Today was a busy, fun day – early start driving to Smicksburg for another day on the Griffith farm. Kathy snapped a picture of the Amish neighbor’s horse who was determined to check us out, and of the two fields of unending corn. The country is beautiful! We got there to find Uncle Clifford (UC) picking the corn, and he had already put a bucket of beans and tomatoes in the cart. He had a patch of pumpkins, cabbage (HUGE!), and several stalks of gladiola adding color. Even the apple trees were bearing fruit. What bounty! We husked, boiled, cut and scraped the corn, bagged and froze it. Macy supervised and did an excellent job of it! Now the corn is resting comfortably in equal parts in my freezer and Kath’s freezer. It was a lovely, blessed day!

I discovered that I had a desk full of work waiting on me, and decided that even though I was really tired I should probably get it done. These days I never know what my schedule will bring. So I worked, then picked up Chrissy on the way home. She’s going with me to Kelly’s tomorrow. We threw a load of clothes in the washer/dryer and I made an egg sandwich. Yum.

Mike from Hempfield finished up the last fruit – Self Control. Which is basically having the power to keep ones self in check – live and walk in the world without becoming ‘spotted’ by the world. Anything uncontrolled can harm you. Some things we should control are anger, lust, spending, drinking, ambitions, speech, attitudes… The three marks of a self-controlled life are: Lived with a purpose, lived with discipline (Not just staying away from things but purposely choosing the good things), and live in submission. We need to submit our thoughts to Christ, and take every thought captive. Guard you tongues and your KEYBOARDS! (Be controlled with your communication.) Self control is really SPIRIT control. If you look at all nine fruits, you will see that Love and Self Control are the bookends – they hold the other fruits together! How is YOUR fruit basket??

On this day in 1896 the dial telephone was patented. This one’s for my Granddaughter Chrissy who LOVES One Direction! 2013 “One Direction: This Is Us” 3D concert film of One Direction directed by Morgan Spurlock premiered in London. Benjamin Harrison, 23rd president, was born in 1833, Phyllis Diller died at age 95 in 2012, and Jerry Lewis died in 2017 at age 91. A former co-worker and long-time friend from Smail’s – Dean Smetak – is celebrating a birthday today, and another former co-worker – Angelea Furey welcomed baby Jaxx into their family today! Congrats to both!

TOMORROW, August 21 is:

• National Brazilian Blowout Day
• National Spumoni Day
• National Senior Citizens Day (I should REALLY celebrate this!

Now that you know all the fruits of the spirit – you will be well prepared to share them daily! God bless —

Started today with a pretty view out my window (through the screen, though). Took at walk, a shower, mixed up buns, shared a few of my books with Deb, breakfasted, and had to switch cars at work. Twice. Then I cleaned the whole house! I liked what Sally had to say today, and wish it was that easy to procure faith, hope and charity! Or maybe not – we value what we put effort into! A small thing I value (shallow thought!!!) is my M&M’s – tried popcorn flavor. When you open the bag you can definitely tell – the flavor, not as much. But I never met an M&M I didn’t at least like.

Today’s message was from Rod at Martin’s Ferry – JOY – it’s a decision. Taking on the attitude of Jesus will lead you to joy. Characteristics of someone who chooses Joy: 1) Affirming (loving and encouraging) 2) contented (look in the right places to find it!) Another way to explain joy: I shall not want; the Lord is my shepherd so I’m ok! Jesus is greater than what we don’t have (read Philippians 4:13 for pete’s sake!!!)

On this day in 1897 the first Electric taxi was driven in London, and in 1909 Indianapolis 500 race track opened. ABC began Saturday morning for kids’ shows in 1950. Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor, died at age 75 in 14AD, and Groucho Marx died in 1977 at age 86. Charles Hires (founder of Hires Root Beer) was born in 1951 and Orville Wright in 1871; Bill Clinton (42nd President) was born in 1946. And my friend and fellow writer Ed Kelemen is celebrating a birthday today. Happy birthday Ed!

TOMORROW, August 20 is:

• National Radio Day (I love Y108!!!)

• National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day 

Choose JOY – and God bless….

It’s Tuesday. I think I’m finally back into knowing what’s going on. Groceries, short walk, emails, work both stores, and home to do some chores at the house. Pulled a few weeds, made egg salad, cooked lunch. Typical, nothing-out-of-the ordinary day. Finished Cottage by the Creek by Elizabeth Bromke. Can’t wait to read the 5th and last book in the series!

