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Praise Him in the heights!
Psalm 148:1 (ESV)

Recommended Reading
Psalm 148:1-4

How high is Mount Everest? For years, we've been taught that the highest peak in the world tops out at 29,028 feet. But critics have recently claimed that the exact height is 29,008. Others have suggested the summit rises to 29,035 feet. Earlier this year, the government of Nepal announced a new measurement would be made using the most modern satellite technology. So stay tuned. Those few disputed feet are important to the thousands of brave souls who have conquered the summit since Sir Edmund Hillary stood there in 1953.

Most of us will never hike to the top of Mount Everest, but we ascend to even greater heights whenever we're caught up in the joy of thanksgiving and praise. We're in rare air when we're breathing in the lofty atmosphere of joy and gratitude. We're dwelling above the heads of 99 percent of the world when we learn to see blessings amid the problems, count our mercies instead of our miseries, and thank God in all things knowing that this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us.

Live in the heights today. Be thankful.

From the depth of sin and sadness to the heights of joy and gladness Jesus lifted me.
Julia H. Johnston, hymnist

Thank you, Jeanne, for those great thoughts to start our new week in here.  Talking about mountains reminds me to tell you all that we have been so blessed with great weather all along the way on this trip.  They tell us we are very fortunate, as usually at this time of year, the weather is not nearly so nice.  God has just been smiling on us, and I thank Him each day.

We are all packed except for the few things that go in after dressing in the morning.  We will get on a bus and go to Lucerne for our last few days.  We are hoping the problems at Heathrow Airport don't cause us to miss our connection in Denver, but if so, we will work it out.  It was hard tonight to say goodbye to our new friends from Virginia.  The other couple, from California, will be with us in Lucerne, so don't have to bid them farewell just yet.

I don't know if the hotel in Lucerne will have wifi, if not, this will be my last message to you all until I am home in Kansas again.  We are the only people from Kansas on this ship!

Good night!

Good chilly, wet afternoon to y'all! And, they say this is the Sunny South!!! Well, today, that sun's hiding behind all those low, dark gray clouds.

Ah, well, rains during this season replenish our water table, and also give all those lush green lawns and trees the water they need.

So, today's a stay-in day, now that I'm back home from 2 church services.

It was great to be with friends in both services and to eat with some of the second service friends for lunch. When I eat oriental foods, I often think of Mieka and send a little prayer heavenward for her. The food was excellent and the fellowship even better.

From the time I left for first service, the temp has dropped from 68 down to 43, so looks like maybe we'll have our first taste of winter during this week.

I agree, Jeanne, thank you so much for that devotional. Isn't it wonderful that, no matter our circumstances, we can "in all things give thanks."

Much love to everyone,
Ruth Ann

Thank you Jeanne.

   Good late evening to all.  Today was a wonderful day as we were able to get to the first part of our own church service then had to leave as today was our last choir day for 2011 this is the large choir that I have been in for at least more than 6 or 7 years or more and it is a barber shop type choir but we do use some background music for a few songs.   We also were invited to have our lunch with one of our bridesmaids who was in our wedding 41 years ago and that is hard to believe.    Her mother lives with her and she is 86 and just ready to go and loves being active.   Well have a very early morning so good night or good morning to all.  God's blessings.   Gordon and Noreen

I just didn't feel like me when I got home from church yesterday.  I did what I had to do and then laid down to sleep.  The phone woke me up and it was dark. 

Then I went to bed fairly early.  I feel much better today!

I am all ready to go to my Nurse Practioner to talk about my blood work last week and hope my numbers are fine!  I have eaten way too much sweets lately so it won't surprise me if I fail the test! 

I traded my ink at Office Depot yesterday and got HP ink.  I put it in the printer and all is fine!!  But I didn't print anything yesterday. 

Looks like rain out there but it isn't raining yet!  It rained all day yesterday.  It is cool but at least it isn't white out there!!

Hi everyone.  It is a soggy morning with some periods of light rain.  It also rained during the night and is to continue throughout the day.  By tonight they are saying we might see a few snow flurries but nothing to worry about as the ground is still very warm.  We walked at the gym this morning and then I stopped at Krogers for a few items.  I have my usual Monday men's luncheon and a meeting to attend this evening so a really full day.

