Treadmill again! Nate and Chrissy came over early, and Chrissy did her online school while Nate painted. It looks so crisp and nice! We’re letting it rest and dry overnight and then tomorrow hopefully get it all back together slowly.

Even though the Christmas lights and decorations are all tucked away, I still have a small set of blue lights that rest on the back of the couch. Gives a little glow to the living room. After Chrissy finished her classes, I had her take my little plain wood church and ‘paint’ it with Sharpies. It looks much better now on the shelf with the other houses.

I will share Kyle’s message from December 27th. The same message can encourage one day and frustrate another day. When Mary heard the news of Jesus’s pending birth from the angel, she had one point of view; Joseph had quite another. We have a choice: Trust in God and not fear destruction. God chose to be with his creation since the beginning, and it was His desire. The spirit of God lives in us. God is with us: Emmanuel. No matter what you are going through, Jesus walks with us; we are so consumed with our circumstances we don’t acknowledge his presence. Believe, accept, embrace – Emmanuel.

On this day in 1790 president George Washington delivered the first state of the union address, and in 1968 Jacques Cousteau’s first undersea special aired on US TV. Elvis Presley was born in 1935, David Bowie in 1947, Marco Polo (69) died in 1324 (he’s probably in a pool somewhere—), and Eli Whitney died in 1825 at age 49.

TOMORROW January 9 is:

• National Apricot Day
• National Balloon Ascension Day
• National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
• National Static Electricity Day
• National Vision Board Day 

It’s the weekend – do something fun and safe and enjoy! God bless . . .

Treadmill again – slept on the couch as the bedrooms were un-sleepable! It was nice to have a little ambiance, though, with the electric fireplace. But I have to say that by morning, I was wrapped in my blankets like a sausage roll, had kicked both rice bags to the carpet, and found the remote under the couch. But all it well now!

Nate got 2 coats of paint on the ceiling and closet, and everything taped off for the walls and trim tomorrow. Another night or two on the couch and I’ll be back in my little room!

For those of you who follow ‘my seven guys’, please keep Steve from Maplewood in your prayers. He and his wife Marie both have COVID, but Steve is currently in the hospital. Just thought the more prayer warriors out there the better. They have suspended services for the next few weeks so there will be no messages to share from Steve :(.

Today I will share Paul’s message from River Hill – Create a pure heart in me oh Lord. It’s a new year! Serve him with gladness; start fresh! it’s hard to change your heart – easier to change the outside appearance or actions. King David made a plea to God for change; wanted forgiveness for his sins; he knew it was a a ‘big deal’ – sin separated him from God. Jesus died for sins. David wanted a clean, pure heart that was connected to God. We can’t change our own hearts – only God can do that. We can change our outward appearance but not our heart. David appealed for renewed spirit, attitude and will – a desire to be holy and right. If we confess, God will hear and forgive. And answer our plea for a pure heart and right spirit!

On this day I did not find anything of significant interest happening! Millard Filmore – 13th president – was born in 1800, and Nicolas Cage in 1964. And today is my friend Carol Rossi Mash’s birthday – Carol and I worked together for years at Smail Auto, and she always opened her home for us to watch the fireworks during Greensburg Community days. A lot of wonderful memories there! And also today, my ‘almost a daughter’ April and her husband Quincy are celebrating their wedding anniversary. Best wishes for many more – love you guys!

TOMORROW January 8 is:

• National Argyle Day
• National Bubble Bath Day
• National English Toffee Day
• National JoyGerm Day
• National Winter Skin Relief Day 

Remember to pray for our broken nation, those who are alone, and those struggling with illness. And also remember to be thankful! God bless – – –

It was a chilly walk outside this morning but did feel invigorating! After breakfast I started taking everything out of my bedroom – took the switch plates off and everything off the wall and took the hooks down. Nate is going to paint for me and I wanted to get a head start. I washed everything and wiped down all the cords and furniture and pictures, and even rinsed off the silk flowers. It will be nice to have it fresh and bright. Of course I chose purple – a different shade than it already is.

Yesterday Chrissy took some pictures of the trees covered with snow. She loves taking nature and weather pictures so I am sharing a few.

Today I will share Rod’s message – All things are possible. People respond to expressions of love and sharing far more than church attendance and doctrine. They notice a quiet, sincere reverence that we have toward God and how we handle life and love for others. We need to honor his name – even angels worship and honor God. We need to have a clean heart – We can’t do that on our own but Jesus can. We should live a life of reverence and love until He comes again – when will he come? This year? This month? This week? How will you live your life? Love others and love God, and let others see that reverence in you.

