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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a great week – and God Bless.

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

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

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

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

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

Linus is having a tough time – he’s trying to multi-task, doing 3 things at once.  He ends up in a pile on the floor.  Lucy quotes II Samuel 1:19:  How the mighty have fallen…   

The rain held off until a little after 3pm, but it was very cold and windy.  Mom helped us make strawberry shortcake and lunch.  We did several loads of laundry and then picked up some material for Kelly at curbside through Joanne Fabrics.  We are going to make a shamrock pillowcase.  Pictures to follow – hopefully!  

Today I listened to Greg Pelc’s Easter message from Vanderbilt Church.  He spoke on how the resurrection changes our view of eternity.  He started by talking about those who doubt, and how much historic and scriptural evidence verifies Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection.  Even though so many of us doubt, both the Jewish leaders and the Roman leaders believed Jesus’ words about rising on the third day and posted a guard at the tomb.  The resurrection did two things:  Proclaimed the power of God.  It could not be disputed.  It also changes our view of death.  We should not fear death, except as an uncertainty.  Compare death to a graduation ceremony, a wedding, a banquet, a celebration shared.  It is not the end of all good things, but the beginning of the rest of our life.  We have been invited to the banquet of God’s church – and it will be a glorious thing.  Death, where is your sting?  Your victory?  He also talked about how yesterday previews tomorrow, how what we have been doing usually points to what will happen in the immediate future.  The resurrection changed that;  Attitudes and actions totally changed!  Just as our current Pandemic has changed a lot of things we are doing now that we would not normally do.  Adjust your actions and your thoughts to reflect what God has done for you.

On this date in 1964 Ford formally introduced the Mustang for $2,368 base price. In 1937 JP Morgan Sr. was born.  Also in 1937 Daffy Duck debuts with Warner Brothers cartoons.  In 1790 Ben Franklin dies at age 84, and in 2018 Barbara Bush dies at age 92.  And our sweet Ashly Staley is celebrating a birthday today.  Happy birthday Ashly!  Love you!   

Reflect on your life for a few minutes.  Is there a reason to change the way you are doing something to reflect the change in your life?  There are so many good things – seek them and rejoice!

Today Snoopy is convinced that there are dogs on the moon.  I certainly hope so – everyone needs access to a Snoopy!  Today started out for us by my representing my mom on a financial errand.  When I came home, I listened to Mike Hazelton’s Easter message from HCC.  After lunch I dusted and swept the whole house.  Not very exciting, but I love a clean house and thrive in keeping it that way!  Old roots run deep!  Goes back to my pre-married days.  We plan to make supper and then watch a movie; maybe Bedknobs and Broomsticks.   

Mike’s message continued the series on Jesus making his way to Jerusalem.  That was always his ultimate goal.  As he went, he taught and healed and preached.  Then …. Sunday came.  The very difficult, sad last few days of Jesus’ life was not only hard on Jesus himself, but on his disciples and friends.  So when the Marys made their way to the tomb and found it empty, they hardly knew what to think.  Until the two angels reminded them of Jesus’ words – he would die and rise again in three days!  Although they knew this, they were still caught by surprise.  So were Peter and the others as they, too, ran to discover the tomb empty.  What just happened?  Why didn’t they trust the words that Jesus himself had spoken to them?  The question is, are we caught by surprise with scripture?  We have been instructed, educated, encouraged, loved, directed, even warned. But still we do not acknowledge the importance of the scriptures, often the actual words of Jesus, teaching us and preparing us.  Do we understand?  Or are we like those early followers that walked with Jesus daily and still were surprised that what he said would come to pass? Let’s open our minds to His words as we read and study.   

On this day in 1789 George Washington headed for the first presidential inauguration.  In 1900 the United States Post Office issued the first book of stamps.  Walter Cronkite began as anchor on the CBS Evening News in 1962, and in 1977 Alex Haley found his Roots in Juffure, Gambia.  Bobby Vinton was born in Pittsburgh in 1935, and today my dear friend Regis Faddish is celebrating his birthday.  Happy Birthday, Sir Rege! 

When you next sit down to read or listen to Holy scriptures, be open to what it says.  Do not be caught by surprise!  God bless….

