Some things are just a given, and unfortunately for Charlie Brown, baseball doesn’t seem to be his strong point. He does, however, get extra points for his passion, determination and absolute devotion to the game!  Right now, reading Peanuts cartoons about the neighborhood ‘sandlot’ games is about as close to baseball as you’ll get these days. 

Again today, Kath and I went to the 6am Walmart senior shopping event.  They did have people wait in a line outside the store, and counted people as they entered.  There were only about 2 dozen people there that early so we all got in.  The store was not crowded and totally open for shopping; no restrictions and no lane directions.  We got our shopping done, were home and I was showered all before 7am.  I made another batch of cauliflower cheesey soup.  Logan and I are the only ones who like it.  We also like meatballs, and I’m not a fan of the frozen ones.  I got a pound of ground meat and made my own, which I froze, and they will last several meals.  Now I can’t wait to have pasta again.  The boys are doing school work, Kelly is fluctuating back and forth between her facebook feed, the novel she’s reading, and being the home-school teacher/mom.  I have been answering emails, doing some online research, and listening to Micah McMillen from Old Mahoning Baptist church. 

Micah’s message was entitled Cheers, Jeers, and Tears.  It’s hard to actually take in all the pain, agony and heartbreak that Jesus went through during his last week on earth, but this agony led to victory which we as Christians celebrate daily.  He said that God equips us through our daily lives for the struggles we will go through, so we have experience in how to handle what we face.  The cheers, obviously, were during the triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  His main point in this was that when Jesus stopped to send his disciples to get the donkey, he gave them very specific directions and instructions.  Also, it should be noted that the disciples were obedient.  They did not argue or question; they did not think they had a better way to make this happen.  They obeyed.  They trusted Jesus enough to believe in his directives.  The jeers came from the crowd, who taunted and rejected Him, to which he responded with grace and patience.  How do we respond to the rejection and disagreements in our life?  Do we lash out, argue, insist on always being right?  (Anyone who knows me even a little knows that my favorite saying is:  It’s better to be kind than to be right)  The tears were during his time in the garden, in his persecution and his death.  His own tears mixed with those who loved and followed him.  They had no idea what they would do without their precious Friend.  In everything that happened during this Holy week, Jesus exhibited determination of will, compassion and mercy, and truth with grace.  We would do well to ‘go and do likewise.’   

On this date in 1805 Lewis and Clarke left Ft. Maden for the Pacific Ocean. In 1860 Will Kellogg was born in Battle Creek Michigan, and probably one of your favorite cereals was just around the corner!  In 1928 James Garner was born – oh, be still my beating heart!  He’s certainly one of my favorites.  And on this date in 2020, I received in the mail my very own DVD of ‘It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown!’  Can life get any better? 

As you move forward through Holy week, take time to reflect on the cheers, jeers and tears.  God Bless.

Snoopy’s very welcome and encouraging words today are from Psalm 118:24 – Rejoice and be glad.  Ironically, it really ties in with Kyle’s message today.  There is always a reason to rejoice and be glad; always something to be happy about and thankful for.  The list doesn’t have to be long.  Just one thing is enough.  Today Mom came over and helped us make pie dough cinnamon rolls.  After lunch we putsied around, went for a walk, and cleaned out the garage (to some degree).  It looks so nice.  Just needed a little organization.  Kelly and I took a long walk later in the afternoon and went up on the hill by Allison Drive.  The views up there are amazing (something to be happy about!!).  We are getting ready to eat dinner, probably pasta. 

Kyle Drown is the associate/youth pastor at my home church, Hempfield Church of Christ (links are in previous post).  If I could sum up the major point, it would be stones.  The cumulative sermons have been about Jesus setting his face to Jerusalem. (photo) He was on His way to celebrate the Passover in the city, and paused in Bethany to send his disciples to get a donkey for him to ride.  Kyle talked about the disciples and the crowds praising and worshiping and shouting – they could not keep silent.  When the pharisees heard this praise, they rebuked Jesus, saying that the crowd should not praise Him, but God only.  Jesus said, “I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”  This is what we should be doing daily – praising God, crying out.  Not just when things are good, not when everything is going our way, not when the world is safe and happy and together.  We should be crying out praises no matter what we are experiencing.  Kyle’s comment was that he didn’t want to live where Christians were silent. 

