#faithindating

                        But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No' be ‘No.                                                    Matthew 5:37

I had strong boundaries growing up, but didn’t actively think about them at the time. I never noticed my boundaries until I started to lack them. During college they began to weaken and almost disappear in some areas of my life. I didn’t realize it was an issue at the time, so I never addressed/corrected it.

During my 30s it has become abundantly clear that I need to work on rebuilding and reestablishing my boundaries. I bring this up and want to point it out, because it is an uncomfortable process that I am still currently participating in. I am finding the sooner you establish healthy boundaries, the better off you and everyone in your life will be. Healthy boundaries will create healthy relationships. This will take intentional effort and work, but it will be worth it.

Here are some takeaways from my journey so far:

Boundaries are under-rated. Boundaries are important. Boundaries are necessary.

Boundaries should be be respected, always. Boundaries should be practiced in a safe environment. Boundaries should be taught at home and in school. 

Boundaries are not inconvenient. Boundaries are not disrespectful. Boundaries are not to be broken.

If you are struggling with creating healthy boundaries anywhere in your life, I highly recommend the book “Boundaries” by Dr. Henry Cloud. A friend recommended it to me and it has been life changing. I hope it will add value to your life as well. : )

Have a great week!

<3,

Lisa

My 5th grade class was on a quick break when my boyfriend passed me a note in the hallway. I have no recollection of what the beginning of the note said, but I clearly remember it ending with:

Do you want to kiss after school? 

Yes   No   Maybe

Circle one.

I immediately panicked, but my BFF grabbed the note, circled yes, and promptly sent it back to to my boyfriend. I watched him quickly read the note and then scrunch up his face and say, “Gross!”. His BFF, on the other hand, seemed very pleased. 

How lucky we were to have best friends willing to schedule our first kiss for us. I’m starting to realize I never would have had many boyfriends if it weren’t for my friends. Thank you… I think.

So my first kiss was scheduled, like a dentist appointment, after school. 

I remember meeting my boyfriend after the final bell rang. It was cold, the sun was shining, the snow was melting, and I’m pretty sure our little elementary hearts were racing. I remember us ducking out of sight behind the garage he always wrote our names on. We closed our eyes and planted one on each other. It probably only lasted a few seconds, but it felt like slow motion. We opened our eyes, walked back to our friends, and went our separate ways. It was an epic moment in my 5th grade life.

I remember my grandma picked me up immediately following and the first words out of my mouth were, “Grandma, do you remember your first kiss?!”. 

Just call me subtle.

Oh and I think a Bon Jovi song was playing on the radio when I got in the car. Even if it wasn’t, it somehow attached itself to the memory, so for all intents and purposes, it was playing. 

Thank you for joining me on this walk down memory lane. 

Have a blessed week! 

<3, 

Lisa

Well, I’m back. Quality time with my nieces and nephews has come to an end and I’m currently experiencing some intense withdrawal. I miss them so. 

Bear with me while I shake off the rust and get back into the swing of things. I have about 14 posts to go. Regular blogging will start back up next week.

Just wanted to shout out a couple gratitudes:

1.) There is so much great music out right now. It’s almost overwhelming, but in a good way. 

2.) Ted Lasso is back. It’s the best show currently streaming, in my (humble) opinion. 

3.) August sunsets in Pennsylvania are incredible. 

I hope everyone has been enjoying the summer. I pray you’re all staying healthy and safe. 

See you next week. 

<3, 

Lisa 

[[ I was planning to post something a little more serious today, but I found this in an old journal, and it was too funny not to share. I hope your dating app experiences are better than mine. ]] 

I thought online dating was actually going well this time. Silly me.

Sean ghosted.

Justin never wants kids. 

Jeffrey didn’t respond. 

Lucca unmatched before we talked.

Jake isn’t ready for dating.

AND…

The last two coffee dates cancelled on me.

It turns out, the more I pray for my future husband, the more men run away from me. HAHA. If I don’t seek the humor, I may cry.

Does anyone actually have genuinely good experiences with dating apps? Asking for a friend.

Until next time.

<3, 

Lisa