Today was a beautiful sunny, breezy but HOT day! Gen and I went for a walk early, breakfasted, then Kelly and the 2 boys came. We baked the scones for her to take home, made Chocolate Chip Cookies to send to Mom, and did loads of laundry. Gen and I spent some time cleaning out Matt’s Prius and it really made a big difference. Wish we’d have remembered to take ‘before’ pictures, but just the sparsity of it should speak volumes. Chase and Logan spent the day in the sweet A/C and Rainy just chilled out on the rug taking it all in!

This afternoon I listened to Bram at First Baptist. His message was about man who asked Jesus what he needed to do to gain eternal life. The man already knew the scripture that said Love the Lord your God with all your heart and strength and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. But the man asked who his neighbor was. What he wanted to know was what the LEAST he had to do, and exactly WHO could he love and who could he love not so much? Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan – and asked: Which one was the neighbor. Jesus said to love our neighbor – don’t challenge the cost; reach out to whoever needs the love of God. Give all you CAN; take love to the next level. That is what Jesus asks of us.

On this day in 1586 Walter Raleigh brought the first tobacco to England from Virginia. In 1866 The Atlantic telegraph cable was successfully laid – 1,686 miles. Orville Wright tested the first US Army airplane in 1909, and the Korean War ended in 1953. Bob Hope died at age 100 in 2005. TOMORROW is National Mike Chocolate Day, Buffalo Soldiers Day (what is a buffalo soldier? How do they fit into uniforms?), and Waterpark Day. Hope you can find a way to cool off – but have fun whatever you do! MAYBE — you could find a WATER buffalo soldier??? (OK – no offense meant. I looked up what a buffalo soldier was – They were troops in 1866…. ) God bless —

It’s been a whirlwind day – full of twists and complications – but all’s well that ends delightfully so that is GREAT! I started to take a walk early this morning (after a fitful sleepless night!) and my phone froze! I couldn’t shut off any apps or even power down the phone. An hour later I finally resolved that issue but by then – the tone was set for the day, and I HAD to break out of that mindset. After a quick shower and a quick bite (literally) of breakfast I picked up Kath and we went to the Ninth Life Rescue fundraiser fleatique. Wow they had a lot of stuff! Check on facebook and if they have it again next week try to go. SO MUCH STUFF! Better than ‘Ollies’ – good stuff cheap!

I came home and cut the grass, scrubbed the items I purchased and dried them in the sun.

Swept and cleaned the house, did some ironing, mixed up scones, then helped Autmn take 2 loads of stuff to her mom’s, where she plans to stay for a while to help out and get a change of pace. It’s only about 2 miles from home and a mile from me. Not a real big change. Gen and Rainy

came to spend a few days, and we had a lovely open air chat on the deck, a wonderful dinner of baked potatoes and fresh veggies, then she took Rainy for a walk while I listened to Paul from River Hill.

His message was from Psalm 46 – Assurance of Calm in any storm. * Be still and know that I am God! He helps us to understand what He wants us to know, and he’s with us always. He is our refuge in trouble, and we know that in this world you will have trouble, but be of good cheer – I have overcome the world! He will supply all our needs, as he is the river of life to us. We do have to spend time with God to get wisdom – again, Be Still and Know that I Am God! We need not fear, because God is our refuge, shelter, strength and help. Whatever you are facing, go through it together with God. We tend to think out of FEAR rather than FAITH; but God has everything under control! God builds up and tears down and watches our choices. Do not be anxious about anything – God will guide your hearts and minds!

On this day in 1775 the US Continental Congress created the USPS in Philadelphia under Ben Franklin. J Edger Hoover got a job in the US Department of Justice in 1971. Mick Jagger was born in 1943, Sandra Bullock in 1964, and Sam Houston died in 1863 at the age of 70.

And TOMORROW is National Love is Kind day and National New Jersey day. I am definitely NOT going to New Jersey tomorrow, but I do entirely intend to be kind and share love in as many ways as I can – and since my darling daughter and grandsons are coming – and Gen and Rainy are here – that will be easy-peasy! Take Snoopy and Woodstock’s word for it! (and Philemon’s!)

Have a wonderful day! God bless.

