It was cool this morning but sunny.  I was happy to be walking outside.  After watching a service from First Baptist, I drove over to Hanna’s Town and met Teresa there.  We socially distanced and took several walks about the property, and snapped a few pictures.  WCHS was given a log cabin from the turn of the century (1800’s, give or take).   They took it down piece by piece and are rebuilding it piece by piece.  It’s huge!  Teresa and I both very much enjoyed seeing the new old building take shape. We share a love of history and historic sites and were sharing information.  We are ‘planning’ a road trip once it is safe and approved – either Ft. Ticonderoga NY or Marietta Ohio.  Maybe July – –  But we hadn’t visited in so long we spent 3 hours hiking and snacking and talking.  Friends are the best medicine.  I got a picture of my herb garden in the sun (not quite the whole thing, but close), and I also took a picture of the maroon irises in the front yard.  When Nate began driving  in 97 I moved the bulbs to make an extra parking space.  I think this is the first year they have bloomed.  In fact I was ready to dig them out.  But they came out in full bloom this year. 

My first email of the day was from Diane, sending the link to her church (First Baptist).  So I listened to Bram’s message about Pentecost.  There were three things that stand out about the presence of the Holy Spirit:  It appeared SUDDENLY; it touched everyone; and even though one man spoke, everyone could understand in their native language.   The Holy Spirit gives us the power to  live the life God asks us to live; to obey God’s commandment to GO!  The gift of the Holy Spirit is promised to all children of God; we can all experience that power and presence.  Open your heart and mind to receive it. 

On this day in 1790 US Copyright law was enacted.  In 1879 Madison Square Garden opened in New York, named after the 4th president, James Madison.  2209 people died in the Johnstown Flood in 1889, and in 1911 the RMS Titanic launched in Belfast.  In 1968 movie star Jimmy Stewart retired from the US Air Force after 27 years of service.  In 1910 Elizabeth Blackwell, physician,  – the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States – died at age 89.  Clint Eastwood was born in 1930.  My dad’s cousin’s grandson (??) Matt Choate is celebrating a birthday today, as is my high school/youth group friend Cathy Rose.  Happy birthday!  Today is National Smile Day and National Macaroon Day! 

So smile, everyone!  It’s not only good for those around you, it’s good medicine for the soul!  God bless . . .

Only one more day and May 2020 will be history.  And speaking of history – I spent an hour this afternoon pouring over an intense and lengthy article in the Westmoreland Country Historical Society magazine.  It was about the border dispute in the 1770’s between Pennsylvania and Virginia for Western PA.  We very nearly were part of Virginia!  They were a strong force, and Lord Dunmore (governor of Virginia and a strong loyalist) was a force to be reckoned with.  After a lot of arrests and incarcerations, it didn’t look good for PA’s cause.  Only the heating up of the war against Britain, which wholly united the colonists against the King, and toward that cause.  PA & VA elected delegates, who resolved the border dispute and created the boundaries that we know today.  So here we are – residents of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania!   Hazzah!   

But I’m getting ahead of myself.  I know if I would have searched hard enough I could have found a sermon to listen to, but I chose to immerse myself in history instead.  After breakfast I spread the last of the stones,   but then did have to go to work for an hour; then I picked up Autmn and we went bathing suit shopping (for her).  She ran the blower on the driveway and walks after I weed whacked, and also hosed off the white fence after I sprayed cleaner and brushed it clean.  Somehow that darned hose just had a mind of its own, and by the time we were done, I was soaked.  Go figure.  Next time I’LL do the hose and she can do the scrubbing!  I was feeling nostalgic today so I watched A Godwink Christmas – my go to movie when I need to ground myself.  Ahhhh.  I also made 2 more masks (just because), changed my sheets (and washed them) and took a 2 miles walk.  So it was a full day!  I enjoyed having Autmn here.  It can really get quiet being here all day. 

On this day in 1431 19 year old Joan of Arc was burned at the stake.  The first car accident happened in 1896 in NYC – driver hit a cyclist.  Hersheypark opened in 1906, and Evel Knievel on his Motorcycle jumped 16 cars.  Today is National ‘water a flower’ day (Autmn did that for me!) and ‘Mint Julep’ day. 

If you have time this week, look online at that dispute from 1775.  Get the full story of how the land was claimed by Virginia.  I’m glad to be a Pennsylvanian!   God bless.