So I’m asking you, what does your witness sound/look like?  Do you log on to facebook (or whatever) and complain and express fear and anger?  Can you accept the challenge to post only happy, encouraging, praise-worthy statements? (as Kyle suggested)  If we are silent, will the stones cry out?  Maybe do a little thinking on what that could mean – or listen to Kyle’s message to find out.  We can do our part to be safe and sensible; stay home, wash your hands often, and praise the One who created and loves you more than you could ever know. Jesus wept for the city of Jerusalem.  He weeps for us and for our country, our world.  Because He loves us.  Whatever else you do, Praise, and Be Thankful. 

On this date in 1909, the first Credit Union was started in the US, and Robert Peary reached the North Pole.  Wonder if he saw Santa???  In 1971, US declares war on Germany; in 1930, Hostess Twinkies were invented.  Robert Clemente retired his number in 1973 on this date.  In 1868, Brigham Young married his 27th (???) wife.  I think that was probably 26 too many, but thankfully his last!  As we move through Holy Week, take time to reflect on the celebrations of Easter.  We have a lot to be thankful for and happy about.  Focus on those things!  God bless….

What a beautiful day!  The sun was shining, temperatures were warm.  The boys were playing online games with their friends (internet, not in person).  Kelly & I finished cleaning her van, then I pulled weeds and spent all afternoon cleaning up the gardens.  Still MILES to go but always a good feeling to have accomplished something worthwhile and to be outside.  Kelly sat on the deck and enjoyed the sunshine and her current book.  Linus, on the other hand, is very concerned about his teacher, Miss Othmar.  Whatever her issue is, I hope she gets it resolved.  Teachers and pupils are having a tough time about now in our current circumstances.  Kids (for the most part) miss school a lot more than they might let on! 

This morning Kelly, Logan, Chase and I listened to her minister, Rod, from Martin’s Ferry Christian Church.  There were several points that I took away from his lesson.  He chose several of my favorite verses.  But the associate minister, Justin, told a short story about Palm Sunday from the donkey’s point of view, which really drove home a point.  It boils down to the fact that the next morning the donkey went back into town, and went to the well, and the marketplace, and downtown – and no one recognized him.  He was frustrated and confused, as the day before he had received all the praise and accolade from the crowds, waving palm branches and laying cloaks on the ground.  He went home and told his mother, and she explained that it wasn’t about him.  It was about Jesus.  And sometimes we take the credit or glory for something when it’s not about us at all.  Worth thinking about.  But the first scripture Rod used was II Chronicles 7:14.  If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  What will it take to make us see our ‘wicked ways’, and turn back to God?  He wants our love and devotion.  Seems like that wouldn’t be much to ask in return for His love and healing.  The world isn’t easy, and it wasn’t for Jesus either.  We tend to forget that He was human in all ways we are, and He was tired and lonely and scorned and ignore and lied about and killed.  But He loves us still.  And as we are walking with Jesus, trying to find our way, we see that Jesus served those around Him.  He served the proud, selfish, haughty, undeserving, hateful  – and instead of insisting on His status as God’s son be recognized, He served – He washed their feet. 

The other verse he referred to was in John 14:  
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God^[a]; believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”  What an exciting thought!  I often just stop and think about what kind of room I would like, and what it will be like to be with Him.  And John 16:33 says In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.  What more can we even ask for.  In a world where everything is upside down and wrong and frightening, he gave us all these promises.  He came, and He gave, because He wants to be with us forever.  Jesus’ death opened the doors to heaven for us, even though we don’t deserve it.  Rod closed with the reference to the hymn IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL, which (if you read yesterday’s post) Greg included as a key point in his message.  Take hold of Jesus’ hand.  He will lift you up, give your comfort and peace.  And we will be with Him eternally.   

