Carol Wilson Update

A Blessed New Year!

2009-12-31T16:39:00.002-05:00

In a few hours it will be 2010 with new experiences and adventures for each of us. As I reflect upon 2009 I am thankful for every moment. Truthfully, some were not as pleasant as others but just reminded me that I have not arrived at home, but am in a training period preparing for my eternal home.

I had a wonderful time with friend Keith and his family in Wake Forest for Christmas and look forward to his visit with me over New Years when we will do a bit of entertaining. What a blessing each of you friends are to me!

For over a month I have been challenged with some rather significant discomfort from congestion and neck/back pain. During my visit with the doctor yesterday I found that the infection is completely gone but I am dealing with some after-effects that are rather painful. I am currently on a brief round of Prednisone and a muscle relaxer. Hopefully that will be the end the discomfort.

As I was reading Indeed earlier this week, I was once again amazed at the glory of God as Ezekiel attempted to describe his vision in Chapter 1. I liked the statements that the author of Indeed made about the chapter:

“If we live without a sense of excitement, going through the routine of our days with rote motion and chilling apathy, we don’t have it. We aren’t living in the presence of God...[however] we can begin each day in the posture of Ezekiel’s response;...we can worship…If you are bored with life, lacking energy, and losing hope, try spending more time in God’s presence. Ask him to reveal His glory. Life will never be the same.”

I like that for my News Year resolution!

Have a Blessed New Year!

Love to you all,

Chuck

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T16:22:00.003-05:00

With the house filled with beautiful Christmas music today, my thoughts drifted back to many wonderful Christmas celebrations. What a blessing it is to recall so many memorable times with family and friends and look forward to that ultimate celebration with loved ones on the other side of that curtain of death. My heart especially goes out to those that will spend their first Christmas missing one of their loved ones.

I have been looking at several photo books today that Carol and I assembled, recalling many memorable occasions. I relived Carol’s 70th birthday celebration that we enjoyed together with the family on Cat Island in the Bahamas. What an amazing blessing it was for her, and for each of us, as God gave her strength to enjoy the trip in spite of fighting advanced cancer. I came to pictures with the family at out lake house in Indiana over the Easter holiday just three months before we would be saying goodbye to Carol. It was a special time enjoying each other and being entertained by our two great grandchildren. I then turned to precious photographs from Carol’s final trip, as we went to Michigan for Justin and Laura’s wedding, where beyond all odds, Carol was able to attend and even participate in the ceremony by reading Scripture.

I was especially moved by some final pictures that reminded me of the love of our family as they assembled here to say goodbye to Carol and give her an opportunity to have a tender time individually with each of them. Eight days later Carol took her last breath as our daughters and I were all at her bedside.

I find it amazing how such painful memories are also precious. As we Celebrate Christmas tomorrow, I trust that we will each experience the thrill of recalling the joyous birth of Jesus, that babe in Bethlehem. At the same time let’s not forget the pain and agony that He experienced some 33 years later as he was nailed to the cross making our redemption possible, giving up his earthly life, later to arise from the grave and take his place in Heaven..

As most of you are aware, Carol was a tremendous communicator, writing and editing numerous documents and publications over the years. As I turned to the final pages of pictures, a few words from her “Into the Light” farewell spoke volumes and expresses my feelings also:

"Thinking back on my life, I am filled with love and gratitude for you. Thank you for allowing me to share in your lives – I have treasured our time together. Cling to Jesus. I’ll see you on the other side of the curtain…I love you, Carol”

I will be spending Christmas in Wake Forest with good friend Keith and his family. I trust that each of you will have a blessed time with friends and family as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. May we welcome Him into our celebrations as Savior and Lord.

Love,

Chuck

Donna's Mom Arrived!

2009-12-18T16:23:00.003-05:00

At about 12:00 noon today, Donna's mom passed through the curtain of death. As Stuart and I were talking about it, he said he was sure that she is dancing with Carol, Maxine and other friends and family members. It has been a special blessing that our guest load at the office currently is down, so Donna was able to be with her mom during her final days. We will miss those delightful visits with "mom" as we do with all of our loved ones, but at the same time are thankful to know that she is safe with Jesus and recognise that each day we are one day closer to joining her and our loved ones there. What a blessing it is to have that hope!

My congestion seems quite attached to me, but during my second visit to the doctor on Tuesday, he said; "We are going to get out the big guns now," so I am on new medications which we trust will take care of the infection. The lingering headache and congestion is getting a bit anoying but I do not want to complain when I see so many folks going through much more difficult times.

My family asked me to come to Michigan for a Christmas celebration, but considering that I saw several of them on Thanksgiving, and with uncertain health, coupled with reports of nasty weather in that part of the country, I have decided to stay here. I've had several invitations but friend Keith had asked me to join him and his family several weeks ago, if I happened to stay home, so that is what I plan to do.

