July 4th - Independence Day

If you are fortunate enough to be spending this special day with your family and friends, remember why this is a "holiday" and the fact that freedom is NOT free. Many have fought and defended this great nation against tyranny and oppression. The constitutional liberties we still enjoy and take for granted were gained and maintained by heartbreaking sacrifice.

If you watch the fireworks today, remember what they represent - many battles when brave Americans went forth and defended liberty for all generations to follow.  As you watch the beautiful colors and hear the loud booms, teach the children that those “bombs bursting in air” actually represent the blood, sweat, and tears of those who gave their all so we could live "free".

If you are enjoying your picnics and barbecues, take a moment to stop and thank God for his mercy and grace and for allowing you to live in this great country; and ask Him to continue to guide, bless, and protect our nation.

Do not forget where this nation came from, what it really stands for...and don't ever stand idly by and allow any force of evil to take away our liberties, our culture, and our freedom to worship God as we please. I pray that I don't see a "last" Independence Day, when we forget what America and its flag stand for, and we allow freedom to perish.

May God bless you all...and may God Bless the U.S.A! 

Caress...Memories Triggered

It has been said that the sense of smell is probably the greatest tool for storing and triggering memories. I believe it. I have experienced the power of it many times, and this morning was no exception.

As I was preparing to shower, I flipped up the cap on the bottle of body wash and its fragrance transported me immediately back several years...to my grandmother and the house where I had spent many of my childhood and teen years. She didn't have body wash in her bathroom, but she had that favorite curved pink bar of soap with the same name and distinct delicate fragrance..."Caress"...its aroma filling the air and lingering on the skin that was washed with it.

That bathroom was a big deal and blessing to us. I recall how excited we all were when we finally had running cold and hot water...and we got an inside bathroom, complete with a tub and shower, installed In the house...when I was in junior high school. The gas furnace and a gas cook stove were installed around the same time...the prior source of heat being a large coal stove in the living room...and our food had previously been prepared on the wood stove in the kitchen. Also, for years our source of water was from a fresh spring that ran into a block holding tank under the house and was brought up through a pitcher pump at the kitchen sink. Bathing was done in a large round aluminum wash tub that sat in the pantry and was concealed by homemade curtains over the door. Water had to be heated on the old stove then carried to the tub. You just hoped to be one of the first kids to get in to bathe and not the last! lol

Now I am not that old. We were way behind most families in the area when it came to "modern conveniences" and, by many standards, we were poor or impoverished...but the loving care and discipline, along with the "caress" of my grandmother, more than made up for the material things and modern conveniences that we had lacked for so many years.

I find it amazing that now such a simple thing as the fragrance of soap or body wash can make her seem so near again and it brings tears of sadness, joy, and appreciation for simple things that many take for granted... ~C.J.

 

 

(Post copyright by C.J.  Please do not share, copy, or use without permission.)

 



Someone's "Santa"...

A few days ago, I was on my way into a thrift store and, before I turned the corner to go in through the door, I heard a man's deep voice, speaking very softly and kindly.  When I made the turn, I noticed five or six folks standing just outside the door, including the owner of that voice...a tall, chunky older man who was dressed in a green camouflage shirt and pants, with shoulder-length white hair, white beard, and gold glasses.  Yes, I was somewhat taken aback by his appearance as I took a quick breath in and stopped to watch the interaction.  He was with an older lady who stood just to the side and slightly behind him, smiling.  He was leaning over, and the person he was speaking to was a little boy about a year old who was sitting in a shopping cart whose handle was being held by his momma.  The boy was sitting very still, smiling, unblinking, looking at and listening intently to the older gentleman.  

Then I saw a young woman coming out of the store holding the hand of a little girl who appeared to be about four years old.  The girl was humming, walking and looking down at her own feet.  When she heard the man's voice, even before seeing him, she stopped abruptly, then looking up and seeing the man, her eyes got real big, she tugged on her mother's hand and said quietly but excitedly, "Mommy, Mommy...look!  I think he's a real Santa Claus!  Her mother smiled, and looking at the man, she said, "Yes, honey...I think you're right!"  Everyone in that little group was smiling.  

