I woke Chrissy this morning so she could log in to school, then went out for my early walk. Very balmy and bright morning. I changed the shower curtain and used the old one to tie around the decretive planter on the deck. Ready for winter! Chris did her school work and I went out and started on the leaves. She came out and helped during her break, and we got it all cleaned up. I cut the grass afterwards so we’re good for now. Another strong wind and more leaves will come down.
Covered the flowersLeaf bags – but only part of them….My helper – but I’m left holding the bag!!!
Last night Chrissy’s knee was hurting so I heated up George – our ‘rice bag’ lamb. He climbed in bed and waited for her and they cozied up together for the night.
George
I listened to Rod at Martin’s Ferry today. It was a continuation of 2 weeks ago, ‘What does faith look like?’ He talked about Abraham. Sometimes we want to do great things for God, but maybe He just wants us to live our lives for Him. This week it was about Miriam & David. They danced! The were so excited about what God was doing that they worshiped with music and dancing. We need to walk by faith – it’s amazing what Gad can do in your life if you just let him. The heart of God dances, so Dance! Live a devoted life, praising God!
On this day in 1913 Vivien Leigh (Scarlett O’Hare in Gone with the Wind) was born, and in 1977 George W. Bush married Laura Welch.
Since I was off work sick yesterday I went in today. There was surprisingly quite a bit to do, and by the time I picked up necessary groceries (having missed my 6am Tuesday run!) it was almost 2pm when I got home. My back was still a little stiff and sore – I must have slept wrong on Monday night. But my morning walk seemed to help that a little.
After lunch I carefully and slowly took the lawn furniture down and storied it in the shed for the winter. I moved the reindeer out of the way first and moved them to the front, so they will be ready for their December appearance. Then I did some cleaning, had a salad, and hope to iron once I do this.
Reindeer – but they’re still in storage….
I listened to Steve at Maplewood Presbyterian this afternoon, and he talked about Jesus leading us, and preparing us to follow him. The leaders of His day – and also our day! – wanted fame and authority, and they loaded burdens on the people but they avoided those burdens and responsibilities themselves. The leaders liked to show off, but didn’t practice faith. But Jesus said the greatest should be the servants. Jesus didn’t come to abolish the law, but to fulfill the law. Jesus also told us his load is light; we should exchange our heavy burdens for His light one. We need to be filled with the fruits of righteousness not just APPEARANCE of righteousness. Our trees should produce fruit and reflect Jesus. A poor tree does not produce fruit – we should not ‘fake’ fruit! When we come to him, it should be in humility and worship. “I give you MYSELF, Lord!”
Steve from Maplewood
On this day in 1856 James Buchanan was elected 15th president of US – and our only PENNSYLVANIA president! Lots of birthdays. In 1879, Will Rogers was born, Walter Cronkite in 1916, and Art Carney in 1918. He played Ed Norton on ‘The Honeymooners’ – one of my dad’s favorite shows. In fact we always thought Dad looked a lot like Jackie Gleason! Matthew McConaughey was born in 1969, and Mary Todd Lincoln married Abraham Lincoln in 1842.
Ed and RalphJames Buchanan – I think he looks like Ebenezer Scrooge!
Eat a donut, enjoy the predicted beautiful fall day, and be a blessing to someone! And make sure your tree is bearing the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control! God bless…. Have a fruit salad and share it liberally!
Election day! I know it won’t put all of our issues and distresses to rest, but maybe some of the campaign ads will be gone. I did vote this afternoon at a local church. They had the entrance decorated in festive fall foliage, and I enjoyed that.
Word of Life church
The funny little start to my day was that I was talking to my sister on the phone when my alarm went off. I could hear it ringing on my end but she couldn’t. When we hung up, I shut off the alarm and then scrolled to look at my emails. I found this: ‘SEE HOW YOU CAN GET RID OF THAT RINGING IN YOUR EARS’ …. Amazing. How do they KNOW?
