I stayed over at Kelly’s for Sunday, as Matt had to work and his mom was going to church. We watched their church service, then made pasta and garlic bread for lunch. Since I had made brownies for Matt, I made pie-dough cinnamon rolls for the boys. Yummy. Shayla came over and changed Kelly’s bandage, and it’s improving daily.

As promised, here are pictures of where I put the stones that Peyton hauled out of their creek for me. They look happy and right at home in my flower beds! I got home on Sunday about 8pm, just enough time to unpack, grab food and get to bed.

Here are two more messages: 1) – Greg from Vangerbilt. Still talking about making decisions, he said the two biggest decisions you make in life are a) what will you do with Jesus? and b) who will you marry? These two choices affect all of your other decisions (jobs, lifestyle, friends, etc). Here are 10 guides that help you make decisions, based on what the BIBLE has to say.

1. Hide in Him 2. Persist in Prayer 3. Do you have all the facts? 4. What are your motives? 5. What do wise people think? 6. How is my past affecting me? 7. Will this effect my integrity or effect my witness? 8. How will this decision enable me to be near to God? 9. What next steps do the Lord want me to take? 10. Have you considered God’s sovereignty? We are basically corrupt on the inside but God cleans us thoroughly for His purpose. We need Jesus. God never stops cleansing us – we must just trust!

2) – Kyle from Hempfield Church. Fruit of the spirit – faithfulness. How can we hope to be as faithful as God when he has had 3000 years of dealing with us? We cannot grow fruit on our own; only with God within us. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit we have God’s character growing within us. Faithfulness needs to be within is, not just to one another but to God. Consider Noah: He found favor with God while among evil and sinful men. Faithfulness is obeying God. When we fail, we get up and try again. We can’t make ourselves more like God, but GOD can. Seek the Lord – you WILL find him and you will reflect God from within. Stay in the Word, every day. We are tempted to be comfortable with our knowledge of the Bible, but there is always something new to be revealed. The world is dark, but Jesus is the light and we need to reflect light to the world.

On this day in 1776 word of the US Declaration of Independence reached London (I bet THAT was a jolt!). In 1921 FDR was stricken with polio. Henri Nestle (founder of Nestle’s) was born in 1814 and Herbert Hoover, our 31st President, was born in 1874. In 2002 Nicolas Cage married Lisa Marie Presley. My mom’s cousin Sandra Myers is celebrating a birthday today, – happy birthday! And according to most records, today is Snoopy’s birthday! Happy birthday to my favorite dog!

TOMORROW – August 11

• Global Kinetic Sand Day
• National Son’s and Daughter’s Day (The very happiest of days to my lovely amazing daughter Kelly and my wonderful loving son Nathan!
• National Presidential Joke Day
• National Raspberry Bombe Day

I got up early Friday morning, changed my bed sheets (pro-active move), and was on the road before 8:15am. Matt had to go back to work, his Mom was not back from her trip yet, and I needed to supervise the ‘patient’ and her boys! I didn’t even take time to eat – went through the drive-thru at Wendy’s and got a breakfast sandwich. Other than vacation, I don’t think I’ve done that for breakfast (or any other meal) in years! Tasted all the better for it!

Kelly was feeling better, and moving around a bit more. I had her still stay in a low-key mobility mode, as I wanted the healing to be done thoroughly! She supervised my activities, and between Friday and Saturday we did several loads of laundry, changed the sheets on two beds, straightened up the boys’ activity room, cooked endless (felt like it!) meals, swept, did dishes, made brownies, and helped take care of the dog. Peyton and his cousin Jimmy had to take his grama’s dog to the vet. Turns out Jessie had congestive heart failure, a touch on bronchitis, and several other issues. We tried to hide her meds in the food but she’d find it and throw it across the floor! We took a walk down through the lower yard to the covered bridge, which is really a cool place. I took a photo through one of the windows on the bridge.