Since it’s the 25th, 5 months from today…. 🙂 My friend Gwen chose that theme for her devotion this morning – and I loved being reminded on a 90* day that Christmas can be in our hearts every single day of the year. We can celebrate God’s gift any time – there is no season for that. And since the Vanderbilt church has not posted their message yet for the week, I encourage you to take a few minutes to reflect on the birth of our Savior, and that his birth and life and death and resurrection and ascension is the core of our faith and hope. Merry almost Christmas, my friends!

It was a very busy day – but I felt energized to get through it. After my morning walk and breakfast I attended a meeting at Craftique with my friend Mary Ann about a mutual project we are doing. I stopped and picked up fruit and a few other groceries at Aldi since I was right there. AND since I was so close I went to Palmer’s farm stand and got a squash, tomatoes and green beans. Next was Home Depot – were I got spray to kill the last of the poison ivy (if indeed there is any left rooted there), put down plastic, spread mulch, and then spent the rest of the afternoon laying a bit of pond stone, trimming lilacs that were growing through the other side of the fence, pulling weeds, and cleaning up the yard.

I came in and snapped my beans, washed the strawberries, did the ironing, put fresh pillow cases on all the beds, and here I am. Once this is done I will grab a quick, light dinner and just relax!

On this day in 1866 Ulysses S Grant was named first General of the Army, in 1946 Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis had their first show as a comedy team; in 1966 the Supremes released ‘You Can’t Hurry Love’ and in 1983 Metallica debuted their first album. Ben Hogan, American golfer, died in 1997 at age 84. And today my cousin Holly’s daughter Olivia Lenzi is celebrating a birthday today. Happy birthday Olivia! have a wonderful day!

And TOMORROW is National Aunt & Uncle Day (Call them!!!)

It will also be National Bagelfest Day, National Coffee Milkshake Day (There you go, Kath!), National Disability Independence Day, All or Nothing Day, and National Parents Day. Lots to celebrate, so choose a few and have fun. God bless –

As Bud would have said, 5 months from today is Christmas Eve! I’m not ready…. I had to work a bit this morning but got done in good time. Then I had to work on the applications for Mom’s care, and do a lot of copying of the forms. After lunch I went out and pulled weeds and trimmed seedlings from the lilacs that refuse to be sedate. I was very careful to stay totally away from the forsythia fiasco site. When I was done working outside I scrubbed myself down with Dawn dishwashing liquid. I figured if it was good for those little oily ducklings it would be good for me! Then I took a good shower and got dinner. Had a couple of pieces of frozen pizza and it made me super thirsty!

I listened to Mike’s message from Hempfield. The sermon series is still on the fruit of the spirit, and today is KINDNESS. That is my favorite one (fruit). It’s like the ‘strawberry’ of my existence. Kelly made me a tee-shirt that I just love! And I have a little plaque on my wall, too. Mike said Kindness is sort of a lot like love, but kindness is an action word: Love in action; expecting nothing in return, and it’s the RIGHT thing to do. We have seen recently that our word is not kind right now. The opposite of Kind is Selfish – or being a JERK! And sometimes Christians are unkind, as well. The two examples he gave were the Good Samaritan and David caring for Jonathan’s son. David and the Samaritan did the opposite of what would have been expected in the circumstances. Take time to read both accounts.

Words are an important part of being kind; you can’t ever take back the hard and horrid words. They stay ‘said’ – you can apologize and try to make amends but they never go away; and sometimes they are not forgotten. Our words represent Christ and we have to live the life and words we say — be careful of your choices! People remember when we are hateful and hurtful, but they also remember our kindnesses too! Be especially cautious what you communicate on social media – it’s so easy to post things that anger and disrespect and hurt others. It’s better to be kind even if you’re right. Let us live kindness every day, all the time! Let others see God through us in that way. It costs NOTHING!!!!

On this day in 1958 George Washington was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses. In 1847 Brigham Young and the Mormon followers arrived in Utah, and in 1969 the Apollo 11 returned to earth safely. ‘Saving Private Ryan’ was released in 1998. Amelia Earhart was born in 1897 and Jennifer Lopez in 1969. Martin Van Buren, our 8th president, died in 1862 at the age of 79 and Peter Sellers died at age 54 in 1980.