On this day in 1838 Samuel Morse demonstrated his telegraph machine in New Jersey, and in 1929 Mother Teresa arrived in Calcutta to begin her work there. Elvis made his last appearance on the Ed Sullivan show in 1957, and Ted Turner purchased the Atlanta Braves in 1976. John Smith – leader of the Virginia Colony (Jamestown) was born in 1580, and Loretta Young in 1913. Louis Braille died at age 43 from TB in 1852 and Theodore Roosevelt (26h President) died at age 60 in 1919. In 1759 our first president George Washington married Martha Custis, and in 1945 George H W Bush (who would be our 41st president) married Barbara Pierce.

TOMORROW January 7 is:

• National Bobblehead Day
• National Tempura Day

Have a safe, warm, and happy day – and live love! God bless – – –

Didn’t make the Walmart run at 6am. It was snowy and icy and I bailed! Will have to grab groceries later in the week. I did take a two mile walk in the snow – want to see what I saw? Even though we didn’t have sunshine, the snow cast a glow of its own.

I have been looking at refrigerators (for about 2 years!) — the new ones are several inches wider than mine. Hoping it would fit…. Nate and I measured and it will take about 4 inches off my space. There is seldom more than just me in the house so not sure I should worry about 4 inches for 5 or 6 meals a year!

Today I will share Micah’s message from January 3rd, the second part of Tale of two sons. Last week was John the Baptist – this week, Jesus. Jesus was 1) Word keeper – he kept his word (promises); still does and always will. 2) Wall breaker – broke down the walls of sin – we have access to everlasting life. 3) Way maker – God works things out. He is our peace. We are in His care. The grace of God is a gift, and allows us to be forgiven. We have the Peace of God, the Power of Grace, and the Possibility of Growth. We have everything we need to live the Christian life: Resource, response, reliability. All things are possible with God.

On this day in 1886 Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson was published. In 1914 Industrialist Henry Ford announced his $5 minimum per-day wage, doubled most workers pay. Bonnie Parker met Clyde Barrow in 1903, and in 2007 Bill Cowher resigned as head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Calvin Coolidge – 30th president – died in 1933 at age 60, and in 1939 Amelia Earhart was declared dead after disappearing over the Pacific Ocean (age 41). The Pop forbade Henry VIII to remarry in 1531 (he annulled two marriages and beheaded two wives….). King C Gillette (Razor Blades) was born in 1855, George Reeves (Superman) in 1914, Jane Wyman (first wife of Ronald Reagan) was born in 1917, Chuck Noll in 1932, and Diane Keaton in 1946. And today Loni Smail (former co-worker) and Wayne Robertson (Hempfield classmate and part of my high school youth group) are both celebrating birthdays today. Happy birthday Loni and Wayne!

TOMORROW January 6 is:

• National Bean Day
• National Cuddle Up Day (Uh Oh – would need Sweet Baboo for this, I think!)
• National Shortbread Day
• National Technology Day 

I’m going to store away my Christmas leggings and shirts – another year past! A moment of silence please…. God bless!

I heard on Y108 this morning that we will not see the sunshine all week! We will be desperate by the weekend! Guess we’ll have to make our own sunshine.

Worked all morning at the Pinnacles, stopped at Aldi’s, then had a well visit at the doctor’s. All is well! Since I feel inspired to be organized, I cleaned out my sewing basket. Much neater! Also sorted out last year’s bills and receipts and pulled out what I will need for taxes – made new folders for 2021. Still have a bit of ironing to do but it won’t be much.

My friend Diane sent me a picture of her daughter Shannon’s unicorn-decorated window at Christmas. She did a great job. She loves unicorns! Very bright and festive.

Patty and Snoopy seem to have it going on – and yes, friends are the icing on the cake of life!

Today I will share two of Greg’s messages from Vanderbilt. December 27th’s was Peace on Earth. Right now, there isn’t any – there is fighting and wars around us, and wars within ourselves. BUT – we are not done learning and growing. We cannot save ourselves – Christ died for all of us so we can become one with God. We still battle with sin, but we are covered. We are showered with God’s peace. All we have to do is claim it – he’s already given it to us!

