Interview and Giveaway with “Facts of Life”‘s Lisa Whelchel!!!
Published December 15, 2009“Ya take the good, ya take the bad, ya take them both and there you have the Facts of Life…..”
It was 9:00 pm on a Wednesday night in the early 1980′s. I made sure my homework was done, my clothes were all ready for the next day, and my chair was closer to the TV than my brother’s, just in case he had the bright idea of hopping up and turning the dial off of NBC channel 10. (FYI…for those of you much younger than I, there were no remote controls then and our television only got in four channels!!!)
Yep….it was time to spend a half hour with my television friends Tootie, Natalie, Jo and Blair.
I especially connected with Blair.
And her hair.
I so wanted to have “Blair hair”.
So did thousands of other girls across the nation. I nearly popped a circuit (with two different curling irons and a set of my mom’s old hot rollers from the late 1960′s plugged in and perched on our bathroom counter) as I attempted to acquire my own “Blair hair”…… to no avail.
Fast forward about twenty years…..
I was sitting in our church’s foyer perusing a pamphlet I’d found. In it was a story about Lisa Cauble, pastor’s wife, homeschooling mom of three and the woman who, years earlier, had been the very Blair Warner whose hair I so coveted. I read the article, discovering that she had left showbiz and had instead dedicated her life to being a wife to Steve and mom to Tucker, Haven and Clancy. I knew right away we simply HAD to have her come speak to us at a Hearts at Home conference for moms!
In the fall of 2002, Lisa did just that. I had the pleasure of meeting her. She had the pleasure of hearing myself, along with three friends, sing a little parody of the Facts of Life theme song put to “mommy” lyrics to fit the conference. (NOTE TO SELF: When meeting other famous, TV star people in the future, do NOT make up a silly parody theme song. They might not be as gracious as dear Lisa. In fact, they might think it is downright stalkerish and promptly call security!)
Today, I am fortunate that Lisa is my friend and has been a wonderful roll model for my nearly 19 year old Mackenzie. We have kept in touch, have spoken at various events together over the years and when she is in Michigan speaking, Kenzie and I offer to help her husband Steve run her book table.
That man is a GEM!!!!!! (No wonder! Reminds me so much of my own handsome, “how-can-I-help-you-out-honey?” husband) Seriously ladies, I wish he had about three single brothers for three of my single friends. I’d be doing the matchmaker dance in no time at all! And what a story about how they got married! It is Kenzie’s FAVORITE!!!! Maybe I’ll have Lysa back sometime to tell it….or you’ll just have to read her books and find out for yourself!
But, I digress!
I can attest to you now that Lisa is the real deal. She loves the Lord, her family and helping girlfriends all over to become better moms, wives and Christian women. She writes awesome Christmas letters, loves anything deep fried (although her figure would never tell you!) and is simply NOT diva-like in way, shape or form. In fact, she is exactly the opposite of Blair! This is a woman who was kind enough to quietly forgo her speaking fee at an event we appeared at together and tell the church to send it to me instead. (Lisa—PLEASE don’t get mad at me for telling. You didn’t want to tell anyone you did that. You never said I couldn’t!!!)
Little did she know, my hubby was facing a months-long layoff and we didn’t have enough money set aside to pay our bi-annual property taxes. When the check arrived in the mail, it was almost to the dollar the exact amount we owed! Yes, ladies, this gal loves the Lord, listens to Hims and helps teach the rest of us how to do the same.
Today, Lisa is going to join us to talk a little about her Christmas, give away a wonderful book and ask our thoughts on a new one she is writing. So gals, get ready to meet YOUR new cyber girlfriend Lisa Whelchel!!!
Lisa, what is life like at your house during this crazy/busy Christmas season?
Well, the weeks leading up to Christmas have been pretty hectic. I am writing a new book and the manuscript is due later this week. So, I have been taking 2-3 days a week to get away and write. It has been kind of hectic juggling writing and Christmas but the two weeks after Christmas, we have nothing planned but being together as a family. Tucker will be home from California where he attends college and the girls are still here in Texas, one at a local college and one still in high school. It will be really nice to just be together and enjoy the stillness. I also bought a MacBook and have been too busy to learn how to use it so I will be spending some quality time with my family and my laptop!
You have a passion for helping moms point their kids to Christ in the midst of the sights, symbols and activities of the holiday season. Your book, The ADVENTure of Christmas, (a yearly staple at our house for the past 5 years, I might add!) does just that. Can you tell our cyber sisters a little bit about it and why you wrote it?
When our kids were little, I wanted so badly to give them great Christmas memories like I had growing up. However, there seemed to be a trend in some Christian circles to not do some of the traditions of Christmas because, on the surface, they seemed to be secular and had nothing to do with Jesus, the real reason for the season.
It was then that, instead of just doing (or not doing) what everyone else was, I made the whole issue a real matter of prayer. Feeling like Jesus had gotten lost in the frenzy of the holiday season, I asked the Lord to show me what I could do to teach my children the true meaning of Christmas.
I was caught off-guard when He simply replied, “Don’t do anything differently. Look in the middle of the celebration and you will find Me.”
He was right! There is no need to orchestrate moments to pontificate about “the commercialization of Christmas.” Instead, Jesus is beckoning us to come to the party and bring the kids. In doing so, we run into Him at the mall, the movies, even at school. He hides in the lights, the carols, and the cards. He is there when we dress the evergreen tree, when Dad dresses up in a red suit, and even when we eat turkey and dressing!
My book The ADVENTure of Christmas is a guide for moms concerned that their children are losing sight of Jesus in the midst of the distractions the holiday season brings. Instead of abandoning the traditions of Christmas, as a family rediscover their original meanings, which were intended to remind people of God’s unfathomable gift. Hanging lights on the house, wrapping gifts, and decorating the tree can be opportunities to teach your children and grandchildren about how they relate to Jesus’ birth. With The ADVENTure of Christmas, mothers can redeem what’s been lost from the very symbols that are gentle reminders of the true meaning of Christmas.
(Karen’s footnote: And this gorgeously illustrated, hardcover book tackles 25 traditions of the season, giving their historical origin, their intended purpose and even lists discussion questions to help your kids discover Jesus in the midst of whatever topic is being addressed that day. But it isn’t just for small kids. In fact, later today I am holding a “Baking Day with Mom E.” for some of Kenzie’s college-aged friends here in Michigan and intend to utilize the section on the tradition of Christmas baking!)
Lisa, as a sweet holiday gesture, you’ve offered to give one fortunate gal a personalized copy of this wonderful resource to use year after year with her family. But in order to be entered to win, the gals must leave a comment. What should they tell us?
