I was able to get my walk in early, and the sun was shining brightly. I was no more than out of the shower before the clouds moved in and the rain started. It has been mostly rainy, windy, and cloudy all day. The sun came out for a brief minute and lit the golden trees on the hillside across from my house. A little glow in a gray day.

My chore for this early evening is to catch up with Ron’s Bible study group – the Christmas Story according to Linus. I’m a week behind. Also to get organized for tomorrow’s shopping day with Kelly! Otherwise, a quiet day today. I did, however, listen to Paul at River Hill, Micah at Old Mahoning, and Bram (yes, he’s BACK!!!) at First Baptist.

I will share Paul’s message about the Unknown God. The people of Athens were confused about what God to worship, so they worshiped them all, including the unknown God. They were lost in their understanding, seeking happiness and pleasures and a harmony of feelings. Paul told them he would make God known to them, the creator of all and Lord of all. We are made in HIS image, Jesus made us one in Him. God is in control. Also, we should tell others about God – do you want to live in these distressing times without God? How can you NOT share him? Our job is to tell others; the Holy Spirit’s job is to convict. We must be thankful that we know God. God gives us life and a reason for living – He’s coming back; our purpose is to serve God!

On this day in 1492 Christopher Columbus noted the first recorded reference to tobacco (see what he started???). In 1777 the Articles of Confederation (first constitution of the United States) was approved by the continental congress. And in 1904 King C Gillette patented the Gillette razor blade. And today my cousin BONNIE is celebrating a birthday. Have a wonderful day, Bonnie! Hope to see you very soon!!!

TOMORROW November 16 is:

• National Fast Food Day (I’m sure I will buy Kelly lunch!)
• National Button Day (and take her a button!!!)
• National Indiana Day (But we are not going to Indiana….)

Wish me luck as I try to get Santa’s help tomorrow! Have a great day and share God’s word and Jesus’ salvation – it’s what they need! God bless…

I switched my day around a bit. I changed bedsheets and did laundry, then after breakfast went out to Hempfield Park to watch Chrissy’s team play flag football. Despite giving it a good try, they lost the game, so they will not move on to playoffs. They are done for the season. Good game, Chrissy! Let’s see what you decide to do next year!

After the game, I decided to take my walk on the paths through the park. It was cool but a beautiful, sunny day. I walked past the amphitheater that Smail Auto sponsored – it was the first time I was at the park since it was completed. Maybe – just maybe – there will be opportunity to use it for entertainment and we can see it in use! The trails passed over several little creeks and streams. It’s a nice place to walk.

Today I listened to Greg’s message – Military lessons – from Vanderbilt. He talked about the purpose and function of the church. The church (which is basically us, the members!) scatter throughout the week and go out into the world. On Sunday they gather back in the buildings and meet around the communion table, get a little R&R and encouragement, and receive our instructions for the next week. Our job is to make discipleship look attraction so others can’t help but want to be disciples. The church is not a building that we attend, but discipleship. Three things we need to do: Respect and recognize authority; listen!!! (do we ever really listen to anything anymore, or are we just waiting for our turn to talk?); Obey. God says To obey is better than sacrifice. Walk with God and honor/obey him.

On this day in 1851 Herman Melville’s MOBY DICK was published in the US; Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson was published in 1883. President Theodore Roosevelt visited Panama in 1906 (Did you ever watch Arsenic and Old Lace? CHARGE!!! You should…). Robert Fulton was born in Pennsylvania in 1765 and was credited with the first commercial steamboat, Claude Monet was born in 1840, Prince Charles (Prince of Wales) was born in 1948, Condoleezza Rice in 1954, and Booker T Washington died at age 59 in 1915.

TOMORROW November 15 is:

• National Bundt (Pan) Day
• National Philanthropy Day
• National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day (There was nothing in it in the first place…)
• National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day
• National Raisin Bran Cereal Day
• America Recycles Day

Even if the skies are cloudy or rainy, have a sunny day tomorrow! God bless…

Friday the 13th! Now in 2020 that is a scary thing. The day actually went very well, although lacking excitement. I guess that is something one could be thankful for.

I think the cookies came out pretty good yesterday. I put them in the freezer. If there are any left, we will add them to the dessert menu for Thanksgiving!

