This morning my outside walk was postponed until after I mixed up the dough for 5 loaves of homemade bread – Grama Crooks’ recipe. I do this for every holiday and my family expects it! And a slice fresh out of the oven will be my supper!

When I did take my walk, I saw the strangest thing. I believe I have seen our first Christmas Tree fatality of the season. Surely it’s too soon for a discarded Christmas Tree, but alas! Whatever could it mean? I almost felt like knocking on the door and asking WHY??? Their house on the outside was very much decorated, and I know there are young children in the house. Very sad, and unexplained…

I listened to several messages this morning but will share Paul’s from River Hill. It was about heavenly excitement. After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, an angel appeared to certain shepherds in the fields, announcing the birth of the Christ child. 1) – The shepherds were open to the good news – people in ‘charge’ weren’t ready for Jesus, or to accept his arrival. 2) All heaven was excited – for SUDDENLY there was a host of angels singing! Just like they couldn’t help themselves and wanted to join the celebration – possibly not even planned! 3) Excitement was contagious. The shepherds RAN into the city and told the good news to everyone. WE need to be excited, too, and share Jesus. This is God’s best gift – at Christmas or any time! JOY to the WORLD!

On this day in 1812 Rumpelstiltskin was published, written by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. In 1920 Bob Hope became an American Citizen, having been born in London England in 1903. It’s a Wonderful Life premiered in NY in 1946, and Harvey in 1950 (both starred Jimmy Stewart, an Indiana, PA native!). In 1957 Elvis Presley received his draft notice – (Dear 53310761! Does anyone else know what that is???). In 2007 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II becomes the oldest ever monarch of the United Kingdom, surpassing Queen Victoria, who lived for 81 years, 7 months and 29 days. Harvey Firestone (Firestone Tire & Rubber, where the rubber hits the road!) was born in 1868; Sacagawea died at age 24 in 1812, John Steinbeck in 1968 at age 66, and Walt Disney’s brother Roy in 1971 at age 78. Bobby Darin died in 1973 at age 37 from a heart attack, and in 1993 Donald Trump married Marla Maples. Renee Zellweger had her marriage to Kenny Chesney annulled after 4 months in 2005.

TOMORROW December 21 is:

• Crossword Puzzle Day
• Humbug Day (Related to Ebenezer Scrooge???)
• National Maine Day
• Phileas Fogg Win A Wager Day
• Winter Solstice –
• National Flashlight Day – Day of Winter Solstice
• National French Fried Shrimp Day
• National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day –
• Yule –
• Anne & Samantha Day

I’m going to sign off and go listen to Patty Buschek in concert. Have a great week! God Bless….

Early rise this morning, changed bedsheets and then made a quick run out for a few things needed to bake cookies. Autmn’s cookies for her Florida trip are done and packed in containers for her journey. Then I decided to make Russian Tea Cakes, which I haven’t made in at least a decade! They really turned out better than I thought they would. The freezer is now full and I can’t even fit an ice cube in there!

I went back over to pick Autmn up in Scottdale, and the bright sun on the snow glistened like jewels. What wonderful views off in the distance. Her friend has different types of animals running around. The goats were tucked away, but the rooster and the turkey were eyeing me up!

Today I am sharing Bram’s message from First Baptist – 3rd Sunday of Advent: Love: Unwrapping Christmas. The message of Christmas lasts all year long. Don’t just think about Jesus at Christmas. The more we unwrap God’s gift the more we understand the redemptive nature of the event. We know this baby was the Son of God who gave his life for sinful mankind. People did not recognize the uniqueness of Jesus’ birth. God is not a tyrant; Jesus is not trying to deceive us. Don’t respond to this gift out of fear, but out of faith. The greatest message in the Christmas story is DON’T BE AFRAID. Unwrapping God’s Christmas gift will reveal this child who will bring salvation to all who believe. From the manger to the cross: God with us. His love is greater than we can ever know.

