I was back to work at Pinnacle/Jeannette today, just for about an hour and a half.  It was good to be there and will be a slow process to get back on full swing.  I picked up Mom on the way home and she ate a second breakfast of a banana muffin and a mini donut with Kelly.  We did keep busy, as Kelly was changing sheets and gathering towels and dirty clothes.  She was packing to head back to her family.  Kelly was ready to get back into her business (PLC Designs, custom printing of tee shirts, etc), but I think the boys would have stayed.  Chase asked if they had stayed 10 days – I said it was more like 5 weeks!  After lunch we gathered up things from every room, plus cookies and brownies and Goldfish crackers, and loaded up the van.  Right before they left, Logan helped me install my new fire stick and he gave me a tutorial on its use and purpose.  It was my splurge, and I think I’ll enjoy it.  I only downloaded (or Logan did) three apps but I can add more later.  Mom and I stood on the driveway and waved as they pulled out of the drive, and I have to say there were tears on my cheeks as they left.  I don’t know what I would have done these last 5 weeks sequestered alone on my own.  Having them here was such a blessing.  We cooked and walked and baked and watched movies and baked some more!  I believe we set a record for scone consumption!  It will be an adjustment for me to settle in by myself again.  I need to get back to a regular walking routine and spend more time outside, as well.  But I will miss my little roommates!  God bless them! 

This afternoon I listened to Paul’s message from River Hill Church.  It was about Doors of the Bible.  Doors are opportunities that God gives us – Thomas Edison said that opportunities often come dressed in overalls and disguised as work!  And often we pass right by them because they ARE too much work, or look unappealing.  But the first door was on Noah’s Ark – God closed that door and no one could open it.  Although Noah warned the people about the flood and their need to repent, they ignored the warning, and then it was too late.  The second door was the one that God’s people anointed with the blood of the sacrificed lamb, alerting the death angel to pass over their house – they were a child of God. Of course, Jesus represents the blood that is our sacrifice and the door to eternal life.  The next door was the door to the sheepfold.  The Shepherd guards the door so that the sheep stay safe inside, and that wild animals and thieves cannot get in.  The sheep are safe with the Shepherd.  The last door is the door to our heart.  The Bible says that Jesus stands at the door of our heart and knocks.  If we willingly let him in, we share in His victory and in eternal life.  Don’t miss out on the opportunity!  Open your heart’s door and let Jesus in. 

On this date in 1810 Beethoven composed Fur Elise.  Samuel Morse (inventor of the Morse Code) was born in 1791, and Ulysses S Grant was born in 1822. I think he’s kinda cute.   

Oh, and just as an added note, I’m a homewrecker.  Overnight a persistent bird build a nest on the porch light outside my back door.  What a horrid, messy, MESS!  So I knocked it down and tied a bag over it.  (There were no eggs, etc – it was brand new!)

So just in case you have passed up opportunities before, take time to recognize them now.  The Shepherd will keep you in His loving fold!   God bless .. .. ..

Today my stepfather turns 99 years old.  An incredible life!  He is still mobile, independent, alert, and one of the most informed people I know.  I also know that being separated from my mom is very hard for him, and he would never have chosen for life to take this turn.  I am thankful that he has family and friends around him to watch over him, share with him, and stop after church and sing happy birthday from the driveway.  A huge thanks to Byron (minister at Keepville Bible Church) for making that happen.  His Greensburg family all wish this dear man much happiness and good health as he continues to live out his days for the Lord.  Happy birthday! 

Linus has uncovered a truth in today’s strip:  Sometimes practicality overrides vanity!  Linus was not sure wearing glasses would serve him well within his social circles, but in the end, being able to SEE won out!  How many times to we weigh decisions based on unimportant or trivial choices?   

