Snoopy is taking a few minutes out of his day to find encouragement in God’s word.  We should all do the same!  I know even just a favorite verse or a few shared thoughts help me keep my focus in the right place for the day.  Work was very quick today – only a few things to get done.  But surprisingly I had a checkup at the eye doctor’s and passed – and even ordered new glasses.  Now to wait the two weeks until they come in.  My prescription did not change, but I had opted not to get glasses last year as my eyes were still adjusting from my cataract surgery.  So I was really due an improved pair.  No one will be surprised that I chose purple! Go big or go home!!!  It was so sunny and beautiful and even warm that it was a delight to be outside, if only for a bit.  I cleaned the rest of my house, made some mom-based phone calls, and then listened to Micah’s message from Old Mahoning Baptist. 

Micah’s message was ‘New Beginnnings’, and who better to symbolize that than Noah?  When he got off the ark, there was no one else in the WORLD – except his family and the animals.  Micah talked about God’s plan for Noah:  He first selected the person.  Noah re-established life, based on his life-long walk with God and being descended from Godly men (look up his linage!).  Second, there was a specific project.  Noah had very exact instructions, perfect guidelines.  We, too have those same specifics in the Bible.  Third, Noah offered solemn praise – it was the first thing he did:  Built an alter.  Worship was his top priority.  God gave Noah several assurances:  He would not curse the ground again; not destroy every living thing ever again, and promised the earth would remain until the end of time (as God directs it). BUT – there was an ‘although’ in there – God recognized that the intents and thoughts of man are evil from youth.  We are prone to sin, and it is a constant struggle.  If we fix our heart and eyes on God, He will sustain us.  How do we do that?  Be prepared.  We must know God and his Word/Will, pray and worship.  Obey and trust.  Our priorities should focus on God.   

On this date in 1789 the first inaugural ball was held in New York City for George Washington.  In 1941, Glenn Miller recorded Chattanooga Choo Choo, and in 1966 the Mamma’s and the Papa’s hit MONDAY, MONDAY hit #1.  In 1975 Gerald Ford declared the end to the Vietnam Era.  Robert Browning was born in 1812, and Gary Cooper was born in 1901.   

So Noah found Grace in the eyes of the Lord, and not only found it, but acted on it.  We, too, can do that, and then – share it.   As Noah did, proclaim God’s truth and take a stand.  God Bless.

Today (or any day!) is a good day to follow Charlie Brown and Snoopy’s scripture-based thought:  How sweet is a friend!  I am so thankful for my friends – some from birth (sister and cousins), some from High School (Gen & Diane), some from church (Mary, Teresa), and some from work (Jen, Liz, Joelyn, and of course my April!).  From writers, (Mary Ann, Linda, Barb and others); even a few guys (Roger, Bruce, Barry). They, plus so many more, are so special to me!  I slept in a bit this morning, as I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in weeks, so didn’t force myself to a schedule.  I did a little over a mile on the treadmill (not a fan of cold, drizzly morning walks), and grabbed a piece of Banana Nut Bread on the run to get Mom.  We worked on a few projects, made pancakes for lunch (yum), and I did my ironing.  I was trying to make conversation with mom, and finally she looked at me with a scowl and said, “I don’t understand a word you are saying!”  So much for that!  But we had a quick snack (a favorite for her), and then I printed out a picture of John that Bobbie  (her daughter in law) sent to me for her.  WHICH – – – used the last of my ink.  THEN I had to beat myself up, because I looked for my spare ink and apparently didn’t replace it!  So when I took mom back to Kath’s I made a quick 10 minute stop at Walmart for ink and copy paper.  Whew.  I will wait for next pay and get the backup immediately. 

One thing we did after lunch was listen to Greg’s message from the Vanderbilt church. It was ‘Bread of Life’.  We ask God to give us bread daily – just what we need – it says give US.  God will provide, and we can depend on him, but we play a part in the equation.  We must go after it, and we must help each other.  He’s our Father, and he will give Good things.  He promised to take care of the birds – and they praise him in the mornings and in the evenings with their songs.  Can’t we do the same?  Should we not be feeding ourselves on God’s word?  What has changed for us since COVID 19?  Actually, nothing spiritual or eternal.  We needed God to save our soul in January the same as now in May.  God is our rock and refuge and offers us salvation.  THAT is what is important. 

