Pray and not give up!

“Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”  (Luke 18:1) Then he proceeded to tell about the persistent widow.  With the many challenges that friends are currently facing, that has been a good reminder for me not to give up praying.

I talked with Stuart a few minutes ago.  He has just finished a full day of tests at Duke which included the painful bone marrow test.  They will be spending the night there where hopefully Stuart will be able to get some good rest after all of the invasive procedures today.  If he is up to it, I plan to drive them to Florida next week to investigate the possibility of eventually joining our retirement facility there.  Join me in praying for them…for strength, stamina and wisdom in all of the decisions hitting them, along with special wisdom for the medical people as they decide how best to attack his condition.   I am praying for a complete remission!

Justin drove back from Michigan on Sunday and I had the opportunity to spend some time with him before taking Lisa to the airport for her return to DC.  Laura and Ella flew back on Monday and at last report were taking it easy but doing well for which we do thank the Lord.  It will be much better for the little one to hold off for a few more weeks.

I completed my physical therapy sessions on Thursday and now am having to focus on keeping up with the exercises that they assure me will bring me back to normal again.  I am thankful that my back is so very much better, but I still “know that it is there.”

Thanks so much for faithfully praying.  I trust that we will never give up as long as we have breath.

Love to you all,

Chuck

Thanks for praying

Thanks to each of you that faithfully keep in touch and have been praying.  My back continues to improve and I am able to do most things fairly well with the exception of bending over, which is still quite painful but improving.  I have been blessed by so many that have stepped in to help.  Yesterday, friend Don came over to spread mulch for me and when I returned home I found that Rob had mowed the lawn again.  I am blessed!

Thanks for praying for Stuart.  He is now feeling stronger after the every-day radiation last week and it appears that the radiation shrunk the two large tumors.  He will go to Duke for additional tests next week in preparation for a possible stem cell transplant later on.  I know that he does not feel up-to-par but keeps on top of all of his responsibilities.  Few would guess how much he has been suffering.  Always cheerful and ready to help with anything!

I just got word that Laura (Ella’s mom) who in visiting in Michigan was taken to the hospital with labor pains, but is only around the 26^th week.  Daughter Sue reported that she seems to be doing better now but I am sure that she will not be as involved in activities this weekend as planned.  Justin has gone up there to be with her and her family.  Do pray for Laura and the “little one”.

With all of the things that I have “on my plate” currently, coupled with so many health issues that friends and family members are facing, Proverbs chapter three has been a good reminder to fully trust the Lord rather than just relying on our finite understanding.  I wonder if Solomon was thinking of his father, King David’s words, when David was approaching the end of his life saying; “And you my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts.  If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.”  (1 Chronicles 28:9)

Love to you all,

Chuck

Prayer Needed

We were saddened to receive the following update on Stuart's medical condition.  Please pray for peace and encouragement for him and the family and wisdom and guidance for him and the medical people.

Stuart writes…

Over the past year or so I experienced some odd symptoms that went unexplained despite extensive, thorough testing by various medical specialists.  Symptoms stabilized after a while, but doctors continued to be vigilant.  I followed through with regular appointments and testing which remained unrevealing.

In recent weeks some pain resurfaced, taking me back to the doctor who ordered extra tests—tests that were completely normal three months ago.  The result has been a whirlwind.  Scans revealed numerous bone lesions and a couple of worrisome masses requiring immediate radiation (to prevent one mass from invading the spinal canal, and to relieve the pain from both).  I began radiation treatments this past week and was officially diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma on Friday. 

Doctors are stunned by the sudden, rapid activation and spread of disease which is going to require aggressive treatment.  Most of that treatment will take place in Charlotte, but I will also need a stem cell transplant (if declared medically eligible after further testing) which can’t be done in Charlotte.  I am told that I should be able to continue working (obviously making accommodations as needed) until the transplant which is tentatively planned for sometime this Fall.  That would take place at Duke, where I would be staying for 1-2 months.  I would then return to Charlotte for additional recovery time and medical follow-up.  

This has taken us, but not God, by surprise, and we are already marveling at how He has orchestrated the timing of all kinds of details.  We are still absorbing the magnitude of the news we’ve received, the volume of information we’ve had to process in a short time, and the potential ramifications of it all.  We realize there are plenty of unknowns ahead, but our desire is to continue what God has called us to do here and to minimize the impact of these events on our work here at SIM.  God knows what each day will hold, so we are entrusting our lives and this whole situation to Him, knowing He is good and will orchestrate what is best for all of us.  Only He knows what that will look like from one day to the next. 

We value your prayers as our family embarks on this journey.

Gratefully,

Stuart, for Donna and the Family

 

Your prayers are so much appreciated!

 

Love,  Chuck

Slowly Improving

I am frequently reminded:  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:6-7)

This back pain is hanging on far too long.  My doctor has recommended physical therapy so I am scheduled to get started with that tomorrow.  Hopefully this will generate some faster healing.  I have been able to keep on top of the urgent items at home and the office but unable to make any progress on other things that need attention.  I have been blessed by friends that have stepped in to help me with yard work that was beginning to get out of hand with the lovely spring weather that we have been enjoying.

My doctor has me on a muscle relaxer that sure does relax me, but so far it does not seem to be doing much for my back pain.  The only positive effect is that I am able to sleep well.  This weekend I managed to log in some extra hours of sleep, so I do feel much more rested which is certainly a benefit.

I so much appreciate all of you that have called or written to let me know that you are praying.  You are a great encouragement!

