These are just a few of my favorites from Parker:
Clarity. It's one of my goals. You've been helpful to me on that. Get to the point, right? Besides, a girl deserves to know what a fella is up to :)
Does that mean you like the sounds of my adventures? Maybe even that you like my style?
Miss McDivitt, did you just get a funny text from a boy?
Park. It's my favorite nickname. The one my family uses. I would be honored if you wanted to use it too :)
Your hair (on Skype) was lovely last night. :)
I just excited just thinking about what I know of you, and all that I have yet to learn. You have a lovely heart...
How dolled up are you today?
Did you know that I like you?
January 30, 2011
January 28, 2011
Strengths Based Leadership
In January 2011, I was in my first class for my second master's degree (this time in professional leadership), and this week we took Tom Rath and Barry Conchie's Strength Finder assessment. What are the chances that Parker had taken it too? Fairly good when you have a deep-thinking, intellectual, reflective and electrical engineering friend :)
Andrea's results: Achiever, Learner, Discipline, Responsibility, Relator
Parker's results: Context, Learner, Intellect, Responsibility, Adaptability
I cant seem to access my online login to the site right now, but thats me. I share this all because of your interest. Not many people really care to know the real me, and fewer still understand this test. Yet, I understand as much as I can about your concerns of openness. I agree about how insightful this test is and what it can say about a person. I would suppose that like any other way of knowing someone, that knowledge could be used for good or for harm depending on the individual. It will surely take time for us to get to know one another. Come to think of it, it has only been a little over a month of serious emails and only a few weeks of serious talking, right? I can only hope to be a faithful friend with what information or pictures you choose to share that you might better know me.
Anyhow, I am excited for where God has brought us. I am so blessed by your friendship and I look forward to what may be ahead. I should not worry as you remind me, and I should not be anxious for anything. With prayer and petition I will seek His will and let the Lord calm my heart.
I am tired today, but if you were here you could see, that I am still smiling...
your friend,
parker
Parker's text message: My responsibility strength says I should partner with a beautiful girl who is talented with discipline.... :)
Parker's text message: My responsibility strength says I should partner with a beautiful girl who is talented with discipline.... :)
January 27, 2011
Advice From My Dear Friend
Oh Andrea dear. He seems like such a neat guy. Know that I am praying for the two of you - and for your heart especially. The beginning of a relationship is such a sweet, exciting, fun, and scary thing!
I know I've said this, but my reoccurring advice is this: start slow. Slower than you think, at least. Don't be the least bit deceptive/withholding of important things, just let him lead. If his heart is in the right place, we won't be able to help himself; he'll be dying to move forward. But let it be in his time. In the midst of this beginning, it may feel scary that you don't have things "defined" but guys often need more time (and feel the weight of the pacing of the relationship). You will know soon enough if he's the type who is out for just another chum - and he doesn't seem to be. In the mean time, play a little hard to get. I'm serious. I know, that's not the most obvious advice from someone who has been married for almost eight years (yikes!). But resist the urge to tell all really fast. If he's the guy for you, you will have plenty of time to get to know every detail of one another (the rest of your lives!).
Okay, now I'm sounding really preachy ;). You know what I mean, right?! I love you and I am praying for you my dear!
~aims
January 25, 2011
Coincidence...We Think Not
Hi andrea! I was thinking about you today and I thought of Parker... so I sent him your email that he might just feel like contacting you :) so if he does, don't be caught off guard. Wade was telling him about you when he stayed with us a couple weeks ago. (very good I might add :) he teased that he needs to have better timing when he passes through town. we've talked to him about you before and he's always receptive. You never know, right. I hope you hear from him. God bless you, Andrea. I love you. mandy
January 23, 2011
More Emails
Parker,
It was good to chat with you again today. I'm not claiming to hold a candle to your writing skills, but here goes a shot.
I had some good, quality time with the Lord tonight. I really wanted to tell you about it, but I didn't want to interrupt your movie night with friends, and also, it's a bit hard to find adequate words to explain, especially in a text. Hence the email. Anyway, as I turned down an offer to hang out with friends, and instead just sat, prayed, and read, I experienced a sweet faithfulness and love that only comes from the Lord. I was reminded, yet again, of what it means to trust the Lord. It sounds so simple, but I'm sure not very good at accepting it yet.
I don't know if you remember or not, but you mentioned that you took the week off to not only work on your house, but also to get your heart in the right place. Your comment really touched me and inspired me to be still before the Lord. I sure don't do it enough. It was a very rewarding time, and I thank God for that. I also am thanking Him for finally letting our paths cross. From what I'm getting to know of my new friend, your character is most impressive. Thank you for being so honest with me and for being an encourager. I enjoy hearing your perspective about different life circumstances. Your positive outlook is contagious.