On this date in 1541, King Henry VIII ordered a Bible in English be placed in every church in England.  In 1941 Bob Hope performed his first USO show.  In 2013, Walmart became the largest company by revenue on the Fortune 500 list.  Orson Welles was born in 1915, and Willie Mays in 1931.  George Clooney in 1961 and in 1950 Elizabeth Taylor married her first husband, Nicky Hilton, at age 18.  And happy birthday to my friend from Smail Auto, Marty Cummins!  Have a great day! 

So why not try blocking the news and facebook, and spend time seeking God – Read His word – feed yourself!  God Bless…

It was a dark and stormy night.  Well, no.  But it was a cloudy and cold day.  But now it’s a rainy evening.  But that just puts us inside.  Snoopy is NOT writing tonight.  He and Charlie Brown are watching their favorite show.  Something I’ve never seen (and that’s actually ok with me!).  Kath and I did our 6am grocery run; I came home and took a mile walk, then got ready and headed into work(s).  There was a lot to do today.  I did stop at Aldi’s to augment the list from this morning; a few things Walmart didn’t have and I was able to grab and be out in 10 minutes.  After lunch I cut my grass.  I knew the week’s weather was supposed to be yucky so I wanted to get that task out of the road.  Seems like I am mowing every 5 days.  I talked to my step father this evening and it’s to snow 2-3 inches on Saturday!  I had an egg-beater sandwich on a homemade bun for supper, then listened to Rod at Martin’s Ferry Church. 

His message was Hide and Seek.  Basically, God doesn’t hide well.  He made himself visible on the earth – walked, talked, appeared to people, sent fire from heaven, parted the Red Sea, sent Manna to the wondering Israelites in the wilderness, wrestled with Jacob, answered (and still does) prayers.  We was and is very present on the earth.  God is alive, he’s with us, and he actually WANTS to be found!  He shows himself to us daily!  That being said, he’s really Good at seeking, and he finds those who need him.  He seeks us out and gives us what we don’t deserve:  He forgives and saves us.  He takes away our sin and takes our punishment on himself.  So he does the Hide and Seek a lot different than we do! 

On this date in 1966 Willie Mays hit his 512th home run.  Karl Marx was born in 1818 (he sort of looks like my Uncle Jim!); Nellie Bly in 1865.  Ann B Davis (Alice from the Brady Bunch) was born in 1926, and Tammy Wynette in 1942.  Napoleon died in 1821, and Kenny Rogers died in 2020. 

So when you play your next game of Hide and Seek, remember that God isn’t hiding – at all! – but is only seeking to find you.  And he’ll never stop pursuing.   God Bless. . . 

After an early morning cool but sunny walk, I spent an hour at work.  Even though it’s chilly, I hope to get out in the sunshine a little bit later this morning.  Mom and I have a few things we can do outside.  I found some stray Lamb’s Ear in the front yard that I want to transplant to a worthy spot, and maybe we’ll take a short walk.  Exercise is such a healthy choice, unless you are Snoopy! 

This morning on my walk I listened to Paul’s message from River Hill church entitled Guard your Heart. Paul admonishes us to do that – and it’s not just our actual heart.  Things that we see, hear, what we say; places that we go, and even the thoughts that we think, can edge their way into our heart. Good and Bad!! Satan works hard to get a foothold in our heart, and direct it to places that are unhealthy or ungodly.  If we fill our hearts with goodness and God’s word there will be no room for anything else.  We need to walk by faith, not my feelings.  Let your heart be a well-spring of clear, fresh flowing water to be shared all around, and only that which is blessed to flow out!  We need to forgive others, and we need to build up heavenly treasures, not earthly ones.   Fix our eyes on things unseen, because they are permanent. Let our hearts and lives be focused and committed to God!   

On this day was the Kent State Riots in 1970.  In 1979 Margaret Thatcher became the first woman to be elected prime minister of the United Kingdom.  And in 1979 the phrase ‘May the Fourth be with you!” was coined!  Audrey Hepburn was born in 1929 and Randy Travis in 1959. 

