Today I played things backwards a little bit.  After my happy, sunny morning walk, I showered, had scones for breakfast, and took the wheel barrow over to Nate.  From there I stopped at Lowe’s for pond stone.  That was a fiasco.  I got in line, which was 20 people deep, and when I got to the check out they couldn’t find the scan number.  I waited 10 minutes and no one showed up, so I went back and took pictures of the bar code and got in line a second time.  By the time I paid and drove over to the pick up area, a truck pulled in to unload.  It took some moving around, but finally got my stones and got home.  It was a beautiful day!  75*  and a bit breezy.  After lunch I tackled week whacking the yard.  That weed whacker is my nemesis!  We have NEVER gotten along.  It takes me hours to weed whack; 25 minutes to mow the entire yard!  I go through 3 or 4 spools of thread before the job is done, but after blowing everything clean the yard looks wonderful.  I spread the stones around the edge of the herb garden.  I may try to get enough bags to finish that section, maybe next week.  The backward part of my day was that I did my chores in the morning and listened to church in the late afternoon.

I listened to three messages this afternoon, and today I will share the thoughts of Bramwell Kjellgren from First Baptist Church in Greensburg.  I met Bram at a YOUNG AT HEART event in February, and was very glad to hear they were going to live stream their service.  The message was Jesus with us through the storms of life.  As Jesus slept, a fierce storm swept across the sea.  The disciples were experienced fishermen and boaters but could not handle the boat in the wind and waves.  They woke Jesus, and ask him if he didn’t care that that could drown.  He asked them about their faith – he rebuked the wind and the waves, and immediately the sea was calm.  Even though they thought they knew Jesus, they were surprised, asking themselves ‘Who is this man that the winds and the waves obey his voice?’  Jesus does not prevent the storms of life, but he has promised to never leave or forsake us.  He will be with us through the storms of our life.  We are often frightened and uncertain, but Jesus is always beside us.  He does’t calm the storm; he calms us through the storm.   

On this date in 1881 the revised version of the new testament was issued;  in 1944 General Eisenhower sets D Day for June 5th.  In 1886 John Deere (founder of Deere corporation) dies at age 82, and in 2015 Taylor Swift wins Top Artist of the Billboard Music Awards.   

This COVID virus has everyone’s lives turned upside down; some of us are frustrated at the restrictions still existing around us, and some are frustrated that so many businesses and activities are opening.  So in the midst of all the uncertainty, remember that God is beside us during these storms;  he can calm us through our storms.  God Bless.

Yesterday I promised myself that I would not throw myself back into the fray – but I actually did almost that exact thing.  I was determined to have a slow and easy day but get things accomplished that I have long put off.  My first chore (after a morning walk, changing bed sheets, shower and breakfast) was to replenish some household items – badly needed.  I did stop at Craftique, and thankfully they had what I needed (since early March!) and the store wasn’t crowded at all.  Next was Aldi’s – just a 10 minute run-in for a few items there.  By that time I was hungry and it was past lunch time.  The last of the potato soup made a quick lunch, then returned a quick phone call to John.  Kathy had told me that Arona Road Greenhouse had creeping phlox – but they had just sold out!  Bummer.  Maybe next year.  However, their plants are amazingly wonderful, so rather than getting annuals like petunias or daisies or marigolds, I put this year’s flower budget into 12 little pots of various spreading ground cover.  The hill was in sad need of a sprucing up.  It may take a year or two (or four or five) but I am hopeful these hearty plants will fill in and finish off the garden.  I spent about 2 1/2 hours digging holes, planting, tucking, and watering.  Of course I finished off the day by cutting the grass.  I saved the weed whacking and the sweeping up for the next nice day.  Made myself a slider for supper and that will finish my chores for the day. 

As I ran out of messages to listen to, I took my ‘verse-a-day’ scripture from the morning to reflect on.  It’s from Isaiah 40:31 – They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength.  They shall mount up with wings of eagles; they shall run and not be weary, walk and not faint. 

