Friendship Basket Giveaway and Chat with Lisa Whelchel
Published May 27, 2010Tuesday morning update: Due to the busy holiday weekend, I’ve decided to leave this post up throughout today to give more gals a chance to comment and enter. The winner will be announced tomorrow morning. Have a great day!
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In the late 1970′s and early 1980′s, I was an average Michigan gal navigating the fun and sometimes stormy friendships of junior and senior high school.
Meanwhile, way out west in California, another gal my age was acting for television, living a life I, like many of my friends, could only dream of.
I spent many evenings watching her on TV, secretly wishing I had a group of friends like she had.
Tootie…. Natalie….. Jo…. They seemed to have it all together. Any problems that did arise between these faithful friends were all solved within the short span of half an hour.
Little did I know that in real life, this beautiful teenage girl was missing out on many aspects of what real-life friendships were all about.
Lisa Whelchel (aka Blair Warner on the hit TV series The Facts of Life) admits she has had to learn about friendship a little late in the game. Now a sought-after author and speaker, (and someone I consider a sweet friend and godly role model to my daughter Kenzie), Lisa has just released her latest book Friendship for Grown-Ups; What I Missed and Learned Along the Way.
Growing up as an actress in Hollywood, there were few people Lisa could trust, and even fewer to guide her. By the time she reached adulthood, she had learned to be self-sufficient. She was strong, she was “safe,”
And she was lonely.
One day, Lisa found that the “the desire to experience connection was stronger than the desire to be safe.” She determined right then to finally understand friendship: how to create one, sustain it, and experience the sheer joy of having it. But it wasn’t easy. This book chronicles her quest and contains many practical ideas for connecting with friends on a more-than-surface level.
Lisa and I carved out time to connect this week for a little chat about her new book. Enjoy this honest interview and then be sure to leave a comment below. One winner will be chosen to receive an awesome friendship basket-in-a-box giveaway. Details below. For now, here’s Lisa:
What first prompted you to write a book on friendship?
Like most of my books, this one came out of a failure in my life. I’d been doing things the wrong way and God taught me, through a recent journey, so many important lessons on friendship. Anytime we go through a difficult time, we should look for ways to help others with what we’ve learned. I want people to know that friendships don’t have to be painful. They can also be life-giving. I want those who have been hurt to know truths that can be transforming in this area.
The subtitle of your book says “What I missed and learned along the way” What is the most important lesson you missed?
That vulnerability pulls people together, not perfection.
What is the most important lesson you learned?
I learned how to identify safe friends.
What do you hope readers gain from reading this book?
I hope they will allow the desire for connection to surface. It is there when we are younger, but often we feel as grown-ups that it is simply not worth it. This may be due to the pain or rejection we’ve experienced. So we suppress that desire and instead settle for shallow relationships. However, deep inside we are still longing for intimate connection. I hope they will allow that God-given desire to surface. He promises to meet us as we do.
Now for the giveaway! Lisa has graciously donated two signed copies of her new book for this friendship-basket-in-a-box. It includes:
- Two signed copies of Friendship for Grown-Ups. One is for you; one is for you to give to a friend.
- A $10 Starbucks card so you can meet a nearby friend for coffee.
- And a set of colorful note cards so you can drop an encouraging line or two to a faraway friend.
Okay everyone, leave a comment on any aspect of friendship to be entered in the random drawing.
Tell us what lesson you’ve learned about friendship.What do you think makes a good friend? How do you wish you were a better friend? Or tell us about your best friend from your childhood or the current one you have now.
Or, if you can’t think of a comment on friendship, then simply leave one wishing Lisa a Happy Birthday. On Saturday she turns…….XX. (Come on now. You didn’t think a true friend would give away her sista’s age, did you? 
)
I’ll leave this post up throughout the entire holiday weekend and the winner will be announced on Tuesday. If you’d like to purchase a copy of this fabulous book (My favorite so far of Lisa’s) click here. She’ll sign and personalize the book to whomever you wish. She’s also offering a girlfriend’s package with two books at a wonderfully reduced rate.
