Being Prepared

My trip to Charlotte went well, returning Don back home and bringing Rachel here to spend a week with Stuart and Donna.  Unfortunately Rachel came down with some symptoms of strep after arriving,  so she was not feeling 100% and had to be extra cautious not to pass any germs on to Stuart.   She is now back home and improving.  I was pleased to be able to bypass the worst of the flooded area in South Carolina but we saw considerable evidence of the floods as we skirted the area.  Much of I-95 was still closed but I understand that repairs have been made and it is now passable.  Diverting that much traffic to secondary roads must have caused great frustration for those trying to pass through that area.

I always enjoy the wild life activity around the lake here.  A pair of Egyptian Geese have been coming through my yard squawking loudly and I often see them perched on the high Osprey nest across the lake apparently deciding if that is the place to call home.  Today an Osprey has arrived and has been perched on the pole several hours being a major deterrent to the geese returning, so it will be interesting to see which will finally take over.  So far I have only seen one Osprey up there but another could arrive at any time.  If the Osprey decides on that particular nest, it will be no contest.  The geese will have to find another location.  The only bird that will discourage the Osprey is an Eagle which appears always at the top of the “pecking order.”

Yesterday I was listening to Chuck Swindoll wrap up a discussion about the life of Joseph, recalling his amazing life and the way God responded to his obedience to Him.  He drew two thoughts from Joseph’s life which I found to be important reminders for me:

“To grow old free of bitterness is the best gift we can leave humanity.”  (Our families also)

“To face death right with God and with man is the best way to face eternity!”

Daniel’s life is a fantastic example of finishing well.  Facing extremely painful and difficult obstacles while keeping his focus upon God, whom he fully trusted.

Love to you all,

Chuck

Challenged to Pray

I had planned to be on the road today for Charlotte but was delayed by the reports of a shut-down of I-95 in South Carolina due to flooding.  After checking with the SC Department of Transportation I am trusting that we can get through the area tomorrow without too much delay.  At the moment the plan is to leave here around 1:00 AM, anticipating some delay dealing with additional traffic being rerouted through Columbia.  Hopefully I can get Don back home and still have time to meet with several people at the office in Charlotte before returning on Wednesday.  It has been a treat to have him visiting for a few days.

Last evening as we were comfortably sitting with a group far from the flooding disaster discussing the severe weather and looking at pictures of some of the flooding conditions, when Stuart stood up.  Getting the group’s attention, he reminded us of the importance of focusing upon the individuals rather than the mess and the property loss, suggesting that it was time to pray!  A solemn hush came over the group as we stopped to consider the “real” seriousness regarding individuals and their souls.  Several in the group prayed for the huge number of individuals impacted by the storm recognizing the need for protection, comfort and wisdom in each situation but also for a positive Spiritual impact upon each of the struggling individuals along with their families and friends.  It was a timely reminder of God’s Word telling us that such disasters will occur prior to the Lord’s return to earth.  Such happenings certainly do remind us of the power of God.  That was the focus of our study and discussion this morning when Don and I sat around the breakfast table continuing our study of the Bible.   It was amazing how our study applied to the current disaster.  I am always amazed at how often that happens and allows me to see something that I have never seen before and likely something that I need to apply to my life.

I trust that your week is going well and that you have not been involved in the flooding.

Love,

Chuck