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!

Cold again today! Stayed in and did household busy work. I actually listened to six sermons today – it was like I was addicted. I couldn’t get enough. I stopped after listening to Greg’s because it made me very emotional! In the meantime, as Bud would have said, and Ron reminded me, 11 months from today is Christmas Eve. Get those trees up!

In the meantime, I put together a turkey pot pie (filling was frozen from Christmas) and made chocolate chip cookies. That warmed up the kitchen with having the oven on.

Chrissy sent me a picture of the blanket we bought yesterday. It says ‘Let’s Avocuddle’!!! It’s very soft and cuddly!

I am not ready to share Greg’s message today. I have to let it digest first. So I’ll share Micah’s – IF and THEN. People want to know the truth (reference Blaise Pascal from yesterday’s Word Garden). God made many conditional promises: IF you stay with me, obey me, etc, THEN I will go with you and take care of you. Satan wants us to go out of bounds. If we serve God in whatever way we are called, then God has promised His care: Water, grain, wine, oil (life sustaining supplies). If NOT -we will be deceived. Don’t get off course. You will lose joy and peace as you lose direction. The rewards are great and the peace and contentment are promised if we follow him unconditionally. We risk ending up living in the dry places, physically and spiritually, risk the anger of the Lord, and the Absence of life – we lose the will to live or press on. Fill the God sized whole within you with God!

On this day in 1848 began the California Gold Rush: James Marshall found gold in Sutter’s Mill, CA. In 1935 the first can of beer sold (Krueger’s Cream Ale). In 1940 GRAPES OF WRATH (based on a book by John Steinbeck) film was released, and in 1986 Voyager 2 made the first fly-by of Uranus. Winston Churchill died at age 90 in 1965, and Ted Bundy (serial killer) died in 1989 at age 42 by electric chair. Edith Wharton (novelist – did you read any of Alyssa Maxwell’s mysteries???) was born in 1862, Ernest Borgnine in 1917, Neil Diamond in 1941, and Sharon Tate in 1943. Today Mae Bee Romisher is celebrating a birthday. Mae has been best friends with my sister since elementary school, and is a faithful friend and die-hard Steeler fan! I’m glad to be able to call her my friend. Have a great day, Mae – enjoy, and be safe and happy!

TOMORROW January 25 is:

• National Florida Day (OK Ron – now you can celebrate!)
• National Irish Coffee Day
• National Opposite Day (Opposite of what? Hmmmm)
• National Bubble Wrap Day (Go poppin’ mad!!!)

Hope you remembered to reach out to five people today with encouragement or compliments! Tomorrow you can release your tension by popping bubble wrap. I have a small supply in the garage. God bless!!!

Very cold today! 20* when I got up, so I did the treadmill. Changed and washed bedsheets, organized supplies for Beef Day, did some research online.

Chrissy and I braved the weather and drove up to Ligonier’s Ice Festival. Although it was very cold it was also very crowded! We parked about 3 or 4 blocks away, but walking down to the Diamond kept us warm. We took some photos of the sculptures and went into a few antique shops. I’m not sure how so many people were allowed in the shops at once. We sort of buzzed in and out without lingering, and only did 3 places. We stopped at the Pie Shoppe in Laughlintown and I bought two bags of SNAILS – one for me and one for Kelly! We both love them.

Chrissy took this selfie by the ice heart

Chrissy wanted Wendy’s for lunch so we drove down to Latrobe. We had to make a quick stop at Walmart for something then headed home. It was a fun day to spend time together, and I was glad to hear Chrissy saying she had a good time!

Today’s message if from Rob at Martin’s Ferry. The apostle Paul told Timothy ‘Do your best to come to me quickly’ – He was in his final days and wanted to see Timothy. Christians of the day were falsely accused and persecuted and Paul felt that keenly. He warned that we should not wallow in self pity, and we should keep on serving God without ceasing. We should make every effort to: 1) exhort 2) encourage 3) be faithful 3) counsel others 4) warn and accept warnings. Paul pours his heart out. We often turn to everything but Jesus, and we turn from the message of Christ. Paul said ‘Remember my teachings’ – decide NOW who you will serve, so you are ready to give an answer. Will you spread the gospel as Paul did, giving everything and taking nothing? We should emulate Paul in this: Forget what is behind, press forward – fight the good fight! The day of the Lord is approaching!