Blessings,

Chuck

Endurance

These have been some rather challenging days with my back.  The days can get rather long, and the nights even longer, trying to find a position that produces minimum pain.  As I was reading the book of James, I felt like James was directing his comments directly at me:

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”  (James 1:2-3)

I had to stop and think about that for a bit and realize that is an interesting parallel… faith and endurance.  It didn’t minimize the pain but it did encourage me to press on, hopefully with joy, reminded that this discomfort actually can be of benefit…If I allow it to accomplish that purpose.

It was two weeks ago yesterday that I hurt my back so I would like the pain to be past, but that is not the case.  As the doctor had warned, it is taking more time.  While there are moments that it seems that I cannot endure any longer, I do believe that there is a bit of improvement.  So I am trying to focus on that light at the end of the tunnel and trust that my endurance will grow.

Fortunately I am able to spend a bit of time at the office each day and stay on top of the urgent issues.  But I have to admit that I have to let a few things, especially at home, slip.  Hopefully I can catch up in the near future.  As you can guess, I am making no progress in sorting and packing for the move.  Hopefully that will come in time.

I trust that you have each had a blessed week and will enjoy a wonderful weekend with family and friends.

Thanks so much for your encouragement.

Chuck

Patient Endurance

It was a great delight to have so many of the family members here with me.  While here, we celebrated Easter and had an Easter egg hunt for Ella.  Ella also celebrated her second birthday so we had a party for her and also a belated one for Laura.  I am thankful for all of the sorting and disposing of things that the kids accomplished.  Keith and Gavin were also a great help with the attic and doing some yard chores for me.  Now it is my job to finish the task!

 

While the family was here I twisted my foot/ankle which was rather uncomfortable.  After they left, I hurt my back and am having some rather major pain.  This morning I had an appointment with my doctor to review the Echo heart test that was done previously and check the foot and back pain.  I was pleased to learn that the Echo looks okay, and he feels that the foot/ankle and back will heal in time while using a back brace and administering pain meds.  WOW…what a relief to get those reports!

 

I am reminded of a verse that Carol had printed to encourage herself during her fight with cancer.  It is an appropriate one for me to focus upon too:  “Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens.  Remember the great reward it brings you.  Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will.  Then you will receive all he has promised.  (Hebrews 10:35-36)  I am working on my patient endurance.

 

The pain level is increasing as I sit up so I had better hit the bed again for a bit. Thanks so much for your friendship and prayers!

 Love, Chuck

 

Our Shepherd

It is interesting how so many unexpected things fill our lives each week.  Last Thursday, my friend and neighbor, Ivan, took his last breath at their home.  Cancer had moved to his brain but he kept his smile and humor right up until the very end, in spite of all of the discomfort and pain.  I was with the family for both the visitation on Tuesday and again at the service yesterday.  He will be missed by all of us.  Do pray for his wife Theresa and the family as they adjust to his home-going and life without him.

I have started getting some things sorted and deciding what I should take with me when the time comes to head further South.  But then there is the issue of disposing of the excess.   I am finding it a greater problem than I had anticipated.  I will be down-sizing again so do not want to take unnecessary items but at the same time take what I will need.  My family must have heard some of my moans so they are coming to spend this weekend with me, helping to get the ball rolling faster and helping dad.  I am richly blessed by a wonderful loving family!

On Saturday, Justin, Laura and Ella are going to join us for a two-year birthday party for Ella.  WOW…two years.  I believe that the years are going faster these days!  It is great to have them closer by, but we all keep so busy that or paths do not cross as often as I would like.

Yesterday I awoke early from a dream that I could not remember but for some reason the first and last verses of Psalm 24 vividly came into my mind; “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want…Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Vs. 1 & 6)

That seems to put it all into perspective.  My shepherd is providing for my every need and at the same time his goodness and mercy are going with me through whatever the situation or needs may be for that hour and day until I make my final move to be with him.

I trust that each of you has a Blessed Easter!  He is risen…He is risen indeed!

Love to you all,

Chuck

Too old to be tested?

Recently I was intently listening to a radio program when a Conelrad test broke in obliterating several seconds of the message and irritating me about the interruption. Was that test really necessary…right then? This week I have experienced tests and witnessed several tests in others lives.

I awoke Sunday morning with violent nausea and all that accompanies it. Need I be graphic? I was up and down like clock-work every half hour. Sometime around daybreak I realized that I was not thinking clearly but also was having a bit of chest discomfort accompanied by the shortness of breath that I have been fighting these many weeks. I realized that I was invited to a small gathering at friends after church and reminded myself that I must call later to let them know I would not be there. At some point I drifted off into a stupor and never really “came to” until around 1:00 PM…missing the gathering and not calling them. With mind a blur and considerable discomfort I recognized my confused mind was unable to sort out my health options. Praying for wisdom I was lead to call dear friend Stuart who immediately came and we discussed options and took a bit of action, resulting in prayer answered. I fell asleep on the sofa in the study with Stuart sitting in the recliner and I did not awaken until around 4:00 PM. Stuart was still there as I rallied. I felt considerably improved so sent him home, took more fluids, called the friends to apologize, and went back to sleep, able to get up and spend most of Monday at the office. I am not sure what it was but I suspect either the flu or food poisoning? Possibly a “test”?

Yesterday I witnessed challenges in others lives which likely could also be tests. A dear couple from Michigan is having to return earlier than planned.  Their kids from back home “happened” to come to visit them yesterday. Earlier in the week the husband suffered what appears to possibly be a mild TIA’s but declined to see a doctor here and insisted he would drive back and see his doctor at home. We all have strongly encouraged him not to drive and I trust that is the case as they are all four on the road home today.