 I love this verse; it’s an easy one to take to heart.  The hard part is waiting!  I can always manage the running and walking and hope for the flying but not without losing my strength.  I’m thankful the Lord is patient with me, and shows me daily that if I seek him and his direction, my strength will not fail me, and I shall mount up with wings. The winds of his love, grace, and direction takes me to where I need to be! 

On this day in 1866 Charles E Hires invented Hires Root Beer.  In 1868 the US Senate failed to impeach President Andrew Johnson by one vote (Some things don’t change much).  In 1986 Top Gun (Tom Cruise) premiered.  In 1905 Henry Fonda was born, and Liberace in 1919.  In 1836 Edgar Allan Poe married his 13 year old cousin Virginia Clemm (Hmmmm).  Jim Henson of the Muppets fame died at age 53 in 1990. 

The next time you feel weary or aimless, stop and see if you are waiting or running ahead.  It makes all the difference.  God bless – – –

What an absolutely beautiful day here!  The weather was very warm but breezy, with barely a sprinkle of rain about 2pm.  Mom and I were outside all day except to eat lunch.  We even ate our mid-afternoon snack on the back deck.  I had to handle a few work-related and medical related items first thing; then send out a few pieces of mail.  I dug out the roots of the sprout from the bridal bush in my front yard for a neighbor – glad I could share and I hope it grows for them.  Picked up sticks in front yard, pulled some weeds, and spread 6 bags of brown mulch.  It looks so nice!  I can’t mulch the hill, as it washes down into the yard at the first rain!  I’ll have to come up with another idea for that.  Picked up 7 small pots of rapidly spreading ground cover and hoping they all live up to their name.  Also have a big patch of oregano that needs thinned out so will move some of that to the hill as well.  Projects for the rest of the weekend.  I don’t intend to jump fully back into the fray but I do have 2 things to get at a store that’s been closed since March.  That should keep me busy through Monday, anyway.  And maybe a trip to Arona Road Greenhouse is in order as well.  Planting flowers could be a project for mom and I later in the week. 

The message for today was from Rod at the Martin’s Ferry church in Ohio – They are not under the same restrictions as PA and have been able to reconvene for services – using safe distancing and sanitation procedures.  Rod’s sermon was about ‘Happy home, happy life.’ – appropriate for Mother’s day.  His opening thought was:  Would you make more of an effort if you were being observed in your home environment for a year?  Probably you would.  So point one was that you WOULD put more effort into your relationships, and submit to one another; it’s not one sided.  It would involve serving.  Look after each other’s wishes and needs and wants.  Point two was more intimacy.   Not just physical.  Intimate in your heart, and mind and soul, and being one with each other.  It’s social, physical, spiritual – sharing trust and love.  Three – parents would teach and train more.  Be consistent.  You need to discipline, not punish.  Discipline is for the child’s good; punishment brings satisfaction to the parents (teacher, etc).  Bring your child up in the Lord; be an example.  Teach them AS you walk with them.  Don’t tell them and then leave them to fend for themselves.  Don’t exasperate your children!  Point four was CHILDREN, obey your parents!  They are given charge over you and will be held accountable.  And the promise is that if you do obey and honor, your days will be long on the earth!   Our families are ordained by God – what a blessing! 

On this day in 1957 Billy Graham launched his Crusade at Madison Square Garden in front of 18,000 people.  Emily Dickinson died at age 55 in 1886, and June Carter Cash died at age 73 in 2003.  On this date TODAY we are half way through the month of May.     

So back to the first statement:  If someone was watching you in your home for a whole year, would you do anything differently?  Well, someone is watching you – every day, your entire life!  God watches and cares and encourages and guides us.  Maybe we should try to act like we believe that!  God bless…

Today was warm but went from rainy to cloudy to sunny and back around.  Early morning walk was at least dry.  We took Mom to her first doctor’s appointment with her new local physician.  He was very thorough and everyone was pleased.  Another step in mom’s care plan initiated – as it were – by her daughters!  I worked at the Greensburg store for a short time, came home to clean the rest of my house, and then picked up my new glasses.  Purple, of course.  They are very comfortable and I can see both close and distance. Picked up a few bags of mulch, but I know it won’t be enough for what I need.  Can’t transport too much at a time!  Grilled cheese with chipped ham for supper. 

