The Peanuts pictures are not clear so I’ll only post the ones that are readable.  Today Charlie Brown got a new mailbox, but Snoopy ends up sleeping on it.  Of course!  Mom came over today, and we all baked chocolate chip cookies.  We had leftovers for lunch, then I started taking the Easter decorations down.  Took mom back to Kathy’s at about 3pm, and helped them over there for a bit.  Kelly ordered Pizza from Abie & Bimbo’s for supper (Sorry, Matt!  – it’s his favorite….).  We watched KISS ME GOODBYE, a classic comedy and a favorite of mine.   

Today I am just going to finish sharing about the Easter Blessings from yesterday.  About 3pm I came inside and tuned into a quarantine Easter sing-a-long hosted by Tracy Shaner featuring her mom, Patty Buschek, on piano and her nephew, Jonathan Slatt on guitar.  Patty was truly my mentor growing up, and she was a key influence in my life, especially the critical teen years.  She taught me to play the organ, taught me how to stretch and strengthen my faith, and how to serve faithfully and fully.  There will always be a corner of my heart that she is tucked away in.  Patty played and sang for an hour, old favorites like ‘His Name is Wonderful’ and newer ones like ‘Raise a Hallelujah’. According to the chat box comments there were people listening from France, California, SC, Florida, and more.  What a blessing, and a beautiful gift to all of us.  Patty is extremely talented and a wonderful saint! 

After supper Kelly and I watched the presentation of Sight and Sound’s JESUS, which was broadcast all weekend on TBN.  I had seen it live last year, and seeing it again brought back all the amazing sights and sounds from the live performance.  The presentation honestly made Jesus so approachable, and personal, and you just couldn’t help but be drawn into his life, his love, his sacrifice.  It was the perfect ending to the day of blessings. 

I will get back to listening to my local preaching friends tomorrow. 

On this date in 1806, the first Pony Express reached Sacramento.  In 1970, we first heard Apollo 13’s famous quote:  “Okay, Houston, we’ve had a problem here.”  Thomas Jefferson was born on this date in 1743, and in 1866 Butch Cassidy was born.   

I hope your day was filled with happy memories and continued blessings that you can carry with you every day.  God Bless …

Easter!  A beautiful day despite a mix of clouds.  Although the day was very low key and a no pressure-performance day, it was full of things to do.  Charlie Brown started off the day talking about his beautiful friendship with Snoopy – but Snoopy is more interested in his supper dish.  And as it typical for holidays, the meal is a major part.  We decided to have a non-traditional meal and wait to celebrate when we can all be together.  We put a beef roast in early morning and ate about 6pm – noodles, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn…Yum.  I got up early and baked fresh chocolate chip scones for our breakfast. 

We watched Rod from Martin’s Ferry Christian Church and his message was VICTORY.  God is with us, through our struggles, through death of friends/family.  He is with us because he loves us.  And he CAN be with us because He is alive!  Rod pointed out that what we are going through doesn’t always feel like victory.  It’s hard, sad, scary, uncertain, distressing – but what happens NEXT is the victory!  When the women went to the tomb, and Jesus wasn’t there, they didn’t think victory.  When Peter realized that he had denied Jesus, that wasn’t victory.  But victory did happen.  Sometimes we don’t know where to look.  The angel asked, “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?”  We need to look for God.  He gives us life, and scriptures tell us to keep singing.  Whatever happens, keep singing, and victory will be ours.  As a writer, I know that any story worth writing must have conflict, struggle, sorrow that we must overcome.  And that leads to victory.  He goes before us to insure our victory.  It’s the one thing in life that you don’t have to earn;  You just have to accept it!  Keep singing!   

Early afternoon I pulled on my garden clothes and pulled weeds for about 90 minutes.  I came in to watch an Easter sing-a-long with a very long-time friend – which I will share tomorrow.  I went back out for over an hour to pull more weeds.  It’s my therapy, my peace and quiet, my sense of accomplishment!  At 6pm we finished cooking dinner.  I asked Kelly why it was that it took so long to make the meal, and so long to clean up the kitchen afterwards, but only a few minutes to eat it?  I guess that is why I seldom cook.  The ratio is not equatable.   But it sure was good, with leftovers for tomorrow. 