Today my oldest grandson turned 15. He is an amazing young man, very energetic, talented, creative, quick-witted, sensitive, faith-focused, and motivated. I have enjoyed watching him grow and learn and mature, and can’t wait to see what God has for him in his life. I love you, Peyton, and wish the best for you in everything you do! I’ll just share some pictures…
King Bacon and PeytonBatter up!My Tazz-puppy with PeytonAt Hanna’s TownBaby Logan with big brother PeytonLogan and Chase on PeytonBaby giraffe Peyton where he loves to be..At Ft Ligonier
Paul from River Hill spoke on the Rich Young Ruler: The One Thing That you Lack. It breaks down into several categories. 1) What do we desire? Solomon desired Wisdom, David wanted to be close to God, Paul wanted to gain Christ; to PRESS ON – forgetting what is behind and pressing on to the prize. We need to listen to Jesus. 2) One Thing is missing – We are unwilling to surrender all; let go and focus on following Jesus. 3) Jesus has the answers. We put our peace in things/people instead of Jesus. The one thing we need to do is follow Jesus. If Jesus had that conversation with you, what would He tell you that you lack? What should you set aside to follow Him? We must live to people see Jesus in us.
Paul at River Hill
On this day in 1868 Ulysses S Grant won presidential election, and in 1911 Chevrolet officially entered the automobile market in competition with the Ford Model T; in 1956 the Wizard of Oz made its television premier – I was six years old! Sharing a birthday with Peyton is Charles Bronson in 1921. Annie Oakley died in 1926, and in 1990 Mary Martin died at age 76. She played Mary Martin in the televised ‘play’ version of Peter Pan – and still remains my favorite Peter Pan of all!
Started the morning with a fun txt message, but also with snow! Just a dusting, but still. It’s only the 2nd. After work I came home and started a big pot of Stuffed Pepper soup. April is coming for supper and it’s a cool (but sunny) day. I also added a piece of leafy garland to the light string on the back of the couch (my sister’s garland inspired me!). It looks very stunning and festive!
First Snow of the 20/21 season!Stuffed pepper soupTable is all setLeafy garland added to the lights on the couch
April and I had a great visit – as it always the case – and we covered every topic from work to kids/grandkids to houses and being lonely and keeping busy and vacations — It was a fun night! We had the soup and garlic breadsticks and a salad, and I bakes a few of those pre-made cookies for dessert. It’s a blessing to have dear friends to spend time with, and it’s also very rare these days! A big thanks to April for spending her evening with me.
I listened to a guest speaker at First Baptist this afternoon. The message was about the first commandment. God wants a relationship with us; He must be first above all else. God not only made us in His image, but also bought us with a price, the death of His only son. Do you do allow other gods to take precedence in your life? Where is your center; where do you go when you need rest? What is most important to you? We must set our minds on things above, not on things of earth. God expects nothing less.
Guest minister at First Baptist
On this day in 1898 Johnny Campbell led the crowd in cheering for the University of MN – first cheerleaders! Quite a stretch from the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders!!! 1907 banker J P Morgan locked over 40 bankers in his library to force them to find ways to avert the NY banking crisis. (Glad I didn’t have to sit in on THAT meeting!!!) In 1983 president Ronald Reagan signed a bill designating a national holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “THRILLER” by Michael Jackson went worldwide. Lots of birthdays today. 1734 was Daniel Boone, who was born in Reading Pennsylvania. Marie Antoinette (“Let them eat cake!”) was born in 1755. Our 11th president James K Polk was born in 1795, and the 29th president Warren G Harding in 1865. Burt Lancaster was born in 1913. And my cousin Gwen’s daughter (Gwen is a skunk hollow girl!) Tara Louise Sadler is celebrating today! Happy birthday Tara!
Gwen and TaraJohnny and his cheerleaders!
TOMORROW November 3 is:
Election day!!! If you haven’t already, be sure to VOTE!!!