Later in the morning I sat with a good friend who had to have his mother moved from her retirement facility into assisted living and is feeling much stress over it. She is extremely unhappy and this has also caused some major conflicts with a sibling.

In the afternoon I had a call from a coworker in an ambulance on the way to the Emergency Room asking prayer for his wife who collapsed while attending a meeting with some ladies. Fortunately it appears to be something that can be handled with medication and she is now back home.

In the evening I spent quite some time with the son of my neighbor who was helping with some yard work there. His dad appears to be in his last days/hours with cancer there in the home. The son works in the hospital, dealing with death every day, but is having a very difficult time watching his dad, and this is generating criticism from some family members as well as great stress for himself who tends to internalize such situations.

Tests? I suspect so, and how well we are prepared for those tests will also determine how we finish the final days (test) of our own “race” on earth.

This has caused me to look more closely at my own life and realize how God has richly blessed during these nearly 80 years, but at the same time recognize how easy and frequently I can fall “out of step” with him. I really want to avoid the word but what better describes it?...SIN! It is so easy to be critical, harbor a bad attitude, and respond inappropriately to people and opportunities. As I reflect upon this I am challenged by Romans 2:4; “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” It sure is easy to have the answers for others and even be critical, but of prime importance is how/if I am preparing, and ready, for those upcoming tests and for my final exam!

Hoping to finish well to the glory of God!

Love,

Chuck

At the right time

It has been a bit of a busy time for me with travels and still having the breathing problems which may be the cause of the heart concerns.  Hopefully we will have it all sorted out shortly.  I am breathing a bit easier now after a visit to the doctor a few minutes ago for a breathing treatment, steroid shot, and three new prescriptions.  Hopefully this will resolve the breathing issue.  I appreciate you prayers, notes and calls.

I enjoyed a delightful time with Keith and his family and three days later made a quick trip to Florida to make some necessary decisions to keep the work progressing.  I took some long-time friends with me that have been coming down from Michigan for eighteen years to give us a hand in the winter.  Beverly had a bout with congestive heart problems, spent a couple of days in the hospital, was released in the afternoon and was ready to go with me the following morning.  I was a bit concerned about the advisability of her traveling so soon but her doctor felt it was okay and it was nice to have the two of them travel with me and for them to have time visiting with many friends there.

This move to Florida is one of the more difficult tasks that I have undertaken.  The construction aspect is no problem but taking care of the closing out and disposing of things here is not easy.  There is much emotional attachment after nearly 18 years here.  I will be leaving some great friends and moving further from the family.  I have to admit that there is no way that I can accomplish it all alone but with family and friends I know it is possible as the Lord guides and gives strength.  In Isaiah 60:22 Israel and Jerusalem are reminded: “At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.”  I am certain that is true with my move also, but I will be glad when it is all behind me.

Your prayers are a great encouragement to me.  Thanks so much!

Love,

Chuck

Way of Life

With my own health issues, several friends that are dealing with serious health problems, and others with major life challenges, I found the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians speaking directly to me.  So much so, that I used the following verses when leading our morning chapel/prayer time at the office this week:

“We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us…”  (6:3a)

“We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind.”  (6:4b)

“We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love.”  (6:6)

“Our hearts ache, but we always have joy.”  (6:10a)

“For we are the temple of the living God.”  (6:16b)

“…let us cleanse ourselves of everything that can defile our body or spirit.  And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.”  (7:1)

What a challenge for me today, and everyday, regardless of what may be before me.  It is far too easy to get all wrapped up in ME and forget whom I am here to serve.

My physical exam went well on the surface, but we are awaiting lab reports an Echo Cardiogram that is scheduled to further check a bit of a problem that did not show up on the EKG but was observed by the doctor while examining me.  We don’t anticipate that it is a major problem but it does need further checking.

I plan to go to Raleigh/Durham to spend the weekend with friend Keith who will be celebrating his 41^st birthday.  I am looking forward to this time with him and also with his mom and brother who have invited me to have dinner with them in Wake Forest.

Your prayers, emails, notes and calls are a tremendous encouragement!  It is always a delight to catch up with each of you.

Love to you all,

Chuck

A Delightful Time!

We had a delightful time in the Bahamas and were pleased that all of our flights were nearly on-time.  We enjoyed Eleuthera Island with a trip to Harbor Island and a couple of days in the busy city of Nassau.  It is always fun to renew friendships and enjoy the lovely beaches and beautiful clear emerald water.  We visited one unique beach which has pink sand.  I believe that I have only seen one similar beach previously.  Paul and Ruth are outstanding hosts, and we always enjoy being with them.  While we were there, a cold-front passed through and the temperatures dropped into the low 70’s which was no problem for us but some of the locals felt like they were in a “deep freeze”.  The real shocker was that while we were away Charlotte had 1-2” of snow which is most unusual.  Many were pleased with it but I was just as happy to miss the “fun”.

While on Eleuthera Island, we were thrilled to hear that two of the men that work for our builder friend made decisions to turn their lives over to Jesus and leave the life-style that they had become accustomed to.  They were so proud that with the Lord’s strength they had been able to turn their backs on their previous live-style and are eager to learn more about living their new lives.  Do pray as the Apostle Paul prayed for the Ephesians, that their “…hearts will be flooded with light…” and that they “…”will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power…”  (Ephesians 1:18-19)

It was exciting to get back to the office and see all of the projects that the volunteers had completed and greet a group of around 25 new candidates that arrived to learn more about SIM and consider their options.  We also have initiated our new kitchen which is a great blessing and at the same time a bit of a challenge to find where items are stashed.  I am sure it won’t be long before the cooks have a good handle on that and also the operation of all the new equipment.