As I went on into the shop, I thought to myself, "Wouldn't it be great if more people were like that wonderful gentleman?  The world needs that every day, not just around Christmas time!".  Then immediately I realized that we all can be!  Most of the time, when we make the choice, each one of us can be a SANTA, just like that gentleman...because what he gave was not a fancy or expensive gift...he gave just a little of his time, personal attention, gentleness, and kindness...not just to his own family and personal friends, but to total strangers.  

Will you be a SANTA to someone today?  You might be the only one they see.  And you just might leave a positive and lasting impression on that person, just like that camo-clad gentleman did on me.

    (Ornament from zazzle)

(Post by C.J. - please do not copy or share without permission)

Morning Thought..."Church"

We have moved so far away from the New Testament meaning of "church". It's not the denomination, the building, a business, a political arena, a social club, a prideful elitist clique that excludes others, a group that feels superior to everyone else, you or all your earthly accomplishments, etc. The "church" is people...people who have recognized, acknowledged, and accepted Christ as the sinless Son of God, their Savior, Redeemer of all their sins, and Lord of their lives; those who have been filled with the Holy Spirit, who teaches, guides, comforts, convicts and chastises them; whose hearts, thoughts, words, actions, and lives have been changed and who show evidence of that change; who work individually and collectively to spread the Gospel and the love of God, being His eyes, ears, mouth, hands, and feet on Earth; who study the Holy Bible; who pray, worship in Spirit and in Truth, praise, and sing, humbly giving all honor to Him, recognizing and testifying of His glory, majesty, and glorious works; who strive daily to become more Christ-like; who willingly serve rather than feel they are to be served by others.

(Post and photo by C.J. - please do not use or copy without permission. Thanks!)

Just Because You Can't See It...

Good or bad, quite often throughout an ordinary day, I will see an object or a common sight and I immediately view it as a symbol of something else or as an object lesson for this thing known as life.

While walking the other day, I snapped a photo of this piece of a tree trunk that had apparently been sawed off after the tree had possibly fallen and blocked the roadway during a storm or something.  I noticed that, although the outside looked normal, the inside of the trunk was hollow, looking as though it had decayed from within...and I suddenly thought, it was "much like many of us humans" who, for various reasons, are walking around seemingly fine, looking and acting healthy and without serious problems or concerns...who are anything but fine, in reality.

That's the way it is for those who have conditions or diseases (such as multiple sclerosis or MS) that might have few outward signs that are noticeable to others, but produce many "invisible" symptoms.  There are currently three main types of MS:  relapsing/remitting (symptoms come and go and sometimes are not completely resolved), progressive (where symptoms never resolve, keep accumulating, and severe disability usually occurs more quickly), and secondary progressive (when relapsing/remitting becomes progressive).  With MS, even though we might appear to be "normal" and can seemingly visibly function in our daily lives much like the average person, we experience symptoms that are as unique as each individual (along with their severity and duration), that vary from one person to the next, and can include the invisible constant, chronic, or intermittent pain; numbness, tingling, or burning sensations; electrical, vibrating, and buzzing sensations in various body parts; problems with sense of vision, hearing, taste, touch, smell;  bowel and bladder dysfunction; vertigo and dizziness; muscle weakness; incoordination; cognitive deficits, memory loss, inability to recognize, understand, comprehend, process, assimilate, interpret, or respond to spoken or written words or instructions;  confusion, disorientation, feeling as if mind and body are disconnected; unimaginable fatigue that can come on very suddenly...just to name a few.

And just as the outwardly appearing normal healthy tree that happens to be invisibly rotten or decayed on the inside and can thus be toppled by a mild storm or bump...those with MS can be devastated or destroyed by an ordinary infection, a common illness, a stressful event or situation...that is otherwise just a nuisance or short-term problem for most individuals.  