Well, since I am meeting lots of new friends today and am busy trying to finish my latest book entitled Friendship for Grown Ups; Lessons I Missed and Learned Along the Way, I’d really like to hear from everyone about the topic of friendship.
Christmas is a time for remembering friends or sending long distance friends a Christmas letter or picture. But what are some ways you connect with your nearby friends on a day-to-day basis? There can be many challenges present in the friendships of women; challenges we need to overcome. I’d like to know what ways your readers have learned to connect heart-to-heart with their girlfriends in practical and tangible ways, maybe avoiding some of those challenges that might otherwise have occurred.
So tell me, what do you do (or what are you careful not to do) when it comes to forging, nurturing and maintaining friendships with those you love? What are some practical ways you go deeper in your relationships and help point each other to Christ? I am just finishing up the section in my book on this and would love to know!
Thanks Lisa for carving time out during this very full week to spend a few moments with us and we can’t wait to read that new book!
You are so welcome, Karen. Merry Christmas everyone!!!
Okay gals…hop on now and leave your friendship comment. One of you will be chosen to receive Lisa’s Christmas book. She will personalize it to your family, using your last name, and will autograph it too. I know it will become your most beloved Christmas book ever! Winner announced tomorrow. (Yesterday’s winner is announced at the bottom of this post)
And, for those of you who want to purchase an autographed and personalized copy for yourself, here is the info.
The book retails for $20, but Steve and Lisa are offering it to you for $15 (plus $3.95 shipping)! Remember that Lisa can not only sign the book as the author, but can personalize it to you and your family, or to those to whom you are presenting it as a gift. What a special present! And think—where else can you find a gift for the entire family that will be used for the entire month of December every year for only $15—and one that’s also personalized to them by the author? (Keep in mind, too, that these books make excellent “Teacher Gifts” and that teacher’s love sharing the stories with their classes—and it’s a “legal” way to get the gospel into the classroom!) Click here for more info on purchasing.
Finally, the winner of yesterday’s giveaway– the peppermint themed gift box and Jennifer Silvera’s book Believe is: Christina in KY; timestamp 12/14 at 2:03 pm
Please email me at karen@proverbs31.org to give me your mailing address. Congrats!
Merry Christmas and Friendship Blessings,
89 Responses to Interview and Giveaway with “Facts of Life”‘s Lisa Whelchel!!!
Leave a Reply
Subscribe
My Family
Thank you for giving us a chance to know Lisa a little better. I have read her creative parenting book and love it.
Like everyone these days, our lives have been very hectic. I have not been able to connect with friends like I want to. After Thanksgiving I made turkey soup, making more than our family could eat. I had a dear friend who’s kids were sick over Thanksgiving. I surprised her one morning in car-line with a big bowl of turkey soup. When I gave her the soup I could see the relief in her face that she didn’t have to make dinner that night. I was glad to know that by listening to God’s little tugging on my heart I was able to minister to my friend.
I think that having a clear and uninterrupted conversation with a friend when both parties have babies and toddlers is a real challenge that I face. In an effort to stay connected with others, my new friend from church and I have “email fellowship.” We both have internet in our bedroom and periodically throughout the day pass by the computer while doing laundry or making the bed or putting things away. A couple times during the week we bounce back single paragraph or sentence emails. Such as “How can I pray for you this week?” or “I am heading out for a walk, what are you up to?” I really enjoy checking in with her during the week, so that when I see her on Sunday, it is like we got to see each other during the week….sort of
Oh, I really have to not be judgemental. It is something God and I are working on, but when it comes to my family, it is so hard.
I pray for my friends. I know that seems rather simplistic, but so often we find ourselves saying to our friends, “I’ll pray for you” and then get distracted or busy with day-to-day activities and then forget to pray. Usually it’s unintentional, but it happens nonetheless. So, several years ago – I made an intentional commitment to pray for my friends regularly (not only when they ask me to). I truly believe that prayer has nurtured my friendships and created new ones!
This is fun! Thanks Karen and Lisa!
For me, one of the most important things I do when it comes to friendship is actually putting dates on my calendar to spend quality time with friends. It’s so easy to say, “Let’s get together,” but then life happens and you never do it and time slips by and suddenly you realize that you aren’t that close anymore.
Also, when I say “get together” I’m not referring to an email, a text, or an updated status on facebook, though all of those things are wonderful. I’m talking about physically being present in the same place (for those friends who are close by), even if it’s just a half hour chat at Starbucks. For those who live far away I like to schedule an actual voice to voice conversation on the phone every once in a while.
The busier we are the more important that time with friends becomes. My kids are older now and we’re busy in new ways, but when they were babies and I was constantly busy and constantly giving of myself, the shining glory of my month was the two times I met with a group of moms to talk, read the Bible, and pray with one another. It was my lifeline.
As a mom in the preschool/infant stage, I find that it is absolutely essential that every couple of weeks, I grab a hot chai with a friend to enjoy some UNINTERRUPTED conversation!
The gift of women’s friendships is something I treasure. God created us to need each other in a very unique way and too often we unknowingly miss the greatest things by not investing in each other’s lives. I have tried to get into facebook and even email but the thing that seems to work best for me to stay connected is to call from my cell in between errands or “taxi” duty. I jot down certain friends that I haven’t talked to lately or that God impresses on my heart and then call them at some point in the day. I appreciate your passion for the things of God His plan for our families. Merry Christmas!
Being willing to listen (not offer a suggestion to ‘fix’ your friend) is a sure way to connect with others.
I listen, plain and simple. I try to tell them my thoughts and opinions without being “preachy” or “holier than”.
OH MY GOSH!!! Thank you thank you thank you for having Lisa come on your website! Lisa, I was only about 6 when I started watching your show in the 80′s but my twin sis and I loved your show so much-we’d run around the coffee table at the beginning song and, yes, we desperately did want to have hair like “pretty Blair”.
Anyway….
My greatest gift for friendship is the gift of listening. Sometimes that’s downright difficult; especially when I really, really want to say something! God is working with me on holding my tongue and not being offended when someone says something that normally may hurt my feelings. (Proverbs 19:11) I’m learning to not jump to conclusions with my loved ones—something that helps the relationships.
Again Karen, thank you for this great post!!
As an adult I have learned that sometimes I have to be upfront about what I’m wanting/needing in a friendship at the time. My friend Katherine was the same way so we both just told each other that we wanted someone who was interested in living life together on a weekly basis and would be willing to put the time in to get to know each other. Over the past 3 years our friendship has grown and she joined my mom & me for an overnight trip.
I think another key to friendships are not moving too fast too soon. Letting the relationship have it’s “surface” experience time and then with time allow it to naturally as well as purposefully direct it to more deep conversations.
