Lilyan Andrews | Christian Life Coach & Author

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Hi There!
I'm so glad you're here!

I'm Lilyan, and I'm passionate about helping you navigate Christian dating & thrive in your godly relationships!

My Book is Now Available for Purchase!

Waiting and Dating explores the dynamics of singleness and dating from an Orthodox Christian perspective. It explores why, when, how, and who to date, while also tackling topics like purity, sexuality, temptation, and repentance. Tailored to older teens and young adults, the book aims to offer a balanced approach to dating while contemplating the wisdom of the Bible, the Church Fathers, and the Orthodox Church. The author, drawing from personal experiences and coaching expertise, addresses the challenges that young people face today and provides guidance for navigating relationships with spiritual integrity.

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Also available on Amazon Kindle.

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COACHING

CONTACT

Couldn’t do what I do without these amazing women!! Happy Mother’s Day to my mom and mother-in-law 💞💖

No more suffering through bad dating books!

Thank you @pkfarag for your kind words! Make sure you go check out her two phenomenal book!!

#waitingandatingbook

Before the resurrection, before the glory, and before the redemption, there was suffering, pain, and agony. Christ had to endure the torment and shame of the cross in order to redeem us.

May we learn to walk through the suffering with our Lord, and never give up the hope we cling to. Whether the deliverances comes to us in this life or the next, let us remain faithful always.

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Phil. 2:5-8)

Wishing you all a blessed Holy Week!

#coptic #copticholyweek #copticorthodox #copticorthodoxchurch #orthodoxholyweek

Course is already half full, go secure your spot today before it’s sold out!

More info on www.LilyanAndrews.com

Join me for my upcoming live singles group coaching course where we tackle so many more dating mindset shifts!

Head to my website more info on the course.

Spots are limited, it’s first come first serve!

February photo dump:

1. Had a lovely time at the @smsvchurch family retreat in Toronto. Thank you @fr.pishoy for having us!

2. Our flights out of Toronto got canceled after the Delta flight landed upside down. Couldn’t find other flights, so decided to drive home instead (9+ hours). Got a ride across the border, rented a car, and drove through a snow storm. Got home 24 hours later than planned. The rental car guy was nice enough to upgrade us to this sweet ride, thank you @enterprise!

3. Such a fun Galantine’s day get-together with these wonderful ladies. Thank you @jsmalek for opening your home to us!

4. Monthly girls night, this time @shersourial stuffed us with her delicious food. I love me some friends who can cook.

5. Conference day in Delaware with the Young Adult Ministry group of the PA Diocese. Thank you @copticpadioceseyam for inviting me.

7. Fireplace performances are my favorite kind of entertainment. Never a dull moment with these three.

8. Visited the Georgia convent for an HFL retreat and it was the exact thing I needed to kick off Lent this year. A wonderful time to fill up.

9. Got to see my book at an actual bookstore (@stdemianabookstore). Still can’t believe there’s a book out there with my name on it, like whaaaatt!

I promise my life is never this eventful, this was just a special month. Will be taking a break from traveling/speaking during Lent.

How beautiful is this painting by @artbychristamanouk!?

This verse is near and dear to my heart (a story for another time), but Christa did such a beautiful job brining it to life! It’s such a honor having it hung up in our home 🤎

Check out her page and consider giving it a follow!

If you’ve read my book then you know the story of our first Valentine’s Day together. We spent it driving to a service, and here we are 12 years later, not driving this time, but flying to another service. Except there will be no ghetto pizzeria tonight 😂

The book is now available as an AUDIOBOOK on Audible, read by yours truly! If you’re not a reader, audiobooks are a great alternative!

See you soon, Toronto ✈️

Single friends, this is my Valentine’s day gift to you...

Comment below and tell us about yourself: your name, where you’re from, age, maybe your Christian background, and anything else you’d like to share. This is your permission to brag about yourself 😉

If you see anyone that you’re curious about, DM them! Don’t be shy, and just have fun with it! (also be wise and safe when sharing information online)

Everyone else, tag your single friends, maybe even brag about them a bit (especially quality MEN, I have lots of wonderful ladies here) and share this post!

I ask that we keep this for anyone 21+ years old.

Last thing, please do not DM me asking about certain individuals, I do not know everyone on this page. I’m not responsible for matchmaking anyone, you have to do the work yourself 😄

Stop asking, “Why are you still single??”

I know some mean it as a compliment like, “You’re so great, I can’t believe you’re still single!”

