Started morning on treadmill, then work. Stopped at a new little country craft place in Irwin, Junque Genius. Very cool place! Lots of tasteful items, hand made. Worth checking out! I bought a wall plaque but there were lots of interesting items, one of which were button jars!

I came home and made brownies for Jen’s birthday after lunch. Now the only thing left is to make some cookies for Autmn’s family trip to Florida. They want chocolate chip and cinnamon rolls. That will be a weekend project...

I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt – Simply Christmas: Mary. She would have been in her mid teens, and she SHOULD be esteemed. She was highly favored by God, and visited by an angel; given the honor of being the mother of God’s son. All through scripture the Holy Spirit’s job is to testify to the truth about Jesus. Elizabeth knew, and even her baby in the womb knew, that Mary’s baby was the son of the most high. And she couldn’t have known that Mary was expecting; even Joseph did not know yet. Mary was chosen because she was holy, seeking God, and humble. We need to follow the example of Mary, who was willing to be used by God and trust him with her future.

On this day in 1791 the US Bill of Rights was ratified, becoming the first 10 amendments of the constitution. In 1939 Gone with the Wind premiered in Atlanta, and is the highest grossing film of all time. In 1955 Folsom Prison Blues was released by Johnny Cash. J. Paul Getty was born in 1892, Military leader Anthony Wayne died in 1796 at age 51 (Mad Anthony Wayne!), Sitting Bull died at age 58 in 1890, Glenn Miller died at age 40 in a plane crash in 1944, and Walt Disney died in 1966 at age 65.

TOMORROW December 16 is:

• National Chocolate-covered Anything Day (*I have blueberries and pomegranates and pretzels!)
• Barbie and Barney Backlash Day

So cover something in chocolate and enjoy your Wednesday! God bless…

Short walk on the treadmill, skipped breakfast, then went to work. Thoughtfully amazing gift from my bosses – they ARE the best! – then fun conversation with co-workers. It’s nice to just have relaxed chats about nothing important!

I got a txt message from Gen, and she got my birthday/Christmas box for her, the girls, and Rainy. Everyone was excited and happy – and Rainy immediately made friend with Woodstock! The girls are wearing their headbands! So if it was even the least bit fun and brought a few smiles, it was good!

Most of you probably already saw the post on facebook from my daughter, but wanted to share it here in case you didn’t. You never know when one small gesture can make a big difference! I love my family! They do give me HOPE, and LOVE!

Kelly Hancher:

In October, I had an allergic reaction to the chemo I’m on and spent 4 days in the hospital. When we came home, Peyton and Logan (14 and 13 at the time) had put lights on our roof. Today, we got a card in the mailbox addressed to The Family with HOPE on their roof. Sometimes, it’s the little things that actually give us HOPE…

Today I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning, the Wait TIME – it’s always difficult to wait, especially the 9 months on a baby! Mary would have had a lot to deal with during those months. And the Shepherds! They couldn’t just leave the sheep and go into towns to worship – they had to wait! So going to see the baby Jesus would have been a joy for them. We have to wait for answered prayer, for the second coming, for Santa (my insertion, not Micah’s!!!). Everything is important and hard to wait for. God says in the ‘fullness of time’ – but only he knows how long that will be. While we wait for the fulness of our salvation, consider these instructions: T – guard your Thoughts – your mindset if so important; monitor your thoughts! Phil 4! I – Impatience causes anger and frustration M – Means – God can provide everything we need; don’t give up. E – emotions. They are God-given so don’t discount them. But make sure you evaluate them first, and remember how important it is to be JOYFUL!

On this day in 1969 ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane’ by Peter, Paul, and Mary (written by John Denver) was #1 on the US Billboards top 100. Also in 1969 the Jackson 5 made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. George Washington died at age 66 in 1799, and Myrna Loy (actress) died at age 88 in 1933. Two birthdays today: First my friend Bruce Shirey is celebrating today – he works at Hanna’s Town, and is my friend Bear’s brother. I’m happy to have made friends with Bruce! Have a great day, Bruce. Also, Nate’s better half Jen Johnson is celebrating today – she is a hard worker, very selfless, runs a rescue (Ninth Life) as well as B&B Windows, and loves Nate and the girls boundlessly! Happy birthday Jen – I’ll have your brownies by the weekend (I didn’t forget) Love you!

