When was the last time you made new friends? There is something invigorating about meeting with a new couple, sharing your story, hearing theirs and genuinely talking and listening from the heart.

We had such an opportunity last weekend.

Meet Scott and Jenni Means with the Journey To Surrender blog:

While we were in Atlanta we contacted Scott and Jenni to see if they would be available to meet with us for dinner. They gladly accepted. The place? Maggiano’s The time? 7p.

We arrived a little past 7 due to traffic. As we stood at the Maitre D’s station waiting to tell them we were meeting someone, our eyes perused the guests at tables. It was strange only having the above photograph to go by. A woman waved from a nearby table and we waved back, only to realize she was waving at the elderly gentleman standing next to us.

Awkward.

We continued to wait wondering where in the world the Maitre D had wandered off to. Finally he came back and took us to their table, which btw was right next to the lady’s table who had waved at us.  🙂

Why do I tell you this part of the story? Because it was a bit uncomfortable planning to meet someone whom we’ve never met. However, from the moment we sat at the table the awkwardness was gone. The conversations began with how did the Lord lead you to start Journey to Surrender. Their answer was much like ours – we simply sensed God leading us to do it, and we have been surprised by the whole process.

The biggest surprise was to discover Jenni Means is good friends with friends we have in Charlotte – the Browns. We marveled at our stories and how similar they are. They’re passion for strong marriages mirrors our own. Their passion for the local church and its comparative relationship to the marriage covenant is the same as ours. Their love for romance through all seasons of marriage is inspiring. Scott is quite the romantic. Jenni began telling us the many (and we mean MANY) ways Scott has romanced his bride. Here are a few:

• Giving her a whole bag of Hershey kisses that he individually unwrapped, wrote his own message on the little white strip, and then re-wrapped each one.
• Buying her little gifts that mean a lot to her.
• Taking her away on surprise getaways.

I wish I could remember all she shared. We encouraged her to begin writing out all he has done through their decades of marriage. There are many husbands who could learn practical and easy ways to bless their wives in meaningful ways as a result.

The smile on Jenni’s face was evidence of the love her husband has for her. To be with them is to be inspired to grow your marriage all the more.

If you haven’t made it to their blog before, please take the time to visit them. You will discover a great couple whose marriage is worth emulating. Here is their mission statement:

The Journey to Surrender is about exploring, discovering and attaining the fullest potential in Christian marriage. It is an exciting expedition available to every Christian couple willing to travel the biblical path of God’s design for marriage, a path filled with fiery passion, unmatched intimacy and joyous freedom.

Having our hearts awakened to the love relationship that Jesus has with us as His bride, I believe, is the key to a vibrant, passionate and intimate relationship between husband and wife.

Although they don’t have a FaceBook page yet (hint-hint), they are on Twitter where you can follow their tweets: @MarriageJourney

You can also read what they had to say about our evening here.

NOTE: For those of you who know me well, you will understand what an amazing time we had with this couple when I tell you – I didn’t think to pull out my camera once the entire night! I couldn’t believe it! This is why the only pictures I have to share with you are from their blog.

Have you met any new friends lately? Was it awkward? Was it inspiring? We would love to hear about it!

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This is post #14 in the Ultimate Blog Challenge to post everyday in October.