Today was a busy work day.  I had lots of things to do; lots of demands on my time and attention. By the time I was done, I just wanted to get home.  I didn’t want to stop anywhere or run any errands.  Next week, maybe.  I needed comfort food when I got home – so I had hot tea and a chocolate chip scone for lunch.  It was ‘finish cleaning’ day, so I picked up Autmn and we knocked that off in a fair amount of time.   Mom came about 5:30pm, and Kath and Paul are having their holiday weekend.  They SO need to have some time to themselves!  The three of us (Mom, Autmn and I) will be hanging out here until Sunday evening – cooking, baking, mowing, even a fire-pit supper for Saturday if it all works out.

I listened to Rod at Martin’s Ferry Church.  His message was It’s Friday, but Sunday’s Coming!  When we are in the midst of confusion, fear, hopelessness, loss – – – It feels like we are alone, and we will never get past the hard days.  But we need to remember that there will be troubles and problems, but sometimes we just have to work through the pain.  It’s going to be there.  The amazing, wonderful truth is that we never walk alone.  Psalms 121 says our help comes from the Lord.  If we look, we can find good in unexpected places.  God doesn’t disappoint!  He will be with us even through the sorrow and the storms.  Count on it!

On this day in 1881 Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross.  In 1914 the Greyhound Bus Company began in Minnesota, and in 1916 Britain began “Summer Time” (Daylight Savings Time).  In 1918 the US House of Representatives passed an amendment allowing women to vote.  If you look back at yesterday’s post, you will see the ‘end of the story’:  Charles Lindbergh landed in Paris in 1927 and in 1932 Amelia Earhart landed in Northern Ireland.  In 2017 Barnum and Bailey Circus performed for the last time after 146 years.  In 1950 Mr. T was born; in 1960 Jeffrey Dahmer (serial killer) was born.  And today, Sherree Johnson  (Nate’s girlfriend Jen’s mom – Jen and Sherree pictured here!) is celebrating her birthday with a plethora of dogs and cats (Ninth Life Rescue) and who know what else!  Happy birthday, Sherree – have a great day! 

If life seems overwhelming and distressing – hang on and keep hoping, for it’s NOT hopeless.  It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming!  God bless. . .

It ended up being a bit of a busy day for me today.  It was so windy when I got up I opted for the treadmill rather than a walk outside. Mom and I made corn muffins to have with our lunch – we took a little walk and socially distanced in talks with a few of our neighbors.  It’s nice to get out, even though we felt like we might just blow back down the street.  After dropping mom back at Kathy’s I took a small deposit over to the bank, then came home and cleaned part of the house.  Finished that in time to put out some patriotic decorations:  red/white/blue lights to line the balcony, some window stickees, indoor lights as well.   

I listened to Mike at my home church (Hempfield).  We are still reading through Acts, and the message was the church being the church.  There were no rules or guidelines – just live out their faith and the teachings they had learned from Jesus, as well as the power they received from the Holy Spirit.  Mike pointed out four things (found in Acts):  1) the church was devoted to the teachings they knew (and they taught them forward), devoted to fellowship together, devoted to communion, and devoted to prayer.  Those are things that we are/should be devoted to as well.  2) they were filled with awe as to who God was and what the apostles could accomplish with the power they received. 3) they were together every day and had everything in common – practiced benevolence. 4) The Lord added to their numbers daily (therefore, they were sharing the gospel and people were believing!)  All of these things are the core of what our life of service as a church family should be. I’m thankful to belong to a body of believers who DO believe and practice these things!   

On this day in 1927, Charles Lindbergh took off from New York for Paris aboard the Spirit of St. Louis – first non-stop trans-Atlantic flight.  Ironically, in 1932, Amelia Earharttook off on the journey across the Atlantic to become the first woman to fly solo non-stop.  In 2015 David Letterman hosted the “Late Show’ for the last time after 33 years.  Christopher Columbus died in 1506 at age 54; Marquis de Lafayette died at age 76  in 1834.  Jimmy Stewart was born in Indiana Pennsylvania (right down the road, sort of!) in 1908, and Cher was born in 1946.  And today Byron Gurnee, the pastor at Keepville Bible Church (where my parents are members – John is the oldest congregant!) celebrates a birthday today, as well.  Happy birthday, Byron, and many more.  Thanks for all you do, every day!   

Take some time give thanks for the people in your church family.  What a blessing to be part of God’s family!

