Pizza for supper! It was only a $3 frozen one but it sure tasted good after being on the go all day. After the 6am Walmart grocery run,sweeping and wiping out my car, a quick walk, breakfast and a shower, I worked the Jeannette store. I finally was able to get my crown (tooth) re-cemented, then on to the Greensburg store. After lunch I ran a quick errand, paid bills, and watched a few School Buses go past. Peppermint Patty had her own thoughts on that!
Life’s recess! Not enough!!!
Kelly sent me a text that my friend the butterfly was back, and waiting on my return. I’ll be back there on Thursday so hopefully we’ll reunite then! It seems with the onset of September the cooler weather has set in, even though it’s a bit early for that. But I have my pumpkin from AJ/UC sitting on my back deck beside my sunflower light so I’m ready!
My buddy butterfly
Please pray for Kelly, as her surgery is in the morning at 9:30am. God’s got this!
Prayer for Kelly
Tonight I listened to Paul’s message from River Hill entitled I saw the light. It’s based on Saul’s conversion and experience on the road to Damascus. Three points are how Saul handled the light, how we handle the light, and how the world handles the light. Saul saw the bright light that sent him to his knees on the road, but God didn’t deal with him there. He had to go on to the city and wait three days on the Lord, fasting and praying. Saul was chosen for God’s work, a totally different agenda than what Saul (now Paul) had been doing! WE should shine our lights for God, and open our eyes to the light; be transformed. The light sines through good works and we reflect God’s light. God uses everyone who is willing. The WORLD wants to destroy the light. We have to be on the alert so we are not deceived. Our goal should be to help each other shine for Jesus.
Paul from River Hill
On this day in 1952 the Liberty Bell arrived in Philadelphia, and in 1945 V-J Day marked the formal surrender of Japan to mark the end of WWII in the US (September 2nd in Japan). Gunsmoke went off the air in 1975.
In the first place, where did summer go? It’s still August and I want my warm weather back! 21 more days of official summer – GIVE ME MY SUNSHINE!!!
Woodstock hogging up all the sunshine!
Today was a steady day – work was busy, short errand, phone call from a former neighbor, emails — just lots to do. Thinking about my cousin Susan – it was a year ago today that Susan stepped through the gates of Heaven. We all miss her but she remains in the hearts of her fellow Skunk Hollow girls – as well as hundreds of others! I celebrate Susan today and the lives that she has touched for Jesus!
Skunk Hollow Cousin Susan Crooks
I forgot to mention that Saturday night Nate, Jen, Autmn and Chrissy went to see the Metallica concert at the Mt. Pleasant Drive In Theater. They had a wonderful time! I remember when Nate was still in High School and he went to see Metallica – Hard to imagine that my young SON is being nostalgic – feels like he’s not old enough to have those kinds of memories! But he made memories with his daughters – a double blessing!
Nate, Jen, Autmn and Chrissy ready for Metallica!
And I am keeping my daughter continually in prayer as she faces hersecond surgery on Wednesday. Asking you all to join me – I will keep you updated as we go.
Love you my Kelly!
Will include two messages today to catch up. Yesterday I listened to Steve at Maplewood, as he challenged us to Know Christ and Make Him Known. Faith is the assurance of our hope. We are to trust first, have faith, and then all will be revealed to us. That can be terrifying, not knowing. But we can gather information, seek his will and know his character, then decide to trust. We want to stay in our comfort zone but God will be with us if we act on our faith. We want a sign, to know how it will end – but God says step out in faith and he guarantees our assurance. Assurance doesn’t come first; acting in faith does. Walk by faith, not by sight. God says ‘As you trust I will make myself known’. Faith comes before certainty and knowledge. He will bless us when we trust, and have faith so get up and GO!
Steve from Maplewood
This afternoon I had planned to listen to Bram from First Baptist, but when I logged into the video I discovered that Bram had gall bladder surgery this week and was recovering from surgery! Sending prayers of recovery and peace to Bram and looking forward to his return. In the meantime, Larry Newman finished the series on Psalm 104. God gives us beautiful things in our world, music, art, books, people (ones we love, and know, and haven’t event met yet!), stars, even earthquakes and volcanoes. They, too, show God’s power! We should sing praises as long as we live, offer our meditations to Him so it would please Him – Let us be glad in the Lord, and may our soul bless the Lord. When we look around us at God’s wonderful creations, we should not deface what God has made and given us: We should rejoice in it and praise his world!
