Connecting

I cannot begin to count how many times the word "connecting" has come up in the past week or so!

I blogged last week about the friendship Christy and I share, and then Lisa Whelchel spoke at our church on Mother's Day about friendships for women. Since then, I have heard again and again that women are lonely, longing for friends, wanting connection.

As I spent time with Lisa and talked to women waiting in line to meet her on Mother's Day, I saw so many women with tears in their eyes and heard so many comments about wanting close friendship with other women.

 

(I loved getting to meet her in person. She endorsed Living Simply for me when it came out, but this is the first time I met her face to face. I also had the opportunity to meet her entire family--hi all!)

Toben and I have been talking about it a lot too. Because it's not just women, it's couples who long for connection too. And as we think about twoignite, the marriage ministry at our church, one of the things we've been talking about is how to foster connection. How to encourage couples to connect with each other. Planning events is fun, but I'm starting to think that couples need time just to talk without an agenda in order to connect. So we've planned something fun to provide just that in June--and I'm so excited about it.

And I think women need space to connect too. I love, love women's Bible study--don't get me wrong. But I think women also need time and space to connect where there's no agenda beyond just hanging out and getting to know each other.

I've been thinking a bunch about the Wednesday mornings I used to host back when we lived in San Diego. And missing that time. And as Toben and I have talked, I've decided to start doing something similar again. (Without the knitting. Since I don't have any of my knitting stuff here in Arizona.)

(You can read bits and pieces about those Wednesday mornings with what Toben dubbed "the knittin' yahoos" here and here and here.)

So for any of you I know in person--or who live close enough to meet in person--let's have coffee at The Coffee Shop next door to Joe's Farm Grill in Agritopia on Wednesday, May 26 from 1-2:30 p.m. Just hang out, maybe have a cookie or a piece of pie, and chat. 

If you want more information, check out my Facebook profile page. I posted it as an event there too.

And as for couples connecting, Toben and I have something fun up our sleeve for the summer. But that's a post for another day.

I'll end by saying that Audrey and Emma were super excited to meet Lisa Whelchel too. They've watched lots of The Facts of Life on Hulu and so they were totally ready to meet "Blair" in person.

 

 

Okay, that's it for today. Went a little link-y crazy. Enjoy the rest of your Saturday!

 
 

Comments

[Holly @ Crownlaiddown]

Really fun! I love Lisa!

Also, I remember learning to knit at your house...I wish I could rewind the time and spend it there again. What a sweet time!! (maybe even twice?) And you bought a Beth Moore ticket for me...I'm still thankful. I feel it well-ing up right this second!

Love you, friend!! Enjoy the time!!!
Holly

[Chrissy Gunning]

Joanne
This topic is very close to my heart.. it is something that has been hitting me so much lately. I am so thankful that I could meet so many new sisters on the AWI Marriage One chat and connecting on FB.
I so wish I lived closer so I could come to your Coffee Wednesday on May 26...
I will be there in spirit:)

Chrissy

[Eveline]

This is a lovely and great topic a wish I lived close too you.Like Chrissy said I will be ther in spirit too:).
Do you miss Knit? Nice shirt ( blouse)
Do you make it your self? sorry for my english writing it its not my cup off tea!

Greatings Eveline from the netherlands

[angela]

Can't wait to read more about your connecting friendships -- wish I was closer to attend coffee. Maybe it's time that I start something like that. Completely envious that you met Lisa and I love that your girls are watching The Facts of Life... one of my favorites!

[Marla F.]

So true and so hard especially when you make the transition from single to married. Then add on top of that you and your husband attend the church that you have been attending and developed friends in for years prior. Trying to connect is one of the hardest things we have had to do together. Once we had kids it was a bit easier since you now have something in common with some of the other married couples, something that is easy to find out and not have to "work" at it.

[Christina]

Wow- I wish i lived closer to you. I have some close friends that I have had for years but long for more- especially Christian ones! If you ever do this in CO- I will be there. Blessings to you and your family.

[No.17 CherryTreeLane]

You are so right-connecting is so important and essential. SO important.