Today was like the ‘free space’ on a Bingo card. A day to myself that I didn’t expect. Thank you, dear Sister (or Aunt Cordelia to your favorite niece and nephew). After my morning walk and scones, I cleaned both bathrooms and my kitchen and washed a load of towels. I had a follow up appointment with Forefront Dermatology – all was well. I popped into Hanna’s Town and bought a little cutting board that I had my eye on (clearance table), and talked to the gift shop volunteer. Her son lives in Boston and we had about 20 minutes of a nice chat! I grabbed a fruit salad for lunch then hit the hill. Really got a lot of weeding done. Looks so nice! My next project is in front by the sidewalk. There’s a baby bunny that lives under my deck and he spent the day munching on the clover by the patio. I just took my time and enjoyed a slower pace – but very productive!

When I got to the bottom section of the hill, I started pulling the vines from around the orange azalea bush. Buried underneath was a little fairy – she brought a smile to my face, and I think she was trying to tell me it was a good day!

Last night I listened to Greg’s message from Vanderbilt Church. “What does God really, really want?” He referenced the be-attitudes and the ten commandments. He started by saying that he looks at the world through the lens of scripture, being grounded in the word. First – we are to Ask – and it will be given; seek and we’ll find it; knock and it will be opened. Then, Do unto others – golden rule. Micah 6:8 states that we should walk humbly, act justly and be loving. We need Jesus Sometimes we get complacent and let our boat drift away from the dock, and let the current take us away. We need to take a stand, and be part of the solution. The solution is JESUS – trying to solve the world’s problems without sharing Jesus is like rearranging furniture in a burning house. Don’t just SAY things – DO them -Once we’ve established a relationship, then we can be salt and light to the world around us.

On this day in 1885 the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York City aboard the French ship ISERE.

The first kidney transplant was performed in Chicago in 1950. Newt Gingrich and Barry Manilow were born in 1943; Robert and Ethel Kennedy were married in 1950. Today is National Garbage Man Day, National Eat your Vegetables Day, Apply Strudel Day, and Cherry Tart Day. I did NOT have either of those three today! But I did put the garbage out! And Snoopy says:

Wow today was a very long day. Lots to do in both stores. Fires to put out, puzzles to solve, deals and titles everywhere!

But they are a blessing in my life so I am happy to be there, and to work for them. Joe promised me a new office chair (mine sinks slowly to the floor unannounced…) so I stopped at Staples and bought a new one. I can get it Thursday. Yea! I had just walked in the door when I got a call that I needed to do a title transfer for my cousin. So back in I went! I came home, changed, and pulled weeds on the hill. Never ending job!

This morning I listened to Micah from Old Mahoning. He talked about what we were created for: 1) redemption 2) responsibility 3) reward. 1- God wants ALL to come to repentance; it was the plan from the beginning. Jesus secures our relationship with God. The redemption has already been paid; we just have to accept it. 2 – Responsibility is good works; not because we are saved by our works, but because we want to do them to show God our love and devotion. Just do it! The Holy Spirit was given to us to guide us . Also through praise. We are all equipped with a gift to serve; it’s a choice we can make, as God gave us free will. Why wouldn’t we want to serve a God who loves us? 3- God notices what we do, and he provides ample opportunity for us to serve. He wants us to have abundance of life; we don’t labor in vain. We are the clay in the Potter’s hands, and can be a beautiful vessel if we yield to his plan.

On this day in 1858 Abraham Lincoln said: A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe that is still true today. I cannot imagine what is around the corner for this country if we don’t draw together and turn back to God. Geronimo, the Apache leader, was born in 1829, and it’s also my friend Nikki Saldi’s birthday. Nikki, her husband Greg and her daughter Ophelia are missionaries to France. So it’s a long way to send a birthday greeting. Happy birthday Nikki! And today is National Fudge Day. I’m for THAT!

And today would have been Ron Buschek’s birthday. Ron was the first youth minister at the Hempfield Church, when I was in Jr/Sr high school (age 14). I had SUCH a huge crush on him! He had an infectious laugh, a great smile, bright eyes, and was very kind to a young girl who idolized him! I still think about him often, and have a great respect for his ministries, his family, and his witness. I’m sure he’s having Bible Bowl quizzes with the saints! Makes me smile….