On this day in 1656 Blaise Pascal published the first of his lettres – most famous quote is: There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus. In 1849 Elizabeth Blackwell became 1st woman in the US to earn a medical degree. In 1983 A-Team with Mr. T. premiered. Johnny Carson died at age 79 in 2005. John Hancock was born in 1737, and Chesley Sullenberger in 1951 (Miracle on the Hudson). And Mike Hazelton, minister of Hempfield Church and also a friend, is having a birthday. Happy birthday, Mike, and thanks for your faithful and dedicated sharing of God’s word with His people. Wishing His blessings on you continually!

TOMORROW January 24 is:

• Beer Can Appreciation Day (Appreciate a CAN??? Hmmmm)
• National Compliment Day
• National Peanut Butter Day – Now that should be an easy one!

It should be a natural habit to compliment someone. Make it a point tomorrow to compliment at least five people. Txt, email, call, in person, card or note — just make them know they are important and special! God bless – – –

It was a super cold and windy day. I ran out to get a few groceries and was chilled just buzzing from the car to the stores. I was finally able to find a big, soft perfect pillow for my downstairs couch to match the little ones. Daddy and babies! Long overdue – the old ones were about 15 years old and felt like you were laying on bricks…

I was inspired by the weather to make soup. Diane gave me some potatoes so I made cream of potato soup – Gen’s fabulous recipe! – and I’m really looking forward to having a bowl of that when I finish this post.

Without sounding rude – when a vehicle has a PD plate on the back, does that mean they are unable to use TURN SIGNALS???? Just asking —

One of my afternoon tasks was to get a few spots of white paint from the red bedroom carpet. I tramped them in there from a drip, I guess. I used this amazing product called ‘Home made simple’ – Lavender scent. All the spots came right out – even the one from 2 years ago when we painted that room! I highly recommend it. It’s a multi-purpose cleaner available about anywhere. Give it a try! (Commercial over…)

Today I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt (Jan 10). Walking on Water. No matter what happens, we have to keep moving. Don’t stop. When you stand still it’s spiritual death. With everything going on around us in this country, remember that nothing has changed in the kingdom of God. Throw everything that entangles us off and run the race; fix your eyes on Jesus. 1) Run your race! Run with all of your soul, mind, heart and strength. 2) Learn from Peter – if you are afraid remember that God is on the throne. He is the great I AM and He’s got you! 3) Learn from Paul – He fought the good fight, finished the race, kept the faith. 4) Learn from Joshua. Fear the Lord and serve him with faithfulness. Choose this day whom you will serve. As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Don’t add anything to your race. Fear God, Keep His commandments, (10 commandments and beatitudes) 5) Learn from Jesus. The greatest commandment is Love the Lord your God and Love your neighbor as yourself. MOVE TO THE GOAL!

And just a word from last week’s message from Tim Jones – Touch is very important; vital to our health and attitudes. In these days of restrictions, remember that our only hope is in the touch of Jesus – we all need it. Jesus touched to heal and He can still touch us and make us whole!

On this day in 1938 Thornton Wilder’s OUR TOWN premiered; in 1901 Queen Victoria died at age 81, and Lyndon B. Johnson (36th President) died in 1973 at age 64. Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy died in 1995 at age 104. In 2005 Donald Trump (45th President) married Melania Knauss. In 1561 Francis Bacon was born, and in 1645 William Kidd (Pirate) was born. Lord Byron in 1788 and Bill Bixby in 1934. And today my step-brother Dick Graves is celebrating a birthday. Happy birthday Dick – many, many more, and enjoy your day!