TOMORROW December 15 is:

• National Cupcake Day
• Bill of Rights Day
• Cat Herders Day (Well, Jen this is for you!!!)
• National Wear Your Pearls Day

Have a great week, everyone, and do something safe and FUN as you WAIT for Christmas! God bless – –

Walked outside, had scones for breakfast — then sat down to watch online church services. I watched four today! Afterward I fussed a little with the Skunk Hollow tree and secured a small set of lights on it. Took a quick trip to Walmart (which was a really stupid thing to do!) – it was a zoo in there, and they had nothing that I wanted! I can’t believe how empty the shelves are. Mostly you can’t get what you want, and have to settle for something else and make do. And it’s only the 13th! Guaranteed there will be no grand ‘bargains’ the day after Christmas, unless you want an ugly sweater. There’s an over abundance of those…

Kathy and Paul popped in and we got Mom’s Christmas presents all wrapped and packaged. Paul will mail them tomorrow so she gets them in time.

I will share Paul’s message from River hill. Did you know Mary was in her teens when the angel appeared to her? Mary’s reaction to the angel Gabriel was very different than Zachariah’s. The angel told Mary she was highly favored; ‘the Lord is with you.’ She knew that because she was a descendant for David and Abraham she COULD be chosen as the mother of the promised Messiah. Mary’s reaction to Gabriel’s words: “I am the Lord’s servant; may it be to me as you have said.” 1) Mary was of the promised lineage. 2) She asked how this could be, as she was a virgin. The Holy Spirit came upon her. 3) We should be like Mary: be receptive to God’s plan. Mary was confident that: 1) God can do it! (trust!) 2) I’m willing to be used. 3) She was convinced that if she gave herself to God he would take care of them. We need a Messiah to save and protect us, and God sent us one. Remember these five things regarding Jesus: He was great; he was the Son of God; God gave him the throne of David; he ruled over God’s people; His kingdom will never end.

On this day in 1774 Paul Revere rode to warn Portsmouth of the approach of British warships. In 1950 James Dean began his career with an appearance in a Pepsi commercial, and in 1957 the film Peyton Place was released; in 1989 Driving Miss Daisy was released. Mary Todd Lincoln was born in 1818, Christopher Plummer (Captain von Trapp in the Sound of Music!) was born in 1929, and Taylor Swift was born in Reading PA in 1989. Grandma Moses died in 1961 at age 101.

TOMORROW December 14 is:

• National Bouillabaisse Day
• National Alabama Day – If you go, take your banjo!
• Monkey Day (I think everyone needs a monkey! heehee)

Have a great week, be patient, kind, and loving. And there’s only 12 more sleeps til Christmas! God bless…

I was glad that Chrissy spent the night and today with me. Kept me busy and kept me from missing the SH girls! But we did have a good day. Chris had a few school assignments to catch up on, but I let her sleep for a while and went for a walk. Stopped to visit with Marley (neighbor dog) and his master and we chatted for a bit. I changed beds and did laundry while Chris did her work, then we both took a break and made snow globes. I let her make the decisions and do all the gluing and trimming. They look so cute, and she’s so excited with them! I may grab a few more little things and let her make one for herself.

After another hour or so of studies, we took another break and did some shopping. She had money to get gifts for her friends and family. So we grabbed an early dinner (skipped lunch!) at Wendys and then did her shopping. She has a little more to do but basically done. We came home and finished wrapping everything. My least favorite Christmas task, wrapping! Glad it’s done!