On this date in 1861, Ft. Sumter in South Carolina was attacked by the confederacy, which began the Civil War.  In 1945, FDR dies in office, and Harry Truman becomes our 33rd president.  Jonus Salk’s polio vaccine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration.  David Letterman was born on this date in 1947, and Vince Gill in 1957. 

It’s late and I’m ready for bed, so I’ll fill you in on the sing-a-long and the JESUS presentation from Sight and Sound tomorrow. 

Hope your Easter was blessed and happy and filled with the presence of God’s love and the perfect sacrifice of His Son.  God Bless…..

Words of humor from Sally and Charlie Brown.  We are the church – we are the people of the church!  That is what this morning’s devotional was, as well.  More later….    Kelly and I decided to sleep till noon.  Of course we didn’t!  Logan did, though.  Chase split the difference.  I made a few more masks this morning and should be basically done now.  Hoping these will get us through the required distancing orders.  I had Logan showing me some of the options that the Amazon Fire Stick offers.  I have to say I may be jumping into the 21st century!  Especially when I saw that it had the Colonial Williamsburg’s live stream app!  Free!  Hmmmm.  Still debating.  Have to see if these illusive stimulus checks actually happen. Just heard all the fire trucks go by; looked out to see the Easter Bunny waving from one!  Happy Easter, little guy!  Thanks for brightening the neighborhood for kids of ALL ages. 

Kelly needed to take her car for a drive to keep the battery active, so we went down to Dollar General for milk.  They didn’t have Skim.  So be it.  I think I’m going to go out and play in the dirt for a bit.  Wanted to Weed Whack but it’s pretty windy for that.  Quiet day here.  I think I miss today’s activities of preparing and planning for the family Easter event as much as I do the thought of a quiet Easter.  SO much fun seeing all that work coming together for those we love.  Sort of nostalgic, I guess. 

Today’s ‘message’ is a devotional sent by my friend Gwen Wolfgang (far right).  I have so appreciated getting to read her daily thoughts these past few weeks.  Just to share a few:  The first Easter brought a change to the world that wasn’t expected.  Our world today is experiencing change WE didn’t expect.  To quote Gwen:  

Snoopy brings to us today a scripture from Philemon – I can say this about so many people!  One thing about being sequestered, there is a lot of time to think, and to reflect on the wonderful people we have to enrich our lives, and how grateful we are for them!  I could make a list as long as from here through next week, and I’m sure you feel the same. 

Today we brought mom over, and we mixed up more cookies for the boys.  Logan and Chase wanted pancakes for lunch, which sounded good, so that’s what we had.  We had a little mini-spa thing going on after the kitchen was cleaned up, and were trimming our nails and applying fresh polish.  I put a clear coat on Mom’s fingernails after I clipped them.  I am SO not good at that and was relieved not to have clipped them back to her second knuckle!  We did a load of laundry and then I made a mask for Nate.  He txt me that he wore it to Lowe’s and was excited to have it.  Little things become SO BIG, SO QUICKLY.  The boys were ready by then to ice the cookies, and chose purple icing.  That made ME Excited!  Kelly had an online meeting, and the boys were upstairs playing Mindcraft, while I spent the last hour trying to dig my way through a stack of papers for a veteran’s benefit’s application for Mom (through Dad).  My head is still spinning! 

Today we listened to the Maundy Thursday service, presented by associate pastor Justin Hill (Martin’s Ferry CC).  He spoke on ‘Temporal’ verses’eternal’ and that we always have a choice. The first example was to contrast Judas with Mary.  Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive oils; Judas wanted to sell it and give the money to the poor.  Jesus said we’d always have the poor, but he would not always be with us.  The second was Peter, who denied Jesus 3 times, as was prophesied.  Peter was overcome with fear, and chose to follow Jesus at a distance, and to follow the crowd.  He was devastated when he realized what he had done. Then he spoke about how Jesus chose to obey His Father.  He could have called legions of angels to lift him from the cross.  But He chose to die for us, so we could live.  Jesus cried out IT IS FINISHED – WHAT was finished?  The debt was paid, our gift from God, the death of His Son, to pay the price for our sins and disobedience.  Because he loved us, loves us still.  It was the finishing touch – it was finished.  But again – this was NOT the end of the story!  And we rejoice!   

