Submit to Him

I feel a bit like a juggler these days as I attempt to keep up with everything at the office, sorting and packing for the move to Florida and directing preparations for completion of the place down there.  All of the major construction is completed and at this time only the finishing details like paint, counter tops and floor coverings and many “little” things need my attention.  The next BIG event will be the actual move.  Fortunately a good friend has volunteered to come up from Florida and take charge of packing a truck and moving things for me.  What a blessing!  The actual date has not yet been established, but I will let you know when that has been set.

Last weekend I was with Justin, Laura and Ella celebrating their 5^th anniversary.  It is hard to believe that it was five years ago that Carol and I made her final trip to Michigan to be part of their wedding.  That certainly is something I will never forget!  I am so thankful that the Lord made that last wish possible for Carol.

Today I will be attending the celebration for a co-worker and neighbor that passed on last week.  This is a most difficult time for her 92 year-old father and her sister, along with other members of the family.  Stuart has been asked to co-lead the celebration with the pastor so he had to change his chemo treatment today in order to accommodate their wishes.  Do join me in praying for all of them as this will be a very “draining” time for everyone.

Recently I heard Chip Ingram make the statement; “Do not attempt to use or manipulate the Lord, but rather submit to Him.”   I have thought much about that statement and recognize how easy it is to be so self-centered about my own desires that I miss the tremendous blessing that He has for me.  I often recall the words of one of our former leaders that frequently reminded us to “keep the main thing the main thing.”  I can see how easy it is to get “off track” and so focused on myself that I can miss the main thing that needs to be the priority for me…a good challenge every day!

I trust that your week is going well and that you are experiencing the blessings of the Lord as you submit to Him.

Love, Chuck

Ending well?

Over the weekend I was reading about King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17-20) and impressed by his early years as king.  We read in vs 17:6 “He was deeply committed to the ways of the LORD.”  Later on in his reign he was terrified as several armies were about to attack, and again he looked to the Lord for guidance.  After assessing the situation he said “We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us.  We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”  (vs. 20:12)  His twenty-five year reign was certainly not perfect but he was considered a “good king” following the ways of his father King Asa and doing what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight.  Unfortunately the last thing we read about him is when he made an alliance with King Ahaziah who was considered very wicked. They built a fleet of trading ships, but because that bad alliance, the Lord blocked their plans “So the ships met with disaster and never put out to sea.” (vs. 20:37)  What a sad final report on his life!

I found that to be another excellent reminder of the importance of not becoming too self-confident or proud after we have been blessed by a hand full of successes and believe that we can handle situations on our own.  I am afraid that as we get more years behind us it is easy to forget to continually seek the Lord’s guidance in all of our decisions.

I have been pleased by the way so many details are “falling into place” for my move.  I certainly am seeing the Lord answering prayer!  Thanks to each of you who are praying!  I am thankful for the tremendous improvement with my back pain.  While it is not completely gone, I am able to do some serious sorting/discarding and will be able to start packing soon.  I understand that the painting in Florida should be wrapping up in a couple of days so then it will mainly be counter tops, vanities and floor coverings which will not take long to install when they arrive.  While no date has been set, I anticipate settling in on that end by August.  I will be mailing out moving specifics with date, new address and phone number prior to the move.

Love to you all,

Chuck

Humbled

What a delightful time I enjoyed in Indiana!  The weather outlook for Saturday was not good for Calli’s open house, but the rain stopped early in the day and we were able to enjoy the yard and even get a couple of games going.  It was wonderful to have most of the family there for the event too. 

On Sunday the familly had a birthday brunch for me that lasted late into the afternoon.  My three daughters (note photo) were the main organizers of the event and did an outstanding job.  I had expected this to primarily be a family event but was humbled by the number of friends coming from long distances for the celebration.  A dear couple drove all the way from Charlotte, several came from Michigan, and Carol’s two brothers and their wives drove in from Wisconsin.  It was a full but fun day!  I had planned to drive back to Charlotte on Monday but delayed my departure until Tuesday to get rested up for the return.  It also gave me a bit more time with the girls who did not leave until later in the day on Monday.

My back is continuing to improve but it still is a bit of a challenge to put on my socks and to bend over.  That makes it difficult to continue sorting and packing for the move to Florida.  It appears that my house here is likely sold, so that is putting a bit more pressure on me to get ready for the move when that time comes.

Thanks so much for the phone calls, greeting cards and messages.  It seems impossible that I have broken into the next decade, but I felt better when someone reminded me that I was not all that old because I am still 20 years away from100. Now that is an encouragement!

Blessings to all of you,

Chuck