Larry Newman from First Baptist
On this day in 1949 Richard Gere was born. Princess Diana died at age 36 in a car crash in 1997 (way too young!!!) and in 1940 Laurence Olivier (Wuthering Heights) married Vivian Leigh (Gone with the Wind) – Fiddle de dee! I can’t think about that today – I’ll go crazy if I do. I’ll think about that tomorrow….
NONE of those make any sense to celebrate! I won’t do it! There’s no rhyme nor reason to it!!! So have a good day, hold someone special in your heart – and God bless …
I’ll try to do a quick catch-up since Thursday! The trip to Kelly’s Thursday night was horrid. The storm caught me pulling out of the garage and followed me as far as Washington PA – I couldn’t see the road and we all just followed each other. Almost everyone had their 4-ways on and went about 35 MPH. The sky was exploding in lightening constantly. I was SO glad to get there – took an hour and a half as apposed to under an hour. Kelly and I left for UPMC Shadyside at 6:30am Friday morning. Traffic was light, the GPS took us right there easy-peasey, and the parking was onsite. The parking garage looked like a Kennywood ride! The picture shows my car at the bottom of the ramp. Kelly tried to take pictures of the skyline when we were leaving the city but we were too far away. We were home before 10am. Her appointment went well – no new skin cancer cells!
My car is the third one over, backed in.Bridges and river and hills of PittsburghStadium in the background, and the river.
Friday morning while Kelly and the boys were doing some home school classes, I took a walk to West Virginia. It’s only a stone’s throw across the creek, and a short walk down the road. I met a very friendly butterfly inside the covered bridge. This butterfly landed in my shoe on the porch afterwards, and even flew right into my chest! I think it was following me. He was a very nice butterfly. It was nice to stretch my legs and get some fresh air, and I never get tired of looking at the creek and the woods, flowers, and watching for animals. And two helicopters overhead. Walking back to the house I heard a large crash and walked over to the tree house to see that a huge limb had broken off and landed on the railing. Thankfully, nothing was damaged. Good job building this, Peyton! When we came back from Walmart Friday night we saw about 6 dozen deer in three separate fields, and Sunday on the way home I saw two huge turkeys in the field chatting with some black cows. Holy cow!
My friend the butterflyYellow flowers by the creekState line sign – Kelly lives in Washington County, West Finley TownshipDo you even THINK there are enough SIGNS by this bridge???Branch on the tree house railingTwo helicopters going overBeautiful West Virginia wooded roadI’m standing on the road in West Virginia – see my white car above the house?
We made a Walmart run, took Kelly to Shayla’s for her shower and bandage change (a HUGE thanks to Shayla for all she’s done! She’s an angel!). We did laundry, cooked, did dishes, made cinnamon rolls and scones, I took Peyton to Tractor Supply for some bolts. I’m used to taking the girls shopping, and I can tell you it’s a stark difference in shopping with girls and with boys! Bolts and screws are not in my interest range. On the way down, we saw a pickup truck that had its utility trailer INSIDE the bed of the truck instead of towing it. Hmmmm. And on the way home he took me a short cute (Sound familiar, Paul Eisaman???), and although the scenery was breathtaking and amazing, we were in the middle of nowhere! By the time we got home my knuckles were white from gripping the steering wheel! But it was all good – and I did see some lovely homes and animals and even vistas.
Can you see the trailer in the truck bed???
Friday afternoon and Saturday Kelly and I cleaned out drawers and bins and shelves and rearranged things (well, I did, she directed!) to give her more space and more walking area. Then we did a little of that in the boys’ room. I ran the sweeper and wiped everything off, changed sheets and aired out the comforter – so those two rooms are fresh and good now! But you know boys – not sure how long THAT will last. Chase watched the whole thing while stretched out on top of the living room couch playing one of his video games!