Well, I’m off to spend some time with my new friends from Summit Homeschool Sports Club as we cheer our boys on at the varsity baseball national championship! I’ll try to Twitter and update my status on Facebook throughout the tournament this weekend.
See you next week!
93 Responses to Friendship Basket Giveaway and Chat with Lisa Whelchel
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I think a great friendship is when the road runs two ways. It isn’t one sided. Praying for each other
My best friend and I have been friends since 3rd grade-40 years! We remained very close even though we attended different colleges and graduate schools. It has been wonderful having someone who really “gets” me as I journey through life. We’ve gone through so many things together-crushes, heartbreaks, marriages, miscarriages, deaths, births, parenting challenges, etc… I am so blessed to have a wonderful and loyal best friend!
Not sure I know what makes a great friendship–I’ve struggled with this my whole life!! Too afraid that when people know the “real” me, they won’t really like me. Once people try to get closer to me, I back away. I have people I call friends–but don’t have someone in my life with whom I’m connected at the heart. (I REALLY need to read this book!!)
)
somedays it is so busy or just too “lazy” (thats me) that we go from time to time and just “ignore” our friends …not stay in contact. Only to realize that we have missed so much knowledge in not staying “connected” with them.
Friendships are hard! Lately, I’ve definitely been choosing to be “safe” rather than experiencing connection. I’d LOVE this book!!!
I’ve learned that friendships take effort. Not “work”, but effort. You need to take the time to talk, to meet and to be there for each other.
Happy Birthday Lisa!
My friend Peggy is definitely my BFF. We have been friends for over 60 years. We grew up together and now we are growing old together. We don’t see one another as often as we should but we each know that we are there for one another. Every year we enjoy lunch about a week after Christmas by having homemade soup and cookies and opening our gifts from one another. We also celebrate our birthdays by either going out or when I was working she would bring lunch and we went somewhere to eat and open our gifts to one another. We each have other friends but we will always be best friends.
I’ve learned that to be a true friend, you have to invest time – invest time in yourself as well as your friend.
To be a true friend you have to be willing to risk hurt or to be disappointed. We are all flawed– the only perfect friend is Jesus.
I like Lisa have had problems connecting in friendships. There is a six year age difference between me and my next sibling. I had no one my age around when I was growing up to play with. That and my introverted personality has caused me trouble with friendships. I have a lot of acquaintances but only a couple of ladies I consider very close. I tend to gravitate to one best friend at a time. I feel very vulnerable in close friendships. With all that said I think that Lisa’s book would be a great help.
Happy Birthday, Lisa! Hoping you have a wonderful day! How awesome to celebrate a birthday on a holiday weekend!
My best friend and I met when we were 12 years old – friends for 25 years now. We have so much in common, but are also very different. I think that’s what makes our friendship special. Through the years we’ve gone through times where we’ve gotten busy with life and grown apart, but we always connect again. We each have 2 daughters the same ages and hope they will have a wonderful friendship like ours has been.
The Lord has supplied me with a great friend next door. She is such a blessing and encouragement to me. Thank U Lord.
Happy Birthday Lisa! I have a really good friend by the name of Tammy. Ever since I moved to Ohio she has been there for me and my family.
I consider my husband my friend…..but there’s nothing like a bestie girlfriend. I’m fortunate that I have several people that I consider friends. I love the fact that you can go several days (even weeks) without seeing or talking to them and then get right back to where you were. And there there’s my bestie – the one that sees me through thick and thin – and I hope I do the same for her. If I don’t get to talk to her for a couple days, I really miss her.
Happy Birthday Lisa! I watched The Facts of Life faithfully as a teenager! Loved it.