On this date in 1607, British colonial expedition that would found Jamestown departs for mainland America.  In 1849 the safety pin was patented.  The first arbor day was celebrated in 1872, but later moved to the 22nd.  And on that fateful day in 1912, the Titanic set sail on it’s first and final voyage.  in 1970 Paul McCartney announced the split of the Beetles, and in 1971, Penny Marshall weds Rob Reiner. 

Today and tomorrow are days for reflection, to think about the sacrifice God made in turning His face from His Beloved Son; and what Jesus did to save us. 

God Bless….

Charlie Brown expounding advise….  If only falling in love were that easy!  We never see these ‘kids’ grow up, but I like to think they all remembered the words of wisdom shared through the decades.  Today was a strange day – cloudy, windy, rain, then sunshine!  I opted to finish cleaning my house today.  There is that 5 second window when everything is fresh and tidy!  Ahhhh.  Kelly and I made Chicken Acini de Pepe soup, which was her dad’s very favorite meal.  Yum.  The boys had their school work done early, and when the UPS driver delivered our pre-ordered movie LITTLE WOMEN we made that our evening’s priority.  If you haven’t seen the new version, I recommend it.  Story is the same, but the presentation is very fresh and different. 

Tonight I listened to Paul Eisaman’s message from River Hill Church of Christ.  They had a candlelight communion service broadcast.  No matter how many times I read/hear/see the scriptures of the Last Supper, there is always something moving in the message.  Like I am hearing it again for the first time.  Paul talked about Jesus being disowned, deserted, and betrayed especially during this final week.  John 13 talks about Jesus being our example, the model servant. He greeted and washed the feet of his guests, his disciples.  It’s our obligation and honor to serve as Jesus served, and to not put ourselves above others.  Yes, Jesus washed the feet of those who disowned, deserted, and betrayed Him– because he loved them, and because he loves us.  We should worship and serve him in the same way if we are to be part of JESUS.  And we must share salvation as we serve.  Think on these things.  The night will be long and intense for our Lord – He has nothing but pain and agony to look forward to.  But even in our despair, we can rejoice — we know the end of the story!   

On this date in 1865 General Robert E Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S Grant at Appomattox Court House (for you fellow Civil War buffs!).  In 1950 (the year I was born!!) Bob Hope made his first television appearance.  And Hugh Hefner was born on this date in 1926. 

Have a blessed, thoughtful Thursday.

I love Linus and his focus on life based on scripture.  He lives his faith!!!  We should, too.  Today I was able to sleep in a little, compared to the 5:30am rise yesterday!  We had nasty storms here, with wind and thunder and lightening, through the night.  No damage to the neighborhood but I know areas suffered near us, including a tornado in New Kensington.  Thankfully no one was hurt.  We brought mom over, and she helped me clean out and organize both freezers.  We found a few things (like cheese sticks!) that I forgot I had.  After lunch we took two walks, sat on the decks, and I pulled a few weeds.  Took mom over and then cut the grass. The boys were doing school work – math – which astounds me.  I don’t remember learning what they are learning. Later, Kelly and I took a longer walk, and now she and Chase are watching Disney’s Onward.  I will join them when I’m done with this.  Also had a long conversation with a great friend.  We don’t always agree, but it doesn’t change how we connect and care.  Love you, buddy! 

This morning I listened to Greg Pelc’s message (Vanderbilt Christian Church).  As in all the other messages from Sunday, the lesson was about Palm Sunday and the triumphal entry.  It’s good to note that the disciples were in front of Jesus, praising and cheering with the crowds.  But the focus was on Jesus, and the praise went to God.  Jesus said, “My father will honor those who follow me.”  Jesus was able to look at the entry realistically;  there was praise and adoration in the beginning, but hatred and death at the end.  He knew what would happen and didn’t let the praise of the crowds sway his focus.  Jesus was not concerned with appearances or the acceptance of men.  He obeyed His Father, and His every action glorified and pleased God.  He knew what was important. 

