Hope

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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...

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

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?

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

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

Thinking of YOU today

This past week has been a delight spending time with a great group of candidates preparing to serve the Lord in many countries around the world. Each morning we have the opportunity to hear some of their testimonies about how God has worked in and through their lives as we meet together to pray for other workers around the world. It is exciting to hear how the Spirit has lead these teachers, doctors and other special people to this point in their careers, and it is a joy to have a small part in helping them with the preparation, sending and serving in many different locations and in many various roles.

Today I look forward to our continued Bible study in Tom’s class. We will continue our study of Luke 15 which gives us the three parables. Today we will again focus on the third parable (vs. 11-32) of the lost son. Along with this study we are reading The Prodigal GOD by Timothy Keller which helps to open our thoughts and discussions to numerous points about the two brothers that are often missed. We have heard much about the younger brother, but as the story progresses to what Keller calls “Act 2…an unthinkable conclusion…[that] leaves the elder brother in his alienated state…The lover of prostitutes is saved, but the man of moral rectitude is still lost.” The author says; “It is not his sins that create the barrier between him and his father, it’s the pride he has in his moral record; it’s not his wrongdoing but his righteousness that is keeping him from sharing in the feast of the father.” WOW…It makes me stop and evaluate at my own actions and attitudes. I am looking forward to the continuation of that study today!

I trust that you all will enjoy a blessed day and a fruitful week ahead. Do continue to pray for those that are facing difficult situations currently. There are many!

Love,

Chuck

Don't take a single day for granted

These have been some rather busy days with many times of remembering the tremendous support of so many friends as we celebrated Carol’s life on the 12th last year. It amazes me at how it can seem like such a short time on one hand and extremely long on the other. How does that happen?

The emails, cards, calls and even personal visits have been a tremendous encouragement for me. Each of you has been a blessing! Thanks so very much.

Last evening I was invited to neighbor Keith’s home for dinner. He always does a fantastic job of cooking. We just sat down at the table and started to serve ourselves when he was hit with some chest pains that escalated to the point that pain was shooting down his arms, his hands were going numb, he started shaking, went into a cold sweat and had difficulty breathing. The paramedics were very quick in responding to our call, for which I was thankful, taking him to the hospital after getting him stabilized for travel. After several hours and many tests they could not determine what the cause was, but the pain all disappeared, and I brought him home late at night. This is especially challenging being that he is between jobs and without insurance. Pray for wisdom in finding the root of the problem.

This morning I received an email from friend Bob who is in Canada and has been fighting lung cancer but seemingly had it under control. He said that he started to get chest pains again and after examination finds that “the cancer has exploded” causing choking off of his windpipe, lung lobe collapsed, new tumors and fluid around his heart. Bob says; “I am so THANKFUL for this past year that I’ve had—our FATHER is so faithful—even now.” He will be having a 6-hour chemo infusion on Wednesday (15th). He is asking that we pray that the chemo will accomplish it’s purpose and that he and the family will “stay strong and keep faith that He is in charge.” Do pray for Bob.

Recently I was reading Ecclesiastes 11 in The Daily Message and a portion of it spoke to me:

Oh how sweet the light of day,
And how wonderful to live in the sunshine!
Even if you live a long time, don’t take a single day for granted.
Take delight in each light-filled hour,
Remembering that there will also be dark days
And that most of what comes your way is smoke.

Thanks for your encouragement and prayers.

Love,

Chuck

One Year

One year ago I sent the blog you were all anticipating; “With the three of us at her bedside, Carol departed this world and is now healed in the arms of her wonderful Lord.” I was amazed at the responses coming from every continent and several islands within minutes. On this anniversary I would like to share a sample of excerpts from a few of those precious notes:

“We have been following every single post and waiting for this one. Thank you for sharing your life with us…”

“You don’t know me, but I had the honor and privilege of working with Carol a few years ago. [a business relationship] Not only was she sharp as a razor on her technology speak, but she gave us young bucks a run for our money. It was a joy to work with her.”

“I’m torn between joy and sadness, and have to accept it as a mixture of both. I’ve been reading Carol’s blog for a long time and had no idea how the story would end…but it’s not the end even now and that is good.”

“I am sorry to say that I have never had the pleasure of meeting Carol or any members of your family. Yet your family has had a profound effect on me in a short amount of time. I came across your family’s blog in the oddest of ways. I was searching for an update on a friend who shares your last name. I never found the update I was looking for but I did find some healing, understanding and above all some peace.”