On this day in 1732 Ben Franklin began publishing Poor Richard’s Almanac. In 1776 Thomas Paine published his 1st “American Crisis” essay beginning “These are the times that try men’s souls”.   In 1843 A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens was published, and in 1941 Adolf Hitler took command of the German Army. In 1998 US House of Representatives votes to impeach President Bill Clinton, forwarding the articles of impeachment to the Senate for a trial. Alyssa Milano was born in 1972, and Emily Bronte died at age 30 from tuberculosis in 1848. In1995 Queen Elizabeth asks Prince Charles and Princess Diana to divorce.

TOMORROW December 20 is:

• National Sangria Day
• Mudd Day

Tomorrow is also the day that Patty Buschek will give an online piano and vocal concert at 3pm. It will be one of the highlights of my holiday season and I can’t wait. Find some joy in your world, and enjoy this last week before Christmas! God bless…

This has been a good – but busy – day! We left for Smicksburg about 9am – Kath and Deb and I. Sad to say a lot of the shops are closing, decreasing inventory, or having limited hours. Our first stop was Donna’s Country store, and we got the double dipped chocolate covered peanuts that we wanted and a few other things. She always has a few trees up in her shop. When we crossed the street to the next place we met a buggy coming up main street.

Once we got back home, I took Autmn to her friend’s in Scottdale. It’s such a lovely, back-country roads drive. Now that I know the way and am not afraid of getting lost in the middle of nowhere, I enjoy going. Came home and did two loads of laundry, mixed up scones to ‘rest’ overnight and bake in the morning, then did cinnamon rolls. I will ice those in the morning. I’ll grab a light supper and be done!

I’m sharing Mike’s message from Hempfield about Zacchaeus. We might not consider Zacchaeus a Christmas message, but Jesus did come to seek and save the lost, and Zacchaeus was definitely in need of saving! 1) He was a sinner – morally, intellectually, and socially lost. 2) He was a seeker; wanted to see who Jesus was, so was aware of Him. He was continually seeking, not just once. He didn’t let anything stand in his way! 3) He was sought. Jesus sought Zacchaeus and called him by name. God calls sinners to come home… even though none of us deserve that. Jesus seeks us! Zacchaeus repented and received grace and truth. 4) He is saved. We are all called to repentance, but how do we respond? Christianity changes us to our core. If he’s not Lord of all, he’s not Lord AT all. Zacchaeus went from being a ‘getter’ to a giver. Jesus uses US to seek others and lead them to Him. Jesus came to seek and to save. That’s why he was born.

On this day in 1799 George Washington’s body was interred at Mt. Vernon, and in 1963 The Pink Panther premiered (totally funny movie!). Dr Seuss’s HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS first aired on CBS in 1996. YOU’VE GOT MAIL premiered in 1998 (I love that movie!) Steven Spielberg was born in 1946, Brad Pitt in 1963, and Christina Aguilera in 1980. Zsa Zsa Gabor died at age 99 in 2016.

TOMORROW December 19 is:

• National Hard Candy Day
• National Oatmeal Muffin Day
• National Wreaths Across America Day – 

Countdown: Less than a week before Christmas! Hope you have the important things done! Have a great weekend. God bless…

Got up this morning to a PILE of snow – everywhere! I was just finishing a quick breakfast when Diane txt and said she’d come over and help. Never turn down the offer of strong arms and a friendly helper! We got most of it done – I finished the little parking space later. Made a quick trip out to put gas in the car, then went to Kathy’s to make cookies. We both did double batches and enjoyed spending the time together.

Combined with less sleep two nights in a row, shoveling heavy snow, and baking cookies, I am glad to be done! I came home and swiffered the floors (tramping in and out with wet snowboots did a number on them!), and now I am finishing this last task before making some dinner.

I will share Rod’s message from Martin’s Ferry. The first Noel – God said, ‘Today you have become my Son’. The one who MADE the universe had become the Son of God. Before, God had used the prophets to speak to his people; now he would use his Son. When the time was exactly right, God stepped down! Hold to the faith – Jesus is Lord! Don’t ever let go of this – approach the throne with boldness and confidence — you will find mercy! God sent his Son- he is our salvation.

