I started my morning walk in the cloudy morning with breezes; there were a few tiny drops of rain spattering every now and then.  It felt good and never really rained.  Chrissy and Autmn came over as I was finishing breakfast, then I got Mom.  She’s very quiet and a little agitated today.  We just keep going up and down the steps.  As she headed through the kitchen I asked if she wanted to go back down and watch some TV.  She said, ‘I’VE ALREADY BEEN DOWN THERE THREE TIMES!!!’  I wanted to say it was more like thirty-three, but I just grinned and helped her downstairs.  Chrissy and I had several nice conversations- – I’m so glad she and Autmn live close by and can be in my life.  I keep very busy and love my life, but it can be solitary, even with Mom here.  Maybe even more so.  I cut part of the grass in the afternoon, cleaned the kitchen and bathrooms (as usual for a Wednesday) and did the floors. My friend April came over after work, and we sat for over four hours and attempted to solve the world’s problems – or at least our own.  It was so nice to catch up with things going on with both of us – and it also helps to share our stress and distress with a friend that we know will not judge us or share our confidences.  We commiserated the failings of PENNDOT and title work, family blessings and illnesses, and just being able to recognize the many good things we have in our lives.  I appreciate her as a friend – and am so glad to spend time with her!  For the last few nights I have been watching videos filmed at Biltmore mansion in Ashville.  Wow.  Fascinating place, amazing man (George Washington Vanderbilt). Also spent several minutes last night txting to Bill and Rick – I’ve missed them and it was nice to at least hear from them!

  I will share Mike’s message today from HCC – still in Acts.  The message was about choosing the 7 servants to minister to the orphans and widows.  These men cared for their needs to be certain no one was left out.  The apostles did the right thing:  Instead of trying to do everything themselves, they chose and delegated.  Just because we CAN do things does not mean we SHOULD do EVERYTHING.  There will be things that do not make me happy (that are done or that I have to do), but whatever happens we should not be a hindrance to God’s will/word.  God uses us according to HIS plans; but when you follow God’s plans, you can expect opposition.  We have to trust God with our life; worrying doesn’t help – we can’t change things by stressing or worrying (Wait.  Let me read that again.  I need to HEAR that.). Don’t give up.  God is with us, and we will have victory!

In 1692 the first victim of the Salem Witch trials was hanged in Massachusetts.  Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was born in 1921, Judy Garland in 1922.  Lee Brice, country music star, was born in 1979, and my friend from church Janet Drown is celebrating a birthday. (BTW – Mike is Janet’s dad!!!)   Happy birthday Janet!  Have a great day!  God bless…

I was in a blue funk today – and very grateful that Autmn was here all afternoon to keep me from being overwhelmed.  I feel personally the distress that our country is experiencing.  I do not like the attitudes of entitlement and self-righteousness that is prevalent.  Why can’t we be KIND and just GET ALONG?  I believe there is a Kenny Chesney song to that effect – look it up. I know it’s unrealistic but I just want kids to be safe and happy kids; teens to push their boundaries but be respectful and find themselves in a good way, and adults let God rule in their hearts.  And because that can’t be, my heart hurts. 

That being said, Kath and I went to our 6am Walmart trip; I brought Mom home with me.  She was pretty unsettled and restless and I could not see pleasure or comfort in her eyes or manner.  We just kept plugging.  She did, however, enjoy lunch, and had 5 chicken nuggets and several Pierogies!  We took 2 short walks – up the driveway and back – but it was too hot to be outside. When Autmn came they had a bowl of Cookies n Cream ice cream. I, of course, had just plain chocolate!  Early, about 8am, I pulled all the feverfew (baby daisies, basically weeds) from the side garden.  They were strangling the rose bushes and blocking the window.  By then it was too hot to be out.  Mom was patient while I dead-headed the irises.  I found very little extra motivation but did manage to get the ironing done. 

