30 People, Day 31: My Support System

 

Shout-Out to my online girls, my support community, my sisterhood. In all the one in four or one in ten statistics, we are the “ones.”

As we walk the road of miscarriage, a hormonal disorder, and fertility struggles, I’m so grateful to have friends to walk beside who truly understand. Y’all have been a lifesaver on this journey, but even more, you’ve been a highlight of the journey! I thank God for the sweet blessing of friendships that grow out of walking a hard season together.

I haven’t met most of you face-to-face, yet we talk about very personal details of our lives, sharing joys and sorrows, hopes and fears. I can count on you to have a listening ear, speak a word of encouragement, remind me to smile, and pray for me. You are the ones who “get” me, because you’re right where I am.

Thanks for sharing your lives with me in this season.

30 People, Day 30: My Husband

 

Shout-Out to Brett, my handsome, long-awaited husband.

There are two seasons of my life: before you, and with you. Both seasons have been rich in blessings, adventures, grief, and laughter… but I’d way rather be experiencing all of that with you than without.

Waiting for you challenged my faith, grew my patience, and taught me to find my satisfaction in the Lord. You took 27 long years to come to me, and there were many of those waiting days that were heart-wrenchingly lonely. But God always has purpose in our waiting seasons, and I’m so thankful He was keeping my heart safe for you.

And marriage! What an adventure. Life with you is so fun, and I’m always learning something new — whether a skill or fact you teach me, a life lesson we learn together by experience, or some hidden thing about my own personality that marriage illuminates. You’ve given me fresh perspectives on God by loving me in a Christlike way and by living out a Christ-focused life in front of me.

You’ve changed my life in all the best possible ways, and I love you for that and a million other reasons.

Photo Credit: David Payne Photography

30 People, Day 29: Camp Friends, Round 2

 

Shout-Out to the girls who welcomed me in, became my not-just-camp-friends-but-also-lifelong-friends, and made my first year at Echo Ranch wonderful and memorable…. and the subsequent ones pretty great, too!

To Courtney, who texted me nonstop for months before I came to Alaska, making me feel like I already had a friend when I arrived, and who I’ve spent probably hours texting, laughing, and crying with since then.

To Myriah, who became an instant friend, promptly told me what I could and couldn’t wear on my first day at camp, and has kept me laughing ever since.

 

To Chelsea, who didn’t want to be here at first, but I had the privilege of watching God change your mind; who became one of my best friends and then, in a fairy-tale-ish turn of events, became my sister-in-law.

To Reagan and Erin: though we haven’t done great at keeping in touch since camp, you two were vital in my life that first summer, as well! Thanks for modeling Jesus to me so well.

I’m grateful to each one of you ladies for all the memories made and friendships built in our years together, first at camp, and then beyond!

30 People, Day 28: That One Guy

 

Shout-Out to that one guy I met at that conference that one time. I don’t even really remember your name, but I think you were from Canada…? Anyway, we chatted briefly and sat at the same table at lunch that one day, and it was pleasant.

The important thing is what you looked like, because the next day, I saw I guy who I thought was you, so I smiled and said “hey.” As it turned out, it wasn’t you. But it was your look-alike… who happened to be the guy who would end up recruiting me to go work at a camp in Alaska!

And at that camp in Alaska, I met my husband, and we are going on year #6 on staff there, so I think it’s safe to say: what you looked like changed my life. High fives, Canadian guy.

 

Challenge to readers:
Has someone changed your life in a domino-effect kind of way? Tell us about it in the comments! 

30 People, Day 27: The Girl He Loved Instead

 

Shout-Out to her.

The her of all the sad and angry lamenting love songs… the I’m-jealous-of-her, I-hate-her, why-can’t-I-be-her, what-does-he-see-in-her… yeah, that girl.

A shout-out to you, because you stole his heart when I wanted it, but it wasn’t meant for me. You caused me heartache, but you saved me from it, too. That no led me to a bigger and better yes, down the road, and though it crushed me at the time, in hindsight, I can be grateful he loved you instead.

