Fotosearch

Our growing family had outgrown the ranch-style house we called home. A two-story, home was our long, awaited destination. This suburban house seemed tailor-made for our needs. Floor-to-ceiling windows released our minds from the confines of the indoors. And the neighbors had a botanical garden in full view from upstairs – a feast for the eyes!

A typical day was interrupted when Monarch butterflies cascaded up the side of our home in full view through our new, huge windows. Next door, they engulfed a bush, in our neighbor’s yard – a ‘butterfly bush’.

The kids and I ditched our schoolbooks in search of the obvious!

While our children were caught up in the wonders of creation, I was caught up in the heart of our Creator. When the Lord directed us to buy this home and enabled the purchase – He knew! The former owner would build-on, adding windows to bring the outside into our classroom of a home. He knew – creation’s rhythm would send waves of Monarchs over us. He knew our quiet neighbor would plant this rare bush to attract them . He knew, we have a little boy, with a big net and bigger dreams of studying insects – entomology – as a man.

He also knew, this busy mom with little ones underfoot intended to visit nature more often. But between dishes and nap times, plans had fallen short. This day – nature came to visit us!

Heaven had come to earth in our busy, little world.

None of us remember if we finished our ‘work’ for the day. But we all remember the divine interruption. The next fall we awaited their synchronized visit. Nature did not disappoint!

Daily life with little ones is repetitive by design. The rhythm of activity can desensitize us to the visitation of the extraordinary. To complicate matters more, the electronic world can pull our minds into an outer space of living. But, the inner space is where God meets us. This is where children learn and thrive. It is vital for moms to be purposeful and seize the moment – capturing the prize of simplicity.

Simple living anchors a child’s soul and  prepares the heart to know God.

Years later, our family is in a new season. The little boys are teenagers and mostly grown. Simplicity still visits us in season – and it is our privilege to capture it!

I Thessalonians 4:11-12, “Make it your goal to live a simple life.”

The children, all six, dangle happy out windows. I fumble for our tickets.

Look for answers I can’t find.

The train lurches and I reach for a seat and a boy grins at me trying to hold on. When did all their limbs become long?

When did I turn and miss that all the days are the destination?

Two brothers stack, hands on shoulder, leaning to see down the track. I grip a seat and watch them, watch it all passing by in shades of green and indigo and always shadows.

Our firstborn, he sits near the back of the car, hand propping chin, pensive, pondering. Man-like. This is what the youngest of six asked for her sixth birthday: to ride a train.

I can feel it even now, how it shuddered when we pulled away from the stop.

I ask if I can sit beside her and she breaks into nodding smile, pulls up onto the Farmer’s lap, and my hand brushes his knee and hers and all I want to do is cup the face of him who began this ride with me, hold his face gentle between my hands and beg: How do you turn trains right around? How did we get here already? Why does it all speed by in a blur? Or is it me who is doing this to life? I need to know this.

How do we get back?

He holds her to the window, and I only smooth out my skirt. Smooth out all the wrinkles. Swallow hard and quiet around all the questions knotted into a burning lump. Motherhood’s a daily bravery. I can’t say that I don’t waver.

When she turns to see if I am watching, I tuck one of her errant curls behind an ear and when she smiles it crinkles them all up, that sprinkle of twelve freckles across the bridge of her nose. I smile though it hurts. Mothers do this.

It’s like standing on the platform of the caboose, watching all the slipping world — when did they unfold out of me and into almost adults? Where do dimples on little hands go and how do you get back to the folds of necks and sweaty, sleep creased cheeks on your shoulder and when did all our beginnings become more like endings?

When will I remember that endings are but beginnings in thin disguises?

I was twenty when I began to round with a soul. Twenty-one when when a son came from within. We had been married 11 months. The child came a whole month early. A surprise on the eve of Mother’s Day, for a girl who didn’t know how to be a woman, who couldn’t stop trembling, couldn’t stop her teeth from chattering.

True, there had been those eight weeks right at the beginning, of only us two stumbling to become one. And then there has always been us, a union multiplied, two made one made many.

