It was a blustery snow when I got up – but no accumulation and it was done quickly. The sun was shining most of the day – but still very cold. I wasn’t planning to go out, but decided to just run down to one of my little antique stores that I visit. I found my fourth groundhog! I had 3 already, sitting on my ladder – two from Aunt Joan, one from Aunt Dolly, and this one I bought myself to fill the rungs. They are all a little different, even if you can’t tell.

Sally and Lucy and Snoopy share a perfect thought for the day – and even though I seldom see my dear friends these days I am thankful for each and every one. They can brighten my thoughts even though they are across town or across the country.

I will share Steve’s message from Maplewood – WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? Put confidence in God – don’t give up. God will NOT grow tired or weary. Place your hope in God. It may not always work out like you plan or want it to; we think God isn’t paying attention. But he works in three basic ways. 1) Miraculous rescue/resolution – we pray, and it’s fixed! But that is generally not the case. More often, 2) God works by walking with us, and we fix it together. It takes a while, with us both working, and we grow weary, but he is there and sees it through to the end victorious. 3) Nothing changes in our situation, but he gives us strength to endure. We may have battle scars on the other side. But we always want it fixed NOW! We need to fix our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for us, to obtain the joy of our eternal presence. He began a good work in us and will follow it through to the end. THAT’s what we can expect!

On this day in 1839 Henry Clay declared in the senate: I’d rather be right than be president! In 1940 Walt Disney’s PINOCCHIO premiered – 2nd feature length movie. In 1974 Mel Brooks’ film BLAZING SADDLES opened in theaters. Anne Lindbergh died in 2001. John Deere was born in 1804, Charles Dickens in 1812, and Garth Brooks in 1962. Any my niece Hannah’s husband Dan Gump is celebrating a birthday today! I know he celebrated with his wife and three wonderful daughters (Edy, Hattie, Rosie) in Tennessee. Have a great day, Dan, and a great year!! Happy birthday!

TOMORROW February 8 is:

• National Boy Scouts Day
• National Kite Flying Day
• National Iowa Day
• National Football Hangover Day
• National Clean Out Your Computer Day

I have a dentist appointment tomorrow – oh, joy! I know there will be at least one issue, as I popped a ‘crown’ about 3 weeks ago. That will not be an easy fix! But at least there will be SOME fix! Have a great day, and God Bless…

When I got up this morning, I had no idea what the day would bring. I had no firm plans except little household items. After changing bed sheets and doing laundry, walking on the treadmill, shower and breakfast, I balanced my checkbook – always do that to the penny, and this time I was 3 cents off! But I found it – all is well. I was just finishing up and had to meet my tax person to drop off documents. Since I was already out, I decided to just stay out!

I was already uptown, so I popped into a new Antique store – South Pennsylvania Ave Antiques. It’s a very classy place and the displays were very well arranged for such a small space. I even got the name of a clock repair person (they had tons of clocks!) that might be able to fix Grama Crook’s mantle clock. It hasn’t run for several years. I’ll call on Monday.

Then — I got adventurous and drove up to Laughlintown to their Antique Mall. It has more antiques and older pieces, where the other one had a lot of collectibles and ‘eye candy’ as I might call it. On a whim I stopped at Linn Run – but everything was a sheet of ice. I barely made it from the parking lot to the edge of the stream. But it was beautiful. A younger couple was checking out the trail, and said they weren’t sure it was safe as it too was a sheet of ice. I didn’t stay to see if they braved it. The weather was very cold (31* and windy) but the day was sunny and bright.

I treated myself to a frozen Coke on the way home (I could have just sat a Coke outside for a while and it would have frozen itself!), then bundled up in 3 layers and washed the car. It was so dirty I was embarrassed. I was very warm except for my hands. Once everything was cleaned up I came in and had a cup of hot tea and a ginger snap. Warm inside and out!

Today I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt. TWO CONSTELLATIONS. It was the topic of eternal security. First ‘constellation’ is that a person who is ‘saved’ is safe in the Lord no matter what. The second ‘constellation’ is that they can fall away – but only after they have dis-owned their faith and claimed there is no God, for a long time. This topic has been disputed and will never be fully resolved by us – but God is the judge – he is sovereign and knows their hearts. The grace of God is good, and our God is mighty. His grace is sufficient and HE remains faithful. Seek God and stay close to Him – leave no doubt in your own mind. But ask Him for peace and direction in everything, and continue to pray for those who tend to wander away from the flock.

On this day in 1862 Ulysses S Grant captured Ft. Henry, TN (Civil War), and in 1952 Queen Elizabeth II succeeded King George VI and was proclaimed Queen of the United Kingdom, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In 1998 Washington National Airport was renamed Ronald Reagan National Airport. Anne Stuart, Queen of Great Britain, was born in 1665, and Aaron Burr (3rd Vice President) was born in 1756 – he killed Alexander Hamilton in a pistol duel. J E B Stuart (confederate general) was born in 1833. Babe Ruth in 1895, Ronald Reagan (40th president) in 1911, and Zsa Zsa Gabor in 1917. In 1995 Brian Wilson (Beach Boys) married — well, it doesn’t really matter WHO we married because it wasn’t ME 🙁 And today my Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford Griffith are celebrating their wedding anniversary. It’s an amazing milestone, and I pray for many more years of ‘Happy Together’ for them!

