I know there is at least one extremely flattering childhood picture (insert heavy sarcasm) where I wore an old flannel shirt that was much too large for me. It was an old shirt of my dad's that I found in the back room of our farmhouse. Even from a young age, I admired my dad. He was a strong, hard-working man, and he could fix nearly anything - I wanted to be like him, so I decided to dress like him.
I realize now that it takes more than simply wearing the same style of clothes to be like someone. If there is someone we admire and respect and want to be like, it is what's on the inside that matters. It is our actions that matter. It is our character that matters.
On March 4, 2016 my friend Joey Feek left this world to go to her heavenly home. I wept knowing we would no longer get to have her presence here on earth with us, but I thank God that I was blessed to have the chance to know her.
She was someone who truly exemplified living a life for Christ and for her family. I especially loved to see the way both she and Rory sought to follow Christ's example of being a servant to one another in their marriage. There have been many occasions where I have looked to their relationship as I sought to be a godly wife to Taylor.
Getting to attend Joey's memorial service just reminded me all the more that I want to follow her example in life. Every single person there had been touched by Joey and each person felt that he/she had been made a better person simply by knowing her.
What a way to live. So while I don't intend to go out and buy the same clothes Joey wore so I can play "dress up" to be like her, I will continue to allow her life to be an example to me. And I will think of her often as I seek to, first and foremost, love and serve the Lord my God, my husband, my family, and each person I come into contact with.
Easter is one of my favorite holidays, so I am really looking forward to next weekend. For quite a few years now, I have given up something for Lent as a way to honor the sacrifice Christ made for me. This year I tried something a little different. One of the things I gave up, or at least tried to, was complaining. I don't feel like I'm someone who gripes or whines a lot, but I'll admit this was harder for me than I thought.
Several times in the past I have given up sweets for Lent, and I guess I just put more conscious thought into what I eat as compared to what I say. I remember one time when I nearly forgot about not eating sweets during Lent. I stuck some bite of dessert in my mouth before I remembered, so I quickly went to the trash can and spit it out.
Unfortunately, words don't quite work the same way. Once they are out of your mouth there is no taking them back (or spitting them in the trash). There have been several occasions during this Lenten season when I have said something negative and only realized it after it was too late. It has made me a lot more aware of how often I say things without really thinking about them beforehand. This is something I want to continue to work on even after Easter.
I have been very blessed the past two weekends. First Annie and Abe came out to visit us, and then this weekend Mom and Dad came out to be with me on my birthday weekend. It was wonderful to get to spend time with my family.
Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you. 1 Peter 3:15
I loved this Scripture because the lesson reminded me that we should be ready at any time to share our testimony of God's work in our lives. He has done so much for me, and I am so grateful. I want to be bold in sharing my story with others.
I hope you all have had a great weekend and have a wonderful week!
Lyndee
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