Take your ‘heart’ for a walk today; guard it carefully, fill it with sunshine and God’s good grace!  God bless…

After listening to my home church message this morning (Kyle at Hempfield) I decided to chance the threat of rain by going out to pull some weeds and trim some lilac bushes.  Snoopy agrees with me that gardening is NOT always easy!  But pulling weeds is like therapy for me, and I can get lost in the process.  So much so that I went out a little before 11am, and other than 2 drink breaks I worked until after 5pm.  I did accomplish a lot, and feel good about the process.  I took a quick shower to wash off the grime, then listened to one of my favorite Harlequin authors (Lee Tobin McClain) do a reading on facebook of her current release Cottage at the Beach, which I have read and enjoyed already!  I heartily recommend it! Looking forward to the next book coming out in June.  As I write this I am listening to Patty Buschek and her crew play hymns and choruses.  I still have a little ‘notary’ studying to do.   

This morning Kyle spoke about Not seeing the forest for the trees.  Or as he says, not seeing the trees for the forest!  He gets so caught up in details, but that’s what makes his messages so compelling!  Kyle shared about Peter’s determination to fill Judas’s spot in the group of 12 apostles.  It’s sensible and scriptural.  Peter and the other apostles wanted to keep their focus on Jesus as they waited for the gift of the holy spirit.  They didn’t want to waste their time, but wanted to prepare themselves for what would come.  We need to seek God while we wait – we are called to do what Jesus did and continue his work.  We can make good use of our time to be ready to carry on this mission – ready to move forward when the wait is over.  Don’t waste the wait! 

On this date in 1937 Margaret Mitchell won the Pulitzer Prize for Gone with the Wind, and Bind Crosby was born in 1903 (White Christmas at its ultimate finest!). 

Have a great week, and as you wait – prepare!  God bless.

Today Snoopy is with the Colonial Militia, and he’s helping guard Historic Hanna’s Town.  After a few morning chores I decided it was a beautiful day for a walk and some research.  I headed out to Hanna’s Town, and although the buildings and activities are closed, the grounds and trails were open.  I walked around for a while, taking pictures and going through some history in my mind, seeing if I could come up with an adventure for Tazz (my famous doggy detective) to be caught up in.  I think I have a pretty good plot line, and will do more research tomorrow in my training manual for some unique facts  of history for the site.  But in the meantime, I took pictures of the activities building, the homestead cabin, the tavern, the goal, the stocks, the Steele House and the new education center and the Klingensmith House,  Oh, and the fort and the old cemetery and the Steel monument.   I took a woodsy walk and came across a brook.  I love running water streams and creeks!  I even pulled over on my way out and took an overview of the site. But I think I have a pretty good grip on what I’m going to write about.  I just need to figure out an ending!   I came home, cut the grass, planted a few flowers/seeds, and washed the car.  Made a yummy salad for supper before I sat down to play in the Word Garden.

On this date in 1670 Kin Charles II gives Roayl Charter to Hudson Bay Company.  In 1863 Stonewall Jackson is wounded by his own men.  In 1865 President Andrew Johnson offers $100,000 reward for the capture of Jefferson Davis, and in 1878 US stops minting the 20 cent coin.  Dr. Benjamin Spock was born in 1903, and in 1892 The Red Baron (Manfred Von Richthofen) was born –  watch out Snoopy! He’s out to get you!  My niece Tonia is celebrating a birthday today, and my friend Sarah Pelc is celebrating today, as well.  And a very big happy birthday to My Friend Mary Corsi, who is a co-teacher with me in our 4’s and 5’s Sunday School class, and was my Weight Watcher coach for 10 years!  She has been a dear friend and ‘sister’ and I’m thankful for her every day!  Happy birthday, ladies!  Love you!  God Bless…

Well Woodstock has the right idea!  Cousins are the best, and a special kind of love!  I was having trouble turning off my thoughts last night in bed, so I figured I should think of something fun and happy.  My mind started going back to my dearest Skunk Hollow Cousins, and I am ‘time-long’ to be with these wonderful ladies.  I need to stock up on laughter and fun and hugs, and just sharing our lives, layer after layer.  And Food!  Everyone has their specific expected offerings, like Holly brings triple chocolate brownies, Colleen bakes her tassies, Kath brings a shrimp ring, Beth makes her Buffalo Chicken dip, and Karen always brings cheese curls, and so it goes!  Susan always brought hand-dipped Chocolates from the Smicksburg Chocolate Shoppe; both are gone now.  We have an ‘established’ date of 1999, and we all have scarves (courtesy of Kelly) and some of us have hats (courtesy of Aunt Joan).  Picture is of Mom and Aunt Joan, the two original Skunk Hollow Girls! 