I agree that remembering to pray for your friends is essential to developing and keeping that relationship. Life often takes over and I don’t always remember. Thanks for this wonderful interview!
I called a friend recently to see how she is doing and when she told me she is struggling with home schooling right now, I offered to get together and talk about it to see if we could come up with some solutions. She said she had been praying for help, so my call came at just the right time. I asked if she wanted to come to my house or have me come visit her, and she immediately replied, “Both! Let’s do a double whammy!” So this Thursday I am going to her house, and on Friday she is coming to mine. Sometimes a friend needs someone to listen, to know she isn’t alone, and to brainstorm through the practical issues. I don’t get to do things like this often since I am busy with my own 10 kids, but I try to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
I have to admit that most of my friendships have been strained due to the economy. We were in a small group for 2 years, and then we fell apart, due to many different circumstances. But the ones I was closest with, we keep in touch at least once a week with emails and text messages, we’re too busy with our families to get together, but we try to!
For me, its been especially hard to get together with my local friends because we lost our family car around Easter (it died, so sad!), and so we have a still-running 15 year old car (husband’s work car) we’re relying on. These friends have been so sweet and thoughtful to pick up my son for church events and offer me rides when we do plan to get together. I’m so grateful for them.
Thank you Lisa and Karen for this great giveaway! I just finished reading Lisa’s book So You Are Thinking About Homeschooling? and recently took the plunge into homeschooling my two daughters. We are in week three and loving our new life!
I have been thinking a lot lately about how important my relationships are to me. I feel rich because of the love in my life and my girlfriends are so important. I’ve been struggling with how to balance homeschooling and staying connected with my friends. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time in each day. Praying for my friendships and the needs of my friends has become more important than ever. I have less to give them right now, so I’m relying on God to pour love on them and show me how to be a good friend.
I’m in a learning curve right now trying to figure out this new adventure in my life and balancing other priorities, too, like marriage, friendships, and staying healthy.
I was just thinking about how I wanted to find a resource for celebrating Christmas with my kids. Lisa’s book is just what I’m looking for!
Merry Christmas!
I have three special girlfriends that have been a part of my life since we were little girls in elementary school. I don’t have to work hard to keep them close to me, they are just always there. I can count and depend on them.
I have made friends with women since I have grown and it’s not that same way. These newer friendships take more work and attention. Some days I don’t have the energy or time to put into these relationships. Days turn into weeks and weeks turn into months.
I know they say there are seasons in life and some friends may only be there for a season in your life. Something in your life or their life caused them to be there and it’s ok to let them go. I don’t have to worry about my three lifelong friends. They are there for me when I need them and vice versa.
Thanks Lisa for this topic and good luck with the book. I’m sure it will be a huge success. I have read many of your books and have enjoyed seeing you speak at Hearts At Home.
I wasn’t going to comment but after reading through everyone else’s I thought “why not”.
I have one very close, dear friend. We have taken yearly girlfriend trips, we have spent weekends watching movies and signing along to the soundtracks, I have celebrated the birth of her two children, she has held me up through my seperation. But in between all of those, we have gone for days, months and even years without a word. The joy of our friendship is that it doesn’t matter how long it has been we always pick up like it was just yesterday.
She knows what makes me smile, what I like and don’t and I know the same about her. We are as different as night and day in some areas but our friendship overrides everything else.
I wish I knew the secret to our friendship but I don’t. I just know that it works and I am greatful every day for her.
I enjoyed today’s devotion so much. I watched many, many episodes of Facts of Life with Lisa. It is makes me so happy and is so reassuring to see a mom like Lisa so dedicated to the Lord and sharing and witnessing to other moms. You are still beautiful Lisa…now I know both inside and out.
I really enjoy having the accountability with close friends and sisters in Christ. It is a way that we can help each other and build each other up along our journey in life. When I am having a rough time, they are very quick to come along side and remind me of God’s promises for me and my family and I try to do the same for them. I think as women we are constantly trying to compare ourselves to other women (or at least what we think they are). We really need our standard to be Christ and my friends help me remember that!
Hello,
I’m pretty sure I was at that Hearts event when Lisa was the keynote speaker. I thought your parody was really funny!
As a pastor’s wife we have moved a lot and it is hard to make new friends. I have learned that I have to go out of my comfort zone a lot at first and go to things where I don’t know anyone. After we’ve been in a place for a while, God has always been faithful to place friends in my life. It’s hard to keep in touch with all the great people we leave behind, though I know they are just a phone call away. We try to get back to visit people during the summer and it’s always great to catch up. One of my new friends and I try to get together to scrapbook once a month. It’s a fun way to spend time together and we learn about each other by seeing what we are working on!
Rebecca Ann
Online tools have made it so much easier to keep in touch with close and distant friends. Twitter and Facebook are no substitute for a good in person visit. But in today’s world of busyness it is really nice to be able to keep up with everyone’s lives by reading a sentence or two from them when they get time to post. The sharing of pictures has never been so easy too. I can’t imagine all of the things I would have missed out on from geographically distant friends if it hadn’t been for the WWW!
I enjoy texting my friends prayers for their families or themselves. Just a little reminder that someone is praying for them. I also pray for my Facebook friends. It helps me remember to use the social networking for good:) I can’t wait to read Lisa’s new book!!
Several years ago I decided to make a consious effort in my girlfriend relationships. It was important to me. I have many friends, but only a few that I have choosen to nurture. There is only so much time!! I have lunch every week with one friend, coffee every Saturday morning and a Tuesday night dinner and movie with two others. It’s just kind of turned out that the friends I’ve remained closest to are all devoted, Christian women and it’s been a great blessing to talk (and walk) through life with them. Also, we laugh a lot. It’s such a huge stress breaker to go out for lunch and laugh for an hour!! My children are grown, but even when they were teens I started making the extra effort devoting more time to friends and I just can’t tell you how that has helped as I’ve faced the whole “empty nest” thing! Well, I’m off to my weekly lunch date!!
oops!! I almost forgot!! Thanks for the interview Lisa and Karen!! I really enjoyed it!
I was a huge Facts of Life fan, and greatly admire Lisa. Several years ago when my kids were younger, her book Creative Correction seemed like a much needed mommy manual, and after reading it, I shared it with a friend who needed some advice on discipline too.
The main way I keep up with my friends is just simple phone calls and emails, but I am always eager to get together. It seems that most people though are not as willing to set aside time for girlfriend time, and I think that is so important. I have one friend who will not go anywhere without her husband, and although on one hand that is great, on the other hand, it keeps her from building really close friendships. The more I can get together physically with friends and just have coffee or brunch or a quick conversation in the park, the stronger our friendships become.
