2A COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL APRIL 12, 2017 I think it’s healthy to stop periodically and take invento- ry of our lives. It’s important to ask, “Am I really living the life Christ died for me to have? Or am I settling for something less?” Regardless of what’s hap- pened in the past or what ob- stacles seem to be in our way, God has a big, full life in store for each one of us. But it’s up to us whether we’re going to get the best out of life and make the most of our time, talents, rela- tionships and opportunities. The book of Genesis contains a great lesson in this area. It shares the story of Abraham’s father, Terah, who gathered his family, packed up everything, and set out for his ultimate des- tination—Canaan. However, Genesis 11:31 tells us, “...They went forth together to go from Ur of the Chaldees into the land of Canaan; but when they came to Haran, they settled there” (AMPC). Wow! I wonder how many people start out to do one thing in life but settle somewhere along the way because they get tired or because it’s convenient. It’s not really what they want, but it’s something they think they can “settle for.” Are there areas in your life where you have settled, or may- be just haven’t made as much progress as you had hoped? The Lord has called us to ex- cellence, and we don’t have to settle for mediocrity. The word mediocre literally means “to live halfway between success and failure.” And that’s where so many people live; they ha- ven’t completely failed, but they’re also not where they re- ally want to be. This applies to every area of our lives. Maybe you’ve begun studying the Bible and you have a goal to really know God’s Word and develop an intimate, close relationship with Him. If that’s the case, don’t settle for just reading a chapter a day to “put your time in”—stay deter- mined to make it a priority and reap the benefi ts of truly know- ing God. Or maybe you have a goal to lose 20 pounds. If so, make a decision that you’re not going to give up when it gets diffi cult. Even if you have a bad day and actually gain weight, be deter- mined to bounce back the next day! Sometimes we get used to the place where we are and forget there’s something better. Life gets busy, complicated, or even comfortable, and we lose sight of the dreams and goals we used to have. That’s when we need to stir ourselves up and become determined to attain every sin- gle part of God’s plan for our lives. The Bible is full of scriptures that encourage us to do our best. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study and be eager and do your ut- most to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed...” (AMPC). I love that phrase, “Do your utmost.” It may be easier to go halfway, but just imagine what could happen if you decided to give your “utmost” in your mar- riage, at your job, or any other area of your life. Some of the greatest bless- ings in my life now are things that have required the most ef- fort. Today, my husband, Dave, and I have the awesome priv- ilege of sharing God’s Word with millions of people through Joyce Meyer Ministries. Many times over the years it required tremendous sacrifi ce and the de- cision to keep moving forward when we felt like giving up. Yes, it required time and effort to do everything God placed in our hearts to do—but it was worth it in the end! To- day, I am so glad we didn’t stop halfway when things got tough. I thank God that I didn’t get discouraged and quit during the days when only 50 people were attending my conferences. The truth is if you will give your best and do what you can do, God will do His part and do what you can’t do! So, don’t settle for average, mediocre, or halfway. God has an incredible, fulfi lling and ex- citing life just waiting for you. Yes, it’s going to require effort and determination, and in many cases it may require you to push past fear so you can enjoy great- er freedom and success. But I promise you this: Whatever it takes, it’s always worth it. IN MEMORIAM Richard DeAutremonth Sherri Wynn-Dumong Sherri Wynn-DuMong passed away of an accidental death on April 4, 2017. She is survived by her mother, Judy Wynn Toon, stepfather, Glenn Toon, two brothers, Randy and Jim Wynn, a sister, Terri Zancanella, and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 22, 2017 at 3 p.m. at the Wald- port Seventh-Day Adventist Church, (next to the KOA), 1506 NW Pacifi c Coast Hwy., Waldport, Oregon 97394. If you have any questions call 541-961-5253. Carol Lorraine King 1951-2017 Carol Lorraine King, 65, of Cottage Grove died April 1, 2017. She was born Dec. 28, 1951 in San Francisco, Calif. to Donald and Jacqueline (Futch) King. She had an associates degree in nursing from Lane Commu- nity College and worked as a registered nurse, was President of the American Association of Offi ce Nurses from 1993 to 1996, and was a nurse for World Relief in the Philippines and Ethiopia. She enjoyed oil painting and photography. DEATH NOTICE Clifford Charles Gadway, 72, of Cottage Grove died April 5. Arrangements by Smith-Lund- Mills Funeral Chapel in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Survivors include a son, Nicholas King of Los Angeles, Calif., and a sister, Donna King of Cottage Grove. A Celebration of Life was held April 8 at 3 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Cottage Grove. Arrangements under the care of Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel, Cottage Grove. Richard P. DeAutremont 62, passed away March 24, 2017. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Richard was an amazing father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend. He touched many hearts. He loved family, fi shing, out- doors,carpentry work and helping others. Richard is survived by his broth- ers Steve and Dan, sisters Renee, Vicki, and Donna. Nine nieces and nephews. His four daughters Toshua, Tia, Tara, and Tiffany. Along with nine grandchildren. BIRTHS Karrie and Christopher Cone of Cottage Grove welcomed a baby boy on March 30 at Peace- Health Sacred Heart Medical Center-RiverBend. Charity and Stephen Perez welcomed a baby girl on March 30 at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center-RiverBend. z å Funeral & Memorial Planning e Funeral & Memorial Planning e Cremation Options e Cremation Options e Monuments & Memorials & e Memorials Cemetery Options e Monuments Cemetery Options RUSSELL CARY THOMS 1958-2017 Aft er a courageous fi ght against cancer, Russell Th oms, 58, passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday morning, April 2, 2017. He was born on November 10, 1958 in Eugene, Oregon, as the son of Emil (Bud) and Delores Th oms, growing up in the Cottage Grove area. Russ graduated from Cottage Grove High School and also attended Blue Mountain Community College on a golf schol- arship. Russ fi rst worked in the lumber industry along with his father and brother. Aft er a number of years, he decided to make a career change that eventually proved to be his passion. Working as a construction contractor was the right move, as he loved his work from the foundation to the roof and everything in between, starting his own business, Investor’s Choice Con- struction. He later decided that fi nish carpentry was his true passion and sunk his heart into it. Th e quality of his craft sman- ship, work ethic and leadership skills were recognized by all who knew him. Although his real pride and joy came from being a father and husband of 37 years to Carrie Strebe, Russ also loved the game of golf. He was an accomplished golfer, earning Club Champion at Emerald Valley Golf Club and won many two- man tournaments with his brother, known as the Th oms Boys. Being competitive in nature, Russ always enjoyed playing pok- er, pinochle,Yahtzee and crochet with family and sharing good food and fi ne wine with both family and friends. We will always remember Russ as being quick witted, funny, talented and creative. He was a loving member of our family, always willing to help and share his knowledge with others. He was an avid Duck fan and hosted many “Duck Parties” to watch his favorite team. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife Carrie, their sons Vincent, Kyle (wife Hannah), and Cameron, two grandchildren, his mother Delores Th oms, brother Randy Th oms (wife Lisa) and sisters Ronda Cranmer (husband Fred) and Rochelle Miller. He is pre- ceded in death by his father Bud Th oms. A summer memorial will be planned for family and friends. In lieu of fl owers, contributions can be made in his name to Cas- cade Health Solutions, Hospice Care. 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