Woody’s Side of the Story
Background Perspective
Gina and I were both committed to the concept of waiting for God’s timing, This was not easy for either of us as many times we wanted to see something happen sooner than it was happening. Our individual struggles intensified on several occasions to the extent that we doubted God’s plan for us and even questioned His love, almost thinking that God enjoyed making our lives hard for us or that He didn’t want us to enjoy marriage. I’m not saying that we lived in this state, but we did at times struggle. Boy, how wrong we were. God was preparing the most incredible love story for both of us and I can truly say that it is well worth the wait. God you are SO good!
At about age 25, I began having increasing desires to be married. I had left my position with the Christian ministry I had been serving with and was moving into the stage of working on my providing skills. Interestingly enough, my parents and I both had agreed many years ago (when I was 14 or so) that it would most likely be age 27 before I would be married. We had nearly committed to the idea that unless God lead differently, I was to stay entirely focused until this time not even “thinking” about this stage of life I tried, my very best not to but the reality was that I was “thinking about it” at age 25 and thinking a lot.
My Appreciation for Gina
My appreciation for Gina began in July of 2003 during a short walk I had with her dad (Dewey Novotny). (I know that it’s a little different appreciating someone whom you’ve never even seen or met.) Her dad and I were discussing several visionary ideas for the Student Resource Department of the Advanced Training Institute (ATI). At that time I was sensing that God was moving me on from my position within the department and had been impressed that Mr. Novotny would be an unbelievable perfect addition to what we termed “The Dream Team.” Dewey began sharing some of Gina’s interests and ideas which she had laid out and they were nearly identical to what I had been envisioning. I made a mental note at the time to myself thinking that I need to work out a way to get to meet this girl (I mean can you imagine a more perfect girl than someone dreaming up the identical plan as what you had thought up).
Woody Gets His Wish
Not too long after this time, Gina came up to work in the Student Resource Department joining her dad. I remember my first impressions of her being “this is a really sweet girl who loves the Lord.” Her smile and face glowed with a pure radiance. This was one of the most genuine girls I had ever met. Roughly a month after meeting her, I called my parents asking them to “check her out” at an upcoming conference which we would all be attending together. My parents did and both gave very positive feedback on her.
Over the next several years, Gina and I both had several points of communication with each other as we worked through projects related to the Eternal Impact Summit (an annual conference for 23 and older students who seek to make an eternal impact with their lives), and my current work with CollegePlus! (a coaching program which guides students through earning their accredited bachelor’s degrees in a fraction of the time and cost). Our interaction was on a professional business level.
During the several yeas between the fall of 2003 when I left the Student Resource Department (and Gina who was serving there with her dad), my parents and I both were observing Gina. My mom fell in love with Gina immediately and began encouraging me to further consider her. My dad, upon spending time with Gina and several other girls who had come up to visit at our family’s cottage in Holland Michigan, also spoke highly of Gina. There were several very direct conversations where they basically said, “you are missing out on the most beautiful girl you can imagine. You need to pursue her.” The decision was always mine to make and they didn’t pressure me, but they did give their strong encouragement. For some reason, I just wasn’t feeling a peace about it. Maybe it was just the uncertainty and the actual question of how to pursue her that kept me from jumping on it. I really have to believe that it just wasn’t God’s timing.
Clear Direction
The middle of October of 2006, I felt impressed of the Lord that I should be praying about this matter intently. I called my dad and asked him to be praying with me about this as well. He and I talked a number of times. The prayer and discussion culminated when I spent a week with my family back in Indiana/Michigan. God had already given me several very clear rhemas that I was to begin courting Gina. It so happened that midway through my time at home, Gina and a good friend of hers (Sarah Danaher) had asked to meet my mom for coffee not knowing that I was to be in town. Their idea for coffee turned into my whole family and I meeting together for dinner with Gina and Sarah. My family and especially my dad and brothers teased me about this meeting all week long leading up to the dinner (they obviously knew of my desires for Gina). Our dinner was delightful and pretty well “sealed the deal” for me that indeed I was to pursue this.
