Camp Christian – a Place Set Apart.

I looked onto Vanderbilt church and instead of Greg Pelc there was Greg Voss – the new director of Camp Christian. He shared his excitement about camp and his work there – what has happened so far, and what to look forward to. Camp is so important. It’s a place to share the gospel, reach lives, and change lives. It brings the community together in a way that few other things do, because the impact is spiritual and eternal.

Greg and his family, with the help from support churches, have already done lots of work to improve the buildings and the grounds. Just last month all of the toilets on the grounds were functional at the same time – probably the first time (and possibly the last??) in the history of camp! (haha) There are new trails and paths, and lots of noticeable clean up to the grounds and streams.

As for the future of camp, next summer’s theme will be LEGACY. It will be the 80th anniversary, begun in 1941. The hope is to build on the purpose and foundations that began in 1941 to carry into the future. Camp will be a vital part of making the world what it needs to be. We need to be a light! LEGACY: anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor. Or as one website described it: Where life stories live on.

Greg shared John 3:16 – and named it the Bible’s version of the declaration of independence. We need to live that verse and live like we believe it so others know for certain God loves the world and Christ died to save it.

So for today I thought I’d focus on camp. I didn’t have time to look through my hundreds of photos to find ones of my years at camp — that will have to be for another time (maybe a winter’s day when staying inside surrounded by memories would be the warmth I need!). But here are a few from my first few years as a camper at Camp Christian.

I first went to camp the year I was in 7th grade. Judy Oplinger and I from Hempfield Church were the only ones to attend that summer. We must have brought back a glowing testimony, because as the years grew Hempfield often had the highest number of attenders for a give summer!

It was tradition for our family that when we pulled onto the dirt road off the blacktop back to camp that we turned off the radio, and later, anything electronic. It was a time for quiet, reflection, and anticipation. And we respected that. Even to this day.

I will tag the photos – and if you went to camp, maybe you can take time to think about the friendships, experiences, spiritual nutrition (which was infinitely better than the meals, in my humble opinion!), and lost socks and underwear. My son was baptized at camp with Danny Miller one year, and my daughter spent several of her college summers living on the grounds as staff. She met her husband at camp! If God had to live anywhere else other than Heaven – it would be Camp Christian!!! (He does spend a LOT of time there already!)

On this day in 1787 the US Constitution was signed by delegates at the Philadelphia Convention. Harriet Tubman first escaped slavery in Maryland with 2 of her brothers in 1849. In 1916 WWI Flying Ace The Red Baron won his first aerial combat – and it wasn’t against Snoopy!!! The Lord of the Flies was published in 1954. Hank Williams was born in 1923.

And for additional birthdays: Dennis Shafer (my good friend Ron’s Florida brother!) is celebrating today, as is Greg Saldi – missionary (with his wife Nikki and daughter Ophelia) to France and a good friend. So is distant cousin Karen Lee (New Jersey) and one of my very first Sunday School teachers Eleanor Morris. Happy, happy birthday to all of you – may it be SWEET!

TOMORROW September 18 is:

• Airforce Birthday
• National Cheeseburger Day (I’m in!!! I’d gladly pay your Tuesday for a hamburger (Cheeseburger?) today!)
• National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day
• National Tradesmen Day – Third Friday in September
• National POW/MIA Recognition Day – Third Friday in September
• National Hug Your Boss Day – Changes Annually – Friday, September 18, 2020 – Too bad I don’t work tomorrow. But are we even ALLOWED to hug????

A writer friend of mine, Tom, shared many experiences that he had a camp – his father in law Bud Morrison was a caretaker in the initial years. He often posts pictures from that time. Tom’s wife was raised there.

My mother was a regular attender at Woman’s Retreat; my sister attended every year she could as a camper, and was staff in as many camp weeks/weekends as she could manage, including Dean of different weeks throughout the year. I believe camp blood runs through her veins! I’m glad to have camp memories – far too many to share – to bring a smile to my face and a continual blessing to my heart! Have a great weekend – and God Bless…

I was crazy lazy this morning – Didn’t even set an alarm and just got up whenever and didn’t walk early. I kept busy all day, cleaning and doing household business. I had to run into work for a few minutes to help Rege with something. Kath and I went to see Mom – it was in the community room but we were still distanced. She didn’t say anything and wasn’t entirely engaged but she looked good and smiled often. The visits are always too short.

