April 19 2020

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.