Girls Trip: Waco, TX
There are gifts from the Father in every season and these women are a tangible gift, straight from heaven.
This weekend with them taught me that time is a commodity that we can choose to freely give away. When we take the time to have a real conversation with people, we give them the gift of our presence, our attention.
This weekend was a reminder was to slow down, look a friend in the eyes, and truly ask them how they’re doing.
Check out some of my favorite moments in the photos below and the prayers for my friends, and then consider calling a friend you haven’t talked to in a while.
Yes, call. Not text. Give them the gift of your time and your presence and be blessed by what they’ll give you in return!
Left to right: Danielle, Stephanie, Julie, Melissa, Katie
After an incredible few days at the third annual Moms in the Making conference, we headed down to extend the “weekend” a little longer.
Before heading to Waco, a group of girls from the conference and I had lunch together at Salata in Dallas.
After lunch, I took one of these lovely ladies to the airport to catch her flight back to Mexico. It was so good to meet this beautiful lady and hear about her journey with the Father. If you didn’t get a chance to talk to Dalia at the conference, be sure to grab her next year. She is amazing! And no one else has an excuse for not coming - she flew cross country by herself…in FAITH!
The Airbnb we booked was absolutely stunning. It was the perfect place to relax and unwind after a whirlwind of a weekend that was fulfilling, but also super busy.
It was so nice to spend some time alone in the quiet of the woods before all the girls arrived.
Monday was our full day in town and we were ready to take on Waco and ALL it had to offer!
We kicked off our Wacoventures with Magnolia Table, of course. We all fell head-over-heels in love with Jo’s biscuits and that homemade strawberry jam. I mean…come on!
If you’re planning your own day in Waco, be sure to come here early. The wait time only gets longer as the day goes on (and is usually full for the day by 1:00 PM!)
If you’re one of the few people who haven’t heard the story of how two people completely transformed the city of Waco, TX, you can read all about it here.
After our tummies were happy and full, we were off to the Silos!
This was my 7th or 8th time at Magnolia, but the first for several of the girls. It’s so fun watching people experience all the grounds the shop has to offer for the first time.
One of the biggest tips I have for first timers is to go to the new (main) store FIRST, buy something, and then bring your receipt to the OLD Magnolia shop (where you get 10%+ off!)
We each took turns taking photos in front of the sign that read, “There is gold in every piece of your story.” Because it’s so true. Something we learned on this trip was that every single one of us has a story to tell. We just have to be willing to listen long enough to hear how that story has unfolded. We can look for the gold in every person we meet!
Even more than the Magnolia shop, I love the grounds of the Magnolia land. The food trucks, the games on the lawn, the swings, the garden…I’m here for a l l of it.
And no Magnolia trip is complete without a stop at the Silos Baking Co. The lemon lavender cupcake is my all-time fave and the seasonal “Campfire” cupcake is right up there, too!
It was so fun roaming around Magnolia with these ladies.
We’ve gotten to know each other on Voxer over the last six months or so, but it was so special being able to talk to them face-to-face, heart-to-heart.
We traveled from all over - Colorado, Missouri, and Texas. All seeking the heart of the Father at the conference, and then peace and solace post-conference.
I think we found both.
After visiting the new shop, we were off to the “old Magnolia,” located about 10-15 minutes from the new shop. We weren’t impressed by what was in the clearance shop this season, but you just never know. Sometimes there are incredible finds! You can learn more about the Little Shop on Bosque here.
The security guard at the shop recommended our lunch choice, Captain Billy Whizzbang’s, and we were hooked the second we heard the name! I mean, who wouldn’t be?? The local, family-owned burger joint has been in business for over 40 years. Almost all of us went with their specialty burger, “The Whizz-Pigg,” a burger mixed with ground beef and ground bacon. So fun and delicious!
After lunch, we were off to the Harp Design Co. shop and to one of the houses featured on the Gaines’ famous show, Fixer Upper.
