25 lessons from our favorite teacher

Today is Megan's 25th birthday. Though we are reminded everyday of her absence, we celebrate the life she lived so fully for His glory and that she is now in the presence of the one true Risen King. In honor of our precious Meg, here's a collection of twenty five lessons our favorite teacher could teach all of us about a life well-lived.

1. Believe in the Gospel: God is holy. We are not. We are all sinners in need of a Savior. We deserve death, but God in His mercy and love sent His one and only Son, Jesus, into the world to die on a cross to save us from eternal death. By grace we are saved through faith in Jesus. Believe in Jesus Christ and you will spend eternity with Him in paradise.

2. The only thing that matters is souls. Hearts. People. People matter.
3. Find your passion. Use your gifts. Be who you were created to be and do it well.
4. Laugh hard. Everyday. Have you had your belly laugh today?
5. Catch the glance of a stranger? Be the first one to smile. Spread joy.

6. Cherish your family.
7. No chocolate covered pretzel should be without a healthy dose of colored white chocolate.
8. If your called to go to the ends of the earth to spread the Gospel and love little children, go.

9. Every outfit can be improved with a colorful pair of flip flops or a bright shade of neon.
10. Be joyful in all things.
11. Improve your mind. Read. Read the newspaper. Read a novel. Read the Bible. Read.
12. Let your creative juices flow. Be crafty.
13. Be a true friend that loves at all times.
14. Get down on a kid's level.

15. Greet each day with a bright smile and a warm hug.
16. Sometimes you just need to use your teacher voice.
17. Learning is and should be fun. Never stop.
18. Celebrate your friendships with annual parties complete with good food and great people.
19. Worship the Lord gladly and loudly.

20. Trust your mom. She is wise.
21. When your outfit matches, all things are possible.
22. Never underestimate the power of a handwritten note.
23. Serve and give out of the overflow of your heart. Expect nothing in return.
24. Life should be captured in joyously, ridiculous pictures.

25. He must become greater, and we must become less.

Oh what a powerful legacy Meg leaves behind. She would have been overjoyed with the incredible ways her life continues to impact her family, friends, coworkers, students, and strangers. Miss you each and everyday, my friend!

see you soon, friend!

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd,

I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He restores my soul;

He guides me in the path of righteousness

For His name sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil, for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You have anointed me head with oil;

My cup overflows.

Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Dear friends,

I apologize for my absence. These last few days have been ones of grief and sorrow. Our beloved friend, Megan, recently went home to be with the Lord. She has blessed my life and so many others in such incredible ways. We miss our sweet, energetic sister, but know she is rejoicing in the presence of our Savior! One day we will be reunited again!

It's been difficult to move on, but we know Megan would want us to live the remainder of our days well and for His glory. Her life is our inspiration to love deeply, to serve others passionately in the name of Christ, and to laugh hard every single day! Some people live their whole lives without such an amazing friend. I'm incredibly thankful to have been blessed by the gift of her friendship in my life! Meg could light up a room with her smile and loud laugh. She had a magnetic, joyful personality and was truly one-of-a-kind!

I ask that you join me in praying that the Lord continues to be close to Megan's family, friends, and students while we walk through this valley. We are not without hope that this is not "goodbye," but "see you later." We will see our precious Megan again!

Someday soon I will pick up my "pen" and begin the blog posts again... Until then, prayers are appreciated.

Love,
Caitlin