My security system hasn't been working properly for the past couple of nights.  Funny thing is, I don't have a security system!  Gary, my husband, is my home security system and he's been out of town this week.   I don't quite sleep as soundly or as peacefully when he's not home.  Guess it has to do with the almost thirty years we've been married, but as soon as he returns from a trip, I find myself physically exhausted. 

It's not that I'm afraid.  Over the years I've found Psalm 121 to be comforting and assuring that God is ultimately my security, but living in a big house and the kids being grown and gone, I simply hear all the noises and sounds that are commonplace.  It is; however, cause to count my blessings.  The fact that Gary is alive and well and is returning home today. 

After walking with a good friend this morning, I realized that there are many women whose husbands work out of town for long periods of time.  They have to shoulder all the responsibility and, as this sweet Christian friend said earlier to me, "my best friend isn't around."  How beautifully phrased!  Gary is my best friend and I've missed sharing the commonplace, everyday events with him over dinner.  Of course, we have talked by phone, but it's the hugs and personal touch that make our marriage successful and bonds us as one.

I'm also excited that my friend is only in this period of her life for a little while.  God teaches us life's lessons in a variety of ways and this has been new training ground for her....a period of "stretching" and God has already revealed new experiences and a hunger for old interests. 

We are clay in the potter's hand.  He continues to mold and shape as we travel on life's journey.  I am finding that the journey isn't over and the shaping isn't complete until God calls me to my eternal home.  Isn't it exciting that God doesn't care how old we are or what we've already accomplished?  There is still much work to be done for the Kingdom of God.....may we learn to rest in the arms of the ultimate security system!

Hi, my friends...I had an experience yesterday that reminded me of my obligation as a Christian and the cause of Christ.  As many of you might already know, I'm a Facebook participate.  Yes, a friend of mine "back home" suggested last April that I become a member and that I would be able to "talk" with a lot of my "old" friends.  I did and I have reconnected with many friends from high school and those I've met along life's highway since graduation. 

I've even become "friends" with family members.  Well, one of the postings I received recently casually used the Lord's name in vain.  Probably innocently, but it was there in black and white.  It was as if someone caught me off guard and I lost my footing.  I just sat there and looked at the wording and thought....should I respond?  Shouldn't I just let it go? 

Well, you can guess that thought process didn't go very far.  I don't know why I sometimes become this little bulldog out to protect my master, especially since my master is the Master of the Universe (like He really needs MY help), but I do.  My God, my Lord, my Master is worthy of all the praise, glory and stand up I can offer.  So, I responded.  In a few short words, I kindly ask that the Lord's name be given a little more respect.

The result?  An apology and an immediate removal of the phrasing.  I'd like to think that this was a reminder to this sweet individual who wouldn't do anything to hurt my feelings, that God is due reverence.  His name is holy and we need to stop letting others think otherwise.

"Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains.  Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."  Ephesians 6:19-20

As I was thinking about the title of today's blog, I thought about Mr. Rogers and his little song about the neighborhood.  What a delightful man who certainly portrayed the essence of yesterday's blog always seeing the cup full and overflowing with God's goodness! 

So, what do I write this morning since the day only began?  Well, rising earlier today to beat the yellowjackets to my flowers in desperate need of water, I donned my sweatshirt and sneakers and headed out with water hose in hand to accomplish this task. It's so incredibly peaceful early in the morning.  Beth Moore, a very well known Christian speaker, has written about getting up early for her devotions and sitting outside for her time alone with God.  Of course she lives in Texas so she probably has a lot of mornings during the year to be outside, but I do love breathing in fresh air and seeing all the beauty God has provided for us, especially during the fall.

I'm looking forward to meeting a friend for lunch today.  She's a precious woman of God that hilariously tells her adventures of travel and gives God the glory for everything.  I enjoy being with sisters in Christ who possess this gift of thankfulness.  So today, I pray for each one of you a day filled with wonder....look about you and thank God for His glorious creation made especially by Him for us!  "How many are your works, O Lord!  In wisdom you made them all: the earth is full of your creatures."  Psalm 104:24

It's another glorious day here in southwestern Pennsylvania.  The sun is shining, humidity is low and a warm breeze is blowing through my windows.  The nights are starting to cool down and that makes for really great sleeping!  In fact, in these days before my substitute teaching days start multiplying, I've found it' terribly hard to crawl out of the bed before daylight breaks through....boy, am I in for a shock when the clock rings at 5:30 a.m.!