Chase the ‘cat’ on the couch playing his Switch
Friday afternoon Kelly, the boys and I went to their welcome back to home school picnic. It was at Claysville park, and they had a really nice playground, a quaint creek with two swings (rope and wooden) and even a fort marking a Revolutionary War site. There were supposed to be ‘tours’ of the fire trucks and emergency vehicles but it stormed so bad they couldn’t let the kids out of the pavilion. But it was a very nice event.
Me sitting on the swing – see the rope swing to the left? And the creek behind? Oh, and I’m wearing my wrist brace as directed.Very popular playground – notice the storm clouds?Covered bridge – nice walking trailCreek with a resting bench – good for pondering!Historic sitefront of the fortback of the forthshowing the doors and rooms….
I got home this morning at bout 10am, emptied the car and the suitcases and bags, started laundry and cut the grass. I’ve spent the afternoon answering emails.
I will catch up on the last two sermons from last week, and double up on Sunday and Monday’s messages tomorrow. The first one is Steve from Maplewood. His message was infused with History about the area where the Jordan river begins – about the pagan worship and what had happened in that spot. That is where Jesus asked Peter who do YOU say that I am? When he answered the Son of God, Jesus said he would now be called Peter, and that ROCK was the keys that he’d base his teaching on. There was a rock at this place where the Jordan began so it was a double meaning. Jesus is asking us that same question – who do we say Jesus is? We should follow Him – the church still stands, and we are part of that church – the Kingdom is here, now, and Jesus is the source of living water.
Steve from Maplewood
Micah’s message from Old Mahoning was taking about the END. We have a great Messiah, a great moment, and a great message. Think of the phrase ‘And it came to pass ” – things are temporary and will pass in the fullness of time, God’s perfect timing. Just as God has said it would be, it is! 1) The King is coming – introduce him to others: His love, he is long-suffering, he is just. 2) The world is ripe for his return – in this moment, ready for the end. We read there will be famines, earthquakes, storms, floods — all of this is happening. In the meantime, we should live a good life while we wait. 3) Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Tell the good news. We often wonder away, but it’s us pulling back – God never leaves us, so get your ‘house’ in order, and be ready for His coming!
Micah from Old Mahoning
On this day in 1682 William Penn sailed for the new world and in 1862 the Confederate Army won the second battle of Bull Run. In 1890 President Benjamin Harrison signed the first US Law requiring inspection of meat products. And 1993 saw the 150,000,000 millionth visitor to the Eiffel Tower. Shirley Booth (HAZEL) was born in 1898, Warren Buffet in 1930, and Cameron Diaz in 1972. Vera Ellen died at age 60 in 1982 and Charles Bronson died at age 81 in 2003.
A friend from Smail’s, Kim Fagan, is celebrating a birthday today. And one of my Pinnacle bosses, Kenneth Lee Moore, has a birthday today! Ken- wishing you a great day with you family and friends! God bless —
If you had a busy weekend like I did, give yourself a break. Do what you need to do, reflect about what’s important and the friends and family you are thankful for, and ask God to bless them! God bless…
Even with a brace on I slept better than I have. Had some weird dreams – like a former Smail co-employee tried to sell be homemade bread and cakes! Hmmmm. I was excited that the next book in the murder mystery series by Alyssa Maxwell that Kathy and I have been following arrived at my house today! These books are set at the Gilded Age summer ‘cottages’ (mansions!) in Newport RI, and mix historic figures and events in with the fiction. Having been to Newport, we really love reading them, and often get out our little tourist map of the streets to see where things are happening.
Newport Murder Mystery # 8
I won’t be near my computer for several days so if I don’t post until Sunday don’t be alarmed. I’ll catch up!
trying to catch up…..
I am sharing Greg’s message today from Vanderbilt church, entitled the Perfect Launch (For a successful church). Elements needed: Preaching/teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. In case you don’t recognize that, it’s from Acts 2:42. I grew up on that verse (and about 1000 others!). PREACHING: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. It will always lead us. FELLOWSHIP: Being together. We NEED that – don’t give it up or forsake it! BREAKING OF BREAD: simple meal and communion – brings us close to each other and to God. PRAYERS: They are the life of the church, and the health of the church body is directly related to the prayer life of the people. Be faithful to these four elements and you will have the perfect launch!