The parallel lesson he used was the story of Michael Plant, an overconfident, highly capable yachtsman.  He sat out from New York – by himself – in a state of the art sailing vessel.  He knew what to do and how to do it.  His friends were confident that he would reach his destination – France.  Part way into the journey his signal was lost.  After several days a search began, but as no distress signal had been received it was thought he was fine.  The only distress signals received were 3 short beeps, and Plant’s signal was to be four beeps.  The vessel was found, turtled (upside down), ironically with no ballast.  The Ballast, the weight BELOW the waterline, keeps the boat from capsizing.  It was discovered that not only did he NOT register his ‘radio’ signal, but he had not secured his ballast.  He was more concerned about what was visible to the world – that above the water line.  Jesus tells us that we need to be concerned about our relationship with God, and not about our possessions and appearances.  We are a child of God, and Jesus is our ballast, what is below the water line.  If you want to see how this relates to our current world situation, check out his message at the church’s website.  We need to connect to a source that will ultimately save us.  That would be Jesus.  It’s an amazing message – take time to listen! 

On this date in 1974, Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s home run record.  In 1983, David Copperfield made the Statue of Liberty disappear in front of 20 tourists.  And in 1756, the first fire escape was patented. 

We are mid-way through Holy Week.  Have you taken time to reflect on what this means to you?  God Bless… 

Some things are just a given, and unfortunately for Charlie Brown, baseball doesn’t seem to be his strong point. He does, however, get extra points for his passion, determination and absolute devotion to the game!  Right now, reading Peanuts cartoons about the neighborhood ‘sandlot’ games is about as close to baseball as you’ll get these days. 

Again today, Kath and I went to the 6am Walmart senior shopping event.  They did have people wait in a line outside the store, and counted people as they entered.  There were only about 2 dozen people there that early so we all got in.  The store was not crowded and totally open for shopping; no restrictions and no lane directions.  We got our shopping done, were home and I was showered all before 7am.  I made another batch of cauliflower cheesey soup.  Logan and I are the only ones who like it.  We also like meatballs, and I’m not a fan of the frozen ones.  I got a pound of ground meat and made my own, which I froze, and they will last several meals.  Now I can’t wait to have pasta again.  The boys are doing school work, Kelly is fluctuating back and forth between her facebook feed, the novel she’s reading, and being the home-school teacher/mom.  I have been answering emails, doing some online research, and listening to Micah McMillen from Old Mahoning Baptist church. 

Micah’s message was entitled Cheers, Jeers, and Tears.  It’s hard to actually take in all the pain, agony and heartbreak that Jesus went through during his last week on earth, but this agony led to victory which we as Christians celebrate daily.  He said that God equips us through our daily lives for the struggles we will go through, so we have experience in how to handle what we face.  The cheers, obviously, were during the triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  His main point in this was that when Jesus stopped to send his disciples to get the donkey, he gave them very specific directions and instructions.  Also, it should be noted that the disciples were obedient.  They did not argue or question; they did not think they had a better way to make this happen.  They obeyed.  They trusted Jesus enough to believe in his directives.  The jeers came from the crowd, who taunted and rejected Him, to which he responded with grace and patience.  How do we respond to the rejection and disagreements in our life?  Do we lash out, argue, insist on always being right?  (Anyone who knows me even a little knows that my favorite saying is:  It’s better to be kind than to be right)  The tears were during his time in the garden, in his persecution and his death.  His own tears mixed with those who loved and followed him.  They had no idea what they would do without their precious Friend.  In everything that happened during this Holy week, Jesus exhibited determination of will, compassion and mercy, and truth with grace.  We would do well to ‘go and do likewise.’   

On this date in 1805 Lewis and Clarke left Ft. Maden for the Pacific Ocean. In 1860 Will Kellogg was born in Battle Creek Michigan, and probably one of your favorite cereals was just around the corner!  In 1928 James Garner was born – oh, be still my beating heart!  He’s certainly one of my favorites.  And on this date in 2020, I received in the mail my very own DVD of ‘It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown!’  Can life get any better? 