The next day, my parents and I drove together on an hour and a half trip and discussed how we were going to start this relationship. It was so new to me and I valued and appreciated their counsel on this. Again, my mom and dad both loved Gina already and were 100% on board with this whole idea. Later that week, I called Mr. Novotny who had just returned from an international trip. I explained my deep interest in getting to know Gina better (starting a courtship). What a blessing to be able to call a good friend (Mr. Novotny) and talk with someone whom you already know. (Mr. Novotny’s been an incredible encouragement and mentor in my life for several years. He knew me well my strengths and many weaknesses. Mr. Novotny, thanks for your friendship and support through this. I literally couldn’t ask for a better father in low. You are incredible!!!). Long story short, Mr. Novotny expressed his joy at my calling and interest and said that he and his wife Chardell would discuss and pray about this.
Mr. Novotny gave his full blessing and support to begin this relationship. He mentioned that there had been one guy whom Gina had expressed strong interest in over the years and this guy’s name kept coming up every 2-6 months, her having to die to it. As he shared this information, my heart sank thinking that Gina was really interested in someone else. Feelings like “who’s the guy; I’ll kill him” came to mind. After a very leading start, Mr. Novotny then said, “Woody, you’re the guy, the one and only guy Gina hsd expressed interest in.” My jaw hit the floor in total astonishment. It was at that moment that I truly began “falling in love” with Gina. He then said that he and he and his wife had actually been praying intently for the past month that I would call to start this relationship. God you are So good! You talk about answered prayer on all fronts. Wow!
As Gina was currently at the Dallas Training Center speaking for a week to the Excel girls on singleness, Mr. Novotny and I both agreed that this would not be the best time or place to start this relationship. We arranged a time when we could both be there with her in person to surprise her with this news. Mr. and Mrs. Novotny gave the excuse that they needed to fly down to the Dallas area to visit their property located an hour North of Dallas and that while they were in town they would take Gina out to a nice dinner. Mr. Novotny being the true romantic winner of hearts thought that dinner atop the magnificent Reunion Tower overlooking the city at sunset would make for the ideal meeting place. He was right. The Reunion Tower had always held special significance for Gina.
Direction from the Lord and Confirmation from others to pursue Gina:
- Clear blessing and encouragement of both parents
- Mr. Novotny’s specific answer to prayer of “awakening” in distinct timing
- Confirmation of timing during Gina and Novotny family transition
- Couldn’t be better timing for Woody with transition and seminar/convention down season
- Gina didn’t commit to singleness for another period like she had been praying about
- Gina’s interest (only interest) in me
- Valued friends specific encouragement and support of this.
Gina’s Side of the Story
The Story Begins
Woody was the director of the Student Resource Department managing a group of world-changers affectionately called “The Dream Team.” I was a student just trying to finish high-school, living at home. Woody came in the form of the On to Victory newsletter with a motivational charge for those of us in the trenches. It was at this point that I first noticed him and became a silent observer and secret admirer of his leadership qualities.
After three years of total fulfillment and involvement at the Dallas Training Center in various capacities, I knew God had something else up His sleeve for me when an offer came from Woody to join the Student Resource Department at Headquarters. I packed my bags believing this to be the will of God. During my first day in the office, my jaw was on the floor—this was the first guy that I had ever met who had passion, purpose, and reminded me of my dad (something I told my mom that I wanted in a husband). My respect grew as I observed him at the Eternal Impact Summit (EIS) and as we worked on multiple department projects. After three months of working together, a deep admiration for Woody rooted in my heart.
My First Journal Entry About Woody
Woody left the Student Resource Department in October of 2003 to move on to bigger and better things. It seemed that every time I turned around though someone was giving a positive report about Woody. My dad became a mentor in his life. A file would crop up with his name on it. I would overhear a phone conversation with him or receive a work related e-mail from him. Woody Robertson seemed inescapable…his finger prints were all over!
January 14th, 2004 | First Journal Entry
Dear Lord,
I must admit, there is a guy that I deeply admire… Woody Robertson. He’s worked within the IBLP ministry for the last 8 years and was the previous Student Resource Department director. He has such a heart for You Lord (or at least seems to) along with an obvious passion for young people.
