Travel Continues

My trip has been going extremely well.  I was able to spend a couple of days with friend Keith in Raleigh/Durham and the weekend with daughter Lisa in Washington, DC.  While in DC we visited the National Arboretum and hiked out to see the Capitol Columns.  The columns were part of the east portico of the capitol constructed in 1828, standing there proudly until 1958 when an addition was added to the capitol.  At that time they were moved into storage.  In the 1980’s they were placed on foundation stones also removed from the east side of the capitol, and located on a large elevated 20-acre tract at the National Arboretum.  They reportedly are the most photographed feature of the huge arboretum grounds with incredible detailed workmanship at the top of each column, perched on a hill attracting much attention from visitors.

I have been enjoying a relaxed couple of days at the lake with Karin and Keith but will continue on to Chicago tomorrow, visiting friends at Moody, then continuing on to spend a bit of time with Carol’s brother Phil and wife Nancy.  It is a great blessing to be able to visit so many friends and family members on this trip.

During my travels I have been studying the Gospel of John, enjoying a review of the encounters that Jesus had recorded by John, again being reminded by John that “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the son of God.”  (John 20:31)  I always enjoy John’s focus on the miraculous signs Jesus performed to validate his position as The Son of God.  They are practical and in an easy to understand format but I continue to find new truths every time that I reread them.  They certainly confirm the validity of the Scripture!

Thanks so much for your continued prayers as I travel.  I think and pray for each of you frequently.

Love to all,

Chuck

Travel ahead

It has been a great thrill for me to be available to help a bit in moving Stuart and Donna to Sebring and see them getting nicely settled into their new home.  It was only with God’s help, guidance and strength that it was accomplished, but we are all thrilled to have them here.  So far the major effects from Stuart’s CJD has been a slowing down and memory gaps, but I have to admit to having that in my own life on a smaller scale without CJD.  When one of us in the village can’t recall something there is always someone that is quick to remind us that; “You belong here!”  J

  

With the move completed now, I plan to head out tomorrow to visit family members and friends along the way.  My first stop will be with friend Keith in Raleigh/Durham, then on to Washington, DC to spend the weekend with daughter Lisa.  From there I will spend a couple of days at the lake house in Indiana before continuing on.  I have two new great grandchildren that I will be excited to meet for the first time as I continue my trip from there.  Join me in praying for safe travel over the many miles.

As I have been reading through the gospel of Luke these past few days, I have been exploring the parables of Jesus, asking the Lord to show me what He wants me to learn from each one.  I have been amazed at how much more I have learned from each one as I prayerfully consider how it applies to my life and the adjustments that I need to make.  The slower study and greater focus upon the application of each chapter for my life this year has caused me to dig even deeper into the background and application of what I am reading.  Some mornings I am enjoying it so much that I have a difficult time getting up and continuing to move on to the tasks of the day.

I know that many of you have been visiting family members and friends, enjoying the beautiful summer weather.  I think of you often and trust that our paths will cross again soon.

Love to all,

Chuck

Impossible?

Awakening hours before the dawn, the words “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?”  In the fogginess of my mind at that moment, it took a bit of time recalling the remainder of that verse.  (Micah 6:8)  I turned on the light, turned to the verse and was reminded; be just, merciful and humble!  As the impact of each of those three commands turned in my mind, I had to say IMPOSSIBLE!  But the final three words of that verse relieved my concern; “…with your God.”  Absolutely possible knowing and “walking” with God!  With that, I had to reread all seven chapters to fully assimilate the text.

Yesterday I witnessed a first-hand example of two men walking with their God.  As the moving truck was being unloaded at its destination, Jerry came to the door to welcome Stuart into the village.  As I saw the two men greet each other, I had to turn away as my emotions squeezed tears from my eyes.  There before me were two men both suffering from the debilitating effects of cancer.  Both being beyond the possible value of any further treatment to arrest the disease, praising the Lord for His goodness and rejoicing that the move was possible with no complaining about the painful struggle that is rapidly taking its toll on both of their bodies and lives.

Some time ago, Stuart asked me if I felt that is was possible for them to complete their planned move to Sebring, I responded:  “Humanely no; BUT I have seen so many miracles that only God could perform during your battle that I believe it is possible.”  There were many hurdles, but they and their belongings are now snuggly inside their new home.  To accomplish this, God worked in and through many individuals to make it happen!

I was challenged to evaluate my own life on the basis of being just, merciful and humble, quickly observing areas in my life where I fall short.  It vividly reminded me of the importance of taking special care in diligently striving to finish this life well, acknowledging and dealing with the human challenges, but at the same time learning from such beautiful examples of others facing extreme challenges with complete trust and faith in their God! 

May we all be growing in our trust and faith in our great GOD!

Love to all,

Chuck

Moving

I will  be leaving in a few minutes for Charlotte to complete moving Stuart and Donna to Sebring. Pray for safe travel for all that will be on the road these next couple of days.  Also pray for Stuart for strength and God's peace as final goodbys are said and belongings are loaded for the trip.  This will be an extremely stressfull time for them and the entire family.  We have seen so many unbelievable miracles in all of the preparation and are needing the Lord to go before us in this final and major step in making it all possible.  We are so thankful for dear friends and family members that will be traveling to Sebring to lighten the task of moving and for the fantastic friends on both ends that will be loading and loading the truck.

Thanks to each of you who faithfully have been and will continue to stand by the family in this major task!

Love to all,

Chuck