I seem to still be having some problem with breathing but the congestion is now under control.  I have an appointment for my annual physical next week and am praying that the medical people will have wisdom in locating and treating any areas that are in need of attention. I will appreciate your prayers to that end.

Have a blessed week,

Chuck

Purpose

These have been some busy days!  We are finalizing the construction of a new commercial kitchen and have been going through the many final inspections necessary to get a temporary occupancy permit.  This will allow us to complete the remainder of the remodeling of the building while being able to use the new kitchen during the construction.  As you can guess, this has not been without many challenges.

Along with the project we have had a wonderful group of volunteers replacing the roofs on two buildings, and this past Sunday 26 more volunteers arrived to help with the roof, remodeling, work on other campus projects and a group of ladies are busy preparing delectable dishes and desserts to go into the freezers for use when we are feeding groups throughout the year.  What a blessing these folks are!

Later this week I plan to join daughter Lisa on a trip to the Bahamas to visit Carol's sister and her husband and get some sun that hopefully will aid in getting rid of the last bit of my chest congestion.  We are praying that our flights will coincide well knowing how that many get changed and even cancelled these days.

These past few days I have been thinking about purpose in our lives...mine in particular.  The Apostle Paul says; "When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ.  Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some...I run with purpose in every step."  (1Corinthians 9:22, 26)  Later he warns; "If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall."  (10:12)   I find that to be a great challenge and a reminder to live an effective life for our Lord.

Have a blessed week!

Chuck

Blessed

I am thankful to our Great God and to each of you for praying!  At long last, I have made a dramatic improvement with this chest congestion and am actually breathing without the aid of any drugs.  What a blessing! 

One of the blessings from spending sleepless nighttime hours fighting for breath was an opportunity to do much extra reading which was a great encouragement.  One night I was reminded of God’s control of the situation when I read; “You are indestructible until God’s purpose for you life is completed.”  The question that immediately came to mind was whether His purpose was complete.  Shortly afterward I read a verse that was one of many that Carol had focused on during her battle with cancer; “Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens.  Remember the great reward it brings you.  Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will.  Then you will receive all that he has promised.”  (Hebrews 10:35-36) 

I had planned on driving to Indiana tomorrow, spend the weekend there with family and then go on to Chicago to meet with some friends at Moody and also attend some of the Founder’s Week programs.  I also was planning on a visit with Jeremy, Julianna and Judah, but decided to cancel the trip this week.  It did not seem wise to travel that far considering weather factors and the possibility of exposure to a new variety of germs while still in a slightly weakened condition.  Phone calls to Moody friends and to Jeremy yesterday will have to suffice until better weather is assured.

One day this week I heard Chuck Swindoll make the statement; “It’s not your age but your attitude…”  I believe that is a good reminder for many areas of our lives and something I need to keep at the forefront of my thoughts!

Please join me in thanking our Wonderful Lord for his love, mercy and grace extended to his people, moment by moment and day by day!

Have a blessed day!

 Chuck

A quick update

Being on my 4^th antibiotic, I am now starting to feel a bit more like myself.  Someone has said; “when you can’t breath, nothing else matters” and I can certainly agree with that.  I am thankful to be using much less albuterol now to keep breathing, and I have been able to reduce the usage of the COPD drugs that have been prescribed.  I am thankful for those wonderful drugs but am pleased to be experiencing less side-effects from them now.  Fortunately I have been able to keep on top of things at the office, but not much else.

I have been reading the book of Galatians recently and appreciate the reminder that the Apostle Paul was passing on to them; it is not by law that righteousness is obtained, but rather through grace!  I especially appreciated Paul’s confrontation with Peter when “…Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore.  He was afraid of criticism…”  (Galatians 3:12)  Isn’t it amazing how easy it is for criticism to sway us in the wrong direction if we are not careful…Even Peter was vulnerable!  Those chapters have made me much more aware of watching my responses to people and events.  I find myself more frequently evaluating my responses to determine if I am being swayed by opinions or allowing the Holy Spirit to direct me and my responses.

As a follow up from my last blog about friends Lois and Bob, I just talked with them on the phone but have not seen them for fear of passing on some of this nasty bug.  Bob is home from the hospital and had no permanent neurological damage which is a wonderful answer to prayer!  Lois had a rather challenging time with here first chemo infusion and is scheduled for five more along with radiation.  God has been working in some marvelous ways in their lives but they continue to need prayer.

I always appreciate your prayers to our wonderful Lord on my behalf and for many others.  You are the best!

Love to you all,

Chuck

Blessings

For far too many weeks, I have been fighting a bronchial congestion.  During the past week, after previously having three sets of antibiotics and two steroid shots, my breathing seemed to hit a new low.  It is amazing how those most difficult times are either at night or over the weekend when the doctor is unavailable.  Fortunately I experienced one of those times in the doctor’s office Thursday which helped to make some progress after confirming the absence of pneumonia and cancer.  I am certainly breathing better now (more than one way) but I don’t believe that I have ever felt so tired and weak.  Thanks to you and our Great Physician, I believe that I will win this one!

 
One of the items in my stocking Christmas morning at Justin and Laura’s was a lovely memo book.  It is set up to write from either end so I have set it up for BLESSINGS from one end and VERSES that especially speak to me each day from the other end.  Already after a couple of weeks it is exciting to go back and review what I wrote.

Two thoughts that I recorded were; “…when trouble comes your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.”  (James 1:2) and “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.”  (James 1:12)  I can’t say that I was always that patient, but I recorded numerous unexpected blessings that came my way.  It truly has been an opportunity to see God answer prayers through people and circumstances!

