at age 8, and was a very good and wise king. Josiah knew to seek the God of his ancestor David. He tore down the idols and chose to be devoted to God. Lived his life to please God in everything. We can choose to do that too. He also restored the temple of God and walked in the ways of the Lord. He found the book of Law (God’s word); humbled himself and turned the nation back to worshiping God according to His word. He kept the Passover according to God’s word, and brought God’s people back to a right relationship with God. We can follow Josiah’s example and seek God’s leadership and wisdom every day, day to day.

On this day in 1554 the Queen of England – Lady Jane Grey – is executed (beheaded, actually!) for treason. They didn’t waste any time, did they?? In 1999 President Bill Clinton is acquitted by the senate in his impeachment trial. (Lady Jane wasn’t that lucky…) Abraham Lincoln (16th President) was born in 1809, as was Charles Darwin. Arsenio Hall in 1956. Ethan Allen (revolutionary war patriot who led the Green Mountain Boys) died in 1789 at age 51 (He made neat furniture, too – right???), and James Cash Penney died at age 95 in 1971 – founder of J C Penney’s. Tom Landry (Dallas Cowboy’s football coach) died in 2000, and our beloved and very much missed Charles M Schulz – creator of PEANUTS/SNOOPY – died at age 77 in 2000. We miss him every day! He was so clever and creative! What an amazingly talented man.

TOMORROW February 13 is:

• Galentine’s Day
• National Cheddar Day
• National Tortellini Day
• Global Movie Day  – Does this mean we have to watch movies about a globe???

And by the way, Galentine’s Day is a celebration of the girlfriends in our lives. Girls that are friends! So seek out those females who enrich your life and make sure they know they are important to you. God bless —

That is an interesting date: 2-11-2021. Lots of 2’s and 1’s in there! Got up today to about 3 inches of snow – more in some spots. Had a bacon sandwich (on a homemade bun!) and hot tea to fortify myself, then bundled up in so many layers I could barely move. Cleaned the sidewalks, patio, decks, driveway – then popped over next door and helped my neighbor Karen clean hers. We usually have a nice chat while we are working. When I came in and took my hat off, my hair looked like wild (wo)man of Borneo!

I arrived at work a little before 1:30pm. Joe was fascinated by an icicle hanging off the awning, so I checked it out. Somehow it was sliding down but curving sideways as it slid. The top part is snow, but there are two icicles sticking out of the bottom – can you see them? Very interesting design.

I happened to notice that my Valentine M&M’s had little graphics on some – looks like lips, a heart, an arrow, and maybe leaves around the ‘m’. Very cute. I ate them, of course.

My friend Gen from New York – currently residing in Colorado for the school year – sent me photos of her granddaughters Lucy and Hadley playing dolls. If you look closely, they are using the confetti that I sent in their envelope to ‘feed’ their dolls and make designs on the table! It’s always nice to see re-purposing!

Today I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning: Seize the Moment/Life! We NEED the Holy Spirit; we can’t do life by ourselves. 1) Things to get OVER 2) Things to get ON with 3) Things to ACCOMPLISH. 1) – Get over: See what God’s up to. Don’t be self-sufficient, don’t be silent, don’t be secluded; get out and GO! 2) – Get on with: doing God’s will, what He said to do. Christ transforms us. Lay aside what hinders you and run with assurance. God comes to us all differently and gives us unique responsibilities. None are more or less important than the others. 3) – Accomplish: We will be transformed, and others will be influenced as His Church moves forward! Seize the moment and move forward.

On this day in 1809 Robert Fulton patented the steamboat, and in 1899 Montana set a record low temperature of -61*. In 1949 “Lovesick Blues” was released by Hank Williams, and in 1960 Jack Paar walked off his TV show. The Beatles made their first live US appearance in Washington DC in 1964, and in 1993 President Clinton selected Janet Reno as the first female Attorney General. In 1998 a Las Vegas station offered Monica Lewinski $5 million for an interview. The Lyrics to ‘Candle in the Wind’ were auctioned off for $442,500 in 1998, and in 2001 Three Rivers Stadium was demolished. Whitney Houston died at age 48 in an accidental bathtub drowning in 2012. Thomas Edison was born in 1847, Sidney Sheldon (Novelist) in 1917, Eva Gabor (Green Acres fame!) in 1919, Burt Reynolds in 1936, John Ellis (JEB) Bush in 1953, Cheryl Crow in 1962, and Jennifer Aniston in 1969. My long-time friend Margie Dudash (currently living in North Carolina) is celebrating a birthday today. We both went to Hempfield Church, and our kids grew up together from toddlers to teens. Happy birthday Margie! Have a great day!