Regardless of the results of the elections tomorrow, stay strong, faithful, and commit to praying every day for our country and their leaders! God bless!
It’s a brand new month – it will get colder and the daylight is shorter now with the time change. I slept well last night and wasn’t in a hurry to crawl out of bed this morning. It was a low-key day. I did some small things in the house, took down the outside Halloween decorations and packed them away. Then I came inside and started the transformation from Halloween to Thanksgiving.
Orange lights on the couch to replace the purple onesThe orange lights in the ‘dark’Orange lights on the bookcase (again, replacing the purple!)The witch’s house is now a pilgrim house!!
Kyle’s message from Hempfield church was about the church choosing between messages about condemnation or Grace. He shared examples and scriptures and exhorted us to sit in God’s grace. Sit and absorb the fact that GOD LOVES US ALL THE TIME. NO MATTER WHAT. We live out the message we carry within us, so we need to live Jesus. He forgives ALL sins – there is no line in the sand that says we should be unredeemabley condemned for a choice or lifestyle or decision. We need to Embrace the grace of God. His grace transforms and changes us, and we don’t need to stand in condemnation. Grace is free to all of us. If we accept God’s grace, we will be transformed to follow Him and live for Him. We don’t have to live in a condemned state and feel guilty. He loves us, all the time!
Kyle at Hempfield
On this day in in 1800 John Adams became the first US president to live in the White House. In 1971 The Eisenhower dollar was put into circulation. In 1997 the TITANIC premiered, staring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet (I really like her as an actress!). Gary Player (golfer) was born in 1935.
My morning started at 27* at 7am. I did not walk outside. But the sunrise was beautiful, clear and sunny and cold. Kath and I went to Smicksburg for the day. It was good for us because it was SO not crowded, but that can’t be good for business. The next two weekends are Christmas Open Houses so maybe they will have a little better turnout. We did a little shopping, both of us getting something fun. Me and my stars! I got a lovely floor stand, and hung a little star solar lantern on it.
Frost on the roof – sun in the sky!My star stand.New friend outside the Drying Shed – my favorite store!
We took some pictures of ‘fall’ and enjoyed the hills and the beauty around us. We walked up to the cabin but that was not quite so beautiful – so sad to see the detrition. Took a photo of mom’s old ‘homestead’, where my grandparents lived and where Mom grew up. Peaceful and serene. We had lunch at Smicksburg Country Store – their hot dogs are so good! Kathy bought some soup mixes and I got chocolate covered pretzels and double dipped chocolate covered peanuts. Both are very yum. And we both got cheese. Visited quickly with Allen/Bonnie, and with Gail, then headed home.
By the Christmas shopSlow moving traffic!Grama Crooks’ house – much changed!Smicksburg Country Store – parking lotOutside the Drying ShedResident cat at the Smicksburg Country Store
Chrissy came over and did a little trick or treating around the block, then I took her to Jaime’s to watch spooky movies with Autumn, Penny, and Josie. It was a very nice day, and I feel doubly blessed to enjoy the glorious day and spend it with my sister! And our October Blue Moon was bright and brilliant!
Spooky looking full moon for Halloween
I didn’t get a chance to talk about REBECCA, the movie that Kathy, Paul and I watched. It was very good, a little Goth-like spooky, a great remake! Kathy had fun snacks – chips and cookies and a cheese ball and cheese/pretzels and popcorn. And candles glowing for atmosphere!
The lights and garland on Kathy’s back deck – see the reflection in the window! Spooky!Movie snacks – better than the Manos!
Rod was not preaching this week, but the guest minister talked about Christian’s place in government. We are subject to their authority over us, and we must pay taxes. But the government has a responsibility to us, as well. Both sides struggle with these principles. We think WE have to do something or all is lost, but that is not so. GOD is in control. He set the course of this world. We are the ones who create the chaos. The problems lie within the hearts of man. We need to pray, for our leaders and our country and ourselves.
