Weekend in Dallas after Two Months Away

Kentucky Update 3rd Edition

(This was written May 5th, 2011 - So it may seem a little back dated.)

Let’s see what has happened since my last message: William & Kate were Married, Devastation in the South by Tornado, Osama is Dead, and oh the mightly Ohio & Mississippi Rivers are rising.  The last one has effected Louisville, we have had record amounts of Rain which makes me miss Dallas that much more but onward.

As many know this coming Saturday will be the Kentucky Derby; which is what Louisville is famous for. It’s amazing to see how much the City really does Idolize all the events ramping up to it. But I could care less about the Derby because I am more excited about my First Weekend Trip back to Dallas. This weekend will be a nice reunion for me and full of a lot of Joy – plus the further you read into the message you will see my excitement and anticipation build for this weekend and It may have to do with a certain “Mystery Man” from the last email.

What’s New – The Highlights;

·         GE: A Mile A Minute: The days of an easy transition at work are over. I have come to experience the busy time at HQ when my White Board is full of Tasks and Deadlines. I am coming to realize now why this position is considered a “Senior Band” level; because it is high performance, focused on equipping the sales force for excellence, and managing the fire drills that happen. I go home some nights with my brain pretty tried from being so engaged and stimulated; it’s a big change from my role in Dallas. My Monday’s literally consist of one Staff Meeting to the next where I have to report out what I am doing; I am still a little intimidated by this because I am the young one on the Team. I am learning how to Push Back more and to really not get taken advantage of in an essence. God reminds me every day to depend not on my own strength but to trust him to direct my days at work. And He always answers. Please continue to pray specifically for the relationships I am building here and how I can really be a light in this dark place; it is challenging. But I am working at being intentional with co-workers.

·         Sojourn Community Church; I have gotten involved on Wednesday Nights with a Women’s Bible Study through the Book of James. There are only about 10 people who attend it which is really nice that it’s a lot smaller. There are 3 girls who have been pursuing me pretty intentional that are in it and I am really enjoying growing deeper with these women. And it’s been good to study James again; the Lord continues to reveal the application to this Season of Life that I am in. My eyes have been pointed to Trust God in the Tests, to focus on the Eternal Perspective, to Pray with Confidence and not as Double Minded without Faith, and to Continue to Persevere with the process.

·         Community; The Lord has really answered my Prayer for this in Louisville. It’s been really fun to continue to reconnect and deepen friendships as well as build new. I don’t feel like I am “New” again anymore but I feel like I can be more of a Host. This past weekend I had a lot of Fun with some great people. Friday night I spent time with Christa & Mandy; dinner and went to see a good friend of mine, Dave Moisan’s Band play. Saturday Night I had dinner and got to build on a friendship with Amanda, afterwards met several good friends at a Party the “Seminary Guys” were hosting (Seminary Parties are Very Interesting – I had one buy myth by my job at GE). And then on Sunday church and went to an Old Friends House for a “Thirty one” party. It was fun to see Whitney, because I actually fixed her and her husband up on a double date in 2007 and the rest is history. Needless to say there is a lot of evidence and fruit of what God has provided. One of the funniest things was on Good Friday, I was at the Sojourn Hymn Night; where I jokingly said I would no one, and obviously I ran into so many friends from High school & Youth group, College/CRU, plus post College. It was fun to see how my worlds combine.

·         Family: Please Continue to pray for my Sister’s Future Job and where her and her fiancé will live post the wedding (July 16^th). She officially graduates on May 14^th and we will be back living under the same roof for about two months. This will be lots of FUN. My parents are too much fun; and I am really enjoying my time with them.

·         The one you have been Waiting on, “Mystery Man”: This one is a funny story. I have a dear friend in Louisville whom for over a year has been wanting to try Eharmony but wouldn’t do it unless someone would do it with her. Thus she had been trying to rally me; about a month ago I figured I would encourage her in the efforts because the price was half price. So needless to say, I am on it with no expectations and kind of as a joke. I get paired up with about 800 men and out of those 1 raises up; he looked someone familiar to me and I was really impressed by his heart for the Lord and such conveyed on his profile. Needless to say we went through the steps, started emailing Novels to each other on a Daily basis for about two weeks and really growing in communication and friendship. We laughing said, “we had nothing to lose, worst case scenario we don’t like what each other has to offer”. The more we emailed, the more we each became really impressed and intrigued by each other’s heart for the Lord, passion for life, and what makes each one of us. We graduated to talking on the phone (about two weeks ago); the first night talked for 5 hours but it felt like a hour. The funny thing is he is very involved at Watermark and we literally have been at all the same places and parties a countless number of times. We laugh to think about how God finally introduced us; and what’s even funnier is all our mutual friends have all been like “Why didn’t I think to introduce you two, because it makes so much sense”. We have our first date this Friday in Dallas; and we both can’t wait to actually spend time together not on the phone or over email. And what’s really fun is I have a business trip to Dallas on May 16 – 18^th; so I will be in town pretty quickly.

·         So His Name is Kyle: I figured post the story you may want a little bit more. Kyle is 26 from Orlando, Florida and owns Robert David Pearls (yep that’s right he sells Pearls). After spending two years at Vandy, then finishing up at Baylor he moved back to FL to work for his Dad in Real Estate; then after a couple endeavors and a hard season he ends up spending a Summer in China as a Missionary where the Lord stumbles him upon Pearls. He moves to Dallas to start Seminary and build up his Company. At that point gets really involved at Watermark with Serving with the Young Adults. He now serves with Wake. He is dynamic, His testimony is Beautiful, and he has been 100% intentional but good about taking Us one Step at a Time. What I really love is that I don’t have to question Him, nor am I questioning where we stand; but my heart is Guarded in Christ and I know his Goal is to Honor me because he Fears the Lord far more. The fun thing is our parents are actually already involved and have been able to watch the process; which I appreciate because I appreciate their wisdom and support. Just a glimpse of Kyle for you. Plus I came home yesterday to a surprise at my front door; Kyle had solicited the help of two girlfriends to get my address and favorite type of flowers. I had flowers with a note that said, “ I can’t wait to see you on Friday”.

Lots of Love and Thanks for your Prayers