Right now I am watching/listening to the ACM’s. It is so STRANGE to see everyone performing with no audience. It’s eerie! They just announced duo of the year award and Dan and Shay won! They beat out Brooks and Dunn! Amazing! I actually jumped up and shouted, clapping and bouncing around the room. Dan and Shay are Pittsburgh natives so naturally they were local favorites! It’s only just begun – can’t wait to see the other winners!

I listened to Steve’s message from Maplewood. He talked about Joseph, and compared it to the story of the prodigal son – and then Joseph’s life is a parallel with Jesus. The main theme came across as ‘What you meant for evil, God meant for good!’ He also shared the parable of the master who forgave his servant, then that servant did not forgive his own servant. We need to forgive and offer grace. Life is full of injustices but God makes all things new – and all things work together for God to those who love and believe!

On this day in 1968 Richard Nixon appeared on Rowan and Martin’s LAUGH-IN!! Seems appropriate… In 1990 Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan were married. James Cash Penney (founded J C Penney’s) was born in 1875 and Magician David Copperfield was born in 1956. And my dear friend Janie Close Ball is celebrating a birthday today. We were in youth group together at Hempfield Church — back in the day! I won’t say which day 🙂 Hugs, Janie, and happy birthday!

TOMORROW September 17 is:

• National Professional House Cleaners Day (Uh oh – I did that today!!!)
• National Apple Dumpling Day
• Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
• National Monte Cristo Day
• National Pawpaw Day  – Third Thursday in September

Get your country on — Oh, ya! God bless—-

It was definitely a cool morning at 6am when we went senior shopping! I was glad for my jacket. I reversed my schedule a little; did not walk in the morning but put groceries away then ran the sweeper and tidied up a bit before work. I didn’t take an actual walk but was on my feet all day except for being at my desk at work. Snoopy has good advise today for us – Most of all, LET LOVE guide your life!

Switched out cars today – am driving a little Buick Encore. I love it! Just perfect for me; nice size and great optional equipment. I’m very comfy in it – thanks, guys!!! After lunch I mailed a package to Kelly at the post office uptown, got gas, and went to one of my favorite little fleatique malls in Adamsburg. I seldom buy much and never spend over $5. Today I stayed with the patriotic theme! Once I got home I made a pot of veggie soup – looks more like stew since the rice soaked up most of the broth. Still tastes yummy. I spent an hour weeding the right side of the hill. Not done, but again making progress.

Kelly got good news from both of her surgeons today (she had appointments in Pittsburgh). The cyst on her kidney was benign! Best news ever, to quote her txt to me! Dr Amy says her forehead is looking really good and she doesn’t have to go back until the end of October. So she’s moving forward happily! God is good, all the time!

I am sharing Paul’s message from River Hill. God will use whoever is willing! We need to keep our eyes on Jesus and He’ll lead and direct us. Have a servant’s heart, and He can make an ordinary day extraordinary. Just be willing and He’ll do the rest!

On this day in 1254 Marco Polo was born – he’s probably still playing blind man’s bluff… James Fenimore Cooper was born in 1789, William Howard Taft – 27th President of the US – born in 1857, Agatha Christie in 1890, Dan Marino in 1961, and London’s Price Harry in 1984. In 1794 James Madison – 4th President of the US – married Dolley Madison. I think she makes pretty good snack cakes.

TOMORROW September 16 is:

• National Play-Doh Day
• National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day
• National Guacamole Day
• National Step Family Day
• National Working Parents Day
• Mayflower Day

Read an Agatha Christie mystery, love someone, and take a ride on the Mayflower. Well, maybe not… God bless!

I am in mourning for the absence of my hot weather! Right now it’s sort of a compromise but really, I know what’s coming 🙁 . Took a brisk walk this morning before work, delivered Kathy’s Mums to her, and then between laundry loads I pulled weeds (with my left hand!) on the hill. I still have a bit to do on the other side but I’m in good shape right now. Well, the gardens are in good shape. My back is reminding me that two hours balancing on the hill pulling weeds lop-sidedly is not good shape!