After I took Chrissy to spend the night with her sister, I listened to Kyle from Hempfield, a continuation of John 1. We need to take seriously the truth that we are so beloved by God that He sent His son. WE are a child of God! So, why did Jesus come? To bring light to the darkness. HOW does Jesus do that? 1) The WORD became flesh and dwelt among us. He left his heavenly home and his beloved father and became human. He did that so he could be close to us. 2) He moved in next door! He’s our NEIGHBOR! Since he is here, we can see His glory, and once we have, we will never go back to the darkness. He came to give us grace, which is something we don’t deserve. And there is always more grace coming; like waves in the ocean, they never end!

On this day in 1787 Pennsylvania became the 2nd state to ratify the constitution, and in 1901 Marconi sent the first transatlantic radio signal. Frank Sinatra was born in 1915. Robert Browning died at age 77 in 1889, and Douglas Fairbanks died at age 56 in 1939. In 1957 Jerry Lee Lewis (22) married Myra Gale Brown (age 13!!!!) while still married to his first wife! In 1991 Richard Gere (42) married Cindy Crawford (age 24).

TOMORROW December 13 is:

• National Cocoa Day (Opps! Chrissy had that with breakfast today!)
• National Violin Day
• National Day Of The Horse (My dad had 3 over the years: Li’l One, Dusty, and White Cloud!)
• Pick A Pathologist Pal Day
• National Guard Birthday

Even though many churches are not meeting in person until January, be sure to join your church family in on-line worship. God is good, all the time! God bless…

Today was my day ‘off’ – even though I only work a few hours a week, every few days. I could schedule my day to suit my needs, and I did.

After a brisk walk and breakfast, I did some Christmas shopping, and I think I am finally done. Chrissy is staying with me tonight, so I will put her to work tomorrow wrapping the finals gifts (none of which are for her!).

I ended up shopping in ‘Scotland’ (Scottdale, actually – it’s what Autmn and I have always called it!), because the stores I needed were all right in a row. It was 2pm when I finished, and decided instead of eating lunch I’d just grab a quick chocolate milkshake from McDonalds and eat a healthy lunch at home. So I sat in the double line for over 10 minutes, and when I ordered my milkshake I was told that the machine was down, and they couldn’t make shakes! Yikes! So I was bummed about that, and did tell the girl at the window that NO I did NOT like Frappuccinos and did not want anything, thank you! So I went home and had a quick lunch that didn’t include milkshakes….

I talked to Kelly for a few minutes and told her I had a little trouble recapping Rod’s message from Sunday, because of the Revelation-based scripture related to the nativity. Rod had mentioned that no one includes red dragons in their nativity scenes, although if you reed Revelation 12, he (Satan) was there! So I printed out a picture of the aforementioned dragon and put it in the creche! I get it – but it’s a hard concept to fit into the Christmas story…. Read it and see.

Today I am sharing Micah’s message about unsettling news. 2020 has been FULL of unsettling news! Mary was certainly not expecting the message that Gabriel delivered. We know the end of the story – what should and will happen for us – but we don’t know what will happen to get us there. We are being prepared for the end. Use GPS: God’s Protection Services. When we think about our lives and the choices and directions we can make, we should consider: 1) The source (i.e., the angel Gabriel was sent from God – we can trust that source!) 2) The situation 3) The specific reason (i.e. Jesus was sent to die for our sins) 4) The submission – are we willing to be part of God’s plan. 5) Intended purpose for your life. Seek His will for you; it will bring you joy!

On this day in 1620 Myles Standish and 18 settlers were attacked by Native Americans. In 1862 the Battle of Fredricksburg began (Robert E Lee and General Burnside), and in 1967 ‘Guess who’s Coming to Dinner’ premiered. I remember what a stir that caused! It was quite the movie! George Mason was born in 1725, and we are celebrating 3 birthdays today. First would have been my Aunt Gail, my dad’s sister. She was always laughing and loved to have fun! My niece Hannah Gump is celebrating today, and my cousin Mark Steiner. Blessed to have them in my life! Happy birthday, Hannah and Mark! Love to you both!!!