TOMORROW February 12 is:

• National Plum Pudding Day
• No One Eats Alone Day –  (Guess I won’t be eating tomorrow!!!)

I guess I can’t have Plum Pudding if I’m not allowed to eat! I eat alone about 99% of the time! But that’s ok – I don’t mind! Have a great weekend! God bless —

I was up before 7am this morning, turned on GMA, in anticipation of seeing the interview and performance with Amy Grant. It was the first performance since her open heart surgery. She is still as vibrant and talented and beautiful as always, and it was inspiring to hear her story, and to listen to the performance of Every Heartbeat (double meaning!) 30 years after initial release.

In between cleaning the house and reading chapters in a good book (Irish Christmas by Melody Carlson), I kept an eye on the weather and did some online research. Kelly called mid-afternoon with her good news. The pathology report came back clean: no sign of any cancer in the surgery site or on the tissue they removed last week! Both the PA and the surgeon came in personally to congratulate her and shared in her joy! I’m so excited for her! God is good – all the time!

And yesterday Logan had to get 6 baby teeth pulled, as they were inhibiting his permanent teeth from coming in correctly. He was a champion and handled everything well, and is smiling like a champ. Kelly said he is eating eggs and meat sticks and BBQ chicken sandwiches…. Way to go, Logi!!!

Tonight was the second installment of the Ft. Allen Film Festival (hereafter known as the FAFF!!). Kath and I talk to mom via facetime, then watch a movie and have a light supper together. Sometimes Paul joins us but tonight he had other plans. We watched Jane Austen’s PERSUASION and it was very good. I don’t remember ever seeing it and really enjoyed it! The British accents and overall language structure is often hard to interpret but we followed it all well enough, and I was pleasantly surprised by the ending. I recommend it!

Tonight I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt. It was very different. My suggestion is to listen to the song MY GOD IS THE ANCIENT OF DAYS by cityalight. He took each of the lines in the verses and offered scriptures to support the line – Such as: We don’t know how long we have; our soul is important. Trust God! The Lord will reign forever and ever. Put your eternal destiny in God’s hands. Everything in heaven and earth is God’s. Our struggle is against dark spirits; trust Him with our soul. You are not alone; God knows all about us! We are special to Him. We can’t stop God. BE READY! We need to shine like stars in a very dark world. He will go with us wherever we go. I have the song on now while I’m typing, and it’s very moving. I recommend listening, and listening often, in your quiet time, in preparation for prays and devotion. GOD is the ancient of days. Amen – and amen.

I have a copy of the scriptures verse by verse – if you are interested let me know and I can email it to you.

On this day in 60AD St Paul was thought to have been shipwrecked at Malta. In 1870 the YWCA was formed, and in 1940 TOM & JERRY cartoon debuted (by Hanna/Barbara). In 1942 Glenn Miller was awarded the first ever gold record – sold over 1 million copies of Chattanooga Choo Choo. In 1961 Niagara Falls hydroelectric began producing power, and in 1966 VALLEY OF THE DOLLS by Jacqueline Sussan was published – sold 31 million copies! I wish LETTERS TO MARY could do that!!! 🙂 In 2005 His Royal Highness Charles Prince of Wales announced his engagement to Camilla Parker Bowles (They did get married; somehow I missed that!). In 2014 “This is How we Roll” by Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan was released. Robert Wagner was born in 1930 (He was definitely my heart throb! He and James Garner!!!), and Mark Spitz in 1950. Alex Haley (wrote ROOTS) died in 1992 at age 70, and Shirley Temple Black died at age 85 in 2014.

TOMORROW February 11 is:

• National Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day
• National Inventors’ Day
• National Make a Friend Day
• National Peppermint Patty Day
• National Shut-In Visitation Day (REALLY? We can DO this????)
• National White Shirt Day
• National Giving Hearts Day 

Wear a white shirt tomorrow – be safe in the snow, and make a new friend. God bless us, every one!!!

Woke up this morning to 4-6 inches of snow (outside). Different in different parts of the yard! I wasn’t in any hurry to do anything, especially shovel, so I snuggled in bed for about 45 minutes, reading a really good book by Hannah Ellis (British Author). Finally started to feel guilty, so I dressed and did the treadmill for a while, then a shower and breakfast. Nate and my cousin both txt me that they would help with the driveway, so I just putzied around the house until Nate came over. By the time I got bundled up and outside, the neighbor across the street (Al) had taken his snow blower and cleaned my neighbor’s driveway, then started on mine. Between the three of us we got the decks, steps, walks, and patio cleared and salted. Thanks to my snow heroes for the day! I’m glad to be able to stay inside. It really wasn’t cold out, but the snow was very heavy and hard to move. I was very thankful for the help! They are true snow angels!