On this date in 1887, Anne Sullivan taught the word ‘water’ to Helen Keller.  In 1614, Pocahontas married John Rolfe.  In 1923, Firestone produced the first inflatable tires, and in the year 2063 (???) Earth had it’s first contact with extra terrestrial Vulcan species (Star Trek!) 

Today, Palm Sunday, began Jesus’ last week on earth, to complete the task he was born for.  Spend a few minutes each day thinking about how it would be to know what you were facing.  He did it for us.  The least we can do is to stand up for and by Him.  Have a blessed week.

Charlie Brown and Sally have a point.  Isn’t it difficult to find out what someone thinks of you?  As much as you want to know — you don’t ask!  But mostly, you just know!   

Today started early, after a tough night of trying to fall asleep.  I felt like I was fast-forwarding through all the info from Walmart headquarters and from Governor Wolf.  First it was too warm in my bedroom so I opened the window.  Then the furnace kicked on.  Ugh.  But I got up early enough to get gas for my mower, came home and didn’t even go inside.  Filled the tank and cut the grass!  THEN I sprayed myself with Lysol, threw my clothes in the washer and myself in the shower.  I love looking at my neat yard, and I really enjoy cutting grass.  Weed whacking is another story.  I helped Kelly clean out her van – partly – as we ran into an issue and had to postpone that project.  I pulled weeds for about an hour and a half, ate Abie & Bimbo’s pizza, and now am finishing up with my day.

Greg Pelc – Vanderbilt Church of Christ – was my message choice for the day.  I really enjoy messages with history and cultural facts built in.  His lesson was partly about Zacchaeus  and his determination to make everything right in his life.  Lots of great points and new angles.  We went from there to II Chronicles and the story of Hezekiah defending the city – and how he built a waterway, or tunnel, from a spring outside the city gates into the city, providing life-saving water for the city, which was now surrounded by the enemy.  Take this fact, fast forward to the late 1800’s, and learn about Horatio Spafford and his family and the deep tragedy they suffered.  Tie that in with the beloved Hymn IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL, and Horatio’s adopted son Jacob, and it’s an amazing story about the spirit of God reaching across time to connect us to lifegiving water.  It may not seem like it fits, but if you go to Vanderbilt Church of Christ link on facebook or vangerbiltchurchofchrist.com and click on the link, you will be amazed, inspired and motivated to want to see Jesus for yourself!   

AND – on this date in 1968 Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated in Memphis TN.  The world’s tallest building (110 stories), the World Trade Center, opened in New York in 1973, and in 1975 Microsoft Corporation was founded. 

Tomorrow is Palm Sunday – the beginning of Holy Week.  And even though we can’t worship together in a building, we can be together in love and spirit.  Take time to think about the triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and rejoice in God’s presence in your life!   

It’s time for Snoopy’s thought of the day.  Today he’s sarcastic.  I find myself liking sarcastic humor, especially from Snoopy or Charlie Brown.  It’s clear that Snoopy does not appreciate Lucy’s magnanimous generosity.  And who can blame him?  We all like to be appreciated – but Lucy doesn’t quite have it right.  Today Mom spent the day with us.  Kelly and the boys each had online book club meetings.  Kelly’s group studied David and Goliath; Logan was The Phantom Tollbooth, and Chase read  Owls in the Family.  Logan really liked his book, but Chase was unhappy with the ending.  I understand it was sort of sad.  Mom and I took a walk, sat on the porch in the sunshine, and I spent about 15 minutes pulling some weeds in the herb garden.  We put a roast in the oven early in the morning, which made the house smell heavenly all day!  Add some roast potatoes and noodles and it was wildly delicious!  At 8pm Kelly and I plan to watch the Hallmark Friday night Christmas movie.  At that point, the boys will take their ‘switches’ (video games) upstairs so THEY can have peace and quiet.  Huh?????   

