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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…