Shannon here: Joi Copeland shares a comical first date with her future husband, plus a chance to win an e-book copy of her latest Historical Romance, A Chance for Lanie. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing. Deadline: Sept 3rd, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Joi:
I am five foot eight and a half. Not a short woman, by any means, and not a super tall woman, either. Yet, I’ve dated my share of tall men as well as shorter men. When I was in high school, a dear friend of mine kept asking me out on a date, but I couldn’t go on a date with him. He was several inches shorter than I was, and I knew I’d be self-conscious. That boy turned out to be a very sweet guy and understood, so we remained just friends.
And then I met him, the guy of my dreams. Chris was in a band that practiced at the home I shared with three other gals. Whenever I would see him, he’d be sitting down, fiddling with his guitar (sexy, right?) We would chat for a few minutes here and there, and then one day, he asked me out on a date.
My roommates vouched for his character, his godliness. I saw for myself how attractive he was, so of course, I said yes.
Chris showed up at my home. I opened the door and gave him a hug. He was standing on a step lower than me. I didn’t think anything of it. He asked me how I felt about carving pumpkins, and I absolutely love celebrating Halloween in that way. So off we went to a pumpkin patch.
Remember how I said I just couldn’t date a man shorter than me? Well, everywhere we went that day, he was on a slope, which always made me taller than Chris! It drove me crazy! I desperately wanted to figure out if he was even an inch taller than I was, but how could I go about it without seeming vain?
I know there are many women who don’t mind that, but for me, I’ve always been tall, and because of that, felt insecure. I often prayed about dating and marrying a man who had at least an inch over my own height.
Our date was wonderful! We picked out pumpkins (he walked on the slope), we went grocery shopping to pick out ingredients so I could make my nana’s famous spaghetti (he leaned on the grocery cart), and when I was fixing dinner, he was sitting at the counter.
No matter how hard I tried, I could not figure out how tall this wonderful man stood! Even when I walked him to the door, he stayed in front of me, so we were never side by side. I was going crazy!
The next day, I went to work, and my co-workers asked about my date. Still confused about how I felt, I couldn’t really answer them honestly. When I got home, Chris called to see how my day went. I told him about my co-workers, and then, being the sneaky girl I am, said they wanted to know what he looked like and how tall he was.
He laughed and said five ten! Five ten! I know, I know. I’m ridiculous. But my mood shifted, and I knew this was the guy for me. We’ve been married 23 years this last July. 😊
Question for Readers: What is one thing you have always wanted in a mate? Even if you’re single, you can still answer this question! 😊
Joi Copeland is an award-winning author. She has written over twenty books and desires to share her love of hope and redemption through each story she pens. Joi and her incredible husband of over twenty-years have three fabulous boys and currently live in Ireland. She is passionate about Jesus, Bible study, and the people of Ireland. Learn more & connect:
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About the book – A Chance for Lanie:
Can God really bring good out of tragedy?
Samuel Harden’s life turns upside down when tragedy strikes, leaving him a broken man, physically and mentally. He can’t take the looks of pity and sadness every time he leaves his father’s mercantile in the town of Sliver Springs. What he needs is a fresh start, to go somewhere no one knows him or his circumstances, to make a name for himself. A sudden opportunity arises in Last Chance, Nebraska.
Leaving his family and friends behind, Sam goes to the drought-ridden state of Nebraska, longing to make a difference in the lives of others as well as make things right in his own life. When he arrives, he meets a woman who threatens to steal his heart.
Lanie Carlisle is struck speechless when her older brother informs her he sold their childhood home without her consent. Having just lost her father, she’s still grieving when Bart drops this on her lap.
Not knowing what her future holds, Lanie struggles to accept what God has in store for her. And then she meets the new owner of her home.
Can Sam and Lanie find common ground as they work together and maybe find love in the process, or will their own pasts hinder what God has in store for their future?
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Joi’s other titles?
Get your copy/copies now! A Chance for Lanie Joi’s Books
Come back Aug 26th for Gail Pallotta!
When I first met my husband at my new high school, my friends referred to him only by his last name, Carlisle. I thought it was his first name, and thought it was very unusual. Little did I know it would someday be my new last name!
To answer your question- he did have something I had been looking for in a man- parents who had a very strong marriage. They were a great example, and we’ve been together for over 46 years.
I love that story, Jenny! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
I love that story. He is comical & interesting. My daughter-in-law had the same problem, but it never bothered her when she met my son. She just learned to wear flat shoes which I don’t think bothered her at all!
To answer your question I think LOVE is the most important thing in a marriage ! Love God first & love your spouse like no other will come automatically if they are the one for you. That is the next step is to pray together & make sure they are the ONE God has chosen for you!
Hi Mae! Thank you for responding! Yes, love is vital and it’s a daily choice!
I have a winner! Mae Carr won the drawing. I appreciate Joi for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.