Today I will share Paul’s message from River Hill.  It was: God’s Grace – dead to sin; alive in Christ.  Grace helps us transition into a new creation.  There are those that think that Grace is a free ride – sin now and pay later.  God will clean up our mess and make it all good. We live the way we want and he’ll fix it later.  But we must let our hearts be touched by God’s love; sin is powerful but Grace is greater.  We should feel relief and gratitude, not just use grace to keep sinning and be forgiven.  There was a price to be paid for our salvation, and Jesus paid it. Grace gives us the power to overcome sin – we should give God all of ourself.  If we love and appreciate our relationship with God, we won’t want to die in sin!  We will be alive in Christ.

On this day in 1978 Johannes Gutenberg’s Bible – the first book produced using the printing press – sold for $2.4 million in London.  I couldn’t afford even one page!  Michael J Fox was born in 1961, Johnny Depp in 1963, and fellow Seton Hill alum Ron Shafer is celebrating a birthday today in Florida.  Charles Dickens died at age 58 in 1870.  Today is National Donald Duck Day and call your doctor day.  Stay cool and safe – God bless!  

Snoopy and I love being outside on days like this.  It was sunny and warm and breezy.  I finished pulling weeds on the hill and scraped up all the stones.  The ground cover plants have all taken hold well and seem to be doing their job. Even rebuilt the one little stone wall.   I worked for a few hours this morning, stopped at Aldi’s for the few things I needed from there, and then finally was able to get the permanent crown on my implant.  There has been a hole there for so long it feels strange to have a tooth now.  I baked a piece of fish so I had something soft to eat as an experiment on that side.  It’ll take some getting used to but glad I can move forward. I stopped at Dollar General and a guy in an old green pickup was giving bunches of flowers to people coming out!  They were definitely from a florist.  He handed me a huge bunch of yellow mums and white/purple lilies.  I brought them home and stuck them in a vase on the porch.  They were too big for inside!   

Today I am sharing Bram’s message from First Baptist.  He talked about the Trinity – 3 in one.  God the father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.  They are co-equal, co-eternal.  They dwell in each other.  We can’t live up to what is expected of us, so Jesus paid the price with his sacrifice.  We are aware of God’s presence because of the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Therefore we have a relationship with all three; it’s a mystery and majesty.  His Children’s Church leader, Mr. Jim, explained it to the kids like a S’more.  God is the graham cracker, Jesus is the chocolate, and the Holy Spirit is the marshmallow.  They are three separate things but when you put them together they are ONE treat and it’s wonderful!  I thought that was clever.  Explaining something that is almost unexplainable!   

On this day in 1789 James Madison introduced the proposed Bill of Rights to the US House of Representatives.  Frank Lloyd Wright was born in 1867 and First Lady Barbara Bush in 1925.  Thomas Paine died at age 72 in 1809 and Andrew Jackson (7th President) died at age 78 in 1845.  Today is National Upsy Daisy Day and I have absolutely no idea what that is.  It’s also National Best Friend’s Day – and I am thankful for my ‘best’ friends – for all my friends!  But my bested friend is my dear Sister!  Love you Kath!  (See – she’s eating Ice Cream – I think it was Coffee flavored!!) Have a great day today and everyday!  God bless —

Today was a lovely day – the sun was out, the breezes cooling, comfortable temperature.  I spent almost the whole day outside pulling weeds!  I listened to Bram at First Baptist and Rod at Martin’s Ferry, then got organized with my ‘equipment’ and went to Hanna’s Town to pull weeds and start cleaning up flower beds.  I worked from just about 12:30 noon until after 3:30pm.  I got one flower bed cleaned out and even managed to drag the hose around and give the plants a good soaking.  I came home and started on the hill – the new plants are doing very well and I wanted to get the weeds out to keep them from choking out the ground cover.  Lots done, lots left to do!  But it was therapy and I felt all the better for being outside and accomplishing something.  As I ate dinner, I listened to George Washington (on video) describe his terms as the first president of the United States, and then began a documentary about the life of George Washington.  I only watched it half way through – will finish tonight or tomorrow.   

