Trip complete

As you see, we enjoyed some time on a small boat bobbing around looking for fish. Fortunately our pilot knew where to go, so we had lots of fun pulling in a number of fish, but Sue was the winner. That is about a 25 pound red snapper that gave her a tussle taking her from one side of the boat to the other until it was possible to get him close enough to the surface to gaff him. The one that I am holding is a needle fish which has some nasty looking teeth. I would not want to come into contact with them and as you see, the pilot was cautious about that too!

Our weather was great with only one day with a bit of chop that was not excessive. We visited the ports of Key West, Florida; Georgetown, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico which were fun to explore. My drive to and from Tampa went well and I was delighted to find lovely weather when I returned to Charlotte. I know that it is still January but I am hoping that the nasty weather is all behind us now.

As usual, I am again busy catching up on the backlog of work that accumulated in my absence but I wanted to get a quick blog off and thank you for your prayers. It is always a tremendous blessing to have so many of you praying. You are appreciated!

Love to all,

Chuck

All is well

Up ahead of the office staff so have a few moments on the computer. The trip is going well. Less than smooth sailing but all is well. A few upset stomachs on board but I am doing well. Did take a "little pill" just to be on the safe side. It is not fun to have that kind of a problem. The seas from Key West to Jamaica were a bit rough but have since been nice. Jamaica was sunny and in the 80's so there are a few "red" passengers including daughter Sue who fell asleep out on deck.

Pray for friend Jimmie Sue who has been moved home from ICU to her home as she has requested, not expecting to be with us for much longer. Frank and family are by her bedside and also need our prayers.

What a blessing it is to know that God is in control.

Thanks for praying,

Chuck

Clay

The study in Indeed this past week was most interesting and challenging. In reference to the potter and the clay (Jeremiah 18) I had my mind expanded thinking about my clay-like relationship with the Lord. Here are a few thoughts that keep fleeting through my mind about that relationship:

"We are reluctant to relax in the hands of the Potter for one main reason: We forget why we exist...Clay really exists for the Potter alone...The trials of your life are like the tools of a potter. They gouge you for the sake of beauty." Thinking about repentance in terms of clay; "Clay that has lost it's moisture, that is hardening and no longer pliable, is unrepentant clay. If that thickening process isn't too far along, the Potter can add some water and soften it up...The Potter's grand design depends upon the malleability of His clay...He always has a good plan for clay that bends." "The Potter is focused on outcomes...focused on how His people finish. Not where we started, but where we end."

The study brought to mind many carvings, moldings, reshaping and trials that did not feel good at the time, but it is amazing when I look back, a pattern for His good does take shape. I am challenged to remain pliable at this age when it is easy to feel like I have "learned it all" and want to be less pliable in His hands as well as with situations around me. It was a most revealing and challenging study for me!

Next Sunday Daughter Sue has invited me to join her in Tampa for a cruise in the Western Caribbean. We both are feeling that may be helpful to improve the after-effects from my earlier nasal infection. The excessive cold here seems to aggravate it quite a bit. I will be driving to Tampa on Saturday and will appreciate your prayers for wisdom and safety during the trips. I am certainly looking forward to spending those days with Sue!

I trust that your weather has improved as has ours and that you have a blessed week.

Love to all,

Chuck

Wintry Weather

WOW...This weather does not belong in Charlotte! We had several inches of snow yesterday and ice accumulated on top of it during the night. Beautiful outside today as you can see, but very treacherous to be walking or driving.

I had an fanastic weekend. I invited a neighbor friend for a simple dinner Saturday evening and had a great time getting better acquainted. He has lived in the subdivision much longer that we have, but his work as nurse for the U.S. Government takes him away for months at a time. Currently he is working in a maximum security prison which certainly is never dull. It was good to learn more about his life and be better able to back him up with prayer.

Sunday was a delightful day with an in-depth study on Worship and the Holiness of God in class. Following that we learned about Praying in the Spirit which was most challenging and fit well with the Worship study. As we considered the need for prayer, the pattern for prayer and the encouragement for prayer, I was challenged about spending more time in effectual fervent (or earnest) prayer as James mentions in James 5:16. I find it far too easy to get all wrapped up with the urgency of the moment and fail to seek God's direction in every situation. I sure am thankful for the times when I proceed with my plans, but God through various means redirects my steps. I could avoid a lot of frustration if I was "consulting" with him from the start. I enjoyed rich fellowship with several dear friends over lunch after church. What a blessing friends are!

As I see the weather maps and realize that much of the nation is getting storms and excessive cold, I trust that you are keeping warm and safe. Have a wonderful week!

Love to you all,

Chuck

To get God's attention

As I was putting together some thoughts for a presentation, I wondered how some verses were stated in the King James version of the Bible. I took a copy of the New King James version from the shelf that happened to be one Carol carried with her during the 80's. As I was searching out verses, a note in the margin in Carol's handwriting said; "The only way to get God's attention!" I quickly checked for the verse;

"But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit and who trembles at My word." (Isaiah 66:2b) The New Living Translation states it: "I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word." Both translations sure make humility and obedience to God's Word primary! A powerful reminder for me during this new year.

I spent New Years eve with two couples from the office, and we stayed somewhat alert to say goodbye to 2010 and to welcome in 2011 with noise makers and sparklers as fireworks illuminated the night sky and their explosions penetrated the silence. I forgot how exciting the evening could be. The following evening I enjoyed another wonderful meal with friends from Michigan who have been coming down here for years to help at our office during the winter months. I am blessed to have so many caring friends when I am so far from my family.

As I launch off into this new year and decade, it is my desire to be more intentional in prayer and being in a position to get God's attention as simply outlined in the Isaiah passage. Please pray with me to that end.

Have a blessed New Year!

Chuck