Coffee Date | One
Coffee Dates are inspired by my beautiful friend, Amber Thomas.
If we were on a coffee date, I'd be drinking something iced, because it has been in the 90's in South Carolina in the past few weeks. I'd tell you that summer in the south makes me want to move to Antarctica and never look back.
If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you about all the things I'm learning about my word for 2016. I'd say that I know how silly it sounds, but I can actually feel myself changing. I'd tell you that we took communion at church last night and I remembered the other thing that Emily said happened on Good Friday. So often, we think only on Christ's death, and neglect that our own flesh died with him.
If we were on a coffee date, I would definitely talk about community. God has woven something so beautiful over the last eight months. I'd tell you about how we went to dinner and mini-golfed with two new friends and that the whole night was like an answer to prayer. I'd tell you about how we laughed, and it felt effortless, but then I would add that cultivating community really does take a lot of effort. I'd tell you that no matter what, the effort is worth it.
If we were on a coffee date, I'd tell you that even though my community is growing strong and beautiful, I'm still figuring out how to fully be myself. I posed this question in one of Hannah Brencher's webinars recently. I don't feel like I am being fake in either area, but I often struggle to bring the depth that shows up in my online community into my IRL relationships. Is this something that you feel, too? How do you navigate it?
If we were on a coffee date, I'd be embarrassed to admit that I've only very recently discovered the glory that is Ben Rector. And now I kind of want to quit my job to be his groupie.
If we were on a coffee date, I'd ask if you've read this post by my friend Jess Connolly. And I'd tell you how I literally sobbed through the whole thing and felt like she and I were the only two people in the room.
If we were on a coffee date, I'd ask if you know Jane Johnson. Her writing is absolutely beautiful, and homegirl knows the Word. My favorite post of hers as of late is called "So That It Is Well With Them." Not to mention the posts about how after 10 years of infertility, she took a test and saw TWO PINK LINES! I'm currently knee deep in her 30 day Quiet Time Challenge and I couldn't love it more.
If we were on a coffee date, I'd share my recipe for grape salad, and how it is one of the most delicious things I've ever tasted and I want to eat it everyday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I recently made it for a Memorial Day cook out because it is the easiest potluck dessert ever.
If we were on a coffee date, I'd definitely recommend Hannah Brencher's Craving Series. This girl has helped me light my own fires in a way that no one else on the internet (or maybe even in real life) has. She makes me more hungry for Jesus.
If we were on a coffee date, I'd ask you if you were grieving for Orlando. Because I cannot imagine the heartache and devastation that they are feeling in these moments. This is the hard eucharisteo that Ann talks about. The kind where there are no words because we're just so stunned by the anguish.
If we were on a coffee date, I'd ask about your theology of exercise, and if you've found something that works for you. Lately, I've really felt convicted about how I treat my body. So I've started using an app to track my meals and exercise. I've been doing cardio on an irregular basis, and I'm kind of getting tired of the treadmill. I'd ask what your recommendations are for exercise programs and/or healthy recipes.
If we were on a coffee date, I'd definitely talk about house buying. It is the next step for me and the man, and I am getting so antsy! But adulting is hard, and I honestly don't know much about loans and mortgages and building credit. I'd add that you can find my dream house on Apartment Therapy, if you're curious.
What would you want to share on our coffee date? Amber and I would love it if you would write your own posts and join our table by linking up!