Don’t you just LOVE it when you grab your tray of food at Chick-fil-A, say thank you to the cashier, and he/she says, “My pleasure!” Oh, it makes my heart go pitter-pat. Partly because polite people are a dying breed in this country, and partly because CHICK-FIL-A! YUM!

Be still, my heart. And my salivating olfactory glands. (okay, pretty sure that was the wrong word–I think those are in your nose–gross) Anyway.

I have a friend who makes my heart go pitter-pat. Her name is Lysa, and I think you’re going to like her too. And if you’ve stopped by from Lysa’s blog, welcome to the madness that is marlataviano.com. It’s my pleasure to have you here! Really! We discuss topics like s-e-x and the acceptability of wearing used underwear, but Lysa talks about tee-tee (pee-pee for you Northerners), so you should feel right at home!

Lysa and I met briefly at the She Speaks conference last June, and we’ve gotten to know each other through e-mails and blogs since then, but I’d love to live right next door to her. A year ago, I wouldn’t have said that. Lysa doesn’t know this, but I used to hear her sweet, southern voice on those 1-minute Proverbs 31 radio spots and think, “Ugh. So fake. I could never be friends with someone like her.” (I know!) She just sounded so nice. And perfect. Like the 31st chapter of Proverbs was written specifically about her. No thank you!

For those of you who don’t know, Lysa TerKeurst is the President of Proverbs 31 ministries. She’s also the author of many books and a prolific speaker all around the country (and probably the world!). When I went to She Speaks in June, I really didn’t know much about her. Well, except that she was perfect. And then she got up to speak at the opening session of the conference.

Oh my word. In less than two minutes, I fell madly in love with her. And repented of my heinous sin of judging her–and so wrongly! FORGIVE ME, SWEET LYSA! Girls, Lysa is the real deal. One of the most UN-fake women I know. She is gut-honest and down-to-earth. Stunningly beautiful, yet so open about her insecurities. Brilliant and gifted, yet flawed just like the rest of us. And she is passionate about her family and encouraging women and SHARING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. She is not perfect. And she would never, ever try to get you to believe that. And that sickeningly sweet southern drawl?? She can’t help it! That’s how they talk down there in those parts! I know! (and now I reeeeally want a southern accent of my very own!)

Lysa’s past is crammed full of some awful and hurtful things, and God has taken them and redeemed them and is using them for His glory! Amen and hallelujah! Seriously–if you need some encouragement, Lysa is your girl! A daddy who abandoned her when she was little. An abortion. Two sweet boys from Africa who became her sons on the spur-of-the-moment. Love that story! And–get this–her husband, Art, owns and runs a Chick-fil-A! Can you even imagine?! (He and Lysa just got back from a Chick-Fil-A convention–these Jesus-loving people are so awesome!)

Lysa is giving away some of my books on her blog, and in her honor, I’m giving away a $10 gift card to Chick-fil-A! And somebody better hurry up and win it, because it is BURNING a hole in my pocket!

Just leave a comment (only 1! U.S. addresses only!) telling me either a.) what you love about Lysa or b.) your favorite entree at Chick-fil-A or c.) a time you judged someone before you knew them and found out you were drop-dead wrong about them.

Love you, Lysa-Girl!!

And two quick Items of Business before I go:

1. We raised $150 for the Cambodia Kids yesterday!!! Woooohooooo! Praise the Lord! Thank you sooo much!

2. My Wait-Until-You’re-Married-to-Have-Sex Talk was so much fun! God is so good! There were six couples there, and I talked to them for about 45 minutes or so. Then we split into groups, and I got to chat with the girls. Wow. The talk went so well. And the small group girl time was just phenomenal. Praise you, Lord! Wow, wow, wow.

Thanks, friends! Happy Thursday! Let the CHIKIN Wars begin!!