The Next Chapter

Three years ago, I heard the name Lysa TerKeurst for the first time. I was a recent college graduate, looking for a good Bible study. My boss at the time was friends with Lysa and told me that he thought I’d really like her books. I went that day to the bookstore and bought “What Happens When Women Say Yes to God.” The book is still one of my favorites that she has written, and other than the Bible, I know of no other book that has had such an impact.

After I read the book, I realized that Lysa was both a blogger and the President of a well known womens’ ministry, Proverbs 31. In no time at all, I was reading her daily blogs and donating to the ministry. Two years ago, my dream world and real world met when, once again, my boss came through for me. He had mentioned to Lysa’s husband, who by the way is one of the very best Chick-fil-A operators, that I had really taken a liking to Lysa and her ministry. Before I knew it, I had her home phone number in my hand with their instance that she would love to chat with me. I was beyond nervous to call her, but somehow found the courage to dial the number, and am so very glad I did. Before I hung up the phone she had checked her calendar and invited me to come and stay with her…in her home…with her precious family…for a long weekend. I couldn’t believe my ears. The experience was one I’ll never forget.

Each year Proverbs 31 holds a conference for speakers and writers. I’m really not either, but I have a desire to do both, so it’s been on my radar for a few years now. After lots of praying and some encouragement from Lysa and her dear friend, Holly…I’ve decided this is the perfect year to go. Even though things begin this Friday, I still can’t believe that I’m going to actually get to go. Three days of teaching, learning, enjoying spending time with friends new…some that I’ve only known through their blogs.

I’m not exactly sure all of the reasons the Lord has for me going this year or what the next chapter of this story holds, but I know one thing for sure…She Speaks is where I’m supposed to be, and I can hardly wait to get there!

The many languages of love

I heard the song A Father's Love on the radio the other day and it made me smile.

While the song isn't exactly applicable to my relationship with my father...he tells me all the time how much he's proud of me and loves me....I was reminded of the many ways that we can show others our love.

In his book, The Five Love Languages, Gary Chapman talks of the five areas that people show love and want to receive it. I read the book a few years ago and ever since, I've been trying to figure out how others want to receive love. It's almost like a game for me. My love language is words of affirmation, but for the people that have a love language of gifts, the words thing may not mean much. By finding out more about them and focusing on trying to show love the way they want it, they can feel that love even deeper.

The goal is most definitely to express love the way the receiver wants it...but often, since my love language is words, I find myself deflecting to it. I haven't done a study on this...might be something interesting to do...but I've been thinking lately if others do the same. Then, last Thursday, I got a call from my Dad. He said he had noticed the last time I was home that the crack in my windshield was getting larger and that he was going to call someone to get it fixed, so he needed to know my schedule for the next few days. I tried to tell him that I'd be happy to call about it...you know, cut out the middle-man...but he insisted. He said he had the number and was happy to call and get it taken care of. True to his word, this is what I saw when I looked out my window on Monday morning.

I'm not 100% certain, but I'm fairly positive that my Dad's love language is acts of service. He loves it when I teach him new things...serve him...serve my mom...serve others. And, just as he appreciates being served, he often shows me his love through service as well...filling up my gas tank every time he sees me; spending two days in my yard to make it look like someone actually lives in the house; sending me emails with the latest financial news, books to read and Internet deals; and even taking care of my windshield.

I'm so thankful for my Dad...a Dad that shows me love every way that he knows how.

Weddings Galore

As a girl in my mid-twenties, weddings are a big part of my life...especially during the summer. This summer is no different. I knew four sweet ladies that got married a few Saturdays ago. Though I tried to make it to the festivities of more than one bride, it became clear that would not be possible. I just had to remind myself that just because I could only be at one didn't mean that I couldn't be happy for all.

So, here's to the brides of June 26 and their sweet husbands. I pray that the next chapter of your lives together will be better than you could have ever dreamed it!

Lauren and Josh: I've known Lauren for my entire life. Literally. The early years were filled with church musicals and youth trips, and when she was old enough to drive, she graciously became my taxi. The last few years, we have watched many guys and gals couple off and get married...always knowing that one day the day would come for us. I'm still waiting, but I couldn't be happier for Lauren and Josh!

Anna and Whit: Anna and I didn't officially meet until my freshman year of college, but because our mothers were sorority sisters at Alabama, I had heard about her long before that. Though we both ended up pledging different sororities, the friendship continued. We walked many miles around the campus during those four years...and ate many cups of TCBY! Anna was one of the few friends that visited me my first summer in Atlanta...I won't go into the details, but let me just say that I much appreciated both she and her then boyfriend, now hubby, being there that particular weekend! She and Whit compliment each other so well. Who knows...maybe one day in the future, we'll send our children off to Alabama and they'll become friends just as we did.

Becky and Emory: I met Becky when I was a freshman in college and we were in the same sorority rush group. We ended up pledging different houses, but I still ran into her from time to time. Our paths crossed again two years later when we were both rush counselors, and thanks to our blogs, we have stayed in touch. I've never met Emory, but I've read so much about him that I feel like I know him, so I can say...good pick, Becky!

Leslie and Stephen: Leslie was one of the first people that I met when I moved to Atlanta 3 years ago. I worked with her at Chick-fil-A and was so blessed to get to work with her. Over the course of many lunch dates and afternoon snacks, she poured her wisdom into me in the most non-judgemental way. Leslie is one of the sweetest people I've ever met and she deserves every happiness...I have a feeling that marriage will bring lots of it!

An End to the Silence

I went to my hometown a few days last week and I found out that apparently people actually read this thing. Who knew? Sweet of them to keep up, but not sweet of them to never comment! :) I tried to explain that I don't know what to write about, but apparently that doesn't matter. So, I'm back....trying to uphold my end of the promise to be more consistent with my posts.

The post before this one was written about two months ago, so I'm definitely not going to even try to back-date and retell all of those comings and goings since, but I will say it was busy. Crazy busy. Travel for work. Travel for vacation. The month of July will be a much more laid back pace...something I'm very thankful for.

To help with my commitment to be a better blogger, I'm making myself a list, and I'll do my best to post about these things in the coming weeks. Maybe by the time I mark all of the things off the list I'll be inspired again. If not, I suppose I'll go back to my non-blogging self. For now, here's the list, in no particular order:

• Roommates
• She Speaks
• Nashville
• Weddings of sweet friends
• Birthdays and half birthdays
• Anniversaries
• Working from home
• Baby-sitting
• Summer reads
• Ruth
• Ms. Peggy

That's my list. I'll get working on it this week. For now, I'm going to enjoy spending some time with my family.