Showing posts with label friendships. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friendships. Show all posts

my neighbor.

 photo IMG_20140323_094610_zpsipx6rzi1.jpg
i have this neighbor.

her kids and mine are relatively the same age, and from day one they've hit it off. they play together almost everyday and of course go to the same school together.

she and i have had some conversations outside while the kids play, but never really deep enough. just the casual. how are the kids, this weather is great, just scratching the surface.

i do remember one of the first conversations we had, she opened up to me and honestly caught me off guard. this woman whom i hadn't really engaged with opened up about her life. and at that point, i was only able to offer a few words of encouragement. and that was that.

since then, which easily was about three or four years ago, our acquaintance has not become anything else but that. until recently, i have felt a nudge to reach out to her. to get to know her. her story.

but i'm a little hesitant. not because i don't want to, i'm not sure how.

see, i've never really been good at putting myself out there. i've always been comfortable behind my front door. minding my own business. and so i think?

what if it gets messy? what if some boundaries are crossed? i mean, we live right next to each other for crying out loud! what if something doesn't go right?

but then....

what if it does? what if we find in each other encouragement, someone to lend out a helping hand to?
what if we find a new friend that we can trust?
what if i am able through that share my testimony and my story and listen to hers more?

i'm a little scared. i know it sounds silly, when i'm just offering friendship. but to this introvert, it's a whole new step. yet i'm reminded that this year i was led to choose the word selfless, and in this situation, i need to see beyond my uncomfort and step out into something new, knowing God will be leading me.

how do you usually try to connect with new women or new friends?



someone for you to meet.

i think i have mentioned a time or two here before that i love blogging. if not, let me tell you, i heart it a lot.
what i never really thought i would gain from blogging would be friendships. not just the 'hey girl, that's a cute shirt.' friendships but 'heart to heart' talks friendships.

today i just wanted to take the time to introduce you, in case you don't know her already, to a fabulous woman who also has a beautiful heart.

meet Shannon from imperfectly, perfect grace.


you can tell how genuine she is from reading her blog. it's such a positive place where she reminds us to be thankful and to understand the importance of love. her love for her little guy, who is adorable and so funny with his dress up skills (really, check them out here. i died laughing), and for her husband is so transparent. each time i read her posts on her two main guys, it makes me want to run to my crew and squeeze them so, so tight. 
many times i find myself nodding as i read what she has to say because she holds true to the Lord's word and strives to walk like Him.
it's too bad we live states apart. this girl here and i share similarities in our stories and don't believe for one second that i encountered her blog out of coincidence. 
i mean, think about it for a minute. the fact that someone in another part of the country whom you haven't physically met is praying for you, is powerful and so awesome!
this is the number one reason why i love writing in this little space so much. being able to meet so many of you  beautiful women inside and out and share our stories and encourage each other although miles apart is such an amazing experience. thank you to all of you who are so motivating and leave encouraging words. 

so go and meet Shannon. I promise you'll love her blog and most importantly her! 

 photo siggie_zpsf7137529.jpg