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!

My poison ivy is itching me crazy! Ugh! I have really good cream so I hope it takes effect quickly! It’s giving me a headache. So, first thing this morning I stopped at the Lynch Field farmer’s market. It was fairly busy, but again no tomatoes and I already bought squash and beans. From there I went to Hanna’s Town. There was a work party doing some planting and mulching and cleaning up. A young Eagle Scout (Jim) organized the project and there were quite a number of volunteers there. I took pictures of the crew and the paths. I helped spread mulch for a little bit, but they had some heavy-duty workers that left me in the dust, so I moved to another spot. I dug up some weeds and straightened up the mulch, lined the area with logs and put some stones there to create interest. Then I pulled the weeds around the trail sign.

One of my favorite spots is the old cement water trough. Since the water isn’t high enough or fast enough to fill it, Joanna said they were going to plant in it instead. I also chopped and pulled and raked weeds and vines away from a small stone wall by the bridge. Looks so much better now! I stayed until after lunch, then came home and scrubbed myself and my equipment. Re-applied cream to poison, did some research, then turned on Christmas Hallmark movies. Had a yummy chicken salad for supper!

Finally I could listen to Micah at Old Mahoning. We are guaranteed salvation if we seek and accept it. He BECAME … so we could BECOME… We need to grow up and accept and recognize and serve! When we get concerned about our salvation we have to know that God is still in charge, and he doesn’t change his mind or let us down. Jesus is our high priest and he protects us. God established a promise, and it will endure, we can enjoy, and it’s unchangeable! It’s forever, because God doesn’t lie. He gave us an anchor, he gave us access to him and salvation, and we have the advantage of FOREVER. So our responsibility is to move on to perfection; DO something! Stay in the Word, if not, you’ll stray and fall away. God cares about us and notices everything we do and what we need. We have hope in Him and it never dies!

On this day in 64, it was the Great Fire of Rome under emperor Nero – remember: Nero fiddled while Rome burned??? In 1864 Abraham Lincoln asked for 500,000 volunteers for military service. John Glenn was born in 1921, and Kristen Bell (FROZEN fame) was born in 1980. Jane Austen died at age 41 in 1817. And Machine Gun Kelly was born in 1895 and died at age 59 in 1954 on his birthday.

Today is National sour candy Day, National caviar Day, and World listening day. None of those apply to me today, although I am listening to Hallmark movies! Have a great day! God bless…

I took a longer walk this morning, but then had to go in to work for a while. I just finished up everything on my desk so I will have a clean start on Monday. After lunch (more squash!) I spent about 3 1/2 hours outside, pulling weeds and trimming back the out-of-control lilac bushes in the front yard. I also painted the metal star that was on my front deck railing.

Remember yesterday I mentioned the park bench that was slated for the trash? Well, I used up the rest of the purple paint and splashed a coat on that, and moved it under the newly trimmed lilac bush. Think I keep it around for a bit longer!

My gladiolas have started to bloom. They are such a lovely shade of pink! And since it was very hot outside I watered the plants on the hill twice, and went over and watered Kathy’s right before lunch. Just now my cousin Paul (Thanks Paul!!!) stopped and loaded the huge pile of branches into his truck and will dump them in his woods. Beats cutting and bundling them!

Tonight my favorite Christmas movie (Godwink Christmas) is on the Hallmark M&M channel again – and I’m for sure going to watch it! And since I couldn’t find Micah’s sermon from Old Mahoning I will look tomorrow for another message to listen to. Paul told me to listen to John MacArthur from California so I may do that. But for tonight we will let Charlie Brown and Linus speak words of scripture for us to ponder. This has been the season for listening to God’s people share His word and bring us HOPE.

On this day in 1995 Forbes Magazine announced that Bill Gates was the richest man in the world – $12.9 million! John Jacob Astor – the first multi-millionaire in the US, was born in 1763, and James Cagney (actor) in 1899. Phyllis Diller (Do you REMEMBER her? Super funny lady!) was born in 1917 and Luke Bryan in 1976 (so excited that a country music super-star made the birthday list! And today a friend and a former minister at Hempfield Church – Bill Pullin – is celebrating his birthday. Godly, wonderful man, invested himself in all of us and is still teaching and leading Bible studies in the State of Indiana. Happy birthday Bill!!!

Now it’s time for ‘Godwink’ – and I just heard that the Hallmark channels are releasing 40 new holiday movies starting October 23rd! Can’t wait! In the meantime – God bless!!!!

I was comfortable in shorts and a tee shirt for my morning walk. Beautiful day! Worked both Pinnacle stores then checked out a local farm market. No tomatoes yet, but I got a squash (will be supper!) and some green beans (tomorrow’s lunch!). When I got home my neighbor was trying to get my overgrown forsythia dug out (I asked if he could). It had such tangled roots that he ended up just cutting it off at the ground. But it’s so nice with that space open! I have an old park bench that’s in horrid shape that I sat there for now, but next week I’ll set it out with the trash. Nate stopped and helped put my Snoopy flag holder back in the ground. It’s so hard-packed that I couldn’t budge it. Also got the next two installments of my Snoopy calendar!

