Today was sunny and beautiful and lovely and a great day to enjoy being outside!  Autmn and I were able to get Grama her shower and then Autmn had a ‘spa day’ and styled Grama Dot’s hair and painted her fingernails a sparkly bright blue.  Autmn got her requested Starbucks drink, my car got gas, and Grama Dot and I were happy with the day. Autmn and Grama even danced a bit! I was able to cut the grass while Autmn and Grama watched silly movies and ate cheese and Cookies (Don’t ask….).  I added more stones to my herb garden but still just a little short.  Might fix that next week – but mostly done.  Last night Grama and I watched a busy mommy rabbit build a nest for impending babies.   Today mama bunny was flitting around in the yard, anxious that we were all sitting on the deck very close to her nest.  Chrissy took a few photos  but I liked this patriotic picture the best.  Nate built a fire in my fire pit, and we all sat around and roasted hot dogs, had potato salad, deviled eggs, brownies, chips and s’mores.  Even mom stuck it out for about an hour!  Now, of course, after we all got morning showers, we all smell like a camp fire!  Autmn solved that problem by getting a shower while Mom and I took a short twilight walk.  Very nice day, all in all!  I can hear the neighbors setting off fireworks but haven’t gone outside to see where or who.  I can identify with Snoopy today, as in these crazy times it’s a risk just getting a loaf of bread!  So shopping in the glove compartment is safer and faster and more convenient. 

I didn’t have a message to listen to, but my verse to share is the first part of 2 Thessalonians 2:  But we ought always to thank God for you.  What better gift can we give ourselves and those we hold dear but to thank God for them?  Friends, family, neighbors – they all add somethings special and unique to our lives, as we should add to theirs.  I pray that I am a blessing to someone every day, in some way!

On this day in 1785 Ben Franklin announced the invention of bifocals.  In 1922 Walt Disney incorporated his first film company, Laugh-O-Gram Films, and in 1934 Bonnie & Clyde were killed by police in an ambush.  General Burnside was born in 1824 (I believe the ‘sideburns’ are named after him!) and Drew Carey was born in 1958.  Three friends of mine celebrated birthdays today:  Bette McDonald, with whom I worked at Smail Auto for years!  Bev LaGorga, a fellow writer from Greensburg Writers Group, and Sarah Hixson from church.  Have a great day, ladies, and enjoy a wonderful year!  I am thanking God for you today!

This morning started off slow – I think mom was off center waking up in another new place.  Once we had breakfast and got dressed, did some normal morning chores, things started perking up.  Autmn is really a care-giver at heart, and by mid-morning had mom dancing to Veggie Tales songs and laughing at everything she said.  We made potato salad, deviled eggs, and brownies. Mom’s friend Diane came over about 4pm to let Autmn and I run a few errands.  Walmart in Scotland (Scottdale!!!) was so crazy crowded the lines were 10 and 15 people deep at the checkout.  I was very surprised how many people did NOT wear masks!  I heard one person complaining loudly that a cashier was wearing gloves – touching everyone’s items one after the other.  The disgruntled manager stepped in to resolve the issue – we didn’t stay to see what happened.  We only needed four small things but what a process!  Autmn and I had drive thru (she had Taco Bell and I had a Big Mac – my yearly treat!), then came home to let Autmn finish off her school work.  She has a few things to turn in yet and it’s the last week!  I also got a jury summons in the mail today  for July.  I thought the state was closed!  And I just went in December!!!  Ugh.  Another thing to rattle through.   

I’m sharing Paul’s message from River Hill today.  He talked about God’s word being beautiful.  Jesus came to show us the beauty of God – and His word says that Jesus is the WORD.  His word is eternal and it dwells in us and makes us beautiful forever.  God wants to make something beautiful of our lives – he transforms what appears useless into something useful and beautiful.  He made us precious and of great worth.  God has a habit of doing that, and his word is a timeless beauty.  The question is, what are we doing with the beautiful life than God created in us? 

On this day in 1807 Former US Vice President Aaron Burr was tried for treason (acquitted).  In 1956 the last Bob Hop show on NBC TV aired.  in 1977 Final European scheduled run of the Orient Express after 94 years.  1992 was the final appearance of Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show.  Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holms author) was born in 1859, and on this date in 1802 Martha Washington – our first First Lady! – died at age 70.   

