Today was a beautiful day – and Di and I took a back roads trip to Laurel Mountain and walked Hemlock Trail. We enjoyed the woods and the river and the fresh air and the conversation. That all added up to a day of fellowship and friendship. Once we were back down off the trail we drove over to the lake and ate our picnic lunch at a table there. Met a very nice dog and his man at the boat launch. We took a different way home, still back roads, and the views were spectacular.

Autmn came over and we worked on a Humanities project. This was trickier than it sounds – about the place God holds in our country (and beyond); why and how and what we believe. Autmn and I had some very interesting discussions. Once that assignment was done, we backed chocolate chip muffins and she mixed up my scones for me to bake in the morning.

I listened to Steve’s message from Maplewood. He talked about being AWAKE! What are we seeing around us? What will come next? The early kings of the Old Testament were every one less than what Israel needed. After years and years of turning from God, they prayed for a king who would seek the Lord with his whole heart, soul, might. That was King Josiah – but he was killed in battle. So they got what they wanted but they didn’t get the results they needed. And no one could make God’s people good. The same thing is going on NOW. BE AWAKE – the coming of the Lord is approaching. The story of the kings is a foretelling of the King who DID come, the king that would save God’s people. And that King was Jesus, who was born to set us free. We are the sons and daughters of an eternal king. BE AWAKE – the time is coming — soon!

On this day in 1789 New Jersey was the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights. Robert Kennedy was born in 1925, and Joe Biden was born in Scranton PA in 1942. In 1947 Elizabeth II (future Queen) weds Philip Mountbatten.

TOMORROW November 21 is:

• National Gingerbread Cookie Day
• National Stuffing Day
• National Red Mitten Day
• National Adoption Day –

So stay awake, be ready for the king. Enjoy each day God gives you! God bless….

** I don’t believe this got posted in the right place! If you found it and read it that’s great – if not, here you go!!

It was cold and rainy when I got up so I did not walk outside. I did work, and ran two errands and got gas for the car. After lunch I made potato soup as my milk was on the verge of expiration. I’ll have some later. Kath and I went over to have a window visit with mom. She was happy to see us, and when we sang to her she smiled and was tapping her hands to the words. It was nice to see her so animated and smiling. And Snoopy just summed it up for us!

I will share Bram’s message from First Baptist. After a very lengthy absence due to surgery, it was great seeing him back in the pulpit. His message was quenching thirst and hunger. We are created to connect to God. The church grew regardless of message and setting; people are thirsting but we don’t quench it; hungry but we don’t feed them – we don’t give them what they need. Jesus is what the church should be about. The first church – as well as the church today: devote themselves to the apostles teaching (and they did NOT have Bibles!), to worship and prayers, and to fellowship with one another. We are free to pray any time and anywhere and we take it for granted! People are thirsty and hungry: it’s our job to feed them!

On this day in 1863 Abraham Lincoln began his first draft of the Gettysburg Address; in 1962 President John F Kennedy dedicated Dulles airport (Washington, D.C.); in 1997 Mario Lemieux entered the NHL Hall of Fame. And in 2003 Britney Spears, 21, was the youngest singer to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

TOMORROW November 18 is:

• National Princess Day
• National Vichyssoise Day
• Mickey Mouse Birthday
• National Educational Support Professionals Day 

Help Mickey celebrate – have a great day! God bless…

Missed walking this morning – crazy day all in all. Started out with a backed up drain – Hempfield Township came out at 8am and checked their lines, which were open. So I had a drain plumber come and snake out my inside lines. They are clear now, but had a sticky wicket of tangled tiny roots. Ugh. Glad the process was a success but the laundry room was a mess. Took me an hour to scrub and clean and sweep – and still have to wash a few throw rugs. Double Ugh.

Chrissy came over and helped me make cookies – to freeze. I found a little beanie baby (which she collects) so she was glad to trade her cookie baking assistance for the blue baby! It’s 9:30pm and I missed dinner – I’ll eat something light and call it a night.

Di txt me as asked me to go with her in the morning for a hike on the Ghost Town Trail – so something different – yea!

I will share Mike’s message from HCC. It was basically how to deal with conflict, and here are the 7 points: 1) Expect it (it’s inevitable) 2) Deal with it (don’t ignore it – things get worse if you do) 3) Control your anger – we often make bad decisions in anger 4) Listen to the other side – that’s not easy! 5) Invite wise council (don’t try to figure this out on your own) 6) Look to the Bible – it holds all the wisdom we need. 7) Compromise – hardest of all! Get rid of what’s holding you down and follow Jesus. Don’t ever make it difficult for anyone to come to God!