Today I am sharing Mike’s message from Hempfield church.  The sermon series is from Acts – and about the promise and gift of the holy spirit – Jesus had a plan, and he hand chose and taught his disciples to equip them for the job he had for them.  That job was to spread the gospel, and for that they would need power.  As the disciples stood and looked toward the heavens after Jesus ascended, the angel asked them why they were just standing there gazing.  They had their instructions.  Are WE in the last days prophesied in the new testament?  Why are WE just standing here gazing?  We have hope, and we have a job to do.  Jesus’ miracles proved his accreditation – and His death fulfilled God’s will.  God was in control, and it’s impossible to go against God’s plan.  After the Holy Spirit filled the apostles, Peter preached to the crowds.  They cried in anguish and distress:  What shall we DO?  They obeyed Peter’s directives and over 3000 believed and obeyed that day.   We have been given the power of the Holy Spirit – we are equipped to do God’s will.  We are disciples too – and we can go and teach.  We have a job.   

On this day in 1643 Louis XIV becomes king of France at age 4.  In 1787 delegates gathered in Philadelphia to draw up the US Constitution.  In 1919 H. J. Heinz died at age 74; and Frank Sinatra died at age 82 in 1998.  And congratulations to my cousin Deb and her husband Jim:  Their daughter Emily and husband Eric gave birth to a beautiful baby boy last night – Silas James!  Congrats and best wishes to the happy family!  Even in the midst of stress and distress blessings abound!   

If you get the chance to check out Mike’s message on facebook (Hempfield Church of Christ) watch to the very end – there is a beautiful tribute to Mothers! God bless . . .

Today I listened to the Bible Study by Byron at Keepville Church.  I’ll start with that then go on with my day.  The subject was the very controversial thoughts of COVID 19, and whether it is a threat to our health and well being or a government control.  Byron had very specific thoughts on the subject, and expressed them very well.  I admired his thoughts and explanations and listened to the entire hour of sharing.  It centered mostly around Civil Authority and what we should do – take a stand against the controls imposed on us or be obedient?  The first thing he stressed was that if Civil Authority dictates that we go AGAINST GOD’S SPECIFIC LAWS AND COMMANDMENTS we need to follow God.  But then we must also suffer the consequences for that choice.  He did NOT advocate rebellion!  Basically he stressed that we as Christians, and even as human beings, should be humble; we should honor God and live under God’s laws. Always be kind, respectful towards others.  Our opinions are just that!  We are all entitled to them, based on conviction and study and research and circumstances.  Above all else, our witness must NOT be tarnished by our actions or words.  And anyone who knows me well knows that I advocate ‘It’s better to be kind than to be right’.  MY thoughts are that our nation has lost the respect  and personal honor  that should be shown for each other – opinions, life choices, decisions.  Being unkind and disrespectful of others will not change them.  Love and kindness, however, goes a long way in moving forward in unity.  If you want to hear everything Byron had to say, check out the Wednesday Night Bible Study at Keepville Bible Church on facebook.  It’s worth the time. 

Mom was very slow moving this morning – shaky and unfocused to begin with, but by 11:30am she was helping me cut peppers for Stuffed Pepper Soup, made lunch with me, took a walk, and helped me trim some lilac bushes.  Well, she didn’t trim; she cleaned the hand saw when I was done.  She liked making it clean and shiny.  I asked her when we were done if she was ready for a cookie, and she was very emphatic about that!   I cleaned the bathrooms and kitchen and took the trash out after mom left, ate some veggies, and listened to Byron’s study.  It’s time to settle in for the night – and I have to make myself not turn on the Colonial Williamsburg channel or I’ll be up another two hours!  It’s like the proverbial “One more!” And I do have to work in the morning, and have a notary video to watch after lunch.  I’ll need to be on my game. 