Jeanne, thanks for the devotional thoughts for this week. 

I have read all the postings but running a bit behind on a busy day so will see you all tomorrow.

Hi, friends,

It's a soggy, cold and threatening snow day here in Nashville. I'm so grateful I can move about in the apartment building without needing to go outdoors to keep from getting "cabin fever."

Today's the day to enjoy listening to good music, clearing up some things in my apartment, and staying warm.

May our Lord bless everyone "real good" today.

Love y'all,
Ruth Ann

And a bright good morning to you all from the beautiful city of Lucerne, Switzerland!  It is quite cold here, and I am looking forward to getting home where I don't have to wear five layers of clothes!  There is a half-day optional tour this afternoon, but we are skipping that one.  We have two more days, then head for home!  It's time.  It's been a wonderful trip, but now it is time to get back to our "real world."  John says Beth is really missing us!

Etta Sue, I have often felt like the kitty in your post while here!  Brrrr!  The people here seem to spend much more time outdoors than we do in the states, and they surely do lots more walking than most of us do.  I have really enjoyed all the hours of walking, even in the cold.  And as much as they have fed us, it's a good thing, too!  I have gained weight in spite of all the walking, so will really have to be disciplined at home!

I worked more on the book today, my editor seems not to know which version is the one I want.  I hope I made it clear by now, as it is to go to layout right away!

I think it's time to get Darrel to put down his book and go exploring with me!  The train station is about a three minute walk from here, and has a whole mall underneath it, including a big Christmas market!  Too bad the suitcases are crammed and the money almost gone. 

Things are VERY expensive in Switzerland!!  Last night for supper, Darrel and I shared one hamburger and one order of fries, and the total was $21.50.  That's CHF or Swiss Francs, which are almost equivalent to the dollar, I think it's only 10c difference.  So I don't think we will be buying much here!

Hi everyone.  Nothing white on the ground here in the Atlanta area this morning.  It was light rain most of the day yesterday and more rain and perhaps a few flurries later today.  Yesterday was a very busy day but got a lot accomplished.  Today just my usual Tuesday routine.  Pat is going out to eat this evening with her bookclub ladies from the church. 

Ruth Ann, listening to music type of days are welcome once in a while.  If you listen to music playing through your computer speakers you might really enjoy a website called Spotify.  You search of any song or artist and get a list that can be saved as a playlist.  I became aware of it sometime ago and my best friend has just discovered it for himself although I mentioned it to him several times.

Janet, I thought I had purchased some expensive hamburgers around here but nothing like you have experienced in Switzerland.  I know you will be glad to get home and see Beth again and check on your home remodeling progress.

It's time to make this forum look Christmasy!  I have 27 animations for Christmas so you will get a different one every day between now and Christmas morning! 

I was chilled all day yesterday.  I could not get warm!  The wind was from the north and seemed to penetrate through the walls and right into my body!  I shut all the blinds to the north windows and still cold.  I was wrapped up in an afghan and a cat on my lap and still cold.  I got up and put a long, long sleeved robe on and still cold.  I went to bed with my lounging pj's and socks on.  I finally got warm! 

I feel much better today.  Hopefully whatever I had was a tiny bug and it is gone now! 

My numbers were all about the same as they have been from my blood work.  I know.  I need to watch my sugars!  It was the only thing that was a tad high.  The A1C was within range but the hemoglobin was too high. 

It is rainy, gloomy and cold today.  And suppose to snow in the next 24 hours!!  We are lucky.  We haven't had a snow cover yet.  We had snow flurries one night but I was home and it snowed after dark and was gone by morning.

I'm glad you finally got warm, Etta Sue.  That happens to me sometimes in the evenings, and I have a miserable time until I get warm.  Yesterday I was chilled to the bone after walking a lot in this damp cold.  The hotel has a really deep bathtub in our room, so I got in and filled it with hot water and lay in it until I thawed out.  Then I was almost too warm!  But I had a good night's sleep, for which I am always thankful!  Love your animations!!