Can you understand this?  We get tired from trying to constantly explain and remind family, friends, and co-workers about what is happening to us, and we often feel as if we aren't believed, especially when we "look so good ".  Perhaps we should check into getting a group discount on tombstones that are simply engraved with "See...I told you I was sick!" Come on, it's okay to smile or chuckle.  If we didn't have a good sense of humor we probably wouldn't survive nearly as long as we do!  ;)

(copyright Photo and post by C.J. - please do not share or copy without permission)

My Object Lesson for This Week

The weather was beautiful this morning, with plenty of sunshine, low humidity, and a light cool breeze that was very refreshing and energizing.  I was well into my usual route when something in the gravel and dirt just a few feet in front of me caught my eye as the sun was reflecting off of it.  Upon reaching the object, I realized that it was a long silver-colored screw about four inches in length (pictured above).  I picked it up and carried it with me for fear of someone, possibly me, running over it and getting a flat tire from it.  I know, from experience, how easily that can occur.  Just a few days ago that very thing happened to me.  

I had been on my way to buy a few groceries and other supplies when I noticed that the "low tire pressure" warning light had come on (one of the high-tech features of newer automobiles for which I am thankful).  I checked the tires and all had below normal pressure, but one was particularly low.   So I stopped at a local station and put the recommended amount of air in each tire and when I started the engine again, the warning light was off.  This lasted for one day.  

When I got in the car the next morning and started the engine, the warning light came on again, so I headed to the tire store and asked them to check it out.  They took the car in and after just a few minutes, one of the managers walked out to where I was sitting in the waiting area.  As he approached, he held out his hand and said, "We found the problem".  In his hand was a metal screw, shorter but larger in diameter than the one pictured above.  He said that the tire was repairable and it was being worked on.  Okay, they pulled my car back out into a parking space, I paid for the repair, got in my car and ran my errands.  Since then, in the back of my mind, I often wonder how long that repair will last and I also have fears of the tires picking up another foreign object, going flat or blowing out, and I will be out in the middle of nowhere when it occurs.  I know, I can't let those kinds of thoughts and fears deter me from going places and doing the things I need and want to do.

That tire suffered an assault or injury and, although it was repaired and taken care of, and it might continue to serve its purpose well, it will never be the same as it was before.  It now has a "scar".  When I thought about that, it began to remind me of all the different types of scars that people acquire...from the visible physical scars related to accidents, injuries, physical abuse, surgeries, etc., to the invisible scars on our hearts and/or our minds from mistreatment, emotional or mental abuse, neglect, misunderstandings, loss of loved ones through death, and broken relationships.  Those invisible scars are often conveyed in a people's eyes, especially when memories of the past are brought to the surface.  And even when life appears to be "normal" for them as they smile, move on, get involved in their careers,  participate in family and social functions, and perhaps begin new personal relationships, their scars will serve as a reminder of past hurts and heartaches...and they are forever changed.

(Post and photo by C.J. - please do not copy or share without permission.)

"The Title"

"That special 3-letter title that can evoke feelings of fear, uncertainty, inadequacy, responsibility, importance, purpose, wonder, awe, pride, compassion, immeasurable and unconditional love..."Mom".  My heart is so full of overwhelming love for my sons...my desire is and always has been been for them to be happy, healthy, responsible, loving, giving, compassionate, respectful, respected, successful at whatever they choose to do and be...and to always know that, no matter what, they will always be loved and cherished by me." ~C.J. 

 

(figurine is Willow Tree Mother & 2 Young Children - Susan Lordi - Demdaco)

(copyright Post by C.J. - please do not copy or use without permission)

 

Easy?

"I don't recall anyone ever saying that life is or would be easy; 

 if they said it, they were either delusional or they lied. "   ~C.J.

(Post by C.J. - please do not copy or use without permission)

"One Year Anniversary"

Today IS a very special day...

One year ago today, on February 14, 2013...
I came face-to-face with the Heart of God...
And the reality of this quickly fleeting thing called Life.
The days leading up to that day were a blur...
But at this hour I was waiting...
And I realized just how little control I have...
Going through the formalities and paperwork...
Preparing to put my physical life in the hands of strangers...
I suddenly found a strange Peace come over me...
As I realized that HE had and always had
my fragile and sometimes crazy Life in His hands...
The One who spoke me into existence...
The One who knows my purpose...
The One who has always been by my side...
even the times I've felt totally alone...
The One who accepts, forgives, and loves ME...
I'm not saying that I wasn't still afraid...
But I felt His Love in the family who was by my side...
Through the thoughts and prayers of others who cared...
And when I was being prepped in the operating room
and I was so cold and in pain from complications
of the many attempts for them to insert an arterial line...
I felt His Love through the touch of the neurosurgeon
who, although I couldn't see, came up behind my head
while I was lying on the table, strapped down...
as he gently wiped my tears away and held my head in his hands...
and quietly said "It's okay"...and then told them to give me IV meds
to help me to sleep and to forget all the pain and anxiety...
His touch and his voice were the last things I remember
until after the many hours of surgery.