I just love Lisa Whelchel! I too grew up watching her show in the 80′s….How much fun…but I related to the character Jo (the tomboy).
I have grown to love the ministry of Lisa over the past couple of years and have read several of her books and did the personal mom coach from her book “Taking Care of the me in Mommy.” What a blessing it was in my life! I am also on her Cyber Prayer Warrior email list.
I try to encourage my friends through phone calls, emails, and shared devotionals. With four boys under the age of 6 (one still at home) I don’t get much time out of the home, so most of my contact is electronically. Sometimes when I read a devotional – the Lord will just put someone on my heart that I need to share that with and I do. God is so cool in helping you build friendships!
I would so love her book on Advent from Lisa to share with my boys…
I find that it is important to pray for my friends. And listen when they need me too. Also, we try to meet often for lunch so we can just reconnect.
Reading Lisa’s book “So, You’re Thinking About Homeschooling” helped confirm our decision to homeschool this fall. Would love to read her Advent book! I too was a big fan of FoL, even though I was a little young for it at the time!
Friendships are hard to maintain on a daily basis when we’re all so busy, and it’s even harder to forge new ones. Facebook and email have helped–I just have to caution myself to not settle for those forms of communication instead of in-person!
Freinds are forever!!
Thanks for this opportunity! I try to stay sensitive to my friend’s needs. I can usually tell by their facebook status or their tone on the phone if they are having a rough day and I pray for them. I also try to remember them on their birthday with something homebaked or a card.
Thank you Lisa & Karen! In terms of friendship, I am just starting to understand and employ the power of encouragement. Even if it’s just a quick phone call or an email just a few sentences long, I will let them know when they did something that inspired me or that I am just thinking or praying for them. Last week, I saw some friends of mine handle a difficult situation quite gracefully and they were both so appreciative when I told them how much I learned from them during that encounter. Another friend of mine is sick and I have let her know that I am actively praying for her healing and that her children won’t get sick. We’re all very busy moms, and don’t have the time for long conversations on a regular basis, so just a quick word of encouragement seems to lift their spirits and keeps us all going
In Him,
Melissa
Hi Karen and Lisa,
Lisa I too have been a fan since I first saw you on the Micky Mouse club. Even then I felt as if you were a friend I’d never actually met.
Deep friendship is giving so much more of yourself than is reasonable to the world. Here is an example. I have beem friends with Paula for over 20 years. In our second year of friendship, we were both in Seminary in Ky but were both from SC. My Granny suddenly passed away on Sunday. I was devestated. Paula came right away. She put me in the shower, packed my clothes, Then her and her fiance’ Drove me 9 hours home to SC. She held my head in her lap most of the way. They spent the night and drove the 9 hours back the next morning. There was not a question of should I do this in her mind. She knew the drive was impossible for me. Mot just because of my emotional state, but she also knew that because I have a mild case of Cerebral Palsy, the drive was physically impossible.
It has been the greatest act of friendship I have ever experienced. The model which I try to emulate in my other friendships.
You could say it is a way of laying down your life for a friend.
Thanks for the opportunity to share.
Pamela
I find that I tend to think of my friends more often that I really let them know. In the age of technology, we tend to lean towards quick status updates and tweets. I take moment to send my friend an email when I’m thinking about her…and let her know the context…an old memory, feeling that she needs a prayer, whatever…just to let her know that I care. Something that simple can really brighten someone’s day and let them know that they are loved.
I just try to listen. I seem to be the good ear. And then I try not to judge or put in too much of what I would do. I just listen and and for some reason it seems after friends have shared everything seems to come to them.
I enjoyed reading your devotion and blog. The interview with Lisa was great! How special to know that she is a woman of God, helping so many women to know Him in their daily lives.
The book sounds awesome, and is something I could definitely use to help bring Christ back into Christmas for my family. With two sons in college, one on his own and one still at home, they see Mom as the dedicated Christian but don’t see Christ working in their own lives. This would be a great conversation starter!
As for friendships, I treasure them. The words of a friend in a time of need can calm my soul. To nurture friendships, I try to be there for my sisters-in-Christ, not just to be a needy friend. To just be quiet, and listen, and understand. If God puts words on my heart to say, I’ll share them.
Friends are one of life’s greatest blessings!
this book sounds just like what i need; my daughter is only 17 months and i’m struggling how to make Jesus the center of our holidays without sacrificing the fun and traditions that i grew up with. friendship for me is challenging as the women i’m around have been friends forever and i often feel like a 3rd wheel; i’m praying that God will bring a true girlfriend into my life
I have a 20 month old daughter, and most of my close girl friends and I have been in the process of learning how to be friends with kids, after we’ve been friends without kids. It’s a big change, and I’ve found that we have to be really intentional about building and growing our friendship.
Practically, the best thing I’ve done is to schedule regular times (a pre-scheduled, repeating date) to get together with different friends. We agree in advance how frequently works for our family, and after that, it’s a set thing on my calendar. Without that, we just get too busy.
We’ve also had to be intentional about having good, deep conversations…even when kids keep us distracted (perhaps there is no eye contact, which is weird at first), and there isn’t much time. We force ourselves to just get together and say, “how are you doing with God lately?” and then force yourself to be honest about your answer. With infants and toddlers, there is no time for pretense.
And in between those times… we love keeping up with each other on email and facebook.
Thanks!
I am learning that friendships change and evolve and fade and simmer and are life like. I have mourned the loss of friendships that didn’t survive distance. I have rejoiced when a move brought new friends to my life. Friendships have always been a unique creature for me–as a people pleaser–I’ve had to learn about true friendship
One thing that has worked this fall for me has been praying and studying God’s word with other women. It is amazing how bonding God’s word is! I am part of a group of 4 other women who meet every other week to study and pray together. I am also part of a weekly prayer group for my kids school. Both have created much deeper friendships than I would have otherwise.
I’ve learned so much from other women about the importance of being real. Life is wonderful, funny and sometimes downright hard, but we’re all going through the same struggles and learning along the way. Bible study and prayer with a few friends keeps us grounded and has deepened these relationships. It’s those freindships that encourage me when all is well and point me to scripture when I falter. These are the ones I wouldn’t trade!
Fun to “meet” Lisa. I too was a fan of “The Facts of Life”. I actually met “Tootie” many years ago.
I connect with friends through e-mails and letters. Yes, I’m an old-fashioned letter writer. I love to sit down and visit via mail. For friends who live closer, nothing beats an afternoon of tea to warm my heart. I find I have to make time for this or I can so easily allow busyness to crowd out this blessing. There are so many references to “one another” in the Bible. The Lord made us with a desire for connection. I think it is essential to make times for friends.
