Have you ever been influenced by someone that you never really met? Someone that inspired you. Someone that encouraged you. Someone that just made the world seem a little brighter.
We had a guest speaker coming in from Austin Christian Fellowship, Pastor Will Davis Jr. One of my jobs as a staff member of our church was to coordinate travel arrangements, make guests feel welcome, and all the fun stuff I LOVED to do. Our church was doing a series about prayer and Pastor Will wrote a few books about the topic, so naturally he came to speak. By the way, great books to read if you’re interested: Pray Big for your Marriage & Pray Big for your Child.
Shortly after meeting Pastor Will, I learned that his wife, Susie Davis, also wrote books. She was the sweetest ray of sunshine, spreading good news & good food on her blog. Back then, about 8 years ago or so, she posted recipes all the time. Our kids were younger and I was always looking for new things to try in the kitchen. Some of them became family favorites, and I still make them to this day.
Here are some of our favorites. Since Susie is a pie girl, I’ll start with those!
- no roll pie crust (so easy!!)
- buttermilk pie
- Mimi’s pumpkin pie
- banana nut muffins with chocolate chips (have made these a million times for our kids, nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors – they never last long!)
- mini cinnamon rolls (my son loved when I would make these for his birthday breakfast in bed!)
- best biscuit recipe (touch of grace biscuits)
- homemade French bread
- zuppa toscana soup (actually made this for family this past weekend!)
- chicken pot pie
I suggest that you print all these out and tuck them away somewhere safe. That’s what I did one day… I mean, God forbid if the internet ever breaks and the recipes disappear forever, right?!
So even though I originally found myself browsing Susie’s blog for recipes, I quickly became influenced by her heart for God and love for His people. She eventually started a podcast called “dear daughters”, and talks with authors, pastors, dear daughters (young women in search of spiritual guidance), and spiritual mamas (women just a little further down the road with age-old wisdom). You should definitely check it out if you listen to podcasts.
In case you’re wondering, I did end up meeting her a few years ago when I attended one of her writing workshops in Austin. She’s as much of a delight in person as she is online.
Fast forward to “The Grace Gathering” this past weekend in Austin. It was such an encouraging, multi-generational event for women presented by Susie, along with Hayley Morgan (author of Preach to Yourself), Honey Holden and Susie’s daughters. They shared stories, music, and we ultimately reflected on God’s grace during all seasons of our lives. I cried like a baby. It was beautiful.
I ended up going to the event alone since the person I invited couldn’t make it. I was a little bummed I couldn’t find anyone last minute, and I almost stayed home. It was a tiny bit awkward walking in solo, but I learned something about going alone.
It was just what I needed.
I was never alone.
God was right there.
Sometimes, regardless of our circumstances, I believe that God just wants us to show up. Be present. Let Him do the rest.
Not to mention, driving through the hill country itself is therapuetic. Especially during the spring… bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, buttercups, horses, and all the farm animals… so peaceful and gorgeous!!
If you’re ever in the Austin area and need a place to stay, my husband and I love staying at this boutique hotel – Lone Star Court.
Nothing like a classic car and a warm welcome!
The atmosphere has a Texas, southern comfort, let’s go camping, play some Patsy Cline on the record player, relaxing kind of feel. Ya know what I mean?
From the fire pits outside, the rocking chairs, the Airstream food truck, and twinkle lights at night, it’s our kind of place.
When I checked in, I got lucky and was upgraded to a suite!! For FREE!! Whoop! Whoop!
The claw foot bathtub was my favorite part!
Now on to the giveaway!!
Susie wrote a new book and it releases today! Yay!! Since I picked up an extra copy from the event, I’d love to give it away.
Here’s a glimpse of the back cover.
dear daughters: love letters to the next generation
To enter to win, leave a comment below and tell us about someone that influences you.
*Giveaway ends Thursday, April 18, 2019 at 11:59pm CST. Winner will be notified on Good Friday, April 19th. Must be 18 years or older and a US resident.
So glad you went and enjoyed it! Love you.
Me, too. Love you, Joy!😘
Well, the person who influences me has to be my mom. She’s been there beside me since day one, and she has to be my biggest fan. She’s always told me to keep my sunshine smile, and from the time I was little, she’s said the only disgrace in falling was refusing to get back up. Her biggest influence though has been the way she always points upward when I need direction. Lean on Jesus, serve and seek Him is the best advice she’s ever given me. I’m so thankful that God chose her to be my mom!
Oh I love that, Aunt Julie!❤️Thank you for sharing Mema’s words. She has been an example of great faith and so have you. I am so thankful to have been influenced by the both of you (and Aunt Jeanne). Love you!
I would have to say Jesus my lord and savior. I have not had the best life but I have not had the worst. He influences me everyday and gives me hope and strength. He does not disappoint as people will disappoint. He has put really good people in my path that are wise, strong , intelligent, funny and good. He loves me for me and that to me means the world. I can talk to him any day and any minute. He represents love and I put that on a pedestal. He fills the voids and the emotions that I use to have. He healed me and transformed me . My story could make you into a crazy person but he did not let that happen. So my inspiration and someone I look up to is Jesus.
( by the way I am glad you went! I am glad you don’t let things hold you back. Your so strong to go do that alone . And I love that you posted those recipes I love them too so much and I like you linked them to open like that !! Love this blog.
Hey there Andela! I know we talked about this right after you read the post, but I just noticed I never went back and replied to your actual comment. Whoops! Everything you wrote about Jesus is spot on. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on here. He has made you into a beautiful woman of God. We love you so much!