On this day in 1541 Michelangelo finished painting The Last Judgement on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and in 1918 the Spanish flu killed 21,000 people in the US in a single week. Juliette Low – founder of the girl scouts – was born in 1860, and Vanilla Ice was born in 1967. Harry Houdini died in 1926, and Sean Connery died at age 90 in 2020.
I can’t believe October is over tomorrow! It’s gone by so fast; but even by saying that, this year has been unending! I know it’s because of the uncertainty and unrest and confusion – and even loneliness. We can’t resume our normal, comfortable activities, and hugs, and celebrations. We all need that, and I’m actively praying for an end to the ‘social distancing’!!!
Hugs are necessary for survival!!!
After my walk this morning, I took everything out from under my bed. I don’t usually store things under my beds, except for luggage. But I have little bins with my shoes in them stuck under my bed, and it just seemed jumbled and confusing. I took it all out, cleaned everything and dusted well under there, and went through every pair of shoes. I discovered I am no longer comfortable wearing higher healed shoes, or loose fitting no-sole-support shoes. So I have a big bag of shoes to pass along. I also cleaned out my pantry shelves. It’s nice and organized now and I know what I have. Good thing I did that, because I realized I was almost out of ketchup, and that can’t happen!
Organized pantry shelves….
I just sat down to look through some of my reference books about Colonial history and the celebration of Christmas. I told Pam at Hanna’s Town I would see if I could come up with some good ideas about a holiday program. Not sure if I have anything exciting, though. A project for the next few days!
During lunch I listened to Steve at Maplewood. I love sermons that share information that I had never heard before. Thanks Steve! The linage from Abraham to Jesus — interesting insight! But he talked about the Pharisees trying to undermine Jesus with three questions in the temple, days before his death. He compared those 3 questions to the 3 temptations of Jesus after his baptism. Like his ministry began and ended with his identity being challenged. But Jesus is the Son of God. When he was asked what the greatest commandment was, he shared that it was to love God, and the 2nd greatest love your neighbor. Those two commandments encompassed the entire law! If Jesus is Lord, than nothing else is. Sometimes we choose our own agenda to be lord instead of Him. This world is in a battle over claiming our lives. Will we let God reign, or take control of ourselves?
Steve from Maplewood
On this day in 1873 PT Barnum’s GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH debuted in NYC. In 1938 A Radio broadcast by Orson Wells (written by H G Wells) – WAR OF THE WORLDS – caused mass panic. In 1952 Clarence Birdseye sold his first packages of frozen peas. Steve Allen died in 2000, and Robert Goulet (my mom’s favorite singer!) died in 2007. Christopher Columbus was born in 1451, John Adams (2nd president) in 1735, and Ivanka Trump in 1981. And here’s an interesting fact on Charlie Brown: he is the only character to appear in the first Peanuts comic strip from October 2, 1950, and the last one from February 13, 2000. According to a 1950 comic strip, his birthday is on October 30.
Happy 70th birthday Charlie Brown! You’ve aged very well! Charlie and I were born in the same year – but I’m a few months older! Have fun Trick-or-Treating tomorrow. Be safe and stay warm, be kind and share joy! God bless…
Didn’t sleep well last night, so I slept in just a bit and then went straight into work. Stopped to get ingredients to make stuffed pepper soup on Monday. After lunch I put a heavy blanket on the Crooks room bed in preparation for potential winter guests, then cleaned out a few closets and drawers.
Stuffed pepper soup
Even though I’ve seen it several times, I watched CHRISTMAS LOVE STORY on Hallmark. It’s another one that always makes me cry at the end. I think it’s very well written.
I love this movie!