After ‘church’ this morning Kelly and I baked brownies for Matt and cinnamon rolls for Peyton.   They are cooling, and then we will ice them.  Kelly is planning to order Abie and Bimbo’s pizza for dinner so they can take the leftovers home as well.  I wanted to send a peace offering to my brave little men when Kelly heads home. Three of their favorite foods, and their three favorite people!  God bless my little family as they are reunited. 

We listened to/and watched Rod from Martin’s Ferry Church this morning.  I really enjoy having real time facts mixed in with the message, and this morning Rod spoke about the importance in scripture of the number 40.  Look it up!  In Ohio (where the church is), they are released from the stay-at-home mandate on May 1st – 40 days from inception.  The root of the word ‘quarantine’ is ‘forty’.  If you take the year 2020 and add it the total is forty (20 + 20).  It means perfect vision.  In these 40 days, the earth has been at rest.  Waterways are cleaner, grass is green, cities are less polluted, highways are near to empty, people are largely at home.  He moved on to talk about Jesus ascending to heaven, and that he is indeed coming back.  As he left into the clouds, he blessed his disciples.  Even though they abandoned him and doubted him, He blessed them.  As many times as we have stepped away from the path we are called to follow, Jesus still forgives and blesses.  Stay focused on Him. Sometimes we think things are impossible, but with God the impossible happens.  Look to God AND the impossible; let Him work through you.  He is coming again!!!   

On this date in 1607, the Jamestown expedition made its first landing in America in Virginia.  In 1941 potatoes were rationed in Holland.  Melania Trump was born in 1970, and my step-father John R. Graves Sr. was born in 1921!   

Do some research this week and look at the number 40.  God Bless.  

As Bud would have said, it’s 8 months til Christmas day!  I have to say, I’m not ready.  Haven’t bough a single gift!  I miss that man and think of him often.  Snoopy’s words of wisdom for the day entreats us to wait patiently.  I for one find it very difficult to wait for ANYTHING!  Especially where there is an element of uncertainty about it.  As for the things I do not yet have, there are many — but honestly I don’t know why I should actually WANT for anything.  So today I am listing five things that I am thankful that I have in my life.  And these will be material things and not listed in order of importance.  First, my home.  I am so blessed!  I love every nook and cranny, every dust bunny, every dirty window, the full to overflowing pantry, warmth and comfort, peace.  Wonderful.  Second, my family.  They encourage me and challenge me and love me!  I can’t imagine life without them.  And when Kelly and the boys go home, it will be a huge gap in my little world!  Third, friends.  Truly they enrich my life and their loyalty and encouragement are priceless.  Fourth, sunshine.  How great it makes me feel, to be outside walking, cutting grass, even pulling weeds (well, SOMETIMES pulling weeds….).  It makes my world brighter in more than the obvious way.  Fifth, my job.  I respect and admire and enjoy the people I work with and am thankful for being part of their employment family.  All of these things are gifts from God – and he as blessed me abundantly through them!  I will TRY to be patient for what may come – and will be grateful for any and all additions to my life. 

Today I spent some time trying to figure out how to be a legal eNotary in the state of PA.  The websites are confusing and unclear.  I answered a few emails then went outside in the SUNSHINE!  I pulled weeds and cleaned up the gardens and trimmed a few bushes.  Finished that about 4pm and cut the grass, as I believe there is rain in the forecast.  I promised the boys Chick-Fil-A so we went through the drivethough for that.  I do believe that if our government was run as efficiently and pleasantly as Chick-Fil-A our country would be a better place!  Kelly and I finished watching White Christmas, and I sorted Mom’s journals. 

One of the things we brought back with us last Saturday on our Albion trip were her hand-written journals.  I didn’t know if they would all be there but they were.  First entry was January 1, 1985! The last one she managed to do was October of 2017.  I wish she could have kept writing but she couldn’t manage.  I can’t read them now – it seems like something so private should remain private even if she doesn’t realize what they are right now.  Kathy and I are thankful to have them as a future treasure, and I know they will bless us beyond measure.  As I glanced inside to get the dates to put them in order I caught glimpses of phrases.  So many scriptures, so much admonition to live for the Lord!  Her faith has sustained her through many hard and uncertain times, and that is a balm to my soul now, as she is so often lost and confused.  God truly is her strength and comfort. 