My God is amazing...
He loves me with an everlasting love...
And although it has been, and still is, a long healing process...
He shows me every day, in small and big ways...
how high, how wide, and how deep is His Love for me...
and I know that I belong to Him...
He has my Heart...
and I am filled with Love, and Awe, and Appreciation...
because I know that I know that I know...
He...Loves...Me. ~C.J.

(Post by C.J. - please do not copy or share without permission)

 

The Uncomfortable Silence...

Why do I so often choose to just sit on the sidelines and be non-communicative?  

I am tired of trying to "play the game"...because I can't keep up with the ever-changing "rules"...and because I find it difficult to make small talk about things that are of little consequence when the things that should be discussed and known and shared are "off-limits".  

Therefore, like the hushed silence of a new-fallen snow that blankets everything in sight, I remain silent...

(Post and photo by C.J. - please do not copy)

On a cloudy morn, Moments before Sunrise (Saturday, September 21, 2013)...

"Even when we don't see it, just as the sky is bathed in glorious colors in the moments before Sunrise, so we are often gifted with undeserved blessings that we aren't even aware of..." ~C.J.

 (Post and photo by C.J. - please do not copy)

Control...

"Let go.  Give it up.  You can not control another person...their thoughts, feelings, emotions, behaviors, actions...and you may have little control over your own feelings and emotions...but what you can control is your own reaction and response to people and situations, your choice of words and comments, your level of interaction, and the kind of personal relationship you will have with others." ~C.J.

(Post and Photo by C.J. - please do not copy)

We are "West Virginians"!

We are "West Virginians"...from the State of WEST VIRGINIA, not Virginia or western Virginia.  If you don't know us and where we come from, don't judge us or stereotype us. Come for a visit and find out for yourself that, although there are exceptions (just as in any other place) for the most part, we MOUNTAINEERS are proud, hard-working, family-oriented, well-educated, self-sufficient, good, honest, God-fearing people who take care of our own, our neighbors, and strangers who may be just visiting or passing through. The majority of us whose families have lived in this beautiful area for generations come from the diverse cultures and backgrounds of Native Americans and ancient generations of folks from the areas of Ireland, England, Scotland, Germany, Wales, Italy, Poland, etc., and each of those unique heritages remain evident in our speech, music, dance, artistic expressions, dress, food, opinions, and lifestyles. Individuals from many other ethnic groups and nationalities now call WV their home, primarily because they have found that we are not racist or prejudiced and they are also amazed by and appreciative of the acceptance, friendliness, helpfulness, pride, and protectiveness of our people. There is something very unique and special about our State and its People and no matter where I may roam, West Virginia will always be my home. May God bless the beautiful hills, valleys, mountains, streams, and rivers of the Mountain State, bless its people, and the country to which we belong.  ~ C.J., A native of "Almost Heaven, Wild and Wonderful WEST VIRGINIA"

~ ~ ~

Posted in response to the ongoing flawed perceptions and 

misconceptions about the State of WV and its People, 

especially perpetuated by the media...

  

Post and photo by C. J.- please do not copy. 

Walk a Mile...

You've probably heard the phrase "walk a mile in my shoes", usually used by a person in a conversation when he or she is wanting to convey the thought that no one should judge another's actions, comments, or feelings...because you don't know what all has happened in another person's life to make them say what they say or do what they do. 

You may say to another "I know how you feel" or "I know what you're going through", but this statement can really be true only up to a point.  No one can know exactly...