Why is it that the babies may birth the girl-child into womanhood? How do I make my way deep into womanhood without the babies, without a child clutching to me — or is it me, clutching a child? I need to know this. Some days I feel so bare and alone. A babe on the hip, clenched hands on the collar of my shirt, fingers on skin, this was a way to breathe. Do I forget that it is Christ who has grown me up through the babes made into men? And now, them near grown, we may both walk brave?

This is what I have always wanted, here in the hidden places. For the Holy Beautiful to use the wholly broken to shape a piece of eternity. And that need not happen somewhere else but wherever here is. This can happen at a sink, a stove, a kneeling smile into a child hopeful — the way the hands serve silent and daily.

“Did you see that, Mom?” Kai turns, looking for me, all happiness. I nod, a wonder at his wonder.

Does he know that it’s really each of them that captivate me more than any of life’s landscape? Maybe that is always the way it is when I remember what is eternal. I had given up a university scholarship for motherhood and I have regretted much, but never this. They are leaning out into what’s coming and I only memorize the miracles.  The way the nape of a neck strains, the way an arm drapes.

The way a face blooms into an open heart right here.

There is this on a slow train:

Living slow never killed time like hurrying does; hurrying is what races fast, catches up and kills time. Who thinks that doesn’t wound eternity?

I’m the one who speeds up the train. Do I have the courage to just slow down?

Life’s blurring lull too often sways me into drowsy apathy. But as the train lurches, I am jolted awake, aware: Go slow to see.

Speed, I can change my pace, but trains can’t be stopped and I can feel it too, this wild desire to throw myself from the railing to dig hands deep into the soil of now, rooted in this moment’s landscape until I myself returned unto dust…to never, ever move on.

Yet this is the courage of motherhood, amidst the orbiting planets, the spinning of the universe, to always let the moving on, move us on, Homeward bound.

Leaning out of the windows, each of us, headlong into the wind, she laughs, so alive. And a moment later, I move into that space, into all her laughing —

the tracks beneath us making a music of it’s own…

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Related: Click here for 10 Helps free printables: 10 Real Helps for Really Busy Moms… and  10 Prayers for Joyful Parenting

I am a list maker. It can’t be helped. I keep track of life through pages and pages of notebooks and to-do lists and half- used journals. Upon our recent move, I was faced with three, yes three full boxes of  leather bound tomes to lug to our new apartment. The movers might have given me a few eye rolls, but these babies are my treasures! Here’s why: I will never scrapbook. I get itchy just thinking about how to print my bazillion photos from the last 12 years. How on earth could I ever catch up and write stories and create borders to match at this point? I can’t. I’ve tried.

Sometime after my third child was born, a new kind of memory keeping began for me. I’d love to share it with you in case, like me, you long to have a record of how you build into your days,  but wonder where to begin or how to journal about your family life simply.

One morning, by chance, I left a journal open on my counter and ended up scribbling in a funny quote from one of my kids, then another, then another- it was so easy, those pretty blank pages right there, just beckoning to me. By the end of the day, several pages were also filled with doodles, a traced handprint, a recipe, and a prayer of desperation as I questioned how to parent when my toddler had a meltdown. It was the most accurate, messy, real life picture of my day  and something I could share with my children as a remembrance of how we spent our days together once they were older.

I’ve kept a book like this on the counter ever since. Sometimes I cut out beautiful pictures from magazines that inspire me and glue them in before I get to work filling the pages. Other times I print out art or take up a brush myself and set the tone with a splash of color. Its even become a catalyst for creativity in lettering and studying a little of how to write in calligraphy or space letters just so. I love having something simple and also beautiful to pour my heart into.

I fill up the pages with grocery lists, to-do’s, prayers and hymns and interesting ideas, and of course I still jot down the funny quotes that come my way: ”Mom, do you think we could baptize the dog? “Now that my kids are writing, they enter tidbits too, notes to me, reminders that we need more fruit leather or toilet paper, sweet poems or verses they are memorizing or simply doodles that mark they were there, that their own story is enmeshed within the practical workings of our home, right in between my daily prayers for them and our goals for the week- behind all that I build into our home, the most important thing I want to remember are the little lives that make it so sweet.

What would go in your book like this? What’s happening around your place today? What little things are you building into your home and into the lives of your family that you want to remember today? Share with us in the comments?