On this date in 1719 Daniel Defoe published Robinson Crusoe.  In 1886 Sigmund Freud opened his practice.  In 1994 there was 14 inches of snow in southern California.  Ella Fitzgerald was born in 1917 and Ginger Rogers died in 1995 at age 83. 

So why not make your own list of things to be thankful for, and then wait patiently for what is to come.  God bless.  He will!  

Today our Logan is thirteen!  Wow it seems like he was just a little bit of a thing, grinning up from his Mom’s lap.  Now he is officially a teenager and I can’t quite figure out where the years went.  The first birthday gift I actually remember getting him that he ASKED for was a ball glove, and a huge inflatable softball!  He loved playing ball. Now he loves watching Youtube videos, especially about Fortnite.  And of course, he loves playing the game itself, and interacting with Chase and his friends online.  They play for hours!  And Logan is the grandchild that will eat almost anything and is truly excited about food in general.  I think he can hear a Sunchips bag opening at 40 paces!  He is loving and kind and sweet and loyal and the last person to be upset or distressed about something.  I ‘stole’ some of Kelly’s photos to share here, as she have – of course! – way more than I do!  Logan at Disney last December; Logan with his 4-H pig, and visiting the one room school.  Also, in the church play with his very best friend Julia, and as a guitar rocker.  And lastly, the way Logan likes to sleep.  He’s like a hotdog all wrapped up in his blankets!  Wishing Logan a very happy, fun day, and also amazingly wonderful years ahead and he grows and matures in his life and love for the Lord.  Happy birthday Logan!

Rather than a message to share, I thought I would let this message of love and faith inspire you to share God’s love with those around you.  It doesn’t take much to offer hope to a fearful world! 

On this date in 1800 the US Library of Congress was established.  In 1888 George Eastman founded Eastman-Kodak.  In 1907 Milton Hershey opened Hersheypark, and in 1950 Peter Pan (my childhood FAVORITE!!!) opened in NYC theaters.  In 1969, Paul McCartney said there was no truth to the rumors that he was dead.  Well, imagine that.    In 1942 Barbra Streisand was born; in 1934 Shirley MacLaine was born.  Kelly Clarkson was born in 1982, and today my friend Melinda Donnelly is celebrating a birthday.  And of course, Happy Birthday to our Logan!   

And I’ll leave you today with Snoopy:  Be kind – share a little seed of faith and watch what happens!   God bless….

Snoopy’s brother Spike had words of wisdom for us today – God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb.  Neither of us know exactly how to translate that!  Spike is a prickly little guy – haha.  I actually went to work for about an hour – and it was very good to be there.  Just a few stray chores from the month of close-down but hoping to slowly get back into things.  I came home and had a piece of the delicious banana bread Kelly and Mom made yesterday, then spent about 3 hours outside on the hill pulling and digging weeds.  It looks so nice, and almost done!  Just 2 little sections left.  After getting cleaned up, I dusted and swept the house before making dinner.  Logan asked for tater tots and fried spam; Chase wanted Goldfish.  No surprise there.  I watched a webinar on Remote Online Notarization (oh, joy) and Kelly had an online meeting.  We spent the last of the evening watching Anne – the continuing saga.  It was very intense and not my favorite but I loved the end!  You have to actually read the books (I think there are 8) to really get the story.

I listened to Micah’s message from Old Mahoning Baptist about ‘From Fear to Courageous.   Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to handle fear.  We can overcome fear by having a personal encounter with Jesus, as in through the instructions in the Bible and sharing with fellow believers.  Also, by following and taking to heart the instructions laid out for us, such as the Good Commission:  Go, Teach, Baptize, Preach (Matthew 28:16-20).  Also, we can believe and claim the promises Jesus gave us, i.e. He will be with us forever.  And last, believe in his power and the gift of the holy spirit in us.  And of course, believe he will come again.   