It seems so strange to me that even though it feels so cold here, they do not seem to have had a killing frost as yet, because there are still lots of flowers blooming.  Even lots of window boxes have flowers still in bloom!

It is 6:10 PM here, so guess it must be about time to see if we can find a bowl of soup or something for less than $50.00.    

   Janet:  I know a few people that have been on overseas trips and the one thing that they always complained about was the price that they had to pay for food. It is hard to believe that it costs that much for one hamburger and fries.  Well I

   I will start again as I was saying to you we wish you a safe trip home and hope that you have no problems in England when you get there.  Gods blessings.

Etta Sue.  It is so true sometimes it is so hard to get warm and it does not matter what you do you have to end up going to bed and putting more blankets and as you said a pair of socks on   I also love your animations they are so nice.

Judy B:  Have you got much snow yet how are you all doing send me an email sometime. 

Today we are having the tale end of a heavy rain storm and it is very dull I had my fellow that looks after my feet come this morning and Noreen my wife went to her ladies meeting called Woman's Connections and it is pert of Stone Croft ministries which she enjoys very much she also leads the prayer times for this. and tonight she is supposed to go to a Victorian Tea for ladies at an other church so if she is able she will go.  Please pray for her as she is having a lot of discomfort and she has a hard time being at meetings and this is very hard for her as she does not want to sit around so we do appreciate your prayers for her and myself. Have a good week and the Lord be with you all.  Gordon and Noreen

Gord, this is the only time we have been shocked by food prices, in all the traveling we hav e done.  In most countries we have visited, food was either less expensive or comparable to what it costs at home.  Every place we have been, we have seen Subway, Starbucks and McDonalds.  And here we saw a Burger King, as well.  You remember warning me about pick pockets?  The only place on this trip we were warned to look out for pick pockets was in France!  I found that a bit surprising.

We have another free day tomorrow, then on Thursday an all day trip, and Friday we go home!  I pray the strike at Heathrow really does only last 12 hours!  But Grand Circle will make sure we get home.  I dislike that airport anyway, because they won't tell you which gate you need to go to until one hour before your flight, so you sit and wait and wonder if you will have time enough to get there once they put it up on the monitor. 

I thought I would stop by and post something instead of just reading what all y'all have been doing. I
m working on the second Cowboy bootie of the pr. that we will be taking up to Jackson when we go to Portland on the 16th. He is due to arrive  Friday or Saturday if he arrives on time.

Janet it has been fun to read of your European adventures. I hope you don't have problems at Heathrow.

Etta Sue I have days when I just can't get warm and can't wait to get in bed with my side of the electric blanket turned way up.

Is it just you and me so far today, Marilyn?  Thanks for your comment, it is really nice to be able to stay in touch this time.  It is really nice today, and hope it will be again tomorrow, as we have an all day trip on our last day here, and want to be able to see more than fog.  The Lord has really smiled on us with the weather!  They need rain and snow really badly here, and I will be praying they get a lot of it, just as soon as we get gone!    The water level in the Rhine and Mosel is so low that navigation is difficult, even with all their locks.  And so far, no snow for the skiers, either.

I find it interesting and encouraging that here they still have big Nativity scenes in public places.  Our country is making a grave mistake by trying to put God out of everything.  And.....are you remembering to pray for Israel?  She is in terrible danger these days.

We each took everything out of our big suitcases and repacked them this morning, getting ready to fly away home.  Beth is anxious to see us!  I am trying to find a small dragon figure to take her to commemorate  finishing the book, since it has the word dragon in the title.  So far I haven't found one, except a very expensive one in a jewelry store, Swarvosky (sp) crystals.

Don't know what we will do today, but we will find something to do!

Hi everyone, No snow was to be seen in Atlanta yesterday but it was cold and rainy most of the day.  It was colder here than in North Dakota and the NE.  There is something wrong with this picture.  Today will be full with Bible study this morning and an appointment with my cardiologist this afternoon and choir this evening.  I planned to see the doctor in December but his schedule was totally booked and the appointment this afternoon was the only one I could get until next year.