I had 3 best friends in High School. We were all inseparable. I haven’t seen one since graduation (24 years), gotten together with the other 2 a few times, but we’re all so different now. One is not married but has a steady boyfriend, the other is a newly divorced mom with 2 young children. My husband and I have been together 21 years, live on a farm and have two older teenage boys. Our lives are all VERY different and it’s really hard to reconnect and go back to that time in our lives when we were so close. I haven’t really talked to them for quite some time. I’ve pretty much given up on those friendships.
I do have friends where I live now, but they’re work friends. We don’t really spend time together outside of the office. We did go to the beach for a “girls weekend” last weekend. It was fun, but still not that close bonding that you want in a BFF situation.
I’m struggling with friendships.
My sister in law (hubby’s sister) is probably the person I would consider my closest friend. We have known each other our whole lives and have been through a lot together. She is very close to the Lord and is an inspiration to me. When I need someone to talk to, I try to remember to call on her. We don’t talk enough though. She too lives a couple hours away and is busy with 3 teenagers. Thank you Lynette for being you!
Happy Birthday Lisa, and the best problem you can have is too many friends! I have found that as an adult, and after raising my kids, the thing that suffered along the way was my friendships, the time taken up by the load of family and work and husband, now the kids are gone and that leaves a slot for me to make new friendships and re-kindle those I lost during the years. The friends I still have from the earlier days are the best, but the new ones are the ones I have the most fun with!
A true friend is someone who knows you and accepts you. But it is so much more than that. My best friend and I have been through so much, including being misunderstood by each other. But as long as the friendship is grounded in the Lord and His love, then the friendship will last. But it requires that I am always being real with God, real with myself, real with others, and able to accept and give gracious rebukes.
I’ve had a number of good friends but have noticed recently that with the demands of family, home and work I have let many of those friendships flounder. I’m working on a plan to rekindle those relationships before the kids are grown and gone and I’m left with a shell of what I used to be. That being said, I have the joy and privilege of being married to my best friend. He is amazing and we have so much fun together. Happy Birthday, Lisa!!!
Happy Birthday, Lisa! This is a big area for me because I’m naturally an achiever so I do not let many people ‘in’. The best way I’ve heard it described is someone who wears a fur coat inside out…you have to get really close to see the vulnerable side. =)
Happy Birthday, Lisa
The friend thing is always heavy on my heart. Last summer we moved across the country to California. I left my best friend in Minnesota. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. The night before we moved, our families got together. She and I just held hands and hugged each other the whole night. It was heartbreaking.
We became friends in 2000 through Mom’s Club–both of us pregnant with our 2nd child. 10 years. That’s only 1/4 of my life, but I know this girl will be the greatest friend of my life time. We were both fairly new Christians when we met. We started a Bible study together with some other moms with young kids. That bonded us even more.
I think everyone just knows when they meet that one soul mate friend who changes your life forever. I wasn’t sure I’d ever find her, but I did.
And man–do I miss her.
Happy Birthday Lisa!
I am not the greatest at keeping contact with friends. I think I tend to lean towards being “safe” too.
I think the best part of having a great friend is knowing that you don’t have to have to talk everyday, week or even year but you have connected on a differant level that allows you to create an intimacy that allows you to never lose each other.
I have a “BFF” that I met in Kinderagarden…moved away in elemtary school (would see each other to celebrate birthdays), reconnected went to junior high together..moved away in high school…meet once a year for sleep over or birhday party…
Now 35 years old..she is in the West Coast and single no kids and I am in the East Coast married 15 years with 5 kids and a missionary…. completely differant lives but when we visit, make a phone call, send and email or chat on facebook….there has never been any distance or uncertainty…she knows me better then anyone in my life and no matter what i go through or have to celebrate she is the one I think to call!!
30 years later God has kept us “BFF’S”
Happy birthday, Lisa!!! Would love to read the book:)
Happy Birthday Lisa! I have lots of friends and even have one that I would call my best friend, but I haven’t found one that I was intimately connected to. I’m very open and outgoing, but I haven’t really found anyone who can be that way with me. But, I really do feel satisfied with my friendship. I was many years without any so they are very important to me now. I meet with a couple different ones every week and have others that are more occasional. Thanks for your work. I’m looking forward to reading the new book.
