A quick update

Being on my 4^th antibiotic, I am now starting to feel a bit more like myself.  Someone has said; “when you can’t breath, nothing else matters” and I can certainly agree with that.  I am thankful to be using much less albuterol now to keep breathing, and I have been able to reduce the usage of the COPD drugs that have been prescribed.  I am thankful for those wonderful drugs but am pleased to be experiencing less side-effects from them now.  Fortunately I have been able to keep on top of things at the office, but not much else.

I have been reading the book of Galatians recently and appreciate the reminder that the Apostle Paul was passing on to them; it is not by law that righteousness is obtained, but rather through grace!  I especially appreciated Paul’s confrontation with Peter when “…Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore.  He was afraid of criticism…”  (Galatians 3:12)  Isn’t it amazing how easy it is for criticism to sway us in the wrong direction if we are not careful…Even Peter was vulnerable!  Those chapters have made me much more aware of watching my responses to people and events.  I find myself more frequently evaluating my responses to determine if I am being swayed by opinions or allowing the Holy Spirit to direct me and my responses.

As a follow up from my last blog about friends Lois and Bob, I just talked with them on the phone but have not seen them for fear of passing on some of this nasty bug.  Bob is home from the hospital and had no permanent neurological damage which is a wonderful answer to prayer!  Lois had a rather challenging time with here first chemo infusion and is scheduled for five more along with radiation.  God has been working in some marvelous ways in their lives but they continue to need prayer.

I always appreciate your prayers to our wonderful Lord on my behalf and for many others.  You are the best!

Love to you all,

Chuck

Blessings

For far too many weeks, I have been fighting a bronchial congestion.  During the past week, after previously having three sets of antibiotics and two steroid shots, my breathing seemed to hit a new low.  It is amazing how those most difficult times are either at night or over the weekend when the doctor is unavailable.  Fortunately I experienced one of those times in the doctor’s office Thursday which helped to make some progress after confirming the absence of pneumonia and cancer.  I am certainly breathing better now (more than one way) but I don’t believe that I have ever felt so tired and weak.  Thanks to you and our Great Physician, I believe that I will win this one!

 
One of the items in my stocking Christmas morning at Justin and Laura’s was a lovely memo book.  It is set up to write from either end so I have set it up for BLESSINGS from one end and VERSES that especially speak to me each day from the other end.  Already after a couple of weeks it is exciting to go back and review what I wrote.

Two thoughts that I recorded were; “…when trouble comes your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.”  (James 1:2) and “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.”  (James 1:12)  I can’t say that I was always that patient, but I recorded numerous unexpected blessings that came my way.  It truly has been an opportunity to see God answer prayers through people and circumstances!

An urgent prayer request:  Friend Lois had her first chemo infusion yesterday using the port installed last week and I am sure is exhausted.  Later in the day, her husband Bob, suffered a stroke and is in intensive care.  Please pray for this dear couple and their family!

2013 is off to a bumpy start for me, but I feel confident that things will smooth out now and I can get back to “normal”.  I trust that each of you is keeping healthy and experiencing the Lord’s blessings in this New Year!

Love to you all,

Chuck

Happy New Year

I have glasses too!

I trust that each of you are off to a great new year!  I have been blessed with special times of family members visiting.  Yesterday daughter Sue arrived from Michigan and we are now in Sumter, SC visiting Justin, Laura and Ella.  As you can see, Ella is still the center of attention as she is showing off her glasses with Sue.  It is a blessing to have Justin and family closer so we can get together more often.  Actually I have been here three times in the past three weeks and they have also spent time with me in Charlotte during that time.

 

I have appreciated the many Christmas cards, notes and letters from you friends located around the world.  It is a blessing to share the joys and sorrows and hopefully be an encouragement to some as you are to me.  Recently I was reading Paul's letter to Timothy and was challenged by his attitude as he wrote what was likely his last letter from prison as he anticipated being put to death.  His faith and focus remained solid as he wrote:

 

"I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory to Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.  This is a trustworthy saying:

If we die with him, we will live with him.

If we endure hardship, we will reign with him.

If we deny him, he will deny us.

If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is."  (2 Timothy 2:10-13)

 

I found that to be a tremendous encouragement for my life and for each of you.

 

I trust that 2013 will be a year of special blessing and encouragement as you walk with the Lord!

 

Love to you all,

 

Chuck