Snoopy had some words of wisdom today: Friends are the essence of life! I’m thankful for mine. Very thankful! Also, got the next two ‘Snoopys’ for the perpetual calendar! So now August has taken the place of honor on the dog house. Four more to go!!!

Today I listened to Greg from Vanderbilt church – and got so caught up that I sort of didn’t take a lot of notes! But we’re still in Acts 2, and today was ‘First Pitch’ – On the day of Pentecost, after receiving the promised gift of the Holy Spirit, Peter stood up to the crowd and preached. He got right to the point, and even though some didn’t give him credence, most of the people were captivated and convicted. We have to understand that our job is to sow the seeds of witness and the gospel; the Holy Spirit convicts and that’s when God can reap a good harvest! Peter’s first pitch was a grand slam; the people listened, were convicted, accepted and were baptized into God’s kingdom – more than 3000! That is some grand slam! We need to approach sharing Jesus like Peter did: 1) He stood up: Get their attention!. 2) He looked back: This is not new! Remind them! 3) He included everyone! No one will be excluded, unto EVERY generation, every nation. and 4) He solved their dilemma: They were lost, guilty – but Peter offered salvation. We can share Jesus – and offer salvation as well! Go after that first pitch and see what happens.

On this day in 1938 FDR dedicated the Thousand Island Bridge connecting the US and Canada. The Beatles made their 2nd US visit in 1964. Roberto Clemente (Pittsburgh Pirate) was born in 1934, and Robert Redford in 1936.

TOMORROW, August 19 is:

• International Bow Day
• National Aviation Day
• National Soft Ice Cream Day

Happy hump day and God Bless….

Not much to write about today – I spent a lot of the day at work. That was fine, but nothing exciting to write. Took my morning walk, did a load of laundry, and answered emails.

Message today is from Paul at River Hill, titled Jesus is the Life and True Light. Jesus IS the one true light, and light reveals what is in the darkness. Jesus equals life, and he gives us several types of lives: Physical life, which God makes happen. He’s the Center of life, and he’s our spiritual life – without Jesus no one would have eternal life. He’s the fullness of life. As the true light he overcomes the darkness. We take our light from Him; and we must let our light shine, because we are children of the light! We live and shine because of Jesus, and can share the Light with those around us. Shine on!

On this day in 1807 Robert Fulton’s steamboat Clermont began its first trip up the Hudson River. In 1859 the first air mail took off from Kentucky – in a balloon! Davy Crockett was born in 1786, and Mae West in 1893. Today Lindsey Smail is celebrating a birthday. I remember the day she was BORN! Now she’s a wife and mother of two little guys which are getting bigger every day (and of course I remember when THEY were born, too!) Happy Birthday Linz! Have a great day! Any my cousin Karen Walker-Ober is celebrating today, too – Karen and I grew up playing paper dolls – all the time, and anywhere we could! Those were great times together, and make me smile when I think of growing up together. Have a great day, Karen – love you!

TOMORROW, August 18 is:

• National Fajita Day
• National Mail Order Catalog Day (Maybe if you order something it will come ‘air mail’ by balloon!!! ????)

• National Ice Cream Pie Day

Blessings to you!

Reverse order posting today! At my friend Diane’s invitation, I attended the outdoor pavilion service at her church, First Baptist Church of Greensburg. It was fun to sit outside at the tables and chat while we waited for the service. We sang several of my old favorites: Bringing In the Sheaves, How Great Thou Art, and Great is Thy Faithfulness. The message from Bram was “A Picnic with Jesus”, which was the story of the 5 loaves and 2 fish that Jesus shared with the 5000 plus people on the mountainside (Matthew 14). Jesus demonstrated three things that day: 1) Partnership – what was given and what was received and used. 2) Resources – Bring whatever you have and he will bless and use it. 3) Stewardship – Give gladly and freely the gifts that you have been given. God will take what you offer and multiply it. Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.

The Children’s message was good as well. Bram took a handful of pens/pencils and talked about a little boy having a dream that he was in pencil land. Everywhere he went – grocery, drug store, bakery – everyone were pencils! On Sunday he went to church, and the preacher (who was also a pencil!) told them what God expected of them. To be upright, to be filled with God’s spirit, and to place themselves in God’s hands so He can use them! Just like ink/lead in a pen/pencil! Very cute.

