The morning started out with a beautiful sunrise, yellow and red and pink. It was like a calming. I walked up around several blocks and found this scary pumpkin head watching all of us going by! I worked both stores, came home and did laundry, and listened to a few messages. I also edited my Christmas story and sent it off to be critiqued by a fellow author. Can’t wait for her comments. Then I heard the mailman go past, and found a fun little card in my mail – it’s always a pleasure to get hugs, happy thoughts, and smiles in the mail. Ahhhhh.

I am sharing Greg’s message from Vanderbilt. It’s a continuation of MISSION CONTROL (The mission of the Church) from Acts. The question he asked was ‘What can we do? Who have we talked to about Jesus? Shared Jesus with? Invited to church?’ Then the answer is …. (at the end). Sometimes the things that you feel can destroy you can be what refocuses and refines you. Don’t let circumstances destroy you, then them refresh and strengthen you. We are all one and all equal in Christ. So the answer to the questions is: You have NO SAY-SO in who hears the gospel. It’s for everyone! And it’s your responsibility to share it! The blood of Christ breaks down the barriers. Get the message out!

On this day in 1881 Gunfight at OK Corral – the most famous shoot-out in the wild west. In 1949 US President Harry Truman increased minimum wage from 40 center to 75 cents – can you even imagine living on that wage? In 1972 Guided tours of Alcatraz began. In 1947 Hillary Clinton was born, and 1967 Keith Urban was born (I love his music!!!)

TOMORROW October 27 is:

• National American Beer Day
• Navy Day (245th birthday of the US Navy)
• National Black Cat Day

The most important thing you can do is share Christ. It’s eternally important. But seeing how fun it is to get a card in the mail – why not send one to someone YOU care about? God bless…

Today, Bud would have been eighty-four. Miss you still, my friend! And you would undoubtedly say: “Two months until Christmas day!”

I looked out my window first thing this morning to see a ringneck (pheasant) ‘stuck’ between the fences! It wasn’t really stuck because it was open at both ends; but it didn’t seem to be able to figure out an escape route. It kept pacing up and down the stones. I finally went out and made some noise, and it ran down the hill and across the yard. I certainly have had my fair share of ‘wildlife’ in my yard this fall!

I made a list this morning and got several things checked off! One thing I didn’t get done was to make potato soup. That ship sailed; no time left tonight. So maybe tomorrow when I get home. I did, however, patch the Peanuts blanket that belonged to my Grama Steiner 40 plus years ago, and washed it. I also made a scarf out of the softest material, and it had stars on it. It shed so bad it looked like it snowed in the sewing room, and by the time I was done I had to sweep the whole house! I also made a quick trip to the mall for a cake of pine-scented Christmas soap, but alas. No pine. Maybe closer to Christmas. 🙁

The message today is from Paul at River Hill. He finished up the last verses of the 23rd Psalm. This sermon was very good, and I learned some things I hadn’t known, and it was also laced with enough humor to drive the points home in a different way. The Lord, our Shepherd, is our rock! Often we call on him only when we are in need, but he’s always there. Even as God punishes and corrects us, he has a plan to prosper and protect. 1) God restores us; takes old, broken ‘us’ and makes us new. 2) Guides us on the right paths. Left to ourselves we would be lost and in trouble. Jesus is with us through the valleys – in sadness, heartache, and even death. He overcomes death. He keeps us on the right path. 3) Prepares a table for us, a safe place for rest and food, until our lives overflow with goodness. And the promise is that as we follow our Shepherd all our days, we will dwell in His house forever. Amen.

On this day in 1760 George III became King of Great Britain (he was our royal nemesis!); in 1964 The Rolling Stones were on the Ed Sullivan show for the first time. Taylor Swift released her third album in 2010. Sharing a birthday with Bud are Pablo Picasso in 1881 and Katy Perry in 1984. Roger Miller died at age 56 in 1992. In 1764 John Adams married Abigail Smith, a marriage that lasted 54 years! And in 1859 our future 21st president Chester A Arthur married Ellen Henderson.