“I am convinced that the timing of finding your blog was fate. I came across it within a week of getting back from a funeral. I was sad and lost. I kept focusing on the loss and the pain that I felt. I wasn’t ready to let her go. Day by day – reading your posts has helped me grieve and heal. The positive outlook, faith and love your family has demonstrated through this difficult journey can only be described as inspiring.”

“It’s thousands of miles between us, but the distance has not and will not stop us from praying for you. ‘Not that the withered flower is unfeeling. It withers to be transformed into the earth of spring, to nourish other blossoming plants.” (Translated from a Chinese classical poem)

“I had the privilege of meeting Carol in 2005…She was always available and ready to help you with what ever you needed. She has been missed and will continue to be missed. My prayer for you is that you will not sorrow without hope, but in thankful remembrance of the life that touched others and in expectation of that great reunion when all the dead shall rise, and we will all live forever in His kingdom.”

”What celebration there is in heaven – Carol is HOME.”

“We also sense the loss of a good friend and coworker. She was always an inspiration to us. Her enthusiasm was contagious.”

“Carol was a joy to work with and always made me laugh. Her energy and commitment to excellence has been inspiring over the last 4 years.”

“Thank you so much for continuing to share in your journey in the path of the shadow of death. It has brought many precious, blessed memories back of my own mothers passing from life on earth to life in heaven.”

“I have just read this post with a sense of relief and joy that Carol has passed through the trials of sickness and is now with her loving Savior. She has been such an inspiration to me over these past couple of years…I pray that as many gather to celebrate her life there will be an overwhelming sense of the Lord’s presence that will continue in the hearts of those who know her, until we meet with her again.”

What can I add? I am sure that you understand. Thanks for your continued prayers and support!

Love,

Chuck

Enjoying the Sault in Michigan

Sitting here is the living room at Sue's home on the bay of Lake Superior, we have been watching the huge ships passing by headed for the Sault locks to descend the 21 feet to Lake Huron. Some of these ships measure 1,000' in length with an amazing tonnage of cargo. Looking across the bay, we see the mountains in Canada with many windmills slowly turning along their tops to generate electricity for the Sault in Canada. The temperature is in the 50's here in contrast to the 90's I left in Charlotte. I hear that on occasion they have even had a few snow flakes on the 4th of July. This IS the North!

My trip went well taking a total of 19 hours driving. Fortunately I was able to get a good nights rest at our lake house in Indiana before heading out for the final 7 hours of travel. Keith and the children drove through the night to get here, but Karin and I held off to get some sleep at the lake and then drove the rest of the way during the daytime. We are enjoying being together as a family, 16 in all, but we are missing Lisa who was unable to make it. Hopefully we will be able to connect with her later in the summer.

I trust that all of you have a blessed 4th weekend with family and friends reflecting on the independence that we as a country have enjoyed these many years. Thanks so much for your prayers and encouragement during these months of adjustment.

Love,

Chuck

Look to the LORD

The past few days seem to have been a bit extra stressful for me. I required a steroid shot to arrest a nasty case of poison ivy and it seemed to do a number on my sleep. Spending many nighttime hours remembering those days a year ago as Carol was valiantly finishing well. It was just a year ago yesterday that we met with Tom and Stuart to discuss plans for her celebration. Carol was able to spend over 12 hours with the family that day and even watched us eat our final dinner together as she was no longer able to take in food. It was so wonderful to have the family all here for that special time and after we tucked Carol into bed, each family member went into her room sharing some final thoughts before their hugs and kisses and departure back home. Our three daughters stayed on and were a tremendous encouragement to both Carol and me.

As I reflect on those days, I am reminded of a recent reading in Indeed which quoted 1 Chronicles 16:11: "Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always." The author said; "...humility and impossibility set the stage for His power. Weakness demonstrates His strength." We certainly did feel weak during those days but at the same time experienced amazing strength which I know was from the Lord.

Early tomorrow I plan to head for our lake house in Indiana and will connect with Karin, Keith and family. On Thursday we plan to continue to Sault Ste. Marie (Michigan) where we will join Sue and Jeff at their new home and welcome all of the extended family with the exception of Lisa who cannot get away at that time. Lots of miles, but I am so thrilled to be able to be with the family again. Those are always such special times. I am praying for safe travel and good health for everyone.

Thanks for your prayers and frequent contacts. You have no idea how much that encourages me.

Love to you all,

Chuck

Final Hugs

One year ago today Carol pushed herself to do a final blog, having daughter Sue insert some photos from Justin and Laura's wedding as promised. Her words are worth repeating:

"We don't know but that I may have very few days left in this body. I want to thank you for walking this cancer journey with us for 2 1/2 years. Your prayers and notes of encouragement have made a huge difference. Even after we've said our final goodbyes, you will still have your own journey to walk. Please don't forget to Fully Rely on God. I'll also appreciate your continued prayers for Chuck and the family."