Thanks for all that you do to encourage me!

Love,

Chuck

John arrived!

2009-12-09T09:49:00.002-05:00

At about 6:00 am this morning, Carol's cancer buddy John departed this world and has joined Carol. These have been difficult days for Mary Ella as she continued to cover all of the "bases" at home while spending most of the days and some nights at the hospital with John. Do pray for her that she can catch up on rest and strength especially in these next few days before the anticipated service on Friday.

Donna continues to spend time with her siblings at her mom's side as her body appears to be shutting down. Her mom is sleeping most of the time but there are moments when she seems to be responding to the family members at her bedside. Please continue to lift that family up in prayer also.

As I deal with my own emotions while watching dear friends step into eternity, I often reflect on what that experience will be like for me. As a dear Christian friend said; "I am not afraid of death. I know that I am secure in Jesus Christ. The fear that I have is the process of dying."

What a blessing it is to know the One (Jesus) who is the Way, the Truth and Life! As we say good by to our loved ones and look forward to our own departure from this earth, it is a great comfort to know that our faith in Christ opens that new door of heaven for each believer. As I visualize a bit of what heaven must be like, I wonder why we fight so hard to stay here when our bodies get to "that point".

Thanks so much for praying! Also thanks for you prayers for me. I am just about clear of the congestion and feeling so much better.

Love to you all,

Chuck

Prayer needed

2009-12-06T11:59:00.002-05:00

This has been a difficult week for me. I have spent the major part of it in bed with little energy or desire to get up as I continue to fight this persistent “bug”. Several friends are going through very difficult times and I find it a battle to even keep updated with them by phone while feeling so miserable. How much I miss being able to “be there” for them, but continue to pray for them during the day and often as I am awake during the night.

This morning as I was reading Isaiah 44 reminding us that our God is the One who can be compared to no other god, but there were those worshipping all sorts of those other gods. I like The Message version of Isaiah 44:18 that responds; “Pretty stupid, wouldn’t you say? Don’t they have eyes in their heads? Are their brains working at all?” I had to stop and ask myself…how often am I putting my selfishness and some other man-made god ahead of the one true God? Ouch!

As I was reading, a call from friend Judy came asking for prayer. She too has caught the “bug” and is in the hospital getting all sorts of infusions, and was having a difficult time to even talk due to the congestion. You may recall that Judy lost her husband on January 27th from cancer.

Carol’s cancer buddy John continues to appear to be rapidly going down hill in the hospital, with Hospice helping to make him comfortable. Wife Mary Ella, staying by his side most of the time, is physically exhausted but spiritually strong as she realistically considers the future trusting God for wisdom and guidance.

Donna’s mom Phyllis has been moved to a new facility under Hospice which has a much more caring staff. She only briefly seems aware of her surroundings and Donna and her three siblings are with her anticipating that the Lord may be taking her shortly.

Last evening I had a call from a dear friend asking prayer for their 20-year old son who has “disappeared” and is not even responding to cell phone calls. What can be a greater heart ache than having our children going through very difficult times? There are attractions out there today that I was not even aware of when I was their age.

Please join me in praying for each of these dear friends and their families. As I pray for them, my personal problems seem so minor! Actually I am considerably better, but keeping a low profile while the antibiotics continue to do their work and also while trying to avoid any other nasty bugs.

Your prayers and encouragement a tremendous blessing!

Love,

Chuck

Trip completed

2009-11-30T18:00:00.002-05:00

I am thankful for another safe trip and for the special days that I had with several of our family members over the Thanksgiving weekend. I got an early 4 AM start this morning so was back home well before dark. I have some head and chest congestion that interrupted my sleep so I decided to get on the road rather than fight for a bit more sleep. Hopefully I will be able to catch up on the sleep a bit tonight and see the doctor tomorrow.

Daughter Sue who had surgery on both knees last week was unable to join us due to the danger of blood clots from travel, so she had some of Jeff’s family visit for a couple days. I suspect that she was on her feet a bit too much so has had some extra pain but says it is not excessive.

Friend John is still having a difficult time in the hospital and it appears that he will have to be moved to a Hospice unit in a few days when they locate a vacancy. We are praying that there will be an opening in a facility that is closer to their home so it will be easier for Mary Ella to commute.

Donna’s mom was moved today from a nursing facility that was not satisfactory to a Hospice unit which is much better staffed and will provide better care. Getting into the right place can be a challenge.

As I have been praying for these people I am continually reminded to pray for the caregivers also and am reminded of Isaiah 40:29 as I pray for them:

“He [God] gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak.”

