Can't Think of a Better Combo

There are two writers that have become my absolute favorite over the last 13 years of my Christian walk. Not only have I cherished their writings and their love for the Lord, but without knowing it, they have become like family to me. I have read almost every Francine Rivers book she has written, and Beth Moore (there are no words) is simply my cheerleader. Since God happens to be in the business of giving us our heart's desires, He decided to bring these two special ladies together just 3 1/2 hours away from my home for me to go and meet. They had a Texas Book Signing Tour to promote their latest books and what a treat it was! My sis, my mom and I drove to Houston, Texas and spent a day shopping, eating and having fun and then went early the next morning to get in line to meet the special women. As we were all standing and waiting (two of my aunts had joined in with us), we saw Beth's daughter Amanda who came and talked with us for awhile. What a fun, and beautiful young lady!

As I made my way to Francine Rivers first, I was immediately struck by her kind, quiet and gentle nature. She was just as I imagined she would be. She was gracious and allowed me to pour on the compliments of how much I loved her books, and she shared how much personal family history went into her new book. I cannot wait to dive into "Her Mother's Hope", my signed book!
Now as I walked up to the table to meet Beth, I kept telling myself, "Don't cry, don't act like a stalker, and don't let her see how crazy you are about her." Well unfortunately, I did all of the above. I cried the second our eyes met. The first words of out of my silly mouth were, "You have no idea how much your bible studies have meant to me." From then on, I could not stop. I shared with her how I started doing her studies 12 years ago, and then started teaching them in my home about 5 years ago, and ever since then, her studies have done more in my walk with God than any other resources besides the Bible. I told her how much I loved her and how much I want to be the same encouraging kind of person to all the ladies in my church. I will never forget the way she grabbed me and gave me a big hug and said, "Keep doing what you are doing. I am so proud of you." We talked more, took pictures, had a big family pow wow with her, and she said, "She wished she could just come have breakfast with us all." She was everything I knew she would be, and more! The thing I absolutely love most is that she was so real, someone who loves the Lord, knows she is nothing without the Lord, and that she loves to see women come to know her God in a personal and real way. THAT is the kind of woman I want to be!

Seeing these two awesome women in person, has only made me want to continue writing and trusting the Lord with the plans He has laid in my heart. I don't know how or when God wants me to step out more, but I know that these women are two great representations of what God can do in those who follow Him wholeheartedly.

Me with Francine Rivers

Me and Beth Moore

This Is Jack

As you can see above, our family has a new addition. He is our miniature polar bear that absolutely melts my heart, but also drives me crazy too. He isn't actually a real polar bear, but instead a border collie/Aussie mix. We are deep in the trenches of house breaking and teaching him not chew everything in sight. I haven't slept much, but it is worth it to see the joy he brings to my children each day. Okay, if truth be known, he brings his mama many smiles too... EXCEPT when he is chewing my shoes and nipping at my heels for fun. Hopefully I'll have something more profound to say in the coming posts, but for now my life is all about Jack.