Shayla made Kelly a few little ribbons for her caps. After Shayla changed Kelly’s dressings, we decided on a little treat. Kelly’s friend Tammy came earlier in the morning and painted her toe nails, but also suggested (as a professional salon owner/operator) that the little tuft of hair that she had struggled to save was not a good plan. Tammy shaved it off for her. But that meant Kelly’s head would be pretty cold all winter- having had hair down to the middle of her back her WHOLE LIFE. Kelly looked up patterns for crocheted hats for upcoming seasons and holidays, and made notes of the styles and colors. After lunch she and I went to Hobby Lobby (The Highlands in West Virginia – 5 minutes for their house!). A sales clerk was marking down shelves of yarn for about $1 a skein – some less than that. She she got about 10 different colors and is all set to start on her ‘Project: Cute Hats’! She even found a really cool Snoopy one with floppy ears that she may make for me once she gets some done for herself.

I listened to four messages in one afternoon: I’ll do short reviews on two. First one is Rod from Martin’s Ferry (8-2). The August lessons will be about Joy. SMILE in spite of circumstances; in fact, live ABOVE the circumstances. We have joy regardless: Rejoice in the Lord always. It’s the set of the sail and not the wind that determines where we go. Our thought should not be “Can I?” – but “Why not?” We need a sense of humor. Laughter is good for the soul. Trust and live for Christ ABOVE the circumstances!

The second is Steve from Maplewood Presbyterian,( 8-2 message) still talking about parables and being invited into the kingdom. The feeding of the 5000. Jesus had just heard about his cousin (John the Baptist) being killed, and he was exhausted. He got in a boat and went to the other side of the lake, but a great crowd awaited him. By evening the disciples went to Jesus saying they should send the crowd away to get food. But Jesus took compassion on them. Four points were: 1) the concern of the disciples that the crowd was hungry. 2) Jesus said, they can stay; you feed them! 3) Disciples said they only had 5 loaves and 2 fishes – but Jesus took what they had, blessed it, and everyone ate – with 12 baskets left over, one for each disciple! Even when we think what we have is not enough to matter, God can do extraordinary things if we put our confidence in Jesus. The world says: I can’t do it! But God says, Just do it. He will take our offering and do amazing things. We can make a difference. He doesn’t do it himself; WE are part of it!

On this day (August 9th) in 1974 Richard Nixon resigned as President and Vice President Gerald Ford became the 38th President of the United States. Whitney Houston was born in 1963, and in 1969 Sharon Tate was murdered by Manson’s gang at age 26.

August 9th is National Book Lovers Day! Even though the day is over, I can still proclaim my love for books!

August 10

• National Shapewear Day
• National Connecticut Day
• National Lazy Day (I’m all for THIS one!!!!)
• National S’mores Day

God Bless – have a great week!

I was sad to have missed posting yesterday but it was a late night and I just didn’t have time! I was very tired when I got home – but it was a great 2 days. Kelly’s appointment went well, and everything is progressing as it should! I was able to keep up with household chores and food prep. It was amazing to me – I had 3 pans of burgers going, where at home I would be cooking two burgers! Feeding a family is a much bigger deal than feeding me! But the trip down on Tuesday night sported a BEAUTIFUL sky, the whole way!

In the afternoon Peyton and I went to the creek, and I climbed down in and walked around. The water wasn’t even that cold – just cool enough to feel good on my feet. I chose 4 stones to bring home for my flower beds, and Peyton gave me a ride back up to the house. He loves his side-by-side and he’s a great driver. Later on, Kelly felt like a walk, which was a very good thing. She got out for some fresh air and a little exercise for her leg. I took a picture of the creek bank from the hill, and of the house from the creek bank.

I did listen to Bram at First Baptist. Their services will be in their outside pavilion for the month of August, and you could tell it was windy. His sermon notes almost blew away! He chose Psalm 104 for the theme for all of August, and today was God’s Wonderful World. God created everything perfect for every purpose, and we can witness all of God’s handiwork. He filled the world with sights, and sounds, and colors and everything is under his command. He also lights our way. He created the foundations of the earth so they would not be moved for ever. And even after creating the universe – God chooses to love us! On purpose!

On this day in 1774 Mother Ann Lee, founder of the Shaker Movement, arrived in New York. The Atomic Bomb was dropped on Hiroshima in 1945; Chubby Checker performed the TWIST on the Dick Clark Show in 1960, starting a worldwide dance craze. In 1973 Roberto Clemente was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Lots of birthdays today: Alfred Tennyson in 1809, Edith Roosevelt (Teddy’s wife) was born in 1861 and Lucille Ball in 1911 – Andy Warhol in 1928.

