Happy New Year

I just received some fantastic news from my friend Ray in Charlotte.  His wife Mary has undergone a successful kidney transplant and is anticipating release from the hospital on Friday.  Some years ago Mary’s kidneys were rapidly failing when she had a transplant which served her well until a few months ago when it became apparent that a replacement was urgently needed and there was some question if an adequate match could be found in a reasonable time.  What a thrilling answer to our prayers to get this news!  At the same time I received a message that my friend Royce has been transferred to a nursing facility as the effects of age are taking their toll on him.  Please join me in praying for both Royce and his wife Beverly as they adjust to the changes.

This was a reminder to me that the powerful God of Creation not only made the world, but wove each of us together, knowing all about us while being ready and eager to be our best friend, guiding, providing and working through us accomplishing His purpose, as we turn to him by faith.  As I have been reading the book of Genesis, God showed himself strong many thousands of years ago in lives of people like Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph just as he does today in the lives of His people.  At this age, I frequently stop to evaluate my own life asking God to clearly show me any areas that I need to change to finish this life well. 

As we age, often unanticipated challenges may face us.  I am finding my COPD to be more troublesome lately and found it necessary to schedule laser eye surgery for later this month to hopefully arrest deterioration of my sight.  Modern medicine is a tremendous blessing but it has its limitations.  Fortunately the only limitation to God’s strength is that of His loving will.

I trust that you are each doing well as we rapidly move into the New Year.

Love to you all,

Chuck