What?!?! What planet are you from? I've got work to do---finishing one book, writing another, and all those Notes of Encouragement I haven't even begun. People around the world neeeed me! OK, they need God, but I've got Notes to write, I tell ya! (All in all, I handled it well.)

The books could wait, but the Notes are a serious matter. How could I take time off from that? Then I remembered Patrick Borders, a new friend and author buddy. He had sent me some Note-worthy material. I'd forgotten that.* And for a moment I could've sworn I heard God say, "I haven't forgotten you."

Onward I marched into restful bliss. How wonderful God would provide in that way. Over the days I calmed down, my sugar levels drew closer to normal, and I became a much more pleasant fellow to be around. Filled with peace, I began planning for when I'd get back to writing. Then it happened.

April 29, 2:45 in the morning. I was in a deep sleep. Suddenly an enormous boom rattled the house. Immediately I was beside the bed, crouching as though I were about to tackle someone. "THUNDER!" I yelled. But my brain had not yet engaged. I was actually thinking, "That's NOT thunder." I ran to the window and was reminded of part of an old Christmas poem.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up... 

There, spanning across my small yard, driveway, and resting comfortably on my house, was my 65+ foot, 75-year-old oak tree. My reaction was predictable.

What?!?! I've taken care of that tree! My poor house! There's a hole in the roof! Limbs and leaves are everywhere. I just raked that yard! It better not have messed up that little bush I just planted. The world is coming to an end! (What can I say? It was 2:45 a.m. and I'm not a morning person.)

Suddenly I was thrust into the world of insurance agents, adjusters, disaster management guys, roof specialists, and structural engineers. What am I to do? I cried---so loud I couldn't hear God say, "I haven't forgotten you." As new-found stress replaced my recent peace, I began meeting all these people. And a funny thing happened.

Everything was OK. A crane removed the tree. The hole was covered. Damages were assessed. Repairs planned. And everyone said pretty much the same thing. "The two main branches, like huge arms, caught the roof lines, preventing the trunk from smashing into the roof. It could have crashed on top of you and your wife. You sure were lucky." No, I was blessed. I wasn't forgotten.

The meetings took far more time than I'd expected, and there was never a day for writing. That Thursday night I sat at my computer, very tired and more than a little frustrated. Though the hour was late, a Note had to be prepared. People needed God's encouragement. Then I noticed an email.

Interested in this for a NOTE?...Hi Chuck, I wrote this on my blog, but have not published. I thought I would ask you...with a tree down on your house and all. Thanks! Lisa Brittain **

God is very, very good. He has not forgotten me, and He hasn't forgotten you!