In 1955 April 15th was designated as the final day to file your taxes.  Of course, this year it will be July.  But this year is totally crazy, no matter where you turn.  Few things are as they were.  Maybe, just maybe, we needed a bit of this to make us quit taking things for granted, or for looking at what is really important.  In 1817, the first American School for the deaf opens in Hartford CT (Kath!!!). In 1877 the first telephone was installed in Boston, and in 1878 Proctor introduced Ivory soap.  The Boston Marathon bombing was in 2013 (they were probably fighting over the telephone).  In 2019 Notre Dame caught fire, toppling the spire and destroying the roof.  But if we look at today, Snoopy says that FRIENDS make the good stuff even better.  And I know I have a super-lot of good things in my life! Including, or ESPECIALLY, my friends.

I picked up mom at 10am to bring her over here, but we had to make a drive-through to my bank on the way home.  We went through town and saw Larry the Cucumber in quarantine!  How fun!  We baked cookies, changed the lights on my deck from purple to purple (don’t ask), took a short walk, had the BEST ham for supper (Thanks Nate and Jen!!), watched MONKEY BUSINESS, and cleaned half the house.  I am ready to call it a night.

I listened to Micah McMillen at Old Mahoning Baptist Church.  This message was the EMPTY TOMB.  Jesus paid the price on the cross, offered pardon, and gave us peace.  Death is defeated, and it’s personal.  This was for ME, and for YOU.  He gave healing and forgiveness.  We all sin, either because it’s just our nature as humans, or by choice.  But we can all be restored because of the Empty Tomb.  We have Faith and Hope – which translates to Forsaking All I Trust Him and Having Our Past Erased.  Our future home is guaranteed with God, because of Jesus’ death.  So, as Mary did when she went to the empty tomb, rejoice, don’t weep.  It is finished; He paid the price.  We are redeemed.   

In 1892 Corrie ten Boom was born, in 1933 Elizabeth Montgomery (Bewitched!) and Roy Clark were born. 

I am happy to be home, to have a job to go back to, to have plenty of food (although skimping on Lysol spray!), happy to have family and friends and more love in my life than I could imagine.  And happy to rejoice over the empty tomb.  God Bless.  

Today’s Peanuts cartoon finds Charlie Brown telling Sally and Linus the story about the apostle Paul being lowered over the wall in a basket.  Sally asked why he had to do that, and Snoopy replies:  He probably got tired of signing autographs.  Only Snoopy….. 

This morning Kathy and I did our usual Walmart run.  The store was not crowded and really, all the shelves were well stocked and all product was available – except Lysol and Clorox wipes.  Just keep waiting.  It’ll get there.  I didn’t sleep well last night and when the alarm went off at 5:20am I felt like I had been drugged.  It’s only 10:44am and I can’t keep my eyes open.  I hope to do some yard work after lunch, and possibly change the deck lights from Easter purple to Spring purple.  Don’t ask.  🙂   

After my shower and breakfast I listened to Pastor Paul Eisaman from River Hill Church of Christ.  His message was HE IS RISEN.  He emphasized that Easter is more than a season, it’s the beginning of our hope.  Any time angels are spoken of they were referred to as messengers of hope, and they played a major role in Jesus’ earthly life.  Angels announced His birth, first to Mary, then Joseph, then the Shepherds.  He appeared at the resurrection. proclaiming HE IS RISEN!  That announcement confirmed our HOPE in the Lord, and His victory over death.  We, too, will overcome death.  The third instance of angels in Jesus’ life was at his ascension.  After Jesus had disappeared into the clouds, returning to His Father in Heaven, the angel assured the disciples and all of us as well that Jesus would come back, and he would take us with him.  We have that HOPE in Him!  It’s awesome to remember that Jesus doesn’t condemn; he encourages us, even through our failure (read the story of Peter’s denial, and how Peter is specifically mentioned by the angel!)  Everything that happened was for our salvation.  Free with the claiming!  Have you claimed it for yourself??? 

 Today on this date in 43BC Julius Caesar was assassinated.  In 1828 Noah Webster registered his copyright for the first American Dictionary. In 1861, the Union surrendered Ft. Sumter.  In 1865, Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s theater in Washington DC.  J.C. Penny opened his first store in Wyoming in 1902, and on this date in 1912 the Titanic sinks.  Anne Sullivan was born in 1866, and in 1932 Loretta Lynn was born. 

Even though Easter day is past for 2020, keep the HOPE that it brings in your heart and life every day.  God Bless….