'LIVE YOUR LIFE SO THE PREACHER DON'T HAVE TO LIE AT YOUR FUNERAL"

Today was a memorial service for a beautiful lady from our church.  The service was peaceful & moving.  Irene was a lady who was deeply loved by many.  She had long term relationships with her friends & family.  One of her best friends was here, they'd been BFFs for over 60 years!  Irene was a spunky happy person. She was so interested in our church and seeing it grow, she said "one day this church will be filled"   Well it was filled to overflowing today as people streamed in to show love & respect to Irene and her family.  What a joyful, well lived life.....no regrets.....

The funniest thing happened this morning, I was getting ready and Shad came running to tell me that the florist was here, so I hurried up and grabbed some clothes to go out.  Later I realized I had grabbed my one chrisitian tshirt....  I LOVE IT (and I'm not into "chrisitain" tshirts  But this one says on the back, 'LIVE YOUR LIFE SO THE PREACHER DON'T HAVE TO LIE AT YOUR FUNERAL"    (I know the grammar ain't that good LOL)

How appropriate.....

Irene lived her long life well, no one had to stretch the truth today....they were all able to share about her character and her good deeds.

That's how I want to live my life.  I want to live my life truthfully, faithfully, and whole heartedly devoted to God.  I don't want anyone to say that I "talked" a good talk but there was no real walk there....   I want people to be able to say I gave it my all.  That  I loved my God and my family and others....  I don't want to live just for myself.    I don't' want a selfish life, I want to live freely....with an open hand, ready to do what God leads us to do. 

We all have ONLY one life or YOLO (you only live once)  I want my life to count for God.  What about you?   I was challenged by the service today to live this life that I have whole heartedly for God.   Don't live your life with a clenched heart and hand, especially if you are a Christian, live your life freely, joyfully & boldly.  Love others, build relationships, be kind, be faithful......  then when it is your time to go, you can go with a peace that is beyond anything this world could ever offer. 

I'm a better person for knowing Irene, the world is a less place today but I am challenged to live my life even more fuller for God.   I hope others will be able to say the same about me one day.