On this date in 1607 John Smith and English colonists made a second landing at the James River Virginia.  Joe Louis (the boxer) was born in 1914, and Stevie Wonder was born in 1950.  Doris Day – American’s ‘girl next door’ actress’ passed away in 2019.   

So whether you agree with the move to ‘yellow’ or disagree, be kind and understanding.  You haven’t walked in everyone’s shoes and don’t know why they feel like they do.  Instead of condemning their opinions, find out why they feel that way – at the very least it may give you a greater understanding and insight about this whole pandemic.  I’m going to be cautiously optimistic – which is hard for a wishy-washy Charlie-Brown person like me!   God Bless –  be kind!  

Another early morning Walmart shopping adventure.  Didn’t need much but they didn’t have 3 of the things I needed.  After I finished at Pinnacle I popped into Aldi and got those so I’m set now.  I actually cooked lunch for myself – I usually grab something silly and keep going with my day but today I made spaghetti, added 2 meatballs (small ones), and garlic toast.  I waited and had the salad for supper!  But mid-afternoon I cut the grass.  Snoopy isn’t a fan of cutting the grass – he’d rather convert the mower to a bubble machine! I don’t mind mowing.  Next time I mow I’ll have to weed whack and do some sidewalk and driveway cleanup.  Probably Sunday. 

I listened To Greg’s message from Vanderbilt Church today, then switched gears and watched a few videos on the Colonial Williamsburg Channel on my fire stick.  I can get carried away going from one to the next!  Today I listened to Colonel Washington, followed by a side-by-side video of Williamsburg comparing 1920’s to 2013!  Very interesting. Pre-restoration.   

Greg’s message was so good today – but there was so much information it will be difficult to summarize. Continuing his topic of the Lord’s Prayer – ‘Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.’  It’s so important for us to be forgiving.  When we are angered or hurt or suffer an injustice, it’s so hard to let it go, even with an apology. It often festers until the anger/hatred oozes out of us and affects all of our relationships and attitudes.  He told the story about the Indian chief who was teaching his grandson about this.  He said there are two ‘sides’ of us at war within:  One that forgives and one that holds grudges.  The grandson asked which one wins.  The chief said, the one you feed!  If you hang on to and harbor your grudges that ‘side’ of you will push out any thoughts or chance of forgiveness.  Remember:  We have ALL sinned (debts) and need forgiven, which God freely gives – but when we refuse to forgive others (and we all have debtors) we are in danger of losing our perspective and will not be able to receive forgiveness.  We don’t earn or deserve forgiveness ; you owe a debt you can’t pay – but Jesus paid the price.  How can we do otherwise? 

On this date – almost nothing happened worth mentioning!  But in 1959 Liz Taylor married Eddie Fisher – her 4th husband.  In 1820, Florence Nightingale was born, and in 1907 Katherine Hepburn was born.  Mary Kay Ash, who founded Mary Kay Cosmetics, was born in 1915.  Any the wonderful woman who encouraged and inspired me to enroll (against terrific odds!) in Seton Hill University’s MASTERS OF ART IN WRITING POPULAR FICTION), Patricia Easton, is celebrating a birthday today.  Thank you, Patty – and happy birthday!   

So if you are holding a grudge or feeling anger against someone, consider what it’s doing to you –  Isn’t it about time you forgive them?  Let go and let God!  Blessings to you… 

Love!  Snoopy recommends it, and I couldn’t survive without it!  So much love in my life and I thank God daily for His love and that of those around me.   I only hope I can share back as much as I receive.     

I started my day at the dermatologist.  I have a ‘rash’ on my leg.  He’s uncertain as to what it really is, but after the fiasco of my skin cancer surgery in January he’s determined to keep a constant eye on me and my skin imperfections.  I have a prescription and a two week deadline to clear it up or back I go!  Thankfully it doesn’t hurt.  It was cold and rainy so we had an inside day.  Mom helped me make lunch, do laundry, and cook potato soup for later.  I’m still doing story research and trying to keep up with all things Mom (paperwork connected).  That keeps me pretty occupied.   