These current restrictions have kept us apart since our Christmas party at Colleen’s in December, and that is far too long to be separated!  I dearly miss these cousins/friends.

We have had so many fun and diverse outings!  We started out by having bonfires in Gail’s driveway, with S’Mores and mountain pies and hot dogs.  Those were the days of just the ‘older’ cousins, but slowly we added the younger ones, a few years at a time.  Now all the girl cousins (currently 10 in all) are officially part of our Skunk Hollow Women’s Fest events.  Over the years we have had picnics at Linn Run (with a crazy scavenger hunt that Connie created, complete with prizes.  Holly even climbed in a dumpster!), overnight weekends at the Dillweed Bed and Breakfast in Dilltown, PA, hikes to Buttermilk Falls, Tours of Hanna’s Town (led by yours truly) and the Jimmy Stewart Museum, a visit to the castle near Ebensburg, Christmas parties at each others’ houses, bonfires at Beth’s, Shopping trips to Volant, and group hikes. When my book was published some of them drove to Scottdale to attend a presentation I did, and then they threw a publication party, complete with a book-cover cake!  We have celebrated birthdays and marriages and births, and shared death, heartache and sorrow.  It’s true that happiness shared doubles it, but sorrow shared halves it.  So blessed! One year six of us spent five glorious days in Colonial Williamsburg! 

I think the most fun, and the best times, are when we all just show up with our snacks to share and hang out together on someone’s deck or family room, chatting until far to late into the night.  We aren’t spring chickens anymore, and SOME of us would have an hour-plus drive home afterwards.  One of the first things I want to plan, once this pandemic is past us, is our annual ‘spring’ Skunk Hollow event.  And I hope and pray that all ten of us will be able to come, and that we can chatter and hug and share for hours and hours! 

I keep you all in my prayers, sweet cousins, and in my heart every day.  God bless you all – and see you as soon as soon can be!  Love you —  

Today is Thursday, and Snoopy is looking forward to the weekend – as we all are.  But then again, I heard today that the new week consists of yesterday, today and tomorrow!  That’s about it.  One day just flows into another!  But I have been keeping busy and always seem to have a project on the back burner, and Saturday is still my day for projects.  Today I worked (safely) for a few hours, came home and cleaned the rest of my house, scrubbed the recliner (yuck), touched up some paint in the family room, and finished a good book.  Also listened to a notary webinar, which  of course was pure joy!  Yikes! 

This afternoon I listened to Micah from Old Mahoning Baptist, and the message was ‘Play to Win’ from II Timothy.  Paul admonishes young Timothy, as well as all of us, to play to win:  We  can participate (either play hard or be slacking) or just watch.  He encourages us to persevere during difficult times, play by the rules, and keep our eyes focused on Christ – or the prize.  What is the prize?  The crown of righteousness, eternal life.  He says to run ‘the’ race, not ‘a’ race; there is only one race, and there is not a choice. Don’t fight for the wrong cause.  But who are we fighting?  It is a spiritual battle.  We fight physical battles every day.  The race that Paul speaks to Timothy about is our life, every single day.  God gives us all we need to play and win, and if we keep the faith, we WILL win!  If you stay in the race, you have won already. 

On this date in 1789 George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States.  In 1904 the ice cream cone debuted at the St. Louis world’s fair.  In 1945 Hitler and his wife committed suicide and in 1997 Ellen DeGeneres declares publicly that she is gay.  In 1952 Mr. Potato Head is the first toy advertised on television. 

And as for birthdays, we have three CELEBRITY birthdays today.  First is the father of my children, Stoney Burke, who was born on this date in 1936, and passed away in August of 1991.  Second is my former boss of 52 years, Jim Smail.  Happy, happy birthday, Jim!  Sorry I wasn’t there to ‘sneak’ a card up to your desk for you to discover later in the morning.  And lastly my dear friend Teresa Shanta.  We have shared great times and hard times, laughter and tears, and went on lots of discovery outings together.  Can’t wait until we can get back to doing that again!  Happy Birthday, Teresa! 

As you walk through the week, know that your walk, every single day, counts for a LOT – Just keep going!  God Bless…

Snoopy has some great words of wisdom for us today.  And each day that we get through this distancing and separation, we know for a fact that our friends and family are the greatest blessings.  I miss mine dearly! Faith and Hope – which go hand in hand – sustain me through these sometimes lonely, confusing days.