I will share Rod’s message  today – if you remember he is talking about Daniel – and today it was Stand In.  When the new king took reign, he allowed the captives to go home to help rebuild.  Daniel could have done that.  However, he felt he should stay.  He prayed for 21 days; then a ‘man’ appeared to Daniel, and it was such a shocking revelation that the men with Daniel run off in fear!  Daniel fell to his face, in a faint! The man told Daniel that He had heard his very first prayer – and even though Daniel waited 3 weeks, God stepped in to assure Daniel he was important and cherished!  He lifted him up – that’s what God does when he comes to us – he doesn’t condemn, he lifts us up.  We need to stand in faith to see God – Stand in prayer and fasting, humble ourselves, to gain understanding.  God is doing more than we understand; God takes over when we get to the end of our strength (faith).  When we are weak God is our strength.  It feels like the end, but that’s when God steps in.  We need God’s touch.  God told Daniel:  I heard your very first prayer;  I came to help. 

On this day in 1769 Daniel Boone

Daniel Boone in the Kentucky wilderness.

began exploring Kentucky.  In 1776 Richard Lee of Virginia moves the Declaration of Independence in the Continental Congress.  In 1955 Eisenhower was the first president to appear on color TV.  I have two friends today celebrating birthdays;  Nancy Myer (whom I met in the Master’s program at Seton Hill University), and Emma Lesniak that worked for a time at Smail Auto.  Happy birthday ladies!  Enjoy your day!  Today is National VCR Day, and also (here it is, the long awaited event!) National Chocolate Ice Cream Day!  Yea!  I will definitely have some later!  And by the way, Chocolate Ice Cream is far and above better than Brussels Sprouts!!!  God bless – – –

I looked up a little information on D-Day –  I have to admit I’m not as up on the world war histories as I am in Revolutionary and Civil war facts.  I may have to correct that.  Snoopy will help me, I hope.  I started the day out by going to the Lynch Field Farmer’s Market.  I was looking for specific veggies but I think it was a little early for what I wanted.  I was able to get a jar of Local Honey for my sister.  Since I was so close, I drove over to Hanna’s Town just because – – – I COULD!!!   I talked to Lisa and Joan and Anita and Pam and also make plans to go over tomorrow and do some weeding.  I wouldn’t touch the kitchen garden as I don’t know what’s planted in there and might not identify colonial important plants.  Flowers I can handle.  So that will be my treat for myself tomorrow.  From there I stopped at work in Jeannette, as I had to help a customer with a license plate.  While I was there I just did what was on my desk.  That will free my Monday up a little.  By the time I got home, it was well past lunch time.  I had a turkey bacon sandwich on light bread, then went out and pulled weeds in my OWN gardens, then cut the grass. 

BUT – while I was in Jeannette, Rege and I got into a very interesting conversation about riots and media and political parties and injustices.  We traded news video sources.  I seldom get involved in those types of discussions and it was very interesting to me.  I baked a few pieces of fish for supper (after a quick shower – I was covered in yard yuck), and mixed up a batch of scones while they cooked.  Now I plan to balance my checkbook.  THAT was my exciting day – no trip to Newport or Williamsburg or antique malls.  Bummer.  But Hanna’s Town was a close second.  Can’t wait to get back involved in giving tours and helping with programs! 

On this date in 1716  the French transported the first African slaves to Louisiana.  In 1844 the YMCA was founded in London, and of course D Day landing in Normandy France was in 1944. The last Ed Sullivan show aired in 1971.  Nathan Hale (I regret that I have only one life to give for my country) was born, and died at age 21 in 1776.  Patrick Henry died at age 63 (Give me liberty or give me death!). Robert Kennedy died at age 42 in 1968 (assassination). 

Today is National Yo-Yo Day, National Drive In Movie Day, and National Black Bear Day.  It’s also ‘Buy your favorite little sister a present’ day.  (It’s not really, but as I bought her one, please don’t tell her!)  Today two of my friends are celebrating birthdays:  Sharon Full Cowan (who just recently got married – congrats!) and Jennifer Forrest.  I met Sharon as a fellow writer, and Jennifer was the editor of a magazine I LOVED writing for back in the early 2000’s!  Happy birthday ladies!  Have a great year!   God Bless.   (PS – spoiler alert for tomorrow – it’s National ……  a definite favorite of mine!  Wait and see!)