So, I just wanted to let you know again how much I appreciate you making time to talk to me. I sure am liking it.
Andrea
P.S. You started texting me while I was in the middle of writing this. You seem to have impeccable timing...helping out a lost girl, cheering her up, and thinking of her when she thinks of you...
Dear Andrea,
I agree and have to note that you just referred to our conversation of over 2 hours as a chat. I very much appreciate the compliment of my writing skills. I am not sure why you are so gunshy. You are quite the writer yourself. :) It is never about the skill, eloquence, or vocabulary involved. It is simply a matter of conveyance of quality thoughts or feelings. Truth, sincerity, humor, joy, encouragement. These are some of the things that really matter, and so long as a person is attempting to convey something such as this, however it gets done, is what is best. I cannot claim to be an expert, though I admit to trying with all my best. Which some my claim is more than is really necessary.
Anyhow, i really appreciate your sharing of your time with the Lord. It truly is the most important thing we can ever talk about. Sometimes i do let the cares of the world get in the way of the true number one priority. We too easily let ourselves get caught up in the day to day, and all the temporary concerns begin to cast a shadow on what truly matters. I struggle with it as you do, but I think the peace that comes from being still before the Lord helps us to keep Him in His right place.
I am also thankful for all that God is doing for me these days. Remeeting you has only been one of the of the biggest blessings of late. Its not every day that a fella meets a smart, enthusiastic, outdoorsy, caring young lady. I cannot claim to know the future, or even really make sense of the present. but I do make every attempt to ensure that my course is sure and true with the Lord. As you may have noticed, honesty isnt so much a policy as the only thing I know. Your comments and feedback are most encouraging as well.
A lot has been happening very quikly or at least it seems so to me. There is so much you have shared, and so much I have tried to learn, and I worry at times that I cannot hope to respect you by remembering things that matter. Yet I do plan to continue to make time as this friendship has been something for sure :). You may have to forgive me if I am a bit shy at times. It has certainly been a challenge to relearn my communication skills in light of all that God has been teaching me. More than anything I wish to be helpful and respectful to those God puts in my life. As I have been blessed of late with your digital presence, I hope to be my best.
God really rocked my heart today and has been helping me align my life more to him. God has really stressed to me how much he truly wants me to participate in this. Our father in heaven doesnt want to simply know me, and have me know him, but He is ever wishing to increase the relationship. He always wants to be more for me, and do more with me. I pray he continues to teach me how to serve him better today, not just to attend, but to serve His people. As for my timing, I cannot take credit, for He has led me along this path, and to Him be the glory for the timing that has led to our friendship ;-).
As I have said before and I will say again, I do what I can. :) Thinkin of you.
Your friend,
park
ps. have you seen the new movie "cloudy with a chance of meatballs"? I am a huge fan. we shall talk again soon, I am sure.
It was good to chat with you again today. I'm not claiming to hold a candle to your writing skills, but here goes a shot.
I had some good, quality time with the Lord tonight. I really wanted to tell you about it, but I didn't want to interrupt your movie night with friends, and also, it's a bit hard to find adequate words to explain, especially in a text. Hence the email. Anyway, as I turned down an offer to hang out with friends, and instead just sat, prayed, and read, I experienced a sweet faithfulness and love that only comes from the Lord. I was reminded, yet again, of what it means to trust the Lord. It sounds so simple, but I'm sure not very good at accepting it yet.
I don't know if you remember or not, but you mentioned that you took the week off to not only work on your house, but also to get your heart in the right place. Your comment really touched me and inspired me to be still before the Lord. I sure don't do it enough. It was a very rewarding time, and I thank God for that. I also am thanking Him for finally letting our paths cross. From what I'm getting to know of my new friend, your character is most impressive. Thank you for being so honest with me and for being an encourager. I enjoy hearing your perspective about different life circumstances. Your positive outlook is contagious.
So, I just wanted to let you know again how much I appreciate you making time to talk to me. I sure am liking it.
Andrea
P.S. You started texting me while I was in the middle of writing this. You seem to have impeccable timing...helping out a lost girl, cheering her up, and thinking of her when she thinks of you...
Dear Andrea,
I agree and have to note that you just referred to our conversation of over 2 hours as a chat. I very much appreciate the compliment of my writing skills. I am not sure why you are so gunshy. You are quite the writer yourself. :) It is never about the skill, eloquence, or vocabulary involved. It is simply a matter of conveyance of quality thoughts or feelings. Truth, sincerity, humor, joy, encouragement. These are some of the things that really matter, and so long as a person is attempting to convey something such as this, however it gets done, is what is best. I cannot claim to be an expert, though I admit to trying with all my best. Which some my claim is more than is really necessary.