On this day in 1493 Christopher Columbus discovered Puerto Rico, and in 1805 Lewis and Clark reached the Pacific Ocean, the first European Americans to cross the west. In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address “Four score and seven years ago, our fathers…”. In 1990 Pittsburgh Pirate outfielder Barry Bonds won NL MVP. Charles Manson died at age 83 in 2017. James A Garfield – 20th president – was born in 1831, Calvin Klein in 1942, Meg Ryan in 1961, and Jodie Foster in 1962. And my friend and one of our country’s newest official citizens, Louise Henry, is celebrating a birthday. Happy birthday, Louise! Enjoy many, many American more!!!

TOMORROW November 20 is:

• National Peanut Butter Fudge Day
• National Absurdity Day (Wow- doesn’t that just totally sum up 2020???)
• National Child’s Day

I hope to have some fun and interesting photos for tomorrow! Di is a veteran hiker and I know we’ll have a great time! God bless…

When I woke up to a flittering of snow on the ground and 29*, I opted to walk on the treadmill. I set my nook on the stand and walked for about 25 minutes. Today was cleaning day, and it’s not a huge process but it took me longer than normal. As previously mentioned, I am an ARC (early) reader for Elizabeth Bromke and just got her newest book. I was so into the book and the characters that I took far too many ‘book’ breaks. I think this may have been my favorite one so far that she’s written. It’s called THE COUNTRY CLUB and I highly recommend it! In fact, I recommend ALL of her books!

After I cleaned and finished the book, I gave the grass one final cutting. That should be it for the year – or lets hope so!

Today I will share Micah’s message from Old Mahoning about DON’T FORGET GOD. Three points; Be Aware, Beware, Be Where (He wants you). 1) God allows trials to humble you and test you. He is always in control and brings us back to Him. 2) God made you how you are. He wants you to use your talents for Him. Don’t forget His presence in your life. 3) Where should you be? In His word and His will. God’s desire is for us to follow Him; He must always be first. Don’t FORGET GOD!

On this day in 1928 Walt Disney released his first Mickey Mouse sound cartoon, Steamboat Willie. In 1978, in Jonestown Guyana, 918 members of the Peoples Temple were murdered or committed suicide under the leadership of Jim Jones (who also died). The saying ‘drank the Kool-Aid’ originated from this event. In 1997 Metallica released their album ‘ReLoad’. Our 21st president, Chester A Arthur died in 1886 at age 57. In 1948 KFC founder Colonel Sanders (58) married long time employee Claudia Price. Catherine Zeta-Jones (31) married Michael Douglas (56) in 2000, and in 2006 Tom Cruise married Katie Holmes.

TOMORROW November 19 is:

• National Carbonated Beverage With Caffeine Day
• National Play Monopoly Day
• Great American Smokeout –
• National Rural Health Day –

One week from tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day! Family, food, fun, faith. Something to look forward to! God bless….

After a night of horrific winds and little sleep, the sunrise was a beautiful purple and yellow and pink. Gave hope for a sunny day, which it was. I met Kelly in Washington (PA) and we handled a few things with Santa. It was a fun day, with Chick Fil-A for lunch and checking quite a few things off our list. It was cold but sunny and not as much wind. Now to sort everything out and see what’s left to do!

And a huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to whoever sent me the unsigned note that I received in the mail today. You are a blessing, and I wish that back to you 100 fold!

I listened to Greg from Vanderbilt on the way home. It was the last message in his MISSION CONTROL series (Acts). He started out with a quick review of the previous messages. Since I did do a synopsis of each one, you can go back all those weeks and review for yourself – or just read the book of Acts! The summation was connecting what was happening back at the beginning of the new testament church and what we have now. “Go to the people and say, you will be ever hearing and not understanding; seeing and not perceiving.’ We have so much technology at our fingertips, but still do not hear or understand. Our ‘Mission’ (as in the first church) is to Go, teach, baptize, preach. Paul BOLDLY taught; we need to refocus, get serious, and teach and spread the word. The story isn’t over – we are living it right now!

And Lucy has the right idea – even though the days and outlooks often seem bleak – we need to hang in there. God’s still in control!!!

On this day in 1939 Al Capone was freed from Alcatraz and in 2010 the engagement was announced between Kate Middleton and Prince William. Clark Gable died in 1959.

TOMORROW November 17 is:

• National Baklava Day
• National Take A Hike Day (I could enjoy doing that, or telling SOMEONE ELSE to do that! )
• National Homemade Bread Day

Hope you have time to actually get outdoors (if it’s nice) and take a healthy hike, ‘Go and Teach’, or visit with Santa. Have a great Tuesday! God Bless…

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!!!