Morning outdoor walk; chocolate chip bagel from Panera bread for breakfast, then got Mom.  She was basically very quiet to start with but perked up as the morning went on.  We sat outside on the deck and listened to the birds and the breezes blow.  I had some cards to write out and mail, which I did. I was so behind in my ironing that after lunch and dishes I tackled that.  Autmn came over for a while and visited with mom, then went with me to Lowe’s.  We got more pond stone (HEAVY pond stone!) and I finally replaced a dilapidated wicker chair with chairs that match my table/chair set.  Looks so nice, and long overdue!  I think the wicker  was about 13 years old.  It was a comfortable evening to be outside, so I was spreading the stones in the herb garden when the rain hit – no warning, just a downpour!  Got 3 out of 4 bags spread so one left for tomorrow, along with the dreaded weed-whacking! All day I kept thinking it was Saturday; who knows what day I’ll think it is tomorrow!

Since it was raining buckets, I couldn’t listen to Rod from Martin’s Ferry church on the deck.  I pulled up the youtube video on the fire stick and had a piece of pizza.  Rod’s message was very good – I’d love for all the teens I know (and even don’t know!) to hear it; about Daniel, and how he made it a point to stand out.  When you believe in something, you stand in the right way at the right time for the right reasons.  This will change your life; compromising will change it too, at a great cost, and not for the good.  You can’t be a ‘sort of’ Christian, not really living the life.  Just drifting.  You have to put on the full armor of God and STAND.  The way to do this is to make a predetermined resolution.  Decide ahead of time, before you are tempted, and stick to your commitment.  Stand out; don’t blend in.  Read the story of Daniel and how he refused to eat the king’s food.  He didn’t protest or argue or fight.  He offered rational, respectful alternative.  God was with him, and it worked.  Daniel did stand out.  Rod emphasized that it’s better to be remembered for standing out than forgotten for blending in. 

On this date in 1765 Patrick Henry gave the  treason speech:  If this be treason, make the most of it.  Ironically, it was also his birthday (1736).  Rhode Island became the last of the 13 colonies to ratify the constitution in 1790; in 1942 Bing Crosby recorded White Christmas, which sold over 100 million copies and is the world’s best selling single.  The Every Brothers’ song ‘Cathy’s Clown’ hit #1 in 1960; Bob Hope was born in 1903 and John F. Kennedy in 1917.  And today is National Paperclip Day – I have a purple one shaped like an airplane.  A little friend of mine used to make bracelets out of colored paperclips – I spent many a nickle on those!   

So make it a point to Stand Out – resolve that you will make good choices, stick to your resolutions, and be remembered for standing out – God will bless your life!  

I got up this morning and dressed to do my treadmill.  By the time I got downstairs it had quit raining and the sun was trying to peek out so I walked outside instead.  It was actually a nice walk.  Not much in Jeannette at work but Greensburg was pretty busy.   I stopped at Aldi’s on the way home to get a new kneeling pad for working in the garden.  It’s bigger and thicker than my old one (which is close to 30 years old!) so I’m excited to try it.  The rain held off again until I cut the grass which should get me through the weekend.  This is my favorite day – the whole house is clean and fresh, the grass is cut, and I love it! I also took pictures of my gardens – they inspired me!

I ate supper on the deck while I listened to Kyle from Hempfield church.  We are still in Acts and the message was ‘Lost in a story’.  He talked about getting so caught up in a story we sometimes miss the focus; or else we can’t get caught up at all and miss the point.  Acts 3 is the story of the early church, about Peter and John healing the lame man.  He pointed out that the chapter is not actually about the healing; it’s about stepping back and letting God’s spirit work through us!  We all have different gifts/talents.  But whatever they are, if you let God use you, he will do mighty things.  Just as Peter said to the man:  I don’t have money, but what I have, I’ll give to you — we can say to those in need.  We may not be able to heal, or have limitless funds, or the answer to everyone’s problems.  But we do have a gift, and if we offer that up and let God work through us, we can change the world.  And that doesn’t just apply to the apostles.  The Lord is still powerful and active in our lives today – he works through our willingness to let him!  Our willing attitude can change everything!   I have to admit I never looked at that story that way.  I love learning new things about familiar stories! 