I had a request to be pro-active in my ‘National’ days! So here goes, starting with today. Today, July 24th, it’s National Thermal Engineer Day, National Tequila Day, National Drive Thru Day (wonder what we should drive THRU???) National Cousins day (A huge shout out to the Skunk Hollow girls – love you!!), and National Amelia Earhart Day (of course – it’s her birthdate!)

And just so you can be ready for tomorrow’s exciting events, Saturday July 25th will be National Hot Fudge Sundae day, National wine and cheese Day, National Merry-go-round Day, National Threading the Needle Day (????), National Hire a Veteran Day, and the Day of the Cowboy. Lots of choices, so start getting ready now – if you feel like it, post me a comment if you celebrate! Probably my only shot is with the Sundae but not sure it will be HOT fudge, but definitely FUDGE!! Have a fun day – God bless!

Cloudy with rainy spots – but nice for the morning walk. It was a very busy day all around – with work and household chores and paperwork with Kathy for Mom. But we’re on the right track! I had turkey bacon and toast with lettuce for supper and it did taste really good! I discovered a movie from 2006 that I want to watch – Miss Potter – the life of Beatrice Potter. I want to see if I can find it on the firestick or something!

Snoopy approved of the fact that I am devoted to the Christmas in July Hallmark movies!

I listened to the guest speaker From Martin’s Ferry – LaMont Tucker; a deacon at the church and a 5th grade teacher at the Christian school. His message was on Resurrection. If we do not glory in the resurrection in our daily life we are off the point. What is happening in our world today doesn’t make one bit of difference to God – he’s still on the throne! What is the ‘gospel’? It’s Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, ascension. The resurrection is not of ‘A’ savior, but of ‘THE’ Savior- We will ALL BOW – the resurrection is our hope, why we live in faith towards eternity – it is the true good news! Jesus was both 100% Man and 100% God – the Son of God. His resurrection proves that. It made us right with God, we have been pardoned, and are treated as a son (daughter) – We are right with God forever. As Jesus said, ‘It is finished’ – the debt was paid. MY debt was paid! No one can separate us from the love of Christ.

He’s not just our savior, but the highest sovereign of the universe and will eventually be the ultimate judge. Remember that you can’t pick and choose what parts of God’s Word (Bible) that we accept. We must take ALL of it. We are to SHARE the gospel, God’s word, because how will they know if we don’t teach? None of us can earn salvation – it’s a gift for God! Once we accept it he equips us to do His work. And He will return for us in power and glory!!!

On this day in 1829 William Burt patented America’s first typographer (typerwriter). Thank heaven’s for that man! In 1973 US President Richard Nixon refused to release the Watergate tapes. Alison Krauss was born in 1971 and Monica Lewinsky in 1973. Prince Andrew wed Sarah Ferguson in 1986. In 1793 Roger Sherman died – he was a founding father, and the only person to sign all four great US papers (Declaration of Independence, etc). He’s a little known patriot and that is a sad statement! It’s worth looking him up and reading about him! My daughter’s youth group and high school friend Heather Baughman Cramer is celebrating a birthday today. Happy birthday, Heather!!!

Today is Gorgeous Grama Day (wonder how you qualify for that???), National Vanilla Ice Cream Day, and National Refreshment Day. I’ll take a little of both. Have a great day! God bless….

It was storming when I woke, but I ended up doing loops in front of my house – no rain! Spent the morning and early afternoon cleaning the whole house. There was a nice breeze in the later afternoon so I was able to cut the grass and pull a few weeds. Then I did some projects. I went up for the mail and found my new hose had arrived! I had a green one about 5 years ago and really liked it – but it broke and I couldn’t find another one. Kath said she found one online and ordered it – so I found a blue one! Of course I had to try it out immediately, and yea – works perfectly! I love it! Then I had to paint a picture frame, and then spray-painted the stumps of a Rose of Sharon I cut back. It keeps sprouting sprouts so I decided a blast of purple paint would give it something to think about! I also sprayed the stumps and roots of the forsythia fiasco (poison ivy patch) hoping to help deter that regrowth too! Then I paid bills. Yuck.

