Awesome news! Our series workbook is finally here!!!

Great for personal devos, book clubs with friends, or any kind of small group, the Mr. Right Series Workbook takes you through our three novels, one by one, chapter by chapter. We take a closer look at Julia’s story, discussing the many scenarios and dynamics, seeing what God’s Word has to say about what Julia and her friends face and experience. (Things which all of us can relate to, in one way or another. ; ) You have the chance to dig deeper into Julia’s story and then consider how things are going in your own life.

Springboarding off the characters’ lives, the workbook covers basic things like, How do I develop a genuine relationship with God?, What can I do to stay safe, online and off? What does it mean to be a true friend?  It also explores questions like, What does purity really look like? How can I get past mistakes? What dreams are closest to my heart? How can I stay on track to see my dreams come true?

We’re so excited to hear what you think of this amazing tool we wrote for you!

Please write and tell us what you learned about your story by looking at Julia’s…

Much love,

Lisa

This past weekend, my mom, my oldest daughter, and I had a fantastic time at a convention, meeting teens and parents, sharing about the Mr. Right Series. There were several young women in particular that made the experience so worthwhile. It was great getting to know each of them, listening to them talk about their own dreams and passions.

I couldn’t help but want to make life easier for them, to help them however I could, to  set them up to win as they walked away from my table to face whatever awaited them in life.

Because sometimes the pressures of life can feel heavy, whether that pressure comes from other people’s expectations, our own expectations, or things like Facebook likes, Instagram comments, or magazine covers.

Take a moment to picture a young woman struggling under the weight of a big piece of furniture. No matter how hard she tries, she just can’t budge that dresser to get where she needs to go.

Have you ever seen a professional mover move a big piece of furniture? He wears a special strap around his shoulders that helps to distribute the weight. He slips that strap around the dresser and can easily move it wherever he wants. No problem!

Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NLT)

When life starts to feel heavy, remember that Jesus has given you a strap (His yoke) to help you shoulder responsibilities and move where you need to go. With Him as your teacher, navigating life can become much more easy and light.

Will heavy situations still pop up like that furniture? Yep. That’s life. But with Jesus, you’ll still be able to get where you need to go. No problem!

Love you, beautiful girls!

Lisa

Monday I had an unexpected encounter.

I’m at a park with my kids and suddenly, out of some bushes, bounds a big, scruffy dog (incredibly cute) followed by his owner, a young woman in her 30’s. One of my daughters quickly steps in front of her dog, giving the woman a chance to catch him.

Laughing, we all begin a pleasant conversation, during which I realize I recognize this fresh-faced, lovely dog-walker. She’s an A-list celebrity, and I’m wondering, How is it possible that my world has just intersected hers?

Eventually, her identity is confirmed (as is her reason for being there), and I’m really impressed with how down-to-earth she is, patiently answering my youngest daughter’s many questions and comments (What kind of dog is your dog? How old is he? We have a new dog, a stray named Max, Is yours a stray, too?). She also kindly lingers, making small talk with the parents standing around the focal point in the park that day:  a dead squirrel the kids are lovingly preparing for burial with scattered dandelions.

In that brief 10-minute encounter, this woman showed herself to be very gracious, which brings me to a verse to consider today:

A gracious woman retains honor…Proverbs 11:6a

While I may have appreciated this woman’s beauty and acting skill prior to this meeting, it was how she handled herself in those few minutes that produced a genuine respect for her (whether or not I watch her movies ; ).

So, what do people say about us when we stumble upon them in the park? Or in the mall, at work, or even at church? Would they say we were gracious? That we make them feel respected and valued? Would our words and actions cause us to retain honor?

Because that’s what we want, right? Someone to think to themselves after meeting us, I’m so glad I did!

Food for thought with love,

Lisa

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Watching the Michigan game a few weeks ago (great season BLUE!), I was reminded of my own college days. They don’t feel that long ago—yet it’s been quite a few years already! (YIKES!)

One of my favorite classes my freshman year was my Ethics class. The professor would present contrived scenarios to us students, asking what we would do in those situations. Situations like, if your children were starving to death, would you steal to feed them or let them die because stealing is wrong? You weren’t allowed to give an answer like, I’d pray for an inspired idea to find food or I’d petition God for His divine intervention. (Remember Elijah and the ravens?) Nope. You had to answer a or b and explain why. It was very stressful, but fascinating at the same time, to see how people worked through their reasoning or justified their choices.

One day my professor (who I greatly admired, by the way) referenced a story from the Bible. He explained the dynamics of that story and ended his thoughts with:  I could never serve a God like that!

To my shock and  and dismay, I realized that I actually agreed with him! What he said made total sense to me, and I couldn’t argue with it.

Suddenly, I felt at a crossroads: ditch my belief in God because of this seeming truth OR continue to believe in Him even though I couldn’t counter that argument.

I remember thinking long and hard about it, considering the times I had felt God’s presence, the relationship I had developed with Him, the verses I had read and believed, the ones I had literally seen come true in my life. I had experienced miracles I knew were real. So, what now?

I remember praying, “Lord, like my professor, I don’t understand You in this story. But I know You, and I trust you. If You could someday explain this to me, to help my understanding, that would be great! Either way, however, I know You are real and You have my heart.“

A few years later, my pastor back home did a message on that very story. What he explained completely cleared up that issue for me, and I was so grateful that I didn’t throw away my faith in God over something I couldn’t wrap my mind around at the time.    (Remember our “Soda Can” post?)

