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Secure as Mount Zion

Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever. Just as the mountains surround and protect Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds and protects his people, both now and forever.


Psalm 125:1-2 NLT

It is wise to break off the contemplation of enemies and dangers by crying out to God. Prayer is a good interruption of a catalogue of perils.

Alexander Maclaren (1826-1910)


True Security

How many of us trust the government, not likely I think.  How about the locks on our doors, no one will break in will they? We trust our friends and family  that is sure isn't it?   All of the above will fail us.  what can we trust that won't fail?  What does it mean to trust the Lord? It means looking to him as the source of our security and putting our faith in the grace, love, power, and protection of God when the inevitable pressures of life come. It means knowing as the psalmist did that the mountains surround Jerusalem, God himself surrounds and shields his people. When we trust the Lord, we don't have to focus on the wicked and what they are doing or might do to us. We don't have to rehash our own woes. Even though there are problems the size of mountains facing us, we can cry out to the Lord who created the mountains and is able to move them. As we focus on him and his truth, he will encourage our hearts and help us to claim the great promise of verse 2: The Lord will surround and protect his people, now and forever.

LORD, I put my trust in you today. You are my security and protection, my shield, my fortress, and my hiding place, and I praise you. When enemies surround me and troubles multiply, help me to remember that you are ever faithful and that you surround and protect me, both now and forever.

How appropriate that a SS lesson for the next few months is on Psalms and Proverbs - I used to read Psalms daily and now think it is time to do so once again.  Lots of nuggets of good stuff to read in Psalms.  It seems to apply to everyday living. 

We have been much too busy and I was sick for no reason at all on Friday night then we had to be at son's garage sale early  Saturday.  They want us to help hide the two big German Shepherds when their house goes up for sale - I won't comment but they could pull our arms off if they wanted. 

Don stayed home this morning and I went to our 7:30 service and then adult SS.  It was so lonesome - he knew the minister speaker and never could understand that man with his (Don's) hearing distortion problem and the SS is out for him because of all the background chatter and no microphone or church hearing aide in that room.  By the time I get home, it is over 3 hours & closer to 4 hours so I don't know if I can go to SS very much as it just isn't fair to him since I already go on Wednesdays. 

On those terrible tornadoes - our oldest son was in a meeting with two men who live in Chattanooga, TN and both had phone calls during that meeting of damage to their garages & barns. 

We taped the wedding - it was outstanding.  Loved the color and what a joy to see great & happy news for a change.  Did you notice the beautiful language of the ceremony - biblical words?  Consider the millions hearing the Word just from that viewing. 

Larry:  We hold our tongues too & I try hard to not make any facial grimace - my children have always told me that they can "see" my thoughts.      

Janet:  Where in the world is that?  Out on the plains? 

Hi everyone.

We have another beautiful day here in Georgia but showers are on the way this evening and tomorrow.

Judy, thanks for the devotional thoughts for this week. 

Etta Sue, I really like scallops but sometimes they pass off some other type of fish as a scallop.  I am not trying to create doubts in your mind but it is similar to the artificial crab that you often find.  I don't think I would try all the different menu items but probably should as would discover other things I like.  I have a tendency to find one thing I like and just reorder it on subsequent visits.

I must comment that the site is much faster now than when it was first moved.  Very nice.

After posting yesterday, Inky and I went to the front bedroom...I, with a book, and Inky, with intentions of me not reading the book.  Finally I got sleepy and put the book down and went to sleep with Inky on my tummy!  It is hard for me to sleep on my back in my bed but on the daybed I can!  Weird.  I was sleeping so good and finally woke up.  I looked at my watch!  5:45pm!!  Small groups is at 6pm!  I hurried around...washed my face, combed and sprayed my hair, changed tops since my black top had cat hair on it, grabbed my Bible and folder and out the door I went.  I was at Small Group before 6pm.  Glad it was only 3 miles away.  Can you tell I don't like to be late for anything?

We only have one more Small Group meetings.  I will certainly miss it. 

Then as I was watching TV, I saw that Osama Bin Laden was dead.  They kept repeating the same thing over and over and saying that Obama was going to talk and waited and waited.  I decided that I wasn't going to learn anything new so turned off the TV and was preparing to go to bed. 

Ivalou's son turned 58 today so there was a dinner for him yesterday evening.  I knew Ivalou was going.  Her outside light was on.  After 11pm her light was still on.  Oh, no!  What has happened?  She is always home before now!  I thought of calling Jeff to see if she was still there but decided that I needed to call Ivalou first.  She answered the phone.  She forgot to turn off her light.  Thank you, God! 

