Carol Wilson Update

Stage 4 Cancer brought many challenges--and also a host of loving and praying friends. Almost-daily postings to this site are to help my friends walk with me through this journey, and to express my gratitude to them and especially to God...On 7/8/08 Carol passed through that final curtain of death and is now healed. We thank God for her life and "arrival"! Chuck

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Rain Continues

The street is full of muddy water and my house is completely surrounded from daily rains that are expected to continue for a few more days.  The only way I can get in and out without getting my feet wet is to use my golf cart or the car.  I attempted walking through the water to the mailbox yesterday and ended up with black mud caked to the soles of my flip-flops and between my toes.  The mud is from a load of topsoil that I had delivered for the front yard.  My timing sure was off that time!  This is one of the “benefits” of living in a lower area a few steps from the lake, but thankfully no water is coming inside.  I have been assured that not a single house has flooded since the 1967 dedication of the property.  I trust that we do not break that record this year!

Yesterday while the rain was pelting down, two Sand Hill Cranes were looking rather forlorn as they peered into my house dripping wet and the alligator appeared a bit confused when he was on the grass but still covered with water.  This afternoon I had a variety of 21 birds fishing in the water at the side of my house.  This has been interesting to watch but a bit of a nuisance for all of us. 

Between two of the downpours I saw a beautiful rainbow that appeared to end close to the other side of the lake and I was reminded of God’s Word.  “When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures.  Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life.”  (Genesis 9:14-15)  It is great to be reminded that God is in ultimate control!

Have a blessed new week!


Chuck

Friday, September 19, 2014

Fantastic Trip!

We are having a torrential downpour so it is a good time for me to sit down and update the blog.

My trip went extremely well and I appreciate all of your prayers.  Several have asked for statistics so here are a few.  During the 27 days away, I drove 4,100 miles, visited in 16 homes, slept in 8 different beds, and with the exception of Lisa who is in DC, was able to see all of my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  I’ll make a trip to DC later to catch up with Lisa.  Toward the latter part of my trip, I received word that a good friend, Jay Tolar who had been battling ALS for many years passed on, so I adjusted my plans and was able to attend his memorial service.  All in all I was able to see a tremendous number of people in that short time.  What delightful memories!

While traveling I heard a speaker say; “Remember as you say good bye, that could be the last time.”  I was impacted by that statement at each visit, asking the Lord to make me sensitive to their situation and be an encouragement while visiting.  I certainly was encouraged by each one that I visited!

Being able to attend the memorial service for Jay was a high point for me.  While serving as a missionary in Nigeria, Jay was forced to return with his wife and family to the States when diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).  I saw him frequently during those five years as the disease took its toll on his body.  During that time I never heard him complain, but he always was cheerful and ready to encourage whomever he was with.  As his body became weaker and speech became imposible, he did not give up.  He would be navigating his specially equipped wheel chair even when it was necessary to control it and communicate with his eyes through the computer.  He would type a sentance and after a few moments the computer would speak what Jay's eyes had typed.  His love for the Lord and people was always evident.  Do join me in praying for his wife Heidi, and their two young children.  It is difficult losing your husband and father at such an early age.  He was only 48!

The rain continues to pelt down and I see considerable flooding in the yard while getting warnings on my phone about flooding conditions in our area.  Thankfully my house is still a few feet above the lake level!

Love to you all,


Chuck

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

True Joy

I have been “on the road” for three weeks and anticipated heading home by now, but hearing that a friend who has struggled with ALS for many years in South Carolina passed on this week, I have altered my route to attend his memorial service in Charlotte on Saturday.  I now plan to return by way of Raleigh/Durham and Charlotte to visit others and attend his service.  Presently I have returned to our Indiana lake house but will be heading out early tomorrow.

This has been an encouraging trip visiting in thirteen homes so far.  The Apostle Paul said; “When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, and also want to be encouraged by yours” (Romans 1:2) and I have certainly experienced that encouragement.  Hopefully I brought a bit into their homes also.  Several I have visited are in their later years, and it has been a delight to see the joy in their lives even when experiencing continuous physical challenges.  During my travels I heard Chuck Swindoll say; “The obvious is often not the most significant” and I couldn’t but help think that is so true in their lives.  True, they were not thrilled with some of their circumstances, but that joy in knowing the Lord and trusting him fully was clearly generating great joy regardless of circumstances.

James tells us; “When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great Joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”  (James 1:2b)  Not only did I see joy in the lives of those visited, but I saw an amazing example of true joy in the life of my departed friend, Jay.  I believe it was about five years ago that he was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) while he and his wife were serving as missionaries in Nigeria.  At his early age (30+ years younger than me) with a small family, while suddenly facing a fatal disease causing an extremely difficult future, he continued to encourage multitudes right up to the end.  He certainly faced the test of his faith using it as an opportunity to continue serving his Lord regardless of the circumstances while radiating his underlying joy.

All of this has caused me to reflect much upon the contrast between joy and happiness.  The media constantly brings us all sorts of items for our happiness that may be useful for the moment, but real lasting joy is the rare commodity that we should be seeking.  Yes, that message is for me!

Hopefully my next blog will be from home...tired but filled with fond memories of my visits.

Love to you all,


Chuck