TOMORROW December 12 is:

• National Ambrosia Day
• National Ding-a-Ling Day
• Gingerbread House Day
• Poinsettia Day

I just realized I skipped a day!

December 11 was:

• National App Day
• National Noodle Ring Day
• National Salesperson Day – (I certainly knew my share of those!!!)

Have a happy Saturday and do something that makes you happy! God bless…

I finally walked outside this morning. It was brisk but refreshing, and I listened to my iPhone Christmas playlist while I walked. There were deals at both stores and things to do, then I stopped to see Mike and help him out. As a treat I stopped at one of my favorite self-indulges: Adamsburg Fleatique. I found a little Christmas tree there that I can use for our Christmas in July — just the right size and the price was perfect. I will put a small string of lights on and tuck it away until July.

I came home and ate lunch, then washed and swept out the car. It was far too dirty, and Ken showed it to two customers today and I felt bad that it was dirty. So now, squeaky clean! Made several lists for final things that I will need for the Christmas meals and to finish out the shopping for gifts. Going to do that a little tomorrow when it’s not too crowded during the earlier part of the day.

Today I will share Steve’s message from Maplewood for the 2nd Sunday of Advent – John the Baptist. The story of Jesus begins with John, in the wilderness. WE are in the wilderness in 2020! But John was to make the way for Jesus because something BIG was coming: Jesus, the son of God, who came to save us. WE should be ready for something BIG that’s coming: Jesus is coming back, and it’s about to happen. Are you ready? Out of the void, God sent Jesus, the light. The world is broken and we are part of that broken world. John spoke the Word of God: Jesus, who came to deliver us. We need to be fixed, and Jesus can do that. Jesus came to die, and destroy all the powers that will destroy US, powers of sin and death. The reason for Christmas is found in the cross. Don’t lose focus in the fuss. JESUS!

On this day in 1864 General Sherman’s 12 day siege began in Savannah; in 1884 the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was published in UK and Canada. In 1906 President T. Roosevelt was the first American awarded the Nobel Peace Prize , and in 1936 Edward VIII signs Instrument of Abdication, giving up the British throne to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. In
1963 6-year old Donny Osmond’s singing debut was on Andy Williams Show. Otis Redding died in a place crash at age 26 in 1967, Richard Pryor died at age 65 in 2005, and in 2005 Garth Brooks married Trisha Yearwood. Emily Dickinson was born in 1830, and my cousin’s daughter-in-law, Miranda Marshall, is celebrating a birthday today. She rescues horses and works as a nurse with newborns. An essential front line hero! Have a great day, Miranda!!!

TOMORROW December 12 is:

• National Ambrosia Day
• National Ding-a-Ling Day (Not even going to touch this one…)
• Gingerbread House Day
• Poinsettia Day — I like poinsettias!!!

Tomorrow is finally Friday! Have a super day and a great start to your weekend. Sending virtual hugs! God bless – – –

Today the week took a direction that I was hoping it wouldn’t go but it definitely needed to go. We decided as a group that the Skunk Hollow girls would not get together for Christmas this year, which was to happen on Saturday. So we will celebrate in our hearts and hold each other close, and pray for deliverance from this STUPID virus and pray for health and healing and happiness for all of those who are dealing with it, or with some other issues (like Colleen’s broken shoulder! OUCH and double OUCH!!!). We plan to have a CHRISTMAS IN JULY celebration complete with decorating a tree, so that’s something to look forward to!

So I started in cleaning and spruced up the whole house, which is my normal Wednesday chore. Once that was finished, I had to buzz out to the mall really quickly to pick up two things (Santa’s secret errand). Now I am listening to Bramble House Christmas, and want to finish this in time to watch GODWINK CHRISTMAS which is on next. My favorite, even if I have watched it a gazillion times! I also hope to organize my Christmas Card list.