TOMORROW October 26 is:

• National Financial Crime Fighter Day
• National Tennessee Day (My sister will love this one!)
• National Day of the Deployed
• National Mule Day
• National Pumpkin Day
• National Mincemeat Day

Are you restored by the Good Shepherd? Follow His paths and dwell with Him forever! God bless….

As Ron pointed out to me– 2 months from today is Christmas Eve. And it’s my turn to host(ess) this year. I should start planning now…

I started out the morning watching Chris play flag football in the rain! They unfortunately didn’t win, but they played a good game and Chris had a lot of really great plays! You go, girl! Congrats!

By the time I got to Hanna’s Town for the fall festival there was no trace of rain, but it was still cold. Pam had the kids’ crafts set up in the pavilion, which meant OUTSIDE. But the kids didn’t seem to mind at all! We had about ten young ones stop by, and they could make yarn dolls or decorate pumpkins with markers and stickers. Most of them wanted to make pumpkins and did a great job being creative. Our little policeman decorated his mom’s mask, as well, and his brother did a good job making a scene. I particularly like the cat sitting on the moon. One very creative and imaginative little guy named his pumpkin BOB, and put the moon at the top of the stem so it looked like it was ‘floating’. He had a long involved story about what happened to the pumpkin, including the fact that the black cat died, which was sad, but he died laughing so that was ok! He had it all worked out.

I took a break and walked around, snapping pictures of fun fall things. There was a ‘haunted path’ that had about a dozen signs explaining the origins and meanings of Halloween traditions. That was probably my favorite part. Proctor’s militia had set up camp, and they had the cabin in the stockade fitted for their stay, complete with a bunk and a fire in the new fireplace. The new LeFevre house has doors and windows now. The first year cabin was converted into a blacksmith shop and was very busy all afternoon. Other than being really cold and windy it was a very fun day!

Taking a quote out of JESUS CALLING – 50 devotions for PEACE (by Sarah Young), instead of listening to the media proclaim a steady stream of bad news all day every day, focus on the living WORD – let scripture saturate your mind and heart and walk steadily along the path of Life. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but we can be sure of our ultimate destination. We will be with Him in Glory.

On this day in 1861 West Virginia seceded from Virginia. Daniel Webster died at age 70 in 1852, Rosa Parks (girl on the bus) died at age 92 in 2005, and Fats Domino died in 2017 at age 89.

TOMORROW October 25 is:

• National Greasy Food Day (THAT I can DO!)
• Sourest Day
• National Mother-in-Law Day
• Chucky, The Notorious Killer Doll Day (Ugh – not for me!)

Have a blessed Lord’s day, as my mom used to always say – God bless…

Another beautiful fall day – so nice to be outside! I did laundry this morning, then went to share a piece of cake with my long-time friend Mike – Mike was working at Smail Auto in 1967 when I started there, so we go way back. His birthday is today and he’s still working (although neither of us are at Smail’s)! God bless him! Wishing him many more happy, healthy years ahead.

When I woke up yesterday morning, the house behind mine was maroon. When I got home from work, it was yellow. I know it’s a rental property and I heard he was hoping to finally sell it. But it was a surprise….

I sat on the deck in the warm sunshine and listened to Mike’s message from Hempfield, still in Acts (chapter 13 now). Talks about the church being a SENDING CHURCH. We are to send out people to share the gospel of Christ; God’s plan is that the church is for everyone, not just Jews or in Jerusalem. Some of the church’s strengths are: Diversity (it set them apart but brought them together; unity in Christ). Synergy (teamwork) The strength of two yoked together produce more than what the two could do combined working alone. Fasting and prayer. Laying on of hands; and those who ‘send out’ are the ones to accept accountability. We need to be willing to go, and willing to send. AS YOU GO, teach and share!

On this day in 1941 Walt Disney’s DUMBO is released, and in 1958 the Smurf’s made their debut. Sharing a birthday with Mike is Johnny Carson, born in 1925.

TOMORROW October 24 is:

• National Food Day (I love food!!!)
• National Bologna Day
• National Make A Difference Day
• United Nations Day

I still have a few projects – sewing, ironing, eating! – so I’m off to get something done. Have a happy weekend . . . God bless!