Thanks for praying,

Chuck

Heading out

2009-11-25T03:49:00.002-05:00

In a few minutes I will be getting an early start for our Indiana lake house where as many of the family members as can, will gather for the Thanksgiving weekend. Yesterday I was not certain about the advisability of heading North with the pain and congestion in my head and some congestion in my chest. But with the help of my doctor and Pharmacist Nathan, I am feeling much better and expect to be completely cleared out in a couple of days.

Daughter Sue came through surgery on her two knees well yesterday and called me from the hospital in Michigan to report all went well and that she had already been up and walking. She will not be able to be with us due to the possibility of blood clots from travel, but we are hoping to get as many of the family as possible together again for Christmas.

Friend John (Carol's cancer buddy) is not doing well in the hospital. They find that the cancer has spread through his bones and is in the other lung, his stomach and other areas. Donna's mother is also not doing well and has been moved from the hospital to a care facility. Do be in prayer for each of these dear folks and their families. To a Christian death is not feared, but sometimes the process is very difficult for both loved ones and the family.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow, let us be truly thankful for the many blessings that have been given to us. It is always easy to focus on the difficult times and forget how much the Lord can, and hopefully has, taught us through them.

Thanks so much for your faithful encouragement and prayers. May this weekend be a special time of thanksgiving to the Lord for each one of us.

Love to you all,

Chuck

He hears!

2009-11-23T14:05:00.002-05:00

Our study yesterday focused on Psalm 116 and was a wonderful encouragement as we thought about the Psalmist’s words:

“I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
He heard my cry for mercy.
Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live…

I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
Then I called on the name of the LORD;
‘Oh LORD save me!’

The LORD is gracious and righteous;
Our God is full of compassion.
The LORD protects the simple hearted;
When I was in great need he saved me.”

Then the Psalmist continues to discuss how he can repay the LORD, ending the Psalm praising the Lord for all that He has done for him. A good reminder for me to remember to praise him too!

Several dear friends are in need of a touch from the Lord currently:

Carol’s “cancer buddy” John was admitted into the hospital today very weak, tired and uncomfortable. Pray for wisdom, encouragement and peace for him and his wife Mary Ella. Mary Ella is also extremely tired from nearly constant care of him these past days.

Bob’s wife Marcia has returned home to the Bahamas following his service in Canada and will be having another memorial service at their church in the Bahamas on December 2nd. Pray for Marcia and daughter Tahnee as they adjust to life without Bob.

Donna’s mother Phyllis has been moved from the hospital to a nursing facility where she is not doing well. Do pray for her and the family as they make many decisions and deal with their emotions as she does not seem to be responding well to medications.

Thanks so much for joining me in prayer for these dear people. As I think of the shortness of this life verse 15 of the Psalm is a great encouragement; “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” What a wonderful future we have to look forward to, but sometimes the process of arriving there can be difficult.

Have a blessed week!

Love to you all,

Chuck

Hope

2009-11-11T06:25:00.002-05:00

Isn’t it amazing how some weeks seem to fly by and others just drag on? This past week was one of those fleeting weeks for me. I was a bit behind in my daily activities from working at the voting polls and trying to get some of the fall yard work completed. Then this past weekend I made a quick trip to Indiana to check on the progress of the roofing job at our lake house. The project was going well with about ¾ of the old roof removed and new underlayment in place so there is reasonable protection against the elements in the event of a sudden shower. I was pleased to see the quality of workmanship at this point.

The trip went well and the weather was beautiful. Friend Brian went with me which made the miles seem to go much faster than when driving alone. Keith had taken care of the bulk of the leaves, but there were still more that had accumulated, so we were able to help out a bit by raking and hauling leaves in that fantastic fall weather.

Karin, Keith, Gavin and Calli joined us several times on the weekend and we had a special time of worship and Bible study at their church Sunday. The message was appropriately on “Redefining Hope” which spoke to my heart as we reflected upon the experiences of many individuals in the Bible that did not let themselves get stuck in hopelessness, but continued to hold fast to that hope that we have in Him. Lamentations was a special reminder to me about placing my hope:

“I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!’ The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him.” (Lam. 3:20-25)

Lord, help me to keep my focus and my hope, upon YOU!

Love to you all,

Chuck

Special Prayer Needed

2009-11-04T15:33:00.002-05:00

On October 16th I received an email from Friend Bob who has been receiving chemo in Edmonton, Canada. His opening words were Psalm 18:1-3:

“I love you O Lord, my strength,
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold,
I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
And I am saved from my enemies.”

As Bob gave me his upcoming chemo schedule, he said; “We are in the Lords Hands and He is guiding the Oncologist.” His final sentence in that email was: “We know & trust we are safely in HIS HANDS but also know he likes to hear the praises and concerns of His children so I greatly appreciate all your prayers, cards, calls and visits.”

