a coffee date...

If we were on a coffee date, we might end up having coffee at the beach because it is so hot and the only way I know how to solve this is by iced coffee, sandy toes, and ocean waves.

If we were on a coffee date, I would ask you how your summer has been.  

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about how God is doing a huge work in my heart. I have been reading through Nehemiah, which is all about restoring, redeeming, rebuilding, which is what my heart has needed after the past six months. 

If we were on a coffee date, you might tell me that God is doing the same thing for you. Or maybe He feels distant. Or maybe, you don't really know what He is doing right now. And that's okay, too.

If we were on a coffee date, I would probably ask you if you have ever been to New York because I am planning a trip there in the Fall! One of my sweet high school girls was asked to join a ballet company out there and if that isn't God trying to tell me to go on vacation, then I don't know what is! I found round-trip tickets for $250 and I have started a Pinterest board of all the places I need to visit, the foods I need to eat, and the adventures I need to have. 

If we were on a coffee date, I would probably share a Strawberry Chocolate Chip Larabar with you, because they are AMAZING. They taste like a chocolate covered strawberry and would pair perfectly with our iced coffees.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I bought mascara because a woman I follow on Instagram told me to. And I love it. Find it here. 

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about Phil Wickham's new album, "Living Hope". His song "Anthem" makes me weepy in the best ways.

If we were on a coffee date, I would probably need a second cup for the road. 

If we were on a coffee date, what would you share?

a coffee date...

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about how we are A WEEK AND A HALF away from Christmas! My nails are painted red, my Christmas pajamas are out, my playlists are updated... as a self-proclaimed Grinch, my heart is growing and bursting with Christmas joy! (But please note, I will always and forever hate eggnog. And all the people said "AMEN".)

If we were on a coffee date, I would ask you about your marshmallow to hot chocolate ratio. In "The Holiday", Jude Law gives his girls each five marshmallows per cup, and that's just not okay. I am a handful, sometimes two, kind of girl. (PS: I have watched this movie about six times already this season, don't judge me.)

If we were on a coffee date, we would probably talk about healthy boundaries, back pockets, and biblical promises. And I would probably start crying. 

If we were on a coffee date, I would ask you how your soul is doing, really doing.

If we were on a coffee date, I would confess that lately I have been living in a lot of fear and insecurity; prayer, worship playlists, and Scripture have been a soothing balm to my heart over these past few weeks.  

If we were on a coffee date, I would share this devotional reading for A.W. Tozer that I found this week. 

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about 2018 and what we are expectant for in the coming year. For me, I already have a feeling that 2018 is going to be full and stretching. What about you?

a coffee date...

(coffee + cream in Ireland!)

If we were on a coffee date, I would order my new favorite: a triple espresso over ice with two agave sweeteners and a splash of cream. I would also pay for your coffee because God has been telling me to be more generous to the people in my life.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I am currently obsessed with watermelon, summer candles, pool floaties, and Tabata cycling.

If we were on a coffee date, we would wish for cooler weather because this whole 108 degrees thing is a NIGHTMARE.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I just booked a trip to Portland in November and I already have a Pinterest board of all my plans.

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about God's love, about how He protects us and pursues us and fights for us and gives us way more grace than we could ever deserve. We would talk about how His love draws up lines in our lives taut by hope. We would talk about grace and how the hardest person to give it to is ourselves.

If we were on a coffee date, we would also talk about sin and how much we hate it. It comes to seek, kill, and destroy, and we must seek, kill, and destroy it.

If we were on a coffee date, there would be talk about relationships and emotions.

If we were on a coffee date, we might talk about Eugene Peterson and his recent statements about same-sex marriage. Here is my favorite article on the subject. (Update: Eugene Peterson retracted his statement here. This is what biblical humility looks like!)

If we were on a coffee date, I would share with you all my photos and stories from Portugal and my four hours in Ireland. ALSO IRELAND. WHAT.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you my two newest guilty pleasures: "Riverdale" on Netflix and the song "Unforgettable" by French Montana. 