I just found out today that a very dear friend is moving. Her husband lost his job at General Motors months ago, and the Lord has provided another employment opportunity about 3 hours from here. It is a bittersweet answer to prayer. I know my friend and her family are following the Lord’s leading, but it’s still hard to think of them going. I’m so blessed for the years that the Lord has given us as close friends, and she will remain close in heart.
Blessings,
Joy
I so want to form good meaningful holiday traditions! I struggle with that every year, no money, no time, little kids, older kids, too many kids, you pick the excuse. Would love to win a book!;) thank you so much for doing this interview and for yours and Lisa’s REALness!
Although I loved Facts of Life growing up, I really love that I have ‘gotten to know’ Lisa beyond that!! When I see her name now or a picture I don’t think ‘Blair’… I think… Lisa. Sweet God fearing kid supporting mom inspiring Lisa!!
Thanks for sharing this!
Blessings-
Amanda
what a great book!!!
Met Lisa in person she is so great…a wonderful speaker and a true heart for GOD!
Lisa, I want to read your book. I have followed your career for soooo long. Gosh! I am glad I “found” you here on FB.
I love friendship, the very essence of it is from the heart of God! It is however, not always easy to navigate.
Because I have read other books from Lisa, I know that her writing will be the kind that instantly pulls you in and that her information will be “real” and “helpful”…in this case I am sure even inspiring.
It is my hope that a book like this will call women into deeper relationship with one another…we need that!
I try to keep an open mind and heart–that way, I won’t miss those opportunities to love and nurture that might otherwise get lost in the shuffle.
Prayers and blessings,
Rebecca
I use to feel so sad when a friend would move or change jobs and then we would be in contact less and less. Now through email and texting,a quick note to say hi how are you doing works great for me. I felt so blessed to have my cell ringing off the hook (okay you know what I mean) with text messages on my birthday this past year. Now with facebook and twitter more friends and old friends are connecting again.
I feel things happen for a reason and God puts people in my life at the right time. My close friends are like my family now since most of my family members have passed. I now take every event as a blessing because you don’t know if they will be there the next time.
May God Bless,
Rhonda
I would love to win one of her books! Thanks for sharing this interview with us!
I can’t wait to read Lisa’s new book! I learned a lot from her “Taking Care of the Me in Mommy”.
I am a mother to 3 precious gifts (7, almost 6 and 4). They alone keep me busy, but add Children’s Minister, wife to an entreprenuer and PTA President to that and I barely have a free minute. I have learned that maintaining my friendships is key. Just how I maintain these friendships differ from friend to frirend…
One of my friends and I started a book club. We now meet once a month with 6 other women!
Another friend and I meet up for coffee periodically after we put our youngsters down.
Still another friend and I are accountability partners. We text, facebook, call or whatever means of communication is needed every friday. We tell each other about our week and share our goals for the following week.
I went through a period of not allowing myself time with my friends and I regret it. Now I try not to say no to godly female companionship!
My husband is my best friend and such a gift from God. However, there are times when it’s my sister or my daughter or my girlfriends who meet many needs in my life. While Facebook is a great way to keep up with many casual friends, it is not the place for me to nurture my sisterhood with that special circle of gals who enrich my life and support me on deeper levels. In today’s busy world, long chatty phone conversations just take away time I could spend with my family. The same is true of shopping trips. What has worked best for me is to keep in touch with e-mail which can be composed and responded to at convenient times and then make a conscious effort to plan girlfriend time into my schedule. Like all important relationships, it requires work and sometimes is hard work because I have committed to never let my time with girlfriends take precedence over time with my family.
My friends and I meet once a week to pray the Rosary over the intentions of the children at our school. It truly amazes us what the kids are praying for. Help on their spelling test (and they spell “spelling” wrong!) or for a sick loved one, or for help from God to make them a better person. We feel a connection that I don’t think we’d have without this special time together.
What a lovely giveaway! I had the privilege of hearing Lisa speak in Orlando. I went with a couple of girlfriends, and we had a wonderful time together. Afterward we went out for desert. To nurture my friendships requires a real desire to be open, vulnerable, and transparent. And of course, this requires time (it doesn’t happen overnight) and time spent together (just having fun, hanging out in each other’s homes, getting to know each other, praying together, and getting to the point of sharing deeper feelings, longings, struggles). I think when we get passed the more surface things and really focus our friendships on the Lord Jesus, the lesser issues won’t divide us. Some friendships are based around common ideals or philosophies, and this can be a real encouragement, but I think we have to be careful because these things can actually create a barrier to real intimacy with others. I hope that makes sense!
I am so thankful for the dear, dear friends the Lord has brought into my life. When we moved last year, I left behind two of my very dearest friends. I can’t believe that recently one of them along with her husband and kids drove halfway across the country to visit us for a week. Now that’s a good friend!
I have the Christmas book on hold at the library – waiting for it to come in. I have been wanting it for several years, especially since my girls are getting to the age that we need some new ways to incorporate Jesus in this busy season. As far as friendship comments: my husband is the best. We lived away from everyone for 2 years and it has been hard to break away again into the real world here and find deep friendships. I am great at the “start” of a friendship, but not getting to the deeper part. It takes work and effort on both parts and I have yet to find someone that will go that distance with me. Kinda lonely at times now that I am a stay at home mom starting this year. I am looking forward to reading the new book!
Lisa is such an inspiration and I love her ideas. This book sounds incredible and although I am not a mom…yet, I think that the ideas expressed are great for any age.
As for my friends..particularly during the Christmas season, we don’t exchange gifts as we already have everything we could possibly need, but rather set aside time to spend together and just enjoy being present for one another. We have found everyone gets so “Busy” that it is easy to lose sight of what the true meaning of Christmas is, so we try to make it about time together and drawing closer in our friendship. I also connect with a women’s small group at church which has been instrumental for me in my life. These women are amazing prayer warriors and I know they are always there to lift me up or give encouragement and vice versa.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!
My husband is not fond of Santa and Christmas trees because of them being not Christian. I am very interested in your Advent in Christmas book. I don’t mind giving up Santa, but I do miss a Christmas tree. My son is still a toddler, so we have some time to decide what to teach him.
As far as friendship goes, I live in a small town as a stay-at-home mom so sometimes I only talk to my husband and son. It’s hard to find close friends when everyone seems to already have their best friend. I’m losing touch with one of my best friends, but grateful my cousin moved closer and stays at home too. Thanks Lisa! Keep up the good work!