But it could easily get misinterpreted as, “If you’re so great, why aren’t you in a relationship already?”

Whether you’re asking that question out loud or just in your head, your brain will automatically look for the answer. So you’ll start looking for reasons why this person is still single. You’ll start looking for flaws rather than focusing on their positive qualities.

And typically someone’s answers are very similar to yours (i.e., hasn’t been the right time, haven’t met the right person, life circumstances). Just because someone is single doesn’t mean there is anything wrong there (like in your case)!

There are much better questions to ask... drop them in the comments if you have one!

Very thankful for Dr. Rossi’s kind words!

If you haven’t gotten your copy of the book yet, maybe this will encourage you to 😉

What other red flags would you add to the list?? 🚩

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

Merry Christmas to all those celebrating today!

#copticchristmas

2024 has been such a rollercoaster ride, but a fun one nonetheless!

So many blessings and growth. Watched my beautiful sister-in-law become a bride. Welcomed a new niece into the family. Celebrated family and friends. Renovated a home while trying to keep my sanity. And so much more!

Praying and trying to discern what’s next for 2025.

How has your 2024 been??

The closer you get to God and His word, the more you’ll recognize which of your actions and thoughts align with His goodness and which don’t.

Expect that you will fall, we all do! (Romans 3:23) But don’t be discouraged when you do. By His grace you can get back up again!

“When the Holy Spirit unites two people as one flesh, sexual satisfaction will (*or should) eventually follow, though it might take time and might be more challenging for some than others. Welcome to one of the many struggles of marriage. It takes time for each spouse to adjust to one another after marriage.”

(this is assuming you’re in a healthy and loving marriage)

Excerpt from Chapter 8: Understanding God’s Design for S*x #waitinganddatingbook

Looking for a Christmas gift for your loved one who’s single or dating?? Look no further!

Waiting & Dating is available for purchase on AncientFaith.com and Amazon. Order today to receive it before Christmas!

Depending on what you were taught about purity growing up, you might have learned some misconceptions about it.

Chapter 7 of my book offers a wholistic approach to the subject. Go check it out!

#waitinganddatingbook

Hopefully this is more helpful than “When you know you know.” 😉

Married folks, tell us how you knew your spouse was the “one” ⬇️

Had the most incredible time celebrating the launch of my book with family & friends!

Now all of this might look nice and glamorous on the outside. What you don’t see is how crazy hard it was to write this book. Finding the time, energy, and mental space to write with 3 kids, supporting a priest, and a full time job, was challenging to say the least.

And the multiple breakdowns I had along the way.

And the spiritual warfare that comes with trying to do something for the glory of God and the good of others.

And the self-doubt.

And the sleepless nights.

So don’t let the highlights fool you, the real work happens behind the scenes.

💗 Special shout out to my friends who labored in prayer for this book, encouraged me when I complained, and celebrated the milestones along the way! @maryangadd_ @shersourial @maryannasralahphilips @youstina_abadear @csawires

💚 Special thanks for all those who helped put this event together, @jsmalek @marmura87 @mirayghaly (with the mentioned above) you made this a beautiful event!

🩵 @mandrews728 for always glamming me up! And @rafikwa for taking these incredible photos!

❤️❤️❤️ And for all those who came out to celebrate (not all pictured here), it’s one thing to show support online, and a different thing to show up in person! So thank you!!

When you’re fighting in marriage, know that you’re not fighting each other, you’re fighting the enemy who wants your marriage to fail!

Don’t fight AGAINST each other, fight TOGETHER against the one who wants to destroy the godly relationship you have.

As soon as you become one in the sacrament of holy matrimony, know that he’s already coming after you. But don’t be afraid, you have the One who has already conquered death on your side!

Book launched, heart full!

So thankful for everyone who came out to celebrate this book with me! Still processing the beautiful day ❤️more to come…

When I was writing my book I’d get these creative flows at night; when I was trying to fall asleep or when I was up feeding my infant at ridiculous hours of the night. It’s like I couldn’t shut off my brain (yes, I struggle with insomnia sometimes).

So I kept a notebook on my nightstand to quickly jot down any ideas I had before they left my foggy brain.

It was this beautiful creative process fueled by the Spirit, and I know it’s Him because anyone that knows me will tell you my brain doesn’t function very well past 10pm.