I listened to Bram from First Baptist. His message was about life’s simple remedy: Come to Jesus. We always want to make things out to be harder than they are, but if we ask for forgiveness He’ll take care of our live. He used Naaman as an example. Naaman was told to dip 7 times in the Jordan river to be healed of leprosy. He thought it was too silly, too simply, too NOTHING! But God used 3 methods to convince Naaman to obey: The Israelite slave girl – she spoke up and suggested Naaman go to God’s prophet Elisha. Then Naaman’s servant encouraged him: “What do you have to lose? Just do it!”. Encouragement is more valuable then we often give it credit for – We should accept what God offers, which is what Naaman had to consider, and finally did. He accepted God’s words! We should simply ask God and trust Him – WE are the ones who make it complicated! Just do it!

On this day in 1864 General Sherman’s Union army defeated Confederate General Hood in Atlanta. In 1976 the US House of Representatives voted to restore citizenship to General Robert E Lee – a little LATE for his BENEFIT, don’t you think???? But it was the right thing! In 1991 Jeffrey Dahmer confessed to killing 17 men; In 1994 O. J. Simpson pleaded ‘Absolutely 100% not guilty’ of murder! Remember the white Ford Bronco chase? Whatever THAT accomplished!!!

Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy was born in 1890, Alex Trebek in 1940, and Selena Gomez in 1992. Today is National Hammock Day, National Hot Dog Day, and National Rat Catcher Day. I’m glad I don’t have to catch a rat! Go eat a hot dog and have a great day! God bless…

Despite poison I still took a walk – my ivy is feeling more settled. Just one nasty spot on my left leg. Looks like JAWS took a nice bite! After work I got a special made-for-bath Command hook for my shower caddy in the bathroom. It was on a suction cup and every 6 or 8 days the suction would let loose and everything would go flying across the tub. Sounded like the rapture! Hold on …. Yup -still good and solid!

Kath and I visited Mom, and she looked happy and smiled a lot. It’s always good to see that she’s adjusting and content. We made crowns for Kath and I to wear to celebrate yesterday’s birthday, and will put them in the box to send to her next week.

Snoopy shared a scripture with us today, and if you read the entire verse, it says it’s not a new thought. We are to Love one Another! II John 1:5. There are so many people in my life who share themselves with me, and that I have the opportunity to love on so many different levels. I pray that is a blessing in your lives as well!

This morning I listened to a ‘new’ minister. I’ve met Stephen LaSor several times (Maplewood Presbyterian) and am choosing to fill the seventh day by listening to his messages. I took four pages of notes, but I will give you a summarized version. He has been talking about Jesus’s choice to start teaching with parables, as He was seeing that the people weren’t open to some of his teachings. He suggests that the reason was that the answers to the mysteries aren’t given to us so He offered explanations plainly. The more we give our minds to Jesus the more we will know and understand. Those who don’t want to pursue these truths won’t understand the mysteries.

The example he used was the parable of a man who plants wheat in his field then goes away. When he comes back his workers ask if they should pull the weeds but the owner says no. Let the weeds grow with the plants or the wheat will be disturbed. He will separate the weeds from the Wheat at harvest. He compared it to our lives, to the end of the age. Evil is sown in with the good, and Satan is sowing fast and furiously because the final days are upon us. The Kingdom of God is here, right NOW – but is not irresistible. We are not forced into it – we must accept it to be part of it. Jesus is preparing the thrashing floor right now, but in the meantime we have a choice – accept and live for God or live for ourselves. It’s not what we expect – we think the Kingdom should be with power and might that we can’t resist. That kingdom will come someday, but for now those with a willing heart and humility will accept the invitation. The evil and the just are growing together side by side, and the Great Harvester will come! As the end comes closer it will draw evil and filth to the surface; but the battle has already been won – And another of my favorite verses: In this world you will have trouble, but be of good cheer. I have OVERCOME the WORLD. DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED! God’s still in charge and is still working in a way we don’t see or don’t expect. He is not ready to pull the ‘weeds’ – they grow beside the Wheat. Be patient – His harvest is by invitation and the righteous will be gathered to Him.

