“With Thy counsel Thou wilt guide me, And afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Ps. 73:24-26, NASB
Courageous, lovely, and loving, she lived with purpose.
Janet … Janet Sipe.
The other morning, she looked into Jesus’ eyes for the first time. Leaving her physical body behind, her spirit rose to meet Jesus face to face. What an awesome moment that must have been! She’s with Him now … forever. Rejoicing, knowing fully, and surely singing, Janet’s dwelling in glory.
Words cannot convey the depths of this Godly, caring woman. Certainly her beautiful smile–complemented by the sparkle in her eyes–originated within. Even though Janet possessed outward grace and charm, truly her beauty radiated from within.
She lived in love–with Jesus. HIS beauty permeated her and infiltrated every aspect of her life. From her husband to her most recent acquaintances, we’re all enriched having witnessed and experienced her vibrant relationship with the Lord. Transparently she carried God’s love and joy in her eyes. Singing in the loveliest of ways during her stay on earth, her heart remained filled up with love for Jesus.
“Live Like That” by Sidewalk Prophets inspiringly sums up my best memory of Janet. Despite illness and its pervading weakness, she wholeheartedly sang this profound song at the Connecting with Christ Conference 2012. I’ll never forget. In my mind’s eye, I picture her passionately declaring her devotion to the Lord through song. Elegantly, harmoniously, sincerely, Janet sang from her innermost being.
“For if we live, we live for the Lord…”
Dear friend, have you lost a loved one? May God lovingly comfort you in the gaping void left behind. Let His love surround you. Are you or a loved one battling a life-threatening disease? I pray God will grant you words when none come, and that He’ll console your ache deep within. May peace and hope in Jesus Christ fill you. Focus on Him. Lean on Him. Know Him well.
“or if we die, we die for the Lord…”
Fleeting, fixed, limited, physical life stops. While we remain, we gain so much from Janet’s example: living each day in love with Jesus … loving others by sharing Him … dying with the peace of belonging to Him.
“therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” Rom. 14:8
Let’s live like that.
Photos by Karen Keyes
What a beautiful tribute to a lovely woman of God. Would we all attempt to live lives that bring glory to God until at last we see Jesus.
Thank you, Sallie, for your kind comment ~ to God be the glory. I remain grateful for Janet’s example and look forward to seeing her again.
Blessings and love to you in Christ,
Emily
This makes me this how brief life is and how important each day is. May we live in the center of His will each day! Love to you, Emily!
Amen! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Love to you in Christ.