What a change in the weather.  It was party sunny but cooler and very, very windy.  My door mat blew off the porch about 4 times and I had to chase it.  Not a comfortable day to be outside for long, but I did take a morning walk.  Kathy and I did our usual Tuesday morning grocery trip, but instead of going to work afterwards, I went to the historical society.  They were mailing out their member magazines and I helped label, bundle and sort them.  It was like a vacation!  We were safely social distancing, but it was nice to be with friends and talk about each other’s lives and (limited) activities.  From there I did end up getting called to work for an hour or so.  Was able to pick up the rest of the pond stone to finish the herb garden – I hope.  A weekend project if possible.  Made a meatloaf for supper and now I’m watching a favorite Hallmark movie. 

I took advantage of the quiet evening to listen to Greg Pelc’s message at Vanderbilt church.  We are still studying the Lord’s Prayer, and today’s message was entitled Direction and Movement.  ‘Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’  As Jesus taught those listening to pray, he was ‘God’ telling us what ‘God’ wants to hear!  Exactly how to pray.  Jesus will lead us, because we are like sheep.  You have to push cattle to get them where you want them to go; you LEAD sheep.  We often think of tests as temptations, but that is not so.  We are all tempted and we can’t stop that process, but we can control our reaction.  A temptation can be a test, but tests are NOT temptations.  Tests show US where we stand, so we can see where we need improvement or encouragement.  We ask that we not give in to our temptations, but as we wait on the movement that will deliver us, he gives us protection.   The movement is based on our faith; we must stay focused.  Read the story of David’s deliverance from King Saul!

On this day in 1536 Anne Boleyn was beheaded in the Tower of London.  In 2018 Meghan Markle married Prince Harry.  Nathaniel Hawthorne died at age 59 in 1964, and Jackie Kennedy Onassis died of cancer at age 64 in 1994. 

Our faith helps us resist temptation and follow the movement away from evil.  Pray and praise and pray again!  Jesus himself taught us how.  God bless….

What a beautiful day!  Two or even three in a row!  All that nasty weather predicted and here we had lovely weather.  I enjoyed every minute I could.  Today was an early morning walk outside, scones for breakfast, then picked up Mom.  We (??) washed and swept out the car, did laundry, painted a basket purple, swept the garage, and then  met Renee, a new care-giver to help Mom with a few things a few hours a week.  Every little help helps!  I worked for several hours this evening to catch up from their busy weekend. 

The message I’m sharing today is from Micah at Old Mahoning.  His message was about Moses leading God’s children to (but not into) the promised land.  Moses could not lead them in, as he misjudged a commandment and did not obey God.  Basically, we have to trust God’s direction even when we don’t understand.  He also (my favorite part!) talked about the reset button, and how when things fall apart and you can’t move forward, or your computer program fails, you often have to hit reset.  What will you do when you can start fresh and restart your life, your schedules, your choices?  Will you choose to repeat everything you were doing just the way you did before?  That isn’t resetting – it’s repeating. We have a unique chance to review what we have been doing in our lives, how effective it’s been, and how ESSENTIAL it’s been (are you tired of that word yet???).  Let’s evaluate our lives, what they have been up to now, and how they could be better.  We have a chance to look at what God has been trying to tell us – and if he’s been saying NO, exchange your plans for God’s plans!  Be strong and of good courage.  We need to have good roots and the armor of God, and remember we are never alone.   

On this date in1860 the republican party nominated Abraham Lincoln for president.  In 1897 Dracula by Bram Stoker was published, and in 1980 Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington state. Tina Fey was born in 1970 and Elizabeth Montgomery of Bewitched fame died in 1995 at age 62 from cancer.   

So when you start filling up your calendar pages and your schedules, be sure to hit the reset button and take time to make good choices and wise plans – and don’t just hit repeat!  Blessings….

Today I played things backwards a little bit.  After my happy, sunny morning walk, I showered, had scones for breakfast, and took the wheel barrow over to Nate.  From there I stopped at Lowe’s for pond stone.  That was a fiasco.  I got in line, which was 20 people deep, and when I got to the check out they couldn’t find the scan number.  I waited 10 minutes and no one showed up, so I went back and took pictures of the bar code and got in line a second time.  By the time I paid and drove over to the pick up area, a truck pulled in to unload.  It took some moving around, but finally got my stones and got home.  It was a beautiful day!  75*  and a bit breezy.  After lunch I tackled week whacking the yard.  That weed whacker is my nemesis!  We have NEVER gotten along.  It takes me hours to weed whack; 25 minutes to mow the entire yard!  I go through 3 or 4 spools of thread before the job is done, but after blowing everything clean the yard looks wonderful.  I spread the stones around the edge of the herb garden.  I may try to get enough bags to finish that section, maybe next week.  The backward part of my day was that I did my chores in the morning and listened to church in the late afternoon.