If we were on a coffee date, what would be your newest guilty pleasures?

a coffee date...

If we were on a coffee date, we would probably take a spontaneous trip to the snow, have a huge breakfast with pancakes and bacon and eggs and take coffee to go to keep our hands warm.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you about my new dress I bought from Forever 21 (thank you, Christmas gift cards!) and how I am basically living in it. It's comfy and cute and I am obsessed. I may just go back and buy every single color.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you about how I am going to Texas in February and Portugal in May and I am beside myself that God lets me do the things I do.

If we were on a coffee date, there would be a very very high likelihood of me playing "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran and car-dancing the heck out of it.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I have discovered that a clean kitchen is part of my love language. Also, why are cleaning products SO expensive!?

If we were on a coffee date, I would challenge us to buy ourselves flowers this week because I think we need more flowers in our lives.

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about what God has been teaching us lately. For me, that means trading in my fleshly fears for the fear of the Lord, asking God for wisdom, and maintaining a humble heart. 

If we were on a coffee date, what song would you want to car-dance to?

a coffee date...

If we were on a coffee date, it would be late morning and we would order something festive and delicious because it's a sin not to this time of year.

If we were on a coffee date, I'd give you a Christmas card. This is the very first year that I created a Christmas card (more on that later!) and I am pretty excited about them. It's so fun and I am questioning why I didn't start this sooner.

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about Christmas. It's a season of mixed emotion, a two-sided coin for so many; one side is incredible hope, the other side is unimaginable pain. We would talk about our sides. 

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about how 2016 flew by! I would ask you about your plans for the new year. Did you make resolutions? Did you pray over a word?  I would  also ask you what you have planned for the holidays. I have two weeks off and I plan to spend as much time with as many people and reading as many books and eating at as many fun places as I can! Tell me what you have in the works.

If we were on a coffee date, we would create space for transparency and vulnerability. We need more of that in our lives, don't you think?

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you about the new book that I just ordered. 

If we were on a coffee date, we would chat about "Gilmore Girls" and "Fuller House" and "This Is Us" because really, how could we not. 

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about Advent. What are your thoughts on this season? Are you reading any books or devotionals as a guide?

If we were on a coffee date, what would you want to chat about?

a coffee date...

If we were on a coffee date, it would be in honor of the "Gilmore Girls" and their 16th Anniversary! I am the biggest fan of this show and I am currently mid-binge in anticipation for the revival in November! (Also, I am a little bitter that the closest "Luke's" to me is about an hour away. Not fair, Stars Hollow, not fair.)

If we were on a coffee date, and we were close to a Trader Joe's, we might walk over and buy some little pumpkins. And hey, let's toss in a package of pumpkin pancake mix and a bunch of flowers while we are at it because Fall. 

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you to start reading "Uninvited" by Lysa TerKeurst. Honestly, this book is deeply needed, in my life and the lives of so many women. I highlighted an ENTIRE page in this book. Buy it, you will not regret it!

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I have been making magnolia wreaths and it is strangely easy and extremely therapeutic.

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about the undesired "no's" of life. Sometimes, an unwanted "no" allows you to see that you actually needed a "no". 

If we were on a coffee date, I would talk about my hair. I am choosing to grow it out, but, it is now in that crazy phase where I can't do the normal things to it. It is getting harder to curl and harder to manage. And, although you most likely do not care about my hair, I just have to talk about it, you know?

If we were on a coffee date, I would ask you about the things that are life-giving and restful for you. How do you fill up your empty tank?

If we were on a coffee date, what would you want to chat about?

a coffee date...

If we were on a coffee date, there would be tasty drinks and chocolate chip cookies crumbs all over the table. We would about how it is already August and lament over how fast everything goes.

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about the balance of health and identity in Christ. I think that this is a hard line to walk, whether you are male or female. 

If we were on a coffee date, there would be lots of talk about my high school people (but what's new?).