In Junior and senior high school I didn’t really have any friends. I was made fun of most of the time because I was visually impaired. I had no one to go to, no one to lean on, and no one for support.
Last year after getting email I received an email from a friend who I’ve known since I was 13. She was actually my camp counselor and we always kept in touch. After reading her email I realized that I always had a friend who I could have gone to if I had only thought about it. She is almost twenty years older than me so she most likely would have been able to give me great advice with the problems I had growing up or at least she would have been someone I could have leaned on for encouragement and love. I ended up telling her all the hurt and pain I had gone through in my life and she was right there listening and helping me through it all. Last April our simple friendship became a mother and daughter relationship. She has told me that nothing I do or tell her will ever diminish her love for me and devotion to me. She is certainly a friend who loves at all times.
I need this book because it seems like something always happens to my best friendships. Occasionally I know what it is. Most of the time I don’t. I try to keep my word and be there for my friends, but I get frustrated when they don’t do the same for me. I’m in that spot yet once again. I just want to cry when I think about this particular friend, who I thought was above the petty stuff. Guess not!
I’ve been a Lisa Welchel fan for years. Happy Birthday, Lisa!!!
oops – forgot to leave my name & stuff. That’s me above. ~ Bethany
I have many dear friends…childhood, school chums, cousins, colleagues, and church sisters…but not that best friend, buddy, pal-o-mine. I’m content and feel blessed, but I also wonder if I’m missing out on something special.
Happy Birthday, Lisa!
A true friend is someone you can be your total, true self around. Someone who doesn’t make you question their motives or intentions.
I learned this from Elizabeth George’s “Life Management for Busy Women”:
-true friends- understand and support your commitments and your responsibilities and your priorities ( and your busy life).”
I think friendship is never-ceasing. Never-ceasing due to living far apart or going through a life-changing event. True friends always stick together, and love you no matter what!
I used to have a best friend. We spent a lot of time together. The best thing was she could make me laugh like no one else. After my husband died, our friendship changed and eventually it came to an end. But where the relationship went after my husband died was not good for me, and so the relationship had to end. I miss her a lot. No one has been able to fill her shoes in my life. Anyway, I’m thinking I should send her this book and read it myself. Who knows what may happen?
I could write pages on this subject, but won’t ; ) We need friends…irons sharpens iron. I have recently made a huge move and I’m 40 something. Funny to say, but Facebook has kept me sane dring this season of my life, because it has kept me connected to my friends.
The Word says…a friend loves at all times. However, that doesn’t mean I might not “like” something a friend says or does, but I will still love her.
Happy Birthday Lisa!
(I’m the Shelley that reviewed one of your books a few yrs ago and my quote is in your book.)
My best friend and I have the type of relationship where we can go for months and pick up as if it has only been hours. We are as different as night and day but go togetherlike peas and carrots.
Happy Birthday Lisa!
Blessings
Happy “Birth”day Lisa!!!
The older we get the more we learn that our “true” friends are like gold. I indeed have the bestest BFF. We worked together for years….she named my two daughters for me….and as I was expecting I was sick…once when we went to lunch together it was pouring rain outside…we were laughing because I was having a hard time driving my husbands stick shift truck…well I lost my lunch and so did she…today we still laugh about that day! God truly loves me…not only did his only begotten son die for me…. but he gave me a golden best friend to share this journey called life with. I love you Robin
The best friend I had growing up and I don’t really communicate anymore, although I pray for her and miss her so much. Our lives grew apart and even the 30 years of friendship we had couldnt sustain it. I’ve been longing for a true close friend and recently over the past several months, I have gotten to know a girl at church. Our kids are the same ages and get along great. My unsociable hubby even gets along with her no social skills hubby. We both feel like God has brought us together and are taking this friendship slowly, but I am so glad He did.
I’ve lost touch with so many friends; close friendships seem so hard to keep.