Today was their church picnic, which explains the name of the message. We had boxed lunches, and distance-visited while we ate. I searched out a friend of my sister’s and chatted with her for a while, and was even able to explain to Bram that I posted once a week about the church on here. So it was a nice morning all around.

Once I got home, I pulled some weeds, trimmed some dead branches, and cut the grass. My neighbor Carole walked over and we chatted on the deck for about an hour – which was nice to catch up. Oh – and here is a picture of the early morning blooms of my morning glories!

On this day in 1861 President Lincoln prohibits Union states from trading with Confederacy. Ringo Star replaces Pete Best as Beatles drummer in 1962. Kathie Lee Gifford (Starred in the GODWINK Hallmark movies) was born in 1953 in Paris, France, and Madonna in 1958. Margaret Mitchell died at age 48 in 1949 (She wrote Gone with the Wind), Bela Lugosi died at age 73 in 1956 (Dracula!!!), and Elvis Presley died at age 42 in 1977 – or DID he???? Aretha Franklin died in 2018 at age 76. In 2008 Ellen DeGeneres married Portia de Rossi.

TOMORROW, August 17 IS:

• National Nonprofit Day
• National Massachusetts Day – I’ll go – Boston here we come!
• National I LOVE My Feet Day!
• National Thrift Shop Day – I could do this, too!
• Black Cat Appreciation Day

Have a great week! God bless – – –

Today was catch up day – getting things done that I have been putting off! Still have a pile of ironing but that will probably happen tonight while I’m watching the newly released Hallmark movie, staring Paul Campbell (my favorite!) and Kimberly Sustad.

Just a huge thank you to Kathy and Paul for including me in their outing – Not sure I would tackle this on my own! And it’s so much more fun to go with them! And I had lost my key chain on Wednesday, so I replaced it with a purchase at the gift shop. It’s purple and sturdy and I love the verse inside!

So the real excitement was yesterday’s trip to Sight & Sound. It was a bit cloudy but that didn’t detract from the scenery. The trip east is filled with mountains, tunnels, windmills, rivers, farms, clouds – we were blessed to enjoy safety and nice weather. We stopped for lunch at the Olive Garden before heading to the theater.

The sets and sights were beautiful! With so much royalty abounding, there was a lot of glitter and purple! The staff and management took great effort to assure safe distancing and security for the patrons. Xerxes and Esther and all the support actors did a wonderful job, and the costumes were amazing. We took what photos we could, but cameras are prohibited during the performance. Sight & Sound TV is presenting Queen Esther on their TV station on September 4th at 7pm for a fraction of the cost involved to attend the live performance.

Esther has always been one of my favorite Bible stories, and Esther’s bravery and devotion to God and her Hebrew background is inspiring and impressive. Mordecai, too, takes a strong stand for his God and his faith, and will not bow down to the haughty Haman. The book of Esther in the old testament is not very long, and I encourage you to read the story for yourself. The themes of the show were two-fold: Everyone has a story, and ‘Be Still and Know’. Esther’s story will move and amaze you – be sure to watch the show and/or read the story – you will indeed be blessed!

Today I listened to the 8th fruit of the spirit (Gentleness) by Mike at Hempfield. Other words for Gentleness could be meekness and humility. That would be treating all people with perfect respect and tolerance – being gentle is not a weakness. We can show gentleness by receiving God’s word with an open and willing heart, by approaching our ‘brothers’ with the spirit of gentleness. You can be gentle but powerful. Gentleness is power under control, a combination of wisdom and humility. Think of a powerful stallion, controlled by a small bit in their mouth. Let God be in control and let the Holy Spirit lead. We all like to be in charge; we need to let go and let GOD!

On this day in 1620 the Mayflower set sail with 102 Pilgrims, and in 1939 the Wizard of Oz premiered at Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Woodstock Music and Art Festival opened in New York State in 1969. Napoleon Bonapart was born in 1769. Macbeth, King of Scots, was slain in battle in 1057, and Will Rogers died at age 55 in a place crash in 1935.In 2017 Barack Obama‘s tweet “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin or his background or his religion…” in response to Charlottesville violence becomes most-liked tweet ever.

