Feel That Tug?!

Do you ever have days your heart is so heavy for another person you feel their pain?  What about feeling so heavy for another yet you have no idea why? You just wake up feeling a pull toward them or a curiosity about their well-being. Unexplainable.  Just something deep down in your gut.

This morning is one of those mornings.  A person, so heavy on my heart it hurts.  And I have no idea why.  Just a pull, a pain, a tug toward loving them at that particular moment.

I always try to listen to those tugs.  To call or text that person and tell them you are thinking of them. Or you love them. Or whatever that nagging feeling might be.

Is anyone tugging at you today? Anyone you can bless with a pick me up message?  An "I Love you"?

My Kitchen is A Complete Wreck...And I Couldn't be Happier.

For the last few days I have been flying around the house prepping it just so.  Tweaking each and every little detail until I felt it was just right.  Cleaning every nook and cranny, wrapping up long lost projects that sat staring at me for months, putting on the perfect soft music and lighting the yummy scented candles. 

And now, it is all a complete mess.  Dishes piled head high in the sink.  Kids playroom thoroughly "played" in.  Cups and plates strewn across the backyard. Dirt tracked through the kitchen. Furniture moved and misplaced.

...And I'm just all smiles.

Last night I hosted a small group/bible study in my home for the first time.  Over the last few weeks I would sit in church listening to the Pastor boast about becoming a small group host and what a blessing it would be.  All I know is that every time the subject came up, this feeling just washed over me. Tugged at my heart.  So, I took baby steps.  Went to an orientation...Asked 1 friend if she would commit to joining (assuming she would be the ONLY friend joining!...sat on my hands a while trying to think of excuses why I shouldn't go through with it...then just jumped in.  Send out tons of invites and decided I was to be obedient and fully immerse myself in this experience.

I got so excited each time someone would RSVP that they were coming.  Could it be that people actually think I can pull this off?!  Oh my.  Pressure.  But it was an exciting pressure.  One that propelled me forward, encouraged me.

As people began to show up my insecurities decided to peek out and make me doubt ...oh goodness, they are going to laugh at how small my house is...I wonder if they realize how slanted the foundation is in here...are they wishing they had chosen a different group? I just decided to knock off the self trash talkin' and welcome each individual with a hug and a smile. 

7 adults and 7 children made their way through my doors last night.  Most people did not know each other prior to our meeting. One of our guests was Deaf and another Hard of Hearing. I was nervous to see how or if everyone could blend.  Would our Deaf guest feel left out?  Would our hearing guests be uncomfortable? Little did I have to worry...God was in this place...and we busted down the language barriers. 

Each and every one of us took our turns laughing, joking, sharing and just enjoying each other.  Connecting.  It was a beautiful sight.  I couldn't believe I almost turned away from this commitment.

At the conclusion of our evening together the dynamic had shifted.  We had officially gelled.  We became a mini community. I was honored to share my home with these new friends.

So, now I am off to (for the first time ever) clean up my mess of a house...with a smile.  This home is built for love.  And love happened here last night.

Small house...Big Heart...Plenty of Room.  Come on in.

"Toss My Salad, I Won!!!"

Yep. Quote of the evening.  A delightfully awkward evening.

I've been attempting to embrace the "Why Not?!" attitude in this little life and do things that make for better stories. Tonight, that paid off.

A girlfriend of mine invited me to a "Romance Party" at her place this evening... not knowing what to expect I threw on my Why Not Hat, grabbed three girlfriends to ease the potential awkwardness and off we went!

To be honest, I expected the worst and hoped for the best. I imagined a crusty old lady waving a vibrating something-or-other telling all kinds of icky stories about her intimate life causing me to throw up a little in my mouth. Enticing.

We walked in trying to put on our "I'm totally cool and comfortable" faces and introduced ourselves to about 10 other women.  All I could think of was "Ok, we are going to have a crash course in the getting to know you department! Are you a closet freaky freak?!"  I couldn't help but giggle and blush when I saw the 65+ something lady that looked like she came straight from her Bunko or Bible Study sitting happily at the table next to a decorative whip. (She ended up being the 'wave the freaky flag' kinda gal! It was knee slapping, gut busting entertainment!)

I sat there trying to control my laughter tears as an absolutely wonderful, giggly girls night unfolded. It was classy, intimate, and hilarious. I had a calming moment as I looked around at all of these married women (I was the only single chick) who were suffering in the intimacy department with their husbands and needing a little boost to remember to enjoy their marriages and loved one. Women who were complaining of intimacy and boasting how much they despised it or even sharing tricks on how to decieve their husbands into thinking they were asleep were now rejuvenated...looking forward to opening up their bodies and hearts once again. Watching their negativity transform into excitement and joy was pretty amazing, believe it or not. There are some happy hubbies in North Georgia tonight, folks!

All in all this night was ridiculous and awesome. More friends are planning more parties and I can't wait to contribute to the silly games and awkward moments.  Slightly out of your comfy zone can be a funky fun place.

Say yes to something alittle whacky next time you are invited... Or maybe face a fear that has been snickering at you...As long as you are in healthy boundaries, try putting on your Why Not Hat and living a bit out of the box.

Have you done anything a little out of your comfy zone and went home with a smile?  Share it below, I would LOVE to hear!

Put in a little funky hop in your step, friends!