I am going to start by sharing Rod’s message from Martin’s Ferry Church.  He is in a study of Daniel (STAND!) and this week was Stand Up!  He talked about the King having a dream that he didn’t understand, and all of his council and wise men could not (most likely were afraid to!) interpret it.  Finally he called for Daniel, and although Daniel hesitated, he was honest with the King and explained what would happen.  If the king did not repent and turn from his sinful ways, he would be ‘cut down’ from ruling the kingdom and be sent into the wilderness for 7 years, verging on madness.  Daniel actually loved the king, and begged him to heed God’s warnings.  The king, however, did not.  The predictions came true, and the king was banished for the 7 years.  Daniel could have stepped back and not told the king the meaning – but he was God’s messenger and was an honorable man.  He could have been punished or killed for giving the king bad news, but he did the right thing.  He stood up for right.  BUT — he was gentle and kind in presenting it.  If the king would have listened and obeyed, he would have avoided 8 years of distress.  In the end, the king did repent and was restored to his throne. Why don’t we recognize that God is in charge of our life, and we need to accept Jesus and follow God?  What does God have to do to get our attention?   (Perhaps — a pandemic????)

Today is our GREEN day in this county.  Although restrictions and precautions are still in place, most businesses are opening slowly and cautiously.  I have listened to the radio all week, with people sharing what they are going to do first.  Most (sadly!) said go to a bar; lots said go out to eat.  Everyone had something they were looking forward to doing.  I gave a lot of thought to that, and here’s what I decided I am going to do this weekend.  First I am going to drive to Newport Rhode Island and visit all of the gilded mansions and do the Cliff Walk and take the historic walking tour.  Then I am going to drive to
Colonial Williamsburg and walk through every single garden, tour every building that is open, eat at Chowning’s Tavern (my favorite historic tavern), do an evening lantern tour, walk up and down Duke of Gloucester Street and St. Francis Street and every other street, and go to every single gift shop, both in the historic district and Merchant’s Square, I am going to purchase a tee-shirt and a book and get my picture taken with George Washington and maybe even Thomas Jefferson.  I will get hot cider in the morning and have a ginger cookie and a ham biscuit for lunch with a cold Root Beer.  Then on the way home I will visit every antique shop and flea market I come across.  I think that is enough for two days.  Alas — if only.   

But I did spend time outside today, dead-heading my spent irises and pulling weeds and cleaning up the patio stones.  Mom and I did a load of laundry and I was able to get the ironing done, too.  Now I am going to sit down and watch the Colonial Williamsburg channel and get lost in a video about how to shoe horses or make Christmas wreaths or why tinsmiths were so important.  I hope you have as much fun as I intend to do, going green.  But as Kermit would say, it’s not easy being green!  I’ll be exhausted. 

On this date in 2004 Ronald Reagan (our 40th president) died at age 93.  Today (if you haven’t already heard all the hype!) is National Donut Day!  What is your favorite kind?  If it is a Dunkin’ Donut, it would be a buttercrunch (I think they are called butternut now).  Otherwise it would be a glazed chocolate iced with non-perils on top!  It’s also National Veggie Burger day and National Moonshine day.  Neither of which will not cross my lips!  🙂    Have a great weekend, my friends – and maybe I’ll run into you in Newport or Williamsburg!   God bless —  

The day started out sunny, hot, and humid.  Still enjoyed my morning walk, and took time to give my plants a drink before getting ready for work.  It was a longer work day- lots to do in the two stores!  Cleaning the house was boring but rewarding, because I love a tidy house.  I also loved my Snoopy calendar page for the day – it’s sort of a thing with me, this kindness thing (Better to be kind than to be right!). Heard reports of tornadoes to the north of us, but here it merely rained.  I used the cooling off to make potato soup and had some for supper. 

Last night I listened to Greg’s message from Vanderbilt.  He talked about the phrase SON OF MAN, and how may times it was mentioned in the old and new testament, and how many times Jesus referred to himself using that term.  There are several scriptures reflecting that it was not always used in a flattering manner – but then again, he pointed out how God takes our humility and unworthiness and turns it around.  Sort of like a ‘bus boy’ in a restaurant, who comes after people and ‘cleans up the mess’!  Jesus is always taking the mess we make of our lives and cleans it up –  He referred to himself as a servant, but then was exalted and elevated about all.  We need to be on our knees to God – that is what matters – and God will lift us up.  Whatever is happening around us is temporary.  God’s got this! 