Since I missed yesterday, and won’t be posting until Sunday (probably) here are a few ‘Nationals’ to keep you motivated!

August 5

• National Underwear Day (sort of glad I missed this one….)
• National Work Like A Dog Day (I actually DID work pretty hard yesterday!)
• National Oyster Day (No osyters – not ever!)

August 6

• National Root Beer Float Day (Mom would have LOVED this one!)
• National Fresh Breath Day (I worked outside a bit, in the garden and washing the car.)
• National Wiggle Your Toes Day (Hmmmmm ???)
• National IPA Day – Nope!

August 7

• Purple Heart Day
• National Lighthouse Day (Karen Ober would love this one!)
• National Raspberries N’ Cream Day
• International Beer Day –
• National Water Balloon Day – (This would have been for Uncle Paul!!!)

August 8

• Global Sleep Under The Stars Night (This sounds perfect but I don’t do outside with a pillow!)
• National CBD Day 
• National Happiness Happens Day (Let’s make this one happen!!!)
• National Frozen Custard Day
• National Sneak Some Zucchini Into Your Neighbor’s Porch Day (HAHAHAHA)
• National Dollar Day (I’ll take one – or several hundred!)
• National Bowling Day
• National Garage Sale Day – (THIS one I could get INTO!!)

Gen and I took separate morning walks. I had a little spy watching me on my walk; Gen took Rainy and that is a slow process! We left the house after breakfast about the same time – she headed out to see a cousin, her mom, and then on home to New York. I had a dentist appointment with my favorite dentist Dr. Lane (I think that’s an oxymoron… ) Low and behold I had a credit balance and ended up getting a Water Pik no cost! Amazing. Then a long afternoon for me at work(s).

But as for yesterday’s garden adventures, Gen had promised to help me put down landscape fabric, lay mulch, and clean up the over-crowded plants. She dug up a whole bag of dead roots and loosened the soil around my rose bushes. When we were done it looked amazing! She also brought me a different type of Lamb’s Ear – I think she said Helen von Stein. It has huge floppy fluffy leaves! So now I have both kinds. Slowly filling in the hill!

Today I listened to Micah at Old Mahoning. His message was the Purpose of the Cross – Living life to be fulfilled. The first purpose is for redemption – One died for all; aka Christ died for us once and all of our sins are covered, past and future. All we have to do is accept it. 2) Transformation – we are a NEW creation, filled with God’s spirit. 3) Reconciliation – between man and man, and man and Christ. We must meet the standards that HE set! 4) Representation – we must be ambassadors for Christ and live for his purpose in our lives.

On this day in 1492 Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain with the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. In 1900 Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. was founded. Vice President Calvin Coolige became the 30th US President upon the death of President Warren G Harding in 1923. Tony Bennett was born in 1926, and Martha Stewart in 1941.

TOMORROW, August 4th, is:

• National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
• National Coast Guard Day
• National Night Out Day

I will absolutely eat a chocolate chip cookie. I doubt I will connect with the Coast Guard, and my night out will be at Kelly’s. Which brings me to my closing point. I won’t have proper access to what I need to post in the Word Garden while I’m at Kelly’s, and not sure how much I’ll be going back and forth; not sure of what hours I’ll have to devote to that. So don’t be alarmed if I don’t post regularly for a week or so. I’ll try to catch up eventually. In the meantime, make up your own “NATIONAL” day and create something fun – then share it! God bless —

Beautiful morning for a walk; very comfortable. I cut the side yards afterwards, which were the only ones that needed done. We had quite a storm last night and the gladiolas fell over. ALAS. I put my little birdhouse planter out on the deck and it looks cute! After breakfast I zipped down to Youngwood Shop and Save to get milk and bread and oleo, then worked on some projects inside. It was time to move the tiles from July to August on my Snoopy Calendar. I was just finishing up when Gen got here. The plans were to help me with the side garden, which I’ll talk about tomorrow. It’s too late to get photos so that will be Monday’s information.

Kelly txt me a few times, and seemed to be coping well. Friends of ours who are missionaries in Tanzania CALLED HER to wish her well and a speedy recovery. She was very excited. We have both had countless emails and txt messages inquiring and encouraging. God is Good all the time!