It was a beautiful morning for a long walk! Work was mildly busy but I had several stops on the way home – seems like I often do, these days. Bank, mulch, searching for a new CD player for my entertainment system. Ended up finding one online, thanks to Joe’s recommendation and my cousin Mark’s advise. A tad expensive but I cannot survive without my Christmas CD’s!!!

After all that was done, I raked the front yard and then spread 4 bags of mulch in the side flower bed. I cut the last of the dead flowers from that section, and don’t want them to come back. So I dug some of them out, put down plastic, and spread mulch. Hope that stifles or totally stops their return.

I listened to Steve from Maplewood, about wisdom; discernment. We should be very cautious in these times; there is deceit, lies, confusion, and agendas all around us, and it’s very hard to tell the truth from all of that. We are to be wise as serpents and as gentle as doves. In other words, be clever and wise enough to see the deceit around us, but not employ the deceit and lies as part of our own agendas. There is so much destruction when we try to deceive. Be very discerning and wise to the ways of the world; recognize that people are working for selfish gain. Don’t be crafty or deceiving; but be gentle. The world stands in opposition to God. Knowledge is not enough. We need WISDOM (goodness, kindness, truth!) WISDOM comes from God. Pray for wisdom.

On this day in 1906 Henry Ford became president of Ford Motor Company. In 1907 Ringling Brothers Greatest Show on Earth bought Barnum & Bailey Circus (Greatest Showman??? I loved that movie- especially the song A MILLION DREAMS!). In 1969 Paul McCartney denies rumors of his death (Somehow that doesn’t entirely make sense….) In 2008 Google Play is launched.

TOMORROW October 23 is:

• National Boston Cream Pie Day
• National Mole Day (Oh, joy – now if I only had a Mole….)
• National TV Talk Show Host Day  (Johnny Carson’s birthday)
• Swallows Depart from San Juan Capistrano Day
• iPod Day

Be wise, and listen to as much Christmas music as you can! Brings joy and happiness! God bless – – –

Cleaning day! First a walk, shower, breakfast. Emails. But by 3:30pm the house was spanking clean. I had time to go outside and finish cutting back the stalks and weeds on the left hill. All done and ready for winter. The sage is still growing so it may not get cut back until early spring. I’ll watch it.

My friend Diane’s daughter is making masks for a fundraiser for her daughter’s sports team, so she made some Snoopy ones. Di shared and I got my Snoopy mask tonight in a little zip lock bag with ‘Aunt Marge’ written across it! Lori was in my wedding (I think she was 5 or 6!) and still thinks of me as Aunt Marge. So fun! I had a quick chore to do, and Big Lots is a very real and present danger for me. They have the most unique and classy and unusual products! There were so many SNOOPY things. I did not buy even ONE! I did, however, get two place mats. For some reason I have been irrationally drawn to different place mats since last winter. These two, although they were with the Holiday displays, could be all year. Joy and Peace know no season!

I am watching the CMT Awards – Dan & Shay just won video duo for ‘I Should Probably go to Bed.’ Cool song. Happy for our Pittsburgh guys!!!

I listened to Rod at Martin’s Ferry tonight: What does Faith look like? It looks like Abraham, who is the father of our faith. Faith stands on the promises of God. Ironically, he never saw God’s promises fulfilled in his lifetime. He had faith that they WOULD be fulfilled. God said GO, and he did! He walked by faith. We need to follow God’s plan, not our own. The Christian life is always coming back to God. It’s in our DNA. God is pleased when we obey him, no matter what he has us doing. Abraham: That’s what faith looks like. BUT — not always . Tune in next week for part two of what faith looks like!

On this day in 1854 Florence Nightingale and 38 staff nurses were sent to Crimean war; in 1959 Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, opened in New York. Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) was born in 1956.

TOMORROW October 22 is:

• National Make a Dog’s Day
• National Nut Day
• National Color Day

So see if you can figure out what your own faith looks like; and check next week to see what Rod has to say about this! God bless – – –

6am Walmart; then a walk, then work and errands. Autmn was hungry for pineapple so I dropped some off at the house for her so it would be there when she got home from work. It was a cloudy but warm day, but my chores were inside so no yard work. Maybe tomorrow after the cleaning is done!

