Travel plans

I have been thrilled with the reports that I have been getting from grandson Gavin who started his college classes last Thursday. He reports that tennis practice is going well and that he is really enjoying his classes. Not that I anticipated otherwise, but it was good to get those confirmations.

Lisa planned to spend this past weekend with me here, but storm Irene caused cancellation of her reservation, so she will schedule a trip later. I had several things planned while she was here, one of which was a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains to attend a special Mountain Music Program by performers that Carol and I have enjoyed over the years. Lisa wasn’t here to join us but the other friends were still ready to go, so we had a wonderful day in the beautiful Smokey Mountains.

Later this week I fly out to Seattle to join daughter Sue for a cruise to Alaska. We will stop in various ports during eight days of the trip, so we are looking forward to exploring that part of our country this year. I suspect that we will encounter a bit more rain, but being prepared for it should not create any major problem for us. There are quite a few logistics involved getting us together at the proper place and time for boarding, so we will appreciate your prayers for that and for safety and good health during our travels. I’ll try to get some updates out from time to time as I am able to connect with civilization from the ship.

I appreciate each of you and trust that you have having a blessed week.

Love to all,

Chuck

Dare to hope

It was delightful to spend time with the family in Indiana and get grandson Gavin off to college. Being on the tennis team, he had to move in early and start intensive practice. It was fun to have some time with him and to help in moving him into his dorm room and getting things more or less organized.

I had a little extra time while at the lake to catch up on some of my reading and finished the book of Lamentations as the prophet Jeremiah lamented the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians as prophesied. In chapter 3 he reports; “I am the one who has seen the afflictions that have come from the rod of the LORD’S anger." (vs. 1) He continues; “I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the LORD never ends. His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!’ The LORD is good to those who depend on him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD. And it is good for people to submit at an early age to the yoke of his discipline.” (vs. 20-27)

In spite of what Jeremiah had been through, his faith in his God held strong as he found hope and comfort in Him and His promises. That is a good example to follow as we lament our losses, what ever they may be.

Love to you all,

Chuck

The power of one

Yesterday I drove to our Indiana lake house to spend a bit of time with our youngest grandson, Gavin, who will be heading off to Bethel College this weekend. It is hard to believe…Time does not stand still. As I tap the computer keys, I am enjoying the lovely cool morning watching our swan family bobbing for their morning breakfast and not a boat in sight on the lake. That will certainly change this weekend when folks have some time to play on the water.

As I was reading the book of Jeremiah this morning, I was reminded of the importance of ONE person that is filled with God’s Spirit. It is so easy to accept the feeling of not believing that one person can accomplish anything, and just hang our heads and complain.

In chapter 26, Jeremiah continues to proclaim God’s warning as he stands in front of the temple warning the residents of certain disaster from the Lord unless they listen and turn from their evil ways. He certainly stood strong and fearless in spite of the strong opposition and even threats upon his life. He and his message were certainly not well received as we read “The priests and prophets presented their accusations to the officials and the people, ‘This man should die!’” (vs. 11) Jeremiah’s response was direct and courageous. He did not beat around the bush. “The LORD gave me every word I have spoken. But if you stop your sinning and begin to obey the LORD your God, he will change his mind about this disaster that he has announced against you. As for me, I am in your hands…” (vs. 12-13) It appears that again ONE man bravely spoke out, saving Jeremiah’s life. “Ahikam son of Shaphan stood up for Jeremiah and persuaded the court not to turn him over to the mob to be killed.” (vs. 24) Again, the power of ONE!

After reading that chapter, I feel quite convicted. It is so much easier to complain and avoid getting involved to prevent being part of the storm, but in so doing, not having the impact that we should have as God-directed believers. History reminds me that sometimes God may not quiet the storm as in Jeremiah’s case, but as we respond according to His will, he will faithfully calm His child with a peace that only He can give and ultimately accomplish His purpose in the situation and in our lives. Thanks Lord, I needed that lesson today!

Have a blessed day!

Chuck

Getting God's Attention

I have been having some breathing problems recently, but hopefully am on the mend after seeing the doctor and an expensive visit to the pharmacy. Having a bit of trouble sleeping through the night has been an opportunity for me to catch up on my daily reading. I finished the book of Isaiah and as usual was amazed at how many “new” verses were there. It is exciting how different verses seem to jump off the page with each reading…It is a real sense of God speaking directly to me!

Isaiah 57 was something I needed to hear; “The righteous pass away, the godly often die before their time. And no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For the godly who die will rest in peace.” (vs.1-2 NLB) After a lengthy discussion about idolatrous worship by Isaiah I like Isaiah's conclusion…and challenge; “The high and lofty one who inhabits eternity, the Holy One, says this: I live in that high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I refresh the humble and give new courage to those with repentant hearts…But those who reject me are like the restless sea. It is never still but continually churns up mire and dirt. There is no peace for the wicked, says God.” (vs. 15 & 20-21)

I have been meditating on those verses as I recently passed the anniversary of Carol stepping through that curtain of death and was reminded of a notation that she had made in her Bible; “To get God’s attention” in reference to Isaiah 66;2b; “I the LORD have spoken! I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my work.” That sure sounds like a key if we expect to have God respond to our prayers.

Last weekend I enjoyed spending with friend Keith in the Raleigh/Durham area. This weekend I am joining friends in the mountains to do a bit of camping, hiking and attend a special music program. Dear friends are a tremendous blessing!

I trust that you each enjoy a blessed weekend!

Love to all,

Chuck