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