And as far as those Brownies go, I just had one with ice cream, and it was just about the best thing I ate all day –  maybe all week!  And the neighbors are putting off fireworks to celebrate the start of Memorial Day Weekend.  God bless — us and America.  

Today was a busy work day.  I had lots of things to do; lots of demands on my time and attention. By the time I was done, I just wanted to get home.  I didn’t want to stop anywhere or run any errands.  Next week, maybe.  I needed comfort food when I got home – so I had hot tea and a chocolate chip scone for lunch.  It was ‘finish cleaning’ day, so I picked up Autmn and we knocked that off in a fair amount of time.   Mom came about 5:30pm, and Kath and Paul are having their holiday weekend.  They SO need to have some time to themselves!  The three of us (Mom, Autmn and I) will be hanging out here until Sunday evening – cooking, baking, mowing, even a fire-pit supper for Saturday if it all works out.

I listened to Rod at Martin’s Ferry Church.  His message was It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Coming!  When we are in the midst of confusion, fear, hopelessness, loss – – – It feels like we are alone, and we will never get past the hard days.  But we need to remember that there will be troubles and problems, but sometimes we just have to work through the pain.  It’s going to be there.  The amazing, wonderful truth is that we never walk alone.  Psalms 121 says our help comes from the Lord.  If we look, we can find good in unexpected places.  God doesn’t disappoint!  He will be with us even through the sorrow and the storms.  Count on it!

On this day in 1881 Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross.  In 1914 the Greyhound Bus Company began in Minnesota, and in 1916 Britain began “Summer Time” (Daylight Savings Time).  In 1918 the US House of Representatives passed an amendment allowing women to vote.  If you look back at yesterday’s post, you will see the ‘end of the story’:  Charles Lindbergh landed in Paris in 1927 and in 1932 Amelia Earhart landed in Northern Ireland.  In 2017 Barnum and Bailey Circus performed for the last time after 146 years.  In 1950 Mr. T was born; in 1960 Jeffrey Dahmer (serial killer) was born.  And today, Sherree Johnson  (Nate’s girlfriend Jen’s mom – Jen and Sherree pictured here!) is celebrating her birthday with a plethora of dogs and cats (Ninth Life Rescue) and who know what else!  Happy birthday, Sherree – have a great day! 

If life seems overwhelming and distressing – hang on and keep hoping, for it’s NOT hopeless.  It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming!  God bless. . .

It ended up being a bit of a busy day for me today.  It was so windy when I got up I opted for the treadmill rather than a walk outside. Mom and I made corn muffins to have with our lunch – we took a little walk and socially distanced in talks with a few of our neighbors.  It’s nice to get out, even though we felt like we might just blow back down the street.  After dropping mom back at Kathy’s I took a small deposit over to the bank, then came home and cleaned part of the house.  Finished that in time to put out some patriotic decorations:  red/white/blue lights to line the balcony, some window stickees, indoor lights as well.   

I listened to Mike at my home church (Hempfield).  We are still reading through Acts, and the message was the church being the church.  There were no rules or guidelines – just live out their faith and the teachings they had learned from Jesus, as well as the power they received from the Holy Spirit.  Mike pointed out four things (found in Acts):  1) the church was devoted to the teachings they knew (and they taught them forward), devoted to fellowship together, devoted to communion, and devoted to prayer.  Those are things that we are/should be devoted to as well.  2) they were filled with awe as to who God was and what the apostles could accomplish with the power they received. 3) they were together every day and had everything in common – practiced benevolence. 4) The Lord added to their numbers daily (therefore, they were sharing the gospel and people were believing!)  All of these things are the core of what our life of service as a church family should be. I’m thankful to belong to a body of believers who DO believe and practice these things!   

On this day in 1927, Charles Lindbergh took off from New York for Paris aboard the Spirit of St. Louis – first non-stop trans-Atlantic flight.  Ironically, in 1932, Amelia Earharttook off on the journey across the Atlantic to become the first woman to fly solo non-stop.  In 2015 David Letterman hosted the “Late Show’ for the last time after 33 years.  Christopher Columbus died in 1506 at age 54; Marquis de Lafayette died at age 76  in 1834.  Jimmy Stewart was born in Indiana Pennsylvania (right down the road, sort of!) in 1908, and Cher was born in 1946.  And today Byron Gurnee, the pastor at Keepville Bible Church (where my parents are members – John is the oldest congregant!) celebrates a birthday today, as well.  Happy birthday, Byron, and many more.  Thanks for all you do, every day!   