I listened to Mike at Hempfield Church – the stage looked nice with the curtains open, and the wall hangings brightened up the background. The message was part four of the fruits of the spirit: Patience. Mike pointed out that it was easier to be patient when your life is filled with love, joy, and peace – so maybe the order of the fruits have a purpose! But first we have to be patient with circumstances. Lots of things that happen are out of our control; not what we expected. Life goes on even if things don’t go our way. The outcome is probably the same whether we are patient or impatient. Do you have a short, unstable fuse (like a firecracker) or a long fuse? We want to do things our own way in our own timing, and it usually doesn’t work out like we think. But we often think we know better than anyone else, even God! We also need to be patient with people; they will always disappoint you! And be patient with God. He has a plan and we need to wait on Him – although we are often IMPATIENT and don’t want to wait on Him; if God can fix things, then he should get to it! Bottom line, we need to trust God’s timing in everything. If we do things God’s way — it’s perfect.

Oh, and Mike mentioned that he listened to SIX sermons on patience this past week to prepare. I wanted to call him up and tell him I listen to six sermons every week, take notes, and post the synopsis on the Word Garden! 🙂 But I didn’t…

On this day in 1969 Apollo 11 was launched to take the first men to land on the moon, and in 1999 John F Kennedy Jr, his wife and sister-in-law were killed in a plane crash (plane was piloted by Kennedy). In 2004 Martha Stewart was sentenced to prison for lying to Federal investigators….. Orville Redenbacher (popcorn king!) was born in 1907 and Ginger Rogers in 1911. Mary Todd Lincoln died at age 63 in 1882, and in 2001 Meg Ryan divorced Dennis Quaid (I really like them both — too sad!!). And today is my cousin Beth’s only granddaughter (Hazel Sandoval)’s twelfth birthday. Happy birthday, Hazel – have a wonderful day and keep being the sweet, beautiful, loving young lady that you are. After all, you were named after a great lady – your great grandmother Hazel Leone Crooks Cornman! Happy birthday, Hazel!!!

Today is National Corn Fritters Day, National Personal Chef’s Day (I never had one of those) and National Get to know your customers Day. I don’t have any customer – but everyone have a great day. God bless!

It’s the middle of July! Summer is — half over 🙁 I love summer and the warm weather; no shoes, no jackets, no snow, playing in the dirt. Sigh. I will be the optimist. Instead of saying it’s ALREADY half over, I’ll say it’s ONLY half over! This follows closely what Rod’s sermon was about this week, as well as the last two weeks. About feeling GOOD; choosing to be an optimist over a pessimist! My morning walk was pleasant and relaxed, and I had scones for breakfast. I was able to get the entire house cleaned before Autmn and I went over to visit with mom. She looked neat and relaxed and content, and responded with lots of smiles and a few giggles, especially when Autmn was talking to her. She certainly loves the young ones! The nurse’s aid made a comment about how beautiful Autmn is. I forgot to post the picture of Chris the other day – Jen made her hair PURPLE! I’m am pea green (well no – I’m PURPLE) with envy! So cool! Both my girls are beautiful!

As mentioned, Rod’s message was I FEEL GOOD, the third and last one of the series. We need to feel GOOD about the future of our church, and our local church community. God will build His church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it! This is God’s universe, and we need to be content to be a sheep in his pastures; He’s the shepherd and He’s in charge! Remember that NOTHING in life is as important as the meaningful relationships in our life; more than money, more than jobs, more than fame or possessions or education. The relationships are where we form life’s purpose. We share God’s love and His will for our lives- I feel good because I am a child of God; and our goals for God’s church is to share salvation. We need to reach out to everyone like they are ALIVE; not like they are lost/dead – like they will live with us forever if we reach out to the lost and bring them to God. And we know that GOD’s gonna take care of it. God is at work in our community of believers, and we should feel GOOD – Go forth in faith and it’s DONE!

On this day in 1996 Prince Charles and Princess Diana signed divorce papers. And today is my young friend Anaya Drown’s 12th birthday! What a wonderful milestone. She is happy and loving and a beautiful young girl, and loves the Lord; she shows that in all she does. Happy Birthday, Anaya – celebrate!

Today is Give Something Away Day (any coincidence that it’s also Tax Deadline 2020 day???); National I love horses Day, National Pet Fire Safety Day (Whatever THAT would be!) and National Gummi Worm Day!

Be sure to thank God for all the good things in YOUR life! And if you are reading this, you are one of MY good things! God bless —

6am Walmart shopping – lots of goodies! Had sliders for supper – YUM! When I went out for my morning walk, three rabbits were playing tag in my front yard. Work was light – thankfully – because I had a lot of little chores to do at home. Still a few not checked off the list; like ironing and painting the star on my front porch. Joe gave me a huge nativity set, which I brought home and scrubbed and set on the deck to dry. It will be perfect for my Sunday School class! Nate came over and weed-whacked for me, which was a double blessing: Visiting with my son and getting my weeds whacked!

Tonight I listed to a substitute minister (Larry) at First Baptist. His message was Who Are You? He asked the questions – who we are, what are we doing, and where are we going? He talked about who we are: our name identifies us and our heritage. We are formed by our cultural heritage, thru the influence of our families, of our church, and becoming involved in serving. As to what we are doing, we need to be learning – learning new things changes our behavior, and our relationship with God changes as we learn and experience and observe. We work out our relationship with God – He has no grandchildren! We need to use our spiritual gifts, get involved in the work of God and serve; do more than just attend a church. So why are you here? To get where you are going! There is work to do; we must do it!

On this date in 1789 – Bastille Day (look it up!); in 1870 U S Congress granted Mary Todd Lincoln a life pension of $3000 a year. Gerald Ford (38th president and 41st Vice President) was born in 1913. Today is National Cow Appreciate Day. I have ALWAYS appreciated cows! Also, National Mac/Cheese Day, National Nude Day (??? WHAT???) and National Tape Measure Day. I don’t believe I measured anything at all today!

Have a great week. God Bless.