Happy Birthday Lisa!! I’m sure your family will give you a big celebration. I grew up watching you on Facts of Life (my favorite show at the time) and have enjoyed “connecting” with you over the years. It sure was fun following your family’s dream trip a few years back.
I have found friendship a difficult things through the years. My husband and 6 kids keep me very busy and friendship takes time. But I still long for the day in day out connection with a true friend. I have a friend who is like a sister but her life is also very busy, so we don’t connect on a daily basis like I desire. I am excited that Lisa wrote this book and I can’t wait to read it.
I have such a hard time making friends–true friends, not just acquaintances. I know I, for one, feel like my life is so different from other women’s lives, when in reality, it’s probably not as different as I think!! I am very good at isolating myself, and have built a lot of emotional walls over the years, for fear that if other women really get to know me, they will think I’m weird or crazy. I don’t judge other women by that measure, but I certainly do judge myself that way. I really need to read this book, even if I don’t win the giveaway. Thank you for the interview, and happy birthday to Lisa!!!
Hmmm … my good friend Susan lives across the street. We first got together when my daughter and the granddaughter she kept could play together. At the time I didn’t know that God was answering my prayer for a Godly female friend, but He did! Now we visit often and try to arrange weekly playdates for our ‘kids.’ I love having a good friend so close!
This is such an awesome giveaway! I think the thing that I am constantly learning about friendship is the accept my friends “where they are at”!
This is an area I struggle with-true friendship and keeping lasting friendship; needless to say, I would LOVE to win this book! It’s so hard for me to let others see the “real” me. Lisa’s words that “vulnerability pulls people together, not perfection” really, really hit me-like God gave me a wake up call!
I can identify with what so many other women have commented on that it’s actually quite a relief to know others feel similarly to me! ****Jen O- I’m like you-totally get it!
Happy birthday Lisa!
~Amy
In the last 6 months in the midst of the toughest days in my life, in the midst of separation from my husband and now praying for reconcilliation and not divorce – I have discovered what real friends are.
The kind who answer when you call at 2am because you are can’t sleep and need to talk. The kind who know your spouses wrongdoings and rather than say to you, “you can do better” or “God wants you happy” tell you to keep praying and seeking Jesus and he can restore your marraige and bring your prodigal home. True friends are the ones who call you out when you sin and aren’t afraid or hurt by your words of denial or anger back at them. True friends keep on praying, keep on calling to check up, and never ever tell you there isn’t hope for anything. Because true friends – the good safe friends – they are seeking Christ first and in everything – including in how they deal with you.
Happy Birthday Lisa!
I have longed for some really good Christian friends for a long time. I prayed and prayed God would guide me into the path of some Godly women. About two years ago I heard about a community bible study group in my home town. Wow, it has been a blessing from God!!! I do find myself getting scared of getting hurt and trying to step backwards, but I know that is the devil so I press myself in and keep loving my sisters in Christ! I know I would benefit greatly from Lisa’s book!
Happy Birthday Lisa!!
Yes – friends can be a wonderful blessing; and much missed when you don’t have them. I guess that is all I will/can say today. If I tell my story, it will get me all emotional, and then I won’t be able to fulfill my evening duties. Happy Birthday, Lisa. I have your book, “Creative Correction,” and love it.
I have struggled with true friends for many years. Ive made lots of excuses on why I dont have close meaningful friendships with women, tired of excuses and cant wait to read the book!
Happy Birthday Lisa! And thank you Karen! I would love to read this book. My very best friend and I have such a hard time fitting in any girl time. I would love some creative ideas on how to nurture our friendship.
I would love to read Lisa’s book. Recently, I listened to her interview on the Today Show, Life Today, and now her interview with Karen. I also heard Lisa speak last year in St. Louis at Women of Faith. A piece of advice, given by Lisa during one of the interviews really stuck with me. We need to simply watch how a woman treats her friends; that is most likely how she would treat us as a friend. Very simply but profound.
Friendship occur at various levels. A soul mate type of friendship is rare. We really need good Christian friendships. I’m glad Lisa wrote such a book.