On Sunday while attending the church service, he felt something was wrong and had his wife take him to the emergency room. After examination, he was admitted spending the afternoon and early evening there. Marcia said that “Bob was cheerful, cracking jokes and being upbeat. Suddenly, without much warning, and artery broke and Bob was gone in about 4 minutes.”

Please join me in praying for Marcia, their daughter Tahnee and the family and friends that will be celebrating Bob’s life this coming Saturday in Edmonton. Carol and I were with Bob and Marcia at Sanibel Island in January ’08 and I was with them in Nassau this past February. He like Carol refused to let cancer “hold him down” but fought the good fight to the very end with Marcia close by his side.

All of us will greatly miss Bob, but at the same time rejoice in his faith and trust in the Lord and the assurance that he is now with Him for eternity. As I thought about Bob’s strong testimony over those difficult years, I was reminded of a prayer that I recently read in Indeed and which I have tried to incorporate into my prayers each day:

“Jesus, let your presence dwell powerfully in me, in my family, and in my work. Manifest Yourself in every area of my life.”

Amen,

Chuck

GOD's Loyal Love

2009-10-26T14:37:00.002-05:00

I had seen groups riding Segways in Washington on several occasions and thought that it looked fun, not expecting to ride one. Then one of my coworkers thought that a group of us should take a tour on them together. He made the arrangements and as you can see, I enjoyed a delightful 3-hour ride around the Latta Plantation. The training was a bit unsettling and I just about wiped out on the “ditch test” when I had to slowly descend to the bottom of a ditch, stop and stand still for a few moments, then drive up the other side. I made it and found the 30-minute training to be a perfect preparation for our tour of the 1000+ acre property which is along Mountain Island Lake that provides the water for Charlotte and surrounding communities.

Recently while reading Lamentations in The Message, it spoke to me as I continue to go through this period of adjustment which I suspect may be endless. But these verses were a great encouragement to me:

“I’ll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness,
the taste of ashes, the poison I’ve swallowed.
I remember it all—oh, how well I remember—
the feeling of hitting the bottom.
But there’s one other thing I remember,
and remembering, I keep a grip on hope."

"GOD’s loyal love couldn’t have run out,
his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.
They’re created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!
I’m sticking with GOD (I say it over and over)
He’s all I’ve got left.” (Lamentations 3:19-24)

I especially like the instructions in verses 28-29:

“When life is heavy and hard to take,
go off by yourself. Enter the silence,
Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions:
Wait for hope to appear.
Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face,
The ‘worst’ is never the worst.”

I trust that each of you will have a wonderful week. May you experience a special portion of GOD’s loyal love!

Love to you all,

Chuck

Weekend activities

2009-10-18T14:43:00.003-05:00

Thanks to the lovely fall rain, Saturday was a major appliance cleaning day for me. Refrigerator coils and it’s interior, dryer and vent along with the area under each and also the oven which needed some spills eliminated. After all of that it was necessary to clean the kitchen and laundry room floors and vacuum and dust throughout the house, wrapping up the day by getting the laundry out of the way. Fortunately it was not all work. I took a couple of hours off in the afternoon to celebrate the wedding anniversary of some dear coworkers. I confess that I did have “some moments” during their celebration, but did quite well. Being in the same room where we had celebrated Carol’s last birthday here made it a little difficult but I am thankful for the strength which the Lord provides day by day.

I have been reading the book of Jeremiah in The Daily Message. In Chapter 29 we read the message from “GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies, Israel’s God” as he reminds the exiles whom had been taken to Babylon that “as soon as Babylon’s seventy years are up and not a day before, I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.”

How often we quote verse 29:11 forgetting that seventy years of exile was also part of His plan for them. I am afraid that today we may be a little too much geared to an instant response as we pray, and forget that our timing may not necessarily be His. This spoke loud and clear to me as I read it and hopefully will impact my anticipated response to prayers in the future.

Our class today with Tom was a delight as usual, studying Psalm 56, reflecting on David’s words after being seized by the Philistines in Gath. What an encouragement to know that even the strong David experienced fear but was quick to put his trust in God and continue to praise Him during the ordeal. Another good lesson for me!

It is always a delight to hear from so many of you and be encouraged by your prayers. Thanks for keeping in touch!

Love,

Chuck

Weekend at the beach

2009-10-13T04:32:00.000-05:00

I enjoyed a delightful weekend with friends camping at Myrtle Beach. Former neighbor Keith and the Longs joined me for a wonderful time together enjoying the unseasonably warm weather along with a bit of rain on Saturday. It is always a thrill to experience the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean and the salty air. We were able to do a fair amount of hiking in the state park and on the beach but Keith was having trouble with his back and Bud had a painful leg which limited the two of them a bit.