Today Mom and I did absolutely nothing exciting!  We did go for a walk, sat on the deck a few times, listened to the radio, went up and down the steps about 40 times (yikes!!!), and took a little drive.  We saw a beautiful huge purple azalea bush and a very appealing stone wall, but nothing else to write about.  When I got home, I was able to cut the grass ahead of the rain – which seems to be predicted for the next four days.  I still had some outside time left, so I pulled the weeds on the hill between the two fences.  That is a HUGE job and I have to do it 3 times a summer.  So glad to get that done.  Oh, and in the morning, Maria on the Radio (Y108) messaged me that she liked a comment I made  and wanted to call me to be on the air!  That was fun!  I actually didn’t get to hear myself, because too much was going on and I couldn’t stay by the radio.  But it was nice to be called.  I made myself a grilled cheese on homemade bread for supper, cleaned half my house, and I’m ready to call it a day. 

Today I listened to Greg Pelc’s message from Vanderbilt church, the second message in a series on the Lord’s Prayer.  This one was ‘Thy will be done’.  It was such a good message – and it helped me to think about how God lets us know if we are within his Will for us.  Basically we are in his will if we are in His kingdom.  Be careful not to conform to this world, but to his will.  ‘I know the plans I have for you, plans for a hope and a future’.  God knows the outcome of everything that’s going to happen before it does, and even when it doesn’t make sense to us, it does to God.  Like looking at a tapestry:  If you look at the underside (as we look at life) it’s a tangled mess of threads and knots and colors.  But God is looking at the finished art – and it’s perfect, and it all worked together for our good.  God’s will should always come before our requests.  We should change our requests to stay within God’s will; not ask God to change his will to meet our requests.  God’s will trumps our will, but it is our nature to resist God’s will.  We just simply need to love Him.  Always and completely. 

On this date in 1861 Maryland voted against seceding from the Union (Civil War).  In 1967 “Respect” was released by Aretha Franklin, and in 2004 Oldsmobile built it’s final car after 107 years of production.  In 1863 William Randolph Hearst was born – the ‘master of fake news!’  Willie Nelson was born in 1933 and Jerry Seinfield in 1954.  And today my step-daughter Theresa Steele is celebrating a birthday, and if memory serves me (it doesn’t always!) it’s also her and Mel’s wedding anniversary.  Have a wonderful double celebration, Theresa!  God bless!

I can’t believe my little Chrissy is 14!  She has grown into such a beautiful, talented, loving, hard-working, sporty young lady!  I’m so blessed to have watched her grow in so many ways.  It’s hard to have these restrictions that make it impossible to celebrate the way we want to.  We look forward to a day when we can go to Cold Stone or Chick-Fil-A or wherever she chooses.  Her year is undoubtedly starting out strange and restricted, but that doesn’t take one little bit away from who she is and who she will grow into being.  Now — if only her present (which was shipped last week!) arrives by the end of the day as predicted!  And Snoopy’s words today are especially for Christina!  

I listened to Mike’s message today from my home Church of Hempfield.  The new series is about ‘Acts’ – about how the church began.  Luke explains that in his prior book he wrote down everything that Jesus did and taught until he was taken up into Heaven.  Now Luke is sharing the instructions that we need to live by, and that the disciples needed before they began to live out the Great Commission.  Jesus promised the gift of the Holy Spirit – the power by which all is done and accomplished on this earth for God!  The Holy Spirit provides everything we need to live the life we are called to live.  And when it comes down to it, we are called to spread to Good News to Everyone in the World! (Great Commission)  We have a divine purpose.  God has big plans for us and equips us to do His will.  After I listened to the message, I tuned into a second performance by Patty Buschek and Jonathan Slatt – as she played the piano and occasionally sang.  Takes me back – decades….  Lifts my spirit. 

On this date in 1881 Billy the Kid escaped jail, and in 1990 “Chorus Line” closed after 6,137 performances!  James Monroe, our 5th President, was born in 1758, and Jay Leno was born in 1950.  And of course my lovely Chrissy, born today in 2006!  Happy birthday, sweet girl!  Many, many more!  Love you to the MOON and back!   

In your walk this week, Walk with the Lord!  He has big things planned for you!  God bless….