On my walk this morning I saw the cutest sign! In these days of people-less parties and cyber celebrations, there has to be a bit of creativity to make life’s occasions extra fun. I don’t know who Camden is, but he apparently likes dinosaurs, monster trucks, fire trucks, camping, and s’mores! I snapped a pic of the contact info as well – seems like a great idea for these pandemic times!

I finally got my chocolate chip cookies made, and as with everything else, the finished product doesn’t quite give the thrill that lives up to the expectation. They are just – – – cookies! But another project finished! Laundry is still tumbling away.

I listened to the substitute preacher (Mac) for First Baptist of Greensburg, as Bram is still recovering. He had quite an in-depth presentation of some of the events leading up to the tribulation as described in Revelation. But when it comes down to it, here’s the bottom line: Jesus is coming back! We need to be ready, as no man knows the day and time. Keep your lamps lit, my friends! The time is right ….

On this day in 1741 Handel finished “Messiah” after working on it non-stop 23 days in a row. In 1814 Francis Scott Key wrote what would become the Star-Spangled Banner while witnessing the bombardment of Ft. McHenry from a ship in Baltimore Harbor (It’s a great story, an amazing part of our history. Check it out!). In 1901 Theodore Roosevelt was sworn in as the youngest man to serve as a US President after the death of William McKinley. In 1985 the Golden Girls debuted – and are still running strong! Aaron Burr – our 3rd US Vice President who killed Alexander Hamilton in a pistol duel, died at age 80 in 1836. In 1901 US President Willliam McKinley died from being shot 8 days earlier, and in 1982 Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, dies at 52.

TOMORROW September 15 is:

• National Cheese Toast Day (Be sure to tell Logan!!!)
• National Linguine Day
• National Felt Hat Day
• National Double Cheeseburger Day
• National Creme de Menthe Day
• National Tackle Kids Cancer Day
• National Neonatal Nurses Day
• National Online Learning Day
• Greenpeace Day
• National IT Professionals Day– Third Tuesday in September

Tomorrow we are halfway through the month of September. Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the day! God bless….

My morning started out (after a brisk walk) with a surprise txt message from Autmn, wishing me happy grandparents day! It made my day! Haven’t seen her in a few weeks and hope to catch up maybe next weekend or so. She’s busy with school, watching her little sister Josie, and working. After my walk I checked the weeds on the bank (oh, disaster! too many!) and saw that my early summer-blooming rose bush had a flower blooming. COVID 19 is affecting everything…

On the way to Kelly’s I listened to Rod at Martin’s Ferry. His message was about being thirsty. Jesus offered the woman at the well living water so she would never thirst. That didn’t mean she would never BE thirsty – just that she would have unlimited access to the living water and never stay thirsty. There is a place inside us that only God can fill, and no matter what we try to do or pursue it won’t help unless we seek God and let Jesus offer us the living water.

Kelly is improving quickly and aside from some restrictions and still some back/incision pain she is feeling pretty good. So good to see my little daughter smiling! Nice to spend some time with her, as well.

A few of us ordered Mums from the Martin’s Ferry Bible Bowl fundraiser and I brought them back. They are huge and will be beautiful when they all bloom! We were standing on the porch and looked in the yard and a young turkey was wandering around – It looked like it was trying to get in the van. I think it saw its reflection. It came pretty close to us and didn’t seem to scare off.

The ride home was about 30 minutes worth (half the trip) of torrential downpours. I could barely see the lines on the road. Glad to be home, inside, and safe and sound.

On this day in 1503 Michelangelo began work on the statue of David. In 1997 Mother Theresa’s State Funeral was held in India, and in 1857 Milton S Hershey was born (Yea for Chocolate!!!) And today is my son-in-law Matt’s birthday (Kelly’s husband). Happy, happy birthday Matt, (and to his twin bother Mark as well!). Have a wonderful, healthy, blessed year!