"Final Hugs: I visualize hundreds of dear people whom I would love to hug and speak a personal goodbye to. It may be impossible. Please be hugged."

"I want to step out of this life with all my relationships in order. To the best of my understanding I am at peace. If you feel you have anything to resolve with me, please feel free to take advantage of the time remaining."

Included with the blog was a photograph of the painting "Into the Light" that daughter Sue painted and which was reproduced with Carol's final thoughts on the reverse side. I still have some copies left if you missed it or would like an extra. Just let me know. I'll be glad to send it to you.

Have a blessed weekend with family and friends.

Love to you all,

Chuck

Hold on to Jesus

This morning as I have my breakfast on our patio, I am enjoying the peaceful surroundings. A lovely morning with a gentle breeze, birds singing and flitting from bush to tree and back. Potential new tenants are examining the Bluebird house and appear to be checking me out also as they make their decision. Neighbors are important too you know! The fig trees are loaded with what would appear to be a generous crop later in the season and the pomegranate is starting to display its’ beautiful blooms. A large number of flowers have made their appearance and I am reminded of the many hours that Carol and I spent designing and tenderly placing the little plants that have become a mature landscape...which requires more care than we had anticipated at the time.

I am reminded that a year ago today we were at our lake house with Hospice nurses fighting to make it possible for Carol to attend Justin and Laura’s wedding the following day in Michigan. Frankly, it appeared that Carol’s condition was so grave that it was most questionable if it would be possible for her to travel any further as she so much desired. But again we saw miracle upon miracle and late that evening she said “let’s go!” We were not only able to attend the wedding with Carol reading the Scripture, but we were able to complete the third “bundle” Carol had referred to, and return to Charlotte.

Recently as I sat in Carol’s study/office where she spent her last weeks in a hospital bed surrounded by many books and artifacts from our trips to various world-wide locations. I picked up a small notebook that Carol made an entry in during her final days that was not written in her usual perfect penmanship but obviously written with considerable difficulty. On it she scrawled some lines from the Mercy Me song Homesick which apparently was an expression of her feelings as she anticipated that soon coming moment, and it was almost as if I could hear her voice as I read the following:

“I close my eyes and I see your face
If heaven is where my heart is,
Then I am out of place.
Lord won’t you give me strength
To make it through some how
Cause I’ve never been more homesick than now.
In Christ there are no goodbyes.
In Christ there is no end.
So I hold on to Jesus with all that I have…”

Those are some thoughts that my homesick mind is processing currently…holding on to Jesus.

Love to you all,

Chuck

Memories

This morning as I listened to a report by Beaj, a missionary who lost her husband a few years ago to cancer, memories flooded back to that day. Steve her husband, spoke during our chapel time about his battle with cancer and read a tender letter he had written to their daughter talking about suffering and reminding her that suffering can destroy or refine us. ”The option is ours", he said. Within thirty minutes as he drove away, his earthly life ended and his vehicle came to a stop against a guardrail. At that time, our battle with Carol’s cancer was in the early stages and we both wondered what would lie ahead for our family.

I am thankful for the experiences that Carol and I chronicled during those 2 ½ years. To be able to read again about our challenges and thoughts, then seeing how God strengthened us and orchestrated events and people to come alongside us, helps to strengthen my faith for the future.

It was just a year ago that Carol wrote “Such good news! Just before midnight I crept out of my hospital bed and crawled into Chuck’s bed… Not only did I sleep sweetly the rest of the night, but so did Chuck, a total of 7 hours for him." That was the last time she was able to do that and the memory must have been on my mind during the night when I was having a bit of difficulty sleeping. I awoke this morning holding her pillow tightly. Carol’s last big desire that she noted then was to attend the wedding for Justin and Laura in Michigan and by God’s grace and the help of many; we were able to do it!

This morning “Indeed” featured dependence and was a good reminder for me of the need for my dependence upon God and not on self-sufficiency and being independent. 1 Chronicles 16:11 is clear about that “Look to the LORD and his strength, seek his face always.” Now if I can just remember that…always.

Love,

Chuck

Returned

I am always thankful for safe travel when I consider the thousands of vehicles that I meet and the condition of many of the drivers, both physical and mental. I continue to be amazed about how green everything is this year in comparison to the past dry years.