Anyhow, i really appreciate your sharing of your time with the Lord. It truly is the most important thing we can ever talk about. Sometimes i do let the cares of the world get in the way of the true number one priority. We too easily let ourselves get caught up in the day to day, and all the temporary concerns begin to cast a shadow on what truly matters. I struggle with it as you do, but I think the peace that comes from being still before the Lord helps us to keep Him in His right place.
I am also thankful for all that God is doing for me these days. Remeeting you has only been one of the of the biggest blessings of late. Its not every day that a fella meets a smart, enthusiastic, outdoorsy, caring young lady. I cannot claim to know the future, or even really make sense of the present. but I do make every attempt to ensure that my course is sure and true with the Lord. As you may have noticed, honesty isnt so much a policy as the only thing I know. Your comments and feedback are most encouraging as well.
A lot has been happening very quikly or at least it seems so to me. There is so much you have shared, and so much I have tried to learn, and I worry at times that I cannot hope to respect you by remembering things that matter. Yet I do plan to continue to make time as this friendship has been something for sure :). You may have to forgive me if I am a bit shy at times. It has certainly been a challenge to relearn my communication skills in light of all that God has been teaching me. More than anything I wish to be helpful and respectful to those God puts in my life. As I have been blessed of late with your digital presence, I hope to be my best.
God really rocked my heart today and has been helping me align my life more to him. God has really stressed to me how much he truly wants me to participate in this. Our father in heaven doesnt want to simply know me, and have me know him, but He is ever wishing to increase the relationship. He always wants to be more for me, and do more with me. I pray he continues to teach me how to serve him better today, not just to attend, but to serve His people. As for my timing, I cannot take credit, for He has led me along this path, and to Him be the glory for the timing that has led to our friendship ;-).
As I have said before and I will say again, I do what I can. :) Thinkin of you.
Your friend,
park
ps. have you seen the new movie "cloudy with a chance of meatballs"? I am a huge fan. we shall talk again soon, I am sure.
January 21, 2011
Turning 28
 |
| The pirate card on the right is from Parker |
Parker's text message: Have a most wonderful and joyful birthday, my good friend :)
You can see that in just a few month's time, I have moved up in the status world from "friend" to "good friend."
Parker's card: (Outside) Older pirates should have taught younger pirates to guard their eyes better. Maybe no bird on the shoulder either. (Inside) Hope your birthday is sharp object-free.
Dear Andrea,
The days come and go and time eventually passes. Birthdays seem to be the way we all celebrate that time going by. Yet that special day can mean very different things to every person. For me, it's a reminder to reflect on that person and what they mean to me. I only wish that I had a year's memories of our friendship. You have been an incredible blessing in my life right from the start. Your perspective is very refreshing and wise. We have not really known each other that long, yet you and I are able to talk for hours like old friends. As you recently joked about, I am quite honored to call you my friend. One heck of a cool girl. You have such a way to cause a fella to smile that I have to conclude that it's not anything you learned about me. Simply a natural talent of yours. I look forward for the chance to know you better in the time to come. May God bless you overwhelmingly in the next year my friend.
January 2, 2011
A Damsel in Distress
Dear Andrea,
I pray that your time at home has been spectacular. I also pray for your upcoming travels. I know not the specific roads you take, but I am no stranger to road trips, mountain passes, and unfriendly weather. though despite it all, we face what we space, eh? Yet faith, hope and love, and the greatest of these is love. I trust that God leads us down the paths we take, I hope for the best we can along the way, and I try to love those who are easy as well as those who challenge me.
Perhaps you can forgive me for the slowness with which I write, though me and 160 char have never really gotten along well. I often try my best to give more to my friends, so there you have it. The best I can offer, my words. Though even my typing is not always the best. you gonna be tied up all the way down that lonely road, or you up for a conversation?
your new friend,
parker
Of course I was up for a talk on the long drive, especially from my new "friend" as we now call each other. It was on this return trip that Parker first showed me his knight-in-shining-armor skills. Somehow I missed one of the two major turns from interstate to interstate. After about 45 minutes, I realize that I am headed toward South Dakota instead of Wyoming! Major problem. (My distraction may or may not have had anything to do with being preoccupied while talking to this new "friend.") It's snowing and overcast and I'm not about to admit to my parents that I'm lost. So, I give Parker nothing but a mile marker number and he successfully navigates me across several back roads, back to the main highway, and finally to I-90. Whew! Crisis averted. It did add about an hour onto my day. Good thing there was a knight around when a lady was in distress.
Happy 2011
Parker's text message from January 2, 2011:
Take care Andrea. Still a great start to 2011 my friend
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