Fortunately the rain did not hamper our fun. As we ate one meal at the picnic table under our umbrellas we were reminded that these experiences are the ones that we will remember well. We spent our evenings playing games and even took time for a quick game of Rummy Cube by the ocean before leaving for the drive home on Sunday. I have to admit that the clean-up when returning home is a bit more challenging with soggy items and a fair load of sand, but it was a special time of enjoying a beautiful portion of God’s beauty and the fellowship with good friends.

In spite of the warm weather and the rain, we had a campfire going all of the time we were in camp. Keith and Bud are experts at the task. There is something special about sitting around the fire watching the embers glow, listening to the crackle of the wood and enjoying that hint of wood smoke in the air. I am sure that most of us recall a special evening by a campfire or possibly in front of a fireplace when we enjoyed pensive times and possibly made some major decisions that impacted our lives. Often as I watch a fire, I think about the similarity to our lives. From a spark to a huge blaze down to a dying ember…A good reminder to use wisely each day to glorify our Lord while there is still a glow coming from our “ember”.

Yesterday was one of those fall-like days with a chill in the air and a light rain for most of the day. Perfect weather for the new grass that I have started to fill in the dead areas where I killed the unwanted invasive Bermuda Grass that likes to take over yards in this part of the country. There are now hints of color in the trees and a shortening of daylight hours that confirm the close of summer.

I am thankful for continued health and strength to enjoy the blessings of life but am also aware of so many friends that are having many struggles these days. My prayer list continues to grow but I am thankful that this life is only the beginning. We have so much more ahead of us…an eternity free of stress and pain to enjoy with our Lord and Savior. It is my prayer that each of us will hold fast to that hope as we continue to encourage each other and prepare for the day when we come face to face with Him.

Love to you all,

Chuck

He Put Our Lives Together

2009-10-01T15:13:00.002-05:00

Reading the book of Titus in The Message this morning, I found Chapter 3 to be a great reminder of God's continual working in our lives....especially mine!

"It wasn't so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God's gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there's more life to come -- an eternity of life! You can count on this." Titus 3:3-7

This was my early morning at the office so I am feeling a bit tired and will be sure to get some extra sleep tonight. 4:00 AM always comes too soon for me on Thursdays but we are thankful for the donation of bread items for the mission.

Pray for neighbor Keith who has moved to Wake Forest where it appears that he may find better job opportunities in his field. I will sure miss spending time with him and frequently enjoying his excellent cooking skills.

Also pray for friend Bobby who is scheduled for a heart cath tomorrow morning and is anticipating heart surgery. This is a big surprise to he and Anne being that his condition was not symptomatic.

Carol's cancer buddy John goes in on Wednesday for the first of ten planned radiation treatments for a tumor in his shoulder which has cracked a cancer ridden bone and is very painful. Pray that this will relieve the pressure and thus the severe pain. Also pray for minimal side-effects from the radiation which the doctor indicates could be a problem.

Each one of you is so special to me. Thank you for your continued encouragement, support and prayers!

Love to you all,

Chuck

First Thing - PRAY!

2009-09-17T15:29:00.004-05:00

I am amazed how easy it is to get so wrapped up in day-to-day activities and not take time for the things that are most important...like keeping up to date with family and friends.

Wednesday I was leading our chapel/prayer time at the office and for a devotional I focused on 1 Timothy 2:1-10 from The Message. Here are a couple of thoughts that especially spoke to me:

"The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know." I needed to hear that. It is so easy to get involved with so many good things and neglect the most important...prayer. Verses 8-9 say; "Since prayer is the bottom of all this, what I want mostly is for men to pray--not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God. And I want women to get in there with the men in humility before God..."

We took time to pray for friends, neighbors and family members as well as for the workers and countries scheduled for the 16th. We follow a schedule that allows us to pray for each of the countries and the workers each month. It is a joy and a privilege to do that each day, but it is also most important to keep my personal time with the Lord each day. That is where I find it is easy to slack off if I am not careful.

Today was my early day at the office. Leaving at 4:15 AM to pick up donated bread items for our guest house and the kitchens. It makes a long day but it is a huge saving for the mission, so I am pleased to do it.

Our temperatures are slightly cooler and there is a feeling of fall in the air these days as the days continue to get shorter. I am not sure where the summer went. Time just keeps moving on.

I trust that your week is going well. Thanks for your messages and prayers.

Love,

Chuck

Returned Safely

2009-09-09T16:01:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends,

Thanks for keeping such close contact with me. Yes, I am back home. I arrived late in the day yesterday but received a call on the way home asking me to attend a neighborhood business meeting shortly after I arrived. It has been quite busy since returning but I will take a few moments to give a quick update.

The trip went perfectly with outstanding weather in the Upper Peninsula. While there we took a 3-hour boat trip on Lake Superior to see the Pictured Rocks and joined the throngs to walk the Mackinac Bridge on Labor day. I never did hear a count but they were expecting around 50,000 so we were not alone. I was amazed to see many trees up there starting to turn to beautiful reds and yellows indicating that fall is just around the corner up there.

