Another nice morning for a walk.  I noticed a few things in the neighborhood that must have been done over the holiday weekend when I wasn’t out walking my usual morning route.  Trees down, painting, landscaping, lots of  clean-up projects (according to the piles of trash on driveways!).  Mom was happy to sit outside under the maple tree and watch me pull some weeds in the side flower bed.  She was in the shade and there was a breeze.  I just kept talking about anything and everything and she was content to sit, watch and listen.  We made lunch, stirred up some icing for my fresh scones, and cut up a pepper to freeze.  I had to go into work for a bit, but then I was able to get half the cleaning done.  I could have used Snoopy’s help about then!  It was a really nice day to be outside, which I did for a bit in the evening. 

I listened to Micah’s message from Old Mahoning Baptist, and he spoke about being in the Lord’s Army.  We are to fight the good fight; we want to please the commander.  He mentioned several ways to be a successful soldier.  We need to reach out to the younger ones, even across the generation gaps – extend GRACE, not JUSTICE.  We will be successful if we follow instructions (Bible).  We will endure hardships – spiritual battles – but we are promised victory.  We can put on the armor of God; we must pray and persevere.    If we stay focused we will avoid entanglements.  Bloom where we are planted – we are here for a reason and a purpose.  If we follow God’s plan, we will be victorious and be rewarded:  Well done, good and faithful servant!   

On this day in 1930 the Chrysler building in New York City opened, and was to date the tallest man-made structure.  In 1837 Wild Bill Hickok was born, and in 1907 Rachel Carson (biologist) was born in Springdale PA (I toured her house about 9 years ago – very interesting!). And I don’t know who writes this stuff, but apparently today is National Cellophane tape day, national Popsicle day, and national sunscreen day.  (By the way, different websites had different days!) Who knew??? 

These days we definitely feel like we are fighting battles all the time.  Make sure you are armored up and fully armed and God will lead you through!  God bless.  

Could we even ask for a better day?  And so many beautiful sunny days in the past week.  I could just sit/play outside all day long.  Today, however, I worked extra hours so I didn’t get home as early as usual.  As is often the case, I spent several hours trying to handle health care and social security issues  for mom.  Navigating the system is often confusing and frequently I just get plain lost!  But, thanks to Snoopy’s thought for the day, I persevered and was able to accomplish more than I expected.  I ate a quick mid-afternoon lunch then went outside.  I was pulling weeds around the rose bushes and have the little nicks and scratches to show for it.  Small price to pay for sunshine and fresh air.  Now it’s time for dinner and either a movie or Colonial Williamsburg TV! 

I took my tablet outside and listened to Greg’s message from Vanderbilt church, entitled BETTER.  He stressed the fact that we are in a better place than we have ever been.  Think about all the advances and improvements and accomplishments we have made as a people, a nation, and as children of God.  We even have a personal priest who saves us completely – we don’t have to keep asking over and over.  The old ways are behind us, a shadow:  The new is reality.  Old ways are law, which we were expected to live by.  The new is grace; we have a person to guide and love and direct us.  The old was flesh, the new is spirit.  We have better access to God through Jesus, who has written his love on our hearts and instilled a moral code within us.  It’s a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with Jesus.  It’s not religion or laws or rules.  It’s Jesus; our brother and shepherd and friend. 

On this day in 1805 Lewis and Clark first saw the Rocky Mountains, and in 1941 the American Flag House (Betsy Ross’s home) was given to Philadelphia.  In 1975 Rhinestone Cowboy was released by Glen Campbell and became the Billboard Song of the Year. John Wayne (Marion Mitchell Morrison) was born in 1907, James Arness in 1923, Hank Williams Jr. in 1949, and in 1964 Lenny Kravitz was born.  Actor Eddie Albert died in 2005.  In 1994 Michael Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley (Elvis’ daughter). 

When you are considering your direction and focus this week, be thankful for the personal, singular relationship you have with Jesus – it’s between you and Him.  What a blessing.  