The sunrise was pretty this morning, even thought it wasn’t totally bright. And Snoopy shared his little words of joy today – I can think so several people who bring me job in my life; but the Joy of the Lord is my strength.

I listened to Greg’s message from Vanderbilt. He referred to Stephen in the book of Acts. Like Stephen, our countenance should reflect God within us. Don’t be fussing over the election and the candidates. We should be focused on our relationship to Jesus and sharing Him with those we come in contact with – the world desperately needed Jesus and his salvation. Often we brag on ourselves, our country, our lives. But we should be bragging on God! Find a framework to hang your faith on so that you can easily share God with those you meet; how will YOU share the gospel and be effective? Stay focused on what is important. Eternity is a long time to be wrong!

On this day in 1817 the first Mississippi SHOWBOAT left Nashville on its maiden voyage. In 1864 Abraham Lincoln formally established Thanksgiving as a National Holiday. Walter Cronkite hosted his first weekly documentary in 1957, and in 1979 John F. Kennedy Library was dedicated in Boston. Herbert Hoover (31st president) died in 1964 at age 90, Burt Lancaster died at age 80 in 1994, and Jane Wyatt died in 2006. Jacqueline Kennedy married Aristotle Onassis in 1968. Christopher Wren was born in 1632. Why should we know him? He was an architect that designed the Wren Building for the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg VA. Mickey Mantle was born in 1931, Snoop Dog in 1971, and my friend Dianne Gresham from childhood through all these years – from Hempfield church – is celebrating a birthday today. She is Autmn’s prayer partner and has had a huge influence in both Kelly’s and Nate’s lives. She is a strong, loving, gracious, faithful Christian woman and I’m glad to call her friend! Happy birthday Dianne!

TOMORROW October 21 is:

• National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day
• National Reptile Awareness Day
• BRA Day USA –
• Hagfish Day – (I can probably count on Ron to tell me what this is…)
• Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce –
• Medical Assistants Recognition Day 

Remember – over the next few weeks – keep your focus on what is important. Be kind, all the time! God bless. . . .

It’s hard to believe, but today was a totally uneventful day! I worked both stores, helped out Mike, got gas for the car and a book of stamps, then came home to eat a bowl of leftover potato soup. I did a load of laundry and started working on the story I am writing. It’s been a long time since I wrote anything of any length. This won’t be book length but more than 7 or 8 pages. It will take a while to write and edit.

My cousin Deb stopped for the last 3 books in the Jan Karon Mitford series. We talked for a while, and then I listened to First Baptist of Greensburg – Mac was the fill-in speaker. He talked about always speaking with Grace: staying sweet in a sour world. A kind word can build people up. To speak with grace you need to have grace in your heart. What’s inside comes out! 1 – you get grace through salvation; 2 – you need to completely submit. There are four tests for gracious speech: 1) Is it true? 2) is it complete information? 3) Is it necessary? 4) Is it kind? Then there are four choices you have to make and stick to: A) be determined to control your tongue (NOT easy!) B) Only say good things about other people. C) Remember your accountability D) Ask the Lord to help you. If you follow these guides you will be gracious of speech! Good advise!

On this day in 1512 Martin Luther becomes a doctor of theology. In 1782 Cornwallis (British forces) surrender to George Washington at Yorktown, ending the Revolutionary War, and in 1932 Henry Ford gave his first radio speech. (Not much happened anywhere today, apparently!!)

TOMMOROW October 20 is:

• National Youth Confidence Day
• National Brandied Fruit Day
• Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity
• National Pharmacy Technician Day –

I appreciated this message today, as everyone knows my mantra is IT’S BETTER TO BE KIND THAN TO BE RIGHT!!! Enjoy your day – God bless . . .

I waited until it warmed up this afternoon to take my walk. When I see frosty roofs out my bedroom window first thing in the morning I rearrange my day! Even though I spent so much time in the kitchen yesterday (not a favorite chore) I put together a big pan of roasted veggies. I had a little bowl when they were done – yum. I saw that St. Bruno’s was having a craft event outside so I drove over there. It was nice to be outside and see some festive wares for sale, but nothing caught my eye (or more to the point, my budget!). I drove down to Midway and walked the Five Star back up past the Waterworks. It was a nice afternoon for a walk. I made a new friend (photo below). When I came home I finished the right section of the garden on the hill. All that is left now is the left section. Hoping it won’t be too hard, as I already did the iris bed on that side.

