Why Leave a Legacy? In memory of Teddy Cantrell, our dearest friend and brother in Christ.

Miguel and I just came back from the funeral of Teddy Cantrell, the perkiest, most lovable, cheerful, funny, energetic, sweet, Christian, old man I have ever met!  He was 91 years old.  He is survived by his wife Frankie Cantrell, a wonderful family, and many dear friends that loved him very much.  Teddy and Frankie became some of our favorite friends at the Loganville SDA Church, where we taught the adult Sabbath School Class.  They were enthusiastic, Bible students full of interesting comments and insights.   

Teddy wore a smile wherever he went.  His presence alone filled the atmosphere when he walked into any room.  You couldn't be near Teddy and not be laughing, because he loved to joke around.  He was a natural at making people laugh.  His sweet personality was contagious, which is no wonder he swept Frankie off her feet in her young years.  Until the day he died, Franki and Teddy were inseparable.  They were the epitome of the saying, "I want to grow old with you." 

More than just being a fun person was the amazing legacy Teddy left behind, which lead me to reflect on my own life and write this blog today.  Through his service in the mission field in Africa, with his wife Frankie, Ted touched many lives.  Among much of his work working for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the USA and abroad, Ted sponsored a young man's college education, who is now a doctor and who spoke today at Ted's funeral.  Ted established the C100 Organization at Oakwood College, which has made huge contributions to the master's program, the college's facility, and which has provided scholarships to many students in need.  In deed, there is no doubt that Ted above all was a man of God, that like the Pathfinder Law says, "went on God's errands."

Many times I have asked myself, what will be my legacy?  How will others remember me when I am gone?  How will others know that I have existed?  Today I reflect on these questions once more.  It is not how much we own, what model cars we drive, or how big of a house we had that will matter when we are gone, but what will really matter is the impact we make in people's lives.  Because of our great love for Jesus and our grateful hearts for what He did to save us, we choose not once a year on Christmas or Thanksgiving Day to do things for others, but we choose DAILY to reflect His character by "serving" others.  Wherever we go, with each look, with each thought, with each smile, with each action, with our time, and with our money, we leave our stamp witnessing that Jesus lives in our hearts.  Our life is evidence that this world is not our home.  DAILY we CHOOSE to love others, because Jesus first loved us. 

Today when reflecting on the life of Teddy Cantrell, the many, many, lives that he touched, through ministries, such as the C100 at Oakwood College (that still continue to produce fruit for God's Kingdom), and the young doctor, who Teddy sponsored through college, I am reminded of my very favorite saying, "People are more important than things!"  The life that I now live should be one that will serve others and produce fruits for eternity, because when it is all said and done, when we are gone, that is all we will leave behind here on earth.  Our legacy should be that which will honor our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for all eternity.  Only in heaven will Teddy see the full impact of his work and dedication to our Saviour Jesus Christ through serving others. 

When Teddy was opening up the Chaplaincy work in non Adventist Universities in Africa, a difficult task to accomplish, he said to his colleagues, "We must use new language, to do new things, in new places."  Today those words resound in my heart knowing that there are millions of broken people just waiting for someone to listen and give them hope!  I echo those words.  Thank you Teddy for sharing your amazing life with us, and still now while you sleep, you continue to inspire me, you continue to inspire us, to live a life of service.  I will see you see soon my brother and dear friend.  In the mean time, I hold on to your words, as I strive,like you did, to fulfill the great commission, to leave a legacy that will impact the lives of many people, and that will honor and glory my Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ for all eternity.  I hold on to your preciou swords, "We must use new language, to do new things, in new places."

^"16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
¹⁷Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

God’s Ways Are Perfect!

Dolly "chillin" Before the Days of Bows

So, how is it that I can lose my wonderful pet and furry friend of fourteen years and still say that God’s ways are perfect?  My little American Eskimo Spitz dog, Dolly, died June 2, 2011.  If you have ever had a pet, you know that after so long, pets are a part of your family.  For my family, Dolly was the best dog we have ever had.  She had the most beautiful, soft, silky, white coat you have ever seen.  She was smart, perky, and brought so much fun, laughter, and life to our family.   Her cute face was adorned with two sparkling bright eyes, the perfect nose, two perfectly, pure white, pointy ears and two colored bows, which she grew to hang onto, even to the day of her death.  Among some of my favorite bows that she wore, were the pastel green ones, the red ones, and the ones she had on last, the red, white polka dotted bows.  She had the most charming personality, which at times displayed the gracefulness of a Paso Fino Horse, as she majestically ran up our deck stairs, or the speed of a Cheetah, as she sped to, from, and around our yard, and yes livingroom too (Thank God for rugs with traction that prevented her from flying off our living room stairs.).  Dolly was unique, incredible, fun, endearing, and loved dearly!

