April 30 2020

Today is Thursday, and Snoopy is looking forward to the weekend – as we all are.  But then again, I heard today that the new week consists of yesterday, today and tomorrow!  That’s about it.  One day just flows into another!  But I have been keeping busy and always seem to have a project on the back burner, and Saturday is still my day for projects.  Today I worked (safely) for a few hours, came home and cleaned the rest of my house, scrubbed the recliner (yuck), touched up some paint in the family room, and finished a good book.  Also listened to a notary webinar, which  of course was pure joy!  Yikes! 

This afternoon I listened to Micah from Old Mahoning Baptist, and the message was ‘Play to Win’ from II Timothy.  Paul admonishes young Timothy, as well as all of us, to play to win:  We  can participate (either play hard or be slacking) or just watch.  He encourages us to persevere during difficult times, play by the rules, and keep our eyes focused on Christ – or the prize.  What is the prize?  The crown of righteousness, eternal life.  He says to run ‘the’ race, not ‘a’ race; there is only one race, and there is not a choice. Don’t fight for the wrong cause.  But who are we fighting?  It is a spiritual battle.  We fight physical battles every day.  The race that Paul speaks to Timothy about is our life, every single day.  God gives us all we need to play and win, and if we keep the faith, we WILL win!  If you stay in the race, you have won already. 

On this date in 1789 George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States.  In 1904 the ice cream cone debuted at the St. Louis world’s fair.  In 1945 Hitler and his wife committed suicide and in 1997 Ellen DeGeneres declares publicly that she is gay.  In 1952 Mr. Potato Head is the first toy advertised on television. 

And as for birthdays, we have three CELEBRITY birthdays today.  First is the father of my children, Stoney Burke, who was born on this date in 1936, and passed away in August of 1991.  Second is my former boss of 52 years, Jim Smail.  Happy, happy birthday, Jim!  Sorry I wasn’t there to ‘sneak’ a card up to your desk for you to discover later in the morning.  And lastly my dear friend Teresa Shanta.  We have shared great times and hard times, laughter and tears, and went on lots of discovery outings together.  Can’t wait until we can get back to doing that again!  Happy Birthday, Teresa! 

As you walk through the week, know that your walk, every single day, counts for a LOT – Just keep going!  God Bless…