"As for me and my household..."

Joshua 24:15 “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

I haven’t told you nearly enough about my family yet. They are my rock, a blessing of faithfulness to the very core. They are some of the most wonderful people you’ll ever get the chance to meet (and I hope you do get that chance), each with their own individual personality. Can I tell you about them?

Mom: She’s a beaver through and through (if you don’t understand that reference, you probably didn’t go to Faith). She’s meticulous and well-planned, thoughtful and considerate, meticulous and hard-working. She’s a rule-follower, she sees everything black and white, she stands by her convictions, yet she loves with open arms. If you ever want something done right, take it to her, because she takes pride in her work like no one I’ve ever seen, and she’s taught me so much about integrity, honesty, work ethic, and doing your best unto the Lord.

She’s more than her job though, obviously. She’s hilarious in her very own special way. It’s a weekly event that her text messages crack me up and I show everyone around, and normally she has no idea why she was funny. Those people are the best kind- it’s just natural. She is so ever-devoted to her family, and that comes first in life. Her first concern above anything else is always our spiritual health, and because of that, the rest of the characteristics of the wife of noble character follow in suit. She would sacrifice anything for her family, and I’ve seen her do it again and again. Our relationship is so special because she has seen me through every stage of life thus far with patience, prayer, and laughter. My mother laughs so much, and when she does, it is absolutely contagious! I get my laugh from my mom, and I’m proud of it. She’s grown into more of a friend these days. Not that she’s not still very much my mom, but I so appreciate the way she’s let me grow up with grace, and because of that, I’ve very much wanted to seek her wisdom and advice on things. She’s beautiful, too, inside and out. Get to know my mom- she is one smart, funny, and very pleasant person to be around.

Dad: My dad- he’s a saint. I realize that more and more all the time. He’s not the most vocal person you’ll ever meet, because he’s busier living out his faith than just putting words to it. So when he does talk about what he believes and knows to be true, people absolutely listen because he backs it up with action. He’s dedicated and loyal to his family. Don’t ask me how he did it, but growing up, he very rarely ever missed a sporting event or school activity, despite the fact that he worked like crazy to provide for his family, often on very few hours of sleep. He’s a family man to the core, and the things he does to provide for his family, he does out of the joy of his heart; I know this, because I never hear him complain about it.

Also, he’s maybe the funniest person I know. Deeply sarcastic in the very best way, my dad can find humor in the day-to-day trivialities of life. He can bring the whole family belly-aching laughter with so very few words because he’s quick-witted and spot-on. Vacations with him and my family are the best because there’s never a dull moment. My dad taught me to love sports- that may seem simple-minded, but the mornings I spent riding to basketball practice at 6 in the morning, talks we’ve had over the sports page, or even making brackets for March Madness constitute some of the best memories I have of him. My dad always supported me in my athletic endeavors, never missing a beat, truly engaging in what I found joy in, and our relationship grew in those moments. I still love a good talk on Big 12 football and trying to no avail to beat him just once in bracket selections.

Allie- My little sister is better than yours. She is the best friend a girl could ask for! While Allie and I are different in almost every way, we make for two great puzzle pieces that fit together in all the right ways. Where Allie is a basket case, I come in with organization and order. Where I am uptight, Allie reminds me that small things are just that- small. However, we both have the silliness of 8 year old girls still in our hearts and I laugh the hardest with her. She’s cute as a button with a heart full of genuine love. Even though she is my little sister, I look up to her for so many things.

Allie deeply loves people. Her foremost care and concern on any day is the needs of others. Her social calendar is fuller than any freshmen I’ve ever met, and while some of that is definitely due in part to her awesome roommates (J) she has definitely put herself out there and gone the extra mile to make friends and serve others. She’s super easy to get along with, she’s fiercely loyal to her friends and family, and she brings joy and laughter to my life every day. She loves the Lord with all her heart and seeks Him above all else. Her spiritual wisdom is evident in the way she ministers to others and worships wholeheartedly.

I love this family with all my heart and feel blessed beyond anything I deserve with them. However, I know that to whom much is given, much is expected. My family is a prime example in my life of blessing in abundance, and I know that it is my responsibility to love others and invite them into the family of God as joy spills out and my cup overflows with His goodness. I could not be more thankful for the beautiful family God has given me!