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about how I am an MAID OF HONOR. I mean, this is going to be so much fun. Am I going to freak out over everything being absolutely perfect? Yes. But, I am going to kill this MOH business because I have Pinterest, coffee, Jesus, and friends. 

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I am slightly obsessed with James Taylor McCoy from "The Bachelorette". He has completely stolen my little heart (or at least, the part that can be stolen for a reality TV star!) and I may or may not have a face-swapped photo with him on my phone. 

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about Alton Sterling, Philandro Castille, and the police officers. We would talk about how our hearts can be big enough to pray for them all because these losses are all important, completely devastating, and deeply felt. 

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that this week I needed to be told that my desire for marriage is not trivial or stupid, but that it is actually placed in my heart by a God who sees. We would talk about how there is no formula for anything. We would talk about how men and women are fundamentally different, but God makes it work, somehow. 

If we were on a coffee date, you would tell me what you are reading, what God is teaching you, how you are trusting Him right now. We would probably exchange crazy stories about a sneaky Jesus who always answers prayers in ways that we don't expect.

If we were on a coffee date, you might ask me about my family and I would tell you my story and how sometimes I feel like Lot's Wife, tempted to look back at things that I think I need, love, am obligated to. We would also talk about Rachel and Leah and Dinah and pretty much all the women of the Old Testament.

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about how busy these next five months are going to be, August in particular. 

If we were on a coffee date, what would you tell me about your world right now?

a coffee date...

If we were on a coffee date, I would be drinking iced coffee with coconut milk and agave. We would sit at a hole in the wall coffee shop around the corner from my apartment that has string lights and chalkboard signs and the cutest everything.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you about my car accident.

If we were on a coffee date, maybe we would talk about my Whole 25 (not 30, oops) journey and how I am actually teaching my body to love running. This is weird, like, I actually look forward to putting on my workout things, heading to the orange groves, and pushing myself to run. My body is starting to crave this and it is kind of awesome.

If we were on a coffee date, you would tell me about your marriage, your children, your plans for the summer, your heart and where it's at with the Lord right now.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you about how God is faithful to keep cultivating things in my life. My personal theme this year has turned into a sort of "fruit of the Spirit" tilling, and I really like being aware of that work. 

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about writing and influence and about your voice, my voice. 

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about the safety and protection of others. We would talk about how we need to love our people, protect our people, and never apologize for it.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I knocked a few books off of my reading list, but have so many more to go! I also keep adding to the list, so, cheers to that. (Currently, Wild and Free is in my purse!)

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about the women in your life. The young ones, older ones, married ones, single ones, hard-to-love ones, generous ones, life-giving ones. 

If we were on a coffee date, I might introduce you to The Southern Shirt Company. 

If we were on a coffee date, we would walk away feeling refreshed, thankful for each other and for a good, good Father.

If we were on a coffee date, what would you need to talk about today?

a coffee date...

If we were on a coffee date, it would probably look more like big cups of vanilla almond milk and a plate of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. 

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about influence and impact. This weekend, I was reminded of the weight of shepherding the hearts of and showing my high school girls Jesus. It's a good weight, but a weight nonetheless. Who are you shepherding? Who are you showing Jesus to?

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you about the hard places that my heart has been in the past couple weeks. The prayers that are being prayed are new, and not just new for the situation, but new to my whole 26 year old life. It's a little scary, but God is in control and is in the business of being sovereign (unlike us).

If we were on a coffee date, I would gush about Paul E. Miller's "A Praying Life". This book has changed my theology of prayer in all the good ways. I would ask you about your prayer life... How do you pray? What are you praying for? What are you afraid to seek God about?

If we were on a coffee date, I would also gush about "Looking For Lovely" by Annie Downs. Y'all, I bought this book Saturday morning and I was finished by Sunday night. Her writing just gets me, and the best part? IT FEELS LIKE A COFFEE DATE. If you want to borrow it, just let me know, but you should probably buy your own copy because you will want to highlight all the things and write little notes in the margins. 