I’m a single mom of 5, 4 still at home. Soon to be a grandma for the first time. All of my friendships are centered around our church family and I don’t know what I would do without them. We are all going through so many battles it almost seems impossible to be there for someone else but we push through and just do it because of love!
I love your book creative correction! Thank you for your ministry!
I really don’t have a “best girlfriend”. I have a lot of really good, Godly women in my life that I love dearly. Most of us homeschool our children so we share a special bond. Most of us, but not all, have teenagers and share our hopes and struggles in trying to raise Godly children before they go off to college. I’m so thankful to God for the blessing of the women He has placed in my life to help me grow spiritually, give me Godly advice,and accept and love me as their sister in Christ. They also hold me accountable and speak truth into my life. I am blessed!!!
Lisa is such a great inspiration not only to others but myself as well! On Lisa’s website she had put a prayer up and after I had read that prayer I wrote it down for some reason; yesterday I knew why I had written it down because God wanted me to! Early this morning around 1:00 AM my friend called me asking for my help; he told me he needed help getting back on the right path and asked for some advice. Without thinking about it I told him that he needed to sit down and have a personal convo with God about the wrong doings he has committed and to ask God to help him get back on track with his life. The next thing I knew I was reading Lisa’s prayer to him and telling him to write it down and tape it above his bunk. My friend asked me a question I didn’t even know I had the answer to; and later this afternoon he called me again and told me that he had gone out and bought a Bible! To me friendship is something that takes work and being there for someone is the most important part whether or not they need your help. Things don’t work out just by chance with friendships, God plays a major role in who is placed in one’s life. Friends sometimes come and go but no matter what they will still be your friend through Christ; whether they are thousands of miles away or right next to you! So thank you Jesus for all of those you have placed in my life! God Bless and Happy Hollidays!
This life is not about stuff, but about relationships. (First and foremost about our relationship with God through Jesus Christ and making Him LORD. Jesus’ example teaches us how to love and be compassionate.) Building relationships is key to understanding our purpose in life. This must be viewed as investments rather then expenditures. We were created to need each other and to serve each other. In so doing we receive the greatest sense of fulfillment. Giving encouragement is as easy as a hug or a smile; a note (like on Facebook) or card in the mail. I like to send birthday and anniversary cards to my family members (which is now up to 95 entries on my calendar). A kind word goes a long way. But sometimes you have to be willing to get in their face with truth and confront the negative behavior that is hurting themselves. But it has to be done with gentleness and sensitivity. Never give up on a friend or friendship and never, never stop praying.
My close friend and I meet every other week for coffee. It’s a great way to keep in touch, and to build each other up in the Lord. As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
It seems that if we don’t schedule this time together, too much times passes in between visits.
Thank you so much for the giveaway!
I am so blessed to have a friend who I consider my BFF. God ordained a meeting over 5 years ago when she and I both attended a Mom Time Get-A-Way in Kansas City hosted by Lisa and her husband. Neither one of us could have imagined or dreamed what God had placed in front of us would be better than we could have ever imagined.
I needed a roommate and she needed 3 so we got paired up for the weekend. At the end of a good refreshing conference, we promised we’d email back and forth, but as we all do, time came and went and we didn’t email. Then out of nowhere I got an email from her. I couldn’t believe it, but it blessed my socks off. We began emailing on a regular basis, and sharing struggles, trials, downfalls, and LIFE!
After a while, it was like we became sisters. Sisters because our God made us sisters in Christ. We got to the point where we felt comfortable being really honest with one another. She’s said many prayers for me and I’ve said many for her. We’ve been through loss, marriage difficulties, struggles with kids, but no matter what we face or what we’ve been through we know that we can depend on one another no matter what! I can bring myself to her, real and broken, and she extends back the hand of God’s grace, picks me up, brushes me off, and helps me renew myself, all the while loving me for who I am. She also knows she can come to me and she will have my total support. We feel totally comfortable being who we really are, and that’s because God has instilled trust in our relationship.
A couple of years ago, we began doing a Bible Studies in online chat just she and I. That was so much fun, and it really gave us a goal and mission of who we wanted to become and at that point we became accountability partners for one another. After babies being born, and older children at home, we just fell out of sync trying to find something to study. But if we could figure it out and find something we could both benefit from, I’d adore spending time at night after the kids were in bed just talking about God and life to her. I actually really miss that time we dedicated to study and discussion.
She’s the best friend in the world that I could have ever imagined….and although she lives 3 hours away, we manage somehow to stay in contact and still be available for one another. I never would have dreamed God’s amazing direction would bring us closer together. What started off as an amazing weekend for moms relaxation, rejuvenating, and renewal, turned into a God ordained crossing of paths that has not journeyed away. It’s amazing how our paths are intertwining even more and how we can nearly finish one another’s sentences! Friendship is sweet, and God’s ordained friendship is a blessing!
My best friend and I make a point of seeing each other as often as possible. As young adults we have college and work and adjustments to adult life to figure out, but we always seem to find time for each other. My best friend and I met at youth group at church in 7th grade and we have been friends ever since. We have made a pact to be friends no matter how far away we are. We also thank the Lord everyday for having us be friends because our lives would not be the same without each other. Friends and friendship are important because if we know how to have a friendship with others we can have a friendship with God.
Thanks
i had the pleasure of meeting Lisa (aka Blair) a few weekends ago at the Women of Faith Conference in Sacramento. she said some things to me that really spoke to my heart at the time i needed to hear it. thank you Lisa!
well as for your question…my BFF Diana…go on coffee dates. we catch up even if its for a little while. sometimes when we only have an hour to meet we end up going over it because we lose all track of time when we are together. sometimes we instant chat on facebook when we see each other on. i truly treasure my friendship with her. sometimes when i feel a little wild & crazy, she doesn’t judge me for a silly comment it make. thanks for reminding me, we’re due for another coffee date…this time we are match making our children…LOL!
Friendship:
We must be honest (not brutal, but tactful).
Be loyal, trustworthy, gracious, never taking advantage of one another.
Never make fun of (unless they know in advance you are about to take a jab at them). Words can never be taken back.
Confidentiality is very important.
Most important of all is to listen. Not only the words, but your friends body language. It will tell you so much.
Remember, to pray earnestly for your friends daily.
I think it’s hard to maintain friendships during this stage of life (with three little ones)! I try to make a point of “checking in” with my close friends at least once or twice a week, usually with an email (I can write it when things are calm here, and she can read it when things are calm there). I try to make sure I’m both real (not hiding my struggles) and encouraging in my notes.
I also try to get together with my close friends, without our kids, once a month or so. Usually, it’s just a couple hours to get a bite to eat or something, and we chat and catch up without our normal interruptions.