TOMORROW January 23 is

• National Handwriting Day
• National Pie Day – my favorite is Apple! Warm with vanilla ice cream…. I’m open for donations 🙂

Have a hot tea, a bowl of soup, or something else to keep you warm. It will be a chilly weekend. God Bless!

Eighteen! Where did the years go, anyway? It seems like just yesterday I was rushing out of work (trying to escape from Jim Smail’s ‘state of the union’ for the dealerships address) to get to the hospital. I walked in about 5 minutes before she was born! She has grown and matured but along the way she has shared laughter and tears, good times and hard, being happy and sad. I’m so proud of the beautiful, smart, happy young lady she has become! Love you Autmn Rose! Happy Birthday! (sorry – photos are not in order!)

Today was busy, and I’m glad to be sitting here working on the Word Garden. Both stores were busy, and then both Mikes needed something, plus dropping a package off at Westmoreland Manor for Mom, then stopping at Diane’s to pick up some things – and grabbing a card for Autmn to go with her gifts — Whew! Had cake with the girls and their friends at Nate’s. I’m not a big Harry Potter fan (I saw/read the first one) but the cake was particular to the movie…

OH, and her birthday gift was her Harry Potter Tattoo – not sure what it means!

Today I will share Bram’s message – Christian unity. Not uniformity. The Holy spirit purifies us, and sets us apart for service for God. Christians are already unified – we need to show the world Christian unity so they may believe. Just like in a garden, there are different colors, different seasons – diverse but unified. Jesus is in us and we wants to be with us. 1) Jesus prays that we may be spiritually united as Christians 2) We should be channels of blessings to others. 3) Jesus will carry on His work through us. 4) Jesus prays that His love may fill our hearts and lives 5) He prays we may know His power in us. Jesus prays for unity. We are united through Him as one, yet diverse. That’s God’s plan!

On this day in 1846 the first edition of Charles Dickens’ newspaper THE DAILY NEWS was printed. In 1861 Jefferson Davis and 4 other southern senators resigned (Civil War). Agatha Christie’s first novel was published with Hercule Poirot (Mysterious Affair at Styles) in 1921. President Jimmy Carter pardoned (most) Vietnam War draft evaders in 1977, and in 1992 Bill Cowher became the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cecil B DeMille died at age 77 in 1959. In 1824 Stonewall Jackson was born; Christian Dior in 1905, and Jack Nicklaus in 1940. And today (as hinted to yesterday) is Autmn Rose’s eighteenth birthday. Happy birthday, sweet girl, and many more!

TOMORROW January  22 is:

• National Blonde Brownie Day
• Celebration of Life Day
• National Sanctity of Life Day

We have the whole weekend ahead of us! Plan something safe and fun, or don’t plan anything at all but do something fun – just be safe! God bless…

These will be the last living room photos! Project officially complete! Everything is put in place, and subsequently scrubbed and dusted. It was fun working with Nate, and the house seemed so much more alive and vibrant with someone else here for a few weeks.

I was reading a book on my break this afternoon and came across this line: He was laid back to the point of being horizontal. I love it! Don’t you know someone like that???

I will share Mike’s message from Hempfield today. It’s part of the ‘relationship busters’ series: Envy. Definition is resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another and the desire to possess that same advantage. Envy is not a gentle emotion and can be dangerous. It’s not just that you want what someone has; you also want the other person NOT to have it! Envy can lead to evil: Cain killed Abel; King Saul tried to kill David. We are usually envious of someone we know or are close to. Envy is always right there so be careful – it ‘rots the bones’. Don’t let it build and destroy you. You can overcome envy by recognizing it as an issue, praying, and being careful how you handle success, so as not to cause envy in another person.

