Our trip is moving along well. The above photo was from yesterday at Skagway which was another charming community. This was the third stop along the Inside Passage of Alaska. Currently we are viewing the fantastic glaciers in Glacier Bay and will be spending most of the day here. Our first visit was Ketchikan followed by Sitka. Our weather has been unbelievable with much sun and relatively warm weather...Just couldn't be better!

Love to you all,

Chuck

Prayer answered

At last I believe that everything is pretty much ready for an early morning departure. Friend Stuart will be shuttling us to the airport at 6 AM for our flight to Seattle where we board the Amsterdam for Alaska. The installation of new body-scan machines at the airport are currently causing a fair amount of back-up in the security lines.

I thought that my week was planned out for and easy Friday, just wrapping up any loose ends. However on Thursday all sorts of problems arose with unexpected tasks, equipment that broke down and a database would not cooperate. When I left the office Thursday evening I was sure that some major projects could not be completed until I return.

I awoke at 2 AM Friday with all of the “problems” fresh on my mind. During the week I had been enjoying the Indeed readings about prayer. The necessity, vision, priority, agenda and power of prayer. That coupled with the study on prayer with Teacher Tom made me ask myself why I was troubled when God was far greater than these problems and it is His work that is being delayed. So I got up, turned each situation over to the Lord, asking for guidance and for His will to be accomplished. I was able to get back to sleep and feel refreshed in the morning It was absolutely amazing how everything fell into place on Friday. At noon I was invited to lunch, hesitated a moment not certain if I could afford the time, but was able to walk out of the office in the evening with every project/situation completed. WOW what an answer to prayer!

This afternoon has been filled with packing and unpacking, deciding what is necessary and what can be left behind to keep from over filling my suitcase. With the likelihood of rain and cold weather, some bulky items are necessary. Usually these are one week cruises but this one is for two weeks so nearly double the items are needed. I am excited to be able to take this inside passage trip with Sue. Carol and I had been to Alaska before but had not seen this area. From everything I have heard, it is amazingly beautiful.

Have a blessed weekend!

Chuck

Reflecting on prayer

This week as I reflected upon our study of prayer and was praying for several that are facing some challenging times, I couldn’t help but think about the Apostle Paul and the hardships that he faced. I was especially interested in his reaction to those hardships and his desire to be obedient to God in his response to them. In chapter 6 of 2 Corinthians he says; “We try to live in such a way that no one will be hindered from finding the Lord by the way we act, and so no one can find fault with our ministry.” (vs.3) I am certain that Paul was in rather constant communication with the Lord (praying) to accomplish all that he did. I like his response at the end of the list of hardships in verse 10; “Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.” WOW…that response can only be from a close walk with God, keeping in close communication through prayer.

Next week I have an exciting opportunity to take a cruise with daughter Sue to Alaska. During the two week trip we will spend the better part of seven days in Alaskan ports and also stop off in Victoria, BC. This will be a working trip for Sue, serving as one of the nurses on board which will prevent her from doing many of the tourist things with me. I am thrilled to have a couple that Carol and I often traveled with that are going too, so it will be fun exploring new territory together taking Sue with us as often as possible. I am not sure how easy it will be to connect to the internet during that time, so don’t panic if there isn’t a new weekly blog.

Thanks so much for your prayers and much encouragement. You are a blessing!

Love to you all,

Chuck

Thankful

Anniversaries always have a tendency to bring back memories and this second anniversary of Carol’s home-going seems to be generating far more memories and emotions than the first. I am thankful for the wonderful group of friends that put together the celebration as Carol had desired. As I thought about the many guests I was reminded that several have now joined Carol through that fragile curtain. Some that were in apparent perfect health two years ago. One dear friend, George, who was in attendance and in great health is anticipated to be passing through that curtain at any moment. Pray for a gentle departure for him and for peace and comfort for Anne-Britt and the family. I was reminded of the little note that Carol wished to pass on about the painting by daughter Sue and her anticipation of seeing us on the other side of the curtain. “Adopted” son Rob did a beautiful job putting the painting and her note together on cards that were distributed at the celebrations. If Blogspot will cooperate, I will insert a picture of it here.

This week we have been studying about the problem of cynicism in a life of prayer. One of the six cures for cynicism that the author (Paul E. Miller) mentions, is cultivating a thankful spirit. As I read that, I couldn’t help but think of Carol. I don’t know of anyone that demonstrated a more thankful spirit than she. Even during those last days with fluid having to be regularly removed from her lung sac, violent stomach upsets and all sorts of difficulties, she always had a smile and words of appreciation for us and for the Lord as we attempted to make her more comfortable…A truly thankful spirit!

In comparing cynicism and thanksgiving, the author says; “Cynicism looks reality in the face, calls it phony, and prides itself on its insight as it pulls back. Thanksgiving looks reality in the face and rejoices at God’s care. It replaces a bitter spirit with a generous one.” Lord, help me to eliminate those cynical thoughts that can hamper my prayer life.

Have a blessed week!

Love,

Chuck

Making memories

I trust that each of you had an enjoyable 4th with family and friends. Those gatherings are occasions for making wonderful memories that we can draw upon at future times. Keith and I had an uneventful trip to and from our lake house. We were able to get some repair items done while also spending time on the water, enjoying the family and even catching a few fish our last evening there. Grandson Gavin had a large group of friends join us at the lake to watch the local fireworks and they also put on quite a show of their own with all kinds of noisy and beautiful displays.

These days are filled with memories from two years ago as Carol was completing her time on earth with us. As I was reading the blogs which she and I had done during those final days, I was especially moved by the thoughts that she wrote on 6/27, which was the last time that she was able to write:

“I had a startling revelation a couple of days ago. I’m not going to learn anything more about heaven until I’m experiencing it in person. (Pause! Smile! Think about it!) I’m simply too tired to read any more, or even to hold a book. So the wonderful studying I’ve done over the past years is all I have—until I step through that fragile curtain and open my eyes on reality for the first time.

So I thought I’d like to pass that along. Today, while you have some energy and some control over your time, is the opportunity to learn what you need to know for your real future. There’s probably no last-minute cramming.

I’m writing this on Friday afternoon, as we wait for the rest of the family to arrive. I’m getting tireder as time goes by, but not sicker. I love you all and still wish I would tell you so in person. Through Christ, I hope to see you all there some day.”

Ten days later as we were tucking her in for the night, Carol took her last breath. A few days earlier she was able to spend time with each of our children and grandchildren before she became too weak to do so, and even had me dial the numbers of several out-of-state friends that she had been praying for and wanted to encourage them to keep growing in their faith and their relationship with Christ.

Thanks for your prayers for me and the family. We miss Carol very much but have wonderful memories. May we continue to learn while we have the strength as Carol challenged us to do in her final blog!

Love to you all,

Chuck