Today I want to share the message that Micah gave from Old Mahoning.  He emphasized the importance of Godly mothers bringing up children to walk with God.  The message was TRUST, COMMIT, REST.  We have to trust God with our life. He promises that if we seek and follow him and stay in his will he will give us the desires of our heart.   We must commit to living our life for God, and using our day as God sees fit, not our own path.  He may change OUR plans, but His ways are best.  We shouldn’t try to change HIS.  We should live IN today, not yesterday or tomorrow.  Then, we rest.  We wait patiently (???) which is hard for us.  He hears us and will right the wrongs that we perceive happening around us.  Stay calm: in your anger don’t sin.  We’ll make it through the storm.  Cast your cares on Him – He cares for you! 

On this day in 1751 Pennsylvania Hospital was founded by Ben Franklin.  In 1864, General J. E. B. Stuart was mortally wounded at Yellow Tavern.  In 1988 Mario Andretti recorded the fastest Indianapolis 500 lap (221.565 mph).  In 1960 John D. Rockefeller Jr. (financial contributor to the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg) died of pneumonia at 86.  Forest Brooks (my dad’s favorite comedian) was born in 1912, and Irvin Berlin (wrote God Bless America and White Christmas) was born in 1888.   Today is my nephew Jesse’s birthday (Happy Happy birthday!!!) and my friend Sharon Wassel’s birthday – have a great day!   

SO remember that you only cause yourself harm when you worry; if you worry, you aren’t trusting!  God’s got this!!!  God bless.

Today is Mother’s Day!  It turned out to be a beautiful, sunny day.  After I listened to Micah at Old Mahoning, Paul at River Hill, and Mike at Hempfield (I know – overly aggressive today!), I watched the mother’s day video that Hempfield Church posted as a tribute to mothers.  So many friends – quite a few no longer living.  I cried all the way through. But it was beautiful!  I decided it was too nice to stay inside, so I drove over the Buncher Park and walked a few miles on the Five Star.  I took my usual detour and walked up past my old neighborhood – Shady Lane – where I grew up.  I lived there from age 2 or 3 until age 24 when I married.  My room was the upstairs window. The houses are basically the same ones, but they have aged and weathered. It still brought back lovely memories of growing up there, neighborhood kids, play spaces, childhood adventures!  I even found the rock that I want for in my yard – anyone willing to bring it here for me ?? 🙂  Memories that no one can take away.  They leave a sweet fragrance in my mind.  My intention was to cut the grass, but the neighbor was having a safe, social distancing mother’s day lunch with her son’s family, and I knew mowing would make a racket.  So I trimmed some bushes, pulled some weeds, then listened to Patty Buschek play her piano tribute.  This is becoming a weekly event and I love listening to her play.  I was able to take Mom’s card and gift over to her at Kathy’s, and now I am home for the evening.  Didn’t accomplish much but had a full, busy day, and it was very nice. 

I decided I would share Paul’s message from River Hill, since he spoke about Mother’s Day.  Basically the message is about James and John’s mother, who asked Jesus if her sons could sit on the right and left of Jesus when he came into his kingdom.  I had always been let to think that she was pushing and forward for asking that of Jesus.  But Paul pointed out that she was brave and caring.  A mother’s job is to raise her children to be part of God’s kingdom; there is no more important task.  Their mom was worried that someone else would come along and push their way in to God’s good graces, and her sons would be pushed out.   She knew God’s teaching, and she knew God would give as much grace to a new believer as to a faithful disciple.  She also had big expectations for her sons.  She wanted them to have meaningful work to do in the kingdom, to take a stand and be leaders.  She sacrificed her own personal pride and agenda to approach Jesus – and that is a great example of Christ’s love.  Moms are basically agents for Jesus, helping their children stay close to God and be an active participant and worker in the kingdom.  The best thing we can do to honor our mother is to live a life worthy of God.  (My mom!!)

On this date in 1503 Christopher Columbus discovered the Cayman Islands.  In 1752 Benjamin Franklin tested his lightening conductor with a kite, and in 1869 the Golden Spike was driven, completing the first transcontinental railroad in Utah.  In 1924 J. Edgar Hoover became head of the F.B.I.  John Wilkes Booth was born in 1838, and Fred Astaire in 1899.  Paul Revere died at age 83 in 1818, and Stonewall Jackson died at age 39 from pneumonia in 1863. 