Our Wacoventure concluded with a trip to one of the COOLEST places in Texas - the Waco Mammoth National Monument. I know what you’re thinking…mammoths??? Like the things that lived in super cold, arctic places?
Yes, friends.
But in just the last few decades, remains of mammoths were found in the middle of Waco, TX. The structure was built around the dig site in order to preserve the bones (which are the consistency of chalk) as long as possible. Entrance into the national monument is only $5, so if you have 45 minutes and a few bucks to spare, this spot is so worth your time!
After running around town, our last stop was to the grocery store where we spent way too much money on sugar and wine, but a girls’ trip definitely requires both, so…
We spent the night listening to music, chatting about life, marriage, Jesus, and all the things. Danielle made homemade dumplings for dinner and Katie made french toast with homemade syrup for breakfast. Apparently being a five star chef is also a requirement to join the girls’ trip.
Kidding! (Kind of.)
It was a beautiFULL weekend - filled with so much laughter, tears, and good, good food. What more could you ask for?
prayers for my sweet friends
Danielle, you have the sweetest, kindest heart I may have ever come across. Your love for God’s people amazes me. You are the epitome of a servant and Jesus is so pleased with you - not for anything you have to offer, but just because of who you are. I’m so grateful for the time we spent together. I’m praying that Holy Spirit will continue to draw your heart closer to His and that He would be your only source of strength, peace, and abundance. He will empower you to conquer every situation you face and you will share in His ultimate victory!
“I know what it means to lack, and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance. For I’m trained in the secret of overcoming all things, whether in fullness or in hunger. And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty.”
Philippians 4:12-13
Steph, you exude peace and JOY like no other. You’re also super fun and always up for an adventure! I’m so glad your Aunt Sharon was there with us, too! Please give her a hug for me!! I’m so grateful that you invited me to the Voxer girls group. I just don’t even have words to describe how grateful I am to know you. My prayer for you is that you will continue to find joy in the waiting. He is faithful to renew your strength IN the waiting. You will run and walk and not grow weary!
“But those who wait for Yahweh’s grace
will experience divine strength.
They will rise up on soaring wings and fly like eagles,
run their race without growing weary,
and walk through life without giving up.”Isaiah 40:31
Schremp, you may be soft-spoken, but you are a force to be reckoned with! It’s so beautiful to watch your story unfold and see the amazing things the Father is doing in your life. He has gifted you with talents and abilities and you bring Him so much joy when you serve Him in these areas. You’ve been through so many hard seasons. Keep praying, keep seeking, keep trusting His promises. He has given you a mighty spirit of power, love, and self-control. Holy Spirit will fill you with so much love during this wait. Lean on Him for your every need.
“I’m writing to encourage you to fan into a flame and rekindle the fire of the spiritual gift God imparted to you when I laid my hands upon you. For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control.”
2 Timothy 1:6-7
Katie, I’m so glad I got to meet you on this trip and hear more about your journey. Your heart is big and your love is loud! You are already a mother and the Father is ready to pour out more blessings than you’re ready to hold on to. Keep living open-handed, surrendered to Him and to His will. His hand will never fail. You’re in good hands. He has so much GOOD in store for your family!
“Lord, you are my true strength and my glory-song,
my champion, my Savior!
The joyful songs I now sing will be sung again
in the hearts and homes of all your lovers.
My loud shouts of victory will echo throughout the land.
For Yahweh’s right hand conquers valiantly!
The right hand of Yahweh exalts!
The right hand of Yahweh will never fail.”Psalm 118: 14-16
I’m so glad you’re here, friend. I’m not sure how you found this post, but I continue to be amazed by the internets. It brings us together in such beautiful ways and reminds us that we’re more alike than different. More united than divided. Whether you spend a minute or an hour on this page, know that Jesus loves you like crazy. Like CRAZY. I’d love to hear how I can pray for you. Would you let me know here?