I loved the Facts of Life and am really enjoing Lisa’s books and ministry now as an adult.
how generous, thank you for the interview too!
i have a small group of friends and we stay connected by fun emails and silly jokes. we also have a “hot tub night” where we bring snacks and just sit and eat and chat, then soak and chat for hours. it’s so refreshing!
after reading a lisa’s books i was so excited to hear her at WOF in columbus. as a scrapbooker and homeschooling mom too, i love her knowledge and passion.
Having one on one time with friends is so important to me. If my friends are far away I make an extra effort to check in with them via phone or mail. To keep up with the daily stuff that goes on in their lives, and always remember to ask updates on important things that have happened. It is all about loving and nurturing lifetime friendships.
As a military spouse, I have been blessed to meet many awesome girlfriends. There is a core of about 6 of us that are super tight! Although it has been about 8 years since we have all lived in the same Albuquerque neighborhood, we take great effort to nurture and build up our friendship. One way we do this is to meet each year for a girlfriend trip. While not everyone is able to attend each year, we have a pretty consistent attendance each year. Since we are more interested in being together than sight seeing, we often choose places that are “off season” or FREE, like my inlaws’ lake house. The point is to laugh together, pray together, cry together, and of course eat together! And do it without having to take care of little people!
We also encourage and build up each other. God shows up in a hundred different ways and we are constantly praising Him for bringing us together! I come away from those trips feeling like a refreshed woman, ready to tackle all the good, bad, and the ugly that comes with life! We are all military spouses. Therefore, if we can make these yearly trips happen between deployments and other service challenges (i.e. no nearby family), then I really believe most anyone could!
Can’t wait to see your new book! Have a Merry, Merry Christmas!
You guys are so awesome. Its great to see more Christians stand up for what they believe and most importantly set the right kind of example and be be an awesome role model for kids. I was so surprised to see that Lisa was a Christian but so proud when I seen here talk about it on twitter. You guys keep up the awesome work you are doing and keep setting those really great examples. I am going to keep you in my prayers. May GOD Bless.
Gerald
Thank you Lisa and Karen for sharing, and thank you the many ladies who took the time to post their own stories of friendships.
I want to share about a handful of women, that have deeply impacted my life. God has placed each one in a different seasons of my life.
Summer–Gloria was my first BFF. As a little girl, I believed that I could have no other best friend than my friend Gloria and to a great extent that has been the case. We’ve been friends since the tender age of 6, and 37 years later we’re still “forever friends”. Our lives have taken different paths and distance has also limited our ability to spend time together. We do see each every so often and each time we pick up right where we left off. Its almost as if time has stood still when we get together and reminisce and share the new stuff going on in our lives.
Spring–I met Becky at the age of 19 in junior college. This was a particularly difficult time in my life and I was literally at a crossroads. Although our friendship was short-lived because she moved away and we lost connection, it was this friendship that was life-changing. As it was Becky who introduced me to the Lord and gave me my first Bible. She walked with me during my baby steps in my new-found faith for almost a year. I will always remember her as someone who gave from her heart expecting nothing in return.
Autumn-=Julie I’ve worked with and known for 21 years. She recommitted to the Lord a couple of years after we met and has become a great friend whom I can always count on for prayer and support.
Winter–I met Pilar about 10 years ago during a difficult time in my life. She has become a sister-friend and speaks words of truth and wisdom in my life, even when its been tough love and vice-versa.
All Seasons–Kate who is not just my Auntie, she is also a sister-friend. She is only 11 years my senior and our lives paralleled in many things, particularly as moms. She is the only person that knows me better than anyone else (other than my beloved husband) and with whom I can share anything that’s on my heart. We’re not only related, but have lived together, cried together, laughed together and grown together. We now live about 200 miles apart, but we always make an effort to stay in touch at least a few times a month, if not more.
I cannot say that anyone of them is any more or less important to me, because they all are important to me. As with the Seasons in nature, I believe that my friendships, and these in particular, have been imperative in the sowing, nurturing and maturing of my own spiritual growth and my walk with the Lord.
Thank you again for the opportunity to share with you! God bless!!
I am thrilled to hear about Lisa & how she loves the Lord but I truly love the fact that she is doing so much for women. I have yearned for “best girlfriends” whom I can call & talk to about anything and hang out to be busy with or do nothing with. I have only a few friends that are that kind of friend and they are precious to me.
But, my very best friends are my dear, sweet husband and my incredible, precious daughter. I would rather hang out with them, than anyone else. I yearn for time for just family but the way I work, it is difficult.
Women aren’t always great friends to one another and it starts early. But, I wrote a Teen Girl’s Bible Study that touches on key elements on being a good friend, boys & when things happen that are not their fault. I am trying to make a difference in these girls lives so they can develop lifelong, good, CHRISTIAN friendships like God wants us to have.
GOD BLESS YOU, LISA!! You are a wonderful role model for us, moms & women who want to be obedient & blessed.
Thanks, Lisa for your ministry.
This is one of those lessons I’ve just started to learn, about maintaining friendships and what makes a good, true friendship. For way too long I was hung up on being part of the “popular” crowd and wanting to fit in with them, rather than finding friends who loved me (and who I loved) for what they are.
I had the opportunity to read through Lisa’s Advent book with some children at my church a couple of years ago, and they just loved it. Not yet being a full-time mom (just a sometimes-stepmother) I’ve not read her mom-directed books yet, but if her blog posts and speaking are any indication this is a book I’d love to dig into.
That said, my best friend is really my husband. He knows me better than anyone else, he always loves me for me no matter what, and we’ve made it through times that would have crushed tougher relationships. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather live with every day.
Next to my husband, who has been by my side through the most difficult times in my life and will always be my absolute best friend, I have a great girlfriend who is just as important to me. We talk about anything and everything. We laugh and cry together. We call and share joyful news and we call on one another in times of crisis or emergency. She is like a sister to me (which I naturally do not have) and I love her deeply. Staci and I pray together and seek the prayers of one another regularly. We just started attending a Bible study together, which focus on being a great Christian woman, wife, and mother, and its brought us even closer, as friends, too. She is an inspiration and is always a great side-kick!
When forging relationships with other women, I make sure that we share similar values and beliefs, first and foremost. While I love the debate and the conversations when those who do not share my love for Christ or value His direction over our lives, I NEED to surround myself with women of a like-mind. It’s so easy to forget, in the stressors of the world, where Christ fits in or when it is Christ who is speaking to you and I believe, wholeheartedly that Christian women can help point those things out to those they love! Girlfriends who will be brutally honest with you is also important. Ya know – the kind who will tell you when you’re having a bad hair day or when its time to retire that old pair of jeans or to never wear that shirt again. They’ll also tell you when you’re being ridiculous and expecting too much from your husband or your children; they’ll help ground you! My friends and I do this for one another…we are a sort of “sounding board” for our lives and its great!