They say the bows look pretty.  I guess I will keep them on.

Dolly enjoyed her company with Grandma Toňa.  Dolly saw Annette go away to college, finish two degrees, see her marry Adam, and get a job at Southern University.   Dolly witnessed Miguel, Jr. grow through adolescence, numerous hair styles, go away to Bible School and nursing school, marry Gloria, and become nursing manager.  Dolly was my little companion on days when school was closed and on days when I typed my zillion papers for my third degree.   Dolly saw her daddy start a very successful business, now in its twelfth year, which on various occasions she guarded with her teeth (Thank goodness they were wearing long pants!).   Miguel, Jr. begged his dad and I to get Dolly, to fill the absence of his sister going away to college, and in no time, daddy became Dolly’s daddy too.  She had him wrapped around her little paw!  Yup!  Almost literally!  There was nothing that Dolly wanted that Dolly did not get!  She slowly moved from being trained NEVER to go in our kitchen, to eventually owning our kitchen and having dinner with Miguel, Sr. and I at the feet of the kitchen table.  

 

Every Sabbath for fourteen years, Dolly sat by our fence, as we waved good-bye to go to church.  Every Sabbath, she welcomed us back from church in the same manner.  In our family, Dolly experienced that we value God, each other, education, and of course her.  I will always remember her perked ears and wagging tail as she welcomed us home each evening, our petting sessions, the song I sang to her, and the way she stretched so that I could rub her ribs and sing:  “Scrunchies! Scrunchies!  Scrunchies!”  I will always remember the way she made me feel so safe, as she guarded our house sitting quietly at the top of our steps in our living room or growling and barking with a vengeance, at anything that even came near our house.  Dolly was the best little guard dog in the world.  Dolly was our best pet ever!

 

This week, as I have mourned my little Dolly girl, God has once again reminded me that life is so fragile.  The first time I learned that lesson was Christmas Eve, 1979, when I lost my dad suddenly and tragically.   Thank God Dolly did not die tragically, although years ago, she could have died that way, after an awful accident.  She did however, die suddenly.  I always prayed for God not to let Dolly get ill and decline in health, so that we would not have to put her to sleep.  God honored my prayer.   Dolly was full of life, until the very morning of her sudden death.  Our guess is that she died of cardiac arrest.  We found her peacefully in her room.  She looked like she was sleeping.  She did not suffer.  She was not in pain.  She brought us happiness until her very last moments here on earth.   Our family is so grateful to God for taking care of our little Dolly girl for fourteen years.  Our family is grateful for all the joy, laughter, life, and fun memories she brought us.  We are grateful to God for being such a good God.  I am comforted by God’s word that says that the lions and lambs will play together in heaven. There will be animals in heaven and knowing how merciful God is, I would like to think that our loving God will reunite pet owners with their pets too.  Thank you God for the peace and comfort of your word.  Thank you for your perfect timing.  Thank you because your ways are perfect!  Thank you because in everything, you are worthy to be praised.

 Psalm 9:1-2; New Living Translation (NLT)

¹ I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.
² I will be filled with joy because of you.
I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.

Today I was moved by this video. You have to see it!

The Most Powerful Motivator

The God I Serve is Merciful - Read This:

http://www.wallawalla.edu/about-wwu/news/article/view/broken-commandment-or-affirmation-of-hope/Broken Commandment or Affirmation of Hope?

Carl Cosaert writes for Ministry Magazine

By: Becky St. Clair

Carl Cosaert
Carl Cosaert, associate professor of biblical studies at Walla Walla University, was recently published in Ministry Magazine.  He tells the story of losing his daughter in a drowning accident and the lessons he learned from a hurtful letter regarding her death.  Click the link below to read the article.
Files:
Cosaert_in_Ministry_Magazine.pdf

A Promise for the Crushed in Spirit

 

I have been sick from work the past two days, but I am comforted by God’s promises in His word.  Are you brokenhearted today, or is your spirit crushed?  Well, this promise is for you too:

 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
   he delivers them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
   and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:17-18 (New International Version, ©2011)

Don’t Fear

“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalms 27:1, NIV).
Are you about to venture into something new or risky?  Maybe you are starting a new program at school, starting a new job, entering into a new relationship, or just waiting for God to tell you what is next in your life?  Fear is unavoidable, because as humans we often fear “the unknown.”  I am starting something new and exciting, but scary all at once.  Risk is scary!  I am writing a book!  Today I am reassured in God’s word that, “The Lord is my light and my salvation,” I have NOTHING to fear!  

Run The Race

 

“Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. .. To the weak, I became weak, to win the weak.  I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.  I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:19-24).

My prayer today is that God speaks to your heart as He did to mine, through this scripture.  Let us reflect on our last 48 hours.  What race are we running?  The rat race of everyday life, or the race that will lead us to win others to Christ, the ultimate prize of a golden crown, and eternal life? 