Today I will share Rod’s message from Martin’s Ferry – a continuation of ELIJAH – Boot Camp! Elijah just sort of showed up, and confronted King Ahab and Queen Jezebel about their wicked reign. Elijah threatened that there would be no rain until the kingdom repented. Then God had Elijah HIDE!! He had some things to learn (thus, the boot camp) 1) Hiding – it’s hard to ‘wait’. Especially for outgoing, confident leader-types. God’s timing is perfect. Elijah obeyed God, left his life as he knew it, and lived in hiding by the brook. And God taught him there. 2) Trust – Elijah relied on God for his physical and spiritual needs, and trusted that he would be feed and cared for and instructed. It’s called ‘character building’! God always knows where we are and what we need and he’s always with us, even through the new chapter and the next step. 3) MORE trusting! When we have nothing left, trust. You’re not often a person of God until your brook dries up. In our weakness, we see God’s work.

On this day in 1861 Jefferson Davis was elected President of the Confederate States. In 1964 the Beatles made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan show to 73.7 million viewers. William Henry Harrison (9th president) was born in 1773, and Travis Tritt (Country singer) in 1963. Bill Haley (and the Comets) died in 1981 at age 55.

TOMORROW February 10 is:

• National Cream Cheese Brownie Day
• National Home Warranty Day
• National Umbrella Day

Who decides these things? Umbrella day? Ummm. OK. Wherever you go tomorrow, take your umbrella. But I’m wishing you a sunny day! God bless…

I checked this morning and this post had not been published! Apologies to those of you who follow it! 🙂

Apparently today I was one of those people who 1) ignored the fact that we are in a pandemic and 2) was part of the ‘panicked’ masses who had to get all their items purchased before the snow! Neither was intentional.

Started off with a dentist appointment. Dr. Lane (who at least for now is my hero!) was able to do a little lazar trimming and cement my crown back in. So I’ve avoided the implant for another little while. I seldom experience pain with my teeth issues – just inconvenience and financial burdens! Alas – so be it!

I worked both stores, then started on my chores. Stopped at Aldi’s for certain items, then the Dollar Tree for a few cards. Went to the post office to mail a few Valentines and get stamps, then to Walmart for the rest of the groceries. I’m set with food for a while now. I didn’t get much at either place but enough for me. Had to pop into Dollar General for something that – of course – they didn’t have, but found something that would work.

I came home and met Nate and Dave here, and Dave was able to fix my upstairs bathroom drain stopper. I paid him in M&M’s! He seemed happy with that. I was listening to Bram and Rod and sitting still made me cold. I put on lined socks, a hoodie, warmed a rice bag, made a hot tea, and wrapped in a blanket. Let me tell you it wasn’t long until I was peeling back layers! I’m comfy now. Waiting to see how much snow we will actually get overnight.

Snoopy, again, is paying scriptural tribute to his friends. I agree!

I will share Bram’s message from First Baptist. It was about remembrance, as they were having church-wide communion Sunday. Eating together is important to fellowship – even Jesus ate with friends and sinners. Jesus is always present at the table. The emblems represent what God has done in Christ to set us free. You (we) were slaves to sin but by God’s grace we are bought with a price. You have to to cleansed and right with God before he will use you to full potential. God will NEVER forget you – he knows you and where you are and what you are doing, all the time. Don’t ever forget what God has done for you.

On this day in 1965 the Supremes released STOP IN THE NAME OF LOVE. Soap opera THE SECRET STORM ended a 20 year run in 1974. I remember Mom watching that, and I’d come home from school and watch the end of it with her…. Jack Nicholson attacked a car with a golf club in 1994. General Sherman (Union Army) was born in 1820, Jules Verne in 1828, Lana Turner in 1921, Jack Lemmon in 1925, James Dean in 1931, and John Grisham in 1955. Mary Queen of Scots was beheaded in 1587 at age 44, and Peter the Great died in 1725 at age 52.

TOMORROW February 9 is:

• National Cut the Cord Day
• National Bagel and Lox Day
• National Pizza Day – I’m bad at timing these things – I had pizza yesterday!
• National Toothache Day – Thanks to Dr. Lane, I will NOT have a toothache!!!
• Safer Internet Day U.S.

Just have to wait and see how much snow we get overnight. 2-4 predicted, but one can never be sure. I foresee shoveling in my immediate future! God bless – –