TOMORROW September 14 is:

• National Cream Filled Donut Day
• National Eat a Hoagie Day
• National Live Creative Day
• National Sober Day 
• National Virginia Day (I’d love to go to Virginia – Williamsburg to be exact! Pack your suitcase, Kath!!)
• National Boss/Employee Exchange Day – Monday after Labor Day

Go get a long, cool drink of thirst-quenching water – and God bless —–

Today was Ladies Fall Retreat at Camp Christian in Mill Run PA. I have gone very often over the last several years, and presented workshops as well. This year was no exception. Kathy, Deb (my cousin) and I left at 7:45am and arrived in time to register and settle in for the program. My long-time friend Lynn (Pelc – Greg’s wife from Vanderbilt Church) presided over the first half of the day and led in several worship songs. Janet Drown (Kyle’s wife from Hempfield Church) gave a workshop in keeping with the day’s theme: I GIVE UP! Surrender to God! She talked about hanging on to the ‘it’ in your life that gives you the most stress and grief. We are afraid to open our hands and give it to God, when he is bigger and wiser than we are. We can trust him to make it right! Do we actually think we could figure this out better than God?

Ashly Staley, a young friend that used to be my prayer partner when she was in elementary school, portrayed woman of faith Rahab from the old testament. She did such an excellent job! She talked about Rahab being willing to change her whole way of life because she trusted that God had a better plan. After lunch (which was yummy, by the way) my sister Kathy (also the wife of Paul Eisaman, River Hill Church) gave a workshop about Jehoshaphat, who had made several mistakes as King, and had to go to God for forgiveness. When enemy armies charged toward their cities, Jehoshaphat fell on his face before God and said: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” God fought and won the battle for them without their armies even going to war. All of the people, including children and little ones, had a praise service to the Lord.

My portrayal of Queen Esther was the last presentation. I have done Esther so many times, and love sharing her story. It was easy to tie the theme of the day into Esther’s story, because when she went before the king, she had to ‘give up’ and surrender everything to God. Their earthly situation definitely required heavenly intervention. She was brave enough to go before the king with her request to save her people – the Jews – and he granted her request. She had been made queen for a time such as this. We all have defining moments in our lives; how will we handle them?

Kathy and I took a walk up to Vesper Rock (outdoor chapel) and talked about all the times we had sat there on those wooden seats and heard vesper speakers at our weeks of camp. We walked past the creek and found peculiar mushrooms that looked like golf balls! There was a quiet little oasis in the rock to sit and contemplate and rest. Back in the indoor chapel we admired the brand new stained glass window just installed a few weeks ago. It was donated by a man that had grown up attending camp and wanted to pay forward. Beautiful work!

It was a lovely day, filled with motivation, God’s spirit over us, and the sharing and renewal of old friends. We are so blessed to be in that Place Set Apart!

On this day in 1981 the Smurfs debuted on TV, Johnny Cash died in 2003, and in 1953 John F Kennedy married Jacqueline Bouvier.

TOMORROW, September 13 is:

• National Kids Take Over The Kitchen Day
• National Peanut Day
• Uncle Sam Day (For some interesting facts, look up Dan Rice!!!)
• National Celiac Disease Awareness Day
• National Bald is Beautiful Day
• National Pet Memorial Day – Second Sunday in September
• National Hug Your Hound Day – Second Sunday in September
• National Grandparent’s Day – Sunday after Labor Day

God bless……

I feel off kilter this week, with the holiday and being away. Can’t always remember what day of the week it is and what I should be doing. I did work today, then came home to ‘office’ chores, phone calls, pulling weeds (with my left hand), and making an easy dinner.

I am an ARC reader for one of my favorite authors (Elizabeth Bromke) – that means that about a week or before the book is actually released several ‘first readers’ get an electronic copy of the book and we read it to see if there are any errors or issues. I am honored to be included in that group, and it also means that I get to read the book before it’s on the market! This particular book is #5 in a series and ties up the loose ends – so I was very excited to get my copy yesterday evening. I am 43% of the way through already.

The obvious topic for today is WHERE WERE YOU ON SEPTEMBER 11 2001? I was sitting at my desk in the title office at Smail Auto when Donna Kier (friend and fellow co-worker) rushed to our doorway and told us about the first plane. It wasn’t long until the second one hit the towers, then the DC one, then Shanksville. I walked outside, across the parking lot, to the file storage building, and the sky was eerily quiet. There was no traffic on Route 30 except for a continuous stream of State Police cars zooming East toward Shanksville. My daughter, who was working part time at the dealerships, came early to sit with us in the office as she felt uncomfortable being home alone. My son called me from his job, just to check in. I in turn called my parents. All the televisions in the buildings were focused on the attack sights, and we were all focused on the televisions. What we saw and heard that day left us with emotions and memories that will never diminish. God bless America.