Today’s message was by Rod Kasler of the First Christian Church of Martin’s Ferry, Ohio.  Like them on facebook or at fccmartinsferry.org. My daughter’s family are all members there.  Rod’s message focused on the final week of Christ’s ministry, leading up to Holy Week.  He opened with the quote, “when your religion gets into past tense, it becomes pretense.”  Are you going through life relying on how you USED to be?  What USED to fuel your life, your actions?  You need to be living your faith, as our God is a God of the living.  Living right now, every day, right by your side.  When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus answered ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.’ (paraphrased).  How could we even consider doing anything else, when He loves us so completely?  We may try to shut the door, keep God out of our life.  But God ALWAYS leaves the door open.  And the greatest hope of all – He is coming again!  We can rejoice in the fact that God is watching our every move, every thought is known to Him, every situation is at His fingertips.  When it comes our turn to run into Jesus’ arms, who will WE say that He is?  Rejoice. And make sure your ‘religion’ (Faith, etc) is new and fresh and alive in the present!  Make no ‘pretense’ about it!   

Today on this date in 1973, the first mobile phone call was made.  In 1953 the first issue of TV Guide was on the stands, and the cover story was of Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball’s new son, Desi Jr.  In 1860, the first Pony Express ride began.  And in 1960, Elvis records three of his top hits, including It’s Now or Never, in Nashville.  Also on this date, in 2020, Walmart announced it’s plans to limit the number of people in their stores (per store’s square footage) and to restrict purchases to necessary items.   

  Times are tough, people are hurting, we all fear the unknown.  But we KNOW who holds our hand!  God bless you, my friends.  God bless.

Today’s bit of wisdom is coming from Lucy.  I can identify with Lucy sometimes.  I can be grumpy, too.  Often it’s just because I have to shake my head at what comes out of some people’s mouths!  But I’m sure I have spoken my share of blunders.  These days, however, I am sincerely trying to rise above my frustrations and – as stated yesterday – be the happiest I can be!

Feeding four or five people every day has put my grocery skills on the line.  It’s been decades since I’ve had to feed more than myself, and then add two boys into the mix!  So today I went to Aldi’s senior shopping event.  I was in and out in less than 15 minutes, home and showered and ready to start the day in record time.  And I got everything on the list and not a thing extra!  So we can eat and snack (very important point!) comfortably for several days.  I scrubbed myself, the car seat and steering wheel, sprayed Lysol, wiped off groceries, showered, and had fresh clothes before I did a thing.  I commandeered Kelly into helping me, and we took everything out of all the cupboards and drawers in the kitchen and wiped and sorted and rearranged.  So now the kitchen is happy and so am I.  Time for a yard sale! 

This afternoon I had my quiet time while listening to our preacher, Mike Hazelton, from Hempfield Church of Christ. 

His message was based on Luke 17 – the story of the 10 lepers who begged Jesus to heal them.  He did.  One out of ten went back to thank Jesus, which saddened Jesus to the point that he asked where the other nine were.  So often we forget to be grateful, and we take things for granted that are miracles or acts of kindness or required effort on the part of others for our benefit.  Do we take God for granted?  In times of crisis, as now, we find ourselves turning to God, needing assurance and comfort and peace.  Asking for blessings and direction and help.  Coming together with friends and believers for reassurance.  God does not question our change of heart, or place conditions on His love and care for us, and exhibits only patience.  When we can meet together safely again, we will undoubtedly flood the churches and worship God in thanksgiving and praise.  But how long will it be until we slowly pull away again, confident in our own abilities to control our situation and our life’s direction?  Now, more than ever, we need to BE the church.  The church is not the building; the church is God’s people.  We can listen to messages via the internet/facebook/websites and strengthen our faith and resolve.  But we do not need to meet together in a building to be clothed in God’s goodness, to reach out as a witness or a helping hand or an encouraging word.  So, as in Luke 17 and our lepers, be grateful.  Acknowledge God’s support and presence in your life, and share God with those around you.  We can encourage each other, and offer peace and comfort and basic needs to those who are lost and hurting.  BE the church, wherever you are. As in a recent facebook post, ‘The church isn’t empty.  The church as been deployed!’

And now, on this date in history, just two little things to share.  In 1917 Woodrow Wilson asked congress to declare war on Germany.  And the delightful and talented Doris Day was born on this date in 1922.  After checking out Mike’s message on facebook (Hempfield Church of Christ)  or at hempfieldchurch.org, why not relax and watch one of Doris Day’s many movies?  Have a beautiful evening!

