Carol Wilson Update

Stage 4 Cancer brought many challenges--and also a host of loving and praying friends. Almost-daily postings to this site are to help my friends walk with me through this journey, and to express my gratitude to them and especially to God...On 7/8/08 Carol passed through that final curtain of death and is now healed. We thank God for her life and "arrival"! Chuck

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Mercy Available!


As I have been reading the book of Ezekiel this past week or so, I have been impressed by the mercy of God to a nation and a people that had really gone astray.  Could there be a similarity to some situations today?   Ezekiel had quite a challenge before him as he delivered a message that the people did not want to hear, and they were quite vocal about it at times.  While God delivered a strong message through Ezekiel about the result of their sinful actions, at the same time he expressed his amazing mercy if they would only repent.

In Ezekiel chapter 18 we read; “But if wicked people turn away from all their sins and begin to obey my decrees and do what is just and right, they will surely live and not die.  All their past sins will be forgotten, and they will live because of the righteous things they have done.” (vs. 21)  Later he says; “Do you think I like to see wicked people die says the Sovereign LORD?  Of course not!  I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live."  (vs. 23)  And again he presses the issue and says; “I don’t want you to die, says the Sovereign LORD.  Turn back and live!”  (vs. 32)  It certainly is obvious that God’s greatest desire is repentance and restoration of each individual as well as for nations.  At the end of each day I like to recall examples I have seen of His mercy in my life and the lives of others that day.  It is a most encouraging contrast to all of the negative publicity surrounds us.

Last week I had a big surprise when I opened the mailbox and received a small package from Michigan friends.  Inside I found a set of cassette tapes on a study of the book of Genesis by Carol over 30 years ago.  I had to sit right down and listen to the first tape introducing the book.  What a blessing to hear her voice again and experience her cheerful conversation.

Later this week daughter Lisa is flying down here to spend some time with me.  We are putting together some fun activities starting with a visit with Justin, Laura and Ella on the weekend.  We will totally avoid downtown Charlotte while the thousands of extra people crowd the city for the Democratic National Convention.  Many streets will be closed off and I know it will be a major challenge getting around with all of the added security.  I feel sorry for those that have to travel into town for their jobs.  It will be very slow going.

I am thankful for the many blessings from our God…what mercy and grace he shows us!

Love, Chuck

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

New Mercies Each Morning


Our Florida trip went well and on the return we took a side trip out to Jekyll Island (above) to do a bit of exploring.  Carol and I have gone there numerous times and it was fun to stop in and see that delightful area again.  This is one of the few places on the island that has large driftwood on the beach.  Most beaches are totally clear and great for hiking or biking.

We were royally entertained at the Sebring Center and just could not work in enough meals to take advantage of all of the invitations.  We have a very gracious group of people living there and we enjoyed visiting with many and participating in some of their activities during our brief visit.  This certainly could be an option down the road…A matter for prayer!  I have been reading a book recommended by my brother-in-law “Finishing Well to the Glory of God” and have been made more aware of the need to “let go” as we get older, which it is not always all that easy to do.  I am thankful for input and prayer from my family and friends.

I just completed reading Lamentations and was once again amazed at how Jeremiah could face such tragedy with the once beautiful Jerusalem and at the same time retain his hope and trust in the Lord.  Through it all, he says; “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 thy faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”  (Lamentations 3:20-23)  AMEN!

Thanks so much for your faithful calls, notes and prayers!

Chuck

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

At the right time


It has been a fairly busy few days catching up from my trip to Alabama and then spending this past weekend in Raleigh/Durham with friend Keith.  I was delighted to meet his friend Julie and catch up on some of the activities he has been involved in.  He has been building a large fish pond that is a rather major project with lots of plumbing and electrical work to make it operate properly.  This is not one of those simple do-it-yourself projects.  It is constructed of concrete and will have a ceramic tile surface when completed.  He did all of the design work for the pool and the tile pattern. Quite a project to work in during spare time!  On Sunday he and Julie invited his mother and brother for dinner and the five of us enjoyed some fantastic cooking.   It was great to spend time together but I always feel that I return home several pounds heavier.

Tomorrow I am heading for Sebring Florida with a couple from the office.  SIM has a large retirement center there, and they want us to go down and check it out.  At this time of life, I suspect that it is good to evaluate such options, but I have to admit that it is not as much fun to being doing it without Carol.  The years certainly have gone by rapidly but I am thankful for the strength and health that the Lord has given me.  Again this morning I made my weekly 4:00 AM trip to the warehouse to pick up donated bread for the mission.  It is always a tremendous help in keeping our guest house kitchens supplied as well as providing items for the larger meals served on campus.  The last time I actually calculated the value of the items donated, it was over $1,000.

This morning I finished reading the book of Jeremiah.  As I think about how this unlikely candidate as a prophet and proclaimer was used of God, I realize that there is no such thing as inadequacy when God is working in and through us.  It is extremely easy to just plainly give up when we forget God’s promises to each of us.  Recently I read that someone had counted the promises in Scripture which run into the thousands.  In Isaiah 60 we read about amazing promises in the future for the nation and the chapter ends with “…At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.”  (Isaiah 60:22b)  That is something that I am trying to learn in my life when I get a bit anxious about something.  He is the one that can and will make it happen…in His time, His way and according to His will.  Okay, maybe now I can relax!

As always…thanks for your prayers as we travel.

Love, Chuck

Monday, August 06, 2012

Graduated


It was a tremendous joy to attend Justin’s graduation from the Air Force Officer Training School in Montgomery Alabama.  Daughter Sue, his wife Laura and 16 month Ella traveled with me from the Columbia airport.  It was a special reunion for each of us, especially for Laura and Ella that had been separated from him for the five weeks of training!

There were just under 300 officers graduating that day, so it was an impressive program and parade.  Justin was selected to be in the color guard which was quite an honor.  The event was held outside at the parade grounds so it was a bit warm but fortunately the reviewing stands had covers protecting us from the direct sun.  Listening to the officers take the Oath of Office with such determination was most refreshing and as they passed in review, I am sure that all of us felt a sense of pride in these new officers.

On our return to Justin’s assigned base in Sumter, SC we spent some time in Atlanta and Columbia, spending a night at each location before checking him and the family in at Shaw Air Force Base late Sunday.  We too the opportunity to visit a dynamic church outside of Columbia and were challenged by a message  “Greater Things” from John 1 and Genesis 28.

Thanks so much for praying.  It was a special trip and a blessing!

Love, Chuck