Blessed Christmas

I enjoyed some blessed times over the Christmas holiday. On Christmas eve I was invited to a neighbor's home for dinner and later we attended an outstanding Christmas Eve candlelight service. On Christmas I enjoyed a fantastic dinner with friends and was surprised how fast the day went as we enjoyed conversation that went around the world. As I left, snow was starting to fall and when I awoke the following morning the above is what I saw from my window. Brrr this is more like Michigan than the Carolinas! Churches and businesses were mostly closed on the 26th so I had a quiet Sunday at home listening to music and messages and completing a few small tasks.

While doing a small bit of reupholstering I went to collect some items from Carol's sewing materials, and found a small piece of paper that she had written at some time which was so characteristic of her: "Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance." WOW...I fell apart for a few moments remembering the "dancer" of my life and sensing a renewed loss.

In the evening my "southern kids" stopped in for dinner bringing with them the dinner with all the trimmings complete with coconut pie. What an enjoyable way to wrap up the holiday weekend.

I trust that each of you also was blessed with family and friends and the reminder of that life-changing birth that is celebrated at Christmas. It was a good time for me to enjoy the wonderful music of the season and review many Scriptures about the Jesus of Christmas, the Man, the Redeemer, the Savior and Lord of His people. We are so richly blessed!

Love to all,

Chuck

A time of joy

The Christmas season is always a busy time but it seems to me that this year is the busiest. Can that be any indication of age and my tendency to be slowing a bit? As I picked up a few groceries yesterday, I was amazed at the number of people in the store and traffic on the streets.

It is the season of lights, decorations, parties and special programs. I was especially blessed by a dramatic presentation of the Messiah that I attended with friends. The music was outstanding but along with the music there were snippets from the life of George Friderich Handel being acted out on the platform, taking the audience back to the 1700’s in London, Handel’s adopted city. It opened my eyes to an unknown side of Handel that gave an even greater understanding of his great work, the Messiah. A quote from an English composer about him that stuck with me was; “he died as he lived – a good Christian with a true sense of his duty to God and man, and in perfect charity with all the world.” I thought that was a good summation of Handel’s life and a challenge for me.

Last Sunday I was deeply moved by a baptism service where the only message was the testimonies of the large group being baptized. I doubt that there was a dry eye in the audience as we learned about the radical transformation of lives. This young church has made a radical difference in the lives of a huge number of men and women that have avoided traditional churches or had unpleasant experiences there. The honesty and openness expressed and their vision for the future was thrilling to experience!

As I begin this Christmas week, I want to keep my focus on not only that babe in the manger, but the Jesus that walked upon this very earth teaching, healing, encouraging and ministering to the multitudes for a relatively short 33 years. Taking our sins upon himself to a cross and a grave that could not hold him. The Jesus that arose from that grave, again walking on this earth, then ascending into Heaven awaiting everyone that by faith believes in Him as they pass through that curtain of death to enter eternity. WOW…talk about exciting…The Messiah can only be a glimpse of what awaits every believer!

May you have a blessed Christmas with family and friends!

With love,

Chuck

Thanks for praying!

Just a quick note to let you know that the initial report from my ultrasound appears to be favorable. It will still need to pass by the radiologist but my doctor says that from what he can see, it appears to be a combination of an infection and some calcification. He says that in his opinion it is 95% certain NOT to be cancer, for which I am most thankful. He indicated that if I were a 14 year old, there would be more concern, but at my age it is unlikely to give any further problem after the infection is eliminated. Final report will be next week but we do not anticipate any surprises. Thanks so much for praying!

I have to admit that I was preparing for the worst while praying for a favorable outcome. Remembering all of the hours that I needed to spend negotiating appointments, insurance issues, driving to appointments etc. during Carol's battle with cancer, had me trying to visualize how that works with someone that is alone and doesn't like to impose on others. Thankfully at this time it is not necessary to work that out and I am confident that when/if that time ever comes, there is already a "plan" in place. As Carol once said; "It's not death that concerns me, it is the process."

As I write this I am reminded of 2 Corinthians 4:14:

"We know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence." What a blessing to have that assurance!

Thanks again for your prayers. I will certainly let you know if there is any change but we certainly do not anticipate any. Have a wonderful weekend!

Love to you all,

Chuck

A day that will live in infamy

Five years ago today we received the report on Carol’s pleural effusion…”fluid contains adeno carcinoma cells”…yes, we were dealing with cancer! Carol entered in our log that evening; “a day that will live in infamy.” December 7th became our day of infamy just as Pearl Harbor had for our country on that day years earlier. As I was thinking about that this weekend, my mind raced to those final hours thirty-one months later when Carol took her last breath on this earth, passing through that curtain of death escorted by the angels and her Lord that had so tenderly watched over her during those months. That moment as I stood by her bed was something that I had never before experienced. The tremendous feeling of loss and grief coupled with an amazing joy knowing without any doubt that Carol was safely home, free of all pain and disease and certain that we will be together again.

As we prepare for Christmas with all of the rushing around and preparations for the big day, I continue to be amazed at the goodness of our God that sent Jesus into this world to transform history as well as our very lives as we respond to His message of love. It is my desire to focus this season on Him rather than the many other trappings of the season. I like Dr. John Munro’s prayer for those hearing the Good News during this season: “Let’s pray for God’s great light to shine into many hearts replacing sadness with joy, restlessness with peace, distrust with love, and spiritual death with spiritual life!”

These next days will be filled with many programs, parties, gatherings and preparations. I trust that I can keep my focus on the One whose birth we celebrate this month… Remembering not only the babe in the manger, but the Man with the message that came into this world to transform lives.

As some of you are aware, I have been dealing with some health issues lately and appreciate your continued prayers for wisdom for both the doctor and myself as we may have to make some critical decisions after an ultrasound scheduled for Thursday. I was overwhelmed last evening when daughter Karin called to say that she is flying here tomorrow to be with me on Thursday. What a blessing to have such a loving family!

Thanks so much for your prayers and love,

Chuck