Well I said I would make it short. So much for short.

On this day in 1853 New York’s Central Park was created and would be designed by Frederick Olmstead (Landscape architect). Olmstead also designed the gardens at Biltmore and many other ostentatious homes of the wealthy and fabulous! In 1969 Neil Armstrong actually made the footprint on the moon. Yesterday they just landed (opps!). Ernest Hemingway was born in 1899, Cat Stevens in 1948, and the wonderfully talented and very funny Robin Williams in 1951 (I loved Mork and Mindy!!)

Today is National Junk Food Day and National Be Someone Day. I think I’m someone every day. Today I was an employee, a daughter, a sister, a mother, a writer, a houseworker, a weed-puller, and a meal cooker!

Have a great week! God bless…

It feels strange to be inside! Dr. Cole advised me that although the heat would not make the poison worse, it was make it more uncomfortable. So I’m dutifully taking my two meds and staying inside the a/c. I am trying to take a walk outside around the house every hour. I took a mile walk at 7am, ate, then went to the doctors.

So today is Mom’s 90th birthday! I was looking back at photos from when we had an 80th party for her. So many loving friends and family members came to celebrate. I rejoice that so many are still thinking of her, sending her happy wishes, and celebrating a beautiful life! I am attaching some fun photos just randomly chosen!

I listened to two sermons this morning but will share Micah’s from Old Mahoning, entitled As I Was So Will I Be. GOD never changes. He’s loving, and he’s just. We are assured that God will never leave or forsake us, and as it says several times in the old and new testaments, God will never leave us or forsake us; be strong & courageous! Joshua was chosen to lead God’s people into the promise land, and it seems like a huge responsibility. But he was Moses’ right hand man for those 40 years in the wilderness, and he saw God’s might and power and faithfulness and promises at work time after time. We too have God and his promises; if we keep our mind set on God and his purpose for us he will work wonders in our lives as well. We don’t usually sign up for these undaunting tasks; God chooses and equips us; he prepares us for these tasks. We need to seek God’s truths, try something new, and remember that he promises his presence. Eternity is perfect, and We are INVITED!

On this day in 1881 Chief Sitting Bull surrendered to US Federal troops. The big one, of course, is that in 1969 the Apollo 11 module landed on the moon, affording Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin the privilege to actually walk on the moon – and leave footprints!

Marcie first appeared in the Peanuts comic strip in 1971. Alexander the Great was born in 356BC, and in 2015 Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert were divorced. Today is National Moon Day (as it should be!), national Lollipop Day, and National Pennsylvania Day – so celebrate our great state. It’s still a wonderful place to live despite the difference of opinions and directions that we are experiencing. It’s also Get out of the Dog House Day. So if you are in there, today’s your ‘get out of jail free’ card! And finally a wonderfully happy birthday to Mom – 90 amazing years – and still giving and helping! The nurses in the facility said she goes around helping everyone make their beds! God Bless You, Mom! Love you – to the moon and back – OF COURSE!!!!

I have spent most of the last 20 hours fighting a terrible and unnerving urge to scratch. I can’t wait to call in the morning and get this handled. Alas. I stayed inside as it was so hot and that didn’t help. I started out by baking my scones, then made cream of potato soup and roasted veggies. Then had a pile of dishes to wash! My goal for tonight is to get some sleep!

I listened to the guest minister at River Hill, as Paul and Kathy were out of town. The message was about the prodigal son – but not the one who left! The story was about the older son. The younger son took his inheritance and lost himself in a foreign land. The older one lost himself in his own back yard. Most of us are lost like the older son and don’t realize it; we are lost in jealousy and/or self-righteousness. We look at others and see their failings and short-comings, and feel self righteous that we are ‘better’ than they are. Truth is we are all on a journey of faith, and we should not judge where another is on their struggle. We can be ‘lost’ and not know it, because we don’t have our eyes on our relationship with God. Be supportive of those who are walking the same path and don’t judge. God loves and helps us each one!

On this day in 1860 Lizzie Borden was born, and in 1966 Frank Sinatra (50) married Mia Farrow (21). Today was National Ice Cream Day. Haven’t had any yet, but the day’s not over! Treat yourself — and God bless!