Special Trip

Thanks so much for your prayers as I covered the many miles this past week.  It was a tremendous blessing to spend time with Carol's siblings in Illinois (see picture), with Jeremy, Julianna and Judah in Chicago, and enjoy a few days at the lake with Karin, Keith, Calli and Gavin even was able to make it back on the weekend for a brief break from his summer campground ministry with his university group.  I was pleased that while covering nearly 2,000 miles with extra holiday traffic, I never saw a serious accident.  The temperature in Illinois and Indiana was very much on the high side pushing the needle around the 100 degree mark most days.  I have some cute pictures of great grandson Judah, but for some reason they do not want to download.  I will try to add one in the next blog.

During the week I finished reading the Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.  From Proverbs I was reminded the the importance of wisdom;  "Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life...If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer."  (9:11-12)  "People ruin their lives by their own folishness and then are angry at the LORD."  (19:3)  and as we think ahead to November;  "When there is moral rot within the nation, its government topples easily.  But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability."  (28:2) 

As I read about the meaningless of many of our activities in Ecclesiastes, I like the final thoughts from the teacher; "...Here now is my final conclusion:  Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty.  God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad."  (12:13)

I appreciate each one of you!

Chuck