Now – I’m hungry. Time to grab supper. God bless.

Today was a much calmer day so far!  We had breakfast about 7:30am, did some laps inside around the house, exploring.  Mom settled in the chair, and I watched a video about Ft. Ticonderoga.  That’s a place I really didn’t have much information about.  It was a cooler day, and I took a little time later in the afternoon to dig out some of my abundance of perennials to take over to Joanna at the Historical Society. 

I’m always glad to share.  The irises, however, are extremely difficult to dig out.  If I decide to share more, I will have to have help with the digging!  The earth was so dry and hard-packed that I figured I should water the gardens.  I had to hurry as it started to sprinkle and I wanted to finish before it rained.  Wait.  What?  Alas, it didn’t rain… I baked brownies for Jen for her Ninth Life Rescue volunteer picnic as a surprise – but I kept one for dessert later.  Yum with ice cream!

I also listened to Paul’s

message at River Hill Church – Jesus Christ is Alive – Do we have a sweet spirit like Jesus?  WE are the fragrance of Christ to God.  We note that all kinds of people were attracted to Jesus and felt comfortable in his presence.  Not just the lovable and righteous.  No one felt condemned and unloved.  The Church has to have a sweet spirit, and it can do that by being devoted to kindness and doing good.  Sometimes we feel that things aren’t fair, or  life is just wrong; GOD makes things right.  To be the sweet fragrance, we must respect authority (which creates order in the world) – and this authority is demonstrated within the home, in church, and in government.  We are to do what is good; be peacemakers, be kind!  We can be sweet spirits in these ways – not of our own power, but because of God’s Grace!

On this day in 1775 the US Army was first formed as the Continental Army to fight the Revolutionary War.  In 1847 Robert Bunsen invented the Bunsen burner, and in 1922 President Warren G Harding was the first president to use the radio – he dedicated the Francis Scott Key memorial in Baltimore.  The

Steve Allen show premiered on CBS-TV in 1967.  In 1801 Benedict Arnold died at age 60.  Harriet Beacher Stowe was born in 1811; Burl Ives in 1909, and our 45^th President of the United States, our current Commander in Chief Donald Trump, was born in 1946 – Happy Birthday, Mr. President!  Also my friend Gail DelSordo is celebrating today.  Happy birthday, Gail!   Today is National Army birthday, Children’s Day, and of course Flag Day.  I put my banner out this morning. (Picture is from Betsy Ross’s House in Philly) God bless America.

Early morning start – 4:45am.  Mom and I had eggs and toast for breakfast, then changed my bedsheets.  I threw them in the laundry and sat down – mom on the recliner and me on the couch.  She promptly fell asleep until almost 10am!  I took the opportunity to let Autmn sleep, and turned on a youtube video about the life of Thomas Jefferson.  Then as mom was still sleeping, I clicked on one about Sally Hemings.  It was totally interesting.  She was an amazing woman.  Nate stopped by and chatted for a bit before lunch, then I was able to mow the grass and pull some weeds once Autmn was up.  We took a drive in the afternoon, and now Autmn is watching her series The Good Doctor.  I don’t expect to do anything else this evening except to get supper.  As I ran out of preachers to listen to, I just looked at a few scriptures and remembered a few lessons from before.  Lucy shared her insight today – the Proverbs 31 woman.  We should all strive to be as praise-worthy. 

And laughter is very good for the soul!

On this day in 1777 Marquis de Lafayette landed in US

In 1920 the US Post Office says children cannot be sent by parcel post!   Yikes@

The film Grease opens in 1978.  Tim Allen was born in 1953.  Ashley & Mary Kate Olsen in1986.  Chuck Noll died at age 82 in 2014..  And my mother’s sweet cousin Carolyn McMahen is celebrating a birthday today!  Happy birthday Carolyn!!!

Today is National weed your garden day (which I did.  Yea!!) and National sewing machine day (which I did NOT do!) 

I’m hoping that we all get a good night’s sleep and wake up happy and rested – and I am praying that God gives us peace and grace and comfort and the assurance that He is there all the time. God bless….