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about "Fixer Upper: Season 2". That coffee shop couple? HOLY MOSES THEY ARE PRECIOUS. Joanna and Chip, can you a.) make me a house and b.) be my best friends? 

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you to read "When Nothing is New" by Greer Oharah. Everything she says here is so good and needed, especially in a culture that expects, creates, and yearns for constant movement and mountain-top experiences. "We find depth when we walk along the same path everyday." YES. SO GOOD.  

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about money and how I am really trying to be a responsible adult with my tax refund, loans, etc. 

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that Scrivener is hands down the most brilliant software to ever happen to my life. It is built for writers and is so dang simple. I actually got really emotional about it. Does that make me a nerdy girl now? 

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about my relationship with my dad. We would talk about the new hope that I have, that maybe the path to redemption is near. 

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that my heart is longing for the summer. For those of you who know my inner most being, you know that summer is not my jam, so this is new for me. My heart is craving the beach, a good book, a big acai bowl/balboa bar, and bonfires. Really, I am just so excited for summer adventures. 

If we were on a coffee date, I would ask you how you are doing, what you are reading, and are you just as obsessed with Joanna Gaines as much as I am? (Honestly, I may need an intervention.)

a coffee date (airport edition)...

If we were on a coffee date, we would meet at the airport because I am on my way to ECUADOR AND I JUST CAN'T EVEN, HOLY MOSES IS THIS REAL LIFE RIGHT NOW?

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I met Jo Saxton and she is exactly the ball of fun and wisdom that I thought she would be! We spent a very small ten minutes chatting about college student culture, the questions you find yourself asking during that time, and about getting a "ring by spring". The best thing she said to me was, "I barely knew my own name when I was 22 years old, and the 26 year old me was the hottest mess… It gets better. I promise. It definitely gets better!" THANK YOU, JO. 

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I just spent the past hour and a half on the ground, in a corner, sleeping at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport. I am not ashamed of this, it's just what needed to happen.

If we were on a coffee date, I would probably apologize for my social media feeds over the next ten days. You are about to be bombarded with all the things, but Instagram is my love language so… #sorry

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you to watch Shonda Rhimes' TED Talk titled "My Year of Saying Yes to Everything". I would also tell you to play "Tomorrow Never Comes" by Zac Brown Band on repeat. And also pre-order "Looking for Lovely" by Annie F. Downs. Okay, that's all. 

If we were on a coffee date, we would probably talk about Leo's big win at The Oscars this year and his speech. Global warming? Interesting moment to talk about that, Leo.

If we were on a coffee date, we would probably talk about how excited we are for the summer months that are just around the corner! I don't know about you, but I am ready for summer nights and lazy beach days! 

If we were on a coffee date, what would you tell me? 

a coffee date...

If we were on a coffee date, I would order a venti iced coffee with cream, classic, and extra ice because Southern CA decided that El Nino will no longer be a thing this year. It was 88 degrees today, EIGHTY EIGHT. That is two degrees away from 90 and I am not okay with that.

If we were on a coffee date, I would share my dark chocolate peanut butter cups with you. I just discovered that Trader Joe's has the most delicious creamy, chocolaty peanut butter cups. A little package of them is only $.99 and I am so tempted to have a package for every day of the week at my desk.

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about my high schoolers. One of my favorite high school boys "likes" one of my favorite high school girls and I have all the feelings about it. Good feelings, but feelings just the same. He asked to talk to me on Sunday morning and said, "Kristi, I just really like her and I don't know what to do... I have never done this before..." And my heart melted into a puddle right there. This whole thing is the sweetest, loveliest, cutest, greatest thing EVER EVER EVER. My high school people are my favorite people. (And if they get married in five years, I am definitely taking a semblance of credit.)

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I made it two weeks on Whole 30. And I actually didn't know you couldn't have peanut butter and I ate it pretty much everyday of those two weeks. So basically, I never even did Whole 30. (But, I did lose six pounds, so whatever.)