I slept like a LOG last night!  The weekend had caught up with me, especially trying to accomplish so many household tasks.  But it was great to have them done.  Today is Memorial Day celebrated.  The flags at the cemetery down the road were all displayed and its an impressive sight.  Always takes my breath away at that initial moment when I see them waving in the breeze.  My early morning walk was balmy and bright and it felt good to be out – I actually walked a little further than usual.  I did have to work for a bit this morning, then also stopped to catch up on a few items that I couldn’t get grocery shopping.  I did laundry, a tiny bit of yard work, and at the very end of the day put away the red/white/blue decorations.  They will come out in full force for Fourth of July!  I love paying honor to this great country – Snoopy agrees!

I sat on the deck in the evening cool and listened to Paul’s message from River Hill church.  It was absolutely one of my favorite historically-based Memorial day sermon that I’ve ever heard.  I want to write it ALL out in longhand so everyone can hear and understand how our nation was founded on God’s principles, and based on Biblical truths.  I wish there was a way to preserve that message – they replace them every week.  The name of the message was We must not forget our Heritage, and it’s based on II Chronicles 7:14.  That is one of my FAVORITE verses!  If  my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. No sure why we can’t figure that out at a nation!  In December of 2000 congress passed a resolution asked that all Americans voluntarily observe a moment of silence at 3pm each Memorial Day.  I know there were plans to play Taps Across America today at that time.  A neighbor several streets over planned to do that but I didn’t hear it.  Our freedom is to live at peace in our homes.   As Christians, every week we pause to remember what Jesus did to provide us freedom from sin and death; Jesus is a living memorial that will last through eternity.  If you get a chance this week, go to River Hill Christian Church’s website and listen to the very important spiritual heritage that we have as people and as a nation.  We have an obligation and responsibility to preserve our freedom as a country.  We must be bold to share the truth, teach these truths to our families, focus on the power of the Gospel, and believe that regardless of what we face we must believe in our potential to WIN.  I urge you to get the facts of what our country was founded on. 

On this day in 1787 the Constitutional Convention opened in Philadelphia with George Washington presiding.  in 1927 Henry Ford announced the end of the production of his Model T Ford.  In 2011 Oprah Winfrey aired her last show after 25 years.  Ralph Waldo Emerson was born in 1803 and Frank Oz (Grover on Sesame Street) was born in 1944.  And as Bud would have said, today it is 7 month until Christmas Day!  (I still miss that man!!!) 

So as you reflect this summer on all the strange things going on in this country right now, make it an opportunity to reclaim your heritage.  Make your life a living memorial to what you believe in, and you absolutely MUST believe in this Great Nation of the United States of America.  God bless us, every one…

I had trouble remembering this was Sunday!  Mom was up 3 times and finally stayed up at 4:45am.  Autmn was up with us, too, so I sent her to bed to sleep til 10am.  She’s been a great help.  Really appreciated her compassionate care, comfort, and entertaining spirit.  What a blessing! Looking at the sunrise this morning was a privileged blessing gleaned from being up before dawn.  Since we were up anyway, we stripped the sheets from the beds and washed them – remade them. Washed all the windows; did 2 other loads of clothes.  Cooked 3 meals and 2 snacks.  Took a walk, pulled weeds, ran the sweeper and swiffer –  I just now got a shower, and am done for the day!  We actually did fine – but it keeps you on your toes, this care-giving!  Snoopy is being patriotic today in honor of the holiday weekend.  God Bless America. 

I finally just now listened to Bram at the First Baptist Church in Greensburg.  He started out by saying the God loves each of us as if there was only one of us.  Children’s Church stressed that our freedom is in Jesus.  He paid the price.  Bram elaborated that the price is very high, for our country and for our salvation.  On this weekend in particular, we remember the price that was paid for us to be free, and that was a GREAT cost.  Jesus paid a great price to save us; we must love God, as that uses our freedom wisely.  Use your freedom to love God and obey his commandments.  And never forget those who gave their lives for us to be free to live and worship  as we choose. 

On this day in 1738 John Wesley was converted, launching the Methodish movement.  In 1775 John Hancock was unanimously elected President of the Continental Congress.  Bob Dylan was born in 1941, Rosanne Cash in 1955, and today my friend from church Larry Songer Jr is celebrating a birthday.  Have a great day Larry!  God bless…  God bless our great country!

