I remember when my cousin and I first started the little club “The Purry Kittens” that so many years later is what we know as the YLCF. We asked all our friends to join, in hopes that their friends would join, too, and we’d make some new friends. As I gathered a large collection of pen pals through the years, many of them were either because of or became part of my magazine project. My views were challenged, my world enlarged, through the fellowship with these young women–on paper, through email, on the phone, and in person. I was far from being an un-socialized homeschooler–I had acquaintances throughout the latitudes and longitudes. And many of them are still dear friends today.
I’m a married, expectant mommy now, with no time for the verbose letters I use to write. (Did I really have enough extra time that I advertised for pen pals in those days?) But now I crave a different kind of fellowship. The hugs from those dear little old ladies at church mean more to me now that I’m not in the church I grew up in, with grandmas and aunts all around. It’s the highlight of my day when someone really, sincerely asks me how I’m doing, after I’ve asked dozens of customers the same question all day, expecting nothing but that one-syllable answer. And to have a long talk with someone who not only knows me personally, but has a similar perspective and belief system? Outside of family members, it’s becoming rare indeed.
That’s why once in a while it’s refreshing to have YLCF people literally walk into my life. I may not know them on a personal level, but they feel like they know me. And we’re looking at life from the same point of view. Even though we’ve never met before, we can enjoy sweet though brief fellowship through our common bond in Christ.
When a young lady and her mother walked into our store yesterday and just stared at me, I knew who it was a moment before she said, “I’m Chantel.” I had no idea they were coming through our area, but how fun to meet the sweet young woman behind the beautiful poetry we enjoy here on YLCF. For Chantel’s mom and my mother-in-law, it was a reunion–they go way back to their first days of homeschooling the first generation of homeschoolers.
Then there was the girl who stared at Merritt and I all through dinner at a local restaurant before coming up and saying, “Hi, I’m Hannah. I read the YLCF website.” It’s great to run into her around town, and one of these days we’re going to get together, if life ever slows down…
I guess the busier life gets, the more I cherish the little bits of fellowship that God sends my way. Whether it’s reading your stories here, or having you walk up and say, “You look like I’ve seen your picture online” (I wish that Sonlight mom would have stayed and introduced herself…), you are a shower of blessing in my life. Thank you, YLCF.
Thank YOU, Gretchen! The Lord has taken the efforts of a young girl and some friends and turned it into a blessing for hundreds of young ladies.
What FUN! I didn’t realize Chantel was going to be able to see you, either, Gret… John and I spent the day at her house in December and I just love her to pieces.
That is so awesome that you got to meet Chantel! I am still waiting for that day . . .
Btw, I loved getting to see a pic of you being pregnant too! =)
Although you can hardly tell in this one.
~Jaclynn
Gretchen–You’ve facilitated so many blessings for so many young women through YLCF; I’m glad it is a blessing to you, too! Thank you, and the Lord’s blessings on you, Merritt, and your precious coming little one.
Kiersti
Gretchen, I can totally relate to your words and situation (haveing moved 4 hours away from my life-long home and family when I married)! I treasure my husband deeply, but especially now I’ve got a 9-month-old I do miss the fellowship of those who know me best. But God is moving us in new directions – praise Him for His faithfulness!
Liz
I have only been reading YLCF for a short time now, but I don’t feel so alone anymore. It is so great to know that there are other girls like me out there somewhere. Now if I can only meet a few!
“God’s girl”
Awww, what a blessing.
Hey!
I am not always good with words, but I just wanted to say some things.
When I was three years old my parents and I moved to a small place in Mississippi, then, at age 19, I moved with my family to another state. The move has been hard in some ways. I miss my old friends. I knew just about everyone in the area I lived and many of them had become like family.
My younger sister has been going to the YLCF website for quite some time now and I just started a couple days ago. I have really enjoyed it! It has been such a blessing.
I agree with what “God’s girl” said, since reading things on your website “I don’t feel so alone anymore. It is so great to know that there are other girls like me out there somewhere. Now if I can only meet a few!” As you said, I really enjoy it when I get to have long talks “with someone who not only knows me personally, but has a similar perspective and belief system…Outside of family members, it’s becoming rare indeed”.
Slowly God has been opening up friendships with the people around here. Everyone has been friendly, but being friendly and being a real friend are two different things.
I think you need to be careful in the friends you pick. They can either build you up – in your beliefs and actions – or tear you down, even amoung Christians.
In several sermons my dad has said that every Christian needs a Paul, Timothy and Barnabas. Paul: someone that you look up to as a mentor – like a second mom/dad or big brother/sister. Timothy: someone you can mentor – like a little brother/sister. Barnabas: someone on your level, a friend, an encourager. For me, findind a Barnabas has been difficult. However, through reading articles and comments on YLCF I am learning how to cope with it and what I can do on MY end to be a friend to others. It is so easy to get caught up in self.
I guess that is all.
Have a blessed week!
Me
And Gretchen, we are thankful for YOU! Though most of us won’t meet you this side of heaven, we are so thankful for what you allowed the Lord to do through you to bless and encourage SO many ladies. Thanks for all the time and work you’ve put into YLCF over the years – I have been truly blessed!
Hi Gretchen! YLCF has been a great source of fun and ecouragement to me over the years… enjoyed your post! It’s hard to believe we’re wives and mommies now (btw, we just found out we’re expecting baby #3 next spring!). Drop me an email when ya can… we just got a new computer and our old one ate your last email!! (Sorry!) ~Kristy Howard~
I agree so much with “Me” about everything she said. For someone “not always good with words” I think she did a good job. Thanks! I like the part about every Christian needing a Paul, Timothy, or Barnabas. It really made me think about what kind of friend I am to others. I think I need to make some changes. Thanks, “Me.” I hope you find a Barnabas friend soon.
“God’s girl”
Oh, Gretchen!!
You got to meet Chantel?? I must admit that I do envy you a little
I knew they were headed up your way but what I didn’t know was
that your mother-in-law and Chantel’s mother have known each
other for years. What a suprise to discover that!
And what fun to visit with them, I’m sure.
Cute picture of you and her.
I am looking forward to the day when I will get to meet Chantel. It almost happened last year….almost but not quite.