I listened to Rod from Martin’s Ferry. I must admit that it was a little to much to try and summarize easily. He talked about a passage in Revelation, but began with the passage in John: In the beginning. Revelation goes back to the beginning. Basically it is that Satan (Red Dragon) tried to stop the birth and life of Jesus, and he had and still has great power in our world. We see his influence playing out even in today’s world, and it effects our life. The further we stray from God the more angry we get. Satan has made war against those who follow God. But Jesus came to do battle for us. The real Christmas tree is the cross, and the Reason for the Season is Jesus’ death, His sacrifice for our salvation.

On this day in 1793 Noah Webster established NY’s first daily newspaper, the American Minerva, and in 1868 The first traffic lights were installed outside the Palace of Westminster in London. Resembling railway signals, they used semaphore arms and were illuminated at night by red and green gas lamps. In 1941 Adolf Hitler ordered US ships to be torpedoed, and in 1965 “A Charlie Brown Christmas” first Peanuts animated special premiered on CBS in the US. Clarence Birdseye was born in 1886, Margaret Hamilton (starred in the Wizard of Oz) was born in 1902, and Kirk Douglas in 1916.

TOMORROW December 10 is:

• Dewey Decimal System Day
• National Lager Day
• Human Rights Day
• Nobel Prize Day
• Chanukah Begins 

Find something to be thankful for, to look forward to, to celebrate, and enjoy your day! God bless…

Here we are, less than 3 weeks before Christmas! But if you go shopping for decorations or specific Christmas items you probably won’t find the exact thing you want. I have missed out on several things I planned to buy that were there one day and hours later were sold out. So buy when you can unless you have an alternative plan!

Kath and I went for our 6am Walmart groceries, after which I did the treadmill. The lights in my village were not working right, so I bought a small string of 50 lights and changed them before work. There was a good bit to keep me busy in Jeannette; Greensburg, not as much. I wanted to watch the Hallmark Movie A LITTLE CHRISTMAS CHARM (which was really cute), so I did my ironing while I watched it. I pressed off all my Christmas shirts and pants so it took a while. Then I made chocolate covered peanut butter pretzel nuggets with holiday sprinkles. My favorite holiday treat! I should be done baking for now. Now I’m basking in the glow of the tree lights.

I will share Bram’s message from First Baptist, which was about not seeking peace through artificial means. We think that things or people or events will give us peace – but it’s just like the Grinch. Satan wants to steel our joy. Jesus gave us peace; we just need to claim it. Then we should share God with others. Peacemakers are called the Children of God. “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” Christianity is not a religion; it’s a relationship. One that gives us peace.

On this day in 1776 George Washington’s retreating army crossed the Delaware River from NJ, and in 1863 Abraham Lincoln issued plan for reconstruction of the south. Mary Queen of Scots was born in 1542, Eli Whitney (invented the Cotton Gin) in 1765, Sammy Davis Jr in 1925, and Jim Morrison (The DOORS) in 1943. John Lennon died at age 40 (actually shot) in 1980, and John Glenn (astronaut) died in 2016. And in 1872 Brigham Young married his 55th (?????) wife, Hannah Tapfield.

TOMORROW is December 9:

• National Pastry Day
• Weary Willie Day (????)
• Christmas Card Day Looks like that’s my chore for tomorrow!

Make good use of your time, make a plan, make lists. Time is of the essence! God bless…

Sort of just did a few little things this morning, then had breakfast before picking Autmn up. We had a few errands to handle and it was fun to have her company. She’s become such a nice young woman! We went to the bank, to visit ‘Santa’ (sort of), and mailed a few things at the post office. I came home to laundry and listened to four preaching messages. I felt drawn to their messages and it was balm to my soul.

However, I have a resident stink bug who is like that cat who came back no matter how hard you tried to get rid of him! Today he was sitting on the Christmas tree on my light string! He is now —- no more…..