Gavin rode with me as far as Clare at which point Karin had to leave our route to head back to Valparaiso and Keith and Calli joined us on the trip back to Warsaw. I spent a rather short night at our lake house and was on the road back here early in the morning.

Thanks so much for your prayers, calls and emails. You are a great encouragement.

Love,

Chuck

Encouraged by Nehemiah

2009-09-03T10:03:00.003-05:00

My trip went well, arriving in a bit less than eleven hours which reminded me I did not make enough stops to stretch. I felt it when I arrived but after a good night of rest am revived and was thrilled to see a beautiful sunrise across the water as I was reading this morning. As the sun came up, our swan family came over by our piers so I went out to see the little family that has grown since I saw them early July. The “kids” are about as large as the parents as you can see below. The proud parents are in the lead, showing off their growing family.

Reading in Nehemiah this morning, it was encouraging to me to see how he faced adversity, not letting it get him down…a timely lesson for me! In chapter 4 he reports that “The whole wall was soon joined together and halfway to its intended height because the people had a heart for the work.” Shortly thereafter he reported that threats against them and their work again surfaced and; “We countered with prayer to our God and set a round-the-clock guard against them.”

Wise strategy for me when faced with challenges or discouragement:

1. Keep my heart focused on the “work” God has for me
2. Keep my focus on prayer for needed wisdom and courage
3. Keep my guard up against opposition along he way

The next couple days will be for relaxation here at the lake house and doing a few yard chores before heading North with Keith, Karin, Gavin & Calli to spend the weekend with Sue and Jeff, hopefully walking the Mackinac Bridge on Monday.

Thanks so much for your prayers and keeping in touch. You are greatly loved and appreciated!

Love,

Chuck

Train me to live by your counsel

2009-09-01T19:53:00.001-05:00

Early tomorrow I am heading for our lake house to spend a few days and then on Saturday I plan to drive up to Mackinaw (Michigan) with Karin, Keith and the children. We will be joined by Sue and Jeff and plan to walk the Mackinaw Bridge on Labor Day with a multitude of others. This is a tradition for many Michiganders and Carol and I have done it several times previously. It is a beautiful walk high above the water and amounts to a reasonable amount of exercise, especially for we older ones.

It will be especially nice to be with some of the family this weekend which would have been our 50th anniversary. The past few days my mind has drifted back frequently to that special day and the nearly 49 years that Carol and I enjoyed together. What a blessing to have had the opportunity to spend those years together!

I have been enjoying The Message version of Psalm 119…Great examples for me to follow. Here are just a few words from the Psalmist that especially spoke to me:

“Remember what you said to me, your servant—
I hang on to these words for dear life!
These words hold me up in bad times
Yes, your promises rejuvenate me.”

“I get up in the middle of the night to thank you;
Your decisions are so right, so true – I can’t wait till morning!”

“Your love, GOD, fills the earth!
Train me to live by your counsel.”

That is my prayer…to be trained to live by His counsel.

Have a wonderful week and long weekend.

Love,

Chuck

Steady steps

2009-08-29T15:23:00.002-05:00

I am always amazed at how much time I can spend getting the work done in and around the house and today was no exception. I feel that I am about on top of those details so will get a quick blog out for all of you dear people that keep checking and praying.

Our camping trip last weekend went well but we did have rain and got soaked. Quite honestly I wondered if neighbor Keith would every want to camp again but on our way home he said he was ready to go again, any time I wanted company. I was reminded that a trip like this is one that you remember and will talk about many times in the future. When everything goes just right, it is fun but takes a back-seat in our memory bank.

As I have been reflecting on the promises of God this past week I was encouraged by my reading in The Daily Message which included a portion of Psalm 119.

“You’re blessed when you stay on course,
walking steadily on the road revealed by GOD.
You’re blessed when you follow his directions,
doing your best to find him.
That’s right—you don’t go off on your own;
you walk straight along the road he set.
You, GOD, prescribed the right way to live;
now you expect us to live it.
Oh, that my steps might be steady,
keeping to the course you set;
Then I’d never have any regrets
in comparing my life with your counsel.
I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;
I learn the Pattern of your righteous ways.
I’m going to do what you tell me to do;
don’t ever walk off and leave me.”…

“I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart
so I won’t sin myself bankrupt.” (vs. 11)

Hopefully I am starting to get it. We have everything that we need for life and godliness but we need to know the promises and in faith ask Him to fulfill them. I plan more study and reflection on those promises this coming week.

Might our steps be steady along that course He has set!