This notebook has been away for a while, but I recently took it out again…

So yes, that means I’m working on something new (and no, not another book). But something that might be helpful to some of you. Keep an eye out for it in spring of 2025 😉

Any guesses what it might be??

Raise your hand if you’ve heard one of these 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♂️

Maybe it was more evident in immigrant Christian churches?

✨ All are welcome to the book launch event! Registration closes in a week!

[Link in Bio]

Apparently today is National Authors Day! I didn’t even realize that was a thing 🤭

If you told me 5 years ago I’d be an “author” I would have laughed and said you had the wrong person. This wasn’t a thing I had on my bucket list or even my radar.

But something (or Someone) kept tugging on my heart to fill the gap where I saw a need. I saw many young Orthodox Christians struggling with relationships, confused and often misguided by the secular world of dating. And I kept thinking to myself, “It doesn’t have to be this way.”

God kept blessing the ideas, blog posts, and small steps I took in this direction. And if I’m being totally honest, there were so many moments I doubted this author thing. From submitting the book proposal thinking it would be rejected to wanting to quit after getting my first round of editing comments. There were definitely some high highs and low lows. But the fact that you can get this book in your hands now is a testament to God’s beautiful faithfulness!

Happy National Authors Day to all my author friends out there!

Incredibly thankful for @debrafileta’s kind words and her guidance with this project! Check out all her great books on relationships and mental health!

Still feels unreal to be holding MY own book!

Shout out to the wonderful team at @ancientfaithministries who made this happen! And everyone who was praying for this book and laboring with me! Glory to God!!

I’m honestly floored by all the love and support for this book! You guys made it #1 new release on Amazon in less than 24 hours for this category! 🤯🤯🤯

It’s feels like the 3 years of hard work is finally paying off 😅

Glory to God!!

Here is the table of contents in case you’re wondering what the book is all about.

Comment “Book” below and I’ll send you the links to purchase the book!

The 1st book on dating written from an Orthodox Christian perspective that’s traditionally published!

Beyond thrilled to be able to get this book in your hands!!

#waitinganddatingbook #christian #christianrelationships #christiandating #orthodoxchristian #coptic #copticorthodox #copticdating #liliesandthornsblog #christianyouth #copticyouth #christianmarriage #relationshipcoach #christianrelationshipcoach #christiancoach #lifecoach #christianlifecoach #christiandatingadvice

ONE more day until you can purchase the book!

Drop a 🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♂️if you’ve heard any of these analogies or similar ones before.

There’s so much to unlearn from purity culture. Some of these teachings were so ingrained in us that it will take a long time to unlearn them.

This is an excerpt from Chapter 7 of my book Waiting & Dating. It was actually the first chapter I wrote because I believe so much in this message!

The book will be available for purchase next Tuesday, Oct 22!!

Send this to someone you want to plan a fun date with!

….

Peep the stickers from @coptink & @jotpaper 💙

Excited to finally launch this book out into the world! Would love to see you at this event!!

If first dates feel more like interviews to you, it’s no surprise they would make you nervous. Instead of the typical coffee or restaurant date, try a more fun approach.

Pick an activity where you can have fun together while still getting to know each other. It could be as simple as going on a walk or hike, or a little more elaborate like a paint night or pottery class. You pick what works for you!

What are some other activities you’d recommend?

Would love to see you all at my book launch event!

Share with a friend or your youth group!

Book will be available for purchase end of October.

#waitinganddatingbook

Men, I’m looking at you 👀
Would love your input!

But both men and women do this swiping IRL thing, and it’s got to stop 😬

So excited to be able to get this book into your hands in a few weeks!! 🎉

@ancientfaithministries did such a wonderful job with this design!

#author #bookcoverdesign #bookcoverreveal #newbook

Be picky about the big things that matter, and don’t get hung up on the small things!

What are some things worth being picky about? Comment below ⬇️

Instead of just dating your “type” challenge yourself to be open to others, they might surprise you!

But if the attraction is still not there after you’ve given it some time, then that’s okay.

#christian #christianrelationships christiandating #orthodoxchristian #coptic #copticorthodox #copticdating #liliesandthornsblog #christianyouth #copticyouth #christianmarriage #relationshipcoach #relationshipcoaching #christiancoach #lifecoach #christianlifecoach #dating #christiandatingadvice

HOT TAKE: maybe you have unrealistic expectations of what your partner should look like 🤷🏻‍♀️

But how long should you get to know someone before deciding if physical attraction is there??

At first glance?
After a few dates?
Longer?