On this day in 1754 George Washington led his troops in the battle of Jumonville (killing the French leader by that name).  In 1900 there was a total solar eclipse, and in 1928 the Dodge Brothers Inc. and Chrysler Corporation merged.  Noah Webster died at age 84 in 1843, and today is National Work From Home day (how many of us have been doing that for months???) and National Hamburger Day.  Snoopy is grillin’ a bunch so get in line! 

The next time you read a story – Biblical or secular – step back and look at it in a different light.  You may learn something, too!  God bless.  

Another nice morning for a walk.  I noticed a few things in the neighborhood that must have been done over the holiday weekend when I wasn’t out walking my usual morning route.  Trees down, painting, landscaping, lots of  clean-up projects (according to the piles of trash on driveways!).  Mom was happy to sit outside under the maple tree and watch me pull some weeds in the side flower bed.  She was in the shade and there was a breeze.  I just kept talking about anything and everything and she was content to sit, watch and listen.  We made lunch, stirred up some icing for my fresh scones, and cut up a pepper to freeze.  I had to go into work for a bit, but then I was able to get half the cleaning done.  I could have used Snoopy’s help about then!  It was a really nice day to be outside, which I did for a bit in the evening. 

I listened to Micah’s message from Old Mahoning Baptist, and he spoke about being in the Lord’s Army.  We are to fight the good fight; we want to please the commander.  He mentioned several ways to be a successful soldier.  We need to reach out to the younger ones, even across the generation gaps – extend GRACE, not JUSTICE.  We will be successful if we follow instructions (Bible).  We will endure hardships – spiritual battles – but we are promised victory.  We can put on the armor of God; we must pray and persevere.    If we stay focused we will avoid entanglements.  Bloom where we are planted – we are here for a reason and a purpose.  If we follow God’s plan, we will be victorious and be rewarded:  Well done, good and faithful servant!   

On this day in 1930 the Chrysler building in New York City opened, and was to date the tallest man-made structure.  In 1837 Wild Bill Hickok was born, and in 1907 Rachel Carson (biologist) was born in Springdale PA (I toured her house about 9 years ago – very interesting!). And I don’t know who writes this stuff, but apparently today is National Cellophane tape day, national Popsicle day, and national sunscreen day.  (By the way, different websites had different days!) Who knew??? 

These days we definitely feel like we are fighting battles all the time.  Make sure you are armored up and fully armed and God will lead you through!  God bless.  

Could we even ask for a better day?  And so many beautiful sunny days in the past week.  I could just sit/play outside all day long.  Today, however, I worked extra hours so I didn’t get home as early as usual.  As is often the case, I spent several hours trying to handle health care and social security issues  for mom.  Navigating the system is often confusing and frequently I just get plain lost!  But, thanks to Snoopy’s thought for the day, I persevered and was able to accomplish more than I expected.  I ate a quick mid-afternoon lunch then went outside.  I was pulling weeds around the rose bushes and have the little nicks and scratches to show for it.  Small price to pay for sunshine and fresh air.  Now it’s time for dinner and either a movie or Colonial Williamsburg TV! 

I took my tablet outside and listened to Greg’s message from Vanderbilt church, entitled BETTER.  He stressed the fact that we are in a better place than we have ever been.  Think about all the advances and improvements and accomplishments we have made as a people, a nation, and as children of God.  We even have a personal priest who saves us completely – we don’t have to keep asking over and over.  The old ways are behind us, a shadow:  The new is reality.  Old ways are law, which we were expected to live by.  The new is grace; we have a person to guide and love and direct us.  The old was flesh, the new is spirit.  We have better access to God through Jesus, who has written his love on our hearts and instilled a moral code within us.  It’s a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with Jesus.  It’s not religion or laws or rules.  It’s Jesus; our brother and shepherd and friend. 

On this day in 1805 Lewis and Clark first saw the Rocky Mountains, and in 1941 the American Flag House (Betsy Ross’s home) was given to Philadelphia.  In 1975 Rhinestone Cowboy was released by Glen Campbell and became the Billboard Song of the Year. John Wayne (Marion Mitchell Morrison) was born in 1907, James Arness in 1923, Hank Williams Jr. in 1949, and in 1964 Lenny Kravitz was born.  Actor Eddie Albert died in 2005.  In 1994 Michael Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley (Elvis’ daughter). 

When you are considering your direction and focus this week, be thankful for the personal, singular relationship you have with Jesus – it’s between you and Him.  What a blessing.  