January 3rd message: The world/society doesn’t take heaven and hell seriously. They laugh about it, and ignore the seriousness. Demons are real. They gain access to us by 1) temptation, 2) oppression, 3) satanic influence, 4) possession. We fight this by scripture, praise and prayer. Be strong in the Lord; put on the whole armor of God. WAKE UP! TAKE UP (your equipment)! PRAY UP! REDD UP (Clean it up)! We must be alert and pay attention. If you had a bottle of water and a bottle of sewage waste, would you even want to put one drop of sewage into your drinking water? That’s what you are doing when you let sin and Satan in, even if you think it’s ‘harmless’. Are you CRAZY? God, create in me a clean heart….

On this day in 1847 Samuel Colt sold his first revolver pistol to the US Government, and in 1954 Elvis Presley recorded his first demo for Sun Records. Jacob Grimm (Grimm’s Fairy Tales) was born in 1785, and in 1809 Louis Braille (invented the system of reading and writing for the blind) was born. Isaac Pitman was born in 1813 – he invented the stenographic shorthand method. I have this guy to thank for most of my professional career! In 1821 Elizabeth Ann Seton died at age 46 – Seton Hill University was named in her honor. T S Eliot died at age 76 in 1965.

TOMORROW January 5 is:

• National Bird Day
• National Keto Day
• National Screenwriters Day
• National Whipped Cream Day

Make time for what is truly important to you: call, write, email, txt – whatever it takes to let your friends know they are important in your life! God bless…

FINALLY the house is back to order and as clean as it can be! All the stuff for Goodwill is shoved in my trunk and I plan to take it over tomorrow after work. I rearranged items on the new bookcase several times, and right now I am satisfied! Also moved a few little stands and tables around just for a change. I was on my feet all day, but being busy felt so good! A very satisfying day.

And yesterday when I made my quick trip to Walmart for a few necessary items (it wasn’t crowded) I found my Peanuts wall calendar! So now all is well in the Peanuts department!

Today I will share Bram’s messages – last week and this week. Last week was ‘working on our salvation.’ We need to remember that our vision is not always the same as God’s. He has a plan, and we need to do His will, accomplish our goal and bring it to completion. We are urged by the Holy Spirit to seek salvation, to study and grow in God so we won’t disappoint him. Believe not just ABOUT Him but IN him. The road is narrow; stay alert and in your own lane; don’t drift off!

This week was about the wise men seeking Jesus. They were outside of religion, looking for a king. When they couldn’t find him on their own, they called a meeting with King Herod’s scholars! The Bible offers all we need and we should look there for answers. Once the wise men found Jesus, they completed their journey by going home a different way. Once we have found Jesus, we also need to go a different way! If you focus on Jesus, the things of earth grow dim and His light will change us! So follow the light.

On this day in 1521 Martin Luther was excommunicated by the Pope for starting the protestant reformation, and in 1777 General George Washington defeated the British at Princeton. Construction began on the Brooklyn Bridge in 1870 (completed in 1883!), and in 1938 the March of Dimes was established to fight polio. In 1987 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted the first female, Aretha Franklin. J R R Tolkien was born in 1892, Victor Borge in 1909, and Mel Gibson in1956.

TOMORROW January 4 is:

• National Missouri Day
• National Spaghetti Day
• National Trivia Day
• National Thank God It’s Monday Day

Just remember that tomorrow is a new day, with no mistakes in it! Enjoy! God bless.

This will be a little different – not going to do anything today but clean this dirty house and have Nate build my bookcase and stack boxes, so I though I would review —- (Are you READY???) the Hallmark Christmas movies! Haha. I did NOT watch all of them – some not at all and some not in their entirety, but here are my favorites, with a few disappointments.

HMM movies has a shorter list. I liked Christmas Tree Lane with Alicia Witt. The biggest reason was when I found out that she wrote the show, directed, wrote two original scores which she sang/performed. And it was based on personal experience. So it got my vote. I mildly liked the third Godwink (First Love, Second Chances) – mainly because of it being based on a true story. That fascinates me, seeing the ‘real’ people at the end of the movie. I enjoyed the Christmas Charm movie too, as it had some mystery and was a little different.