Etta Sue, sounds like you need an electric blanket.  I use mine everyday and have for several weeks. 

janet, you may be experiencing the change of climate problem.  I know when we moved to Alaska many, many years ago the first summer we about froze and the people living there were in shorts and no sweaters and we would always have sweaters for jackets.  By the next summer we had gotten used to the climate.

Gord, hope Noreen was able to attend both of her meetings. 

Marilyn, is there to be a new baby in your family?  I may have missed a posting where you might have spoken of the event.

We saw snow yesterday.  In less than a half hour after it started snowing, the ground was covered.  It melted on the flat surfaces but stuck on the rough surfaces.  When I took out the trash just before dark, it was snowing sideways from the north.  It really stung your face!  And my lounging pj's were damp when I came back in.  But this morning there is no snow on the ground.  It all melted!!  Yay!

I do believe I have had a touch of the flu.  Every since Sunday, I will be eating and then suddenly feel like if I eat another bite, it will all come back up.  And for two days I have had the run-to-the-bathroom and sit-down-trots!!  I think that is why I have been so chilled also!  Glad I had the flu shot!  I don't feel bad just don't want to cough or sneeze.     And nothing sounds good to eat!  Nothing! 

I am waiting on a washer repair man.  I gave up fixing my washer myself.  I tried everything and it still walks during the spin cycle.  Hopefully he can fix it so it spins longer since ever since he was here a couple of years ago, it won't spin dry enough but what it was taking one and a half hours to dry!  So I have been running the last spin cycle twice and it dries in much less time!  Woe is me! 

I want to go to Lapel after the repairman leaves to get different kitty litter.  Online it says to change kitty litter if your cat leaves its presents on the floor.  I know the kitty litter is clean but Arm and Hammer changed their formula!  So I want to get a different brand.  Maybe Inky doesn't like the smell or the feel of it on her feet.  She does seem to hop in there, do her business and hop right back out! 

It is gloomy out today but no rain or snow...so far!

Etta Sue, my front loading washer is going to need to be replaced.  Two days ago it decided not to spin or drain or stop.  It continued on and on just washing through three different cycles and continuing through the next three cycles - on and on and on.   The only way I could get it to stop was to pull the plug.  I had to take out the wet clothes and rinse and wring them by hand and now I'm left with soapy water sitting in the tub which won't even drain out if I try to drain it into a bucket.  I guess today I'll be bailing it out as much as I can by hand, and then soaking up the rest with towels - more hand rinsing and wringing.  And I'm sure there will still be water under the drum that I can't get at.   

I guess it doesn't owe may anything, though.  I bought it reconditioned in 1996. 

   Good morning to all.   I just had a great phone call from my brother in New Zealand and we must have talked for well over 3/4 of an hour or more and it so great to get caught up on what he is doing but it is 17 hours ahead of us so when I tried to contact him I woke him up but he was glad as he had fallen asleep in his lazy boy chair so now he could go to sleep in his bed.

Larry:   Yes Noreen was able to make it to both of her engagements and the morning one was very hard for her but she came home and rested so that made it possible for her to go to the one at night.  Thank you for your prayers.

Will check back later as we have the grandchildren today and I have to go and pick up my grandson at school at 11.30  by for now.

Good morning from Beautiful Oregon, it will be more beautiful if the sun comes out and stay for awhile instead of hiding behind the clouds.

Janet I have been following the news on the airfare luggage rates. They sure are gouging the customers with raising the fee rates so cotton picking high. One airline was charging $180 for the luggage.    that's just crazy.

Etta Sue I hope you feel better soon. You must have picked up some bug. I am so careful with the shopping carts, if they don't have the  cleaning cloths at the place where you get the cart, I have my own hand cleaner in my purse and I  rub that all over the handle and my hands before and after shopping. I do not want to get sick.

