[He was a good man]

When a long standing friend, who has made such a huge impact on your life, passes, it sure hits your heart like a ton of bricks. I knew Chuck for 14 years. He was someone I could count on to be both trustworthy and kind. In this crazy world, that’s special in and of itself.

Chuck was so much more than a mentor. He was the dearest of friends, but not only that, he was family.  I’ve honored him on my blog twice now, but still, I just can’t say enough about him.

Chuck was an incredibly active man! This faithful Servant of Christ shared the word of God through his daily devotionals for many years; he wrote two books and compiled and published a book of his devotionals; he lead Bible studies; and he was an interim Pastor whenever the opportunity presented itself. Chuck was a man who’s joy was in serving the Lord. Even when he went away on vacation he’d post a week’s worth of devotionals! I guess he didn’t want anyone to go hungry while he was away. 

“The third time [Jesus] said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time,“Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”” –John 21:17

Chuck had a heart that was on fire for the Lord, so he never hesitated to share it. He took after his big brother, Jesus, who listened and grew in wisdom. (Luke 2:41-52) Chuck, too, was always about His Father’s business. However, he was also quick to tell you that it wasn’t always so. He admits that when he accepted Christ he didn’t grow. I’ve heard and read that when you don’t go forwards you’re already going backwards, so it was for Chuck. You can hear him tell it himself if you choose to listen to the sermons that I’ve embedded in this post. 

To be honest, he must have had an energy that I don’t have, because I still can’t figure out how he did it all. Nevertheless, somehow he always made time when I had Biblical questions (and trust me, I have a lot of them.) Being that he was a retired English teacher who, in my opinion, never truly retired (Maybe that was my fault…), his words to me were, a teacher loves an eager student. 😢 When I needed help with my writing, he made time for that too.

Sixty-six years of age seems too young to leave this world, but as I read his obituary, it was amazing to me just how much he’d fit into those years. (More than I even knew.) He certainly deserved a rest from it all, though I know he never viewed it as any sort of burden. 😢

Chuck wasn’t your average joe. He was definitely above and beyond. This is why his walk with Jesus inspired me to pray for a much closer walk with the Lord. In my opinion he was a very gifted writer. I informed him that he was right up there with C.S. Lewis (and I meant it.) My big bro and I both shared a great fondness for C.S. Lewis. Well, now he’s literally right up there with him.

I don’t know why I was so blessed to have this Starbucks enthusiast in my life, but he sure made knowing him really special. He even included me in the family category of his Facebook page as his sister. It was these little things that meant so much to me.

When he and his lovely wife, Bev, took one of their trips to Disney World, he mailed Andrew and I gifts from their trip. These items, as well as the books and Christmas cards that he sent, will always be treasured keepsakes. Andrew likes to say that I’m not sentimental, because I enjoy throwing things out, but I’m very sentimental. I just know that there’s a time to keep, and a time to let go. Chuck was a keeper, so these gifts are such sweet reminders.

That being said, my beloved bro, will forever hold a special place in my heart. He sure looked a lot like Jesus. I want to say that I don’t know how I’ll manage without him, because I don’t want to, but his example taught me that drawing close to our Savior will always see us through. (James 4:8 ) We may be parted for now, and he’ll be sorely missed, however, we’ll rejoice when we see one another other again. ❤

“So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” –John 16:22

With love (and buckets of tears) from Chuck’s little sis, Tina.

Chuck Quotes

“…….at my office, pondering one of life’s profound questions: should my second donut be chocolate-glazed or jelly-filled?

Chuck Sermons:

You’ll find that Chuck had a very strong Southern accent which I always thought was pretty awesome. He was born in Alabama, then from there his parents moved to Florida.

God’s Emancipation Proclamation

I Have A Heritage

BUT GOD

English Teacher (30 years service)

Coach

Writer

Interim Pastor

Missionary

Volunteer

Loving Husband

Handyman

Cat Savior

Official Resident of Disney World

Part Owner of Starbucks

Comedian

The Best Big Brother

Faithful Friend

Encourager Extraordinaire

God’s Kid

Citizen of Heaven

MVP

My Mentor

“He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.” –Acts 11:24

Although the song below was inspired by J.R.R Tolkien’s work, rather than the works of C.S. Lewis, Tolkien and Lewis were good friends. Therefore, this song feels appropriate. Until we meet again…

 “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. –John 3:16 (AMP)