Greg from Vanderbilt church
On this day in 1964 Mary Poppins (Disney with Julie Andrews) premiered, and in 1990 Garth Brooks released his second album (would be Bilboard album of the year in 1991). Lyndon B Johnson (36th President) was born in 1908 (died in 1973), and Pee-wee Herman was born in 1952. (Could anyone be weirder???)
Mary Poppins
Here are the next SEVERAL days, so you don’t miss anything:
I am happy to say that today was a pretty low key day – so far. A cool morning walk, a nice breakfast, and then all day to get my house cleaned. I did a load of laundry and then even cut the grass. That’s hard to do using mostly my left hand but I did pretty good. I never scrubbed and dusted without using my right hand, either. New adventures! When I was outside shaking rugs I saw a butterfly land on the mint blossoms. He (she) stayed there quite a while – I’m thinking there’s iced tea on their menu and the mint is for that. The sage by the deck is really growing and very pretty. Other than that, a quiet day and nothing else to report. Oh – I buzzed over to my friend Diane’s as her daughter Shannon is lending me a brace until I can get mine from MedCare. Thanks, Shannon!
Look closely to see the butterflyLooking down on the sage – one huge bush!
Of course, as mentioned yesterday, today was National Dog Day! Tazz has been gone a long time now, but he was a great (if not crazy!) companion and friend, and inspiration for my detective stories. He was not only the detective that solved the mysteries, but he actually wrote the stories! Such a talented dog! He lives on, and still writes in spirit!
I’ll post Rod’s message from Martin’s Ferry, which is a continuation of the JOY messages. He started out with three points: 1) it’s a decision – SAY IT OUT LOUD! 2) the Secret is to adopt the attitude of Christ. 3) Dream – Don’t be afraid to think about what we want. First we need to seek release – know the joy God has for you and let go of what holds you back. What drives us? If pride/success is the most important thing, we’re looking in the wrong place. Pride is important but don’t over do it. If you spend too much time seeking your own agenda the happiness goes away. People think that the secret of success is hard work, but if you only seek success as your goal the fun leaves because life becomes too serious. You NEED fun, relaxation, and laughter; JOY! We need to press on – we’re not perfect but we keep going, forgetting what is behind us and pressing on to the prize. Joy does not come from earthly pursuits but from personal and spiritual relationships. Don’t be over worked, over committed, or over exhausted. Reconsider your priorities and seek JOY! God promises that to us; it’s up to us to claim it.
Rod from Martin’s Ferry
On this day in 1873 the first free kindergarten in the US was started in Missouri. In 1907 Houdini escaped from chains under water in 57 seconds, and in 2016 Kaepernick knelt in protest during the National Anthem (Can’t believe it’s been four years!). Mother Teresa was born in 1910 and died in 1997, and Macauley Culkin was born in 1980. Andrew Mellon died in 1937 at age 82, Charles Lindbergh died at age 72 in 1974, and Neil Simon died at age 91 in 2018.
Again, as Bud would have said, four months from today is Christmas Day!
Happy Christmas (almost)
The day sort of took a different turn than I expected. Kath and I did our 6am Walmart run, then I walked, showered and dressed, and started breakfast. My doctor’s office called in response to an email I sent last night about my painful and swollen wrist. By 9:45am I was in his office, examined, and given a prescription and an order for an X-ray. Went from there to my jobs, then it seemed like I spent hours running errands: Stamps at the post office, gas for the car, picked up the prescription, milk to make a pudding pie (for Nate!), and to MedCare to pick up a brace. MedCare, it turns out, has closed their physical offices. Several phone calls later and I’m still waiting on them to call me back – but had the assurance of UPMC for Life that they would do so tomorrow and solve my dilemma. In the meantime, I’m to be as ‘left handed’ as possible and keep the strain off my right wrist! But while sitting in the doctor’s waiting room I enjoyed their holiday tree: Patriotic! Right up my line!
A little swollenBeautiful patriotic red/white/blue tree!