TOMORROW, August 16 is:

• National Tell a Joke Day (Why did the school kids eat their homework?  Because their teacher told them it was a piece of cake!  Haha)
• National Roller Coaster Day
• National Airborne Day
• National Rum Day

Have a great day – and share your story! You’re important. God Bless …

Today was the day that Kathy, Paul and I went to Lancaster to see “QUEEN ESTHER” at Sight and Sound. As it’s already past 10pm I’m not going to write about that today; I’ll do that tomorrow (sound anything like what Scarlett O’Hara would say???) It was a great show and we had a safe, fun day.

I listened to Greg from Vanderbilt church and his message was MISSION CONTROL – what are we about? He talked about Jonah and how he went the totally wrong way – but God foiled his escape plans, and provided a really big fish to swallow him. Sometimes what we think will destroy us may be God’s plan to save us! The Holy Spirit gives us power to accomplish His plans. He talked about the gift of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, and how so many people were amazed by what they had seen and heard. People will receive it if we present it, BUT … some won’t. You have to take the Holy Spirit’s gift and share it – God will harvest!

On this day in 1862 Abraham Lincoln received the first group of African Americans to confer with a U.S. President. In 1945 – V-Day – Japan surrendered unconditionally to end World War II. In 1965 the Beatles taped an appearance for the Ed Sullivan Show (Boy, do I remember THAT!!!) and the same year Sonny & Cher “I got you, Babe” hit #1. Doc Holliday was born in 1851 (did you know he was a dentist??), Steve Martin in 1945, and Danielle Steel in 1947. In 1951 William Randolph Hearst died at age 88. My cousin Allen Crooks is celebrating a birthday today – have a great celebration, Allen! And Autmn’s mom Jaime Stairs is celebrating, too. Happy birthday, Jaime!

TOMORROW Saturday August 15 is

• National Code Talkers Day
• National Leathercraft Day
• National Relaxation Day
• National Lemon Meringue Pie Day
• World Honey Bee Day– 

God Bless —-

I left the house this morning at 7:30am and headed HOME! Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford had corn for us and I was on the prep committee :). We husked and boiled and cut and trimmed and bagged and froze – then made lunch. Corn, hot dogs, sauerkraut, baked beans, string beans, applesauce – all yums! I got home about 4:30 pm, then washed the messy car.

On my way out there I was coming over a ridge with a great panoramic view – and there was an Amish buggy in front of me. I followed it until it was safe to pass, then turned onto the side road. There was a chicken trying to decide which side of the road he wanted to be on! Why DID the chicken cross the road? To irritate me? Maybe.

We got the corn done in good time, and when I left there I stopped at Smicksburg Country Store and got double dipped chocolate covered peanuts and a half pound of longhorn cheese. Along with the corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, peaches, and string beans that I brought home, I really think I’m set!

I listened to the guest speaker John McClure from Maplewood – his message was about Ezekiel. Ezekiel saw a vision of God – as a whirlwind and wheels and dry bones! He also saw the throne of God which was so amazing he had no words to describe it. But he knew that this was a call from God to be a prophet. God sent Ezekiel to a rebellious and despicable people, who rejected God’s messages. But despite their rejection, all the prophecies came true, and he was faithful to speak God’s word always, even when it wasn’t easy. We can see by looking at these prophecies that Israel will be restored in the end – and we should keep our eyes on Israel – because the end is near. The hope of the world is in the witness of the church.

On this day in 1608 John Smith’s story of Jamestown’s first days was submitted for publication. In 1792 Marie Antoinette was imprisoned, and the movie ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ was released in 1967. Florence Nightingale died at age 90 in 1910 and H G Well at 79 died in 1946. In 1943 Billy Graham married Ruth Bell. Annie Oakley was born in 1860, Alfred Hitchcock was born in 1899. My dear cousin Deb Gregg is celebrating a birthday today, only a few days after announcing her retirement to take on the precious task of Silas-sitting. Happy celebrations, Deb! Love you!

TOMORROW August 14

• National V-J Day
• National Creamsicle Day

Have a great weekend – I may not be able to post tomorrow but I’ll catch up on Saturday if I don’t! God bless….

Lazy walk this morning – then went up to the hospital to see mom. She fell and broke her hip – hairline fracture so the surgery was minimally invasive. She did well and should heal nicely according to the doctor’s report this evening. Poor Mom – she’s had her issues this year!