I tuned in to listen to Greg at Vanderbilt church but he was off sick with a nasty bee sting to his eye, which was as swollen as a walnut in the shell. His friend and pastor Rob Grandy presented the message, and it had been a long time since I had heard Rob speak. What a treat! This message was on ‘DOORS’ and their significance in the Bible and to us. The thought that I want to share today is his last point. The door to salvation is propped wide open – temporarily. God will close the door in His time, and when those outside of Christ will try to go in, Jesus will say, ‘I don’t know you! Depart from me!’ Don’t be outside of Christ when that day comes. Seek Him and His salvation now while the door is open to you.

On this day in 1773 Ben Franklin wrote “There never was a good war or a bad peace.” In 1789 Alexander Hamilton was appointed first Secretary of the US Treasury, and in 1847 it was the first singing of Stephen Foster’s “Susanna”, in Pittsburgh PA! Jenny Lind gave her first US concert in 1850, and the Rolling Stones performed on the Ed Sullivan show in 1966. And as mentioned above, in 2001 Al Qaeda terrorists crashed two planes into the NY World Trade Towers, killing 2606 people; one plane into the Pentagon; and Flight 93 passengers and crew attempted to take control of that hijacked plane which crashed in a field in Shanksville PA killing all aboard.

O. Henry was born in 1862, and the hero of Flight 93, Todd Beamer, died at 32 trying to divert the plane from its intended target. And today my good friend Joni Hunt is celebrating a birthday. Happy birthday Joni!

TOMORROW, September 12 is:

• National Video Games Day (There you go, Chase Hancher!!!)
• National Chocolate Milkshake Day (I’m in!!!)
• National Day of Encouragement
• National Report Medicare Fraud Day
• National Programmers Day – 256th Day of the Year

Have a great weekend, and reflect on the fact that we still have our freedoms – and that is a LOT to be thankful for. Let us never forget… God bless.

I gave myself the luxury of having a slow start today! I had a nice porch visit with my lovely sister, who brought me lunch for later. I’m going to do chores this afternoon and see how much I can get done.

Last night I finished listening to six out of the seven sermons I usually listen to. I may post again later, but for now, I’ll share something interesting that Micah from Old Mahoning said. When you find yourself in a crisis, choose 9-1-1 PSALMS 91-1! That will be easy to remember. Check it out!

On this day in 1547 Edward VI of England (age 10) is made to mary Mary Queen of Scots (age 5!) John Smith was elected president of the Jamestown colony council Virginia is 1608, and in 1776 George Washington asks for a spy volunteer and Nathan Hale volunteered. In 1984 the first syndicated version of Jeopardy! was shown with Alex Trebek hosting. Maria Theresa of Spain (Queen) was born in 1638 – I don’t know who she was but check out that hair! Arnold Palmer was born in 1929 and Colin Firth in 1960.

I think I had my days off yesterday – apologies! Here is today and tomorrow:

TODAY September 10 is:

• National Swap Ideas Day
• National TV Dinner Day (I always eat dinner watching TV!!!)
• National School Picture Day – Second Thursday in September

TOMORROW September 11 is:

• National Make Your Bed Day
• National Hot Cross Bun Day
• Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance

Enjoy your day! God bless – – –

It was after 9:30pm when I got home last night and unloaded the car, so I took a shower and went to bed. Six days is a lot to catch up on so I’ll be brief and try to keep on track for a while.

Kelly is doing pretty well for having 3 surgeries in as many months! She started her Chemo pills yesterday so we will see how that goes. I did as much as possible to help with the house and the family but I still feel like it’s never enough. I just pray for the day when that little family is back to their crazy wild overflowing days that exhaust me just listening to their schedule! In the meantime, there I am!

I was greeted almost right away by my friend the butterfly. I saw her almost every day. And I say ‘her’ because when I was leaving Tuesday I saw a baby one that was an exact match! Hazzah!