I listened to Paul’s message this morning from River Hill. He will be doing a series on the 23rd Psalm. We did verses 1 & 2 this morning. He started out by reminding us how much we are like sheep. With each example I could see how this Psalm has been such an inspiration and comfort. His first point was that the Good Shepherd always gives us ALL we NEED – we always seem to want more or different things than what we have. But God provides. 2) God MAKES us lie down in green pastures. We are so stubborn that we want to keep on going, and are too stressed or distracted to sleep! 3) He leads us by quiet waters. We can get rest and refreshment from a quiet stream or pool – but would not be able to drink from, say Niagara Falls! God knows what we need. We need to stay close to the Shepherd and be guided by Him.

On this day in 1867 US took possession of Alaska from Russia ($7.2 Million); in 1931 Gangster Al Capone was convicted of tax evasion, and in 1967 Walt Disney’s JUNGLE BOOK film was released. Thomas Edison died in 1931 and First Lady Bess Truman died in 1982. Chuck Berry (Rock star) was born in 1926, George C Scott (actor/director) in 1927, Lee Harvey Oswald in 1939, and Mike Ditka (football coach) in 1939. And my cousin Gail (one of the Skunk Hollow Girls) is celebrating a birthday today. She’s the oldest cousin on my Mom’s side! Happy birthday, Gail!!! Love you!!!

TOMORROW October 19 is:

• National Kentucky Day
• National Seafood Bisque Day
• National LGBT Center Awareness Day
• National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day  (I clean EVERYTHING – that shouldn’t be a problem!!!)

Take time to rest with your Shepherd. He will keep you in his loving care. God Bless – – –

Today is my son’s birthday. I want to help him celebrate and also look forward to many more wonderful years! Of course I can’t share future photos but I can share some from his early years! Some are a little fuzzy; I was taking pictures of pictures! So here goes:

I spent the day doing chores – mostly cooking. Nate requested Tuna Casserole, and I made him butterscotch pie, and Chrissy wanted potato soup. I found a surprise in the potatoes (No, it wasn’t a snake!). But one looked like a heart and one looked like Mickey Mouse! Fun!

I picked Autmn up at her friend’s house, and the view at the end of my road is so beautiful I stopped and took a photo. Later I pulled weeds (again, no snake), then took the food over to Nate. Jen and the girls got him a frisbee golf basket and I ordered him a frisbee. He’s all set! They love their frisbee golf!

I listened to Steve from Maplewood, and he spoke about be like minded. It’s important for Christians to understand that most churches do have conflict. There are falling outs and people go their separate ways. There shouldn’t be division – we should be of the same mine, like as in Christ Jesus. Above all, if you have a disagreement, don’t insist that one or the other give in, or take take a vote and take sides. Have your mind be as in Christ Jesus, and you will be facing the same way! Hebrews says to pursue peace with everyone, making sure no one falls short and that no root of bitterness grows up among you. Paul was NOT casting shame – he stressed that they all rejoice in the Lord! You should have love for Jesus and love for one another. In these troubled times even within the church people have strong opinions and bring them into the church, and the whole body hurts. Be careful; be like minded with Jesus! (Philippians 4)

On this day in 1979 Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Price, and Jimmy Carter created the Department of Education. In 1991 Pittsburgh Penguin Paul Coffey set NHL defenseman scoring record: 1053 career points (I met him once! He made a personal appearance at the dealership!). In 2018 Caroll Spiner (Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch) left Sesame Street after 50 years. Daredevil Evel Knievel was born in 1938, and my friend Nancy Baughman is celebrating today. Happy birthday Nancy! Have a great day!

TOMORROW October 18 is

• National Exascale Day (has something to do with super computers)
• International Legging Day I LOVE WEARING LEGGINGS!
• National Chocolate Cupcake Day
• National No Beard Day OPPS, RON, this will be a problem for you!!! 🙂

Happy birthday Nathan – I wish you many more and lots of love and success! God bless – –