As I began reading my devotional material for today, the subject dealt with being joyful.  Even when our circumstances dictate otherwise, our Christian life and hope in our magnificient God should cause us to be incredibly joyful, finding pleasure in the simple blessings of life.  So, I'm choosing to be thankful and joyful today.  Of course, the weather is great and I have a day off, but I want the remembrance of today to permeate my thoughts in the middle of January when the weather in southwestern Pennsylvania isn't what it is on September 15th! 

My prayer for all of you today is a lovely, JOY FILLED day!  "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.  Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.  For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield."  Psalm 5:11-12

I just received a video from a good friend of mine "back home"....it was the taping of her eldest grandson being baptized by his dad, her son.  Wow, I can't even imagine what that must have felt like as the grandma!  My friend, Carol, and I have many experiences of growing up in Lynchburg, Virginia.  We attended the same church for years and years as our parents were involved in ministry.  In fact, our families are listed as charter members.

Carol's dad, K.B. Newton, was our choir/music director.  He was, in my mind, the best choir director I've ever had the privilege of singing for in that little church, Hyland Heights Baptist.  Today the church is growing and is a beacon on that same hillside where a handful of people felt God's calling to start a new church. 

Our lives, Carol and mine, are products of that calling.  We've been raised by pillars of the church, not perfect, mind you, but parents that did the best they could to pass on their beliefs and teachings as they had received concerning the things of God.  Carol and I, in turn, have done the same.  Her only child is a wonderful man that is in ministry full time as a pastor in the Atlanta area.  As he and his wife have passed on their beliefs and their eldest son has accepted Christ and was baptized.  The circle of life continues, but more importantly, our Christian life....who we are....what we believe....the power of a mighty, awesome God is being passed to future generations.  I look forward, if God so wills, to be in the audience to see my future grandchildren walk through the waters of baptism.  Awesome, Carol!

"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your house and on your gates."  Deuteronomy 6: 6-9

After a cloudy, misty day on Saturday, the sun is out in force today.  The blue skies are revealing an early fall day as the leaves begin to fall quietly and show signs of changing colors at their very tip-top!  The humidity is low and makes for a great day to exercise!! 

However, our first course of action this morning was attending church.  I love church....guess it might be because that's all I've ever known to do on Sundays.  I was raised in a very conservative Southern Baptist background and we attended church every Sunday morning, Sunday evening, Wednesday night prayer meeting and Thursday night visitation!  Yep, we were church goers.....but more than that, it cemented my faith and obedience to God's Word when He says we should not forsake the assembling together as Christian brothers and sisters.

I look forward to seeing all those smiling faces, receiving hugs and hardy handshakes that indicate I'm included in the body of Christ.  Even in times of distress and sadness, these are the same faces of individuals who surround me with love, concern and prayer.  They are the body of Christ, literally, and I'm honored God chose me to be in this place at this time in my life.  I might move at some point (in fact, I used to send God nudges about a need to change my address all the time), but for now, I'm here.  Thank you, Jesus, for giving me another day to worship and celebrate with my brothers and sisters in Christ.....in Pittsburgh, PA!

Gary and I attended the wedding of one of our son, Nicholas', best friends today.  The wedding took place at Deep Creek, Maryland on the lake.  The ceremony was performed next to the water and a large lake house was rented for all the rest of the festivities.  There was a large tent with twinkling mini-lights everywhere and the food was delicious.  It was another grand occasion.  I'll have to admit one of my favorite parts was the best man's toast....it was given by Nicholas and had all of us rolling in laughter as he recounted past events in their lives as friends.

I would ask your prayers for this new couple as they will be headed to Sudan the end of November to serve with Samaritan's Purse.  Jordan has worked with this organization for several years and now he is taking his bride to the mission field.  God bless, my friends.

Leaving behind a rainy D.C. this morning, Gary and I headed back to the 'burg!  It was a wonderful trip as I spent yesterday touring D.C. and roaming throughout the Air & Space Museum.  My intent was to visit the Art Museum, the American History Museum and the Washington Monument, but alas, I got side-tracked, which often happens.