Take some time give thanks for the people in your church family.  What a blessing to be part of God’s family!

What a change in the weather.  It was party sunny but cooler and very, very windy.  My door mat blew off the porch about 4 times and I had to chase it.  Not a comfortable day to be outside for long, but I did take a morning walk.  Kathy and I did our usual Tuesday morning grocery trip, but instead of going to work afterwards, I went to the historical society.  They were mailing out their member magazines and I helped label, bundle and sort them.  It was like a vacation!  We were safely social distancing, but it was nice to be with friends and talk about each other’s lives and (limited) activities.  From there I did end up getting called to work for an hour or so.  Was able to pick up the rest of the pond stone to finish the herb garden – I hope.  A weekend project if possible.  Made a meatloaf for supper and now I’m watching a favorite Hallmark movie. 

I took advantage of the quiet evening to listen to Greg Pelc’s message at Vanderbilt church.  We are still studying the Lord’s Prayer, and today’s message was entitled Direction and Movement.  ‘Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’  As Jesus taught those listening to pray, he was ‘God’ telling us what ‘God’ wants to hear!  Exactly how to pray.  Jesus will lead us, because we are like sheep.  You have to push cattle to get them where you want them to go; you LEAD sheep.  We often think of tests as temptations, but that is not so.  We are all tempted and we can’t stop that process, but we can control our reaction.  A temptation can be a test, but tests are NOT temptations.  Tests show US where we stand, so we can see where we need improvement or encouragement.  We ask that we not give in to our temptations, but as we wait on the movement that will deliver us, he gives us protection.   The movement is based on our faith; we must stay focused.  Read the story of David’s deliverance from King Saul!

On this day in 1536 Anne Boleyn was beheaded in the Tower of London.  In 2018 Meghan Markle married Prince Harry.  Nathaniel Hawthorne died at age 59 in 1964, and Jackie Kennedy Onassis died of cancer at age 64 in 1994. 

Our faith helps us resist temptation and follow the movement away from evil.  Pray and praise and pray again!  Jesus himself taught us how.  God bless….

What a beautiful day!  Two or even three in a row!  All that nasty weather predicted and here we had lovely weather.  I enjoyed every minute I could.  Today was an early morning walk outside, scones for breakfast, then picked up Mom.  We (??) washed and swept out the car, did laundry, painted a basket purple, swept the garage, and then  met Renee, a new care-giver to help Mom with a few things a few hours a week.  Every little help helps!  I worked for several hours this evening to catch up from their busy weekend. 

The message I’m sharing today is from Micah at Old Mahoning.  His message was about Moses leading God’s children to (but not into) the promised land.  Moses could not lead them in, as he misjudged a commandment and did not obey God.  Basically, we have to trust God’s direction even when we don’t understand.  He also (my favorite part!) talked about the reset button, and how when things fall apart and you can’t move forward, or your computer program fails, you often have to hit reset.  What will you do when you can start fresh and restart your life, your schedules, your choices?  Will you choose to repeat everything you were doing just the way you did before?  That isn’t resetting – it’s repeating. We have a unique chance to review what we have been doing in our lives, how effective it’s been, and how ESSENTIAL it’s been (are you tired of that word yet???).  Let’s evaluate our lives, what they have been up to now, and how they could be better.  We have a chance to look at what God has been trying to tell us – and if he’s been saying NO, exchange your plans for God’s plans!  Be strong and of good courage.  We need to have good roots and the armor of God, and remember we are never alone.   

On this date in1860 the republican party nominated Abraham Lincoln for president.  In 1897 Dracula by Bram Stoker was published, and in 1980 Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington state. Tina Fey was born in 1970 and Elizabeth Montgomery of Bewitched fame died in 1995 at age 62 from cancer.   

So when you start filling up your calendar pages and your schedules, be sure to hit the reset button and take time to make good choices and wise plans – and don’t just hit repeat!  Blessings….

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 . . .