I looked up some information about April Fool’s day and learned some interesting facts.  Too much to recount here, but if you are mildly interested, look it up!  In the meantime, Snoopy is the ‘happiest!’ that he can be, and urges you to be the same.  Look for things that make you the happiest you’ve ever been.  For me, that happiness comes from my faith base, and I couldn’t get through a day without it.  But it also comes from little BIG things like my family, Snoopy cartoons, things that make me laugh, chocolate covered peanut butter pretzels (Chase just discovered them and is challenging my control of the supply…), and Hallmark Christmas movies.  So many things – so little space to share them all!  If you start looking, you’ll be amazed.  The list just keeps going. 

Snoopy also shared that one version of his happiness is bringing joy to others.  Now more than ever we can find joy in doing that –  sharing our time, our talents, our comfort, our faith.  Even with being sheltered at home we have vast resources we can use to make others happy.  And I might add that sharing ‘bad news’ and scary facts are NOT part of those ways!  Be happy, people!  It can make a difference in a good way.  Worrying and fretting about something never helps.  Ever. 

Today I listened to Pastor Micah McMillen from Old Mahoning Baptist Church in Home, PA.  HOME is my family home, in Indiana county.  The Skunk Hollow girls all started out living there and grew up there.  I spent most of my childhood and teen years attending Old Mahoning. (check out their facebook page or their website)  Pastor Micah had encouraging and inspiring thoughts to share.  He references Joshua, who said numerous times to be strong and courageous, and not be afraid, and God would be with us and we would experience victory.  II Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.  I can claim these verses because I know that even though our present situation is not what we choose, and we don’t know/can’t control the outcome, God will use it to work GOOD in our lives.  How can we claim to know what’s better for us than God does?  Think about Pastor Gurnee’s message from Monday –  Whatever is good, and lovely and true, etc…. think on those things!  FEAR NOT!   

And now, to add something to my list of information, on this day in history:  in 1976 Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs founded Apple Computer.   In 1970 President Nixon banned all cigarette advertising on TV and radio.  And in 1778 Oliver Pollack created the dollar sign: $. 

So there you have it.  Another exciting day – April 1st!  Don’t be a fool – Don’t worry, be happy!  Wash your hands, keep your distance, oh — and sing!  Singing 10 minutes a day improves your general health!

Today is the last day of March.  As is customary, we always try to determine if March went in like a lion and out like a lamb, or vice versa.  This year, today is cloudy but mild with no wind, snow, rain or problematic weather.  So we’ll take it!  Kelly, mom and I took a little walk up the street and then swept out the garage.  We had earlier altered a cheesy potato soup recipe to be a broccoli cauliflower cheesy soup.  It was very yummy!  Now we are watching a musical version of Esther and the King, which in truth is very humorous!  The boys are sort of trying to pretend that they are not watching it. 

BUT — our buddy Snoopy today says:  “happier…”.  I am convinced that regardless of what yesterday was like, today we should be happier than we were all the days leading up to today.  Some things that make me happy today are having my family close, even in these uncertain times.  Also I am happy to have chocolate covered peanut butter pretzels in my freezer!  Yum and double yum!  This morning Kathy and I went to the senior shopping event at Walmart (6am) and was able to get almost everything on our lists.  I finally got Lysol spray!  Can’t ask for anything more.   

The message that I listened to today is from River Hill Church of Christ in Monongahela PA.  My brother-in-law, Paul Eisaman is the pastor there.  His message was based on the song:  Jesus Loves Me.  Did you know there are actually 7 verses of that song?  We tend to think of it as a children’s song, but if you really stop and listen to the words, especially all seven verses, you will see that the message of Jesus’ love for us is ageless, and we can come away strengthened and encouraged by those words, especially when tied closely to several scripture passages.  Check out his message by accessing the link on facebook or on their website .www.riverhillchurch.org,  You will be encouraged and comforted by the words shared by Pastor Paul.  How can we face tomorrow in this uncertain world without the strength and comfort of God’s promises?   