Today was sunny and beautiful and lovely and a great day to enjoy being outside!  Autmn and I were able to get Grama her shower and then Autmn had a ‘spa day’ and styled Grama Dot’s hair and painted her fingernails a sparkly bright blue.  Autmn got her requested Starbucks drink, my car got gas, and Grama Dot and I were happy with the day. Autmn and Grama even danced a bit! I was able to cut the grass while Autmn and Grama watched silly movies and ate cheese and Cookies (Don’t ask….).  I added more stones to my herb garden but still just a little short.  Might fix that next week – but mostly done.  Last night Grama and I watched a busy mommy rabbit build a nest for impending babies.   Today mama bunny was flitting around in the yard, anxious that we were all sitting on the deck very close to her nest.  Chrissy took a few photos  but I liked this patriotic picture the best.  Nate built a fire in my fire pit, and we all sat around and roasted hot dogs, had potato salad, deviled eggs, brownies, chips and s’mores.  Even mom stuck it out for about an hour!  Now, of course, after we all got morning showers, we all smell like a camp fire!  Autmn solved that problem by getting a shower while Mom and I took a short twilight walk.  Very nice day, all in all!  I can hear the neighbors setting off fireworks but haven’t gone outside to see where or who.  I can identify with Snoopy today, as in these crazy times it’s a risk just getting a loaf of bread!  So shopping in the glove compartment is safer and faster and more convenient. 

I didn’t have a message to listen to, but my verse to share is the first part of 2 Thessalonians 2:  But we ought always to thank God for you.  What better gift can we give ourselves and those we hold dear but to thank God for them?  Friends, family, neighbors – they all add somethings special and unique to our lives, as we should add to theirs.  I pray that I am a blessing to someone every day, in some way!

On this day in 1785 Ben Franklin announced the invention of bifocals.  In 1922 Walt Disney incorporated his first film company, Laugh-O-Gram Films, and in 1934 Bonnie & Clyde were killed by police in an ambush.  General Burnside was born in 1824 (I believe the ‘sideburns’ are named after him!) and Drew Carey was born in 1958.  Three friends of mine celebrated birthdays today:  Bette McDonald, with whom I worked at Smail Auto for years!  Bev LaGorga, a fellow writer from Greensburg Writers Group, and Sarah Hixson from church.  Have a great day, ladies, and enjoy a wonderful year!  I am thanking God for you today!

This morning started off slow – I think mom was off center waking up in another new place.  Once we had breakfast and got dressed, did some normal morning chores, things started perking up.  Autmn is really a care-giver at heart, and by mid-morning had mom dancing to Veggie Tales songs and laughing at everything she said.  We made potato salad, deviled eggs, and brownies. Mom’s friend Diane came over about 4pm to let Autmn and I run a few errands.  Walmart in Scotland (Scottdale!!!) was so crazy crowded the lines were 10 and 15 people deep at the checkout.  I was very surprised how many people did NOT wear masks!  I heard one person complaining loudly that a cashier was wearing gloves – touching everyone’s items one after the other.  The disgruntled manager stepped in to resolve the issue – we didn’t stay to see what happened.  We only needed four small things but what a process!  Autmn and I had drive thru (she had Taco Bell and I had a Big Mac – my yearly treat!), then came home to let Autmn finish off her school work.  She has a few things to turn in yet and it’s the last week!  I also got a jury summons in the mail today  for July.  I thought the state was closed!  And I just went in December!!!  Ugh.  Another thing to rattle through.   

I’m sharing Paul’s message from River Hill today.  He talked about God’s word being beautiful.  Jesus came to show us the beauty of God – and His word says that Jesus is the WORD.  His word is eternal and it dwells in us and makes us beautiful forever.  God wants to make something beautiful of our lives – he transforms what appears useless into something useful and beautiful.  He made us precious and of great worth.  God has a habit of doing that, and his word is a timeless beauty.  The question is, what are we doing with the beautiful life than God created in us? 

On this day in 1807 Former US Vice President Aaron Burr was tried for treason (acquitted).  In 1956 the last Bob Hop show on NBC TV aired.  in 1977 Final European scheduled run of the Orient Express after 94 years.  1992 was the final appearance of Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show.  Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holms author) was born in 1859, and on this date in 1802 Martha Washington – our first First Lady! – died at age 70.   