Love to you all, Chuck

Promises

2009-08-21T08:29:00.004-05:00

The other day a friend asked; "What have you been reading lately" and I had to stop and think about it for several moments. Even with the reading that I do each morning, it seems that my days get so full that the "food" I started with from the Word of God gets pushed way back in my thoughts. I was challenged by that question to do a better job of meditating about what I read earlier during the day. Filling those available moments during the day with the encouragement and challenge I read about during the early hours.

For several days "Indeed" has been focusing on the "Great and Precious Promises" from God. The author reminds us that all of those promises are assured. But..."The only catch is this: You have to know the promises and you have to ask Him in faith to fulfill them. Other than that, there are no overriding restrictions...Everything for life and godliness has been promised."

Here are a few brief promises that were mentioned. You may wish to look up the verses and read a more complete account. "Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16) "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9) "He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." (1 Corinthians 10:13) "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:6) "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33) "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4) Looking ahead, I see that there is a new promise for each day right on to the end of the month. But as I read these wonderful promises, I am reminded that with each comes requirements, but there again He has promised to provide the strength and wisdom to claim them if we but trust and obey Him!

This weekend I am going camping in the mountains on the Blue Ridge Parkway with my neighbor Keith and a dear couple from the mission. I am praying that this will be a refreshing and restful time for each of us and a time to share a bit about what the Lord has been doing in each of our lives. Thanks so much for your prayers. I am always encouraged knowing that you are out there praying for me as I do for each of you.

I trust that each of you will have a special weekend with family and friends enjoying some of the rich blessings from the Lord.

Love,

Chuck

Where is my trust?

2009-08-17T06:23:00.003-05:00

The past few days, my reading of the Scriptures in The Daily Message have been in the book of 2 Chronicles. I got a bit behind during the week but caught up on the readings over the weekend between yard work and house work. Reading about the numerous kings and how they reacted in their influential positions reminded me that they were no different in many ways than each one of us as we live lives of varying degrees of leadership in our families, neighborhoods, work site, and churches. The age at which they assumed their responsibilities did not appear to be a big factor. The “real deal” was their obedience to God and that was clear as we see the end of their lives. I have been feeling God speaking directly to me as I have been reading those chapters.

I especially was struck by the life of King Asa in chapters 14-16. We read; “There was peace in the land for ten years, for Asa did what was pleasing and good in the sight of the LORD his God.” Then as trouble arose from outside we read; “Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God, ‘O LORD, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O LORD our God, for we trust in you alone.”

The words of Azariah impacted Asa when he reminded him “The LORD will stay with you as long as you stay with him! Whenever you seek him, you will find him. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you.” (15:2) And as he obeyed the Lord we read “So there was no more war until the thirty-fifth year of Asa’s reign.” In his 36th year, Asa made some bad decisions, putting his trust in a strong neighboring king rather that in God. Hanani the seer called him on his root decision telling him; “…you missed your chance... The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” Asa become angry throwing Hanani into prison and things rapidly fell apart in his life, dying of a life threatening disease for which he did not seek his Lord’s help even after many years of walking with Him. (16:7-14)

This is a strong reminder of how easy it is to live a God-honoring life and because of his many blessings, allow pride to take control of my thinking and make bad decisions. Decisions made on my understanding or desires and not according to God’s will.

Thank you Lord for your Word and for your Holy Spirit that interprets that Word to speak specifically to me and often my situation/need at the moment!

May each of you have a blessed new week.

Love,

Chuck

If my people...

2009-08-11T16:16:00.003-05:00

Thanks to all of you who so faithfully continue to pray, and for your calls and notes regarding my weekend trip to DC spent with daughter Lisa. The trip went well and I am safely back in Charlotte catching up on things at the office as well as at home.

Lisa planned several fun events for us so we were quite on the move much of the time. We attended a portion of a jazz concert in the park, visited some interesting museums, went sailing on the Potomac with a friend of hers, and took a most interesting walking tour from the Ford's Theatre where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, around the district learning much about that era from our guide that was dressed in a very full (and hot)1800's dress. She played the part of Elizabeth Keckly, seamstress and confident to Mary Todd Lincoln. It was most interesting to step back into history and see those years through the eyes of black woman who purchased her freedom for the amazing sum of $1,200. Truly amazing when we learned that her usual income was $3 a day!

Her close friendship with the Lincolns gave her much insight into their lives right on through the assassination in 1865 and the aftermath when she stayed with Mary and the two children. She even helped Mrs. Lincoln sell some of her fine dresses to raise funds as she was financially destitute after her husbands death. It was quite in contrast to current presidents that leave the office far from destitute.

It was interesting that while in Washington, my reading in The Daily Message focused on 2 Chronicles chapter 7. Verse 14 especially spoke to me; "...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." That certainly is what we need today. But verse 19 warns "But if you turn away and forsake the decrees and commands I have given you and go off to serve others gods..." That will be disaster! It is easy to point a finger when we read those verses, but I was convicted of my own responsibility in relation to those verses.