Why am I even wasting my time writing about him anyway? It seems that he’s far too good/spiritual for me. Guys are just a waste of time at this point in my life. I’m only 22 years old and have much ministry packed away that has yet to be put to work. I will never marry unless Your will clearly shows that I will be more productive and have a greater ministry at that point.
At this point, I was involved in event coordinating for IBLP. The highlight of 2004 was the Eternal Impact Summit where Woody was the emcee and my grandma Kinser was the conference chef/undercover matchmaker. Grandma noticed Woody and the “hinting” began. Already struggling against my ever growing interest for Woody, I attempted to deny, but her suspicions were soon ratified. Grandma added Woody to her prayer list and I actually found myself appreciating the chance to talk to my grandmother about these feelings.
My Longings Turned Into an Outlet for Ministry
2005 was when I turned my longings into an outlet for ministry and developed several sessions and wrote some articles on whole-hearted singleness. I traveled to Korea, New Zealand twice, went bungee jumping, directed Advanced EXCEL, and did a lot of speaking. The Lord began to reveal Himself as the Lover of my soul. EIS in 2005 was the turning point where I felt my growing respect develop into awe. “Ice Princess” became my motto as I sought to “lock it in” and keep the focus on my relationship with God. I began talking to my dad about Woody…a lot. In December, my dad invited me to join him and Woody for a planning meeting. I was disgusted with myself when I realized that I had changed outfits six times before heading out the door. In Woody’s presence, I was tongue-tied. I left the meeting with mixed emotions…I had listened in on my dad and Woody share dreams and visions that resonated with my soul. The struggle to keep things at a “friendship level” in my heart and mind became acute.
The Hardest Year of My Life
2006 became the most difficult year of my life thus far. Why? Between long days at work, life, and my emotional battles, every ounce of my energy seemed robbed. By the time March rolled around, I already felt emotionally and physically exhausted. Through a series of random and God-ordained events, I found myself visiting the Robertson’s cottage in Holland, Michigan. There I spent one-on-one time with God and got to know the Robertsons and their cousin Aubrey in a more relaxed setting. I found that I just “clicked” naturally with the entire family, yet tried not to think of, guess who, Woody. He was in San Antonio during that time.
By July I had HUGE questions for God; I was groping for answers regarding my life and direction. I seriously questioned commitments, being involved in full-time ministry, my relationship with God. God had me at a crossroads…I could choose mediocrity or trust Him despite my limited perspective. God’s big picture was not yet apparent to me but He clearly spoke peace to my soul. I flip-flopped between the depths of despair and the mountaintops of exultation. For my 25th birthday celebration, eight of my friends/family threw caution to the wind as I fulfilled a lifelong dream—skydiving. Woody was one of those individuals leaving me tickled pink. I couldn’t wait to see Woody again at EIS in September.
September was the climax of my emotional turmoil. Every few days found me seeking my dad’s accountability for the condition of my lonely heart. Psycho-analyzing work related correspondence with Woody took extra effort and as a safety measure, I blind carbon copied my dad and Mandy on any e-mails to Woody. I determined that my desires were one-sided…Woody had no clue that I existed. On the other hand, one friend mentioned that Woody brightened when I entered a room. What a conundrum! I was caught between two vivid desires; I loved every interaction with Woody, but was desperate to guard my heart. I considered a career change or a commitment to single-service simply to relieve this constant pressure.
What Attracted Me So Much to Woody
In an effort to neutralize my engaged emotions, I attempted to pinpoint Woody’s attractiveness.
October 16, 2006 | Surrender
The One Who knows it all,
Last Saturday after we closed up the details of the Counseling Seminar, Sarah and I met the Robertson family at a great restaurant—Loon Lake Lodge. On the way back to Chicago, I was trying to figure out why I like Woody soooo much… what is the attraction all about? I wouldn’t say the attraction is strictly physical, it seems deeper then that. I have a deep admiration for who Woody is becoming and who he has already become. He is a “Gate Man,” he’s a leader with the qualities of 1 Timothy 3, he’s ten times better according to Daniel 1:20. I wish I could shake this attraction and live blissfully single but it’s not working very well.