And as far as those Brownies go, I just had one with ice cream, and it was just about the best thing I ate all day –  maybe all week!  And the neighbors are putting off fireworks to celebrate the start of Memorial Day Weekend.  God bless — us and America.  

Today was a busy work day.  I had lots of things to do; lots of demands on my time and attention. By the time I was done, I just wanted to get home.  I didn’t want to stop anywhere or run any errands.  Next week, maybe.  I needed comfort food when I got home – so I had hot tea and a chocolate chip scone for lunch.  It was ‘finish cleaning’ day, so I picked up Autmn and we knocked that off in a fair amount of time.   Mom came about 5:30pm, and Kath and Paul are having their holiday weekend.  They SO need to have some time to themselves!  The three of us (Mom, Autmn and I) will be hanging out here until Sunday evening – cooking, baking, mowing, even a fire-pit supper for Saturday if it all works out.

I listened to Rod at Martin’s Ferry Church.  His message was It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Coming!  When we are in the midst of confusion, fear, hopelessness, loss – – – It feels like we are alone, and we will never get past the hard days.  But we need to remember that there will be troubles and problems, but sometimes we just have to work through the pain.  It’s going to be there.  The amazing, wonderful truth is that we never walk alone.  Psalms 121 says our help comes from the Lord.  If we look, we can find good in unexpected places.  God doesn’t disappoint!  He will be with us even through the sorrow and the storms.  Count on it!

On this day in 1881 Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross.  In 1914 the Greyhound Bus Company began in Minnesota, and in 1916 Britain began “Summer Time” (Daylight Savings Time).  In 1918 the US House of Representatives passed an amendment allowing women to vote.  If you look back at yesterday’s post, you will see the ‘end of the story’:  Charles Lindbergh landed in Paris in 1927 and in 1932 Amelia Earhart landed in Northern Ireland.  In 2017 Barnum and Bailey Circus performed for the last time after 146 years.  In 1950 Mr. T was born; in 1960 Jeffrey Dahmer (serial killer) was born.  And today, Sherree Johnson  (Nate’s girlfriend Jen’s mom – Jen and Sherree pictured here!) is celebrating her birthday with a plethora of dogs and cats (Ninth Life Rescue) and who know what else!  Happy birthday, Sherree – have a great day! 

If life seems overwhelming and distressing – hang on and keep hoping, for it’s NOT hopeless.  It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming!  God bless. . .

It ended up being a bit of a busy day for me today.  It was so windy when I got up I opted for the treadmill rather than a walk outside. Mom and I made corn muffins to have with our lunch – we took a little walk and socially distanced in talks with a few of our neighbors.  It’s nice to get out, even though we felt like we might just blow back down the street.  After dropping mom back at Kathy’s I took a small deposit over to the bank, then came home and cleaned part of the house.  Finished that in time to put out some patriotic decorations:  red/white/blue lights to line the balcony, some window stickees, indoor lights as well.   

I listened to Mike at my home church (Hempfield).  We are still reading through Acts, and the message was the church being the church.  There were no rules or guidelines – just live out their faith and the teachings they had learned from Jesus, as well as the power they received from the Holy Spirit.  Mike pointed out four things (found in Acts):  1) the church was devoted to the teachings they knew (and they taught them forward), devoted to fellowship together, devoted to communion, and devoted to prayer.  Those are things that we are/should be devoted to as well.  2) they were filled with awe as to who God was and what the apostles could accomplish with the power they received. 3) they were together every day and had everything in common – practiced benevolence. 4) The Lord added to their numbers daily (therefore, they were sharing the gospel and people were believing!)  All of these things are the core of what our life of service as a church family should be. I’m thankful to belong to a body of believers who DO believe and practice these things!   

On this day in 1927, Charles Lindbergh took off from New York for Paris aboard the Spirit of St. Louis – first non-stop trans-Atlantic flight.  Ironically, in 1932, Amelia Earharttook off on the journey across the Atlantic to become the first woman to fly solo non-stop.  In 2015 David Letterman hosted the “Late Show’ for the last time after 33 years.  Christopher Columbus died in 1506 at age 54; Marquis de Lafayette died at age 76  in 1834.  Jimmy Stewart was born in Indiana Pennsylvania (right down the road, sort of!) in 1908, and Cher was born in 1946.  And today Byron Gurnee, the pastor at Keepville Bible Church (where my parents are members – John is the oldest congregant!) celebrates a birthday today, as well.  Happy birthday, Byron, and many more.  Thanks for all you do, every day!   

