Now and Forever!

Friends, Bud and Anne arrived safely along with all of their remaining worldly possessions after major downsizing, and are busily adjusting the location of major pieces of furniture and unpacking piles of boxes.  It was just about eleven months ago that I was doing the same.  It is great to have them here to add to our fantastic group of residents that are truly a family!

Speaking of Friends, please pray for Beverly and Royce Friend.  Royce has been having his share of medical problems and they have decided that it is necessary to make a major change not feeling able to maintain their home, yard and garden that they have enjoyed for many years.  They have decided upon an apartment and now need to dispose of many years of memories and pack up the balance to move.  They also need to sell their lovely country home.  Royce will not be able to help as much as he would like, so Beverly will be stretched to get the job done.  Do join me in praying for them!

It has been a real delight for me to take plenty of time to study the Psalms this year.  I have been following a study guide from my Charlotte church that I originally thought was for too slow moving, but have been blessed with the slower pace.  Psalm 121 is only eight verses in length, but how encouraging it is for every believer!  As the Israelites travel through potentially dangerous territory headed for Jerusalem, they sing together these encouraging words:  “My help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth!  He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber or sleep. The LORD himself watches over you!  The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade…The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life.  The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.”   Did you get that?  Both now and forever!  WOW!

As I plan to take a rather lengthy trip to visit family members shortly, those truths are a tremendous encouragement for me.  I trust that they are encouraging for you also as you plan trips and vacations this summer.

Love to you all,

Chuck 

A Safe Return

I was blessed by wonderful visits with friends and family in South Carolina and North Carolina.  I enjoyed a special time with grandson Justin who is a dentist with the Air Force.  His wife was visiting her folks in Michigan with their girls, so we had a delightful “bachelor” time together.  From there I celebrated the 44^th anniversary with Stuart and Donna, continuing on to Salisbury to spend the weekend with dear friends in that area.  From there I went back to Charlotte to check a few things at our office and also visited several dear friends in the area.  On the trip I was able to visit two couples that I suspect it is possible never to be able to see two of the guys again this side of eternity.   Age is taking its toll on all of us but it is always hard to say those final good byes.    My return trip went well but was a bit stressful with several extremely heavy downpours of rain putting me through Orlando at high traffic time.  What normally takes me only about 10 hours driving was extended to over 12, but I am thankful that I arrived home without incident!

During the past week or so I have been reading Psalm 119, taking only one section at a time attempting to find undiscovered truths that I have not seen in previous readings.  This is the longest chapter in the Bible and has much to say about God’s Word as it reveals His will, its authority, permanence, authority and direction.  I realize how much I missed by just quickly reading the whole Psalm in one sitting previously.  The extra time available these days for study is certainly one of the great blessings of not having to maintaining a tight daily schedule. 

I have been invited to join some friends for Father’s Day dinner tomorrow and trust that all of you have a very special and blessed weekend.

Love to all,

Chuck

David's Response

While reading Psalm 109 I observed an excellent example of how best to respond to a slanderer.  David’s accusers used some rather strong words to make their point (verses 6-20).  I am afraid that I might have been most likely in this case, to come back with similar strong words.  But David characteristically responds with; “Help me O LORD my God!  Save me because of your unfailing love.  Let them see that this is your doing, that you yourself have done it LORD.  Then Let them curse me if they like, but you will bless me!  When they attack me, they will be disgraced!  But I your servant will go right on rejoicing!  May my accusers be clothed with disgrace; may their humiliation cover them like a cloak.  But I will give repeated thanks to the LORD, praising him to everyone.  For he stands beside the needy, ready to save them from those who condemn them."  (verses 26-31)  A great reminder to avoid an inappropriate quick response, but immediately turn the matter over to the Lord, fully trusting him, while thanking and praising him.  That is good to remember!

I had a delightful visit from one of our “adopted” daughters last week.  Unfortunately I was limited with my time with her and her sister because I got hit with a “bug” going around putting me out of commission for several days.  I find that I still am mighty short on energy but also remember that I am no longer 30 years old.   Sue will be returning to Benin after spending time back here in the states.  Oh yes, I am doing much better now.  The holiday weekend caused a bit of delay in getting an antibiotic so it got more seated than it should have.

I have several travel plans in the works during the summer but nothing completely worked out yet.   There are a few things on this end that I need to work around here as well as confirming availability of people that I want to connect with.  Hopefully those plans will be coming together shortly.

I trust that you are all doing well and am always thrilled to hear from you with any updates.

Love to all,

Chuck