I listened to three messages this afternoon, and today I will share the thoughts of Bramwell Kjellgren from First Baptist Church in Greensburg.  I met Bram at a YOUNG AT HEART event in February, and was very glad to hear they were going to live stream their service.  The message was Jesus with us through the storms of life.  As Jesus slept, a fierce storm swept across the sea.  The disciples were experienced fishermen and boaters but could not handle the boat in the wind and waves.  They woke Jesus, and ask him if he didn’t care that that could drown.  He asked them about their faith – he rebuked the wind and the waves, and immediately the sea was calm.  Even though they thought they knew Jesus, they were surprised, asking themselves ‘Who is this man that the winds and the waves obey his voice?’  Jesus does not prevent the storms of life, but he has promised to never leave or forsake us.  He will be with us through the storms of our life.  We are often frightened and uncertain, but Jesus is always beside us.  He does’t calm the storm; he calms us through the storm.   

On this date in 1881 the revised version of the new testament was issued;  in 1944 General Eisenhower sets D Day for June 5th.  In 1886 John Deere (founder of Deere corporation) dies at age 82, and in 2015 Taylor Swift wins Top Artist of the Billboard Music Awards.   

This COVID virus has everyone’s lives turned upside down; some of us are frustrated at the restrictions still existing around us, and some are frustrated that so many businesses and activities are opening.  So in the midst of all the uncertainty, remember that God is beside us during these storms;  he can calm us through our storms.  God Bless.

Yesterday I promised myself that I would not throw myself back into the fray – but I actually did almost that exact thing.  I was determined to have a slow and easy day but get things accomplished that I have long put off.  My first chore (after a morning walk, changing bed sheets, shower and breakfast) was to replenish some household items – badly needed.  I did stop at Craftique, and thankfully they had what I needed (since early March!) and the store wasn’t crowded at all.  Next was Aldi’s – just a 10 minute run-in for a few items there.  By that time I was hungry and it was past lunch time.  The last of the potato soup made a quick lunch, then returned a quick phone call to John.  Kathy had told me that Arona Road Greenhouse had creeping phlox – but they had just sold out!  Bummer.  Maybe next year.  However, their plants are amazingly wonderful, so rather than getting annuals like petunias or daisies or marigolds, I put this year’s flower budget into 12 little pots of various spreading ground cover.  The hill was in sad need of a sprucing up.  It may take a year or two (or four or five) but I am hopeful these hearty plants will fill in and finish off the garden.  I spent about 2 1/2 hours digging holes, planting, tucking, and watering.  Of course I finished off the day by cutting the grass.  I saved the weed whacking and the sweeping up for the next nice day.  Made myself a slider for supper and that will finish my chores for the day. 

As I ran out of messages to listen to, I took my ‘verse-a-day’ scripture from the morning to reflect on.  It’s from Isaiah 40:31 – They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength.  They shall mount up with wings of eagles; they shall run and not be weary, walk and not faint. 

 I love this verse; it’s an easy one to take to heart.  The hard part is waiting!  I can always manage the running and walking and hope for the flying but not without losing my strength.  I’m thankful the Lord is patient with me, and shows me daily that if I seek him and his direction, my strength will not fail me, and I shall mount up with wings. The winds of his love, grace, and direction takes me to where I need to be! 

On this day in 1866 Charles E Hires invented Hires Root Beer.  In 1868 the US Senate failed to impeach President Andrew Johnson by one vote (Some things don’t change much).  In 1986 Top Gun (Tom Cruise) premiered.  In 1905 Henry Fonda was born, and Liberace in 1919.  In 1836 Edgar Allan Poe married his 13 year old cousin Virginia Clemm (Hmmmm).  Jim Henson of the Muppets fame died at age 53 in 1990. 

