Lindsay's 39th Birthday!

Lindsay at Donner Lake in California, Summer 2004

Today, Lindsay would have been 39 years old! She was only 22 when she passed away. Her life had barely begun when it was snuffed out. But in her few short years, she lived out her faith authentically in a way that honored Jesus, and that has become her legacy. To leave her mark on the world as someone who gave God the glory for everything He had done in her life and for how she saw Him reflected in the beauty of the earth and all Creation... and to leave her mark as someone who sought out ways to serve Him with the gifts/talents that He had given her... I can't imagine anything more honorable than that.

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." ~1 Peter 4:10

Lindsay was indeed a faithful steward of God's grace.

Several times a week, I drive past the house where I met Lindsay and saw Jason last. (It's on a main road not far from my home.) It's been such a long time, 16 years, but I still think about that every time I see that house. There are new owners now, but the house looks the same. I feel so grateful and fortunate that I got to meet Lindsay and see Jason that one last time. No one could have suspected that it would be the only time many of us from Michigan would meet Lindsay and the last time we'd see Jason! Shortly after that, they went to California to work at Rock-n-Water and they never came home. I thank God that I got to meet Lindsay. She was a sweetheart and Jason lit up when he looked at her. They were so cute! While I wish with all of my heart that they were still here, I am grateful that they're together. No harm can ever come to them and I am so thankful that we will get to see them again. This life is a "vapor" in the expanse of eternity, so it is an incredible promise and blessing that this separation is only temporary.

"Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes." ~James 4:14

The 2004 dual wedding shower where I met Lindsay and saw Jason for the last time.

In the meantime, I want to try and live up to Lindsay's legacy. When I say that she lived out her faith in a way that honored Jesus, I really mean it! She was not at all concerned with pursuing the things of this world (such as money, possessions, etc.). Both she and Jason were so unique in that regard. They set aside all of the things that most of the rest of us pursue to feel secure and successful, and instead sought God's guidance entirely for how they could best use their love for the "great outdoors" to serve Him. That led them to work at Christian adventure camp ministries, where they thrived and touched the lives of countless people. In their deaths, their story has become even more powerful and I am so grateful for that. They are changing lives for eternity even while no longer being here.

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Happy 39th Birthday Lindsay! ♥ Each year that passes is another year closer to when your family and loved ones will get to see you again. All glory to God!