An urgent prayer request:  Friend Lois had her first chemo infusion yesterday using the port installed last week and I am sure is exhausted.  Later in the day, her husband Bob, suffered a stroke and is in intensive care.  Please pray for this dear couple and their family!

2013 is off to a bumpy start for me, but I feel confident that things will smooth out now and I can get back to “normal”.  I trust that each of you is keeping healthy and experiencing the Lord’s blessings in this New Year!

Love to you all,

Chuck

Happy New Year

I have glasses too!

I trust that each of you are off to a great new year!  I have been blessed with special times of family members visiting.  Yesterday daughter Sue arrived from Michigan and we are now in Sumter, SC visiting Justin, Laura and Ella.  As you can see, Ella is still the center of attention as she is showing off her glasses with Sue.  It is a blessing to have Justin and family closer so we can get together more often.  Actually I have been here three times in the past three weeks and they have also spent time with me in Charlotte during that time.

 

I have appreciated the many Christmas cards, notes and letters from you friends located around the world.  It is a blessing to share the joys and sorrows and hopefully be an encouragement to some as you are to me.  Recently I was reading Paul's letter to Timothy and was challenged by his attitude as he wrote what was likely his last letter from prison as he anticipated being put to death.  His faith and focus remained solid as he wrote:

 

"I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory to Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.  This is a trustworthy saying:

If we die with him, we will live with him.

If we endure hardship, we will reign with him.

If we deny him, he will deny us.

If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is."  (2 Timothy 2:10-13)

 

I found that to be a tremendous encouragement for my life and for each of you.

 

I trust that 2013 will be a year of special blessing and encouragement as you walk with the Lord!

 

Love to you all,

 

Chuck

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Christmas Joy

I trust that each of you enjoyed a special Christmas.  I had a delightful time with Justin, Laura and Ella.  It brought back fond memories of the days when we had young girls in our home that were all excited about Christmas and what was hidden beneath the colorful wrappings.

Our celebration began after dinner with two trips through a beautifully decorated park with thousands of brightly lighted trees and figures prior to attending their Christmas Eve service.  The first gifts that Justin and I opened were lovely robes that Laura instructed us were to be put on for a relaxing Christmas Eve with a variety of gifts to be opened.  There is nothing that adds to the celebration like an excited 2-year old!  On Christmas morning we found stockings for each of us filled with goodies hanging on the fireplace that we had to inspect before sitting down to a delicious breakfast/brunch.  There were more gifts to be opened and a huge Christmas dinner that kept us busy the rest of the day.   It was very special for me to have the opportunity to join in their celebration!

With the many decorations and beautiful tree in their home, there was no doubt that it was Christmas, but our memories of softly falling snow were replaced by considerable rain that continued throughout the night and as I traveled back to Charlotte.  I suspect that I do not miss the snow as much as the younger family members but an advantage is that rain does not have to shoveled!

Presently Karin, Keith, Gavin and Calli are driving home from a ski trip in the Dakotas which they enjoyed with Keith’s family and tomorrow they will be flying here to spend a few days with me.  A couple days after they head home, daughter Sue will be arriving here.  It is fun having an extended Christmas this year.

May each of you have a delightful end of 2012 and a Blessed New Year!

Chuck

Exciting Season

In the past, December has been a busy time with numerous get-to-gathers, and this December is proving to be similar.  I spent the past weekend with Keith and Julie where I enjoyed a fantastic dinner at their place with his family.  As Keith was taking Buster their new puppy for a quick walk I watched from the balcony, and he snapped this picture which shows some of their decorations.  Keith and Julie did a great job of decorating both inside and outside the apartment.  It was the perfect setting to celebrate an early Christmas!  Next week I will be spending Christmas with Justin, Laura and Ella in Sumter, SC.

Today while leading our chapel/prayer time at the office I read Isaiah’s prophecy about the birth of Christ some 600-700 years in advance of the actual event.  (Isaiah 9:1-7)  It must have been a great encouragement to hear that their time of darkness and despair would not go on forever, but a child would be given to them who would have the titles of Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.  Isaiah then concludes with “The passionate commitment of the LORD Almighty will guarantee this!”  That was a promise they could bank on. 

Today, centuries after that event occurred, we have the opportunity of knowing “the rest of the story.” We now have the full account of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus with the opportunity of having a personal relationship with Him and the ability to experience His love, peace and guidance in our lives.

I trust that each of you will experience a blessed Christmas!

Love to you all,

Chuck

Influence

It has been a busy week after being away for a couple days for Thanksgiving.  I enjoyed a special time with friend Keith and his family, coming home several pounds heavier after enjoying some fantastic meals with them.  It is always a joy to get together with the family there. 

I finished reading the books of Acts and Romans and am working my way through Corinthians presently.  It is interesting to see how the Apostle Paul ministered with all kinds of corrupting pressures around him but through the power of the Holy Spirit was able to keep from being influenced by those pressures, while at the same time making a BIG impact.  Corinth was notorious for immorality, Athens for polytheism and Ephesus for idolatry but in spite of the influences around him, Paul kept his focus and left behind young churches in both Corinth and Ephesus.

It is easy today to look at the world around us and get discouraged, but I suspect that is just what the enemy desires.  I have been listening to Chip Ingram as he has been focusing on the Holy Spirit recently, and recognizing how easy it is for me to pursue my plans and desires ahead of “tuning in” to the Holy Spirit. I am reminded of Paul’s warning to the Ephesians; “So be careful how you live.  Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.  Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.  Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.”  (Ephesians 5:15-17)  To accomplish that we sure need to know His Word and be in tune with His Holy Spirit!