On this date in 1791, William Shakespeare was born. In 1791 James Buchanan – only US President from Pennsylvania – was born.  In 1861 Robert E Lee was named commander of the Virginia Confederate Forces. Shirley Temple was born in 1928 and was everyone’s favorite child star!  In 1954 Hank Aaron hit the first of 755 home runs. 

The Bible is full of comfort, instruction, and promises – discover them for yourself!  God Bless….

Snoopy and friends say Happy Wednesday!  We did have a good day, although it was surely too cold for the ‘end’ of April.  My friend Diane said when was the last time we cut the grass at the end of April in 42*  temperatures with gale force winds???  I tried pulling weeds on the hill and they almost blew into the bag themselves.  Mom was here today and we kept busy inside and out.  We made  fresh icing for the scones, cleaned a quart of strawberries, made banana bread from Kelly’s recipe (and 12 muffins), then after lunch went for a walk.  Mom sat on the bottom deck while I played Paul Bunyan and cut down a small Rose of Sharon bush – in the wrong place for its size.  We plan to watch part two of Anne the sequel tonight.  We are saving part three for the weekend. 

We all listened to Greg Pelc’s message from Vanderbilt Church about the importance of prayer, and focused on the Lord’s Prayer.  He talked about his young years in his home church and how prayer time was such an important time in the service. Greg started out with the fact the although prayers were said all around them often, the disciples recognized the uniqueness of Jesus’ prayers and asked to be taught to pray.  It was probably the attitude and atmosphere that Jesus evoked as he prayed to his ‘Daddy’.  When the prayer starts out, it begins, “Our Father”, showing that we are equal brothers (and sisters) with Jesus of our Father, and Jesus intercedes for us. Hallowed be your name.  Hallowed is not a common word; is no longer used.  Basically we should respect God, and His name.  That is sadly lacking in today’s society, the reverence and praise due to God.  And once we lose the respect for God, we lose respect for each other and for society in general.  If we reverence God our focus will switch from ourselves to Him; and when we praise God, we recognize that even though we are undeserving of forgiveness he has removed our sins/transgressions as far away as the East is from the West.  I loved the reference to Biblical writers and that when they wrote God’s name in any form they immediately broke the quill and threw it away, it was so revered.  Do we reverence God?  Do we even know how to pray.  In these trying times prayer is our conversation with our loving Father, who knows all about what is happening and what the future holds. 

On this date in 1823, R J Tyers patented the roller skate.  In 1991 Johnny Carson announced his retirement, and Glen Campbell was born in 1936.  

It’s about time we trust Him, and pay him the honor that is due Him.  Pray without ceasing!  God Bless –  have a great day tomorrow!

Lucy does not typically like kisses from Snoopy, but some days you just need a pick-me-up. We could all use a little of that.  Just reading Peanuts cartoons picks me up!  Today Kath and I did the early 6am Walmart grocery run, then I set my agenda for the day.  Before I could even write the list down, the phone started ringing, and I was knee deep in trying to figure out the crazy state of the auto sales world.  Not sure we solved anything, even after numerous phone calls among us all, but at least we have a direction now.  Not sure either what the timeline of the next few weeks will be.  I finally got around to washing windows, which always makes the house happy!  I had to scoop up a few things that Walmart didn’t have, but was in and out in a matter of minutes and back on the crazy phone again!  We put the pork roast in the crock pot last night, and supper was BBQ pork and noodles, which were very tasty. 