I didn’t walk this morning, even though it was a beautiful, cool, sunny day. I had things I needed to do to keep on schedule. Mom and Autmn are staying with me for the weekend and I wanted to be totally ready. I have no agenda all weekend except to cut the grass, and Autmn can assist in that. Tonight Mom’s friend Diane (From the Heart Caregivers) is coming for a few hours so Autmn and I will do some quick errands. Kathy and Paul are spending the weekend hosting their Tennessee granddaughters,

so we are providing the flexibility for them to do so!

Last night I listened to Greg

from Vanderbilt church.  He began by saying that he wasn’t going to preach; he was going to share scriptures and  present nine things to be thankful for.  It was a celebration of Praise.  I will recap.  1) Protection  2) Peace  3) Guidance  4) Friendship  5) Grace  6) Mercy  7) Unfailing Love  8) Forgiveness  9) Our Savior.  Anything you can possibly consider important to your life is in one of these categories.  He closed by saying that God is the giver:  Not the government, not parents – God.  Our lives should be focused on Him.  And as this is quickly becoming a very tense and trying year for me, I really appreciated his comments and insight, and the sincerity with which he shared this praise.  I’m thankful for Greg! 

On this day in 1942 Anne Frank was given her diary as a birthday present. 

Obviously – it’s her birthday today!  In 1965 Sonny & Cher made their first TV appearance on American Bandstand.  George H W Bush, our 41^st President, was born in 1924.  Today is National Red Rose Day,

and National Peanut Butter Cookie day! Signing off – have a great weekend! God bless. . .

Well, this is going to be a challenge. My Word Press updated and the setup is entirely different. I have no clue what I’m going to see when this is done. I can’t tell what color I’m writing in, either. It was a very long day – I had lots to do at work. By the time I got home and ate leftovers for a quick lunch I felt like I hit a brick wall. I will finish this and do a little research and call it a night. I did talk a walk around the yard, and found a little treasure hidden among the sage. I love foxgloves

and there was one blooming right on the hill! Almost overnight! I was excited about that. Also have some pink blossoms on one of the ground cover plants on the hill.

I will share Micah’s

message from Old Mahoning. He spoke about Life on Purpose – things may be unexpected but not accidental. Solomon wrote that everything has a season, a time for everything under the heavens. God created us for a reason, and he chose what he wanted us to be. Many of you have heard/read this before: there is a huge vacuum/hole in our heart that can only be filled with God. Nothing else will satisfy no matter how hard we try! We do try to fill it with other things, theories, thrills – work, love – nothing else will do but God. But God makes everything beautiful in its time, and patience and persistence are virtues – God’s timing is always perfect. And just because you don’t see him working doesn’t mean he ISN’T working. We should never fear God’s plans for us, because He wants only the best for us. Ask God what he wants you to do, what your purpose is. He will answer and fulfill that purpose!

On this day in 1742 Ben Franklin invented the Franklin stove; in 1776 the Continental Congress created a committee to draft the Declaration of Independence. In 1927 Charles Lindbergh was awarded the first distinguished Flying Cross, in in 2009 the World Health Organization declared HiNi Swine Flu to be a global pandemic. And today is National Corn on the Cob Day. John Wayne

died at age 72 in 1979. In 1910 Jacques Cousteau was born, and Gene Walker in 1933. My friend from Church Linda Beer is celebrating a birthday today – happy birthday Linda! Many more!

Stay focused, my friends, and keep alert – God has great plans for you – and he’s not finished with you yet! God bless…

I started my morning walk in the cloudy morning with breezes; there were a few tiny drops of rain spattering every now and then.  It felt good and never really rained.  Chrissy and Autmn came over as I was finishing breakfast, then I got Mom.  She’s very quiet and a little agitated today.  We just keep going up and down the steps.  As she headed through the kitchen I asked if she wanted to go back down and watch some TV.  She said, ‘I’VE ALREADY BEEN DOWN THERE THREE TIMES!!!’  I wanted to say it was more like thirty-three, but I just grinned and helped her downstairs.  Chrissy and I had several nice conversations- – I’m so glad she and Autmn live close by and can be in my life.  I keep very busy and love my life, but it can be solitary, even with Mom here.  Maybe even more so.  I cut part of the grass in the afternoon, cleaned the kitchen and bathrooms (as usual for a Wednesday) and did the floors. My friend April came over after work, and we sat for over four hours and attempted to solve the world’s problems – or at least our own.  It was so nice to catch up with things going on with both of us – and it also helps to share our stress and distress with a friend that we know will not judge us or share our confidences.  We commiserated the failings of PENNDOT and title work, family blessings and illnesses, and just being able to recognize the many good things we have in our lives.  I appreciate her as a friend – and am so glad to spend time with her!  For the last few nights I have been watching videos filmed at Biltmore mansion in Ashville.  Wow.  Fascinating place, amazing man (George Washington Vanderbilt). Also spent several minutes last night txting to Bill and Rick – I’ve missed them and it was nice to at least hear from them!