On Saturday we went to South Bend to watch the soccer tournament that Calli was playing in. They didn't win, but played a good game. We enjoyed the concluding message of an eight-week series by Pastor Denny Sunday morning on the end times which he appropriately titled "God Wins." Sunday afternoon Gavin had a group of his friends at the lake for some games, water activity and delicious food prepared by Karin. It was a good time for me to sit back and just relax. It was especially fun to watch the swan family swim by frequently, heads reaching deep into the water teaching the little ones to "hustle their own groceries".

It is always amazing how much accumulates on my desk while I am away, but I feel like it is rather well under control as I wrap up this first day back at the office.

Love,

Chuck

Thanks

Travel went well and I was pleased to see that our swan couple have five new little ones. They are proud but busy parents. They came over to our pier to show them off to me when I first walked down to the lake. The weather is beautiful and should be a restful weekend. When I left Charlotte it was raining hard and from the calls that I had en route it sounds like things are being well watered. It is a blessing after some mighty dry years.

As I was reading Paul's letter to the Philippians in The Daily Message (Ch. 1), it reminded me of each of you faithful friends: "Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart." You are each a blessing.

Have a blessed weekend,

Chuck

Blessings

This week has been quite a contrast from last year when I celebrated my birthday in the hospital with Carol as we anticipated a surgery which ultimately was not able to be done because of the advanced growth of the cancer. I have been thankful for all of the calls, emails, cards and meals this week. It is a good thing that I don't get fed like that all of the time or I would not fit into my clothes.

We heard several exciting reports this week from missionaries returning from the fields of India, Nigeria, Italy, and Liberia. God works in amazing ways in the lives of people as they open their hearts to Him. It is a tremendous joy to be working with such a wonderful group of His people. I am blessed to have this opportunity!

I plan to spend the weekend at our lake house in Indiana but this will be a rather quick trip. I need to be back in the office on Tuesday, but it will be good to be able to check things out up there and see a few family members. Presently Sue and Jeff are in the process of moving and so are James, Liz and family. I am sure glad that it is not me that is moving presently. That may come one of these days, but I am quite content to sit tight for now.

You all continue to be a great blessing to me. Thanks so very much!

Love to all,

Chuck

Faith Enjoys!

This week I have appreciated The Daily Message readings in 1st Samuel and also the emphasis on faith as I followed the Indeed readings which you can guess focused on Hebrews 11. What a reminder and challenge to finish well. But there were so many personal failures in 1 Samuel even with reminders like Samuel’s “If you are truly serious about coming back to GOD, clean house…ground yourselves firmly in GOD, worship him and him alone…” Contrast that with the examples of those mentioned in Hebrews 11. What a dramatic difference! And Hebrews 11 certainly leaves no doubt about the key, as repeatedly we read “by faith.”

Here are a few statements that spoke to me;

“Faith doesn’t hold on to worry and stress.

Real faith…is absolutely certain that the invisible God has a visible answer for us.

In short, faith honors God’s faithfulness, His power, His love and His wisdom.

Those who cannot see the invisible God and who are not aware of the eternal kingdom will never opt for faith.

Faith enjoys the gifts of God in this world, but never pursues them above God himself. The eyes of faith see the big picture and cause us to stake our life on it.”

I am always amazed and thankful how just the right message comes along to challenge and encourage me when most needed. This has been an extra stressful week for me, and as I reflect on each day, I see how God has spoken to me in each situation through the Word and through His people. Sometimes it took a little while for me to really hear and to exercise the faith I was reading about.

Thanks so much for your prayers and encouragement as I continue to adjust to new challenges. Remembering that “Without faith it is impossible to please Him.”

Love,

Chuck

Birthday

Yesterday would have been the birthday of a very special person; wife, mom, grandmother, Mimi and friend. This photo was taken on the day that she took her first of 51 chemo infusions that helped her to have many wonderful days with family and friends during her two and a half years of fighting cancer.

I was amazed how many people remembered the day and contacted me with words of support and encouragement. One couple, anticipating that it would be a difficult day for me, invited me to their home for dinner. It was a blessing to be with friends but I found my eyes drooping from time to time before heading home. I had been on the go since 4:30 am when I make my weekly trip to the warehouse to pick up donated bread items for the mission. The Lord continues to bless me through each of you, for which I continue to thank Him and want to also thank you!

This morning during our chapel time we had a report from one of our missionaries who just returned from Africa after several years of service. Her story was amazing as she told of open and responsive hearts and how the Lord had used the dreams of several individuals to open the door for her to tell them about Jesus, seeing their lives and desires dramatically changed. There are days when I feel tired and think that maybe this old guy should be thinking of taking it easier, but then when I hear reports like this one, I am inspired to "carry on" even when I may not feel like it. As the Lord continues to give me the health and strength I plan to continue in the role where He has placed me.

Have a blessed day!

Chuck