I have been fortunate enough to have a few best friends in different seasons of my life of almost 52 years. I don’t have a real best Christian girlfriend now and I do miss that, although I do have many Christian friends. But there’s something about that one that you have similar interests and a connection and are able to talk and laugh about everything that really helps keep you sane!
Friendship…..so desperately needed. As a mom of a special needs child I feel like there is no time, but it is extra needed!
Growing up as a navy kid we moved at least every two years…friendships were made quickly , often & pretty easily for me…the greatest gift my mom gave us is to hang onto those friendships, especially the “bosom buddies” when we moved to the next duty station…i literally have a lifetime of friends scattered throughout the globe that i can now re-connect with via email/facebook, etc. As we use to sing in GirlScouts: “Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold”. What a gift my family gave me, to be open to maintaining those friendships even when the close proximity “season” comes to a close. As my Dad was stationed in San Diego we often returned to the same neighborhood over the course of 15-20 years and i have this beautiful tapestry of girlfriends beginning at the 2nd grade through high school…women need women and God allows our hearts to stretch beyond space & time to hold those dear ones close.
I recently reconnected with a friend and family whom God had taken out of my life for a season and grace and forgiveness are two very important qualities in a friend!! And Happy Birthday Lisa! I will be singing the Facts of Life theme song all day.
God bless!
I would like to become a better friend and have that special bond with someone. I hope to read your book soon. Happy Birthday Lisa. Enjoy your special day.
I had 1 best friend in grade school – she & her family moved away when we were in 5th grade. The next person that I called my best friend actually turned away from our friendship due to the manipulation of another that was jealous of our relationship. I had 2 best friends in college but we have drifted apart over the years. My heart is broken over the loss of that closeness. And I’ve not had a close friendship with another since that point in time. I’ve lost the ability to trust & share with others. I would love to get that back & I would love to have another relationship with someone I could call my best friend.
Would love to win this book. I have a hard time opening up and being friends based on trust issues.
I have lots of friends, but true, deep friendship for me is when time and distance make no difference. You can fall right back into synch as soon as the conversation starts with no awkwardness at all. I have two people (other than my husband and my mom) that I can do that with. The first is my best friend from childhood and we’ve been friends for almost 48 years. We don’t talk in person more than a few times per year, but she is always right there for me, as I am for her. My second friend is one that I have only ever seen one time in my life. We met on the internet, but we clicked from the first day and there have been hours and hours of phone conversations, numerous emails (too many to count), gifts, cards, and one glorious week long visit together over the last ten years. Lifetime friends, for sure.
Have a good friend and being a good friend is important. It is important to have that friend you can talk to and get advice from. It’s also important to have a friend you can call and they will pray right then and there with you when you need it.
My best friends are those with whom I can be honest with and don’t mind if we haven’t seen each other for awhile because we can just pick up where we left off.
It’s hard being a pastors wife because I need to be friendly with everyone but can’t really be best friends with anyone at church. My current friends are other people that work with me and friends from the past. Those friendships are hard to keep up but nice when we do get to talk or see each other.
I’ve learned from moving often that most people are not going to go out of their way to be your friend so I need to be brave and go to things where I don’t know a soul and start a conversation. It’s not easy but it helps!
Rebecca Ann
I would love to win her book. Also, Happy Birthday!!
I don’t know what I would do without my friends. They are always there for me. They are the best.
I have been best friends with my friend Kate since we were 3 years old (we’re now 26). It is absolutely wonderful to know that there is someone out there who has been through every stage of life with me and knows me better than almost everyone else (with the exception of my husband). I love having a “forever friend”!
I find it hard to let friends into the deeper places of myself and hard to make new friends. I would love to win this book.
I remember a time when I was open with friendships; giving, loving and truly making the effort to sustain them. Somewhere along the way, I grew tired of being the one to make the effort and simply stopped. As a result, so did the friendships. Now I see my former self echoed in my children and I would like to recapture me, but how?