I listened to Paul’s message from River Hill. His message was ‘The Joy of the Lord is my Strength’ and it was very timely. He talked about the time in the old testament when God’s Word was lost for 70 years. The people were spiritually dying – they needed revival. Then they found God Word, and called all the people together and read it. They had not been acting like God’s people; they all repented – and realized they would find JOY in the word of God! They knew they needed to repent, and repentance leads to celebration. He forgives us! We also find joy in worshiping God, and in the Will of God. When we discover and fulfill the will of God in our life we are filled with Joy. We find Joy in salvation: we belong to God! We even find Joy in suffering, although often that is hard to accept. But he comforts us and helps us through it. We also find joy in winning other to Christ, in sharing the Good News. And this joy is not for a season – it’s for all time! If we accept the joy of the Lord it will indeed be our strength.

On this day in 1610 Henry Hudson entered the bay that would be named after him. In 1865 Lewis Carroll published Alice in Wonderland; in 1934 Adolf Hitler became commander in chief of the German armed forces. In 1943 Lt. J. F. Kennedy’s PT Boat 109 sunk. Wild Bill Hickok was shot dead in the back in 1876 while playing poker (age 39); Alexander Graham Bell died at age 75 in 1922, and in 1923 Warren G. Harding (29th President) died at age 57.

TOMORROW, August 3rd is:

• National Georgia Day
• National Watermelon Day
• National Grab Some Nuts Day

• Have a great week, my friends, and God Bless! Find JOY in HIM!!!

I was honored and humbled to be able to spend yesterday and today with Kelly and her family and be able to contribute a small thing to their care and comfort. With a parcel of guys there’s lots of laundry, dishes, and leave-it-where-you-sit-it-itis; there’s always something to do! I helped with all of the above, in addition to Kelly’s care and food – which someone always wanted! Before I left today I cut up several pounds of chicken breasts and trimmed it for freezing, made 2 dishes of lasagna, and browned some ground beef for future tacos. Matt took Peyton to work this morning then got tires for the van, and I was able to stick close the house and assist the little guys (Logan and ‘Taco the Fish’ – don’t ask….) with morning routine.

Kelly had to get her donor site bandage on her thigh removed and her friend Shayla came over to assist. She’s a nurse and we certainly needed her services. We were all relieved when the task was done and also we were pleased with how nice the site looked. Kelly let me take a picture of her with her cap on and the drainage tubes. This was a pretty major deal. Next step is a follow-up appointment on Wednesday!

Peyton and Matt put a new metal roof on the first half of the house; the rest to follow. Weather was pretty iffy today so they decided not to chance it.

I was feeling overwhelmed for my precious family, and when I got home and read my Snoopy page for today I realized – no matter what, God always gives us a reason and a heart to rejoice always!

I listened to the guest speaker (Jerry) at Martin’s Ferry. His message was THY WORD IS TRUE. Christians will make a difference in this world and love is the answer. Learn how to love and be witnesses. The value of love is everything. If you read I Corinthians 13 and substitute the word JESUS for the word LOVE it’s a perfect fit. But if you substitute the pronoun “I” for love it lacks much! God puts Jesus over us so He (God) sees us through Jesus. Jesus has paid, not only our past sins but covers all we will do in the future!

On this day in 1781 British army under general Conrwallis occupies Yorktown Virginia. In 1944 Anne Frank made her last entry in her diary; 3 days later she was arrested. In 1819 Author Herman Melville was born (Moby Dick). Mark Anthony died in 30 BC, and Calamity Jane died in 1903. In 1976 Elizabeth Taylor divorced Richard Burton for the 2nd time (her 6th divorce).

TOMORROW August 2nd is:

• National Coloring Book Day
• National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
• American Family Day (I love my family! Love love love !!!)
• National Friendship Day And my friend Gen will be here tomorrow!
• National Sisters Day Here’s to you, my favorite (only) sister Kathy! Love you!

I am getting ready to head to Kelly’s. She was to be released today right after her lunch of turkey and mashed potatoes – her favorite! So of course it’s after lunch! I cut the grass after an early morning walk, did a few errands for both Kelly and myself, and will head out in about half an hour.