On this day in 1896 Henry Ford took his first Ford through the streets of Detroit.  In 2018 Bill Clinton and James Patterson co-publish ‘The President is Missing’.  King George III (from whom the thirteen colonies won their independence) was born in 1738, and today is National Old Maid’s Day, National Cheese Day, and National Hug your Cat day!   

(c) TOMEU OZONAS

If we humble ourselves God will exalt us.  That’s not an easy concept – but God can do all things!  God bless – – –

As strong as the threat of storms were today, it hasn’t happened so far (8:30pm). When I took my walk early this morning it was very warm.  But I like the warm weather and the sunshine so I was good with that.  Mom and I watched a bit of Home & Family (Hallmark talk show, which I really like) while I did my ironing.  We sat outside for a bit, made dinner, took a walk, and that was it for our time together.  I came home and cleaned the bathrooms and kitchen, washed a load of towels, and did some yard cleanup.  that is a never ending task!  But it does get me outside. I watched a Williamsburg video interview with the teacher of the Bray school, Ann Wager – which was a school for free and enslaved blacks.  Very interesting information!  She is a very engaging young lady.  And even though I didn’t realize it – I think it was ‘talk on the phone’ day!  I talked to Mary, Teresa, and Deb at great length!  Nice to ‘get out’ in that manner. 

The message I am sharing today is from Kyle at Hempfield Church, still in the book of Acts. This was a very powerful, moving message, and I won’t do it justice to share it – but I will say one or two things.  Peter & John were arrested – basically because the church leaders were jealous.  The leaders asked them by what power they healed the lame man – When they said God’s, the leaders could not deny it (there were too many witnesses) but they still fought against the truth.  Peter & John said:  We cannot help speaking about what we’ve seen and heard.  They did not threaten, and they asked God to keep using them.  The apostles had so much power that people flocked to them.   The leaders released them, threatened them, but they did not stop witnessing.  Peter and John did not rebel – they went on their way, preaching.  Sometimes we have to accept what we don’t agree with, and just share what we have seen and heard.     I did not do justice to this message – I recommend listening to it – look for Hempfield Church of Christ on facebook for May 31st.   

Not much happened today that was note-worthy.  In 1864, General Robert E Lee won his last victory of the Civil War at Cold Harbor.  (BTW – read my book Letters To Mary to find out more about why Cold Harbor was important!).  Jefferson Davis (President of the Confederate States of America) was born in 1808 (picture).  Muhammad Ali died in 2016 at age 74.  Today is National Egg Day, Global Running Day, and National Repeat Day.  National Repeat Day.     

Every day we should pray that people see something in our life that draws them to us – then we can witness.  Let God work through you!  God bless —

Busy day!  Worked both Pinnacle stores, did some notary work, and helped a friend with some titles.  Although it was raining early morning when Kath and I went to Walmart at 6am, by mid-morning it was sunny and warm.  I love being outside.  After a quick lunch of leftover (ugh) spaghetti I tidied up the yard a bit, trimming some bushes and pulling weeds and fixing some misplaced stones.  I was very careful to keep my eyes wide open so I wouldn’t disturb Snoopy if he was lounging in a tree somewhere.  I cut the grass, watered the flowers, and cut a few stumps out of the herb garden.  I still have about a dozen to get rid of, but it’s hard to get the ones close the ground.  A few at a time is all I can manage!  I took about 45 minutes while I was eating my salad at supper and watched a program on Wheelwrights in Colonial Williamsburg.  I feel I did learn quite a bit — but it’s not a profession I will ever choose!   