The weather forecast for Saturday is great, so I plan to wrap up my outside/yard work, clean up the last of the leaves, drain the irrigation system and what I anticipate will be the final mowing for this year.  Our rainfall has dramatically diminished this fall so the grass has slowed growing, which hopefully will mean that I can slide through the month of December without another cutting.

I trust that you each have a wonderful weekend!

Chuck

Give Thanks

As we approach Thanksgiving Day, I am reminded of some of the Apostle Paul’s instructions to the Romans; “So be careful how you live.  Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.  Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.  Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do….And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  (Ephesians 5:15-17; 20)  I need those reminders in my life…Being careful how I live and giving thanks for everything to God! 

Today I received a huge item to thank the Lord for.  I had a call from my friend Bob this morning following his wife’s biopsy and lengthy battery of tests.  The diagnosis is cancer but it is only stage one and they have surgery already scheduled for the 28^th.  We will continue to pray for a successful surgery and rapid healing without any infection.  Thanks to all of you who were praying with us and to the Lord for this wonderful report!

Tomorrow I am heading over to Raleigh/Durham to be with friend Keith and join the family in Wake Forest for their family Thanksgiving.  It will be a special time to be with them and to be counted as part of their family.  

I trust that each of you will enjoy a special time of Thanksgiving with family and friends as you reflect upon the abundant blessings from our God!

Love to you all,

Chuck

The Reason?

What a blessing you friends are!  Your telephone calls, emails and text messages are always a great encouragement both when I am on the road and at home.  As the nineteen of us gathered in Chicago to celebrate an early Thanksgiving and Christmas, I was frequently reminded about how much Carol would love to have been with us, and at the same time recognizing how much she influenced each one of our lives.  We certainly do miss her but are thrilled to know that we will all be together again, likely sooner that we think, to enjoy eternal life with our Lord and Savior together.

 Driving back from Chicago was fun with little Ella chanting from her car seat from time to time “go go Boppi!”   I was sure amazed how well she did during those long 12 hours on the road.  As the family gets scattered further and further it becomes more difficult to get everyone together, but so far we manage to do it at least once each year with smaller gatherings during the year.  It is a tremendous blessing for me to have the health and strength to continue to travel to be with the family frequently.

Today I learned that one of our good friends, Lois, has been diagnosed with cancer and will be going in Monday to determine what stage it is in.  Times like this are always difficult so do join me in praying for her and her husband Bob and for clear guidance for the medical people about her treatment. 

As we face these challenges I was thinking about Jesus words as the crowd was ready to crucify Him; “Now my soul is deeply troubled.  Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’?  But this is the very reason I came!  Father, bring glory to your name.”  (John 12:27-28)  I wonder how many times I face a major challenge that really is part of His plan to bring glory to His name and I miss the opportunity due to my self-centeredness?  Due join me in praying for a sensitivity of how those challenges in my life can be redirected for His glory!

Love to you all,

Chuck

God's Power Seen

I have enjoyed reading John’s Gospel this week and was reminded that while he does not refer to any of the parables of Jesus, he presents a rather complete account of seven of his miracles, five of which are not recorded elsewhere.  As I was reading about the man that was born blind (John Chapter 9) I was especially struck by the response of Jesus to his disciples when they asked him about the cause of the blindness, which they seemed to attribute to the sin of either himself or his parents.    Jesus responded “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.”  That little phrase caused me to pause there and spend considerable time thinking about what that could be saying to me.  How I dislike the difficult things that come into my life and I go to great lengths to either avoid them or rid my life of them.  I wonder how many times God allows “things” to come into my life to use them for HIS glory, but the real question is…did I respond to them so that HE was glorified?  I fear that the church (you and I) today has lost a great amount of influence and power in the world due to our lack of faith and trust in HIM coupled with our own selfish interests.    I have been thinking much about how I can better respond to those “challenges” coming my way for God’s glory.

Yesterday I spent a very full day at our election polls helping people and running the voting machines.  When I arrived there at 5:45 am there were already 25-30 people in line outside waiting for us to open the doors at 6:30 am.  Later I found that the first man in line had been waiting there since 4:30 am to be sure that he was first in line and off to work.  It was an extremely busy day keeping 14 voting machines going and when I finally got home after 10:00 pm, I was tired!  Being that I work in my home precinct, it is always a delight to be able to assist many of my neighbors. 

Tomorrow I am heading for Chicago where the family will be celebrating an early Thanksgiving together to avoid heavy travel on the holiday.  With Jeremy being a youth pastor there, it is difficult for him to get away on weekends, so we decided to join him, Julianna and Judah for the event.  Laura and Ella have been in Michigan visiting family, so Justin will travel with me, meeting up with them in Chicago.  The three of them will then travel back with me so it will be nice not having to make that long trip alone.  Pray for all of the family that will be covering many miles.  Hopefully the predicted weather on the coast will not come inland where we will be traveling.

Love to you all,

Chuck

Material Things

Mornings I have been reading the book of Luke, and was struck by the amount of emphasis Jesus put on material things during those few days between his triumphant entry into Jerusalem and his crucifixion…actually less than a week. 

Jesus called Zacchaeus the chief tax collector down from his perch in the tree and was a guest in his home where there was repentance from cheating. (Luke 19:5-10)  Jesus then told the story of the nobleman who entrusted funds to his servants when he was called away.  (Luke 19:11-27)  Upon finding the moneychangers in the temple, Jesus drove them out.  (Luke 19:45-48)  Jesus used collecting income from tenant farmers as a teaching moment.  (Luke 20:9-18)  Jesus dealt with paying taxes to Caesar.  (Luke 20:20-26)  Jesus also commented on the widow’s offering.  (Luke 21:1-4)  I found it to be quite amazing how much focus Jesus placed on materialism/money during those final few days before his crucifixion.  It seems that it is likely something we may fail to put enough focus upon in our daily lives.