I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt. Several messages from Sunday focused on John the Baptist and Zechariah/Elizabeth. Greg talked about the fact that between the book of Malachi in the old testament and Matthew in the new, there was 400 years of silence. He explained that a tremendous amount of things happened in those 400 years, even if they were silent in the scripture. But ultimately, in the fullness of time God sent his Son. The world was (and currently IS!) full of unrest. God sent his angel to visit Zechariah, who was upright and righteous; the angel startled Zechariah and he was fearful. This taught us 3 things: 1) Be transformed continually by the Word (Stop watching the news! It will transform you in the wrong way!) Don’t be part of the world; be part of the Word! Do not be conformed to the world! Scriptures are our guide and salvation. 2) Be thoughtful (Philippians 4:8) – what do we think about? We should think about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy. 3) Be available. God will use us. We need to speak about JESUS, not the VIRUS!

On this day in 1787 Delaware was the first state to ratify the US Constitution, and 1941 the Imperial Japanese Navy with 353 planes attacked the US fleet at Pearl Harbor Naval Base, Hawaii, killing 2,403 people. In 1990 Ted Turner and Jane Fonda announced their engagement. Harry Morgan died in 2011 at age 96. Harry Chapin was born in 1942 (wrote Cat’s in the Cradle and Taxi). My cousin’s granddaughter, Autumn, is celebrating a birthday today with her new baby boy, and my best friend since 9th grade (Gen Morris) is celebrating a birthday today. We have been through thick and thin, and she has been a pillar of friendship and support in my life since then. Happy birthday, Gen, and many more! Love you!

TOMORROW December 8 is:

• National Brownie Day
• Pretend To Be A Time Traveler Day

I had a bite of brownie today so won’t be doing that tomorrow. And I travel through time every day – one minute at a time. Have a great Tuesday, and better be good: Santa is watching and he’ll be comin’ to town soon! God Bless!

My treadmill and auxiliary speakers weren’t working all week. So this morning I didn’t expect much but both worked just fine. I’ll never figure out electronic devices….

I had a few things to handle this morning, but then got down to baking cookies. Not a favorite chore these days. Just can’t seem to get things done quite as smoothly as I always have done. And for some reason I feel a heaviness over me. I need to pray it away! I have a little plaque on my wall about having quiet time; but lately there’s a little bit too much of that going around! I am blessed in so many ways, but every once in a while I need to just sigh and make my own music!

But I put on my Christmas CD’s and got to work, and baked cinnamon rolls, candy cane cookies, and peanut blossoms. This week I will get to the chocolate covered peanut butter pretzel nuggets – my favorite! Tomorrow is my friend Gen’s birthday and they had a zoom party – I popped in for a few minutes but I’m not good with that stuff. It was fun to see her kids and grandkids in ‘person’. There were a lot of people in that zoom room!

While I was baking the cookies I listened to Paul at River Hill. Most people say they need to see it to believe it, but God’s directive is exactly the opposite! He expects us to believe it before we see it! We need to trust that God will do what he says, and have faith that it’s how he wants to use us. He is a God of miracles, and that’s how he works! We often think that we need to be perfect before he’ll choose us for a task, but he uses everyone. Even those who doubt, as did Zachariah. The angel told him he would be a father, and Zachariah asked how that could be! So even though Zachariah didn’t think it was possible, God worked through him and Elizabeth, and John (the Baptist) was born, the fore-runner of Jesus. We need to be ready and be a vessel for God.

On this day in 1887 Thomas Edison recorded himself reciting Mary Had a Little Lamb, and in 1923 Calvin Coolidge (30th president) broadcast the first US Presidential address on the radio. Agnes Moorehead was born in 1900, and in 343 St. Nicholas (model for Santa Claus) died at age 73. Jefferson Davis (81) died in 1887 and Pete Rozelle in 1996.

TOMORROW December 7 is:

• National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (and Gen’s birthday!!!)
• National Illinois Day
• National Cotton Candy Day

I am not going to Illinois tomorrow – I’ll have to celebrate from here. I will think about Pearl Harbor and also Gen — more about that tomorrow! God bless…