For a concrete example or object lesson on what I mean, you can literally take the shoes off another person's feet, place them on your own, and walk a mile in them.  Now...perhaps you think they fit pretty well, but there's no way they fit exactly the same way they did on the original owner's feet...on you, they might be too long, too short, too wide, too narrow; the arch might be too high or low, or not hit the right spot on you; your foot might be thicker or thinner, also making the shoes too tight or too loose, causing blisters or making your toes or feet numb; if the shoes have been worn for very long, they might not be level on the sole and/or heel because their owner's feet tend to turn in or out when they walk, and this makes you "off-balance" and also causes foot and leg pain after you walk in them....etc., etc....

...so, even though you think you know, and even though you may have gone through some similar circumstances or experiences, you can never know exactly what another person's life is like, how he/she has been affected, or the emotions and feelings they have.  

We all need to try to understand and not be quick to judge any person, or criticize or jump to conclusions regarding their life or lifestyle.  Take a good honest look at those who have "been there, done that" or who are currently going through a difficult situation, and learn from their experiences.  

Everyone needs the compassion, patience, understanding, mercy, strength, and support from those who are willing to try to "walk a mile in my shoes"...

Fools This Day?...

It's 4:30 a.m.  and I am wide awake, before daylight breaks the darkness, before the first sounds of the birds singing disrupt the silence of the waning nighttime hours.   My brain is switched to "on" and suddenly my mind begins to be flooded with the meaning of THIS day.  Not the foolishness and games of this "April Fools Day", but rather the awesome mind-boggling meaning of this special day, "Palm Sunday".   


"So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”  (John 12:13)  I start thinking about what Jesus might have been thinking and feeling as he prepared for his triumphal ride into the city of Jerusalem, knowing that the people did not really understand...could not understand.  They had been looking for and hoping for a powerful new leader, a military leader, a government ruler, to save them from the problems of their time.  They knew a little about Jesus and had heard about some of the miracles he had performed, but they did not truly know him.  They could not see that they had need of a more important kind of leader, someone to save them not just from their worldly problems, but to save them spiritually and for eternity.


How ironic that the anniversary of that day would this year coincide with another day that will be probably more recognized and celebrated by people all over the world...showing how truly foolish people are and showing that we really haven't learned much over the past 2,000 plus years.  "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are saved it is the power of God. For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.'  Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?   For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)

"God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty"   (1 Corinthians 1:27)

He showed us the way, gave us the answers, and still we search everywhere else, looking for our strength and power and importance in things and people and politics...and looking for a human leader who will save us, magically solve all our personal problems and those of society, and lead us into prosperity and goodness and make all things "right"...when he has already provided that, teaching us that we should not be so concerned with the natural things, the things of this world, but be more concerned about those things that will last forever.


"Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God." (1 Corinthians 2:12)

( © Post and photos by C.J. - please do not copy)

No Mistake...

"Don’t mistake my silence for ignorance."

"Don’t mistake my calmness for acceptance."

"And most of all, don’t mistake my kindness for weakness.”   

                                                                                           

                                                                                                    ~ Unknown

(Post and photo ©  by C.J. - please do not copy)

What? How?

Most folks in the "civilized" world are familiar with the objects in the above photograph.  And most people would not find the objects the least bit intimidating or frightening.  I've never had a problem with them...until yesterday.  You see, yesterday I was feeling a little "off" from the time I awoke and got out of bed.  I was a little unsteady on my feet, and I noticed I was having some difficulty keeping my thoughts together and I was having trouble making even the smallest decisions.  


After taking much longer than usual to make my bed, put a load of laundry in the washer, eat breakfast, and wash dishes, I knew I needed to get a shower and get dressed.  But I was a little leery of trying to stand long enough to finish my shower, so I decided it might be best if I just took a bath instead.  


Well, everything was going along okay and it actually felt good to soak for a few minutes after bathing.  The problem arose when I decided it was time for me to get out of the tub.  I sat and stared in front of me at those shiny silvery objects that are shown in the photograph....it seemed like it was for an hour, although it was perhaps only four or five minutes.  As I sat and  stared, I became a little frightened as well as frustrated...because I could not remember what I needed to do in order to drain the water from the tub.  