As a sentimental softie, I am often struck by gifts that carry great personal meaning. I long to leave a legacy of faith, steadfastness and love for my children both in word and deed. The first time I traveled with my husband away from our children, I left personal letters in our file with the will and trust papers.  I couldn’t bear to consider what they would feel if tragedy struck us both without a written record of my deep, deep love for them.

A few years ago, I heard a mother share about giving each of her children a Bible when they reached adulthood. This is a special and meaningful gift.  But she also mentioned that she wrote in the Bibles, took notes, and highlighted special verses.  This got my attention!

How could I take this idea of “personalized” Bibles and start the process now while my children are young?  So far, this is what I’ve done. I purchased two Bibles that I thought a young man in his early twenties would not be embarrassed to carry. (Plain black). Then, I had their names embossed on each.  I decided that if I spent six months per year with each Bible, my time spent (and notes written) in each would eventually equal out.

Thus, for my personal quiet times during the first half of each year (from January through June), I use Jack’s Bible.  He doesn’t know about it yet- I hope to keep it a bit of a surprise.  When I am doing my Bible reading, I ask the Lord to point out things that might be meaningful to Jack as an adult.  I underline, highlight, and add my own commentary and thoughts.  Sometimes, I write a very personal note such as, “Jack, sometimes it can be difficult to stay pure.  See what God says will help a young man stay pure?  I pray that you will be able to take heed according to His word. I love you. Mom.”  (See Psalm 119:9).

During the second half of the year, July through December, I go through the same process with Josh’s Bible during my personal quiet times.  Over the course of their childhood, I figure I will get a number of little notes, prayers and encouragements in each Bible, scattered throughout.

Please don’t get discouraged if you’re inspired by this idea but your child is grown or is about to move out of your home.  Just get a Bible and start using it yourself- take a month or a year to write and notate and then gift it to him.  He will appreciate your words, your time, and your handwriting.

I am sure many of you have ideas for meaningful ways to pass on God’s word.  How have you incorporated legacy-type gifts into your life or your children’s lives?

Blessings,

Jennie

How can a young man keep his way pure?
            By keeping it according to Your word.

With all my heart I have sought You;
            Do not let me wander from Your commandments.

Your word I have treasured in my heart,
            That I may not sin against You.” ~Psalm 119:9-11

I’ve always loved the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who, when she visited her cousin Elisabeth who was also miraculously with child, couldn’t stem the tide of scripture and praise that came bubbling up from her young soul. What a picture of being full to overflowing with the Lord (in more ways than one!) and what an example to all of us of what we surely need to be filling our own hearts with.

You’ve probably listened in awe yourself to a child reciting scripture at some point–whether at some church awards ceremony, a homeschool event, or maybe at the end of your local VBS week. It’s pretty awe-inspiring to hear little lips quoting verses, passages, even chapters! And recently Ann Voskamp, Beth Moore and many others have spearheaded movements among many adults to follow the little one’s example–a wonderful reminder, to be sure. Why is it, I wonder, that we encourage our children to do so many things we ourselves don’t do? Ahhh, but that’s another post.  

When my older children were younger children (it seems many moons ago!) memorizing scripture was part of our homeschool curriculum planning guide, and so it was quite easy to remember to actually do it (ahem). Life has gotten topsy-turvy since then, and I’m sorry to say that memorizing scripture has been moved to a back burner. I thought perhaps some of you sweet mamas out there might also need some encouragement and ideas to help you as you endeavor to add scripture memory to your own family habits, so here are a few tips and thoughts from our house to help along the way!

1. Combine Scripture with Mealtimes

This is a great habit to get into: make mealtimes scripture times!

Since you sit down to eat three times a day, combining memorization with mealtimes is a wonderful way to make sure scripture time really HAPPENS. What I’ve found very simple is to write out the passage we are working on and put it in our dining room area. You could use a large sheet of posterboard (or several!), a chalkboard or whiteboard, a corkboard you can pin sheets of paper to–just something large enough for everyone to see. I usually print the passage, so even the young readers can follow along; even non-readers are benefiting by hearing the words read aloud and listening to the cadence and beauty of the passage–and will remember more than you can imagine! Our habit was to read the passage before each meal, so three times a day we all quoted it together. Our family memorized all of Isaiah 61 and numerous other passages when they were quite young in this simple, not-too-time-consuming way!