Larry I have had 2 new greats born this year and another due  the 13th. Keith's oldest son's wife is expecting any time now, too. That baby is Jackson. So I have been making  afghans and booties all year long. The arthritis in my hands makes it  difficult to crochet for any length of time so it take awhile to get a project finished. Plus  I have also made 9 potholders and 9 knitted dishcloths to give away for Christmas. Add that to the  graphics work and web pages I have been building I have been a Busy Bee this year. 

Judy where are you? How is your shoulder coming along with this last surgery? and Are you happy with the way the first one turned out.  I am so not happy with the results of my hand surgery last year. I still only have about 10% flexion in that thumb after a year. Can't even touch  3 of my fingers with the thumb and  I have to be careful with  my grip. Not good. y doctor didn't even send me to Physical Therapy even though I asked to go. If and when I every have to have the other hand done I will go to a specialist in Eugene or to OHSU in Portland. ( Oregon Health and Science University)

We are back in our room after spending most of the day walking around the city.  We, along with another couple, walked up to the ancient city wall, with its many towers.  It was a gorgeous day here, and when we got to the top there was a small pasture and several really shaggy cattle grazing.  What a surprise, right in the middle of a city of 80,000 people!  There were many stairs going up, but then a sloping trail coming back down on the other side.  Of course I have been taking many photos!  We took bread and fed the swans, ducks and gulls.  The gulls will come and take bread right off the palm of your hand.  Darrel tried to get photos, but they are just a blur!

We have an all day tour in the mountains tomorrow and don't know what time we are to leave, so must try to find out!

Janet:  Your travel stories are so interesting.  Terrible expensive for eating out over there - I try to find little stores & they often have a deli & I can at least heat a cup of dried soup or coffee at times.  Walking is what you do see - have you ever seen the price of petrol?  It is awful.  Some people want us to pay the same as Europe. 

Don has his MRI results back and it is still a question so they scheduled another MRI and CT scan in April.  A younger man was there having tests - he served in Iraq. 

I was set to go to a party and then had a call that a friend had given me the wrong Sunday - it is this coming Sunday.  That was good because I was so groggy from lack of sleep. 

Larry:  Tell Pat that I bought the circular attachment and need to practice this afternoon.  We are about to get a medium snowfall tomorrow so it will be good to stay indoors & try to finish some gifts. 

Taking a walk before the temperatures drop. 

Hi everyone.  I wanted to come in an post late this evening as have quite a few things I need to do tomorrow and probably won't try to come back until tomorrow evening.  This has been quite a day for us.  We attended Bible study as usual and then had coffee with the group.  Pat had a hair appointment at 12:15 so we came home and as we were waiting to turn left into our housing development we were rear ended by a young lady.  Her car had extensive damage to the front end and the air bags deployed as she had a big dog in the front seat which had a paw or his neck chain caught on the emergency brake and she was looking down to assist the dog and didn't notice we had signaled and were stopped for the oncoming traffic to clear.  We heard the sounds of the locked brakes and then felt the hit from behind.  I got out and was surprised to find only paint on my bumper in several places.  Neither Pat nor I were injured.  The young lady was complaining a bit about where she had been hit in the chest with the air bag but seemed to be OK.  She called her parents and they came before the police came to make a report.  We were able to pull off the main road into the development to wait for the police.  I should hear from her insurance company tomorrow and then will have to deal with getting the bumper repaired and have the car checked to be sure there is no damage under the car. 

I saw my cardiologist this afternoon and came home and was able to rest for about 45 minutes before dinner and then just got back from choir and will retire soon.  I am very thankful tonight for God's protective arms today and everyday. 

Carol, are you speaking of a part for your quilting machine.  I mentioned the attachment to Pat and she thought it might be to do embroidery.  Sorry to read that Don didn't get any definitive answers from his tests. 

Janet, you will come home in very good physical shape from all that walking and climbing.  Enjoy your last day tomorrow.

Marilyn, your family is growing quickly with all the new additions.  Sorry to read that your hand surgery wasn't very successful.

Gord, it was nice that you could spend that time with your brother.  Also glad to see that your wife was able to make both events as she wanted to do.

Jeanne, sorry to read that your washing machine has stopped working and with all that water in it.  Maybe some of your neighbors would have a shop vac and could siphon out the water. 

