For This House
Every Season. Every Space. All for Him.
Every Season. Every Space. All for Him.
September 3, 2025 | 6 min read
Crista Moriah Simonowich
This spring, I decided to try online dating yet again.
Someone suggested a different app than the ones I tried previously, and I matched with a guy through it. Our connection has lasted longer than the short-lived acquaintance followed by ghosting, which I’ve found to be my typical experience.
It all unfolded by messaging, texting, snapping.
Then, he suggested taking me out for coffee.
Since we’re both former baristas, that date made sense!
We’ll order and sip and talk.
See if we vibe…maybe…maybe not?
I’ve heard a couple of times that the purpose of a first date is to find out if you want to go on a second one.
That takes some pressure off.
As I told my sister, I have gone from the girl who has never been on a date to a different place now.
She told me maybe now I get to be the girl who dates.
The opportunity is finally here, and it will just require a step of faith to reach for the potential to discover…
Is there something here?
As questions, doubts and fears hover over my soul, I remind myself of what is true…
What if he doesn’t find me beautiful?
The guy meant for me will find me attractive. As the saying goes, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
What if there’s no spark?
It’s okay, we tried.
No matter how the date goes, as someone I know put it,
I did not hide behind a screen, but embraced meeting in person, and that courage counts for something.
Do you also find yourself approaching a new first-time-out-on-a-date season?
In the swirl of emotions, here are a few thoughts…
My discipline to write in my One Line a Day five-year memory book holds little bits of what has happened leading up to now—even jotted a page in my regular journal. Going back through the story that has led to this upcoming date gives me pause and appreciation for the story that God is writing in my life—no matter the outcome.
I’ve also talked through everything with those who know me and my journey well. I recommend opening up to a friend you can trust with such a fragile, beautiful chapter, while it is still being revealed day by day. Find that listening ear that can help you process through the diverse emotions so you can enter your first date with mindfulness.
According to Psalm 139:16-18 TPT, God wrote each day—including dates and romance—in his book before our birth. He cares about the exact day and time we meet a guy for a date, as well as the before, during, and after because his thoughts about us are incalculable (v. 18).
Jesus is saying to you and me both, “So don’t worry. For your Father cares deeply about even the smallest detail of your life” (Matthew 10:30-31 TPT).
Dating exceeds the category of “smallest detail,” so we’re guaranteed a boundless, heartfelt involvement from God as we drive to our date, meet the mystery man, and offer a greeting.
It is okay to be nervous!
It’s the night before my first date…
Anxiety is setting in.
I’m really going to meet him.
My experience of romantic exchange will shift from a virtual world of notifications and messages to eye contact and real life conversation over coffee.
Vulnerability must be embraced, showing up as I am, reaching for the possibility of more…and maybe that second date.
For tonight, you can catch me sipping hot chamomile tea with some sweetener and a generous splash of two percent milk to take off some butterfly nervousness.
And tomorrow, as I drive to a local coffee shop a little before 4 in the afternoon, I’ll walk through the doors for coffee with a guy instead of just going for a writing date with me, myself, and I.
So here’s to vulnerability and an open heart. 🤍
Friend, we’re “first date” girlies now—we get to do this!
As you think on your own approaching date ahead, here is a prayer:
Jesus,
Thank you for the opportunity to experience going out with someone for the first time after desiring romantic connection. I know you’ve written my story just right, and I look forward to seeing what happens. Please calm my nerves, please help me to be aware that you care deeply about this. Help me to be exactly as you created me to be. I pray for the wisdom to know if I should choose to go on a second date.
Amen.
Crista Moriah Simonowich desires to share the lessons the Lord is teaching her in each season. She enjoys writing sessions with iced coffee nearby for sipping, sometimes a lit candle, and always good music. Moriah is currently studying in college. Her favorite way to connect with Jesus is through two-way journaling.
Crista Moriah Simonowich desires to share the lessons the Lord is teaching her in each season. She enjoys writing sessions with iced coffee nearby for sipping, sometimes a lit candle, and always good music. Moriah is currently studying in college. Her favorite way to connect with Jesus is through two-way journaling.