And me?  Forgetful me forgot to shut my garage door last night!  I usually shut it by stepping over the electric eye but I had my arms full and it was raining.  By the time I got in the house, I had forgotten that I needed to use the remote to shut the garage door. 

Gloomy and rainy today.  Still on the cool side for May.  This time last year, the farmers were done with their planting.  Not this year! 

I think I will work on some new images for the church projection system today. 

I agree.  CP is fast now!!

Carol....where is what?  Campo?  It is in the very SE corner of Colorado.  Very tiny town, but people with hearts as big as Texas!

Judy, thanks!  You know why.

I am feeling rotten today.  I was in such pain with a tooth problem, jaw pain, etc, that I left church in tears yesterday morning.  Been living on pain meds for several days, but do have a dental appointment tomorrow afternoon, so am hoping for some relief then.  Glands under my jaw are swollen as large as big marbles, so suspect there is some infection going on.

I am going to try to get a little nap; then must go see Beth.  I didn't make it in yesterday, and she is feeling deserted!

Larry, I sure wouldn't like that name for a precious new baby, but you  are wise to hold your peace.  We cannot control what others do, no matter how much we would like to change some things.   I do hope the children are being taught good things, though.

I'm going to lie down.....again.  But can only lie on my back, as I can't let my face touch anything, on either side!    Ouchie.

I have updated the Prayer Request that I put in this morning on Terena's sister.

Thanks for continuing to pray for Wanda...

Canada has spoken.  Whether we agree with the Conservatives or not they have won the majority.  Now as a Christian Community we need to pray like never before for the leaders of this country, as is commanded in scripture.

Hi everyone and Happy Birthday Ruth.  Hope it is a fun one for you with your family at hand.

We are in for rain later today or this evening but this morning is very pleasant.  It it trash day so have been out already taking the buggy to the street.  Other than a meeting to attend this morning I think it will be a quiet day.  I need to get the oil changed in both cars this week but probably won't do that today.  I did get a number of things on my list done yesterday, including getting a much needed haircut.  We had a great time at our men's luncheon at the airport in the nearby town.  The food is very good there and the six men present always have a lot of fun. 

Judy, all we can do if hope for the best and pray for the leaders of our country.  I hope the new government proves to be wise and sound for the good of your country.

Janet, that tooth problem sounds so miserable.  I am sure this afternoon cannot come too soon for you.  Hope the poison from the infection doesn't spread throughout your body.  I expect Beth understands you are in pain and wouldn't want to cause you more even though she misses your visit.

Etta Sue, I am like you and really hate to be late for anything.  I have always given Pat great credit for being ready when we have agreed upon a time.  Sometimes I wonder if she will make it on time but she seems to always do so.  I almost always wake up in the morning ready to get with it and Pat is the opposite as it takes her quite awhile to get going in the morning.  Know you were glad that Ivalou was fine and just forgot to turn the light out. 

Pat, I have been remembering your DIL's sister in my thoughts and prayers since I read your message late yesterday afternoon.  Do hope she is showing some signs of improvement today.

Happy birthday, Ruth!!

Please...a little prayer for me.  I got a call to make an appointment with the Women's Center for some more imaging.  My mammogram showed a pea-size nodule in my right breast.  I go tomorrow morning at 9:15am.  I should know the results before I leave.

I did get some pictures ready and they are on the Flash Drive to install at church Sunday.  I knitted.  I watched TV.  I piddled around all day.  I was watching TV and when 'Dancing with the Stars' came on, I thought....oh, no!  I forgot the Council Meeting at church!!  Too late to go...the meetings only last an hour!  So I guess my leisure time really took affect!  Sunday evening at Small Groups some of them said they would see me Monday at council meeting.  That's the last I thought of it!! 

Ivalou made it to rehab and back by herself just fine.  I knew she would.  She's a trooper. 

Well, another cool, gloomy day in Indiana.  I think it rained all night again!!  Not sure what I am going to do today.  Maybe just sit around and listen to the sump pump run!  Seems that our seasons are so extreme anymore.  We had such a dry fall.  Then the winter was so cold with snow and ice.  Now the spring is so wet we may have to scrounge for wood to build an ark.  Hope the summer isn't you know what!

Pat, how is Wanda doing?  Praying for her, all the family, the doctors and the nurses.  God bless her and all.

Etta Sue, I'm praying for a "no problem" answer for you tomorrow.  Be sure to let us know.

   Good afternoon to all.   Well we are still getting lot's of rain and the poor farmer's cannot get there planting done because they have not been able to plough there fields so this is very hard for them.  We should remember to pray for them.  There are so many other prayer request's for other's and Pat we will continue to pray for Wanda that the Lord will make a miracle in her life.

