Day 324 | Saturday, 6 February 2021

Day 324 - Audio Version

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Day 324 | Saturday, 6 February 2021

 It has been a while since I have given a COVID-19 update.  As of Friday, we have seen close to 27 million cases in the United States.  The number of deaths has reached close to 458,000.  The seven-day average for deaths is at 3,232.

          Several here at the Woodlands have been able to receive the first vaccine shot.  This is a good thing.  I hope that others who read this epistle are having a good experience signing up for the vaccine.  I have to try and get scheduled about 2 weeks after my treatments.  The vaccine will help us be safer and be more protected from the virus, but it is not some magical cure.  Judy and I were out recently at a small business.  The lady behind the counter said to me, I can’t wait to get a vaccine so I can get rid of this mask.  I said to her that just because she gets the vaccine, she will still have to observe wearing a mask and maintaining safe distance. 

          The vaccine does not mean that we are past the dangers of COVID-19.  We must continue to remain vigilant and stay safe.

          In terms of Chautauqua county, the Post Journal reported on Friday morning that to date there have been 117 deaths due to complications of the virus and 6,917 confirmed cases.  50 of those deaths have been in nursing homes, 11 from Heritage Green, 8 from Heritage Village, 24 at Chautauqua Nursing and Rehab in Dunkirk and 7 from Absolute Care of Westfield.  The Jamestown area Zip code remains the highest in the county with 1,764 confirmed cases.
          What do we do?  We continue to be firm in our faith as we have been for nearly a year of this anxiety ridden time.  What has been a strength for us is the weekly gathering at noon on Wednesday for praying the Lord’s Prayer together and then spending some time catching up on how everyone is doing.

          The hymn that comes to mind as I reflect on where we are today is one, I have quoted in the past.

          “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” – by Isaac Watts, 1719 and is based on Psalm 90.

Psalm 90:1-2 “Lord, you have been our help, generation after generation.

2 Before the mountains were born, before you birthed the earth and the inhabited world—from forever in the past to forever in the future, you are God.”

         1. “O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home!”

2. “Under the shadow of thy throne, still may we dwell secure;
 sufficient is thine arm alone, and our defense is sure.”

          3. “Before the hills in order stood, or earth received her frame, from everlasting thou art God, to endless years the same.”

4. “A thousand ages, in thy sight are like an evening gone; Short as the watch that ends the night, before the rising sun.”

5. “Time, like an ever rolling stream, bears all who breathe away; They fly forgotten, as a dream dies at the opening day.” 

6. “O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, be thou our guide while life shall last, and our eternal home.”

 Prayers today for those coming down with the virus, those in the medical profession who continue to battle this pandemic and who are weary; support staff; first responders.  Prayers for those companies producing the vaccine, those distributing the vaccine and those giving the vaccine.
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“O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come.”   Amen