Has someone said something to you that has rocked your world a little, caused you to doubt the truth of the Bible or your relationship with God? If so, take heart! Even Thomas, a disciple who actually spent time with Jesus, the miracle-working Son of God, needed reassurance in his faith. (John 20:24-29)

I love Jesus’ reaction to Thomas’ doubt of His resurrection. He didn’t scold him and dub him Doubting Thomas (as we’ve often heard him called). Instead, Jesus went directly to Thomas and addressed his doubt, helping him to believe. Then He encouraged us who would come later, declaring a blessing when we believe in Him without having the opportunity to put our hands on His scars and witness the resurrection with our own eyes.

When doubts come, as they may at some point, in some form or fashion, remind yourself that truth is truth, regardless of what you do or do not understand at a given moment. Be willing to wait, search, and dig a little rather than simply give up your faith. God loves you and is faithful. If you choose to seek Him with your whole heart, He will work with you and help you understand the truth of who He really is.

Have a fabulous week, beautiful girls!

Much love,

Lisa

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Hey, everyone! Hope your week is going well…

Recently, I shared my story of meeting Mr. Right. (Worth the Wait) Could any of you relate to the things I was feeling on my journey?

As promised, here is my mom’s story.   Hers might REALLY surprise you! Let’s just say it involves some eloping, soul searching, and finding love like no other…

Hope our stories remind you that others have gone through the very things you face, that you are not alone…

If you have a moment, comment on this post and share what parts of our stories you liked best!

Praying for you this week!

Much love,

Lisa

In times like these, we are reminded of many things, including:

how valuable and needed our prayers are, to help bring comfort and healing in senseless situations

to continually pray for our nation and for protection from our enemies, whoever they may be.

to treasure all the moments we have with those we love. How often we get offended or sidetracked by things that really don’t matter!

May the One who loves us most bring peace that only He can provide.

Hey, everyone!

Hope you had a fabulous spring break! My family and I did (even though much of it was spent spring cleaning!)

This week I’m sharing  my story of meeting Mr. Right. (It’s been awhile, and I thought those of you new to the blog might enjoy reading it.)

Next week, I’ll post my mom’s story as well.  (Hers might really surprise you! ; )

May reading about our journeys to love encourage you with your own love story (whether you see it yet or not.)

Have a great week, and happy reading!

Much love,

Lisa

We think you’ll love Julia’s story as much as Ericka did!

Click here to check it out… (And then let us know what you think! We’d love to hear from you @info@MrRightSeries.com : )

Have  a great week!

Last weekend I met a woman who raved about her favorite book (seriously, she couldn’t have given a more glowing review), so today I went online to check it out. I found a program that lets you listen to books for free, so I took a few minutes to listen to the first chapter. Like our novels with Julia, the main character is completely honest about what’s going on in her heart. (One of my favorite things about Julia, actually!)

In this novel, the sixteen-year-old main character writes in her journal about scrambling to get ready on time in the morning (her sister probably misplacing her things as usual), her impatience with her mom (who seems to scold a lot), and her impatience with herself (since she’s so well-meaning, yet still fights a bad attitude and makes so many mistakes!) She’s honest about jealously guarding her best friend, being afraid to share her with other girls in class lest she lose that close friendship. She’s extremely candid about her relationship with God being important to her, yet a struggle at times, and she wonders if she’s really loving God the way she deep down wants to…

I found this pretty fascinating, not just because it had a lot of similarities to the Mr. Right Series, but because this book was written in 1869!!!

Sometimes we look back at that time as so much simpler, with less complicated problems. (Hard work? Yes! But there were no mean Facebook comments or embarrassing moments captured on camera.) Yet reading this, I’m reminded that girls are girls, no matter when we were born! We are incredibly complex and often find ourselves wrestling with the inner “stuff,” trying to figure out who we are, who God has created us to be, wondering if we really measure up.

But the truth is you do measure up! Why? Because once you accept Jesus, God sees you through the lens of His perfect Son!

Your Heavenly Father has known you from the very beginning and has created you so beautiful, so valuable, purposely designed with special gifts and talents. He has a plan for your life that will truly amaze you if you’ll trust and let Him lead you into it.

Do we all have our moments of questions, fears, or self-doubt? Absolutely! But that’s why we run to the One who is higher than we are, who really does have everything all figured out!

Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me. The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever…Psalm 138:7-8a

Hope this encourages you today, beautiful girls!

You are so incredibly loved!

Lisa

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When we’re waiting for Mr. Right to come into our life, it can feel like everyone else around us is already “paired” up. Julia certainly felt that way after her break up with Jay. In fact, in novel 2, she and her sister-in-law, Jenny, have a conversation about it. Julia shares her frustrations, and Jenny has some great advice to help her.

At one point Julia says, “I’m really self-conscious because I don’t have a boyfriend. Even though I understand all the reasons why I’m waiting for the right guy, others don’t. When I get back to school in the fall, people might think something’s wrong with me because I don’t have a boyfriend.”

Ever felt that way? See how Jenny responds below:

“Let them, Julia. It’s a waste of time worrying about the opinions of others, especially when those people don’t even care about you. Look around and you’ll see lots of girls who aren’t dating anyone. Remember, you can always find somebody to go out with—especially if you are willing to give him whatever he wants.”  Yet is that the relationship Julia really wants? (Check out their whole conversation in chapter 3 of novel 2, Meeting Mr. Right.)