That will be my day.

Last night I listened to Steve at Maplewood. It was a continuation of his message about Jesus teaching in parables. He reinforced that the kingdom is here, now – but this kingdom is one we are free to accept or reject. It’s not the ultimate where everything is made right. That is a hard concept because that’s not what we expect it to be. Even though it’s not complete yet, it’s still of infinite worth regardless of it’s appearing simplicity. You can be a part of God’s kingdom here on earth right now. You’ve been issued an invitation – it’s your choice. If you choose that, you must pursue the kingdom with fervent prayer. And what you fervently seek, God will give.

On this day in 1777 Marquis de Lafayette, 19, was made major-general of the Continental Army. In 1864 Ulysses S Grant was named General of Volunteers. In 1988 the last Playboy club closed; In 1932 Ted Cassidy was born in Pittsburgh PA (played Lurch in the Addams Family). J K Rowling was born in 1965. And my friend Jennifer from Smail’s – one of the very few who kept me sane those last months (years????!!!!!) – is celebrating a birthday day. Wishing you happiness and blessings and sanity and lots of puppy love! Miss you!!!

TOMORROW is August 1st, and is:

• International Mahjong Day
• National Raspberry Cream Pie Day
• National Girlfriends Day ** Happy day to all my special ‘girl’ friends!
• Respect for Parents Day
• National Disc Golf Day – (There you go, Nate!!!)
• National Mustard Day – I’m hoping I don’t have to eat any. I DISLIKE mustard!!!

Let’s be backwards today! Today is my friend Diane’s birthday – we met the first day of school in 10th grade – she sat behind me in homeroom. She was always the wild and fun one – and made life interesting every single day! I was in her wedding and her daughter was the flower girl in mine. We have stuck close for all these years and still hold each other up. A day seldom goes by without my hearing from her in a txt or an email. I’m so thankful to have her in my life, and to know she is a fierce and devoted prayer warrior! Her minister (Bram) is one of the ones I listen to every week. (see Monday!)

While I was working at Jeannette this morning, the motorcade with police (etc) escort went through escorting Pence into Greensburg for a support rally. It was very impressive! I took a picture of the cars on Route 30 lined up about a mile, as they had closed some of the intersections. I stopped at Palmer’s Farm Stand after I was done working and got a squash, green beans, tomatoes and a few ears of corn. I had a tomato for lunch with toast and will do corn for supper. It looks so yummy! Kath and I went to visit mom – we could visit at a table in the main room, and mom actually said a few sentences. We met the activities director and she said Mom does participate in some of the events. She apparently didn’t want to see us as after a while she pulled her mask over her eyes. We tried not to take it personally! It was a cloudy day, but the gladiolas were blooming bright and pink – with the little white Angel directing the show of colors. (Kath – Father Tim directing the colors at the annual flower planting!!!)

Kelly did well with her surgery, but that’s a message for another Word Garden. Keep praying for her healing and direction! She’s a strong, beautiful woman – she amazes me ! God’s got this!

Since I already reviewed Bram, I’ll do Micah from Old Mahoning. His message was the perspective of the cross. The cross called for purity, to be united, loyalty. It’s the one way to the Father – through Jesus. We don’t earn salvation – you must believe and receive. It’s not about us, and what we’ve done. We are saved through God’s grace. We give something importance by the way we use it. To the sinner the cross is foolishness – and you can only be saved or lost. There is no in between. To the saved, the cross is the power of God. When you think about your life and your future and where you are going – hold on and listen for the trumpet – we are in the last days! Ask God for wisdom to live for Him. Society sees the cross as confusion; they think it’s too easy. It may be free but it’s very expensive. Embrace and accept God’s gift of his Son on the cross and claim your salvation.

On this day in 1928 George Eastman showed the first amateur color motion picture at his New York home. In 1942 FDR signed a bill creating Women’s Navy Auxiliary Agency (WAVES). LBJ signed the medicare bill in 1965, and in 2003 the last old style VW Beetle rolled off the assembly line.

Today Emily Bronte was born in 1818, Henry Ford in 1863, Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1947, and it’s Harry Potter’s birthday. Also, my friend Trent Perry is celebrating a birthday today! He’s a super good friend of Kelly and Matt, and I want to wish him a super great day with his wife and amazing little sons! Happy birthday, Trent!