Comment below ⬇️

Married couples, comment below and tell us what’s the age difference between you and your spouse ⬇️

#christianrelationships #christiandating #orthodoxchristian #coptic #copticorthodox #copticdating #liliesandthornsblog #christianyouth #copticyouth #christianmarriage #relationshipcoach #relationshipcoaching #christiancoach #lifecoach #christianlifecoach #dating #christiandatingadvice

Alright friends, I need your help!

Help me pick out an AUTHOR photo (still can’t believe we’re here)! Which one should go on the back of the book?

1, 2, or 3??

📸: @morcos_photography

#christianauthor #authorphoto #christianrelationships christiandating #orthodoxchristian #coptic #copticorthodox #copticdating #liliesandthornsblog #christianyouth #copticyouth #relationshipcoach #relationshipcoaching #christiancoach #lifecoach #christianlifecoach #dating

It’s been a while since I’ve posted my usual content on here, but that’s because I’ve been working hard editing this book with the hopes of getting it into your hands this fall!! This is my *final* editing round (I’ve lost track of how many I’ve gone through at this point).

It’s been a bit of a whirlwind because life is always so FULL. Writing is something I thoroughly enjoy, but juggling that with mom life, a full-time job, along with all the beautiful celebrations of birthdays, holidays, and weddings these last few months has been challenging... oh and a house move!

With all of that, creating new content falls to the bottom of the list. But I’m looking forward to getting back some time for creativity (hopefully soon).

How are you handling all the challenges of changing life seasons? Am I the only one that looks forward to summer to only realize at the end how quickly it flew by?!

“Mommy, auntie Monica looks like a princess.”

Yes she does 🥹🥰

So incredibly happy for my little sister and new brother! Can’t wait to see how God blesses your life together!!

Here are some ways you can spring clean your dating life…

1. If you find yourself in an undefined relationship, maybe a friendationship or situationship, get clear on what it actually is. Ask the hard questions and figure out where you stand. Don’t be afraid of commitment if this is something you want to pursue. If it’s not, then it’s time to remove it from the relationship category and move on!

2. If you’re overwhelmed or burnt out from looking for a date, maybe on dating apps or in-person, it’s okay to take a break. Allow yourself some time to recharge and refocus before jumping back in the dating pool.

3. If you’re stuck in an unhealthy relationship, get out now! Ignoring red flags won’t make them disappear. Your mental and emotional wellbeing are a priority and should not be compromised for a relationship.

Got any other ideas to add to the list? Drop them in the comments ⬇️

#christian #christianrelationships christiandating #orthodoxchristian #coptic #copticorthodox #copticdating #liliesandthornsblog #christianyouth #copticyouth #christianmarriage #relationshipcoach #relationshipcoaching #christiancoach #lifecoach #christianlifecoach #dating #christiandatingadvice

Another year around the sun! 🎉

Here are 32 lessons I learned from turning 32…

Just kidding! 😂

But seriously, I can’t even wrap my head around all the blessings God has showered me with! Even in my wildest dreams I wouldn’t have been able to dream up this life 💚

I hope God surprises you too (and even more) and gives you way beyond what you can imagine!!

So thankful for the people I’ve grown closer to, the roots that have been planted, and even the hard lessons!

Part 2 of Dating Communication 101: What NOT to do!

Who else has experienced any of these?? 🙅🏻‍♀️

#christian #christianrelationships #christiandating #orthodoxchristian #coptic #copticorthodox #copticdating #liliesandthornsblog #christianyouth #copticyouth #christianmarriage #relationshipcoach #relationshipcoaching #christiancoach #lifecoach #christianlifecoach #dating #christiandatingadvice #datingadvice #relationshipadvice #relationshipcommunication #communicationskills #datingcoach #communication

Here is a different perspective of what to ask yourself at the beginning of Lent this year…

Ask God if He wants you to grow closer to Him? Is He waiting for you to draw near so you can better taste His sweet love better? Does He want you to benefit from serving others? Does He long to reveal something to you that requires your undivided attention?

Just the change of that one word (from -> for) makes a world of a difference, doesn’t it?

Hope you all have a blessed Lent! ☦️

#coptic #copticorthodx #orthodox #orthodoxlent #churchfathers #churchfathersquotes #lent

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@lilyanandrews

Hi There! I'm so glad you're here!

My Book is Now Available for Purchase!

Also available on Amazon Kindle.

​

Hi There!
I'm so glad you're here!