Check in with me tomorrow to see:  What Snoopy has to say; which church’s message will be featured; what we are doing with our time and energy.  Also, don’t be ‘fooled’ – April First is not only a brand new day, but a brand new month!  

It has come to my attention several times that I have not been keeping up with posts to The Word Garden. This is a true statement. It seems like the less you have to do, the less you get done, and the less motivated and inspired you are!  So I am taking responsibility and initiative and striving to make more frequent posts!  Today I will start with the page-a-day word from our buddy Snoopy.  His advise is to be …  “HAPPY…”!  So what makes you happy today?  What made me happy today was to wake up to a beautiful world, one that God created, and even though there are a lot of scary and not-so-beautiful things all over the place, beauty still abounds. 

I spent the day with Kelly, Logan, and Chase, and had my mom here morning and afternoon.  We baked cookies and made lunch and tried to solve math problems as well as world dilemmas!  We had more success with Math.

Since there is no gathering together to visit, work, or worship, I have searched out friends and their churches of choice, and am listening to their live-streamed message of the week.  Today I listened to Byron Gurnee from Keepville Bible Church in Albion PA (My mom and John’s church).  Check out the message on facebook by ‘liking’ Keepville Bible Church.  What struck me about this message was two things:  One, he used the exact same scripture as my friend Gwen Wolfgang who is sending out daily devotions to her family and friends. (Philippians 4:8) THAT is God working!  Second, one of the many inspiring statements he made was to THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT.  In other words, don’t let mindless and negative and unhealthy thoughts corrupt your mind.  Fill it with wholesome, inspiring, encouraging thoughts.  Remember that nothing is a vacuum; therefore if your mind is EMPTY it will fill up quickly with whatever you hear.  And what are you hearing?  Is that what you want to focus on?  I want to think HAPPY thoughts and be encouraged and feel safe and loved. Seek out the good — the best — the HAPPY!

Thanks, Snoopy and Byron for your lovely words.  See you tomorrow!!!  

It’s hard to believe that we are celebrating our 9th Crocus Tea!  The whole thing started in the late winter of 2012 when I had the girls with me – who were 4 and 8 at the time! – and I was washing windows in the snow.  I went outside to do the basement window and there popping up through the snow was a cluster of crocus – white and purple.  I hustled Chrissy and Autmn outside to see the flowers, and had an idea.  We all pitched in – everyone  helping to cook and plan and set the table – and the first annual Crocus Tea was born. (Picture is from 2nd annual Crocus Tea in 2013)

Since that time we have had a few invited guests –  Torilyn, Penny Lane, and Aunt Kelly – but mostly it’s just been the three of us.  Early on, after the food was ready, we changed into ‘dress up’ clothes and added tons of my fanciest jewelry and hair clips.  These days, the girls do not think dressing in Grammy’s clothes is ‘cool’ so it’s come as you are.  But we all still pitch in with everything.  By now, the girls are old hat at setting the table with the good china, cutting strawberries and cheese, making cookies, baking pizzas, filling bowls and plates with grapes and M&M’s and deviled eggs. 

This year, since Kelly and the boys are staying with me for a while, we banished the boys to the basement family room (with the promise of pizza and cookies later — no boys allowed at the tea!) and Kelly helped cook and prepare.  I slipped outside and snipped a few small sprigs of blooming flowers and put them in a little vase on the table (although the crocus were finished blooming in my yard). It’s very ironic how the conversation moves to more ‘adult’, interesting topics and we get into some interesting discussions.

As is custom, Autmn and/or Chrissy say the blessing, and we all help serve the dishes.  We always use the lace tablecloth, the good china , and the antique serving bowls and plates from their great-grandparents – who they never met!  A legacy that they connect into without traditional connections. 

I am so blessed to have my teens want to spend this time with me, and hold the tradition close to their hearts as I do.  It’s not so much about what food we eat, or how we are dressed, or what day it is.  But it’s ALL about sharing with each other, setting aside special time and devotion to each other, and respecting the awe of our Crocus Tea tradition.  Next year will be a landmark year – 10th annual! – and we will have to do something extra special.  I’m already starting to contemplate that.  9th annual Crocus Tea:  a success and an irrevocable bond!