No, I haven't suffered a traumatic brain injury...no, I don't have Alzheimer's disease (as far as I know)...no, I didn't have a stroke, etc.  I was having an acute attack of my brain "short-circuiting", something that happens to me fairly frequently as a result of having MS (multiple sclerosis).  These particular episodes usually don't last very long, but I do have some permanent long-term as well as some short-term memory loss.  The attacks can occur at any time, but tend to be more frequent if I am fatigued, emotionally or mentally stressed, too hot, too cold, or have any type of illness going on.  This is just one of the many symptoms I have with this cursed disease.  


Why am I telling you this?  Because I want to help you understand what is happening to me...why I am constantly keeping lists or a journal, why I sometimes seem to be staring blankly into space, why it sometimes takes me longer than you think it should to answer a question or complete a simple task, why I say "no" or "not now", or "I can't" a lot more often than I used to.  On the outside I may look "fine", but on the inside I am often a "tangled mess of misfirings and disconnected electrical impulses".


So, if you can accept me as I am with all the changes that are now happening and doubtless will continue to take place (unless there is a miraculous cure), I welcome you into my life.  If not...if it frightens you or it's too much for you to bother with or handle...then you will probably become suddenly silent, quickly disappear, walk out, or just slowly back away as many others have already done.  Either way, I thank you for listening to me. 

( © Post and photo by C.J. - please do not copy)

I Remind Myself...

God, give us grace to accept with serenity

the things that cannot be changed,

Courage to change the things

which should be changed,

and the Wisdom to distinguish

the one from the other.

Living one day at a time,

Enjoying one moment at a time,

Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,

Taking, as Jesus did,

This sinful world as it is,

Not as I would have it,

Trusting that You will make all things right,

If I surrender to Your will,

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,

And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.

(Original prayer attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr)

My current brief version:  "Lord, please help me to graciously accept that over which I have absolutely no power to change; the courage, wisdom, strength, and patience to help change what needs and can be changed by what I say or do...and please consider, Lord, that I have already learned, quite often the hard way, the difference between these two.  Amen!"

(Post and photo ©  by C.J. - please do not copy)

Joy, Peace, and Contentment...

People are constantly looking for real joy, peace, and contentment....but most are looking in the wrong places. Money cannot buy these things. They cannot be found in a bottle of alcohol, a handful of pills, or a mixture of toxic chemicals.  They are also absent in gambling casinos, profane movies, or pornography. Multiple sexual partners, extramarital affairs, and perverse or deviant behavior are void of them. Any of these things might provide a moment of perceived pleasure, but the stuff of real joy, peace, and contentment only comes when that special place in your heart and core of your being is occupied by Jesus Christ. It's "His room" and no one else and nothing else can fill it and make you complete and give you a joy and peace that surpasses all human understanding, in the face of any adversity, than inviting Him in to live with you daily, to walk with you, guide you, and be your constant companion....All you need to do is ask.  ~ C.J.

"The joy of the Lord is my strength."

( © Post and photo by C. J. - please do not copy)

Collector of Tears

Does anyone not cry?


I do a lot of my crying while I'm in the shower.  Why?  So no one will see my tears, hear my sobs, and know how much I am hurting, I suppose.  Perhaps because in the past my tears, and the reasons for them in the first place, have gone unnoticed or at least unacknowledged, making me want to hide my feelings and emotions and put up invisible walls for protection and self-preservation.  


But there is One who always sees, always hears, always knows...and He cares. Psalm 8:56 even suggests that he collects all the tears I shed, whether in joy or in sorrow, and keeps them in a special bottle (or 'lachrymatory' for you wordsmiths).  I have no idea how He would separate my tears from all that water in the shower, but I am sure that would be a very small task for Him!  


I was just thinking...if our tears are this important to Him, should our own hearts not be touched and we ourselves not be affected and moved to action by the tears of others when we see them?

Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me.  Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou  most High.  What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.  In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.  Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.  They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.  Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God.  Thou tellest my wanderings: PUT THOU MY TEARS INTO THY BOTTLE:  are they not in thy book?  When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.  In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word.  In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.  Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.  For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I  may walk  before God in the light of the living?    (Psalm 56 KJV)

( © Post by C.J. - please do not copy)