I will post Mike’s message from Hempfield entitled WHAT MATTERS MOST. Basically, God is on our side, always. We are His child and he is with us! 1) God is always near. We don’t always see or acknowledge that; He’s bigger than we think! 2) Panic and fear is not the answer. Satan will try to control us with fear – to take our eyes off the Lord. God is in control, and nothing will happen without his direction. Peace, be still – Keep God always with you! (I needed to hear that – I tend to be a half-empty kind of girl and my first thoughts are fearful!) 3) What matters most is our standing in Christ. We can face anything when we belong to Jesus. We aren’t in control but GOD is! If we belong to Jesus we live and die in Him – what could be better than that? Accept Christ as our savior and share the Gospel (Christ) with everyone, by words or by how we live. THAT’S what matters most!
Mike from Hempfield
On this day in 1910 Yellow Cab was formed, and in 1929 The Hindenburg disaster ended the age of Zeppelins. The first package of pre-cooked Ramen Noodles was marketed in 1958 (Whatever did they do BEFORE that???) Ivan the Terrible was born in 1530, Sean Connery in 1930, and Billy Ray Cyrus in 1961. Neil Armstrong died at age 82 in 2012. And my cousin Perry’s wife, Anita Gaston is celebrating a birthday today. We had SUCH a great time two years ago when they hosted our Philadelphia vacation! SO much history – Elfreth Alley! Happy, happy birthday Anita!
I set my alarm this morning and forgot to push the start button! Still got up in time to walk, shower, and make it to work. Jeannette was busy, Greensburg not as much. It poured down rain when I left Greensburg but it didn’t rain at all at home, 15 minutes away! I took Autmn and Josie to the Dollar Tree to get snacks, then came home and did some title work reviews and listened to the last two messages for the week. And Snoopy is very happy today – I’m glad for anyone celebrating good news or a good day. Both are amazing in this day and age! Kelly got good news so we’ll go with that for her!
Sermon notes, a thank you card, title reviewsHappy news!
I will share Bram’s message from First Baptist. He continued his series from Psalms 104 about God’s Wonderful World. It’s amazing all that God created, and how he provides for everything in the exact right way at the right time – today it was about providing for the sea creatures, and how they also provide food for us. They look to God to give them food at the proper time. God gives it, opens His hands, and they gather and eat! Take the example of a bird feeder. Birds live faithfully daily expecting provisions to be in that exact spot – they actively seek those provisions. As with God: He provides, it’s ready: COME! God renews our life and we need only stay faithful. Come as you are, but COME!
Bram from First Baptist
On this day in 1682 Duke James of York gave Delaware to William Penn. Charlotte Bronte finished “Jane Eyre” in 1847, and in 1891 Thomas Edison patented the motion picture camera. And happy birthday to Robin Poole – a friend from Smail Auto in those last days of my employment. Have a great day, Robin!!! OH! And it’s four months from Christmas Eve (as Bud would have said!)
I don’t think I have anyone to kiss and make up with, but I have a whole closet full of second hand clothes – I think I’ll have a banana split without the bananas! Thank God for the beauty he’s created – God Bless!
I am using today as a slow day (sort of like snow day but without the snow). I did take a walk this morning and enjoyed the temperatures. I hope to do some ironing later, but will have another load of laundry tomorrow so either day will end up working. I took Chris for school clothes and we got a jacket, a shirt, sweatpants, and leggings. Plus Ghirardelli chocolate as a bonus! On the way home I saw part of a rainbow through the electric wires. A reminder of a promise…
SNOW DAY!!Faint, but the rainbow is there….Chrissy in her new Mickey Mouse outfit!!!
Today would have been my Dad’s 92nd birthday. I remember my dad being a lot of fun, liking to travel but only to state parks and look-out sites. We took back roads because he hated highways, but I always got car sick so it wasn’t the easiest! We build the cabin (Home PA) in the mid-60’s and he loved it there. He was a home body, both upper case and lower case ‘Home’! He often had little words of advise for me, and helped me see things through different eyes. He loved to eat, to laugh, and to make others laugh. He was very generous but liked that to be kept in the background. I still miss him and know he would have LOVED watched all the grandchildren grow up. From my side, Peyton is the most like him, and they would have had a strong bond, I’m sure. Happy birthday, Dad! Love you!