As you move forward through Holy week, take time to reflect on the cheers, jeers and tears.  God Bless.

Snoopy’s very welcome and encouraging words today are from Psalm 118:24 – Rejoice and be glad.  Ironically, it really ties in with Kyle’s message today.  There is always a reason to rejoice and be glad; always something to be happy about and thankful for.  The list doesn’t have to be long.  Just one thing is enough.  Today Mom came over and helped us make pie dough cinnamon rolls.  After lunch we putsied around, went for a walk, and cleaned out the garage (to some degree).  It looks so nice.  Just needed a little organization.  Kelly and I took a long walk later in the afternoon and went up on the hill by Allison Drive.  The views up there are amazing (something to be happy about!!).  We are getting ready to eat dinner, probably pasta. 

Kyle Drown is the associate/youth pastor at my home church, Hempfield Church of Christ (links are in previous post).  If I could sum up the major point, it would be stones.  The cumulative sermons have been about Jesus setting his face to Jerusalem. (photo) He was on His way to celebrate the Passover in the city, and paused in Bethany to send his disciples to get a donkey for him to ride.  Kyle talked about the disciples and the crowds praising and worshiping and shouting – they could not keep silent.  When the pharisees heard this praise, they rebuked Jesus, saying that the crowd should not praise Him, but God only.  Jesus said, “I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”  This is what we should be doing daily – praising God, crying out.  Not just when things are good, not when everything is going our way, not when the world is safe and happy and together.  We should be crying out praises no matter what we are experiencing.  Kyle’s comment was that he didn’t want to live where Christians were silent. 

So I’m asking you, what does your witness sound/look like?  Do you log on to facebook (or whatever) and complain and express fear and anger?  Can you accept the challenge to post only happy, encouraging, praise-worthy statements? (as Kyle suggested)  If we are silent, will the stones cry out?  Maybe do a little thinking on what that could mean – or listen to Kyle’s message to find out.  We can do our part to be safe and sensible; stay home, wash your hands often, and praise the One who created and loves you more than you could ever know. Jesus wept for the city of Jerusalem.  He weeps for us and for our country, our world.  Because He loves us.  Whatever else you do, Praise, and Be Thankful. 

On this date in 1909, the first Credit Union was started in the US, and Robert Peary reached the North Pole.  Wonder if he saw Santa???  In 1971, US declares war on Germany; in 1930, Hostess Twinkies were invented.  Robert Clemente retired his number in 1973 on this date.  In 1868, Brigham Young married his 27th (???) wife.  I think that was probably 26 too many, but thankfully his last!  As we move through Holy Week, take time to reflect on the celebrations of Easter.  We have a lot to be thankful for and happy about.  Focus on those things!  God bless….

What a beautiful day!  The sun was shining, temperatures were warm.  The boys were playing online games with their friends (internet, not in person).  Kelly & I finished cleaning her van, then I pulled weeds and spent all afternoon cleaning up the gardens.  Still MILES to go but always a good feeling to have accomplished something worthwhile and to be outside.  Kelly sat on the deck and enjoyed the sunshine and her current book.  Linus, on the other hand, is very concerned about his teacher, Miss Othmar.  Whatever her issue is, I hope she gets it resolved.  Teachers and pupils are having a tough time about now in our current circumstances.  Kids (for the most part) miss school a lot more than they might let on! 