Etta Sue, sorry to hear of your flu episode.  Our son came down with the flu yesterday and has missed two days of work.  We were just talking with him and our DIL and he is feeling much better this afternoon and thinks it was the 24 hour type of flu.  Hope you will be feeling much better by tomorrow.

Good morning, friends,

Today's going to be pretty busy, so I thought I'd crack the door and say "Hi!"

Etta Sue, I liked that animation. Today I'm playing piano for a group of seniors, so am wearing a black fleece shirt with beautiful poinsettia made out of sequins on a background of 3 crossed candy canes, ribbon and leaves that are embroidered.  It actually makes me feel pretty festive today.



Y'all have a great day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Oh, no!  Not a boo boo on your car!  I know cars can be replaced but it is the inconvenience!  So glad you or Pat weren't hurt! 

Not much news today.  I ran a load of clothes through the washer and it worked fine.  He did mention that my floor needs reinforced...that was decided when the washer is empty and in the spin cycle, it vibrates the dryer...floor is weak!!  What!!  And that I need to replace the washer.  It's only 22 years old!!  I would be replaced three times at that rate!! 

I went to Crochet Angels last evening but there were only three of us and the other two decided to help decorate the church for Christmas.  I don't decorate at home...my body won't let me...so I came on home!  But the ones who were there really like the idea of Chemo Wraps for the chemo patients at the hospital!  One woman said she counted 19 out of 36 prayer requests were for cancer patients in the bulletin this past Sunday.  Seems like everyone knows someone with cancer.

Today I go to the DDS to get my permanent crown!  I paid my bills yesterday.  I am going to have to tighten my purse strings for quite a few months.  You can't save much on SS and retirement income!!  Not with everything costing more and your income stays the same!  Grrr!!

It is bright and sunny.  Lots of frost when I got up but the sun is melting it pretty quick.  It is still frosty in the shade. 

I got new kitty litter yesterday and so far all is well!!  I had to take the top off of a litter box and Inky climbed right in, did her business and off again!  Yay!!

Ruth Ann:  How nice for you to play the piano for this group. 

We have snow today and enough wind that I am happy to not have to go outdoors until my physical tomorrow morning.  School is open as it should be - our children never had school close in Minnesota unless there was  a real blizzard.  Yep, we have stories.   

Larry:  This new attachment for making circles is not attached to the embroidery unit and one can use the #20 foot and any fancy stitch - it just makes perfect circles of your stitch.  A $25 coupon came online.  More important, I am so glad that you two are alright after the car mishap.  Sounds like inattention driver to me. 

Church had our first email thanks from a soldier for the box he received.  So grateful for such little things and he especially liked the drawings from children. He sent three pictures of himself piloting a helicopter and holding the drawings.  Little things mean a lot. 

Larry, so sorry to read about the car accident, but so relieved that you and Pat weren't hurt, and probably not the car, either.  Yes, I, too, thank God daily for His protection.  He knows where we are every minute of every day!

And today I have been quite a few miles!  We went right up to the base of the Eiger!  Darrel was impressed with being there; he liked the Clint Eastwood movie about it.  And God blessed us with another perfect day, weather-wise!  They say you cannot usually even see the mountains for the fog this time of the year, but today was sunny and clear, and quite warm for Dec. first!  They need snow for skiing and rain for the Rhine, so our prayers are they will begin to get that needed moisture tomorrow or the day after!

We have to pack and be ready to leave in the wee hours of the morning.  Suitcases out at 3:15; we leave for airport in Zurich at 4:00.  I think it's going to be a long day!

So probably the next you hear, I will be home in Kansas again.

Did I tell you I just got the final cover design for my book?  And it went to layout today! 

Carol, I came back to say hello to you!  We were typing at the same time.

Larry I am so sorry about your accident.  I am glad neither of you were hurt. 

Carol what make of machine do you have.

We had 2 snow days here, one for freezing rain and the other really heavy load of snow.  Kass tried to shovel the car out but the snow was too heavy.

I enjoy reading the posts.

I was speaking to Marbeth last night.  You can read about it HERE