My best friends from high school and then college are all far away. The thing I love about each of them is that when we do find time to be together again, we still have that instant connection and love for one another. I always try to remember to mail a real birthday card to them!
Friends are the best thing God could give us. Thanks. Love to win the basket.
Happy Birthday, Lisa!
I have a best friend that I’ve had for about 12 years. She accepts me for who I am and doesn’t try to change me. She’s always there if I need her and I can trust her with anything. Trust and acceptance are so important in friendship. I don’t know if I’ll ever find another friend like her but I’ve been so blessed to have one true friend. I’d love to win the basket.
I have a friend that lives six hours away. We only get to see each other a few times a year, but we talk on the phone about once a week. If something is wrong all I have to say is “Hello” and she instantly knows. It’s great having a friend like that and I look forward to the day when we can live close again.
My favorite aspect of my close friendships is inspiring each other with our strengths, learning from each other and growing together to become a true Proverbs 31 woman!
I think that friendships are on of God’s true blessings. A close friend who will laugh, cry, and pray with you is something to cherish. I have a close friend like this in my life and am so blessed. What I appreciate most about this friend is that she’s not afraid to keep me on the right track as well.
Before I graduated from high school I had moved over 25 times. I was always “the new kid”. It is difficult to make and keep friends when moving like this. I do have one friend from high school and we have kept in touch. It is so good to have someone who knows you.
I have many friends who I consider a blessing. I don’t have a “best” friend because they each have their special place in my heart. You have to be a friend to have a friend. Never keep track of who’s turn it is to call or get in touch; just do what you feel lead to do.
Hope your birthday was very blessed, Lisa!
One thing that makes a great friendship is mutual self-disclosure; something that has taken me years to learn and understand. I have a couple friends I can be completely open and honest with, just really be myself and these are the friends I treasure!! Look forward to reading the book!
My best friend Shellie, she has been my very best friend for thirty five years.
She was the girl I sat next to during circle time in kindergarten.
She was there when we learned how to drive, she was there with me at our first homecoming football game and the dance the next night. She was there for me when I told her at age 17 I was pregnant and supported and encouraged me during the next 22 years as my son grew into a man.
She and I share red hair and and used to tell everyone she was the older sister, she’s a month older than me!
She stood beside me at my wedding that was planned in a week because me and my husband just knew, and so did she. She thinks he is a great guy.
I was there for her four years ago while her Dad was dying, when her dog died just a few days later and when she found out a short time later that she had breast cancer.
I sent her a card, note or gift every week during the entire time, from when she was diagnosed and we cried together over the phone, to when she had her chemo and radiation treatments until all her treatments were complete and the cancer was in remission. My husband shaved his head for her, he would not let me shave mine.
Cancer has been in remission now for three years. I continue to pray it stays away.
She has opened her home to me and my husband and our two girls when we go to visist her and I enjoy when she comes to visit me. She is the one girlfriend I can go weeks without talking and then talk on the phone about anything and everything.
She is the one who treated me to a new outfit when I lost twenty pounds.
She is the one brave enough to sell her house and most everything in it, quit her job, buy a popup camper and travel for year to most every National Park.
She is the one that I miss the most, more than my family even, because we live 7 hours apart.
She is the one that when we do visit each other it is just like we’ve never been apart.
I so treasure my memories of her and enjoy all the new ones we make each time we visit.
Thank you for letting me share Shellie and our friendship with you.
Karen: You, Lisa and I navigated those years together (late 70s early 80s). Seems a gal’s heart is the same regarding friendship no matter where we live (me — East Coast). I love exploring the heart of friendship. Book sounds terrific!
The best thing about friendship is knowing that you are not alone!!!!! Motherhood is tough and its reassuring to know you have team mates in the battle.
I am so blessed to have wonderful friends. My best friend has been my best friend since we met in Sunday School 48 years ago.
I would love to win her book. Happy Birthday Lisa.
