I got home from work yesterday after a trip to Wal-Mart to find that one of my close friends had come by and brought me this - flowers and ice cream. (Not just ice cream - but RAZORBACK ice cream! ) (She totally gets me!) I have the best friends. Seriously - my entire life - as far back as I can remember - God has given me the sweetest girlfriends in the world. My friends have changed through different seasons of life - but He has always given me the neatest girls to go through each stage with. I am challenged to be a better friend to the ones I have.
Today I had lunch with a beautiful, young, single girl who goes to our church. A mutual friend wanted me to meet her and talk to her and give her some encouragment since single girls are very near and dear to my heart. I wanted to give her a copy of this book above - "Lady in Waiting". This book was very helpful back when I was single. Although I think the one we had was pink with a princess and a castle on front. (Is that right, Laurie?) All the bookstores were out. I had already bought one copy to send to some very special college girls that I thought might like it. So I'll have to track down another copy to give to her.
I love to encourage single girls and mostly I can just tell them I know that the waiting is hard but that I know God has someone hand picked for them - you just have to be patient. I don't have any great wisdom outside of that. Do any of you married or single girls have any advice you would give other single girls? I'm interested to hear what you would say because God seems to keep putting people in my life to encourage and I want to have something helpful to tell them. Trust me - what they don't want to hear is "When you are not looking - he will come" (Because until he comes - you won't quit looking. (We talked about that today!)
On another note - American idol is tonight - I think it's guys sing first. I like the little 16 year old boy (David) and the Australian guy. (based on first impressions only - we'll see if it changes after tonight) Who do you like?
The "LOTness" of it All
1 year ago
36 comments:
Who is the greatest friend in the world...KELLY! You are such an amazing person. I was blessed to find Web when I was in my early twenties, but he was almost 30 when we met and 31 when we got married. He would often say that the time he spent single or dating allowed him to truly figure out what he wanted and he was not going to settle for anything less. This young girl is getting the chance to figure out just who she is! What a blessing!
I did not know they have Razorback ice cream!! I will have to check that out the next time I'm in AR (maybe 2009).
My advice to anyone waiting for God to fulfill a huge desire is to focus on Him and tell Him about your desire.
You have some great friends!!! I absolutely LOVE that ice cream... Goodness, that ice cream and those cupcakes you made yesterday are giving me some MAJOR cravings. Anyways, as far as advice... I did read "When God Writes Your Love Story" when I was younger and found it to be very encouraging. What a blessing you are to people!
I too was blessed not to be single for long. Bryan and I married my sophomore year in college. However, I'm relating being single to also wanting a family. While I am waiting for God to give me a child, I try to look at it as an opportunity God has given me to draw closer to Him, go deeper in His word, and do more bible studies. I think it could be the same for someone who is single.
I think the young boy you mentioned is just adorable. I love his voice. He seems sweet. I can't remember the names but I'm pulling a little for the girl who sang "Amazing Grace".
As you know I was a "single girl" for a long time. Not having dated hardly at all, only one boyfriend in high school, I was very discouraged at times. The thing that kept me going was the desire I had in my heart to be married. I knew God would either fulfill that desire (in His timing of course) or He would replace it. That desire never went away so I just trusted God would bring someone. When He did bring Josh into my life the lessons weren't over. I had to give the entire relationship to God b/c it all took me by surprise. When praying for a mate its best to pray for the one God has for us and not the man we think we want or should be with! God's plans are soooo much better than any I could have had for myself!
AI is great but I'm more excited about the Biggest Loser!!!
I taught two Bible studies using Lady In Waiting and LOVE it! Such a good book. My advice would be to find their complete satisfaction in Christ; to allow Him to fill their every need. This is essential both as a single woman AND as a married one...our sweet husbands can't be expected to fill that which only God can!
Kelly,
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog! I read it 20 times a day! You are so sweet and your blog is so informative. I, like you, have not been able to have a baby. I can totally sympathize with you. I really believe something good will happen to you soon. I did the Clomid for three months last year and we still don't have a baby. I had cervical cancer 2 years ago and so my body is a lot different than yours and please don't give up!! I wanted to tell you that I am fixing your chicken breast supreme recipe tonight for my husband and I. Also, I just wanted to tell you that I am from Indiana and there are two people on American Idol from here! One is right here by our city--Mulberry Indiana and the other is about 30 mins away from Crawfordsville, Indiana! So root them on! Hang in there, we have been doing it and our lives seem to be getting better and we may be adopting soon!