Dad and I – he reached in to answer the phone! I was married at home….Kath must have said something amusing – Dad gave her ‘the look’ and Paul is laughing!My dad when he was young with his dog.Mom and Dad in the buggy with L’il One the horseMom wearing the gift that Dad brought back from Korea for her.My army dad with Sam the dogDad and I at our house on Depot Street in YoungwoodMom, Dad and a very little me!Me and Kathy and Dad – notice my Brownie camera!!!Dad had lots of neat friends, and one took him and I up in his plane!
I listened to Paul’s message from River Hill – Salt and Light! What do these things mean in regards to our being His disciples? Salt was valuable and used as money; it was used to preserve food, and it purifies. We are the salt of the earth; valuable, we preserve the Word, because it’s living and active. And salt as purification makes the food of life safe and vital to our witness. As light, the Lord is our light, and we need to reflect that light, just like the moon reflects the sun. We also reflect the Son. If our conversation is flavored with salt you will share the presence of the Lord in your life.
Paul from River Hill
On this day in 1974 John Lennon reported seeing a UFO in New York City. Gene Kelly was born in 1912 and Barbara Eden in 1931. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were married in 2014.
Started my day having lunch with a dear long-time friend, Ginny. I lived catty-cornered from her for about 15 years, and our kids grew up playing together. It was great to catch up! Went from there to a short writer’s meeting at Craftique. Working on a project with Mary Ann for 2021. As promised, I spent a few hours helping to celebrate Amelia Jane’s third birthday! The party was at her grandfather’s house, who has a pool. The little ones and their moms had a great time after lunch swimming and playing in the water. The photo is Millie blowing out her candles; her mom Sarah is holding the cake and her dad Kyle is in the dark shirt behind them. It was a very nice time!
Millie with her mom, dad and party guests!
Maplewood did not post their last week’s service online. I’ll have to do some research and see if I can choose a replacement service! In the meantime, let’s just take the lead from Snoopy and Woodstock and share the scripture from Colossians 3:14 – “Most of all, let love guide your life.” Great advise and worthy of strong consideration!
Love – is a fruit of the spirit!
On this day in 1775 King George III proclaimed the colonies to be in open rebellion!! In 1902 US President Theodore Roosevelt was the first president to ride in a car. In 1994 DNA testing links O J Simpson to the murders of Nicole Simpson and Ron Goldman.
King George III
Today is Dave Bath’s birthday! Happy birthday Dave! Dave is the other half of B&B Window Cleaning (my son being the first half!). Nate and Dave have been friends since elementary school. Wishing you a great day, Dave, and lots of love and success in your future! Love you!
Long but happy and productive day! Chrissy and I left for Kelly’s about 8:30am, stopping for a breakfast sandwich on the way. Chrissy didn’t remember every having one and really liked it! She enjoyed spending time with the boys, and they played video games until mid afternoon, while I helped catch up on some household chores. Peyton, Kelly, Chris and I went to Walmart for groceries, and when we got home Peyton took Chris for a ride in his side-by-side. She had the time of her life! We accidentally left a window open in the car during a rain storm. Ugh. Thankfully it’s summer and it will dry quickly!
A very excited Chrissy!Peyton and Chrissy doing loops in the side by side. Love the addition of the American Flag!
I’ll share the message from Micah at Old Mahoning today, entitled Cup of Adversity. We can be delivered from that. 1. by Reflection – God listens and answers. We might temporarily lose our ‘joy’ but never our salvation. 2. by Request – pray: focus on the point and be continual and confident in your petitions. 3. by Reality. what you are going through has an ‘expiration date! Just hold on! 4. by rescue – Relax in His richness (bountiful blessings). They are refreshment from God, so rest and be grateful. He will deliver you!
Micah from Old Mahoning
On this day in 1897 Olds Motor Company manufactured the first Oldsmobile, and in 1942 Walt Disney released the movie BAMBI. The first Hot Air Balloon flight over the Alps was in 1972. Princess Margaret Rose Countess of Snowdon was born in 1930 (same year as my mother!), Kenny Rogers in 1938, Alicia Witt (Hallmark actress) in 1975, and Kacey Musgraves (Singer/songwriter) in 1988.
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