Somewhere between my early shower and breakfast I managed to listen to Kyle’s message from Hempfield Church.  We was sharing the snapshots of Jesus’ resolute journey to Jerusalem, as Jesus knew where he was headed and why for months before it happened.  Despite knowing he would die, Jesus set his path and made his way, although it was not without cost.  There is always a cost to follow Jesus.  But he was not just GOING there.  He was teaching as he went, even making the statement that He had come to earth to die, yet still he went on.  Although He knew his destiny, he did what he came to do, and as sure as he was born to die, he was not afraid to live.  We must do the same, making our way HOME.  My favorite thought about Kyle’s message was that if God created the world in seven days (well, six, then he rested), imagine what kind of mansions he is preparing for us as he promised he would do, if he’s had 2000 years to do it! Woohoo! 

On this date in 1789, John Adams was sworn in as the first US Vice President, 9 days before George Washington became president.  In 1965, Lincoln’s funeral train left Washington, D.C; in 1878 First Lady Lucy Hayes began the first egg rolling contest on the White House lawn.  The first ‘secretary’s day’ was celebrated in 1952, and the Beatles met the Rolling Stones in 1963.  Today is Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday – what a graceful, beautiful lady!  Happy birthday, and many more.   

As you go through your week, remember to live each day to its fullest, not just trying to get THROUGH it, but to LIVE it!  God Bless…

Today finds Lucy having a run-in with Linus’ blanket.  And the blanket wins.  Did you ever find yourself on the losing end of a disagreement that you clearly should have won?  How did you handle it?  It threw Lucy for a loop….  Today Mom and I went through the drive-thru at the bank, then stopped at my friend Diane’s for a socially distanced food exchange.  She is a great friend  – long time friend – and I appreciate her in every way!  God Bless Diane! 

It was such a beautiful day that we ended up outside on the porches and decks several times, and even took a walk.  I pulled weeds for a little while after lunch, did some laundry, and folded clothes.  Back at Kathy’s we helped mom with a few chores.  I came home and cut the grass, which is always a balm for my soul.  Oh, to be outside, and have sunny, happy weather! Right now I’m between books (nook and kindle) so thinking of starting an actual hold-in-my-hand book.  I have several! 

This morning I listened to Paul’s message from River Hill Church of Christ. The message was about Jesus on the road to Emmaus, and was entitled ‘Two plus One equals The One’. The two men walking along with Jesus were totally captivated by Jesus, although they didn’t know who he was.  They listened to his words as He explained Jesus to them, clear back from the early prophets.  Jesus was right in plain sight but hidden from their recognition. Sometimes things are right in front of US and we don’t see or understand the significance or importance.  And just as Jesus explained himself to these men through scripture, we need to seek Him through the scriptures, which bring the Truth to light.  Believe and accept Jesus and give Him our life.  We, too, can be One with him.  His will can be made clear to us for our life. 

On this date in 1611 the first known performance of Shakespeare’s MacBeth was performed.  In 1889 Adolf Hitler was born.  In 1935 “Hit Parade” began broadcasting, and in 1979 President Jimmy Carter was attacked by a swamp rabbit in his hometown when he was fishing.  The Columbine High School Massacre took place in 1999. 

Have a wonderful week, and seek Him while you may!  God bless.

According to Lucy – we all need a little praise and encouragement.  I think it’s a great idea.  Find someone to encourage today!   We baked fresh scones this morning and they are always the best.  We listened to Rod from Martin’s Ferry church (Kelly’s preacher), then I finished the last chapter of the book I was reading. Kelly and I had a piece of strawberry shortcake, then I went outside and pulled weeds for a few hours.  I finished the front yard, the far side, the herb garden, beside the white fence, around the shed, and around the driveway so far.  Now I have the stones between the fences and and parts of the hill on both sides of the steps.  Once it’s done the first time it will be easier to keep up with.  I organized a huge stack of papers that I need for a project for my mom, answered some emails, and cooked supper.  We had fried squash and it was so yummy.  Next we will watch a movie or an entertainment special. I have a few cards to write out. 

