Dear Reader:

Yesterday, with the conclusion of the January 6 Committee’s final public meeting … with recommendations for four criminal charges concerning the Capitol attack… being sent to the Justice Department… a dark day in American History and democracy ended.. except for the long-lingering memory.

And regardless of the Justice Department’s future stance… as a history teacher… no one will ever be able to erase the horror of the actions taken that day. Democracy run amuck for all the country to witness. It was just not in peril of being destroyed but also desecrated… as its history will show you.

I decided to spend some time researching the history of the US Capitol-using historian David Barton’s well -documented talents. Imagine my surprise when I read: ” Three weeks before Christmas, on December 4, 1800, Congress approved the use of the Capitol Building as a CHURCH building! “

* From Thomas Jefferson to Abraham Lincoln, many Presidents attended church at the Capitol… often as many as 2000 people in attendance! Wow!

* From 1800-1857-church services were held in various locations inside the Capitol Building

* Then from 1857-1869 services were held in the newly built House Chamber. In fact, the first official use of the building , as we recognize it today… as the House Chamber, had the first church service on December 13, 1857.

After 69 years of church services… they stopped and no historian could find out why… then Dan Cummins, a preacher from a small town in Texas became involved in an historical religious research program and became acquainted with several members of Congress … being asked to return to lead different sessions in prayer.

So today the Wednesday night services have returned ( thanks to Cummins) and ” Carols in the Capitol” started in Statuary Hall in 2017.

So until tomorrow.. ” I have placed before you an open door/that no one can shut.”

If we truly are listening to God … we will find the doors opened for us to complete our unique task on earth.

Today is my favorite day… Winnie the Pooh

Look who came to fill in for Honey this year… daughter Tarshie and hubby Tyler! So sweet! Adorable couple!

I moved Lisa’s wreath to my desk to make room for the Apple Tree!