Hope for the Tired and Weary

 

^{Today is Sunday, and I don’t know about you, but it has been a week for me!  Late nights, early mornings, working on everyday life, and a book project I just started.  Although life can be full of good things, we must pause to remember that if we grow tired and weary, all else in our life will suffer.  Today, I am grateful for a God that not only NEVER grows weary, but that promises to understand where we are in our lives.  He promises to give us strength, and beyond that, increase our power when we are weak.  Our awesome Creator promises us that we will soar on wings like eagles; we will run and not grow weary; we will walk and not faint.}

²⁸ Do you not know?
   Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
   the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
   and his understanding no one can fathom.
²⁹ He gives strength to the weary
   and increases the power of the weak.
³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint.

^{Isaiah 40:  28-31}

God is Greater than Your Circumstance!

“Creeek! Bang!” the mailbox flap crashed!  I let go of it and my graduation invitations all at once, my heart throbbing a few extra beats, but suddenly feeling a rush of relief!  I did it!  I had placed all my graduation invitations in the mailbox!  You see I had been a student all my life going from high school/marriage/baby one/baby two, and now I was just a couple of weeks away from my college graduation, the one thing I had worked so hard to accomplish for twelve, long years, of work, night school, marriage, and babies.  But there was ONE “IF” – if I passed this last summer math class, that had about killed me from stress, after not having had math for seven years.  In seven years, my left side of my brain had been wiped out, so I thought.

The math professor was wicked and mean spirited almost wishing everyone in his class would fail.  In fact the very first day of class, he bragged about his small margin passing rate, as I sat in the back of the class wanting to melt through my chair at his arrogance.  He almost proved it with me.  He timed every test, and for me, it seemed that everything that could go wrong did, including getting a flat tire and being late to take one of his tests. I hate timed tests, and seldom do well on them, because I get so, so nervous at the clock ticking!  Must I say, that my grades steadily, quickly, declined. 

        So at the foot of that mailbox, no doubt, fear had enveloped me!  “What if I fail the class?  How humiliating!  If I mail the graduation invitations, I will have to tell all my friends and family that I have failed and will not be graduating after all.  How embarrassing!  How humiliating!”  I can't do it!  I won't do it!  But, I did!  You know why, because I remembered that, “If you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. ²² If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” Matthew 21:21-22. 

I mailed those invitations and God performed the hugest miracle.  I never did get my first “C” in a college course.  God turned my declining almost failing grade into a miraculous “B.”  I don’t know how I aced that final test!  There is no explanation for it.  The test was still timed; he was still the same professor, and I was more nervous than ever.  But my God is greater than any adversity, challenge, or circumstance, we could ever face!  Won’t you hold on to His promise today? “If you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. ²² If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” Matthew 21:21-22 (New International Version, ©2010)

F.I.G.N. Feeding my Intimacy with God Now: Hope for the tired and weary!

F.I.G.N. Feeding my Intimacy with God Now: Hope for the tired and weary!: "I am comforted by the fact that no matter how tired and weary I get, I have an amazing God that NEVER tires or grows weary; and better yet, ..."

Hope for the tired and weary!

I am comforted by the fact that no matter how tired and weary I get, I have an amazing God that NEVER tires or grows weary; and better yet, He promises to give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak.  If I Hope in Him, I will soar on wings like eagles; I will run and not grow weary.   I will walk and not faint.  This week is a long week for me, because I have many late nights scheduled at work for parent teacher conferences.  I am going to hold on to these promises, and I hope you will too.  Today I was comforted by the words of Isaiah Chapter 40.

 ²⁸ Do you not know?
   Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
   the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
   and his understanding no one can fathom. ²⁹ He gives strength to the weary
   and increases the power of the weak. ³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,
   and young men stumble and fall; ³¹ but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:28-31

"Wisdom" - My First FIGN Reflection

Reflections at Lake Hartwell, GA

Joshua 16:3 – “So Joshua said to the Israelites:  ‘How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?” 

Do we sometimes do the same?  God provides blessings and promises, but because of our doubt and lack of faith, we don't take possessions of them.  God has a work for us to do, but we are fearful and don’t  go about our Father’s business.  We lack wisdom, yet we don’t ask.

This year, I invite you to read your Bible, and Blog your short reflections with me on FIGN.  Go to http://www.bible-reading.com/ and get your free copy of the best Bible study plan I have ever used.  Often I start in January trying to read my Bible in a year, and then life happens and important things get shuffled and out of priority.  This year I am ahead of my Bible reading plan and determined to read the Bible in a year.  Why don't you join me?  It is going to be an awesome, spirit filled, ride.  I can't wait to  hear from you on FIGN. 

  James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.