Valentine's Contest: Finalist #3

Here is third finalist from our Valentine's contest.

Finalists #3 - Julianna S.

The table setting, including the little packet of information
and paper for notes, silverware, and a tin of M&Ms

"For the past two years, I have hosted a special, dressy luncheon for single young ladies between the ages of 13 and 30 around Valentine's day. I want to use this time of romance and love to encourage my generation to continue to keep themselves pure, to prepare themselves for their future homes and husbands, and to be shining examples to others.This time around – year three! - I sent out more invitations than I ever have in the past. The turnout was very good – 20 girls, including myself, plus my mother and my two speakers.

One of the tables at the luncheon

This year, my speakers were Laura Guido and Denise Pohlman. Laura Guido is my aunt, a happy, homeschooling mother of five – I was in her wedding, she was in my mom’s wedding - she and her family are beloved parts of our lives. Her talk centered around her testimony, how she eventually met her husband, and her marriage at the relatively late age of 30. I’m not sure about the other girls, but I find personal stories such as this very touching.

My sister (on the right) and me at the luncheon

Mrs. Pohlman is a member of our congregation. She is also a homeschool mom, direct, wise, and I knew she would be able to easily share some nuggets of her wisdom with us. :-) Her speech focused on the story of Ruth, using it as a springboard for teaching important truths, such as contentment and submission to authority.

The girls working on a pen-and-paper activity during lunch

All in all, I was very, very pleased with how things went. I can only pray that the lives, hearts, and souls of the girls in attendance were inspired, and that they were encouraged through these speeches, fellowship, and bonding time.

Most of the girls who attended (some had already left)

The main point of this luncheon is to take the focus off of “I’m single and my parents want me to be pure ” and onto “I’m single! And God has the perfect guy for me! One day, I’ll be happily married, and while I wait for that day, I’m going to focus on serving others, obeying & respecting my parents, and preparing to be an Excellent Wife!”

I hope and pray that’s what came across to these young women, and to everyone watching, hearing, and sponsoring. God has truly “established my handiwork”. May He continue to do so!"