If we were on a coffee date, I would confess that sometimes I feel awkward loving people. Sometimes, I am afraid my love and kindness towards others is too much, like somehow it is an inconvenience or makes people run from me. And then, I think about how Jesus loved RECKLESSLY, to the extent to which people thought He was a drunk, and how I am expected to love just the same. And then, I feel better about being the girl who loves.

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about signs and wonders. Are you chasing signs and wonders or are you chasing Jesus? #conviction 

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about the IF: Gathering... Did you go to Texas? Did you participate in an IF: Local? Did you IF: Livestream? I was apart of the IF: Livestream (photo above) and let me tell you, this year was SO DANG GOOD. Jo Saxton, Eugene Cho, Lauren Chandler, and David Platt blew it out of the water for me! 

If we were on a coffee date, we might pack up all our things and head to the beach for the day, because I have been craving the warm, salty spray of the ocean.

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about how I leave for Ecuador in literally three weeks. You guys, this is bananas. (Also, still praying through my decision to go zip-lining...)

If we were on a coffee date, I would ask you what's new... Any adventures ahead? Any new books you have been reading? Any new dances you have learned? Any new songs that you just can't get out of your head? 

a coffee date...

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about fear, anxiety, stress. Do you know that everyone is anxious? Everyone has fears? Everyone is a little overwhelmed? I think that we need to be reminded of that every now and then; you are not alone.

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about how Adele's "Carpool Karaoke" is the greatest. I want to be her best friend. I think everyone needs to hangout with Adele and sing her songs with her. And chug tea. 

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I am 83% positive that I am going to start Whole 30 after MLK Weekend. I also need to get back into my workout routine because health. And because El Nino is almost over which means no more scarves and puffer vests and big jackets. And summer is coming and I plan on spending a lot of time at the beach.

If we were on a coffee date we would talk about our plans for this THREE DAY WEEKEND! I will be starting the weekend off by seeing "Thirteen Hours" because I am a sucker for those Navy SEAL stories. And also John Krasinski. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday will be filled with spring cleaning, packing up Christmas, real life coffee dates, church, and hopefully some adventures. 

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about how I leave for Ecuador in 48 days. FORTY EIGHT DAYS, WHAT. This is my first time travelling internationally alone, which is a little bit daunting, but will be completely worth it.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that Organic Peach Cobbler Tazo Tea is a thing and it is from the Lord Himself. 

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I love women's ministry and I am not ashamed of that in any way.

If we were one a coffee date, we would talk about dating. Do you know that you can have a great date and still decide to not date the person? I didn't know that was a thing, so... #datingishard

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about the concept of inheritance can only be obtained after a death. What in your life needs to die in order for you to inherit what God has for you? 

If we were on a coffee date, what would you want to talk about?

What are your plans for MLK Weekend?

a coffee date...

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I am overwhelmed by the response to my writing over at Incourage, even to this day. It's been over a month, but it still make me so giddy! To hear that your writing was needed, that it ministered to the heart of someone else, that is the greatest feeling in the world.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that Justin Bieber ministered to me this week. I read an article where he stated that "No Longer Slaves" by Bethel Music is one of his jams right now, so I pulled it up on Spotify and WOW. There is so much truth in that song; it is an amazing reminder that we are truly no longer slaves to fear, rather we are called to be a child of God, and that is the only name and label that matters. 

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about the weather (because it is finally getting cold!), Abby Wambach, white elephant parties, Adele's crazy world tour, and the plans we have for 2016.

If we were on a coffee date, I would maybe tell you about some secret things. 

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I surprised my best friend for Christmas with tickets to see her in Ecuador in March! #foxandweaselgointernational

If we were on a coffee date, I would probably tell you that I am learning that I care ALOT about what other people think; I have always known this, but it hasn't been until recent events where I have really learned that this is a real hard thing for me. 