I did get on a tour of the Capitol and that was extremely informative....that is, after I finally got inside the building.  Evidently, the Vice-President was swearing in a Senate confirmed appointee and the entourage of vehicles that accompanies his arrival is mind boggling!  There were policemen on foot guarding the perimeter of the Capitol (where the ceremony was taking place), a motorcyle escort with lights flashing and sirens blowing and numerous black vehicles whizzing by like they were going to a fire....well, you get the idea.  All I could think was, "my tax dollars at work!" All of this in order to get one man in one location! 

The tour guides at the Capitol are, as you would expect, well trained and spit out dates and details as if they were a history book.  If you get a chance to visit D.C. go on a tour or better yet, contact your State Senator and ask for a personal tour.  Sometimes the Senator will accompany you and you'll get to see sights that are not on a "regular" tour.  That's my next move....I'm contacting my Senator!

I wish I could tell you everything I did, read and saw, but time and space doesn't allow my intimate account of the events.  But I would suggest you google Alan Bean, one of the Apollo 12 astronauts.  This history maker is a phenomenal artist and has some of the most interesting and entertaining pieces of artwork I've ever seen.  He paints from firsthand experience his remembrances of walking on the moon and includes pieces of his NASA badges and "moondust" within each work of art!

Now, for my final experience.  As you know, we are living in Pittsburgh and we are avid Steeler fans.  Last night, unfortunately, we were away from the City of Champions for their first game of the season which also happened to be a home game.  Although we are not season ticket holders, we enjoy being in the City for the "big" games.  To kick off the first game of the season, our game was being nationally televised.  There was a free concert at Point State Park beginning at 4:00 with Tim McGraw and the Black-Eyed Peas.  Now, I'm not a "Pea" fan, but Tim McGraw???  Let's say I was a bit sad to be in D.C. 

Anyway, during my tour at the Capitol, as I was displaying my pride with my Steeler Super Bowl t-shirt, one of the young people who works at the Capitol commented about the shirt and the game.  So I took the opportunity to ask if there was a place locals gathered for the game....perhaps a Steeler bar?  After all, I hear all the time about Steeler fans being all over the nation. 

Absolutely, was the answer I received!  I was given the name of the bar and directions and told that only Steeler fans frequent the place, especially on game days.  This bar was called the "Pour House" so Gary and I set off on foot, upon his arrival from work, to walk several blocks to be with other people who enjoy Steeler football.  Well, friends, these "people" were die-hard fans!  All Steeler attire, terrible towels flying everywhere, standing room only, young and old Steeler fans crowded three stories of one building in downtown D.C. to root on the black & gold!  It was totally amazing!  Of course, they were cheering and jumping all over the place, giving one another high-fives for good plays and shouting aloud to the screen on bad plays.  My thought as I walked away last night?  The Steeler nation is alive and well at the Pour House in Washington, D.C.!

Gary and I arrived late yesterday and after checking into our hotel we enjoyed a nice, long dinner.  It was good to relax and exchange conversation about the day.  We then walked the Mall area in D.C.  It's a great sight to stand in the middle of the Mall and view the Washington Monument at one end and the Capitol Building at the other....especially at night.  There were lots of police cars in the area and we remembered that the President was speaking to the nation from inside the Capitol last night, hence all the activity.

D.C. is an awesome City to visit....but, I'm not sure, being the country bumpkin that I am, that I'd like to live here.  Of course, some of you will say that I live in Pittsburgh, so what's the difference?  There two immediate thoughts that come to mind...the Steelers and the Penguins...need I say more?

Well, I'm off....to breakfast and then the museums....or maybe I'll find a comfortable chair and continue reading my first book of the entire year that I began yesterday.  I've usually got many books under my belt this time of year, but I think a little wedding slowed me down.  It was good to read for pleasure and I think I'm going to be tempted again today!

God bless, my friends!

We are off and running again!  Currently, I am writing to you from Baltimore, MD.  It's a great day and Gary and I had a wonderful trip this morning.  This afternoon Gary and I will proceed to D.C. for the next 24 hours or so.  I can't wait to spend the day visiting the museums of D.C. and walking around one of the most historic cities in the nation!  I might try to take in some activities at the Capitol..wonder if they need some advice?  Prayer, maybe??  

I hope to have some interesting details for my readers on Thursday, but for today I'd like to request prayer for a dear friend of mine in Pittsburgh who received some disturbing news yesterday about her mom.  Please hold my friend close to your heart in prayer in the coming days.  God is sufficient in all our valleysand thank the Lord we never walk alone!  God bless, my friends.