Take some time give thanks for the people in your church family.  What a blessing to be part of God’s family!

What a change in the weather.  It was party sunny but cooler and very, very windy.  My door mat blew off the porch about 4 times and I had to chase it.  Not a comfortable day to be outside for long, but I did take a morning walk.  Kathy and I did our usual Tuesday morning grocery trip, but instead of going to work afterwards, I went to the historical society.  They were mailing out their member magazines and I helped label, bundle and sort them.  It was like a vacation!  We were safely social distancing, but it was nice to be with friends and talk about each other’s lives and (limited) activities.  From there I did end up getting called to work for an hour or so.  Was able to pick up the rest of the pond stone to finish the herb garden – I hope.  A weekend project if possible.  Made a meatloaf for supper and now I’m watching a favorite Hallmark movie. 

I took advantage of the quiet evening to listen to Greg Pelc’s message at Vanderbilt church.  We are still studying the Lord’s Prayer, and today’s message was entitled Direction and Movement.  ‘Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’  As Jesus taught those listening to pray, he was ‘God’ telling us what ‘God’ wants to hear!  Exactly how to pray.  Jesus will lead us, because we are like sheep.  You have to push cattle to get them where you want them to go; you LEAD sheep.  We often think of tests as temptations, but that is not so.  We are all tempted and we can’t stop that process, but we can control our reaction.  A temptation can be a test, but tests are NOT temptations.  Tests show US where we stand, so we can see where we need improvement or encouragement.  We ask that we not give in to our temptations, but as we wait on the movement that will deliver us, he gives us protection.   The movement is based on our faith; we must stay focused.  Read the story of David’s deliverance from King Saul!

On this day in 1536 Anne Boleyn was beheaded in the Tower of London.  In 2018 Meghan Markle married Prince Harry.  Nathaniel Hawthorne died at age 59 in 1964, and Jackie Kennedy Onassis died of cancer at age 64 in 1994. 

Our faith helps us resist temptation and follow the movement away from evil.  Pray and praise and pray again!  Jesus himself taught us how.  God bless….

What a beautiful day!  Two or even three in a row!  All that nasty weather predicted and here we had lovely weather.  I enjoyed every minute I could.  Today was an early morning walk outside, scones for breakfast, then picked up Mom.  We (??) washed and swept out the car, did laundry, painted a basket purple, swept the garage, and then  met Renee, a new care-giver to help Mom with a few things a few hours a week.  Every little help helps!  I worked for several hours this evening to catch up from their busy weekend. 

The message I’m sharing today is from Micah at Old Mahoning.  His message was about Moses leading God’s children to (but not into) the promised land.  Moses could not lead them in, as he misjudged a commandment and did not obey God.  Basically, we have to trust God’s direction even when we don’t understand.  He also (my favorite part!) talked about the reset button, and how when things fall apart and you can’t move forward, or your computer program fails, you often have to hit reset.  What will you do when you can start fresh and restart your life, your schedules, your choices?  Will you choose to repeat everything you were doing just the way you did before?  That isn’t resetting – it’s repeating. We have a unique chance to review what we have been doing in our lives, how effective it’s been, and how ESSENTIAL it’s been (are you tired of that word yet???).  Let’s evaluate our lives, what they have been up to now, and how they could be better.  We have a chance to look at what God has been trying to tell us – and if he’s been saying NO, exchange your plans for God’s plans!  Be strong and of good courage.  We need to have good roots and the armor of God, and remember we are never alone.   

On this date in1860 the republican party nominated Abraham Lincoln for president.  In 1897 Dracula by Bram Stoker was published, and in 1980 Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington state. Tina Fey was born in 1970 and Elizabeth Montgomery of Bewitched fame died in 1995 at age 62 from cancer.   

So when you start filling up your calendar pages and your schedules, be sure to hit the reset button and take time to make good choices and wise plans – and don’t just hit repeat!  Blessings….