On this day in 1869 Elizabeth Cady Stanton was the first woman to testify before congress. In 1945 F D Roosevelt was sworn in for an unprecedented (and never to be repeated) 4th term as president. In 1949 J Edgar Hoover gave Shirley Temple a tear gas fountain pen, and in 1982 Ozzy Osbourne bit the head off a bat on stage in Iowa (My one question would be: WHY?????). In 2009 Joe Biden assumes office of Vice President; and today he was worn in as the 46th president of the United States. Let’s be true American’s – ‘that’s my president’. Buzz Aldrin was born in 1930. Johnny Weissmuller (TARZAN) died in 1984 at age 79, and Audrey Hepburn at age 63 in 1993.

TOMORROW January 21 is:

• National Granola Bar Day
• National Hugging Day – yea right. Just TRY to hug someone!!!!
• Squirrel Appreciation Day – I don’t think I have EVER appreciated a squirrel!
• Get to Know Your Customers Day 
• Autmn Rose’s 18th birthday! Sneak preview; more tomorrow!

Today is the first day of the next four years. What you do with it is up to you. It won’t change or go away and no one may even ask your opinion, Democrat or Republican. Pray, love, laugh, and rejoice! Again I say, rejoice!!!

I started the morning by being sworn in at the courthouse for my LAST four-year term as a Notary in Pennsylvania. I am very intimidated by the courthouse and was relieved to find everyone very kind and helpful. THAT’s over and I’m set until March of 2025!

We are winding down on the Painting Project. I was on my own today, so I pulled up the plastic, scrubbed the floors and the furniture while it was still empty, and started putting things to rights. Still have some trim work, curtains and photos – but we should finish that out tomorrow if all goes well. Lookin’ good! Thanks to my NATE!!!

My friend send me some photos of what they call a ‘health elf’ at their church. The ‘elf’ stands outside before every service and takes temps before anyone goes in. She goes out of her way to make everyone feel relaxed and comfortable, and brings a little smile to everyone! Cute idea.

Today I will share Greg’s message from Vanderbilt. His messages are usually very hard to shrink down – he shares SO MUCH back story and information and so many scriptures. I feel like leaving anything out is just wrong. But today’s message was called SOUNDS FAMILIAR, and basically about how the pattern in families and in any nation/country repeats itself. Like a wayward cycle. All through time, God’s children keep turning from Him. By nature, we are constantly pulled down (like gravity) unless we intentionally push ourselves up. Like Samson in the Old Testament, we go to the wrong places, seek the wrong things, have the wrong focus. Samson went his own way, despite his upbringing. What we have to understand is to put the responsibility for that where it belongs. 1) Our children are sinners, because 2)ALL have sinned. 3) Although it appears that sin is on the increase, it always has been. There will be terrible times in the last days. 4) SATAN is the father of lies, and he is constantly pulling your child in. 5) Our world is against us. 6) Our kids have their own will. They can choose; it’s on THEM. We can raise, and exhort, and live by example, and pray – but God is not a vending machine. You can’t put prayers in, push the buttons that you want for your child, and that’s the way they will turn out. BUT THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE – even Samson turned back to God. Do not give up!

On this day in 1883 the first electric lighting system using overhead wires (build by Thomas Edison) began service in NJ. In 1955 the first presidential news conference was filed for TV (34th president – Eisenhower), and in 1961 the first episode of the Dick Van Dyke show was filmed. Hedy Lamarr died in 2000 at age 86 and Wilson Picket in 2006 at age 64. Robert E Lee was born in 1807, and Edgar Allen Poe in 1809 in Boston – we toured one of his homes (In Philly, actually) a few years ago. A very interesting man! Phil Everly (of Everly brothers) was born in 1939, Janis Joplin in 1943, and Dolly Parton in 1946. My friend Lynne Calisi-Varega is celebrating a birthday today – we have been friends for decades (although we are really not that old!!!) – I was in her wedding and we worked together at Smail’s. Happy birthday Lynne! Many more, my friend!

TOMORROW January 20 is:

• National Buttercrunch Day
• National Cheese Lover’s Day (Not a big cheese fan)
• National Disc Jockey Day.

Have a great day tomorrow – be kind, be happy, and be safe! God bless…