TOMORROW February 7 is:

• National Fettuccine Alfredo Day
• National Periodic Table Day
• National Send a Card to a Friend Day (This is something I can do!!!)

Blessings to you all on this cold weekend! Stay warm, stay safe, and God bless… (And Go Steelers! Oh, wait. They aren’t in the Super Bowl.)

The answer to yesterday’s question about Alex Trebek is: Jeopardy!, Classic Concentration, and To Tell the Truth! Did you get it right???

I managed to keep busy all day, with laundry and organizing things and running out a few times. I went this afternoon to my favorite local Fleatique in Adamsburg. Saw lots of fun and interesting things, one being an Uncle Wigley game!! I remember spending lots of hours playing that with the cousins at Grama Crooks’ house. It was a bit costly or I would have bought it just to bring it home and explore – I remember very little about it!

Also spent over an hour organizing my cards and notes and stickers and storage boxes. I think it will be easier to find what I need now. One box had greeting cards, one box is all Snoopy, one is Christmas cards and thank you notes, etc.

Instead of sharing a sermon today, I’m going to share part of my friend Gwen Wolfgang’s daily devotional. It’s copyrighted so you can’t do anything with it – but the idea is that a shepherd LEADS his sheep, and keeps them safe and protected, fed and rested. If you are being urged from BEHIND, and PUSHED into something, like he’s running behind the flock, driving them instead of leading them, you can be pretty sure it’s not the Shepherd, but the butcher! It’s Satan who is pushing you. Be alert! Follow the Good Shepherd. Thanks to Gwen Wolfgang for her insight. Listen to the calming, leading voice of the shepherd who calls your name.

On this day in 1919 Hollywood film studio United Artists was founded by Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin, D W Griffith and Douglas Fairbanks. In 1981 Joni Mitchell was inducted into the Canadian Hall of Fame (my friend Bill Smail would be excited to remember that!). Hank Aaron was born in 1934, and in 1826 future president Millard Fillmore married Abigail Powers. We were at their home when we traveled to New York – lovely time! Kirk Douglas died in 2020 at age 103, and today Christopher Plummer passed away at age 91. I thought he was so romantic in THE SOUND OF MUSIC! Who didn’t? Especially when he sang EDELWEISS – I had a small wind-up clock that played that! I still have the clock but it doesn’t play anymore.

TOMORROW February  6 is:

• National Frozen Yogurt Day
• National Lame Duck Day Where do they GET these ideas???
• National Chopsticks Day
• Ice Cream for Breakfast Day – I’ll buy into that one!
• National Play Outside Day – I’ll go out if it’s not too cold!

So I guess you need to eat Ice Cream for breakfast, Frozen Yogurt later, Chinese food for supper (use your chopsticks!), and then play outside to work off all that food! Have a fun day! God bless . . .

The day went smoothly, but not much to write about. I worked both stores and was home around noon. After a bowl of homemade stuffed pepper soup (today IS national homemade soup day!) I started cleaning. Normally that is a Wednesday chores but I spent yesterday playing with my boys! They had a busy day today, and Kelly was tired when I txt her, but they are all ok. The weekend is coming! I did get the house cleaned, top to bottom, and did a load of laundry. Bonus was that when I cleaned the bookshelves I grabbed a few Valentine M&M’s!

My friend Diane sent me HER deer photos. They were watching them eat corn from the kitchen window when she was having breakfast with a friend.

I will share Rod’s message from Martin’s Ferry – Courage! Elijah! This is the first message in a series, and he talked about Elijah’s background. He came on the scene after 200 years of wicked and evil kings, in both the northern (Israel) and southern (Judah) kingdoms, when the Children of God turned from Him to idolatry and idol worship. His name means My God is Jehovah, and he stood up for God among the Baal worshipers. He stood alone, and preached God. Remember that we ALL stand before God alone. Don’t blend in or be mediocre – stand out! God gives us courage to 1) Go against the grain; be special people 2) God’s methods are surprising, unexpected 3) We all stand before the king, just as Elijah did. He left us with this thought: We don’t speak out for God because we don’t want to push people away – but we are pushing them to hell. Have courage to speak, and to stand!

On this day in 1789 the first electoral college chose George Washington as President and John Adams as Vice President. In 1861 the Confederate constitutional convention elected Jefferson Davis as President of the confederacy (Civil War). In 1865 Robert E Lee was named general-in-chief of confederate forces. In 1991 Alex Trebek became the first person to host 3 games shows at the same time. Do you know which ones? Answer tomorrow! Charles Lindbergh was born in 1902, Rosa Parks in 1913, Alice Cooper in 1948, and Clint Black (country singer) in 1962. Liberace (Pianist) died in 1987 at age 67.

TOMORROW February 5 is:

• National Shower with  a Friend Day – Yikes! I don’t THINK so!!! There is NO friend I like THAT much!!!
• National Weatherperson’s Day
• World Nutella Day
• National Wear Red Day – Rats – I’m wearing red as I type this!
• Bubble Gum Day –

Try to stay out of the shower, and wear red if you can. Look forward to a cold but delightful weekend! God bless…

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 …