Janet.  I hope that you get good results at the dentist and that he does not have to do to much to get rid of this pain.

Rut:   HAPPY  BIRTHDAY  39 AGAIN YOU WISH.


Larry:  Hope that you and Pat are well and also that your daughter is doing o.k. On Sunday night I came down with a bad nasel type cold and it is still bad so I may have to go to a walk in clinic as it is a pain to go to the regular doctor.  Have a wonderful week.

Carol:  Hi to you and on.  That is to bad that Don is not able to attend Church and it must get him a bit frustrated with this problem.  My right ear has fluid in it and the ear nose and throat Surgeon said the next thing is tubes in the ear if it gets any worse and at my age he does not realy want to do it.  Have a wonderful week.

Judy b.Hi Sis.  Hope that you are o.k. and that shoulder is getting better. Thanks for the devotional , and say hi to John and the rest of the family.

To all others on C.P.  Have a wonderful week and may you all have the glory of the Holy Spirit Shine forth from you..   Gordon. and Noreen

Judy:   Thanks for this weeks devotional.

We have a lovely day filled with water coming down from the heavens above.

Thanks for all of the Birthday wishes.  When you reach get this far in life every day is a birthday I would say.  I do believe that we will be going out for dinner. 

Mel has gone to have a visit with what is hoped to be our new family Dr. and soon after he arrives home I expect that Doug will be coming with a new battery for Mel's boat.

Thanks for the devotional, Judy.  I found it comforting.

Happy Birthday Ruth.  Hope it is/was real special

The medication for my eyes after the surgery has made me very ill.  One more week to go.  Hardly able to function the past couple of weeks.  Did get the okay to reduce it from 4x daily to 3 x daily and today that seemed to help.  Actually was able to do some work to help Wendy.  The terrible headaches have stopped and sure hope they stay that way.

So glad that that terrible Osamah(?) has been stopped. Not that it is likely to end the problems.  Hope it brings some sort of relief to the folks who lost so much in 9/11.  The end of May, the kids are going to Paris and then on a cruise, which will be going thro' some of the dangerous spots.  I can't help but be concerned as the world is like a tinder box now.  It is to celebrate their 30th anniv. and will likely be the last long trip Wendy can make, due to her health.  Will simply have to trust in God to keep them safe.

Weather has been sunny lately and that makes for a nice day.  Things are lovely and green and flowers are starting to look very happy.

Here is a small smile:

After a church service on Sunday morning, a young boy suddenly announced to his mother,
"Mom, I've decided to become a minister when I grow up."
"That's okay with us, but what made you decide that?"
"Well," said the little boy, "I have to go to church on Sunday anyway, and I figure it will be more fun to stand up and yell than to sit and listen."


                                                   


God Bless,

Liz                                             

Gordon, I have had so many tubes put in my right ear that theere literally was only 1 more place they could install the last one. Normally the tubes will stay in the ear for about 3-6 months, and one day each time, I would feel that there was some loose wax in my ear, and I would tilt my head and out popped the tiny little tube.

Now that there isn't any more room, the last one is kind-of shaped like a "T", and the eardrum has grown over the arms of the "T" and it's staying in place very well. It's been in for a bit over a year, without any more inflammation. Oh, how thankful I was to have that done!

Y'all have a good eve ooops! I looked at the clock and it's now good morning. 

Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann, it seems you were up really late, and I am up really early!  I've been up for a couple of hours already, couldn't sleep, so gave up and got up.

Liz, try not to worry about the kids as they travel, I know.....easier said than done.  But God is in control.  We are thinking about another trip, but can't decide what parts of the world are safe anymore, either.

I had such a fun day yesterday....ROOT CANAL!!  It really wasn't as bad as I'd always heard.  Lots of new technology, and our new dentist is really good.  The worst part was having my mouth propped open for so long, really tiring.  X-rays showed two big abscesses around the roots of that tooth, choice was pull it or root canal.  Of course, they do that stuff nearly free--ONLY $1022.00.  Plus, it will be another $834 for the crown, in two weeks.     I'm on antibiotics for a while, plus continuing the motrin.  But on the plus side, the pain is much less already!  

Beth came up with a wonderful title for the book I'm writing about her!  It will be titled Beauty for Ashes.  When I asked her why, she said because for years her whole life seemed to have turned to ashes, and now it is a thing of beauty!  What an incredible, wonderful, delightful attitude!  I am so proud of Beth.

Yesterday, we were talking about things we are grateful for, and the first thing on her list was "breath."  Now, I must agree, breath is VERY important, don't you think?  

