Tuesday, March 12, 2013

{Make Friends} Conversation Starters

I have always enjoyed meeting new people, but it wasn't until I heard Fred Smith say that his hobby was "making conversation" that I realized it was mine, too.  Before this epiphany, I would often stare at the blank on the application form asking me to list my hobbies. 
I didn't knit or ride a bike, but I could talk.
Hobbies are great, because they start with something you love, then compel you to improve at it.  Making conversation is no exception.
Talking about the weather isn't enough for a talker, and talking isn't for the faint of heart. 
It takes courage to talk to a stranger, a teenager,  a grieving widow, a friend in crisis, or someone who has done you wrong.  Talking to people is risky, unpredictable business.  You risk being misunderstood, fumbling your words, or discovering after you walk away that you have spinach in your teeth.  It requires dealing with conflict, making the hard phone call, and saying you're sorry... a lot.


When you consider the complexity of making conversation, hobbies like skydiving and bungee jumping look like a breeze!  But the investment of yourself in the lives of others is worth it.  For some, it comes naturally, for others, it is more difficult.  But anyone who wants to live a deep and meaningful life, must learn to talk to people.  When I saw these strangers on the street sitting in a ball pit working to get to know one another, I was encouraged to keep working at my hobby.  
What JOY it is to make new friends!
{If you're reading via email, you can play the video HERE.}
And if you need a few questions to help you get the conversation started, visit Humor that Works and get their list.  
Here are a few of my favorites:

Have you ever had something happen to you that you thought was bad but it 
turned out to be for the best?
What was one of the best parties you’ve ever been to?
What was the last movie, TV show or book that made you cry or tear up?
What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?
What did you do growing up that got you into trouble?
What’s the best/worst gift you’ve ever given/received?
What do you miss most about being a kid?
What is your first memory of being really excited?
What was the first thing you bought with your own money?
When was the last time you were nervous?
What is something you learned in the last week?
What story does your family always tell about you?



Saturday, March 2, 2013

{Bridal Luncheon} The details and meaning of the day.

We spent the day honoring our sweet friend, Jenna, yesterday~  
She is getting married tonight!  
A few of the neighborhood ladies hosted a bridesmaid's luncheon for her at Sfuzzi's in Las Colinas.  They have a pretty private room, perfect for parties like this.  
I wanted to share a few sweet things I took away from the event with you...

The incredible power of a mother's words. 

Mary, the emotional mother of the bride regained her composure when her youngest daughter, Amy, took her hand, infusing strength and composure into her heart. She then spoke unconditional love and pride over her soon-to-be-married daughter. 
It was the perfect example of words that bring life, and you could see the impact it had on Jenna when she dabbed the tears from her eyes.
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue" Proverbs 18:21

Let the generations be blessed!

Little Sophia, the flower girl, was all eyes and ears.  She stood by the bride and drank in every word.  Then I met Jenna's aunt, Mary Lawrence. I couldn't help but consider the profound impact these distant generations could have on one another.  Sophia brought a spirit of awe and delight and pride to the family.  Mary Lawrence, a 5 time cancer survivor, lover of Jesus and encourager, brought insight and peace.  The youthfulness of Sophia and wisdom of Mary Lawrence added JOY and DEPTH to our day.
Behold, children are a gift of the LORD" Ps. 127:3
"Gray hair is a CROWN of splendor; it is attained by a RIGHTEOUS life." Proverbs 16:31

Details and meaning make a party memorable.

Jenna gave the hostesses a beautiful stone heart as a way to say thank you.  It was made in Haiti and the proceeds go to  A Heart for Haiti.  I love it's meaning and the sweet words that Mary and Jenna attached to it!  
Some people use paint to make art, Jill uses flowers.  She put together the sweet flower arrangements with flowers she bought at the grocery store.  To keep the cost down, she bought a potted hydrangea and cut off the stems {buying individually stems at the florist is expensive!} and used her own vases.  Abby brought pretty padded hangers for the bridesmaid's to hang their dresses on.
Abby's art is with paper and a computer.  Aren't the invitations for the party beautiful?  
And now for the best kept secret of the day!  
The guests oohed and aahed over how delicious the cake was with it's white chocolate mouse filling.  Here's our little secret...
  Order it with white on white icing, scored with little rosettes {very classy and sweet!} from Costco
Delicious and pretty for $17.99!
 Speaking of weddings, have you seen this video?  
I've watched it several times, 
noticing the reactions from all who hear the message as it unfolds. 
The congregation giggles, taking in the fact that this father has more to say than "Her mother and I" when asked the question, "Who gives this bride away."
The bride, blushes and looks down, but you know in her heart she is happy her daddy has some things he wants to make perfectly clear to her man.
The groom starts out nervous, laughs some, and ends up in tears.  
What a gift this is~ and thank goodness someone captured it on video~  
Priceless!