Rod’s message was about doing the work of God.  He talked about Jesus instructing his disciples to cast their empty nets on the right side of the boat (isn’t the water the same on both sides???), and when they did, the nets were full to breaking.  He had done that same thing the first time he met them and called them to be fishers of men.  But Rod explained that the work of God is to believe.  It sounds easy, but actually it’s easier to accept doubt than to believe and be disappointed.  We are overwhelmed by the world’s negativity and cling to our doubt.  We have to drown out the world, and keep the faith – just believe.  It’s one thing to hear about Jesus; and entirely another to accept it for yourself.  Ignore the world.  What would happen if we did that?  So go ahead and GET YOUR HOPES UP!  Don’t be overwhelmed by the doubt and unbelief of the world; drown out the world, and believe! 

On this date in history, in 1775 the American revolution began in Lexington MA, and the ‘shot heard round the world’ was fired in Concord.  Also that year Paul Revere and party were captured by British troops.  President Herbert Hoover suggested the five day work week in 1932; in 1934 Shirley Temple appeared in her first movie, ‘Stand up and Cheer.’  In 1963 Johnny Cash released ‘Ring of Fire’, co-written by future wife June Carter.  In 1967 the Beatles signed a contract committing to stay together for ten years (they didn’t).   Charles Manson got ‘life’ for the murder of Sharon Tate in 1971.  And today my friend and fellow writer extraordinaire Linda Rodkey Ciletti  is celebrating her birthday.  Happy birthday, Linda – and check out her MANY books, especially LADY QUEST!!! (writes under Linda Ciletti)

Have a great week – and God Bless.

Today Charlie Brown is in a panic because he can’t find his baseball glove.  In today’s current climate he wouldn’t need it anyway.  I am not a sports fan but I do feel sympathy (sort of … ) for those who are! 

Today’s Word garden is very different in nature.  My sister Kathy and I needed to make a trip to Albion as a labor of love – to share a quick visit with my extremely lonely step-father, and also to get clothes, personal items and pictures for mom.  We brought her down in a rush and she really needed several items.  As we were not sure all the rest stops would be open, we decided to be prepared. 

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN PORTA POTTY:   Step one.  Find the old five gallon bucket that was used to hall stones and mulch around the garden.  Purchase a pool noodle.  Scrub bucket and slip a Walmart bag down in.  Secure the bag with the pool noodle, which you have cut to size and sliced through longways.  Great start.  But wait.  Everyone has a bit of advise.  Make sure you take extra Walmart bags.  Check.  Also, if you put a few paper towels in the bottom of the bucket it will absorb some of the moisture and avoid spills.  Check.  Take extra paper towels.  Check.  Take a roll of toilet tissue.  Check.  Take a container of Clorox wipes.  Check.  Take a can of Lysol spray.  Check.  Take an old beach towel or blanket to provide some privacy.  Check (sort of).  Take hand sanitizer.  Check.  Put all supplies in a box and put in trunk with bucket/potty.  Check.  Happily discover that all the rest stops are open and operational.  Check. Yeah! 

So although we were over-prepared, we were confident that we would have been fine.  Had several offers to take bucket Porta-Potty off our hand.  NO CHECK!  🙂    We made the quick trip up and back in record time, but it was with a heavy heart that we drove home.  Some tasks are just not happy, no matter how hard you try.  Our prayers are that John stays healthy and happy and that Mom is as comfortable as possible.  We love them both!   

On this date in 1775 Paul Revere and William Dawes ride and deliver the warning “regulars are coming!”  In 1906 an earthquake and fire kills 4,000 people and destroys 75% of San Francisco.  In 1951, Charles Schulz marries Joyce Halverson, and in 1956 Grace Kelly marries Prince Ranier III of Monaco.  And today, my friend Joyce Butler Cumo is celebrating her birthday.  Joyce and I worked together at Smail Auto in the 1980’s and beyond, and I will always value those memories and our friendship.  Happy Birthday Joyce!  And God Bless us, every one.