I have got to have someone that I can respect. I have got to feel like I’m supporting his cause through the daily “grind” of life—cooking, cleaning, household details, etc. Once I marry someone I can no longer do my own thing… his cause becomes my cause. Woody is the first guy and only guy so far that has ever come close.
Now with all of that said, with my life in a major transition with work/location, what do I do NOW? How do I move from daily awe and wonder with Woody Robertson to the abundant life? I’m at the crossroads of two big decisions:
1) Do I commit the next 2-10 years of my life to singleness in an attempt to stay focused? or
2) Decide that Woody is the only one for me and remain single for the rest of my life?
Are these two extremes? Is it really possible to know who your guy is years before he is awakened? What do I do in the meantime? My feelings go deeper than the outer man. It has to do with Woody being someone I would love to support and encourage… someone I believe in… someone who is becoming a “Gate Man”. I believe it is the deepest form of admiration I can offer—more than my heart, here we are talking about my life.
O Jesus, draw me close please. I long to know that You hear me and that You answer me. I don’t ask for an answer my way… but Yours. Not my will but Thine. Not necessarily for Woody to call today… but for You to call today. I’m ready to give it (Woody and a life with Woody) up. I thank You for these feelings and heightened awareness but I give it all back to You. I surrender all. I give it all to You today and forever. I’m committed to You dear Jesus. I’m done fighting. I surrender to Your will.
Talks increased with my parents. Little did I know, at the time they began praying specifically for God’s direction. They prayed that Woody would make a move toward a relationship with me or that God would remove the desire altogether.
A speaking engagement toward the end of October, took me to Dallas to give a talk on maximizing your years as a single which, due to the condition of my heart, was as appealing as giving up coffee cold turkey. All along, God had been busy maneuvering the events of the universe for the moments that were to follow:
October 30, 2006
But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so] then you have no need that anyone should instruct you. But just as His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true and is no falsehood, so you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him], just as [His anointing] has taught you [to do].
And now, little children, abide (live, remain permanently) in Him, so that when He is made visible, we may have and enjoy perfect confidence (boldness, assurance) and not be ashamed and shrink from Him at His coming. 1 John 2:27, 28
Mom and Dad plan on arriving in Dallas this afternoon. Dad called late last night saying that he wanted to take Mom and me out for dinner tonight. It’s going to be great… the three of us at Reunion Tower—a place that has always held a special place in my heart. The skyline brings back memories from my Dallas days and the view of the skyline from my bedroom window.
For years now, my heart always seems to skip a beat when I see the skyline. The night lights and Dallas sky… it’s wonderful! I’m in love with You Jesus. You care about it all. You care about us all!!! Today I will recount Your faithfulness from the past and look forward expectantly to Your revelation for my/our future. Speak Lord Jesus, speak. Come Lord Jesus, come.
Continued…
I thought we were going to Reunion Tower for Mom… our goal was to make it a special evening for her! Wow! I still remember following the waiter to the table as I looked out at the Dallas lights. Five steps from our table I looked up to see him—the guy that my heart has so long admired: My dear friend Woody Robertson!
I can now write Woody Robertson’s name in my journal knowing that You are involved and behind me and directing us both. You have led our hearts together for such a time as this. I can’t believe You! I can’t believe You! All of those years… all of those journal entries… all of those times of trying to keep my heart… not show my feelings… stay above reproach… keep my eyes on You… You knew! You saw it all! You were busy orchestrating the people, events, timing, everything, for this moment! I relish the fact too that this is not the final hour—this is a launching pad! This moment in history will direct and shed light on many years to come. You are God!
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that life could really get this great. You have shown me a glimpse of Your face… I have truly tasted You and long for You more. My heart pants for You as I realize the number of times that I doubted and wondered if You even cared about me. You have been at work daily pursuing me. You’ve shown me that You do care. You are intimately acquainted with every desire of my heart and life.
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