And because the loneliness I felt watching him with you — well, it drove me a little crazy, but it also drove me to my knees to beg God for contentment and patience. I may have spent hours crying over him and wishing he’d never met you. I may or may not have wanted to smash your car at one point. { come on, we all know these situations lead us to crazy thoughts! } But at the same time, the place of prayer and surrender I had to come to — not just once, but every day — was good for me. God was teaching me and growing me through that season of heartbreak.

So, as bitter as it was at the time, I have to say thank you!

 

{ NOTE: This shout-out applies to more than one her. I can think of 3 different girls this applies to, off the top of my head, but there are probably more! }

 

Challenge to readers:
Can you appreciate now someone who caused you heartache in the past, such as the girl your crush liked instead? Share in the comments! 

30 People, Day 26: Lisa the Encourager

 

Shout-Out to Lisa — coworker, friend, professional compliment-er!

You taught me just as much as Alan did about camp ministry and management, as you and I worked side by side in the camp office. You, like he did, believed in me and gave me jobs that were opportunities for stretching and growth. On top of that, you were also a dear friend I enjoyed sharing work and life – and lots of laughs! – with.

But one of the things that made the biggest impact was the way you poured out praise and encouragement. You were never stingy with your compliments – as many of us tend to be – and I often saw you make someone’s day because of it. From me designing a new camp brochure, to Ben cleaning the bunkhouse, to the cashier at Kroger, whoever it was, you’re quick to bring a smile to faces with your generous encouragement. And I was impressed to want to do the same!

 

30 People, Day 25: The Boss

 

Shout-Out to Alan, my old boss at Camp Ba Yo Ca, for taking under your wing a visionary young woman who thought she wanted to be a camp director someday.

You gave me a job and an opportunity to see the world of camp management from the inside. That was huge for me. But you went a step further — you took me to board meetings with you, let me play a part in important decisions, gave me responsibilities that stretched my comfort zone. You simultaneously believed in my big dreams to run a camp, and showed me that it’s not quite as glamorous a job as I imagined.

I learned so much from my job with you, things that I’ve carried into my current camp job and will carry into any ministry or job in the future. Thanks for those valuable lessons! { and also for calling me knuckle-head every single morning. }

30 People, Day 24: Charleston Friends

 

Shout-Out to to Amanda, Kelsey, and Alisha — if I’d just said ‘Charleston Friends,’ you would’ve known I meant you, right? Because we still can’t get together without someone saying, “Remember that time we went to Charleston?” 

We are such an unlikely group of friends, I don’t know how it even happened except that God threw us together and said “You all need each other!” And I guess we did! From the unexpected beginnings of our friendships, to now — we’ve had coffee dates, sleepovers, honest heart-to-hearts, endless inside jokes, prayer sessions, jam sessions, photo sessions, Skype chats, and of course, that one time in Charleston — and each of you has been a dear friend to me.

Thanks for brightening my 20’s… and beyond!

Photo credit: David Payne Photography

30 People, Day 23: Bible Study Girls

 

Shout-Out to Sherri and the rest of the Bible study girls! { y’all know who you are }

Wow — you ladies, our friendships, and our season of studying the Word together were so impactful. I marveled, looking back, because just a couple months before our group came into being, I had written a prayer in my journal, telling God I wanted to pursue knowing Him better. When I’d written it, I had felt like I was embarking on a new journey spiritually…. and as it turned out, I was, and you girls were a huge part of the answer to that prayer! Soon after, I was invited into this new, kinda grassroots Bible study group, experiencing God and learning new depths of His Word every week.

One of the things that stands out in my memory is the vulnerable openness many of you had. I hadn’t experienced much of that before, and certainly hadn’t yet learned to be that way myself { I’m still learning! } . But it was amazing to me, how painfully honest and open each of you were with your hearts and your prayers. Thank you for that.

And thanks for that season in the Word and fellowship together. It was beautiful!

30 People, Day 22: Jenny

 

Shout-Out to Jenny: While you lived, you made everyone’s world a little brighter, and when you died, you made us realize the value of a life lived well, no matter how long.

Though we had fallen out of touch in the last couple of years before your accident, you were still a friend who was much like a little sister. Our childhood sleepovers, birthday parties, and conversations about life, love, and growing up – sweet memories. As a friend a few years older, it was a privilege to share my experiences and advice when you asked for it.