I have been spending many hours working on the book, and think I am close to winding it up.  I am so relieved to have a title, that was really a sticking point!

I will try to get back later, just now I feel as if I might be able to sleep a couple of hours--hope so, anyway!

Hi everyone. 

Janet, what a wonderful title for your book.  All the suffering Beth has had to endure has made her focus on what is really important in life and that being the fact that we must breath to live.  She is indeed a remarkable person and that says a lot for her mother who stands by her day-by-day.  Glad you are feeling better with your tooth and that the root canal went well.  Here the dentists seem to have to refer you to a specialist dentist for pulling teeth or root canals.  Fortunately, I have never had to have a root canal.

Ruth Ann, I remember you talking about having ear aches and other ear problems.  Glad that is better for you.

Liz, hope the worst is over for you on the eye medicine.  You must be among the few who are bothered by the eyedrops.  I liked your joke about the little boy.

Ruth, sounds like your husband and son are getting all ready for the fishing season.  I think you are right about everyday, when we are older, being a birthday celebration.  Probably a good thing we don't have a birthday cake everyday. 

Gord,  we are doing well at the moment.  I had a not so pleasant day yesterday as couldn't get away from the arm and dull chest pain.  However, when I went to take my medicine last night I found I had not taken my morning heart medication, including the long lasting nitro medicine, so think that is why I didn't feel good.  I feel fine so far this morning.  In speaking to my sister in Northern Iowa she indicated the farmers there are also worried because they can't get into their fields to prepare for planting.

Etta Sue, sure pulling for you this morning and that you get a good report.  My wife has gone through that several times but always a benign situation and sure hope that is what you find this morning as well.

We had a lot of rain here last night but it looks like the sky is clear this morning.  No storms in the area and I heard very little in the way of thunder.  We have Bible study this morning and then about noon I go to have my teeth cleaned at the dentist, which is something I have put off for too long.  Tonight I have a meeting to attend.  The men of the choir were released from practice tonight as several of us couldn't be there.  The women will practice some three part music for women to use on special occasions.

Pat, praying for Wanda and hope the reports are good today.

I hope when I get back home, I can say 'You lost sleep for nothing!'  I didn't sleep much last night.  Kitty and Ivalou have offered to go with me this morning but I told them I would be fine.  I may need them more later.  Tony and Charlene knows and Kaye Don and Barb knows.  All my immediate family, church also, knows.  I will be fine....regardless of what I am told today. 

I was so happy when listening to the weather report LAST evening.  Dry until Saturday!  NOT!!  It is raining right now and has been all night!  The best weather report is looking out your window and checking your own thermometer.  Nothing else is reliable!!

And it is cold this morning.  38 degrees!  Where is May weather?  Years ago my first sunburn was the first day of practice on the 500 race track!  That would have been last Saturday!  Not this year!

Off I go to get squeezed again!

Pat:  I just checked on your prayer site and said a prayer for Wanda and her entire family.  She is young - 42. 

Janet:  I was just teasing you a little about your very small town, Campo.  Small towns are great!  I like the name of Beth's book.  Larry could not have said anything better than what he wrote about Beth and her courage and you have been the guiding hand in all her years.  Hugs to you.  Sorry about the dental bill.  Good grief.

Etta Sue:  Our daughter just called with her good news on this last round of mammograms so I am wishing the same good results for you.  Take care.

Gordon:  The tubes work so well for children, why not you too?  Yes, sometimes I feel so sad about Don's situation - we work around things. 

Here is a good reason for everyone to keep getting colonoscopy tests.  Apparently, I have a raging infection but no symptoms and they discovered it yesterday.  No wonder, I have been so sluggish and tired now on 30 days of anti-biotic.  It was a miracle that I made the appointment instead of waiting to the end of the year another divine guidance because it could have been an emergency. 

Here, a handyman installed a new microwave over the stove and he only charged $50.  Imagine that! 

Larry, I forget to take my morning meds about once every two weeks, so I understand how that can happen.  But we don't want you feeling bad, so tie a string around your finger!   Thanks you for your kind words.

When speaking to the dentist yesterday, I mentioned that I am writing a book.  He said his friends writes, and that he can write a book in three months, but then it takes him a year to proof read and edit it!    Darrel went to the same dentist today and had a good cleaning, also got appointments for deep cleaning in four installments.  We shouldn't have waited so long!

Etta Sue, praying for a good report for you!

Carol, thanks.  Wish something could be done for Don's ears, so sad.  Glad you are getting help for your problem!  Scary!  Good price on the microwave install!

I must go check out the prayer requests now.