Our office has been busy preparing for a class of around thirty new appointees that will be arriving this Saturday.  It is always an exciting time to interact with them, learning more about their experiences and their plans to serve the Lord in various areas of the world.  We have also been working as rapidly as possible with a major renovation project in our Welcome and Training Center to cause a minimum of interruption during the upcoming appointee meetings over the next three weeks.  All in all it has been a mighty busy time here.

I trust that you are all doing well and always love to get your emails, calls and notes.

Love,

Chuck

Thanks for praying

Thanks for praying!  Our trip to Florida went well and I am taking a closer look at possibly making a transition there.  The biggest drawback is being further from the family, but they assure me that they will be visiting if I am not up to travel in their direction.  If this transpires, it will be a while down the road but I am working with builders and a draftsman attempting to reconfigure one of the properties so that it will work for me and pass codes and restrictions.  Your continued prayers will be appreciated.  Likely the most difficult part will be leaving the fond reminders of my final years with Carol here, but the memories I will cherish and take with me!

Recently I was reading a prayer of David and was challenged by the way he prayed.  It is evident that he was “a man after God’s own heart.”

1 Bend down, O LORD, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help.

2 Protect me, for I am devoted to you.  Save me, for I serve you and trust you.  You are my God.

3 Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly.

4 Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you.

5 Oh Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.

6 Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD; hear my urgent cry.

7 I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me. (Psalm 86:1-7 NLT)

Far too often I’m sure that I tend to pray like the non italicized portion of the prayer without expressing and exercising my trust, devotion and commitment to the Lord as David does in the portion that is in italics.  It is certainly easy to be self-focused and self-centered in prayer…A good reminder for me!

Have a blessed week!

Chuck

God's Help

These have been some rather busy weekends. Two weekends ago I was in Raleigh/Durham, a week ago in Indiana and presently I am in Florida. My good friend Brian came on this trip to keep me company and we have had lots of fun sharing many experiences. This evening we took one of our co-workers out to dinner, and we were hosted by friends the previous evening. We are visiting our SIM retirement facility and catching up with many folks that we previously have worked with. Each time I visit, I am newly impressed with the facility and the people here. Possibly one of these days I can see myself making a transition down here. That is currently a matter for prayer!


As I was thinking about the future recently, I read something in Max Lucado’s book Fearless that encouraged me; “You will never face the future without God’s help. You have a travel companion.”

“When you place your faith in Christ, Christ places his Spirit before, behind, and within you. Not a strange spirit, but the same Spirit: the parakletos. As Jesus sends you into new seasons, he sends his counselor to go with you.”

“God never sends you out alone. Are you on the eve of change? Is the foliage of your world showing signs of a new season? Heaven’s message for you is clear: when everything else changes, God’s presence never does. You journey in the company of the Holy Spirit.”

I found those brief paragraphs to be a great encouragement to me. I trust that you will also find them helpful in your “season” of life.



Love to you all,



Chuck

Wonderful Weekend

I am enjoying a wonderful weekend at the lake house in Indiana.  The drive up here was beautiful with the tree colors just about at their prime in many locations.  The West Virginia mountains were outstanding and many of the trees here at the lake are fantastic.  As I look across the lake the red, yellow and orange colors are all around.  Also our little family of swans are doing well with the two young ones now as large as their parents.  They now bob for food with their tails in the air just like the parents.  Without a close look, it is impossible to distinguish the different ages.  Karin, Keith and Calli came out to spend the weekend with me and on Saturday I enjoyed a visit by two friends from Moody Bible Institute. After church on Sunday, we drove down to Bethel College to spend time with grandson Gavin, going out for dinner together at an interesting restaurant that he selected.  We assembled our meal from a huge variety of raw items on the buffet table, adding various sauces and selecting our favorite meats that were then all cooked to perfection for us by the crew.  It was a fun event and great to spend time with Gavin and get updated about all the things that he is involved in at the school.  Tomorrow he has a couple of major exams and will also be wrapping up the tennis season this week.  With the rapidly falling temperatures, it will not be very comfortable to be watching matches outside much longer.  Tonight the prediction is for the temperature to drop to 29.

Today Pastor Denny focused on Acts 15 with Paul and Barnabas dealing with restrictive church membership.  He especially focused on the church today and how easy it is to confuse tradition with truth. I appreciate his desire to keep the main thing central in their church and do their best to avoid being diverted to secondary issues.  I like the message that they have boldly displayed in their auditorium; "People equipped and lead by the Holy Spirit reaching the world for Christ."  Well said!

I expect to be on the road early tomorrow to cover the nearly twelve hour trip back home so I suspect it is time to pack my things up again.  Thanks so much for your prayers and keeping in touch.

Love,  Chuck

Fun Weekend

I trust that each of you had an enjoyable weekend.  I had a special time this past weekend with friend Keith and his girlfriend Julie in the Raleigh/Durham area.  We spent a bit of time with his mother and brother in Wake Forest and checked out the progress on the new fish pond that Keith has been constructing up there.  Quite an undertaking in both engineering and construction, but it is progressing well in his limited spare time.  I was also able to give him a bit of a hand in repainting the living room and dining room in the apartment.  The new puppy, Buster, was a lot of fun.  He is a real cutie but is in that chewing, biting and jumping stage.  Fortunately he seems to be a quick learner as they are working hard on training him, but in child-like fashion, he reverts to his old antics on frequent occasions.  But by all appearances, Buster should turn into a good pal.