But your biggest impact on me came at your funeral. You had really grown, in those last couple of years, into a kindhearted person who truly loved the people around you. Testimony after testimony shared how you had loved them well, brightened their day, changed their life, with your sunny smile, welcoming nature, and genuine friendship. You made such a difference for so many, in such simple ways, and by that, you made me want to live and love better.

I still sprinkle touches of yellow, your favorite color, throughout my wardrobe and my home, as a reminder – be bright and loving for others, like Jenny was.

30 People, Day 21: Sweet Ruth

 

Shout-Out to Sweet Ruth — When we first met on a missions trip, I didn’t think we’d be friends, but boy was I wrong! A few years later, you moved to the States, and we had one of those awkward “hey-we-should-probably-be-friends-so-let’s-go-to-lunch-and-try-to-get-to-know-each-other-better” lunch dates. The rest is history, as they say. You quickly became one of my dearest friends! I love all the memories we shared over those years.

And to this day, your story still inspires me. During the season of what was probably your worst trial, my faith grew so much as I watched the Lord work on your behalf. When I saw what He did for you, I knew He could do anything! And you have always been so full of faith and peace — even in the face of terrible trials and danger, your trust in the Lord keeps you steady.

Thank you for a beautiful testimony of walking by faith…. and for a fun, adventurous, and encouraging friendship!

Challenge to readers:
Is there someone who, as you’ve observed their testimony of faith lived out, your faith has been strengthened? Share in the comments – and be sure to share it with them, too. It will encourage them to know that their story helped you! 

30 People, Day 20: My Campers

 

Shout-Out to the girls who stretched my faith and my comfort zone, further than I knew they could be stretched. The girls who asked me hard questions, who shared with me the deep heartaches you’d experienced in your young lives, who expressed a love for learning the Word of God, and who I told to “get your shoes on; it’s time to go” approximately twelve times a day.

My campers, you were all precious to me, and I was grateful for the chance to {hopefully} positively influence and pour some love into each one of your lives.

It was a growing experience, for sure. I was still learning who God is and what I believe; still figuring out the person I was becoming. And to be entrusted with your young, searching hearts for five days of camp was a huge responsibility and honor. So yes, you stretched me further than I’d been stretched before. You made me a leader. You made me want to be a better Christ-follower. You made me laugh my head off and you made me search God’s Word for answers. You, collectively, changed my life.

Challenge to readers:
Have you had a leadership opportunity that changed your life? How did those you led have an impact on you? 

30 People, Day 19: "Mama Kim"

 

Shout-Out to ‘Mama Kim’ for your example of hospitality. Each Monday night, a loud group of young adults piled into your living room, energetic and hungry, and you never failed to feed us well. As your husband led our Bible study, your role was in the kitchen, preparing loads of delicious food for us.

It’s evident that cooking, serving, and being hospitable are your God-given gifts, and we – that group of college kids – were so grateful you shared that with us. But beyond that, your example inspired me to want to be hospitable like that with my own home. Whether it’s a gang of kids for a Bible study, or simply our own group of friends, I always want to be able to open my doors, my arms, and my oven to make people feel welcome. Thanks for that inspiration.

 

Challenge to readers:
Give a shout-out to someone who always makes you feel extra-welcomed and loved in their home. 

30 People, Day 18: A Man Who Prayed

 

Shout-Out to Alan, who sat in front of my family at church, helped lead the college & career small group I attended, and who really, truly cared.

What I appreciated the most was that when you asked how someone was doing, you actually wanted to know, really took time to stop and listen. And when I – or anyone – needed prayer, you prayed, right then and there.

I think you must have been the first person I knew to do that, because it really had an impact on me. This many years later, I probably don’t remember any of the lessons you taught at small group, but I remember your heart… and that you prayed. Thank you.

 

Challenge to readers:
If there has been someone in your life who stands out as truly caring and actively praying, be sure to thank them for it! 

30 People, Day 17: Miss Fran

 

Shout-Out to Miss Fran – you taught me a lot about life, joy, love, what’s really important, and what kind of old lady I want to be. Through our many hours of visits at your retirement home, later the nursing home, and finally on the hospital bed where you left this world to meet Jesus, I saw a lady who minimized her struggles and simply loved people and enjoyed life. Though your husband was gone, you had no children, and your eyesight had nearly left you, you always found something to be grateful for, and you loved to love on people. You’re an inspiration and an example.