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about how God's grace is DEEPER; that we mess up, but we are forgiven. He knows your sin and still pursues you! 

If we were on a coffee date, what would you want to talk about?

a coffee date...

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I just feel stuck in certain places. I mean S T U C K. And, it kind of sucks.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I have been having very vivid dreams lately. Last night, I woke myself up from laughing. The night before, I had a dream that I had to bust a window and climb out, and in that process I got a HUGE gash up my calf and was basically bleeding out. Awesome. Awesome thoughts.

If we were on a coffee date, we would probably joke about the red cup situation. Honestly, it just takes a handful of Christians to make us all look like a bunch of crazies. My favorite commentary thus far has been from Candance Cameron Bure and Ellen Degeneres; Ellen said these new red cups are practically "Satan Sippers" and I about fell out of my chair. 

If we were on a coffee date, I would ask you what God has been teaching you lately because I really want to know. It fascinates me how He teaches people different things at the same time. I would hope you would share your heart with me, the struggles and the joys.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I am actually excited for the holidays this year. Sometimes, I can be a real Grinch but you guys, I already can't wait to put up little things in my apartment, send out cards, and craft some stockings! 

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about time and influence.

If we were on a coffee date, I would pull out my copy of "For The Love" by Jen Hatmaker and show you all the things I have highlighted. Jesus things, fashion things, hilarious things. This woman is my spirit animal in every single way.

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about the idea of qualifiers and identity. You are qualified BECAUSE JESUS. Do not dismiss anything anytime anywhere because you think that you are not. 

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you to watch THIS sermon series by Matt Chandler. It is pure gold! (Shout out to Chris Hardy for that one!)

If we were on a coffee date, what would you share?

a coffee date...

If we were on a coffee date, I would probably order a standard iced-something, because it is still too hot to even enjoy a pumpkin spice latte.

If we were on a coffee date, I would talk about Emily P. Freeman’s book “Simply Tuesday”. Everyone needs to read this RIGHT NOW. I am loving her writing style and the way that she is coaxing our culture back into smallness.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I have noticed a pattern in what God is teaching me. He is not teaching me new things, but teaching me old things, because I have forgotten them. I am in a season where He is reminding me of what I already know of Him, of humanity, and of myself.

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about the Emmy’s and how this award ceremony redeemed all the others from this year. #violadavis

If we were on a coffee date, I would ask you in what areas in your life do you misunderstand God? I would share mine with you, and we would probably cry.

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about the @socalitybarbie Instagram account because I think it is incredibly hilarious and fascinating. We would scroll through it, laughing and talking about how this Barbie is better at Instagram than we are and about how this Instagram account says a lot about our society in the 21^st century.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that the new Enrique Iglesias song is my new jam. Also, “Real Men Love Jesus” by Michael Ray. YES THEY DO MICHAEL, YES THEY DO.

If we were on a coffee date, what would you want to talk about?

a coffee date...

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that all I want to do is sleep in, make cinnamon rolls, and curl up with a good book for 293,876 days.

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about Planned Parenthood and ISIS and Ashley Madison and all the brokenness in this world. It is interesting to see that these are no longer “Christian” issues, but basic human rights issues.

If we were on a coffee date, we would talk about how I can’t wait for El Nino this Fall/Winter. Cold weather doesn’t scare me… I own multiple Columbia jackets. Also, PUMPKIN SPICE LATTES. Too soon? #sorrynotsorry

If we were on a coffee date, I would share this quote with you:

“There are years that ask questions, and years that answer.”

– Zora Neale Hurston in Their Eyes Were Watching God

If we were on a coffee date, I would ask you for prayer for me this week, because Jesus needs to really show up in certain areas.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I am really dwelling on the idea of brokenness. Our world is broken, which means things will inevitably break; hearts, trust, families, marriages, dishwashers, and plastic toys. Things break. But it is not letting that brokenness define that area of life. Do not let a broken trust ruin your for trust; do not let a broken heart ruin you for love; do not let a broken family ruin you for the hope of a loving, Christ-centered family.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I am still praying “Jesus, just please.”