My day was boring but productive. Cleaned the whole house. The most exciting thing I did was change the lights on the ‘house’ shelf. The red/white/blue set I had there burnt out and the white one I wanted to replace it with was also burnt out. So it was off to a quick trip to Big Lots – and the summer lights were on clearance! Good news! Now they look quaint.

Kelly’s appointment went well too! She doesn’t have to go back for a month, and can slowly resume normal activities, including full showers and wearing her glasses. So good news in the medical department today all around! God is good.

Snoopy (or Schroeder) plays love songs while Woodstock dances….

I listed to Paul’s message from River Hill. It was God’s Word is ALIVE. The Bible is our strength, our guide; we find the answers to life, and it gives encouragement and a pattern to follow, as well as examples. The Word of God is alive and relevant; always fresh, life-giving and life-changing. The WORD is Jesus Himself in the flesh, active and powerful and sharp. It works inside of us. We ALL need God’s word in our life. We need to believe, study and obey His word and hold it high as a standard. And we have to accept the WHOLE Bible, not just pick and choose like a smorgasbord. What it comes down to is this: We BELIEVE it; we should LIVE it!

Also listened to Bram from First Baptist, who is still in Psalms 104, focusing on the wonders that God created for us. They are amazing and give us guidance and inspiration. The Psalm says that God made them in wisdom, and the earth is full of riches. The best creation? US! We are created for a purpose: HIS!

On this day in 1492 Christopher Columbus arrived in the Canary Island (his first voyage). Thomas Edison completed the first model for the phonograph in 1877, and in 1908 Henry Ford’s company built the first Model T car. President Eisenhower raised minimum wage to $1.00 per hour in 1955, and in 30BC Cleopatra died from an asp bite.

TOMORROW, August 13:

• National Prosecco Day
• National Filet Mignon Day
• International Left Handers Day

I know several people who are left handed, including my dad (Cliff) and my friend Gen. So celebrate! God bless –

Kath and I did our weekly shopping at 6am – but we needed so little we were home by 6:40am. I took a walk, then cut the grass. The weather report predicted possible rain every day for the next week so I wanted to grab my chance. But of course it did NOT rain all day! After work I was trying to fix my front step that had a loose board, but the neighbor saw me lugging cement blocks and came to my rescue. Thanks Scott! Job well done! While he was working I pulled some weeds, trimmed a few bushes, and trimmed back a patch of ‘spent’ Dutch Iris. Looks much better. Now, only about 12 more patches to go! Ugh….

I forgot to mention yesterday that I borrowed a few movies from Kelly. I watched Christopher Robin and Best Christmas Pageant Ever last night; still have Away and Back to view. Nate asked me to make him bag storage holders, which I did this afternoon – used animal material and it made Jen happy! I was very much behind with my laundry, so now that I caught that up I spent quite a while ironing. All done!

I listened to Rod’s message from Martin’s Ferry on Sunday when I was at Kelly’s. He talked about our attitude dictating how we deal with the world. Our attitude affects our heart, and it should be the same as in Christ Jesus, one of unselfishness and of gentle spirit. That will give us JOY! We find joy when we are willing to give, are humble in heart, and are submissive. Following the example of Christ will give us joy. Our joy shines so that it helps others to make it through their tough times and hard circumstances. Choose Joy!

Monday night I listened to Micah at Old Mahoning – the Proclamation of the Cross. We should not be ashamed of the Cross as it is the power of God unto salvation. Sin cannot be covered up; it must be forgiven. There is only one way to heaven: Jesus! Proclaiming the cross changes hearts and lives; strengthens relationship. We must give it our all and put our whole heart into it. Share your story, give your testimony with others – for that reveals the righteousness of God. It won’t return to us void!

On this day in 1989 Voyager 2 discovered two partial rings of Neptune. Alex Haley was born in 1921 (ROOTS) and Hulk Hogan in 1953. Andrew Carnegie died at age 83 in 1919 and Robin Williams at age 63 in 2014.

TOMORROW, August 12 is:

• National Julienne Fries Day
• National Vinyl Record Day (I have a TON of those!)
• National Middle Child Day That would be our LOGAN!!
• Congressional Startup Day – Really?????

Have a great day tomorrow – Life is a crazy wild sometimes hard and hurtful ride, but God reigns and love abounds! God bless —-