Tonight I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning. The message was entitled Who am I and why am I here? Here are some notes. The throne of our heart changes when we are a child of God. God exposes who we really are, and we have to center on Jesus. People don’t want to be exposed, and have to face their sins and failings. God will supply our needs, strength, grace, forgiveness. He notices what we need! Always be grateful – God doesn’t HAVE to give us anything, but he wants to – He can make our ‘sorry’ self beautiful. Just be available and God will use you; it’s reasonable. We need to see ourselves, see God, and do what he wants us to do!
Micah from Old Mahoning
On this day in 1618 Walter Raleigh was beheaded for treason, and in 1682 William Penn landed in Chester, PA. Winona Ryder was born in 1971, and in 1951 Frank & Nancy Sinatra filed for divorce.
Today was a productive day. I waited until afternoon to take my walk because it was raining in the morning. Got started on cleaning pretty early, took my time, and enjoyed my clean house. When I did walk, I stopped to take some photos of leafy yards in my neighborhood.
My front yardMy front yardThe back of my house from Partridge – That big tree and leaves are in my back neighbor’s yardPartridgeQuail
I decided to try my hand at making chicken pot pie. I have never made a pot pie in my life! I just made up the recipe as I went along and it really was good. And as it makes a whole pie I will have plenty for a few more meals. I finished my sewing project, then Mark came to hook up the CD player. It’s slightly different from the other one but I’ll get used to it. It works perfectly! I’m very excited!
I will share Greg Voss’s message – he is the director at Camp Christian and was guest speaker at Hempfield last Sunday. He talked about the challenges of taking on a very new and different job in the midst of the COVID restrictions. But God is faithful; when he calls us to do something he’ll support us. He also talked about WHAT IS GOD UP TO? We know that our faith will be challenged; it’s always been that way. We can’t assume we always have the answers. Look to God; don’t solve the world’s issues by the world’s ways, and don’t accept the world the way it is. Seek God. Our hearts are unsettled by what’s going on around us. We don’t stand in our own strength. God takes care of things; we do it together with God.
On this day in 1793 Eli Whitney applied for a patent on the Cotton Gin, and in 1858 Macy & Company opened its first store in NYC – Gross receipts totaled $11.06!! Jonas Salk was born in 1914, Bill Gates in 1955, and Julia Roberts in 1967. Abigail Adams (2nd first lady) died at age 73 in 1818.
I think I’ll keep this short tonight. Started my day with Kath at our 6am Walmart grocery run, took a walk, and went to work. Not much going on there. My friend sent me her critique on my Christmas story, and I made the edits. I’m excited because I think it turned out pretty good! I did a few sewing projects and pressed them off. My CD player came today. My cousin Mark is going to help me hook it up tomorrow.
Christmas Deer
Kath and I are going to watch the newly released version of REBECCA on Friday, so I watched the old black and white version this afternoon. The one directed by Alfred Hitchcock. I’ll be excited to see how the two compare.
So amazing!!!
I listed to First Baptist today – they still have guest speakers because Bram is still recovering from his surgery. Two people shared the message. First was the fact that we are blessed to have the right to direct access to God – we need no intercessor but Jesus. But we also have a responsibility to others. There is no greater blessing than helping people find their talents and ministries, then watch them flourish. We need each member to help us use our spiritual gifts. We can’t do it alone. You need to ‘do you’ as the new saying goes these days. USE YOUR GIFT! Your talent is God’s gift to you; how you use it is your gift to God!
First Baptist Church of Greensburg
On this day in 1682 Philadelphia is founded by William Penn, and in 1947 YOU BET YOUR LIFE with Groucho Marx premiered. Walt Disney’s first TV Show, DISNEYLAND, premiered in 1954, and in 2014 Taylor Swift (again!) released a new album – her 5th – called 1989. Theodore Roosevelt, 26th president, was born in 1858, and he married Alice Lee on his 22nd birthday. Sonny and Cher were married in 1964, and Cher wore bell-bottoms.
There are so many wonderful things to celebrate every day – God’s blessings is high on the list, but so is National Chocolate Day! Indulge and enjoy! God bless…..
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