                      If we were on a coffee date, what would you like to talk about?

a coffee date...

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that my new job at CBU is pretty much the best thing ever. Each day I wake up with such peace and purpose; I know that God is completely in this new position and new season and I am just overwhelmed with thankfulness, truly.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I am dying to see the new Amy Schumer movie, “Trainwreck”. It is a super salty movie, but I would like to acknowledge that I am a human being, and even more so a sinner, and I can appreciate a good joke here and there. Actually, I can appreciate very much. Popcorn, Junior Mints, and Amy Schumer… I am coming for you!

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you about the new series that my church is currently in, The Art of Forgiveness. Honestly, it is the series that I didn’t know that I needed. Generally, I can forgive people (Disclaimer: I haven’t been deeply hurt or wounded like many people I know; I have never had my heart broken, never lost a loved one to a drunk driver or murderer, never had something stolen or taken from me, so yes, forgiveness is something that kind of just flows out of me.). Each week, the Lord has brought something or someone to memory, either someone to forgive, something to forgive, sometimes reminding me to forgive myself. I am also learning a lot about trust and past wounds and what trust issues actually look like for some people. 

If we were on a coffee date, I would ask you what God has been teaching you lately… How has He been moving? What does He keep recalling to your mind? What have you been praying through? What Scriptures have been on your heart lately? You know, the usual.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I am itching to be up at Summer Camp with my girls. The fact that I am not up there right now makes me want to eat an entire pint of ice cream and watch a Nicholas Sparks movie. Send help. And Cherry Garcia.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that we are knee-deep in a summer storm, complete with lightning, thunder, and humidity. This kind of weather is my favorite weather and reminds me of the summers I spent my time in the Carolinas, Louisiana, and Georgia. #southernsoul

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you to buy the “Island Moonlight” candle from Target. It is roughly $10 and smells EXACTLY like the Volcano Blue candles from Anthropologie. As much as that smell makes me swoon, I am not about to spend an entire days work on that candle, so thank you Target for meeting yet another need in my life.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that right now, life is pretty awesome. Despite the weird idea of planning for a retirement in 2055 and being a little bit more tired and off my work-out schedule, this new season is just peachy and sweet and a ball of fun!

What season are you in?

Are you judging me for my love of Amy Schumer?

What would you tell me if we were on a coffee date?

a coffee date...

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I have stopped watching “The Bachelorette”, therefore I will not be blogging about it. My thoughts about this season can be summed up in the following statements: Kaitlyn is making horrible choices, this whole “Nick” thing is the worst, she never has Rose Ceremony’s, and Joshua the Welder is too good for her and needs to leave the show and marry me. Same goes for Kentucky Joe. The end.

If we were on a coffee date, we would inevitable talk about “Jurassic World” and how it made me feel like I was on a ride at Disneyland. That whole movie was QUALITY. And Chris Pratt… Insert heart-eyed emoji here, please.

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you that I am studying through the Women in The Bible over at She Reads Truth, and it is totally rocking me! Revisiting the stories of Leah and Rachel, Sarai and Hagar, and Lot’s Wife have been so good for my soul. It is comforting to know that in all their circumstances, whether they were barren, unfavorable, or impatient, God saw them and knew them and carried them. He does the same for you and me today! What truths have you been reading that have totally rocked your spiritual world lately?

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you some pretty exciting news, like, life-altering news! Stay tuned!

If we were on a coffee date, I would tell you some really hard things that I have been processing through. Like, how my view of God directly shapes my view of myself and if I don’t think God is enough, how in the world will I ever think I am enough? Hard things, people, hard things.

If we were on a coffee date, I would ask you if God is enough. I would ask you and hope that you would give me the real, raw, honest answer, because sometimes the answer is no, and that’s a place to roll up your sleeves and wrestle in.

If we were on a coffee date, what would you want to talk about?