  I will share Mike’s message today from HCC – still in Acts.  The message was about choosing the 7 servants to minister to the orphans and widows.  These men cared for their needs to be certain no one was left out.  The apostles did the right thing:  Instead of trying to do everything themselves, they chose and delegated.  Just because we CAN do things does not mean we SHOULD do EVERYTHING.  There will be things that do not make me happy (that are done or that I have to do), but whatever happens we should not be a hindrance to God’s will/word.  God uses us according to HIS plans; but when you follow God’s plans, you can expect opposition.  We have to trust God with our life; worrying doesn’t help – we can’t change things by stressing or worrying (Wait.  Let me read that again.  I need to HEAR that.). Don’t give up.  God is with us, and we will have victory!

In 1692 the first victim of the Salem Witch trials was hanged in Massachusetts.  Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was born in 1921, Judy Garland in 1922.  Lee Brice, country music star, was born in 1979, and my friend from church Janet Drown is celebrating a birthday. (BTW – Mike is Janet’s dad!!!)   Happy birthday Janet!  Have a great day!  God bless…

I was in a blue funk today – and very grateful that Autmn was here all afternoon to keep me from being overwhelmed.  I feel personally the distress that our country is experiencing.  I do not like the attitudes of entitlement and self-righteousness that is prevalent.  Why can’t we be KIND and just GET ALONG?  I believe there is a Kenny Chesney song to that effect – look it up. I know it’s unrealistic but I just want kids to be safe and happy kids; teens to push their boundaries but be respectful and find themselves in a good way, and adults let God rule in their hearts.  And because that can’t be, my heart hurts. 

That being said, Kath and I went to our 6am Walmart trip; I brought Mom home with me.  She was pretty unsettled and restless and I could not see pleasure or comfort in her eyes or manner.  We just kept plugging.  She did, however, enjoy lunch, and had 5 chicken nuggets and several Pierogies!  We took 2 short walks – up the driveway and back – but it was too hot to be outside. When Autmn came they had a bowl of Cookies n Cream ice cream. I, of course, had just plain chocolate!  Early, about 8am, I pulled all the feverfew (baby daisies, basically weeds) from the side garden.  They were strangling the rose bushes and blocking the window.  By then it was too hot to be out.  Mom was patient while I dead-headed the irises.  I found very little extra motivation but did manage to get the ironing done. 

Today I will share Paul’s message from River Hill.  It was: God’s Grace – dead to sin; alive in Christ.  Grace helps us transition into a new creation.  There are those that think that Grace is a free ride – sin now and pay later.  God will clean up our mess and make it all good. We live the way we want and he’ll fix it later.  But we must let our hearts be touched by God’s love; sin is powerful but Grace is greater.  We should feel relief and gratitude, not just use grace to keep sinning and be forgiven.  There was a price to be paid for our salvation, and Jesus paid it. Grace gives us the power to overcome sin – we should give God all of ourself.  If we love and appreciate our relationship with God, we won’t want to die in sin!  We will be alive in Christ.

On this day in 1978 Johannes Gutenberg’s Bible – the first book produced using the printing press – sold for $2.4 million in London.  I couldn’t afford even one page!  Michael J Fox was born in 1961, Johnny Depp in 1963, and fellow Seton Hill alum Ron Shafer is celebrating a birthday today in Florida.  Charles Dickens died at age 58 in 1870.  Today is National Donald Duck Day and call your doctor day.  Stay cool and safe – God bless!  

