Part 2: How to be a Good Role Model
Written by Ginger

If you didn’t read last week’s post, I encourage you to go back and read it here. We learned that we will all have role models and how to choose good role models to follow.
Common sense will prove that if we’re following people, there will also be people following us.
This time of year, hockey games are a big thing in our community. Generally, prior to the hockey game, the younger boys will play their own game. I couldn’t help but notice how much they copied the older hockey players. Down to the cheering and fist-bumps, it was obvious they had been watching the adult men, and wanted to play like them. There are younger people watching you and me. How can we lead them correctly and be a good example?

Deuteronomy 31:7-8 tells about when Moses gave Joshua the responsibility of leading the children of Israel. It says, “And Moses called unto Joshua, and he said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people into the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers, to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.”
This is a little different situation than most of our lives, but the point I want to bring out is that we don’t have to fear people following our lives. If we are following the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, we can confidently leave an example for other people to follow.

Read your Bible daily to see and learn how God wants you to live and then put that to practice. We are going to makes mistakes; it’s inevitable, but learn from them and also learn to get back up and keep going. This will be a huge example.

When I was seven or so, the girls ten years older that me were definitely my models. I wanted to be just like them. Now I am in their stage of life, there are little girls watching me, wanting to be like me. I often think of ways these older girls made such an impression on me. They played with me, even if dolls aren’t all that exciting for teenage girls. Many times they took time to notice me and talk to me. Do the same thing for children in your life. Make them feel “big” and important. This will leave an impression on them and they will not only want to be with you, they will also learn to want the passion you have for Jesus. Live your life so that your love for Jesus is obvious to them.

Lee Wilcox said, “Every one of us is an inspiration to someone. For it is true, it’s not what we take but what we leave behind. So always remember someone is looking up to you.”
Live with this in mind, strive to always serve the Lord more, and you will automatically lead people to live for the Lord as well.

Part 1: How to Choose Role Models
Written by Ginger

Have you ever looked at your life in light of who your role models are? As humans, our natural tendency is to follow other people in some way. Yes, some of us want to be independent and do our own thing, but we will be influenced by other people. Jim Rohn said, ” You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Who are you choosing to associate with and be like? How can we choose good role models?

1. Jesus is the Absolute Best Role Model
   1 Peter 2:21 “For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow in His steps.”
   The life of Jesus is so entirely magnificent. Read the book of John in the Bible and see how He lived, and follow His example. Earthly role models will all mess up at some time, but Jesus is perfect, He will never lead you away from truth. Let Him be your Lord, and He will guide you like nobody else can.

2. Your Role Models Should Represent Jesus
There are so many people that can influence us; parents, teachers, movie stars, athletes, you name it. The number one quality in your role models should be their love and passion for Jesus. This will affect the rest of their life and therefore, your life as well. The people you spend time with will definitely influence you. If you hang out with people that don’t have good morals and values, they will affect the way you think and will not cultivate good traits in your life. Are the people you are with every day representing Jesus? Surround yourself with these people, and you will see that they affect you in a positive way.

3. Your Church Leaders Should be Your Role Models
Paul said, “Be ye followers of me, even as I am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1
The ministers in your church are an authority chosen by God. I’m not saying that they can’t make mistakes and turn away from the Lord, but they are ordained by God to guide the church and be and example to you. Pray for them; that they would have wisdom to fulfill their calling well. Look at their lives as an example for you.
“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God: whose faith follow.” Hebrews 13:7

4. Spend Time With Good Role Models/Mentors
Find someone that you respect and are comfortable with; maybe an older person, not a peer. Spend time with them and allow them to speak into your life. Proverbs 11:14 “Where no counsel is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” More than once I have asked someone to meet with me and help me make decisions and find my way through hard things. These people have helped me so much because they have had experience with similar situations and have a lot more wisdom than I do.

I’d like to talk about a few practical tips to make not only your guests feel comfortable in your home, but also to have an inviting and restful atmosphere for you and your family. 

1. Lighting

I love this tip during this time of year especially. Once it starts getting dark outside, or if it’s a day that is especially dreary, I like to go around my house and light candles and turn on lots of lights. Lighting can create such a cozy atmosphere, whether it’s a string of lights draped across a window frame, a lamp on an end table in a living room or bedroom, a candle softly burning, or a tiny strand of lights on the fireplace mantle. Lights can give all the cozy vibes. 

2. Smell

Candles are a great way to give your house an inviting scent, as well as different oil blends in a diffuser. Of course, if you’re cooking or baking, just the smell of supper or fresh cookies when coming through the door is welcoming in itself. I’ve heard of someone who intentionally had bread baking in the oven when potential buyers were looking at their house, just to make the house seem homier. Smells really can make a home more or less appealing. 

3. Comfort

Something as simple as keeping the couches free from clutter so they can be used for relaxing and sitting is always a good idea. When I was growing up, my mom kept a basket of blankets in the corner of the living room and I have fond memories of curling up on the couch with a blanket in the evenings. I use that same blanket basket idea in my own home now. Is there anything cozier than a soft fuzzy blanket? 

4. Décor 

Décor can play a huge role in making a home feel inviting! Scrolling Pinterest for décor ideas can be overwhelming and if we would always change our homes to incorporate the latest trends in décor, we would be spending a lot of time and money! I challenge you to use what you have or thrift it! Go thrifting with an open mind – remember that a lot of things can be painted. ☺ Switching up décor pieces that you already have can also freshen up a space and give a room that “new” feeling. Even though that piece may have been in your home for years, putting it in a different spot can make it feel new. 

Having décor pieces that mean something to you make your home unique and specific to you. A family photo can be meaningful or maybe there is a piece with a story behind it or an antique that’s been passed down through your family. There are things that may not be meaningful to others or may not even be that beautiful to look at, but they are special to you. Hang on to those items! I have a handmade plaque hanging on the wall in my laundry room. It’s cut into the shape of a very jagged heart and has my initials and my husband’s initials scrawled across the front of it. There is a reason it’s in my laundry room and not in my living room – it’s not very beautiful to look at, but it warms my heart every time I see it because someone special made it for my husband and I. 

5. Stay organized and think creatively 

An organized home is much more restful and relaxing than a house that is full of clutter. Systems can help with reducing clutter and staying organized. If something in your home is frustrating to you, think creatively and find a way to make it better. Is there a cupboard in your kitchen that always gets messy no matter how many times you organize it? What about that drawer in your dresser that holds way too many clothes and makes putting laundry away difficult? I challenge you to think creatively and outside the box! Maybe there is a different system that would work better for that drawer or cupboard. Maybe there are things taking up space that you don’t use and could get rid of. Instead of viewing it as a frustration, view it as a challenge! 

6. Perfection is not the goal

Lastly, having a perfect home should not be the goal. Ultimately, people will not remember what you had hanging on your walls, but they will remember the warmth they received from being in your home. Your children may not remember if the house was organized, but they will remember the memories they made in their childhood home. Whatever stage of life you are in, even if you’re not a wife and/or mother in charge of keeping a household running, if you are a woman who is at rest in her heart, the home you are a part of, will be a restful and inviting place as well.

Here is a sneak peak into Janae’s house!

Tips By: Janae Slabaugh

Janae is a dear friend of mine and I am honored she took the time to write this for us! Her house is so warm, welcoming and cozy. Not only is her house welcoming, but she makes you feel special and loved when you are there! – Damarus