Our Shepherd

It is interesting how so many unexpected things fill our lives each week.  Last Thursday, my friend and neighbor, Ivan, took his last breath at their home.  Cancer had moved to his brain but he kept his smile and humor right up until the very end, in spite of all of the discomfort and pain.  I was with the family for both the visitation on Tuesday and again at the service yesterday.  He will be missed by all of us.  Do pray for his wife Theresa and the family as they adjust to his home-going and life without him.

I have started getting some things sorted and deciding what I should take with me when the time comes to head further South.  But then there is the issue of disposing of the excess.   I am finding it a greater problem than I had anticipated.  I will be down-sizing again so do not want to take unnecessary items but at the same time take what I will need.  My family must have heard some of my moans so they are coming to spend this weekend with me, helping to get the ball rolling faster and helping dad.  I am richly blessed by a wonderful loving family!

On Saturday, Justin, Laura and Ella are going to join us for a two-year birthday party for Ella.  WOW…two years.  I believe that the years are going faster these days!  It is great to have them closer by, but we all keep so busy that or paths do not cross as often as I would like.

Yesterday I awoke early from a dream that I could not remember but for some reason the first and last verses of Psalm 24 vividly came into my mind; “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want…Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Vs. 1 & 6)

That seems to put it all into perspective.  My shepherd is providing for my every need and at the same time his goodness and mercy are going with me through whatever the situation or needs may be for that hour and day until I make my final move to be with him.

I trust that each of you has a Blessed Easter!  He is risen…He is risen indeed!

Love to you all,

Chuck

Too old to be tested?

Recently I was intently listening to a radio program when a Conelrad test broke in obliterating several seconds of the message and irritating me about the interruption. Was that test really necessary…right then? This week I have experienced tests and witnessed several tests in others lives.

I awoke Sunday morning with violent nausea and all that accompanies it. Need I be graphic? I was up and down like clock-work every half hour. Sometime around daybreak I realized that I was not thinking clearly but also was having a bit of chest discomfort accompanied by the shortness of breath that I have been fighting these many weeks. I realized that I was invited to a small gathering at friends after church and reminded myself that I must call later to let them know I would not be there. At some point I drifted off into a stupor and never really “came to” until around 1:00 PM…missing the gathering and not calling them. With mind a blur and considerable discomfort I recognized my confused mind was unable to sort out my health options. Praying for wisdom I was lead to call dear friend Stuart who immediately came and we discussed options and took a bit of action, resulting in prayer answered. I fell asleep on the sofa in the study with Stuart sitting in the recliner and I did not awaken until around 4:00 PM. Stuart was still there as I rallied. I felt considerably improved so sent him home, took more fluids, called the friends to apologize, and went back to sleep, able to get up and spend most of Monday at the office. I am not sure what it was but I suspect either the flu or food poisoning? Possibly a “test”?

Yesterday I witnessed challenges in others lives which likely could also be tests. A dear couple from Michigan is having to return earlier than planned.  Their kids from back home “happened” to come to visit them yesterday. Earlier in the week the husband suffered what appears to possibly be a mild TIA’s but declined to see a doctor here and insisted he would drive back and see his doctor at home. We all have strongly encouraged him not to drive and I trust that is the case as they are all four on the road home today.

Later in the morning I sat with a good friend who had to have his mother moved from her retirement facility into assisted living and is feeling much stress over it. She is extremely unhappy and this has also caused some major conflicts with a sibling.

In the afternoon I had a call from a coworker in an ambulance on the way to the Emergency Room asking prayer for his wife who collapsed while attending a meeting with some ladies. Fortunately it appears to be something that can be handled with medication and she is now back home.

In the evening I spent quite some time with the son of my neighbor who was helping with some yard work there. His dad appears to be in his last days/hours with cancer there in the home. The son works in the hospital, dealing with death every day, but is having a very difficult time watching his dad, and this is generating criticism from some family members as well as great stress for himself who tends to internalize such situations.

Tests? I suspect so, and how well we are prepared for those tests will also determine how we finish the final days (test) of our own “race” on earth.

This has caused me to look more closely at my own life and realize how God has richly blessed during these nearly 80 years, but at the same time recognize how easy and frequently I can fall “out of step” with him. I really want to avoid the word but what better describes it?...SIN! It is so easy to be critical, harbor a bad attitude, and respond inappropriately to people and opportunities. As I reflect upon this I am challenged by Romans 2:4; “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” It sure is easy to have the answers for others and even be critical, but of prime importance is how/if I am preparing, and ready, for those upcoming tests and for my final exam!

Hoping to finish well to the glory of God!

Love,

Chuck

At the right time

It has been a bit of a busy time for me with travels and still having the breathing problems which may be the cause of the heart concerns.  Hopefully we will have it all sorted out shortly.  I am breathing a bit easier now after a visit to the doctor a few minutes ago for a breathing treatment, steroid shot, and three new prescriptions.  Hopefully this will resolve the breathing issue.  I appreciate you prayers, notes and calls.

I enjoyed a delightful time with Keith and his family and three days later made a quick trip to Florida to make some necessary decisions to keep the work progressing.  I took some long-time friends with me that have been coming down from Michigan for eighteen years to give us a hand in the winter.  Beverly had a bout with congestive heart problems, spent a couple of days in the hospital, was released in the afternoon and was ready to go with me the following morning.  I was a bit concerned about the advisability of her traveling so soon but her doctor felt it was okay and it was nice to have the two of them travel with me and for them to have time visiting with many friends there.

This move to Florida is one of the more difficult tasks that I have undertaken.  The construction aspect is no problem but taking care of the closing out and disposing of things here is not easy.  There is much emotional attachment after nearly 18 years here.  I will be leaving some great friends and moving further from the family.  I have to admit that there is no way that I can accomplish it all alone but with family and friends I know it is possible as the Lord guides and gives strength.  In Isaiah 60:22 Israel and Jerusalem are reminded: “At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.”  I am certain that is true with my move also, but I will be glad when it is all behind me.

Your prayers are a great encouragement to me.  Thanks so much!

Love,

Chuck

Way of Life

With my own health issues, several friends that are dealing with serious health problems, and others with major life challenges, I found the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians speaking directly to me.  So much so, that I used the following verses when leading our morning chapel/prayer time at the office this week:

“We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us…”  (6:3a)

“We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind.”  (6:4b)

“We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love.”  (6:6)

“Our hearts ache, but we always have joy.”  (6:10a)

“For we are the temple of the living God.”  (6:16b)

“…let us cleanse ourselves of everything that can defile our body or spirit.  And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.”  (7:1)

What a challenge for me today, and everyday, regardless of what may be before me.  It is far too easy to get all wrapped up in ME and forget whom I am here to serve.

My physical exam went well on the surface, but we are awaiting lab reports an Echo Cardiogram that is scheduled to further check a bit of a problem that did not show up on the EKG but was observed by the doctor while examining me.  We don’t anticipate that it is a major problem but it does need further checking.

I plan to go to Raleigh/Durham to spend the weekend with friend Keith who will be celebrating his 41^st birthday.  I am looking forward to this time with him and also with his mom and brother who have invited me to have dinner with them in Wake Forest.

Your prayers, emails, notes and calls are a tremendous encouragement!  It is always a delight to catch up with each of you.

Love to you all,

Chuck