When I took my early walk, I noticed that the neighbor’s oak tree was bright yellow – except for one branch which was red. Strange.

I had my well visit with my PCP, and he was pleased with everything so that’s also a blessing. Their office does such a great job celebrating the seasons – they had a fall garland and the tree was decorated for Thanksgiving. Made the waiting room inviting.

Today I’m sharing Micah’s message from Old Mahoning Baptist. He was talking about being good citizens, and about how the world has fallen into distress – but when we kick God out of everything what do we expect? But love is fulfillment of the law, so we must love God and one another. “BIG” power corrupts; God intended to lead His people but they wanted more (King, president, etc). God wasn’t ‘enough.’ He talked about not blaming things on situations or other people. We are accountable for ourselves, and basically the accountability is for what we have done with His gospel.

Three things we should do: 1) respect authority, whether you like them or not. 2) Pay your bills and taxes. 3) Make yourself a great neighbor, again by loving God and loving others. If you trust in the Lord, he will keep you safe!

On this day in 1789 Ben Franklin wrote ‘Nothing is certain but death and taxes.’ Robert Louis Stevenson was born in 1850 and Whoopi Goldberg in 1955.

TOMORROW November 14 is:

• National Seat Belt Day *
• National Family PJ Day
• National Pickle Day
• National Spicy Guacamole Day

Tomorrow is Saturday – a brand new day with no mistakes in it! (Anne Shirley; Anne of Green Gables) Have a lovely, sunny day! God bless…

Cool walk this morning but no rain, anyway. After work I raked leaves again. That seems to be my M.O. these days. But the trees are almost bare so yea! I actually stopped and bought the appropriate paper leaf bags so I feel better about trashing my leaves now. I just checked the mail – for 3 days in a row it was empty, but today I had mail! It was my water and sewage bill, but at least it was mail. After months and months of my new best political friends who obviously couldn’t continue through life without contacting me, I felt strangely bereft by the empty mailbox. Funny how they just dumped me since they don’t need me any more. Sad…

In addition to Ron being in Florida, my friend April and her family are there on vacation, and one of my Pinnacle bosses (Joe & wife) are leaving for there Saturday. I know there are winds and rain and some scattered power outages (so far Ron hasn’t lost power), and in some places hurricane warnings. But, as Snoopy would assure you, good friends can sooth over the storms.

Today I listened to Rod at Martin’s Ferry while I was raking leaves. His message was on the Dynamic Spirit. 1) Praise. When Solomon had finished building the temple, he called on hundreds of instruments and voices of praise and song to celebrate. They raised the roof! (sort of…). Jehoshaphat was being attacked by the enemy and was greatly outnumbered. He called for prayer and fasting, then… organized a choir! The people praised and sang to the Lord, and the enemies destroyed each other and his armies were safe. When Paul and Silas were flogged and Jailed unjustly, they … sang hymns and praised God! We need to learn to praise God fully and wholly. We’d be surprised what God could do with our sincere praise. 2) Participation. Not just the preacher should preach, or the teacher, teach, or the choirs sing. Everyone is called to do all! WE are the church. The result would be that we see great things. 3) Encouragement – brings joy to others and ourselves. God uses us as we are!

And a side note that Rod added. When people walk into a church service, they do not go up on the stage and sit beside the preacher. They sit beside US! WE are the ones who need to reach out and share.

On this day in 1880 the novel BEN HUR was published (when I was in grade school I wrote a play for the neighborhood kids to perform for their parents in our back yard – Ben HIM!!! It was way silly!) In 1966 Buzz Aldrin took the first ‘space selfie’ of himself performing activity in space. Grace Kelly (Princess of Monaco) was born in Philadelphia in 1929, Charles Manson in 1934, Neil Young of Crosby Stills Nash and Young in 1945, and Ashley Williams (popular Hallmark actress) in 1978.

TOMORROW November 13 is:

• National Indian Pudding Day
• World Kindness Day

Of course, be Kind! ALWAYS be kind. It costs nothing and reaps a fortune of blessings. Have a great day… (I don’t really know about the pudding – seems like too much work to me!) God bless.