On this day in1903 The Wright brothers made the 1st sustained motorized aircraft flight at 10:35 AM, piloted by Orville Wright at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. In 1989 “The Simpsons” created by Matt Groening, premiered on Fox TV as a full animated series with the episode, “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire”. And in 2017 “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” toke more than $450m worldwide in its opening weekend, 2nd largest opening in North America ($220m). Penny Marshall (Laverne and Shirley) died at age 75 in 2018, and my cousin Perry is celebrating a birthday today! Happy birthday, Perry! Wishing you a wonderful birthday and a very happy year!

TOMORROW December 18 is:

• National Twin Day
• National Roast Suckling Pig Day
• Answer The Telephone Like Buddy The Elf Day (I hope TONS of people do that!)
• National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
• Underdog Day– Wonder if this is Underdog the movie! It is so totally fun!

One week until Christmas. Do something fun – enjoy every second, embrace the joy! Love love love! God bless….

Started the day on the treadmill, then got to work house cleaning. It’s actually so fun cleaning in December, because as I go from room to room and furniture to furniture, I see the lovely pieces that each mean something special to me. Some things I’ve had since I was in high school (antiques!!!) and some newly purchased; some gifts and some homemade and some that just called my name as I walked past, and they ended up in my shopping cart! All of them festive and fun and fabulous!

It started to snow, right as predicted, at 10am. The flakes were light and small and took a while to accumulate. Then suddenly they were puffy and huge and coming down like blankets. I shoveled the driveway once but when I was done you couldn’t tell. I cleaned everything off, but the poor hungry deer had no grass to munch. Hope they like snow! Chrissy and her friend Hope walked over, and I drove them home. The roads were not cleared and very slippery. Glad it was only 1.27 miles! I will have to shovel again in the morning. No use doing it tonight as it’s to continue snowing. Can’t deny that it’s beautiful!

I don’t mean to be mysterious, but I sort of accidently discovered something last night from a txt message that gave me pause. I felt confused and disappointed and it will undoubtedly take some time to process the information and make friends with my feelings again. It did teach me that I’m stronger than I thought, and I can look forward with a happy outlook no matter what! So that’s something! Just not sure where ‘forward’ will lead!!!

I am sharing Steve’s message from Maplewood: Joy! John was a point of light, and he declared that ‘among you stands one who you do not know.’ No one knew that Jesus was the Son of God; it was not obvious. We are ordinary and do not always recognize the obvious. We need to pray that the holy spirit will open our hearts and mind and thoughts to God. The unknown one says ‘Follow ME’ – we should set about our tasks and it will be revealed to us who he is. We don’t have to be impressive, just humble. Celebrate with JOY!

On this day in 1913 Charlie Chaplin’s film career began at Keystone for $150.00 a week, and in 1946 Christian Dior’s fashion house was founded. Shirley Temple announced her retirement from films in 1950 at age 22. In 2019 Mariah Carey’s single “All I Want For Christmas Is You” reaches No. 1, 25 years after release. Wilhelm Grimm (Grimm’s Fairy Tales) died in 1859 at age 73; Colonel Sanders ( 90) died in 1980. Shirley Temple married Charles Alden Black in 1950 (the day she retired – do you think there might be a connection???), and in 1809 Napoleon Bonaparte divorced Josephine. Ludwig van Beethoven was born in 1770 (I’m sure Schroeder is celebrating that today!) and Jane Austen in 1775. Two friend birthdays: Michele Garlits Sterling (we attended Hempfield Church together years ago!), and Natalie Susa (my prayer partner from HCC!). Have a great day ladies! Celebrate with JOY!

TOMORROW December 17 is:

• National Maple Syrup Day
• Wright Brothers Day

Even with the slippery roads and buried lights and covered driveway to shovel, enjoy the beauty of the snow! One of God’s gifts! God bless…

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

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

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

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

TOMORROW December 16 is:

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

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

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

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

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

Kelly Hancher:

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

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

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

TOMORROW December 15 is:

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOMORROW December 14 is:

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOMORROW December 13 is:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOMORROW December 12 is:

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

I just realized I skipped a day!

December 11 was:

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

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