Melissa~
PS. I have a blog but its not updated!!
I didn't get married till I was 32. I know about waiting! I love what Hillary said about God will fulfill that desire for a husband or take it away. Lean on the Lord! He can fill your needs better than a husband. Yes, the book cover we read looked horrible. That is THE BEST book I read when I was single. And I read a lot of them.
Hard to choose a favorite at this point. I honestly really like a lot of them so far...I know in the next few weeks we will get to see more of their personalities. Three nights this week! I love it!
Just wanted you to know that you inspire me to be a better friend and always look for ways to encourage other women/moms/friends!!
I too, read Lady in Waiting, I guess one thing that I heard alot and it stuck with me was instead of trying to find the right one, focus on being the right one and when "he" comes along, there will be no denying!
That was so sweet of your friend to bring that by for you! How was the ice cream? I have seen it at Wal-Mart several times but haven't ever bought it!
I had to do a lot of encouraging for one of my husbands' best friends while he was still single. He is such a sweet guy and tried for years to find the right girl but always ended up single again. He would get so depressed! I just had to keep reminding him to just enjoy life. Go do whatever it was he wanted to do and just focus on having a good time. He became too focused on finding the right girl that he wasn't enjoying life! Once he finally stepped back and just tried to make himself happy and have a good time, there she was! He didn't stop looking, just stopped focusing on it. They just celebrated their one year anniversary!
On another note, I made those cupcakes last night and you were right, they are SOOO good!!!
One thing God has been teaching me about waiting is that I was so focused on this one future thing that I was missing out on what was going on in the present. I felt that everything would be "perfect" then, but God reminded me that so many wonderful things were going on already. Plus God's taught me so much in the waiting that I wouldn't have learned if that thing had happened instantly.
I made the Chicken Breast Supreme last night and it was great! The dried beef really added flavor. I love getting recipes from other people, because they make things that I haven't thought of.
"Choosing God's Best" was a great book for me. It talks about courting and the process that help protect us. It also really talks about allowing God to work every area to His Glory so that you can be ready for marraige. Like your money, emotional health, friendships, job, cleaning your house. Stuff like that. I LOVE THIS BOOK BECAUSE IT IS BIBLE BASED AND IS ALL ABOUT HONORING GOD. HAVING A GOD CENTERED LIFE THEN THE GOD CENTERED MARRAIGE!!! AMEN AMEN.
but....from one single gal to another...run as fast as you can to a bible study and let GOD WORK!!!
PRAISE HIM PRAISE HIM
Well of all things...razorback icecream! hilarious!
and, I read Lady In Waiting and it's a great book!!!
That is not Razorback ice cream is it???!!!! NEVER SEEN IT! I can't wait to ask my mom and dad about it. Too, too funny. Made me smile for you and with you!
Hugs Kelly~
Fran
I can't believe there is actually Razorback ice cream. Who would have thought? How lucky these young ladies have you to encourage them!
Kelly,
I had the hardest time being single until I realized that God truly knew what He was doing. There are two very basic truths that I held onto during this time in my life. 1) God sees it ALL - so often single girls wonder what "he" looks like, and what "he" is doing right now and they forget to see what the Lord has for them RIGHT now! Although it might seem like along time until "he" finally makes his entrance, we (women) do not have to constantly wonder what tomorrow holds simple becasue we know who hold tomorrow. We may not see the future but He does...He see today, tomorrow, next week, and next year...He sees our entire lifetime and He knows the story He wrote for us. If we can remember that He really does know it ALL, then it makes the waiting a little easier.
2) WE MUST trust the Lord with our love-life because He has written the greatest love stories on earth! (this was not the easiest concept for me to grasp, but oh the joy when I finally did). My love-life was the one area that I had the hardest time releasing to the Lord. I knew what I wanted, and that was enough for me. It never occured to me that He has actually been the author of all the greatest love stories. All girls love the story of Cinderella, or Romeo and Juliet...all the greatest love stories known, and HE wrote them. Therefore, He will write the perfect lovestory for each of us if we will just give Him the pen, the paper, and the TIME He needs to write it!