Veterans day. A day when we stop to be thankful for not only this wonderful country we live in, but more especially those who have served and worked and sacrificed and even died for our freedom and privileges. My dad served, and was in Korea. He brought my mom back some keepsakes, and the photo is her wearing one of the things he brought her. My Aunt Joan is in the photo as well. We can all take a minute to think of those who meant so much to us and what they went through; their lives were never the same. And thanks to all who still serve! God bless America!

This morning on the Treadmill I listened to Paul from River Hill. He had a very impressive message which included honoring our veterans. Thank you all who have served and fought for our country’s freedom and privileges. Paul started with one of my favorite verses – II Chronicles 7 14. We need to humble ourselves as people, and as a united country, before God and pray that he heals our land and guides us back to Him. He also talked about Micah 6:8, to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. We need to support our leaders, pray for our president and local leaders, and ask God to set our nation back on the path to loving and worshiping and following Him. This country’s decline did not start overnight – but goes back decades. The church needs to wake up and stop being silent! Stand up for God and support His ways, and he will heal our land. God bless America, land that we love!

And just a side note from ME – can we just show a little respect to each other???

And before I forget, my secret project was a JINGLE BELL ROCK! Kudos to Beth who got it right away!!!

On this day in 1918 WWI armistice was signed at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. In 1921 President Harding dedicated the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington cemetery. In 1939 Kate Smith first sang Irving Berlin’s ‘God Bless America.’ George S Patton was born in 1885. A former co-worker Mike Santoro is celebrating a birthday today, and my cousin Deb’s daughter Emily Yowonske also has a birthday today. Happy, happy birthday, and enjoy your day!

TOMORROW November 12 is:

• National French Dip Day
• National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day
• National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day

Looks like we are back to fall weather – it’s to be expected! We did need some rain. Stay safe and warm, and God bless!!!

These early walks have been balmy and calm, with the temperatures being so mild. I thank that is to end now. That being said, I spent the afternoon raking the front yard. I didn’t attempt the back, but that tree (in the neighbor’s yard) is just about empty. The front, however is not. I won’t rake wet leaves.

I finished my secret project. I will post a photo below and give you a day to figure out what it is. I will post the answer tomorrow!

While I was raking leaves I listened to Steve at Maplewood. The message was about the 10 virgins and their lamps/oil. Steve talked about wedding customs and expectations, and about how things don’t always go as planned. The groom in the parable was late and the 10 virgins fell asleep. Five were prepared and had oil for their lamps but the other five did not. When the bridegroom finally came, the unprepared virgins wanted the other five to give them oil for their lamps. They would not, because then none of them would have had enough to be attendants to the wedding. Of course this reminds us that we do NOT know when Jesus will return, so we need to be ready every day and prepared for the fact that he could come NOW! It’s not too late TODAY for you to be prepared for tomorrow!

On this day in 1885 Gottlieb Daimler unveiled the world’s first motorcycle; in 1911 Andrew Carnegie formed Carnegie Corporation. Walt Disney began serving as informer for the LA Office of the FBI in 1940, and in 1969 Sesame Street premiered on PBS TV. HOME ALONE premiered in 1990, and in 2014 Ethel Kennedy was awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom. Martin Luther was born in 1483, Henry Ford Sinclair (founder of Sinclair Oil Corp) died at age 80 in 1956.

TOMORROW November 11 is:

• National Sundae Day
• Veterans Day

Tomorrow, thank a veteran for their service – either in person or on social media! Your freedom depends on it! God bless…. (PS – maybe even buy them a Sundae!!!)

For being at the North Pole, it was very warm today! Not a trace of snow or ice. I took a quick mile walk this morning, then got the sleigh loaded up (actually emptied out to make more room) to head out. I picked up fellow elf (sister) Kath and we headed across the frozen (??) tundra (aka Route 30). The first stop was Dollar Tree in Mistletoe Town, where we picked up some cards and and a few little enhancements for Mom’s room. From there we went to Snow Lane, where we browsed a bit but only bought a pair of snowflake earrings for Kath. One of my favorite browsing places is Big Lots in Glitter City, a few miles east of Snow Lane. Got a few small things there that I could cross off my list.

