Keeping in touch

So far this has been a rather busy week. Many times I have thought that it was time to add a few lines to the blog but then something else moved to the urgent category and I set the blog aside. I appreciate each of you so much that continue to keep in touch and encourage me along the winding bath of life.

My week started off on a high note on Sunday as we heard some fantastic music by The Kings Brass and some challenging but encouraging thoughts from God’s Word. We are currently in the midst of a training session for new candidates at the office, which is always a blessing but at the same time adds some extra responsibilities. With thirty adults and thirty-five children, there is never a dull moment. Each morning as we hear testimonies of God’s work in lives, I am thrilled to have a small part in God’s great enterprise. Thankful for the strength and health that God continues to give me but very much aware that could change at any moment. Thankfully that all is in His hands!

Having just completed reading Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs, I could see a pattern develop as the writer, believed to be King Solomon, shared his thoughts and I suspect portions of his life throughout the three books. It is easy to visualize a young Solomon in Song of Songs wooing a woman and getting married…Sharing some of the joys and heartaches of their love for each other…A picture of Christ’s love for his bride, the church. In the Proverbs he gets practical touching upon many areas of godly counsel. Many times as I awake in the middle of the night and have difficulty going back to sleep I am reminded that with sound judgment and discernment “when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet” (Proverbs 3:24) assuring us; “for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.” (vs. 26). As I read Ecclesiastes, I could visualize a mature Solomon as he looks back over life and repeatedly says that all the accomplishments of life are futile or meaningless apart from God. He has generated many good reminders and challenges for me since reading the three books.

Now as I am working my way through the book of Isaiah, I see many similarities to today as Isaiah is sent by God to deliver an unpleasant message to the nation of Judah…A nation exhibiting idolatry, hypocrisy, injustice and corruption. Too often it sounds much like what I read in the news today and is a good reminder for us to be praying for our nation along with many others around the world.

I trust that each of you is enjoying the week and avoiding the extreme heat that seems to be covering a good portion of the country. I am certainly thankful for air conditioning!

Love to you all,

Chuck

Three Years

During these past few days my mind has frequently been drifting back three years ago when we said good by to our dear Carol who valiantly fought cancer for 2 ½ years. Actually it was on this date that we celebrated her life, walking down the aisle behind her casket with I Can Only Imagine playing in the background. Since that time my mind has frequently imagined what joy she is experiencing, ready to greet family members and friends as they also pass through that curtain of death. As she spent those last days on earth, her concern continued to be for her family, friends and the world around her writing: “Thinking back on my life, I am filled with love and gratitude for you. Thank you for allowing me to share in your lives – I have treasured our time together. Cling to Jesus. I’ll see you on the other side of the curtain. I love you, Carol”

This past week I have been reading Ecclesiastes and have appreciated reviewing the many things that Solomon considered futile and unsatisfying (meaningless) in this life without God. He sums up the twelve chapters of meaningless living at the end of chapter 12 when he says “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing whether it is good or evil.” (vs 13-14)

I have been amazed and thankful for all of the calls, emails and notes of remembrance. I am greatly blessed by you, my fantastic family and friends. My heart felt thanks to each of you!

Love,

Chuck

Fun 4th Holiday

I arrived safely home with an abundance of fond memories from spending the long 4th of July weekend together with the family at Sault Ste Marie with Sue and Jeff. The weather was outstanding, giving us plenty of opportunity to spend time on the beach and in the water. The water does not get above knee deep for about 300’ before dropping off into the shipping channel which makes for a huge play area. Frisbee was a fun game with a frequent splash when making a catch. The two youngest cousins (Ella & Annika)enjoyed each other and possibly got a bit spoiled with family members competing to hold them. I had the opportunity to meet my new grand “dogger” who recently joined the Jeremy and Julianna household and was a trooper on a family hike between the upper and lower Tahquamenon Falls.

Thanks for your prayers and phone calls. It is always a huge encouragement to know that so many of you are “traveling” with me as I cover many miles alone.

Love to you all,

Chuck

Enjoying the Sault

After some lengthy travel, the whole family arrived at the Sault late last evening. After a late night around a campfire on the beach, most are sleeping in this morning. It is a delightful setting here looking over the water watching the ships heading through the Sault Locks.

Three of the early risers (Sue, Lisa & Keith) are out on the water checking out the ships as they pass by. There is a bit of haze in the air but the weather is delightful and it is great to be with all of the family again. I am staying at the house being in charge of the breakfast this morning when everyone gets up. We are taking turns preparing meals to help Sue a bit. This is a pretty good sized group to be hosting.

I trust that each of you is enjoying a special weekend with family and friends as we celebrate the 4th.

Love to you all,

Chuck