I listened to Micah’s message from Old Mahoning church yesterday so I’ll share that today.  His message was ‘Victory is an Option’.  It was based on the passage where Jesus and the disciples got into a boat to go across the lake, but the storm came up and the disciples were frightened (Jesus was asleep).  Now, these disciples had been taught by Jesus, and everything they needed to know was explained to them.   They should have had faith that He would get them to the other side.  Where do you put your faith?  Jesus promised that he would have the solution to anything if we have faith.  There will always be obstacles (such as the STORM); why would we even think we’d always have smooth sailing? But we have options:  His power, his promise, his presence.  The disciples had those things, and we do too.  Those options provide the victory – but it’s your choice; choose faith.  You can have NO faith, LITTLE faith, or BIG faith.  Seldom do we have BIG faith, and we often have NO faith – but even faith the size of a grain of mustard seed can move a mountain.  PRAY for faith, and wait for the outcome – the thrill of victory.  Something I never thought about – the scriptures said there were other boats that left shore when the disciples did.  They reaped the benefits of Jesus calming the storm.  Can you imagine how they felt when that miracle happened!  It was AMAZING.  The outcome IS amazing – Jesus can do more than we can ask or think.  Jesus can calm the storm; but he’d rather calm US!   

On this day in 1835 P T Barnum took his circus on the first US tour.  In 1875 Alexander Graham Bell makes the first sound transmission.  In 1933 FDR authorizes the first swimming pool to be built inside the White House, and 1953 was the coronation of Queen Elizabeth in Westminster Abby, London.  Happy Birthday Martha Washington!  Our first First Lady was born in 1731.  And my daughter’s sister-in-law, Kim Wright, is celebrating a birthday today.  Happy birthday, Kim!  Wishing you many happy and healthy years ahead!  Lou Gehrig died at age 37 in 1941 (Lou Gehrig’s disease).  In 1886 President Grover Cleveland (age 49) married Frances Folsom (age 21) – which was the first presidential marriage to be held at the White House.  Today is National Rotisserie Chicken Day and National Rocky Road Day (I’m thinking the Ice Cream!!). 

So, my friends, how is it that we have so little faith?  Why are we fearful!  Victory is an option!  Thanking God that it is so…. God bless.

I changed my calendars early this morning, but it didn’t sink in that it was JUNE until just now when I typed the heading.  And tomorrow is the day to VOTE in the Pennsylvania primary.  Don’t forget!  I put a note on my dash.  After a brisk walk and a scone this morning I picked up mom.  We went for a short drive to enjoy the beauty of the day, then sat on the deck for a while.  I ended up pulling some weeds and Mom walked a little looking at the flowers.  She liked the purple dutch iris.  I do too!  The cover was coming off of my wrist rest for my keyboard, so I dug in my material, chose a patriotic Snoopy pattern, and hot glued a new cover on (and glued myself to it several times….).  After lunch we took a walk and talked to the neighbor, who is reworking her front gardens.  SHE, however, has HELP!! 🙂  I finished putting Pond Stone around the stepping stones by the herb garden, listened to two sermons, and made speghetti.  Every time I make it I remember why I DON’T!  Not a favorite…  But I DO like the garlic toast!  Before I can go to bed I need to pay bills.  Ugh.

I chose Paul’s sermon to review (From River Hill).  The topic was Setting a good example.  Thomas Jefferson said (paraphrase) It is more profitable to set a good example than to follow a bad one.  JESUS is our example, and we must follow that example and be a examples for others.  Some people don’t think they need Christ, but we must live out the message and be the example that will show them the truth.  We do that by being humble, serving; not by being proud.  Jesus is our teacher and Lord, and he became a servant to give us an example to follow.   Others need to see the good in us; through speech, conduct, example –  examples of love, faith, purity and integrity.  Not an easy task.   

On this day in 1533 Anne Boleyn was crowned Queen of England, and in 1862 General Robert E Lee assumed command of the Confederate Army.  In 1880 the first US Pay phone service was set up in Connecticut.  in 1971 ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ opened in Golden NYC (You Go Snoopy!).  Marilyn Monroe was born in 1926, and in 1934 Pat Boone was born (my mom’s heart throb!!!).  James Buchanan, the 15th President (and the only one from PA) died in 1868 at age 77.  Lizzie Borden died in 1927 and Helen Keller in 1968 and age 87.  Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez were wed for the second time in 1949, and on this day in 2001 my lovely, wonderful daughter Kelly Sabrina married Matthew Hancher!  Happy anniversary, and I pray for many more!  Today is National nail polish day, and national go-barefoot day.  Probably because after you paint your toenails you can’t put your shoes on . . .   

Each day, all the time, remember that you are to be an example to those around you – what will they see!  Let them see Christ!   God bless…