Next we sledded across town to Christmas Village, which was in the midst of being decked-the-halls. Kath browsed around in Old Navy and we went to Bath and Body Works (always a dangerous stop! Too many temptations!). My favorite store there is Barbara Ann’s, and I bought a bar of Christmas pine-scented soap for my shower – which I will use immediately after Thanksgiving! Also a coaster (I’m addicted…) By then it was time for lunch, which was of course Chick Fil-A. We finished off our shopping at Walmart in the Crystal Sea (of people and STUFF!). Didn’t find everything we needed there but got a good start. I didn’t accomplish many gift purchases (not as many as Kathy) but did cross off a lot of items on my list. All in all, we elves had a great day and enjoyed our shopping time together.

On the way home I listened to the guest speaker at First Baptist. She first honored our veterans and thanked them for their selfless service. The message was UNDER THE RAINBOW. When the world was so horrid that God regretted creating it, he decided to start over. But he saw the righteousness of Noah’s family, and because of their faithfulness and devotion they were saved to build a new world after the flood. He made a promise with the rainbow that he would never destroy the world again by flood. There were absolutely NO CONDITIONS to that promise. It doesn’t hinge on our actions or behavior or attitudes or choices or obedience. It is simply a promise. As God looks on our world right now, we can be certain that he will keep that promise. Regardless of what happens, he loves us and wants to save us, and wants us to live. If we are like Noah and stay faithful to God, he will save us. In fact, he DID save us – he sent Jesus with the promise that if we were his children we would be saved. We live UNDER THE RAINBOW. Don’t fear the future. God’s in control and his promises still stand.

On this day in 1907 the world’s largest diamond was discovered. In 2003 Art Carney died just 5 days after his 85th birthday. Hedy Lamar was born in 1914, Spiro Agnew in 1918, and Mary Travers (from Peter Paul and Mary) was born in 1936. And my friend Kim Douglass is celebrating a birthday today. Wishing you a great day and a beautiful year, full of God’s grace and blessings – love you, Kim!

TOMORROW November 10 is:

• Marine Corps Birthday
• National Forget-Me-Not Day
• National Vanilla Cupcake Day

Eat a vanilla cupcake, don’t forget me, and thank a Marine! And have a blessed day! Seventeen days until Thanksgiving! But I’m thankful for YOU today! God bless….

Took a nice, early walk, had oatmeal for breakfast, then actually went to church. It was so comforting to be there, regardless of the distancing. I totally understand the lower attendance; so many people I talk to mention outbreaks of the virus in their congregations. It’s hard to know what to do. But I loved being there!

After lunch I changed the clothes on the Holiday doll. She needed to be ready for the harvest! I wish she had a name. I probably named her when I got her back in the day, but have no clue what it was! Nothing sounds fitting. I decided to start on my secret project. I’m posting a picture (half done) and will post a picture when it’s finished. See if you can guess what it will be!

Again, I raked leaves; both in the back and out front. Only two bags, which was great, but I still had to rake the whole yard and sweep the driveway. I discovered the ‘last rose of summer’ blooming by the front walk. There was also a dandelion in the back yard. I think fall is confusing itself with summer!

Mike’s message was again from Acts, about Paul and Barnabas’ missionary journey. They went about speaking effectively – and what would that mean? That they taught the TRUTH, which they had by studying the Word (written or witnessing). They taught that Jesus is the Christ, and salvation comes through Jesus Only. Many believed but some didn’t, and they were antagonistic and stirred up trouble. Does that sound familiar in today’s culture? We are entreated to speak boldly! WE are reluctant to do that; we need to be eager to speak out, and share that Jesus is the only hope, and everyone needs Jesus. We must spread the Word; THAT is the mission of God’s Church. And the Word IS being spread!

On this day in 1931 Ben Franklin opened the first library in the north American colonies in Philadelphia. In 1960 John F Kennedy was elected president. Movie actor Ronald Reagan was elected governor of California in 1966. Bram Stoker (who wrote Dracula) was born in 1847, Margaret Mitchell (who wrote our beloved Gone With the Wind) was born in 1900, and Patti Page was born in 1927. Doc Holliday – gambler and gunfighter – died at age 36 in 1887.

TOMORROW November 9 is:

• National Scrapple Day (KELLY will get this!!!)
• Microtia Awareness Day
• National Louisiana Day

Have a beautiful week, and if you can’t get to Louisiana, at least sing OH SUSANNAH! instead!

I came from Alabama,
Wid my banjo on my knee,
I’m gwyne to Louisiana,
My true love for to see;
It rain’d all night the day I left,
The weather it was dry,
The sun so hot I froze to death,
Susanna, don’t you cry.

