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!

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!

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!)

TOMORROW August 25 is:

• National Park Service Founders Day
• National Whiskey Sour Day
• National Kiss and Make Up Day
• National Secondhand Wardrobe Day
• National Banana Split Day

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…

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!

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.

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.

TOMORROW, August 24 is:

• National Maryland Day (ROAD TRIP!!!)
• National Peach Pie Day (Do NOT like Peaches!!)
• National Waffle Day (Waffles I can do!!)

Be salt and light – and have a great week! God bless….

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!

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!

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.

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!

TOMORROW, August 23 is:

• National Ride The Wind Day
• National Sponge Cake Day
• National Cuban Sandwich Day (What exactly IS a Cuban Sandwich???)

LOVE is a universal language! Share it! God bless…

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!

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!

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.

TOMORROW, August 22, is:

• National Surgical Oncologist Day
• National Be An Angel Day (Hope this is figuratively not literally!!!)
• Never Bean Better Day
• National Tooth Fairy Day
• National Pecan Torte Day

Not sure I will celebrate anything special tomorrow except my great niece’s birthday! That will be perfect! God bless…

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 …