So the best gift you can give your mother is to live a life for Christ.  Make her proud!  She loves you!  God bless…

This morning when I got up, it was 40* and sunny.  I took my walk outside in the neighborhood.  Within the hour it was snowing, and by noon it was nearly a blizzard, and I don’t mean the kind at the DQ.  Even Snoopy was having a rough time. My poor little azalea bushes were shivering in the snow and wind.  I had a meeting at 10am and missed my own breakfast, so when I got home I had bacon and a small home made bun.  I had a task to perform, which was picking up and delivering flower to my mom that John had commissioned for her.  She was happy and smiling, and when I left she was happily chatting to John.   

As was with yesterday, no sermon to share, but I did see a church sign that made me stop and think.  It said, ‘Every Goliath needs a stone.’  Well, I thought about what my ‘Goliath’ might be.  I could actually list several, thinking about the stress and changes from the last four months.  The bigger question is, how would I slay those giants?  Again, I could think of many ways.  Prayer, faith, and patience were several, but those were the foundations, the first floor of the building blocks.  I needed to stay focused on the good things around me, and not be distracted on the hard or scary things.  It was important for me to believe in myself, and in my capacity as a friend, mother, sister,  daughter, employee, writer, teacher to be able to make a difference in the lives of those around me.  Keeping busy and finding positive thoughts every single day all around me would assure that I didn’t let the sadness or uncertainty overwhelm me.  I might not be a ‘David’, but there are many ways to wield an effective stone.   It was up to me to pick it up and use it. 

On this date in 1865 President Andrew Jackson proclaimed the end of the Civil War.  In 1914 President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Mother’s Day, and in 2005 Renee Zellweger married Kenny Chesney (although it lasted less than a year!!).  And John Brown of Harper’s Ferry fame was born in 1800. 

So if you get outside for anything, pick up a rock.  Take it home and put it where you see it often, and let it remind you that God is bigger than your Goliath!  God bless…

Today was a cold, damp day – and it even was snowing!  This year has been one for the books, that’s for sure!  This morning before I picked up Mom I popped over to work and faxed some documents to Mom’s insurance company.  We had a pretty good day today, all in all – meaning, it was certainly not exciting!  But she was content to watch TV and look at books while I balanced my checking account – to the penny.  Whew.  We made grilled cheese and Chicken & Stars soup for lunch, but had cookies for dessert. I finished the ironing, and then Mom helped me cut up a bunch of veggies to roast for supper.  Neither one of us really wanted to go out in the rain!  After I dropped her off, I went to the Sprint store in Mt. Pleasant, and finally decided on an iPhone 11.  Not to name names or anything, but when I bought my LAST phone at Best Buy they transferred EVERYTHING over and even set up my apps and emails and passwords.  Sprint — did very little.  I spent 3 1/2 hours organizing and downloading and setting things back to order.  Now I just need to order a case –  Snoopy or the American Flag?  Hmmm.  Have to think on that for a while.  But now Chrissy and I have twinny phones!  I just have to hope I can get used to it with little or no drama.  Thankfully, I’ll have Chrissy as a coach.   

As I didn’t have any sermons left to listen to for the week, I decided to share my Scripture of the Day:  Colossians 4:6 – Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.  That’s a pretty tall order.  I tend to speak first then think about what I said later.  And the irony of that verse is that I grew up being admonished that I should cut back on my salt intake.  I eat salt on almost everything!  And here is affirmation for my cause:  Salt is a great seasoning!  So I’m thinking that if I keep using salt, my conversation should be effective and pleasing.   

On this date in 1835, Hans Christian Andersen published his first collection of Fairy Tales.  Our 33rd President, Harry Truman, was born in 1884 and Bill Cowher was born in 1957.   

So if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go eat something salty, and practice my conversational skills.  Have a great weekend!   God bless…