Snoopy and I love being outside on days like this.  It was sunny and warm and breezy.  I finished pulling weeds on the hill and scraped up all the stones.  The ground cover plants have all taken hold well and seem to be doing their job. Even rebuilt the one little stone wall.   I worked for a few hours this morning, stopped at Aldi’s for the few things I needed from there, and then finally was able to get the permanent crown on my implant.  There has been a hole there for so long it feels strange to have a tooth now.  I baked a piece of fish so I had something soft to eat as an experiment on that side.  It’ll take some getting used to but glad I can move forward. I stopped at Dollar General and a guy in an old green pickup was giving bunches of flowers to people coming out!  They were definitely from a florist.  He handed me a huge bunch of yellow mums and white/purple lilies.  I brought them home and stuck them in a vase on the porch.  They were too big for inside!   

Today I am sharing Bram’s message from First Baptist.  He talked about the Trinity – 3 in one.  God the father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.  They are co-equal, co-eternal.  They dwell in each other.  We can’t live up to what is expected of us, so Jesus paid the price with his sacrifice.  We are aware of God’s presence because of the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Therefore we have a relationship with all three; it’s a mystery and majesty.  His Children’s Church leader, Mr. Jim, explained it to the kids like a S’more.  God is the graham cracker, Jesus is the chocolate, and the Holy Spirit is the marshmallow.  They are three separate things but when you put them together they are ONE treat and it’s wonderful!  I thought that was clever.  Explaining something that is almost unexplainable!   

On this day in 1789 James Madison introduced the proposed Bill of Rights to the US House of Representatives.  Frank Lloyd Wright was born in 1867 and First Lady Barbara Bush in 1925.  Thomas Paine died at age 72 in 1809 and Andrew Jackson (7th President) died at age 78 in 1845.  Today is National Upsy Daisy Day and I have absolutely no idea what that is.  It’s also National Best Friend’s Day – and I am thankful for my ‘best’ friends – for all my friends!  But my bested friend is my dear Sister!  Love you Kath!  (See – she’s eating Ice Cream – I think it was Coffee flavored!!) Have a great day today and everyday!  God bless —

Today was a lovely day – the sun was out, the breezes cooling, comfortable temperature.  I spent almost the whole day outside pulling weeds!  I listened to Bram at First Baptist and Rod at Martin’s Ferry, then got organized with my ‘equipment’ and went to Hanna’s Town to pull weeds and start cleaning up flower beds.  I worked from just about 12:30 noon until after 3:30pm.  I got one flower bed cleaned out and even managed to drag the hose around and give the plants a good soaking.  I came home and started on the hill – the new plants are doing very well and I wanted to get the weeds out to keep them from choking out the ground cover.  Lots done, lots left to do!  But it was therapy and I felt all the better for being outside and accomplishing something.  As I ate dinner, I listened to George Washington (on video) describe his terms as the first president of the United States, and then began a documentary about the life of George Washington.  I only watched it half way through – will finish tonight or tomorrow.   

I will share Rod’s message  today – if you remember he is talking about Daniel – and today it was Stand In.  When the new king took reign, he allowed the captives to go home to help rebuild.  Daniel could have done that.  However, he felt he should stay.  He prayed for 21 days; then a ‘man’ appeared to Daniel, and it was such a shocking revelation that the men with Daniel run off in fear!  Daniel fell to his face, in a faint! The man told Daniel that He had heard his very first prayer – and even though Daniel waited 3 weeks, God stepped in to assure Daniel he was important and cherished!  He lifted him up – that’s what God does when he comes to us – he doesn’t condemn, he lifts us up.  We need to stand in faith to see God – Stand in prayer and fasting, humble ourselves, to gain understanding.  God is doing more than we understand; God takes over when we get to the end of our strength (faith).  When we are weak God is our strength.  It feels like the end, but that’s when God steps in.  We need God’s touch.  God told Daniel:  I heard your very first prayer;  I came to help. 

On this day in 1769 Daniel Boone

Daniel Boone in the Kentucky wilderness.

began exploring Kentucky.  In 1776 Richard Lee of Virginia moves the Declaration of Independence in the Continental Congress.  In 1955 Eisenhower was the first president to appear on color TV.  I have two friends today celebrating birthdays;  Nancy Myer (whom I met in the Master’s program at Seton Hill University), and Emma Lesniak that worked for a time at Smail Auto.  Happy birthday ladies!  Enjoy your day!  Today is National VCR Day, and also (here it is, the long awaited event!) National Chocolate Ice Cream Day!  Yea!  I will definitely have some later!  And by the way, Chocolate Ice Cream is far and above better than Brussels Sprouts!!!  God bless – – –