This hymn has been running through my mind all day.  We don'r have the music for it but I am sure you all know it and will at least hummm along as you read the words.  I believe this is our cry as the Church.

Judy:   That is one of my favorite hymns -  The Church's One Foundation

Larry:   You so wise and always give comforting words.

Janet: A wonderful title for Beth's book.

Early this morning an expected call came letting us know that a very special first cousin has gone home to be with her Lord and Saviour.

Thanks for all the Birthday Wishes.


We have a most wonderful sun filled day.  In a few minutes I will be headed out the door to have lunch with some friends.
Keeping a secret is kinda difficult, Mel still does not have a clue about the birthday party for him on Saturday . I have had a few phone calls and even at that he has not clued in that something is in the wind.  It is good that he does not read come here to read.   

Good report!  Seems as though I have many tiny nodules but this one was hidden by a blood vessel last year...so they wanted to check further.  Benign is fine! 

Again what was to be a half hour job has ended up being about 6 hours,  most of which is my fault.  Steve came again yesterday afternoon and wanted some videos downloaded and uploaded at the church for tonight's National Day of Prayer Service.  I also found some images of people praying and a Power Point Presentation.  I went to church earlier to upload them along with some Memorial Day images. 

I have myself triple covered.  I try to have my computer, my flash drive and the church computer the same for Sunday Plus in case one of them crashes.  Well, one part wasn't the same.  So now I have it all fixed and ready to take to church this evening. 

Bright and sunny here today but still quite chilly.  In fact this morning was a Frost Advisory!  But it is suppose to get to 65° today! 

Hi, friends, it is a pretty day here in Nashville, albeit a little bit chilly. Oh, well, the storms have ceased for a bit, and that's VERY good. Now. to pray for all those affected by the last storms as well as those dealing with the floods caused by those storms.

I'm so thanksful that we can flee to that Mighty Fortress, God!

Much love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  What a beautiful day we have here in Georgia.  It was pretty cool last night but no where near frost.  It has warmed up nicely now.

Just finishing my lunch.  I have had a very busy but productive morning.  I am now treasurer for three different groups and after the meeting I attended last night I had to write several checks and place an order for some literature.  After coffee I went to our local bank to get cash so I could get a postal money order to send to our granddaughter for her birthday and for a gift for the new great grandchild.  We had missed our great granddaughter's birthday so also including a little money so she will be able to get something she wants.  Postage has become so expensive that we are opting for money as gifts.  It is also much easier on us as shopping is difficult for both of us.  Then I went to another bank to make a deposit and cash a check and finally to the grocery store. 

About noon a friend, who had just gotten a new iPod Touch, came over so I could show him some things on it.  He was here for about an hour.  Needless to say I am looking forward to resting a bit very shortly.

Etta Sue, great news from you doctor.

Ruth, sorry to learn that you had lost a first cousin.  Glad you are enjoying some nice weather.

Carol, glad you also had a good report from your doctor. 

Our niece is having surgery today for a problem with a kidney.  They tried to do a less invasive procedure for her yesterday but it failed and left her in very severe pain.  We are waiting to hear from Pat's sister that the surgery is over.

Etta Sue:  You are so knowledgeable in regards to the church video setup.  What a gift you are for your church work.  Yes, benign is really fine! 

I see that Canada has a new Minister.  Bless him and all the Canadians!  May your days be smooth and peaceful. 

Ruth:  Hoping you can keep that secret - yes, it is terribly difficult.  Good luck and have a wonderful day!

We are putting in an attic fan to run many of the nights just to not run the air conditioner.  We could have a remote.  Why on earth would anyone want another remote in the house???

Home from N Bay.  A full day of waiting around.  Physio at 9:40, Elizabeth had an appointment at 12:45, and Kass had an appointment at 3:15.  Kass has a specialty foot/ankle brace on the ankly that she broke in December.  It still ins't healled, and there is soft tissue damage.  She loves the brace, Larry it is one that basketbaqll players wear.

The weather is glorius.  Sunny and windy and very drying.  At last the rain seems so have stopped for now.  We will be wishing it back during growing season with our garden.  Don 5 or 6 seeds have sprouted and are growing.

I took some pictures of the dam and river showing the water volume.  Will get them posted later today or tomorrow.

Must go and check the other posts!

Hi everyone.  Just a brief note this morning as see there are not many posts since my last one.  A beautiful day today.  I have to take one of my cars in to have the oil changed this morning and then stop at WalMart to pick up some things that Pat put on the list.  That will be enough for one day. 

Carol, we have had an attic fan in two or three houses and they do draw a lot of air through a house and keep it cooler. 

Hope everyone has an enjoyable day.