One of the things I did was help with schoolwork where I could. Peyton was working on a power point and I took him out around the area so he could get some country scenes. We saw dozens and dozens of deer all over the place. He took me up to the top of this ridge (And I do mean WAY up) by his cousin’s house and we got the last views of a beautiful sunset. You could see for miles from different sections of the road (I THINK it was a road – or a trail or a foot path….).

The one day that I did laundry Logan’s little puppy buddy needed a bath – so in he went! He’s had that puppy since he was born and it can look sort of ratty some days – but things like that are very important! I was glad Puppy took the spinning and tumbling well and came out smiling!

I took a few minutes and made 2 new tiles for my Snoopy wall calendar: One for our day at camp (Saturday) and one for all our Skunk Hollow Girls events! I’m excited that they turned out so nice. Nate’s one ’employer’ game him a huge planter with purple flowers and he brought it over for my back deck. It’s beautiful and a cheer-me-up when I look at it. Then I went inside and looked at the stack of ironing…. Oh, well.

I have listened to several sermons – I am a day behind but I’ll catch up. I won’t recap them here but suffice it to say that they were all comforting and encouraging and enlightening. I love listening to all seven of my preacher guys!

On this day in 1543 Mary Stuart at age 9 month was crowned Mary Queen of Scots. In 1862 Robert E Lee split his army and send Jackson to capture Harpers Ferry (I was there!!!!) In 1908 Orville Wright made the first one hour airplane flight, and in 1956 Elvis appeared on the Ed Sullivan show for the first time. Colonel Sanders was born in 1890 and Hugh Grant in 1960; Adam Sandler in 1966. William the Conqueror died at age 59 in 1087.

TOMORROW September 9 is :

• National Teddy Bear Day
• Care Bears Share Your Care Day
• National Wiener Schnitzel Day (Now THAT’s something to look into….)

Enjoy your sunny Thursday! Sending smiles — God bless . . .

It was a long day of waiting, more so for Kelly (and Matt) than for me. But she did well with the surgery and they removed the tumor and the part of the kidney it was attached to. She was very tired and a little nauseous when Matt txt me which is understandable. I spent the day cleaning and packing and getting ready for my weekend with the boys, hoping to be of some help so their lives can be more comfortable and normal! I can sort of see this being me after 5 days of boy-focus!!!

I switched the Peanuts calendar from August to September. I had some blank squares and put stickers on them to designate special days, like Labor day and doctor’s appointment and party day. September is all set.

I really appreciated Kyle’s message (Hempfield church). He talked about the last six months of being sequestered at home, making the space a play area, shared office space for him and Janet, library, school space, craft area, in addition to everything else. The chaos can build up until it closes in! We think we can fix or solve all the chaotic issues ourselves and make a difference, but it’s not ours to solve! We accept the burden pushed on us by the world when it wasn’t supposed to be ours to carry. We often don’t do anything to stop the idea that we are to fix what is wrong: Chaos at home, stress of the world’s political and racial scenes. We try to ‘buy’ our way out. But thankfully God offers a way to defend ourselves against the world: 1) Rejoice in the Lord always 2) Pray continually 3) Focus on the good (whatever is pure, true, right, etc). Don’t be anxious about ANYTHING!. God is present in every facet of our life and is at work in every circumstance. There is always a silver lining. When things get hard, GOD can handle it!

That is so good for me to remember and focus on – I feel like I am the only answer to so many things going on around me, when it’s not mine to solve or decide. I can let God use me, but it’s not for me to resolve. Let GOD handle it!

On this day in 1666 the Great Fire of London destroyed 80% of the city. In 1864 Sherman captured and burned Atlanta, and in 1901 Theodore Roosevelt said “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” Big Crosby had his first solo radio debut in 1931, and in 1940 the Great Smokey Mountains National Park was dedicated. Anne Frank was sent to Auschwitz in 1944. J R R Tolkien (Lord of the Rings; the Hobbit) died at age 81 in 1973, and Bob Denver (Gilligan) died in 2005 at age 70

TOMORROW, September 3 is:

• National Welsh Rarebit Day
• U.S. Bowling League Day

I am going to take Kyle’s message (God’s message actually) to heart and be a willing servant but let God handle the details! Have a great week; I’ll post when I can! God bless.