TOMORROW is National Avocado Day, National Raspberry Cake Day, National Mutt Day, National Talk in an elevator day, National system Administrator Appreciation Day, and Get Gnarley Day! I know my friend Bear ALWAYS said things were Gnarley! Go get Gnarley and have a great Friday! God bless….

After my walk – which I was delayed in taking – I got interrupted all morning! Finally got breakfast and was able to start cleaning about noon. I worked on that all day until about 3:30pm. Autmn was pulling weeds at her mom’s so I ran her up a pair of garden gloves – with strong admonition to scrub up good when she was done in case there were poison ivy plants among the rocks! Kath and I packed a box to mail to mom, but we were told we could drop off clothes. So we packed the clothes separately and will leave them at the main door tomorrow. Dinner was a ripe garden tomato, 3 slices of bacon, and toast. It was pure deliciousness! I hung my antique medicine cabinet on the wall in the living room and am very pleased with the results!

I listened to three messages today, but I think I’ll review Mike’s at HCC. He is still working through the fruits of the spirit and today was Goodness. First, it’s a process to have the characteristics of the fruits be a part of us – we have to pursue them and accept them as part of ourselves. Scriptures say that we are created specifically for Good Works. We need to emulate God’s goodness; we should WANT to be good! We should also rejoice with those who do good works, and be an encourager to others. We should live our lives in such a way that people see the fruit of goodness in us, and goodness is light. Let others see the light! There are ALWAYS opportunities to do good works, and what we are called to do, we are equipped and empowered to do. Do people see the spirit of good works in your life?

On this day in 1928 the first test footage for Mickey Mouse (Steamboat Willie) was shown. The first volume of the Lord of the Rings by J R R Tolkien was published in 1954, and in 2016 Hilary Clinton accepted the democratic nomination for US President. Vincent Van Gogh died at age 37 in 1890, David Niven died in 1983 at age 73. In 1981 Charles Price of Wales married Lady Diana Spencer, and in 2000 Jennifer Aniston married Brad Pitt.

TOMORROW is National Cheesecake Day, National Father-in-law Day, National Whistleblower Day (???), National Chili Dog Day, National Intern Day, and International Day of Friendship. Maybe don’t blow any whistles but have a chili dog and make a friend! God bless….

You’ve heard of people using ‘Cliff Notes ‘ – the condensed and shortened versions. Well, tonight’s Word Garden is the Cliff Notes version. I’m tired and sleepy… Kath and I did our 6am grocery shopping, and when I got back to the house Gen was organized for her trip back to New York. She made breakfast while I got showered and dressed, then we both left. I had lots to do – including picking up a prescription and getting gas (for the car and for the mower), plus copying a paperwork packet for Mom and running it to the post office. I finally got home about 4pm. Autmn and Josie walked down and visited for a while, and Josie was delighted with my M&M’s! Autmn finished off the cookies. I had a toast and tomato and turkey bacon sandwich for supper then listened to Greg at Vanderbilt church.

Greg’s message was about making decisions. We make thousands of decision a day – some consciously and some automatically. But he offered four ways to make wise and prudent life decisions. 1) Obey immediately. We must delight in pleasing God and staying in his will for us. 2) Pray with Perseverance. 3) Stay in the scriptures (and often that means keeping your nose out of your phone!!!) 4) Be sure that God will make a way. Be confident that you will find God’s will and you will be assured of choosing wisely.

On this day in 1942 US President FDR ended the coffee rationing in the US (I’m sure a LOT of people were rejoicing about that decision!). Johann Sebastian Bach died at age 65 in 1750, and in 1973 Farrah Fawcett married bionic man Lee Majors. Beatrix Potter was born in 1866 and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was born in 1929. And today two of my Skunk Hollow cousins are celebrating birthdays! Happy birthday to Gwen Sadler

and Karen Valyo!

Have a wonderful day, ladies and enjoy your girls’ weekend! Sorry I’ll miss it but it’ll be a great time for you all!

TOMORROW July 29th is National Lasagna Day, National Lipstick Day, and National Chicken Wing Day. Enjoy! God bless…