Just this past weekend I had an opportunity to spend a little time with my best friend from college. We may only get a chance to see each other once a year but she will always hold a special place in my heart. I love how we can pick up like we just spoke yesterday. I thank God for her friendship.
I think this might be the next book I need to read. I have struggled to maintain adult friendships through marriage and the addition of kids. Going in so many different directions it is hard – but necessary. I do have a few wonderful Godly friends who have stuck through these transitions. One in particular lives in a different state – but makes a great effort to stay in touch. I love her to death and thank God for bringing her into my life during our college years. She is an encouragement to me – but also speaks truth into my life when I need it.
To me… friendship is having a lifelong friend who knows your deepest secrets, desires and has seen you at your worst and best. Has been there through the good and bad. You may not talk to her in months – but when you do – its like you never left. She can interpert your mood and thoughts just by looking into your eyes. You know you can call her and she would be there and do anything for you in a minute. I miss my good friend and havent been able to find anyone like her since moving to chicago.
Friendships with other women as adults is much harder for me as often you must find someone in the same phase of life as you are. I no longer seem to connect as well with unmarried friends as I am now married with 3 little boys. I also feel I have to “test” the waters to see if a friend will be able to connect with me. I mention something slightly more personal and wait to see if I hear a rumor through the grapevine, as well as how she reacts to the info right then. If she seems to be a true friend, we venture a little closer. Just as Anne of Green Gables says–a Bossom Friend is so wonderful and a true treasure!!
Don’t know if it’s too late to enter the contest.
Praying for you Karen!
Blessings,
Jodie
I don’t really have any human friends. I have co-workers, but they often go to lunch without inviting me, and are not Christians. I have a Sabbath School teaching assistant, who is my mom’s age and not very reliable. I have my husband, but he has a mental illness and is only sometimes interested in being my friend.
But Jesus is my friend! He goes everywhere I do, is the ONLY reliable friend in the world, and always wants to be my friend!
I would love to win Lisa’s book, since I obviously need help in this area.
God bless!
Jennifer D
is it too late to enter the giveaway???
I am so thankful for my church which give me a wealth of friends to keep me focused and real!!
I wish I were a better friend. I grew up in a very dysfunctional home where you never, and I mean never, let any one know what was going on in your life. That has made it difficult for me to develop close friendships, even as an adult. I am great at “casual” friendships. I have lots of acquitances; but I cannot seem to open up and let people see the real me.
When my husband was in the Navy we had great friends, but due to career assignments we were never around any that long. After awhile I stopped getting close to anyone because it was too painful to start over. But now that we have been able to settle down we have awesome friendships and have even managed to stay close to some that have moved away. I think as you age friendships become more important.
I recently had the privilege of hearing Lisa speak at Women of Faith. Can’t wait to read her book.
I have many friends who confide in me and probably consider me to be their good friends but I don’t open up to them. I see myself as kind of a counsellor to many. I have been hurt before when I made myself vulnerable and have guarded myself ever since. By “protecting” myself, I feel very lonely when I am going through a rough time. I want to have that special friend I could just call to cry on her shoulder but I feel like I have set up all my relationships to be one sided – I would love that to change but I don’t know who I can trust.
Because friendship IS a 2 way street, I have to learn to travel both ways. Far too often, I am the listener, the counselor, lending an ear to my friends, always taking in and offering up advise or support. Not often enough, do I talk. Even when I am going through turmoil, I do not go to my friends for support, for that would make me appear weak. I need to open up and be a better friend.
Is it too late to enter? I need this book because I have next to none friends who are close. I desperately need a friend to confide in, laugh with, meet for coffee, and go shopping with. I know I am the problem because I can be closed off sometimes(not open or vulnerable). I have been praying for the Lord to send me a Godly girlfriend for some time now. Will be buying the book any way if I don’t win it!!
I’m also wondering if it’s too late??? I moved out of state and away from all friends and family. I’ve made one good friend and several acquaintence friends, but I seriously need to know how to better connect. HELP!
Blessings,
Toni