Hallmark had several I liked. My top two favorites were Timeless Christmas (I read the book 3 years ago and loved it, and it was pretty close) and the Christmas Waltz (knowing what a talented and amazing dancer Will Kemp is and that Lacey Chabert had to learn all those steps!). Next was Christmas by Starlight – it starred Kimberly Susted and Paul Campbell, my two favorites! They have been in several movies together and really have a chemistry that comes through in their performances! Other ones I enjoyed were Christmas She Wrote; Love, Lights, and Hanukkah; and Cross Country Christmas. I 100% disliked Christmas Carousel! I didn’t at all like Neal Bledsoe’s performance and the whole preface of the movie fell far from the mark. I enjoyed several others, disliked several, and a few grew on me.

So that’s my wrap-up, and of course you can catch these and other Christmas movies on Thursdays at 8pm on HMM channel and Fridays at 8pm on Hallmark. In the meantime, I think the channels are back to normal broadcasting, and we have 10 months of anticipation to see what 2021 will bring!

I am sort of behind on my ‘guys’ – I listened to 6 Christmas Eve messages as well as the Sunday sermons, and can’t get them all posted. I will give a quick synopsis of Steve’s message from Maplewood – just the impressive end. Don’t live in the IF ONLY! Anna & Simeon were blessed at the VERY END of their lives! We are never too old or weak or sick to share Christ. We are promised to see God’s face — but we must wait! Life hasn’t passed us by. He’s still at work, and He has a gift for us. Not gloom and doom – it’s hope! Forget the past and press on to the prize! Wait on the Lord – he will renew our strength. It’s OK to wait – and we aren’t TOO OLD!!! (I needed to hear that!!! – Thanks Steve!!)

On this day in 1570 Ivan the Terrible’s march began, and in 1839 Louis Daguerre took the first photo of the moon. President Richard Nixon (37th) imposed the 55 MPH Speed Limit in 1974. Roger Miller (country singer) was born in 1936, and Jim Bakker (yikes!) was born in 1939. Confederate General James Longstreet died in 1904 at age 82.

TOMORROW January 3 is:

• National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day (Used to be Mom’s favorite!!!)
• National Drinking Straw Day (Can’t believe they have their own day!!!)
• National Fruitcake Toss Day (I’d toss it ANY day!!!)

Happy weekend! It’s off to clean I go! Sending hugs and warm wishes, whatever you are doing on this first weekend of 2021! God bless…

It’s going to take me a while to remember to type 2021! First I just want to wish all of you a wonderful year – may it be safe and happy and fun and blessed, and filled with people you love and who appreciate you!

I spent the entire day going through Christmas decoration boxes, organizing and cleaning them out and getting rid of a few things that I didn’t want or were broken. Why do we keep those things? Ugh! It’s nice to have them packed neatly and in an orderly fashion. When I put my day-to-day items back in my rooms, I even got rid of some of that! It’s time for a cleansing! My favorite addition is the deer I brought back from John’s. Reminds me of my story and makes me smile! I did, however, make a total mess while I was working. I feel very grungy…

Charlie Brown had a great idea – but it was cold and raining icy pellets and windy – did a mile on the treadmill and called it done!

I will share Paul’s message from last week – Good things come to those who wait. Simeon and Anna waited their whole lives to see the Messiah – They both were at the temple every day, even in their 80’s. There is no retirement from serving God! What we can learn from their faithful waiting: 1) God has faithful worshipers even in the darkness. 2) The gates of hell will never prevail against God. Simeon and Anna lived lives of fruitfulness and faith as they waited. Simeon immediately thanked God for this amazing blessing. The question is: What are YOU waiting for???

On this day in 1863 Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation to free slaves in US Confederate states. In 1881 Dr. Watson was introduced to Sherlock Holmes in a story written by Arthur Conan Doyle. Edsel Ford succeeded his father – Henry Ford – as President of Ford Motor Company in 1919, and Johnny Cash played his first free concert behind bars in 1960. In 1976 the Liberty Bell was moved to its new home behind Independence Hall (Philadelphia). Hank Williams died at age 29 in 1953, and Patti Page died in 2013 at age 85. In 1772 Thomas Jefferson married Martha Skelton. Paul Revere was born in 1735, Anthony Wayne in 1745, Betsy Ross in 1752, and J. Edgar Hoover in 1895. And my friend and fellow author Jim Gresham is celebrating a birthday today. Happy birthday, Jim! Hope your year is wonderful!

TOMORROW January 2 is:

• National Buffet Day
• National Cream Puff Day
• National Personal Trainer Awareness Day
• National Science Fiction Day

Have a great year – keep your eyes on the prize! Philippians 3:13. God bless!!!