May God help us to to seek him above all other gods including that god of self!

Love to you all,

Chuck

God leads gently

2009-08-06T14:58:00.003-05:00

I have been reading an exciting book; A Doctor without A Country written by Thomas A. Lambie, M.D. who happens to be the uncle of our teacher Tom. It is an amazing story about Dr. Lambie's travels into Anglo-Sudan Africa in the early 1900's with experiences that keep you on the edge of your seat as he pushes through unbelievable situations and with much prayer and persistence was able to push in to Abyssinia. Here are a couple of quotes that have jogged my thinking:

"...I have found that we can learn something from the humblest native of the remotest jungle. It requires humility to learn, and that is perhaps the point at which we missionaries are weakest, for there is a pride of the spiritual man far harder to overcome than pride which springs up in the man 'of the world'."

His travels frequently encountered dangerous animals and groups of people that had never laid eyes upon another white man. For me, I believe that the constant cloud of mosquitoes would have been most difficult for me. As he described sleeping under a mosquito net, keeping well away from the net covered with the hungry critters. He said; "I once estimated that there were 130 mosquitoes sitting on every square foot of the wire netting, seeking to get in."

"So we advanced toward Abyssinia and toward a deeper trust in God through experiences on the reaches of the White Nile...travelling tens of thousands of miles for Jesus Christ in Abyssinia. Had we know where the journey would end and the responsibilities we were afterwards to bear, we might have qauiled from it. God leads us on gently like a good shepherd."

That is so true. God does lead us gently on. And how thankful I am for that gentle leading. I have been trying to journal each day this past year, keeping a record of His leading. Frequently I turn back a few pages just to remind myself of His goodness and be encouraged to continue ahead.

Tomorrow I am driving to Washington DC to spend the weekend with daughter Lisa. She was the only one that was not able to join the family for the weekend of the 4th. I am looking forward to a special weekend together.

Love to you all,

Chuck

Overwhelmed?

2009-08-01T20:45:00.002-05:00

Have you every felt overwhelmed? I think that is a word that frequently describes my feelings. I can’t believe how many dear friends are struggling with health, grief, emotional and spiritual issues. I want to “fix” them but realize that is God’s job, but it is my job to continue to pray for them and be available when I can help and encourage them.

Recently I was reading an article by David McCasland referring to Romans 12:9-21. He said; “Paul gives ways to express practical Christianity. ‘Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.’ (vs. 15) We can give a hand to grieving friends and family by understanding their sorrow and not expecting them to ‘get over it.’ We can mention the name of the person whose death has brought such desolation and then share a fond memory. We can be quiet, listen and pray for God’s help. Only God can help the deep wounds of the heart, but we can lend a hand…No one is strong enough to bear his burdens alone.” Well said!

My plans to do some yard work in the cool of the morning were changed today by a nice shower, so I focused on a bit of cleaning and organizing inside. I took care of one cupboard containing many medications which Carol used as she battled cancer. That was one of those things I have put off many times but needed to be done. It is emotional for me to remove memories…even pills.

Tomorrow I plan to have a few people in for dinner. I found a package of meat in the freezer that is more than I wish to use for myself, so it is a good excuse to have some folks in for a meal. So many continue to invite me for meals and I know that there is no way that I can reciprocate, but I try to connect with as many as possible. On Monday I will have guests over night as they travel from New York back to Florida. Visitors are always a blessing! Stop in when you can. You are always welcome.

Love to you all,

Chuck

Fix Thoughts

2009-07-26T06:26:00.002-05:00

I awoke this morning thinking about The Apostle Paul’s statement in Philippians 4:8 when he tells us to fix our thoughts, or meditate, on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.

Friend George had some blue arm bands produced that have those eight words stamped into the band in small letters and brought one over for me a couple of days ago. As we talked about the importance of our thoughts, I was reminded that they are the root of every unacceptable or sinful action. How important are our thoughts, but how easy it is to forget their importance and let them go down the wrong road. At least that is true for me.

That chapter has so much to say, reminding us to always be full of joy in the Lord, to rejoice, be considerate and remember that the Lord is returning. I especially like verse 6 that gives us instruction about worry which when followed, provides for us His peace which is beyond anything that we can imagine. That is one that I need to refer to often.

Today in Tom’s class we will continue our study of Luke 15, discussing what repentance feels like to God. According to Tom’s letter, we will also get into a discussion of the two sides of repentance…turning from and turning toward. Tom asks us; how often have we really thought much about God feeling his heart being tugged, not over what the lost one turns from but who the lost one turns to? I am always eager to participate in these classes…Fantastic studies about our God and a wonderful group of friends with which to learn.

Have a blessed day!

Love,

Chuck