Love your blog,
Ashley
I like the australian too! Biggest Loser comes on too...good night for tv! Yeah! I also read Lady in Waiting a long time ago and it really encouraged me to stay strong and become the individual God wanted me to be before he brought someone else into my life. Before you can be who God wants you to be as a couple, you have to be what he wants as a single woman first :) Anways...great post Kelly! Always enjoyable!
Oh how I do love me some Razorback ice cream! Go Hogs!
On a more serious note, how great for you to talk with the young girl from your church. God uses us so often in life to encourage others and what a blessing I'm sure you were.
My advice to my fellow single girls is to read your blog!!! I know I feel better already after reading these comments! I always tell myself to remember what I know. I know God is good, He has a plan for me, HIS timing is perfect, etc. That doesn't mean there are no lonely days, but holding on to these truths help fight through those lonely days!
I went through a horrible relationship before I met my husband. It lasted for years, and it finally ended with the guy getting another girl pregnant. Anyway, 3 weeks after she had the baby, and I was at my lowest point, I met my husband. Looking back, I know that everything happened for a reason. Sometimes you have to experience the worst to recognize and appreciate the best.
Even though you may be ready to meet "Mr. Right", God may be still working on him. In my case, that meant that my husband was getting a divorce and moving to Mississippi. If we would have met 2 years or 2 months earlier, then it would not have worked.
P.S. I'm praying for your twins!
You are such an inspiration to these women! I love to tell my younger sister's friends about how Brad and I met - they all say they will never marry, but I just keep telling them that God's timing is perfect and to keep praying for their future husband!
Kelly,
You have no idea how much I needed to read this. And especially all the comments left by everyone. I'm 31 and single and the ONLY thing I've ever wanted was to be a wife. More than getting the dream job, being a mom or anything else...I want to be a wife. Thank you for reminding me of all the stuff I know down in my heart, but so often push to the back of my mind. Thanks again Kelly! I really needed this :)
You encouragement does so much good to this single girl's heart :)
And yay for friends who know us so well! The flowers are gorgeous and that Razorback ice cream--well that is just love right there :)
Oh, that book was a blessing to me as well - back when I was awaiting my prince! I am just amazed at all the comments and how God works through blogs, books, and simple ordinary people! Please let me know where you end up finding a copy of Lady in Waiting! I have a few single gals that would love it - and would be blessed as well! Love ya already Kelly!!!
HI.....
I'm just stopping by from Jessica's page!!! =)
I will be back...I like what I read...hehehe! I can't wait to cook some chicken tomorrow night...easy and fairly healthy dish you bloged about.....YUMMY!!!
Jeannie
Hey, just wanted you to know we had the chicken supreme tonight and it was GREAT!!! We had it over rice and then I fixed some broccoli. It was so filling, I could only eat 1/2 of the breast! Thanks for the awesome recipe!
I've never tried the Razorback ice cream before but I've seen it in stores. Sounds yummy!
AI was very good! My favorites are David, Jason Castro (dred guy), and Michael Johns (Austrialian). Can't wait to see the girls!
Kelly,
I just went to my blog (that i never update) and saw your comment. You are so sweet! I feel like I know you! You have inspired me to start blogging again. Keep checking back and see if I get that accomplished. We did just move this past weekend so things are kind of hectic but I am really gonna try blogging again!! Keep up the good work and keep up the faith! Melissa~
I am so going to get that book for my cousin. She is almost 40 and never been married. She calls herself a "old maid"...gets so down. I tell her all the time, be patient, when the time is right, it'll happen. I also point out to her she has gotten to do things that people like me, with children do not have the luxury of-to travel the world. I want her to see the wonderful person she is and that she is worth the wait, asnis her mr right. Glad I read this! Thanks!
You've been tagged on my blog! :)
I learned about your blog through Jessica McCash! Woo Pig Chewy is great ice cream--I have to agree!
Just like almost all of the previous comments state, in order to enjoy your life before and probably after marriage (I'm not married yet) you have to realize that the main goal of your life is not to get married.
I have had to learn and relearn that the goal of my life is to glorify God and love him! The right time for me to get married will come when I can love God and others better by being married.
Shhhh...today is the SURPRISE BLOGGY BIRTHDAY PARTY for Kari's 40th birthday...hop on over for a little cake, diet coke, and birthday cheer!!!
blessings,
kijsa
I've said it before and I'll say it again..you do have great friends!
Is Razorback Ice Cream as good as Blue Bell? As for Idol, I really like David.
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