After work this afternoon I started dragging boxes off the shelf and going through them thoroughly. I am really tired tonight so I’m just going to share a word from Snoopy’s page-a-day from yesterday, and then Rod’s message from last Sunday.

Rod from Martin’s Ferry talked about the five traits God wanted His son to have. 1) Isaiah 53:2 Not be beautiful or majestic 2) No esteem (often scorned and rejected) 3) He was poor – not wealthy (Matthew 8:20) 4) Matthew 13:55. No rank; his father was a ‘mere’ carpenter 5) Not have an inflated ego – you can’t fill a glass until it is empty. He is our shepherd, and shepherds are seldom held in high esteem. We should be humble (Philippians 2:3) and look to the interest of others. We should examine ourselves – is our primary goal to obtain riches? or impress others? Are we trying to glorify ourselves or Christ? Be like Jesus!

On this day in 1862 President Abraham Lincoln admitted West Virginia to the Union, and in 1946 President Harry Truman officially proclaimed the end of WWII. In 1955 General Motors Corporation became the first US Corporation to make over 1 billion USD in a year. John Denver was born in 1943 (Bud’s favorite singer!). Roberto Clemente (Pittsburgh Pirate) died in a plane crash in 1972 at age 38, and in 1985 Ricky Nelson (whose first name was really Eric!), died in a plane crash at age 45. In 2012 Hugh Hefner – age 86 – (Playboy founder) married Crystal Harris, age 26.

TOMORROW January 1 is:

• New Years Day
• National Bloody Mary Day
• National Hangover Day (and you wonder why it’s hangover day…..)

Tomorrow is a brand new year – with tons of potential and no mistakes in it! Keep focused on the good things, and God Bless!!!

I kept busy in a dozen ways today, doing some weekly cleaning then organizing some decorations. I went outside after lunch and took all the lawn ornaments down, and put the deer back in the shed, the big Snoopy back in his storage spot, and changed the lights on the deck railing from Christmas to fading blue-white-blue. It’s a very comforting look!

Got a call from Kelly today – their life is never calm. Matt hurt his wrist over Christmas break playing in the church gym with his twin brother. Nothing new there; they have always caused injury to each other. Two separate X-rays assured them it wasn’t broken, but he will be pretty limited and uncomfortable for a while. Then Peyton had issues and had to have out-patient surgery. He’s fine, with limited restrictions. The first question he asked the doctor was if he could go to his youth group Christmas party tonight! That’s a teenager for you. ** This just in: Peyton went to the party!!! ** But everyone is really ok, just a little off center — and everyone could sure use your support and prayers!

Last night I found a small gift bag in my front door. My dear writer friend Nancy – who is a very prolific crafter! – crocheted me a few scrubbies, and made me a Snoopy Christmas pillow case! I think it is SO perfect – the yellow and green cuff is the perfect match for the material. She is so thoughtful and I appreciate her friendship! We have held each other up in prayer and support for several decades, and I cherish her in my life. Thank you, Nancy!

Today I will share Bram’s Christmas Eve message – Jesus is the Reason for the Season. He told a little story about two women who dressed up to the NINES and went out to eat. Someone asked them what the occasion was, and they said their were celebrating their 2-year-old nephew’s birthday. When asked where the child was, the women explained that it was way too much trouble and a great inconvenience to have him at a restaurant, so they would have a birthday for him when they got home – but not at the party! Do we go through the Christmas season without remembering the one whose birthday we are celebrating? We want to celebrate without the encumbrance and responsibility of honoring Jesus. Christmas is all about God accomplishing the impossible – giving us everlasting life! So celebrate Jesus!

On this day in 1809 wearing masks at balls was forbidden in Boston. I’m sure we wish that were the case today… In 1861 US Banks stopped payments in Gold. Davy Jones (Monkees) was born in 1945 and Tiger Woods in 1975. Saddam Hussein was hanged (age 69) in 2006.

TOMORROW December 31 is:

• National Champagne Day
• No Interruptions Day – Last Work Day of the Year
• Leap Second Time Adjustment Day(Note: This is listed as an observance title only. Some years scientists do not make adjustments.But, if they do, then it’s done on either June 30 or December 31.)
• Make Up Your Mind Day
• New Years Eve
• Universal Hour of Peace  – Wouldn’t THAT be nice????

So tomorrow is the last day of 2020. A lot to celebrate – if next year does indeed turn out to be better! Have a great day! God bless – – –