This morning Kelly, Logan, Chase and I listened to her minister, Rod, from Martin’s Ferry Christian Church.  There were several points that I took away from his lesson.  He chose several of my favorite verses.  But the associate minister, Justin, told a short story about Palm Sunday from the donkey’s point of view, which really drove home a point.  It boils down to the fact that the next morning the donkey went back into town, and went to the well, and the marketplace, and downtown – and no one recognized him.  He was frustrated and confused, as the day before he had received all the praise and accolade from the crowds, waving palm branches and laying cloaks on the ground.  He went home and told his mother, and she explained that it wasn’t about him.  It was about Jesus.  And sometimes we take the credit or glory for something when it’s not about us at all.  Worth thinking about.  But the first scripture Rod used was II Chronicles 7:14.  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.  What will it take to make us see our ‘wicked ways’, and turn back to God?  He wants our love and devotion.  Seems like that wouldn’t be much to ask in return for His love and healing.  The world isn’t easy, and it wasn’t for Jesus either.  We tend to forget that He was human in all ways we are, and He was tired and lonely and scorned and ignore and lied about and killed.  But He loves us still.  And as we are walking with Jesus, trying to find our way, we see that Jesus served those around Him.  He served the proud, selfish, haughty, undeserving, hateful  – and instead of insisting on His status as God’s son be recognized, He served – He washed their feet. 

The other verse he referred to was in John 14:  
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God^[a]; believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”  What an exciting thought!  I often just stop and think about what kind of room I would like, and what it will be like to be with Him.  And John 16:33 says In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.  What more can we even ask for.  In a world where everything is upside down and wrong and frightening, he gave us all these promises.  He came, and He gave, because He wants to be with us forever.  Jesus’ death opened the doors to heaven for us, even though we don’t deserve it.  Rod closed with the reference to the hymn IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL, which (if you read yesterday’s post) Greg included as a key point in his message.  Take hold of Jesus’ hand.  He will lift you up, give your comfort and peace.  And we will be with Him eternally.   

On this date in 1887, Anne Sullivan taught the word ‘water’ to Helen Keller.  In 1614, Pocahontas married John Rolfe.  In 1923, Firestone produced the first inflatable tires, and in the year 2063 (???) Earth had it’s first contact with extra terrestrial Vulcan species (Star Trek!) 

Today, Palm Sunday, began Jesus’ last week on earth, to complete the task he was born for.  Spend a few minutes each day thinking about how it would be to know what you were facing.  He did it for us.  The least we can do is to stand up for and by Him.  Have a blessed week.

Charlie Brown and Sally have a point.  Isn’t it difficult to find out what someone thinks of you?  As much as you want to know — you don’t ask!  But mostly, you just know!   

Today started early, after a tough night of trying to fall asleep.  I felt like I was fast-forwarding through all the info from Walmart headquarters and from Governor Wolf.  First it was too warm in my bedroom so I opened the window.  Then the furnace kicked on.  Ugh.  But I got up early enough to get gas for my mower, came home and didn’t even go inside.  Filled the tank and cut the grass!  THEN I sprayed myself with Lysol, threw my clothes in the washer and myself in the shower.  I love looking at my neat yard, and I really enjoy cutting grass.  Weed whacking is another story.  I helped Kelly clean out her van – partly – as we ran into an issue and had to postpone that project.  I pulled weeds for about an hour and a half, ate Abie & Bimbo’s pizza, and now am finishing up with my day.

Greg Pelc – Vanderbilt Church of Christ – was my message choice for the day.  I really enjoy messages with history and cultural facts built in.  His lesson was partly about Zacchaeus  and his determination to make everything right in his life.  Lots of great points and new angles.  We went from there to II Chronicles and the story of Hezekiah defending the city – and how he built a waterway, or tunnel, from a spring outside the city gates into the city, providing life-saving water for the city, which was now surrounded by the enemy.  Take this fact, fast forward to the late 1800’s, and learn about Horatio Spafford and his family and the deep tragedy they suffered.  Tie that in with the beloved Hymn IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL, and Horatio’s adopted son Jacob, and it’s an amazing story about the spirit of God reaching across time to connect us to lifegiving water.  It may not seem like it fits, but if you go to Vanderbilt Church of Christ link on facebook or vangerbiltchurchofchrist.com and click on the link, you will be amazed, inspired and motivated to want to see Jesus for yourself!   

AND – on this date in 1968 Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated in Memphis TN.  The world’s tallest building (110 stories), the World Trade Center, opened in New York in 1973, and in 1975 Microsoft Corporation was founded. 

Tomorrow is Palm Sunday – the beginning of Holy Week.  And even though we can’t worship together in a building, we can be together in love and spirit.  Take time to think about the triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and rejoice in God’s presence in your life!