I have enjoyed Lisa’s book’s for some time now. I am a military wife with 4 young children and a husband often away. A few years ago, Lisa sent me a few of her books and it helped me survive a very rough deployment. The kids were 7, 3, 2, and 7 months at the time. I had no family nearby and my wonderful husband was overseas. Thank you Lisa for caring. You have such a wonderful gift and a truly wonderful heart! Merry Christmas from our Family to Yours! ~Melissa
I have three girl friends that I try to meet up with once a month for coffee. Considering the fact that we have 14 kids between us it’s not always an easy feat, but we love getting together. During the days in between we use Facebook and email to stay in contact. Even though we all live within 5 miles of each other it’s hard to see each other on a day to day basis with all that we have going on.
Lisa is such an inspiration for all of us gals out here. 2009 has been a very difficult one for me. I have a mom diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and 1 year ago was told she had less than 6 months to live. I am happy to say she is still fighting a great fight, brain tumor removal and all a month ago. My dad is battling lymphoma. I was laid off from my dream employeer in March, aftwer working as a leader for nearly 13 years. All in all, it’s been a pretty undesireable year when looking at these negative things. Through this all, I am upbeat, positive, and hopeful. I know our God has great plans! This Christmas, we are trying to remove the stuff and enjoy family time. I read Lisa’s updates on Facebook, and she is such a great person & tool that God has placed in our lives! God is great…Merry CHRISTmas. May each and everyone enjoy the true meaning of the season, and try not to let the hustle and bustle of it all take away the reason for the season. This new book of Lisa’s sounds like one that truly should be read by everyone.
Friendship is something I’ve struggled with over the years. For a long time, I wondered why anyone would even want to be my friend – I felt that inadequate. But gradually I came to realize that if I acted like a friend, friendship would follow. That sounds simplistic, and I could probably write an entire book about it. I basically have tried to remember the things that I appreciate others doing for me, and do them for others. It doesn’t come naturally to me, and it is a time investment, but it’s WORTH IT! My best friends now are ladies I’ve met through various “mom” groups.
Love u. Got ur book @ WOF this year. Great read. Will never forget WOF in Portland, OR. Take care & God bless.
I met Lisa a few years back at a Moody Bible Conference at Parkside Church in Ohio. She is just simply adorable. She is a living testimony about hearing God’s voice and following it. Even though it took her longer to follow with Steve. It is women like her that inspire other women.
This topic is close to my heart and I am so excited to get Lisa’s new book when it comes out!
I have two small boys and am a stay at home, homeschooling mom. (several of Lisa’s other books have inspired me to try out homeschooling!). Some times I find that I am incredibly lonely for other women my age. My life gets so consumed with kids, kid events and little things. Most of my friends are in the same boat. It’s difficult to get our schedules to mix and match or spend quality time chatting, when there is a little one glued to our hip.
So what did I do? I prayed.
I feel like at this time in my life my job is to be a friend, rather than have a friend. I have 3 or 4 very special women in my life that I love dearly and my mission right now is to serve them. Providing meals, a cup of tea, the offer to babysit….those are all ways that I can show them that I love and care about them. And amazingly our friendships have grown because they feel a little better too.
Life is full of cycles and I’m sure that it won’t be long before we have to adjust ourselves to new changes that come along, but I hope that I never forget how I can be a good friend.
I thank God everyday for the friends I have now. There are five of us in our little group. We refer to ourselves as the sisterhood of faith. We are all strong believers and live our lives serving the Lord. We all are very different and have different strengths, but our common bond is our love for the Lord. Only God would bring such a different group of ladies together. We don’t get together on a regular basis, yet if one of us is having trouble one phone call and we are all together holding each other up with love and support. I am the youngest of the group and don’t come from a Christian home. These ladies have taught me what unconditional love is. It is only because of their generosity that I was able to attend the WOF with them in St. Paul, MN that I am here writing this. This one of my friends paid for the ticket and the others helped pay for my hotel room. I had been struggling with my faith for about a year. At the WOF I had one of my long time dreams come true and was able to meet Lisa Whelchel. Because even though my friends didn’t understand why meeting her was important they stayed with me. I bought Lisa’s book The Facts of Life and read it. It renewed my love of reading and strengthen my faith. That’s what friendship is we nurture and strengthen our friends with love and faith.
As my kids get older and busier, I find it harder to spend time with my friends. I make a point to carve out an hour here and there to visit with a friend, and if it’s been too long and we are both too busy, I will make a quick phone call or leave her a short note through a private message on the computer letting her know that I am thinking of her. It’s important that my friends know they’re on my mind, just as I like to know that they are thinking of me as well. Sometimes just a small, “Hi! I’m thinking of you!” can brighten my entire day.
My daughter is my best friend, and lately we’ve gotten a bit adventurous! In the past I was always fearful of going more than 30-45 minutes from home, in case of car trouble. This year when I turned 52 I decided enough time had been wasted, so my daughter, her two small children and I set out for Myrtle Beach, SC in April. It was the 1st time we’ve ever been and we all loved it! Next we headed for Hershey, PA to see the chocolate factory. It was a hit, too! I don’t make a lot of money, so our trips have been 3-day trips, but we’ve had so much fun, we’re going to go somewhere every year. God is blessing us with happiness!
When I moved to FL 3yrs. ago I had no friends or family here. I had a hard time finding friends who believed in Christ’s story and in God. I joined a church and started finding Christian friends shortly afterwords. I was still having a hard time opening up about my problems but was very quick to help w/ everyone else’s. I finally took a step towards healing and opened up at a bible study. It felt good to have close friends again. It’s still hard to “let people in” but I’m getting better.
For Christmas this year I sent cards to my friends and family back home and to my new friends in FL. I was honest about what God has done for me and wanted to let them know that I prayed for them everyday. A few are not Christians but I hope that w/ the Lord’s help they will be reminded of the real reason why I celebrate Christmas.
My best friend is my husband of 34 years. He truly is a gift from God. It’s always been a struggle for me to form close friendships. I’ve always been the shy quiet one. But I do have a few and I love them. Although, we don’t see each other as often as we would like, we do try to stay in touch as much as we can.
Every year I try to find one more tradition to include for my family that keeps us focused on Jesus. I love the Advent…We’ve got our candles and just read part of the Christmas story and pray…This year we added praying for the people who sent us Christmas cards. I love having my tree and all our former traditions too. We just try to keep Jesus right in the center of it all. Thanks!