I slept like a LOG last night!  The weekend had caught up with me, especially trying to accomplish so many household tasks.  But it was great to have them done.  Today is Memorial Day celebrated.  The flags at the cemetery down the road were all displayed and its an impressive sight.  Always takes my breath away at that initial moment when I see them waving in the breeze.  My early morning walk was balmy and bright and it felt good to be out – I actually walked a little further than usual.  I did have to work for a bit this morning, then also stopped to catch up on a few items that I couldn’t get grocery shopping.  I did laundry, a tiny bit of yard work, and at the very end of the day put away the red/white/blue decorations.  They will come out in full force for Fourth of July!  I love paying honor to this great country – Snoopy agrees!

I sat on the deck in the evening cool and listened to Paul’s message from River Hill church.  It was absolutely one of my favorite historically-based Memorial day sermon that I’ve ever heard.  I want to write it ALL out in longhand so everyone can hear and understand how our nation was founded on God’s principles, and based on Biblical truths.  I wish there was a way to preserve that message – they replace them every week.  The name of the message was We must not forget our Heritage, and it’s based on II Chronicles 7:14.  That is one of my FAVORITE verses!  If  my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. No sure why we can’t figure that out at a nation!  In December of 2000 congress passed a resolution asked that all Americans voluntarily observe a moment of silence at 3pm each Memorial Day.  I know there were plans to play Taps Across America today at that time.  A neighbor several streets over planned to do that but I didn’t hear it.  Our freedom is to live at peace in our homes.   As Christians, every week we pause to remember what Jesus did to provide us freedom from sin and death; Jesus is a living memorial that will last through eternity.  If you get a chance this week, go to River Hill Christian Church’s website and listen to the very important spiritual heritage that we have as people and as a nation.  We have an obligation and responsibility to preserve our freedom as a country.  We must be bold to share the truth, teach these truths to our families, focus on the power of the Gospel, and believe that regardless of what we face we must believe in our potential to WIN.  I urge you to get the facts of what our country was founded on. 

On this day in 1787 the Constitutional Convention opened in Philadelphia with George Washington presiding.  in 1927 Henry Ford announced the end of the production of his Model T Ford.  In 2011 Oprah Winfrey aired her last show after 25 years.  Ralph Waldo Emerson was born in 1803 and Frank Oz (Grover on Sesame Street) was born in 1944.  And as Bud would have said, today it is 7 month until Christmas Day!  (I still miss that man!!!) 

So as you reflect this summer on all the strange things going on in this country right now, make it an opportunity to reclaim your heritage.  Make your life a living memorial to what you believe in, and you absolutely MUST believe in this Great Nation of the United States of America.  God bless us, every one…

I had trouble remembering this was Sunday!  Mom was up 3 times and finally stayed up at 4:45am.  Autmn was up with us, too, so I sent her to bed to sleep til 10am.  She’s been a great help.  Really appreciated her compassionate care, comfort, and entertaining spirit.  What a blessing! Looking at the sunrise this morning was a privileged blessing gleaned from being up before dawn.  Since we were up anyway, we stripped the sheets from the beds and washed them – remade them. Washed all the windows; did 2 other loads of clothes.  Cooked 3 meals and 2 snacks.  Took a walk, pulled weeds, ran the sweeper and swiffer –  I just now got a shower, and am done for the day!  We actually did fine – but it keeps you on your toes, this care-giving!  Snoopy is being patriotic today in honor of the holiday weekend.  God Bless America. 

I finally just now listened to Bram at the First Baptist Church in Greensburg.  He started out by saying the God loves each of us as if there was only one of us.  Children’s Church stressed that our freedom is in Jesus.  He paid the price.  Bram elaborated that the price is very high, for our country and for our salvation.  On this weekend in particular, we remember the price that was paid for us to be free, and that was a GREAT cost.  Jesus paid a great price to save us; we must love God, as that uses our freedom wisely.  Use your freedom to love God and obey his commandments.  And never forget those who gave their lives for us to be free to live and worship  as we choose. 

On this day in 1738 John Wesley was converted, launching the Methodish movement.  In 1775 John Hancock was unanimously elected President of the Continental Congress.  Bob Dylan was born in 1941, Rosanne Cash in 1955, and today my friend from church Larry Songer Jr is celebrating a birthday.  Have a great day Larry!  God bless…  God bless our great country!

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.