CHORUS
Oh! Susanna, Oh don’t you cry for me,
I’ve come from Alabama
Wid my banjo on my knee.

God bless —

Saturdays are always ‘change the sheets’ day – so I know I will climb into a freshly made bed tonight! I met Ginny for breakfast this morning, and we had a great visit. I laughed so much! She was telling me about her new ‘adventure’ and I could just picture the whole thing. I’m wishing her well, and when she releases the information officially I’ll post pictures! Yesterday when I was at the store, they were giving away their gourds – free! So I grabbed a few and made a nice little display on my garden bench.

I was able to rake up the front yard again, only one bag this time. I looked up to see the neighbor’s house grazing happily in the sunshine. It still surprises me that there is a horse in my neighborhood! Also I mixed up Grama’s homemade buns this morning. They need to raise for another hour and then I’ll bake them – and have one for supper, warm from the oven. Yum. But after the buns were all lined up, I drove down to Woodward Walking Trail and did two and a half loops. It was a nice walk – and flat! – so I enjoyed that. Before I left I sat on one of the benches and read a chapter in my book. Quiet and relaxing.

By now we know the outcome of the election – some are thrilled and some are distressed, but most of us are just wondering what direction our country will go in. Pray every day for your country, our leaders, our neighbors and friends that are confused and angry and hurting, and be patient and supportive. Focus on God’s peace – which you have already been given – you just need to claim it! It doesn’t really matter who is President – God is still on His throne! Rejoice! And again, pray…

On this day in 1805 Lewis and Clark first sighted the Pacific Ocean, and in 2000 Hillary Clinton was elected to the US Senate, becoming first US First Lady to win public office and while still the First Lady. Butch Cassidy died in 1908 at age 42, Eleanor Roosevelt in 1962 at age 78, and Steve McQueen at age 50 in 1986. Frank Sinatra married Ava Gardner in 1951, and in 1982 Elizabeth Taylor had her 7th divorce from politician John Warner. Birthdays: Marie Curie in 1867, Billy Graham in 1918, and Joni Mitchell in 1943 (My friend Bill Smail LOVED Joni Mitchell! Probably still does!). My friend April’s son Chris is celebrating a birthday today – basking in the warm sun of Florida! Happy birthday, Chris!

TOMORROW November 8 is:

• National Cappuccino Day
• National Harvey Wallbanger Day
• National Parents as Teachers Day 
• National STEM/STEAM Day

I don’t know what you are going to do tomorrow, but I am going to have faith, have fun, play outside, watch Hallmark movies, read great books, think about those I love MOST in the world, and take the first step into the rest of my life! As Nate would say: NO DEBBIE DOWNERS! God bless —-

Although I did take an early walk, I ended up taking two walks today. Jeannette store was busy; Greensburg not as much. So after a quick bowl of soup I met Teresa at the Youngwood Train Station and we walked the Five Star Trail extension up past the Community College and over to end end at Ambrust. It was a beautiful day and we could catch up. We miss not getting together more often! Below are photos:

I listened to Greg from Vanderbilt church. He talked about the issues in Acts being so similar in principle to those of 2020. Human nature is not spiritual nature, and we tend to filter things through our own viewpoint. Opinions split churches, neighborhoods, families. Our job is not to take control; it’s to sew the seeds. What have you done to intentionally sew seeds? Is your personal ‘church’ active or passive? Get back to the mission: It’s God’s will that we be set apart and sanctified. Part of what we can do is live morally, test everything, and avoid every evil. Turn off the TV and get into the Word! Then, share!

On this day in1860 Abraham Lincoln was elected the 16th president, and in 1861 Jefferson Davis was elected for a six year term as confederate president. Elizabeth Warren was elected the first female senator of Massachusetts in 2012. John Philip Sousa was born in 1854, and 1946 Sally Field was born. My favorite roll of hers (other than the Flying Nun – have I given away my age here???) was Kate in KISS ME GOODBYE! I highly recommend it!

TOMORROW November 7 is:

• National Bison Day
• National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day
• National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
• National Play Outside Day – I intend to!

Enjoy tomorrow – get outside and play, eat Chocolate, and maybe avoid Bison….. God bless!