Keith had a very special cook-out while I was there with several neighbors joining us for some fantastic food.  One of his neighbors shared with me the difficult time he was having at his office, and his desire to transfer to another location.  We talked quite a while about his years with the corporation and his transfer to this current office which is so unlike his previous experiences.  It reminded me of some the struggles that I faced in my corporate days.  I remember Matthew 7:7-8 being a challenge for me at that time; “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for, Keep on seeking, and you will find.  Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks, receives.  Everyone who seeks, finds.  And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”  As much as we would like things to happen right away, Isaiah 60:22 also reminds us as it reminded the people of Jerusalem; “At the right time, I, the LORD, will make it happen.”  That has been a constant reminder for me not to run ahead of the Lord as I project and plan for the future.

Thanks so much for your notes, emails and calls.  I always love to hear from you!

Love,

Chuck

He has been there!

This has been an interesting week.  I have spent extended periods talking with several friends that are facing some difficult times.  Work related, personal challenges, and interpersonal situations.  In each case the individual expressed serious fears.  During my reading the other morning I just “happened” to read a quote from Max Lucado which really spoke to me and I am passing it on.

“Jesus has been there.  He experienced ‘all the pain, all the testing’ (Hebrews 2:18 MSG).  Jesus was angry enough to purge the temple, hungry enough to eat raw grain, distraught enough to weep in public, fun loving enough to be called a drunkard, winsome enough to attract kids, weary enough to sleep in a storm-bounced boat, poor enough to sleep on dirt and borrow a coin for a sermon illustration, radical enough to get kicked out of town, responsible enough to care for his mother, tempted enough to know the smell of Satan, and fearful enough to sweat blood.”

“But why?  Why would heaven’s finest Son endure earth’s toughest pain?  So you would know that ‘he is able…to run to the cry of…those who are being tempted and tested and tried”

“Whatever you are facing, he knows how you feel.”  (Max Lucado)

 Those are truths that I also need indelibly planted in my mind and heart each day.  I trust that this is an encouragement as well as a challenge for each of us to fully trust Him with each situation that we may be facing.

Love to you all,

Chuck

God's love and mercy

It was a special treat to have Lisa with me this past week but I have to admit that the house seems pretty quiet now with everyone gone.  It was great to have friends visit while she was here and then Justin, Laura and Ella drove up to celebrate Lisa’s birthday Sunday.  Our trip to Florida went well and she enjoyed seeing our Sebring Center and visiting with many of the people there.  We thoroughly enjoyed the invitations for meals and hearing about many experiences that folks have had while serving in various parts of the world.  On our return home we made a stop at Jekyll Island and managed to get soaked by sudden showers on two different occasions as we walked the beaches.  A third time we came close to a soaking but made it back to the car before the storm hit.  Fortunately it was warm and we had light weight washable clothing on which dried rapidly.

As I looked out upon the ocean, a ship was bobbing on the waves and it made me think of Jonah and the “rough ride” that he encountered as he sailed toward Tarshish in disobedience to the Lord who had directed him to go to Nineveh.  Having read a bit about the history of Nineveh, I don’t doubt his reluctance to head for the city where it was reported one Assyrian king said:  “Three thousand captives I burned with fire…Their corpses I formed into pillars…Their governor I flayed; his skin I spread upon the wall of the city…From some I cut off their hands and their fingers and their noses…Of many I put out their eyes…I formed a pillar of heads against the city gate, and seven hundred men I impaled on stakes.”  WOW that sure would discourage me from going also.

When Jonah finally obeyed God and delivered His message to Nineveh; “The people of Nineveh believed God’s message and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow.”  (Jonah 3:5)  “When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened.”  (Jonah 3:10)  What an example of God’s love and mercy!

As I reflect upon this account, I am reminded of the need for repentance for out own nation but even more basic, the need for each believer to be both in tune with God’s leading and responsive to that leading without doubts or delay.  That is a good message for me today!

Love to you all,

Chuck

Fun Days

It has been a tremendous joy to have Lisa visiting me.  We are avoiding any travel into town with the thousands of extra people, and many dignitaries here for the Democratic National Convention.  Many streets are being closed and security is mighty tight at the airport and all around town.  Today on the way to church we saw many electronic signs reminding us about what we can and cannot do.  It is a good time to get out of town!

 This weekend we visited Justin and Laura in Sumter SC and had a delightful time with them and Ella Grace.  She is becoming quite the little lady and kept us busy.  For having just moved into their house, they are extremely well settled. It is wonderful to have them less than two hours away, so hopefully we will be able to get together often.  It was fun to visit Justin’s office on the base and do some touring of the area where they plan to stay for the next three years.

Later in the week Lisa and I are going to take a quick trip to Florida so that she can help me evaluate the possibility of relocating there sometime down the road.  As I get older I am reminded that it is time to start considering the options before I am at a point that I am unable to make the adjustment.  It is such a blessing to have a family that is so encouraging and helpful!

I just completed reading the book of Daniel and was reminded that while it appears that Daniel never preached an actual sermon, his life was a continual sermon through his choices, diligence, wisdom and prayer.  I especially liked Daniel’s statement to King Nebuchadnezzar as he interpreted his dream; “And it is not because I am wiser than anyone else that I know the secret of your dream, but because God wants you to understand what was in your heart.”  (Daniel 2:30)  A great example of what was also in Daniel’s heart and a challenge for me to keep my heart open to God! 

Your calls and notes are always so much appreciated.  You are all fantastic!

Love, Chuck