The Work

In the final prayer of Jesus before going to the cross, he says; “…Father, the hour has come.  Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you.  For you have given him authority over everyone.  He gives eternal life to each one you have given him.  And this is the way to have eternal life -- to know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.  I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.  Now, Father, bring me into the glory that we shared before the world began.”  (John 1:1-5)

Living here among some very senior citizens, it is refreshing to see them still extremely active in completing the “work” God has equipped them to do, and doing it such a positive, cheerful way.  The majority are still very physically active but those who have limiting physical problems continue to be as active as possible.  Some getting around with their walkers, and occasionally one holding a friends arm, do to their very limited vision.  But each one continues to be “active” to their ability, rarely feeling sorry for themselves but looking forward to their new eternal home while at the same time doing all they can do to encourage others in completing the work God has given them to do.  It is an inspiration, never to give up as long as God gives us breath!

My family arrived safely on Saturday with flights all being on time.  The only problem was several extra hours on the road for Justin and family with extreme traffic backups on I-95, delaying their arrival until around 1:00 AM.  With the ten of us here, it is rather cozy but working out extremely well.  Fortunately I was able to put some of them in a couple of our guest houses which helps by providing extra sleeping space and bathroom facilities in the morning.  It is a real joy for me to have so many of the family here for the holidays and Sue will also be joining us for the few days between Christmas and New Year’s day while still keeping the ER room at the hospital going back in Michigan during the two busy holidays.

May you each have a wonderful Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Chuck

Indestructible

It was a joy to be with Stuart, Donna and their family over the Thanksgiving holiday while they were still at Duke Medical Center in Durham.  As you can see, there was some fun with the “turkey” that arrived.

Stuart is making progress but continues to be extremely weak and is extremely vulnerable to infections.  Plans are that he will return to Charlotte this week to continue his recuperation from the stem-cell transplant.  He will be in frequent contact with his oncologist there to monitor his progress.  They tell him that the next three months are critical as his immune system is rebuilding.  Do continue to pray for him!

Today as I read chapter 11 of Revelation about the two prophets/witnesses that were on mission for God, I was reminded of a quote I read regarding that passage; “You are indestructible until God’s purpose for your life is completed “.  Those men accomplished amazing tasks before being killed.  But after 3 ½ days God breathed life into them and took them into heaven.  I can just imagine the scene as a terrible earthquake came after they were raised from the dead, killing seven thousand people and “…everyone else was terrified and gave glory to the God in heaven.” (11:13 b)  I found indestructible an encouraging thought to ponder.

I had a delightful time with friend Keith and his family, enjoying a delicious multiple course Thanksgiving dinner with turkey and all the trimmings.  A cold-front arrived along with me which brought a few snow flurries and freezing temperatures, quite unusual for that time of year. 

I was thankful for a wonderful time with friends and safe travel as I drove the many miles during the reportedly busiest travel time of the year.  Thanks so much for your prayers!

Have a blessed week!

Chuck