LAURA LIFE LESSON #17 – 27 years full of life

Twenty-seven years of purpose
Twenty-seven years of commitment
Twenty-seven years of passion
Twenty-seven years of caring
Twenty-seven years of strength
Twenty-seven years of loyalty
Twenty-seven years of compassion
Twenty-seven years of generosity
Twenty-seven years of love
Twenty-seven years of service
Twenty-seven years as an example

For everything you have done for all of us, today is your day Laura. Twenty-seven years ago today an angel was born. Uniquely and intricately created, this life continues to serve, strengthen, and encourage others to boldly transform towards living lives of loving and selfless service. Happy 27th Birthday, Laura! You are a true hero and inspiration to many.

IF YOUR GIFT IS SERVING OTHERS, SERVE THEM WELL. IF YOU ARE A TEACHER, TEACH WELL. IF YOUR GIFT IS TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS, BE ENCOURAGING. IF IT IS GIVING, GIVE GENEROUSLY. IF GOD HAS GIVEN YOU LEADERSHIP ABILITY, TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY SERIOUSLY. AND IF YOU HAVE A GIFT FOR SHOWING KINDNESS TO OTHERS, DO IT GLADLY. (Romans 12: 7-8)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin

LAURA LIFE LESSON #16 – Taking responsibility

We are fully accountable and responsible for our own lives. Undoubtedly, the temptation to blame circumstances, situations, and others exists. The results and current state of your life is a product of you, not the other outside junk. To be effective, you cannot allow factors outside your control to steal your single largest God given freedom, the freedom to choose one’s response. Take to heart this reality, if you are struggling mightily with whatever and are frequently unhappy and unfulfilled, you chose it. Fortunately, you can and should change it. Although not easy, trust God to grant and develop a new spirit of accountability deep within.

It would be a lie to say Laura takes complete responsibility for all of her decisions. Being proactive is a life-long process in which, we all struggle. No one is and can ever be perfectly responsible. We can get better and Laura’s life is a fine testimony. Placing blame has never been a central part of her character. If given a choice, she chooses the path of responsibility, certainly responsibility with relationships and responsibility in her other life role’s.

Ultimately, our behavior stems from our choices, not from our situations. Our situation can only magnify our decisions, not determine them. If you are struggling with a decision or in desperate need of some change, we hope you find a source of encouragement. But remember, countless people may support you, others may doubt you, but only you can control you. Choose not to be your own enemy, rather your own greatest asset. Make things happen through initiative and by taking responsibility.

PAY CAREFUL ATTENTION TO YOUR OWN WORK, FOR THEN YOU WILL GET THE SATISFACTION OF A JOB WELL DONE, AND YOU WON’T NEED TO COMPARE YOURSELF TO ANYONE ELSE. FOR WE ARE EACH RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR OWN CONDUCT. (Galatians 6: 4-5)

We love you,
Jeff and Laura Laughlin