 

Challenge to readers:
In the comments below, tell us about an older person who has inspired you. 

30 People, Day 16: Camp Friends

 

Shout-Out to Leslie and Rachel, the two who helped me survive my first-ever week of camp counseling.

It started at Counselor Orientation; we were in a cabin together, and our whole cabin group was such an encouragement to me. Up to that point in life, I had never sat and had a deep, spiritual conversation with someone I barely knew. That aspect of the training week was a huge life milestone for me.

Then came my first week of counseling a cabin — and boy, that cabin was a handful! I was unprepared for what I encountered, and a lot of tears were shed that week. The two of you were lifesavers, encouragers, uplifters. You left notes on my bunk and gave hugs when I was weak.

Thank you for helping me power through that difficult week, because that was the beginning of God calling me into full-time camp ministry. You made a lasting difference I will always appreciate.

Challenge to readers: 
Who was a friend who helped you through something challenging, just by being there and being an encouragement? Let them know their support was appreciated!

30 People, Day 15: Youth Group Welcomers

 

Shout-Out to Bethany and Candace: two girls who welcomed a misfit teen homeschooler into youth group with open arms. I’m ever so grateful!

After growing up in a small home church where most of the kids were younger than me and at least half were homeschooled, I was quite nervous about attending a youth group for the first time. I was seventeen, sheltered from the world, and had no idea how to dress stylishly.

The two of you were the first people I met. You were so friendly, invited me to join your Sunday School small group, introduced me to others, and it wasn’t just a welcoming committee thing – you continued to be my friends for weeks and months after that. As I met more people and figured out how to fit into the group, it was so nice to have familiar friends around whom I’d known from the start. Thank you for opening your arms and heart to welcome me in as a friend.

 

Challenge to readers:
Was there ever someone who made you feel welcome somewhere you felt out-of-place? It makes a big difference! Today, reach out and let them know their kindness was appreciated. 

30 People, Day 14: Pastor Jeff

 

Shout-Out to Pastor Jeff, for all I learned in the season under your leadership. I had a pretty poor attitude about moving from a small home church to a traditional Baptist church when my family made that change, but God knew that’s right where I needed to be. So I thank you…

• For teaching us about revival and to pray for big things.
• For leading mission trips to Guatemala that broadened my view of the world and launched me into pursuing full-time missions.
• For not being afraid to say hard things from the pulpit.
• For being open to “new” forms of worship such as a dance team, that allowed me to use God-given gifts to lead in worship.
• For shepherding a church, for a season, under which I grew tremendously in my walk with the Lord. I will always appreciate your leadership as my pastor during that time.

 

Challenge to readers:
October is Pastor Appreciation Month, so I encourage you to take the time to reach out and let your church leaders – past and present – know how much you appreciate their spiritual leadership and support! 

30 People, Day 13: Penny

 

Shout-Out to Penny, the first adult friend who treated me like an adult. I was a young teenager in a very small church, the only girl my own age and uncomfortably stuck between the kids and the grown-ups. Feeling too old and mature to be with the children, and seen by the adults as a “sweet young lady” but not yet old enough to be accepted into their circles, I was always feeling out of place, and that made church kinda rough.

You were the one adult in church who reached out to me, not as one of the kids, but as a friend. You were willing to listen to me share my heart, to give advice, and even to share with me what the Lord was teaching you. You treated me like a real, grown-up friend, and I appreciated that more than you know. Thanks for your acceptance, friendship, and investment into my life.

 

Challenge to readers:
Who was someone who helped you make the transition from childhood to adulthood, someone who kindly welcomed you into growing up? 

30 People, Day 12: The Mean Girls

 

Shout-Out to the mean girls sprinkled throughout my years.

We all encounter them from time to time; we’ve all suffered their cattiness; we can all remember how they made us feel — those who teased us, ridiculed us, left us out.

A shout-out to you because you were a necessary part of growing up. Because your meanness hurt at the time, but did no lasting damage. Because the scars you inflicted healed up and became memories, and made me stronger in the process.

I hope the same is true for you.

 

Challenge to readers:
Can you look back and appreciate the growth caused by someone who was less-than-nice to you? Give a shout-out in the comments below, if you’d like. 