The next time you feel weary or aimless, stop and see if you are waiting or running ahead.  It makes all the difference.  God bless – – –

What an absolutely beautiful day here!  The weather was very warm but breezy, with barely a sprinkle of rain about 2pm.  Mom and I were outside all day except to eat lunch.  We even ate our mid-afternoon snack on the back deck.  I had to handle a few work-related and medical related items first thing; then send out a few pieces of mail.  I dug out the roots of the sprout from the bridal bush in my front yard for a neighbor – glad I could share and I hope it grows for them.  Picked up sticks in front yard, pulled some weeds, and spread 6 bags of brown mulch.  It looks so nice!  I can’t mulch the hill, as it washes down into the yard at the first rain!  I’ll have to come up with another idea for that.  Picked up 7 small pots of rapidly spreading ground cover and hoping they all live up to their name.  Also have a big patch of oregano that needs thinned out so will move some of that to the hill as well.  Projects for the rest of the weekend.  I don’t intend to jump fully back into the fray but I do have 2 things to get at a store that’s been closed since March.  That should keep me busy through Monday, anyway.  And maybe a trip to Arona Road Greenhouse is in order as well.  Planting flowers could be a project for mom and I later in the week. 

The message for today was from Rod at the Martin’s Ferry church in Ohio – They are not under the same restrictions as PA and have been able to reconvene for services – using safe distancing and sanitation procedures.  Rod’s sermon was about ‘Happy home, happy life.’ – appropriate for Mother’s day.  His opening thought was:  Would you make more of an effort if you were being observed in your home environment for a year?  Probably you would.  So point one was that you WOULD put more effort into your relationships, and submit to one another; it’s not one sided.  It would involve serving.  Look after each other’s wishes and needs and wants.  Point two was more intimacy.   Not just physical.  Intimate in your heart, and mind and soul, and being one with each other.  It’s social, physical, spiritual – sharing trust and love.  Three – parents would teach and train more.  Be consistent.  You need to discipline, not punish.  Discipline is for the child’s good; punishment brings satisfaction to the parents (teacher, etc).  Bring your child up in the Lord; be an example.  Teach them AS you walk with them.  Don’t tell them and then leave them to fend for themselves.  Don’t exasperate your children!  Point four was CHILDREN, obey your parents!  They are given charge over you and will be held accountable.  And the promise is that if you do obey and honor, your days will be long on the earth!   Our families are ordained by God – what a blessing! 

On this day in 1957 Billy Graham launched his Crusade at Madison Square Garden in front of 18,000 people.  Emily Dickinson died at age 55 in 1886, and June Carter Cash died at age 73 in 2003.  On this date TODAY we are half way through the month of May.     

So back to the first statement:  If someone was watching you in your home for a whole year, would you do anything differently?  Well, someone is watching you – every day, your entire life!  God watches and cares and encourages and guides us.  Maybe we should try to act like we believe that!  God bless…

Today was warm but went from rainy to cloudy to sunny and back around.  Early morning walk was at least dry.  We took Mom to her first doctor’s appointment with her new local physician.  He was very thorough and everyone was pleased.  Another step in mom’s care plan initiated – as it were – by her daughters!  I worked at the Greensburg store for a short time, came home to clean the rest of my house, and then picked up my new glasses.  Purple, of course.  They are very comfortable and I can see both close and distance. Picked up a few bags of mulch, but I know it won’t be enough for what I need.  Can’t transport too much at a time!  Grilled cheese with chipped ham for supper. 

Today I am sharing Mike’s message from Hempfield church.  The sermon series is from Acts – and about the promise and gift of the holy spirit – Jesus had a plan, and he hand chose and taught his disciples to equip them for the job he had for them.  That job was to spread the gospel, and for that they would need power.  As the disciples stood and looked toward the heavens after Jesus ascended, the angel asked them why they were just standing there gazing.  They had their instructions.  Are WE in the last days prophesied in the new testament?  Why are WE just standing here gazing?  We have hope, and we have a job to do.  Jesus’ miracles proved his accreditation – and His death fulfilled God’s will.  God was in control, and it’s impossible to go against God’s plan.  After the Holy Spirit filled the apostles, Peter preached to the crowds.  They cried in anguish and distress:  What shall we DO?  They obeyed Peter’s directives and over 3000 believed and obeyed that day.   We have been given the power of the Holy Spirit – we are equipped to do God’s will.  We are disciples too – and we can go and teach.  We have a job.   

On this day in 1643 Louis XIV becomes king of France at age 4.  In 1787 delegates gathered in Philadelphia to draw up the US Constitution.  In 1919 H. J. Heinz died at age 74; and Frank Sinatra died at age 82 in 1998.  And congratulations to my cousin Deb and her husband Jim:  Their daughter Emily and husband Eric gave birth to a beautiful baby boy last night – Silas James!  Congrats and best wishes to the happy family!  Even in the midst of stress and distress blessings abound!   

If you get the chance to check out Mike’s message on facebook (Hempfield Church of Christ) watch to the very end – there is a beautiful tribute to Mothers! God bless . . .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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