30 People, Day 11: My First Real Friend

 

Shout-Out to Lindsey, who I consider my first “real friend.” By real, I don’t mean that my prior friends were imaginary, but that you were the first friend with whom I talked about real life stuff, where our friendship went beyond playdates and childish things.

I struggled, through the middle school years, with wanting what I thought was a “true friend,” and there were very specific qualifications in my head for what that meant. While I bemoaned this ideal friend’s lack of existence, one winter you sent me one of those fun little Valentine’s Day cards and on it you had written, “Thanks for being a true friend.” And I realized God had already given me what I was asking for!

So thank you for showing me what real friendship looks like, through all the sleepovers, homeschool trips, and True Love Waits events. All the way from your mom asking if you could come to my birthday party (that will never stop being funny), to being at each other’s weddings, and beyond, I appreciate having you as a friend.

Challenge to readers:
Who was the first friend in your childhood who was a REAL friend? Give a shout-out below. 

 

30 People, Day 10: My Sisters

 

Shout-Out to my sisters: Briana, Marissa, Daniella – the three girls I grew up with, the three I share more memories and inside jokes with than anyone else in the world! I bring you in later to this in-order-of-appearance series because, though one of you was in my life from almost the beginning, two of you came a bit later… and my world got ten times better when you did!

We grew up like the story of Little Women, complete with silly fights, bedroom sleepovers, teasing about someone’s latest crush, and dramatic performances in elaborate costumes. It was magical, and I wouldn’t change growing up as four little women for anything in the world. “Big sister” is part of my identity, and the three of you own a lot of space in my heart.

Thanks for 28 years of sisterhood, and bright shiny memories I’ll never forget!

Challenge to readers:
Shout-out to your siblings in the comments below! Be sure to tell them how much you love them and appreciate the life you’ve shared.  

30 People, Day 9: The Kenya Missionary

 

Shout-Out to Cyndy, the missionary who introduced me to Kenya. I’ll bet you never expected that your slideshow presentation to a Wednesday night church class of 4th grade girls would birth – in one of those girls – a life calling and passion for missions. But it did. I went home that night and told my parents that I wanted to be a missionary in Africa, and that wasn’t a passing whim. It remained, and it grew, until about fourteen years later when it culminated in me joining you on a plane, bound for a month in Kenya – a land I hadn’t seen but already loved.

That trip was life-shaking, and the next one was incredible, too. What an impact on my heart and on my worldview… to see poverty, to hug orphans, to meet face-to-face the sisters I only knew through years of handwritten letters.

Thanks for being obedient to the ministry God placed you in, and for being faithful in such small things as sharing a slideshow with a class of little girls. Maybe some weren’t paying attention… but I was.

30 People, Day 8: My Ballet Heroine

 

Shout-Out to my ballet heroine — the older Ashley, under whom I became known to the whole dance studio as “Little Ashley.” I didn’t mind the nickname, though, because you were the role model I looked up to.

Thank you for being so kind, as a high school junior, to a ten-year-old little girl who idolized you. Your welcoming smile and “Hi Little Ashley!” made me feel accepted and valuable. Yes, I loved watching you dance, and dreamed of being as good a ballerina as you were, but more than that, I appreciated how sweet you always were to me.

Because you probably never knew it, but to an awkward tween girl figuring out who she was, the acceptance and kindness of her heroine was empowering. So thanks for all the smiles.

 

Challenge to readers:
Was there someone you looked up to as a child, a role model who had a positive impact on you? Give them a shout-out in the comments below. 

30 People, Day 7: Miss Elizabeth

 

Shout-Out to my ballet teacher, “Miss Elizabeth.” Outside of family, you were one of the earliest and longest-term influences in my young life. From once-a-week lessons starting at age 3, to being invited to join the competition team at age 9, to countless hours spent at the studio until age 19 — you were absolutely an important part of my growing up. A whole lot of my learning about real life, developing social skills, and figuring out what I believe in, happened on that dance floor and around those wooden barres.

Ballet is part of who I am, and I can’t imagine my childhood without it. Thank you for training me not only to dance, but to love it.

Challenge to readers:
Did you have a teacher or coach who was influential in your life? Give them a shout-out and let them know how important they were to you!