2. Make it Part of their Handwriting Practice.

Copying beautiful words beautifully is a wonderful way to lock those words into young brains. What better to spend time on? You could even give each child a special blank book in which to keep their efforts.

3. Add A Melody.

This is something I learned from Pam Tebow many, many years ago when I listened to her speak to a group of young moms. She shared how her family would set scripture to music–just make up their own melody lines for each one. Somehow, singing helped those verses stick. We memorized verses like “…we should no longer be slaves to sin, for he who has died is free from sin. Now, if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him” (Romans 6:6-8) nearly 14 years ago–and it’s still locked in my memory as a little song! Try it yourself; young children especially love a chance to make up their own tunes and will probably really enjoy this.

4. Add Some Hand Motions.

Action added to words seems to have a similar “hook” effect when it comes to memorizing scripture! See if there are actions you can come up with together that seem to fit the words …

“Blessed (clap) is the man that walketh (step like you’re walking!) not (say very adamantly, and “chop” hands down and apart like you’re saying “no way!”)

In the counsel of the ungodly (furrow your brow, use your index fingers to make horns, and kindof crouch down–silly, right?).

Nor standeth (bring your legs together straight and stand like a soldier) in the way of sinners,

Nor sitteth (pretend to sit down) in the seat of the scornful (cover your mouth and pretend to laugh and point.)” Psalm 1:1

I could go on, because this one is still lodged in my mind, too, after many years–but you get the idea!

Memorizing scripture as a family is a great way to make memories and help your children hide His word in their hearts!

I play tennis.

Post-kids, I play a couple times a year. But there was a season in life when I played ALL. THE. TIME

I was possibly a bit obsessive.

My family stayed in a condo every year for the 4th of July. They’d head to the water. I’d hit the courts. By myself.

There wasn’t a backboard to hit against, so I’d pick up a ball and hit a cross court forehand. I’d pick up another ball and hit a forehand down the line. On and on. Different shots. One at a time.

Then I’d go and pick them all up. For three or four hours, I’d do this. All weekend long.

Like I said, obsessive.

One year there was an older lady who saw me playing, had pity on me and asked if I wanted to play a match.

Well, sure. I’ll try to go easy on you, nice little lady who is about to eat my dust.

I’m not competitive. Obviously.

A funny thing happened, though. She worked me like a puppet on a string. She stood in one spot, yawning, while she ran me like an errand girl from one sideline to the next.

I was perplexed. Obviously, I was “trying harder” than she was. Why was she destroying me?

Wisdom.

She knew the game better. She knew exactly where to hit the ball. She knew what I was thinking. She knew exactly how much energy she needed to expend.

I was a fast. I was serious. I tried hard. She was sweet, wise and beat me without breaking a sweat.

Wisdom

Somehow I’ve always lived in the delusion that if I just TRY HARDER I’ll be a better mom.

“Stop getting frustrated, KAT!”
“Be nicer, KAT!”
“Do crafty things, KAT!”
“Stop getting frustrated, KAT!” (Oh, did I already say that? Well…)
“Be more patient, KAT!”

Just TRY HARDER, Kat!

It’s similar to beating your head against a wall. And just about as productive.

I can “try hard” to be a good mom until I turn blue in the face and I probably won’t change much. But if I pursue wisdom, one book, one chapter, one lesson, one prayer at a time, I will change.

We can reinvent the wheel or we can simply buy one and read it. The most powerful mothering skill is to glean knowledge from those more experienced than us.

Where do you turn for wisdom as a mom? What are some of your favorite resources?

“Stop Doubting and Believe” John 20:27

Recently I have been reading  a delightful old book to my son, Jack,  called “Sir Knight of the Splendid Way.” It is one of our favorites that I have found myself wanting to re-read to him so he would remember it. I always come away from reading it inspired to know God better and to trust Him more. It’s an allegory that describes the Christian walk. Our hero is Sir Constant, a knight of the Kings Service who is on a journey to The City of the Great King, which is Heaven. He encounters many dangers and toils along his journey.

In this particular chapter, our knight is weary from his recent battles. He is tired and worn out. It is then that a visitor comes to him, The Grey Questioner. Sir Constant did not realize that he was in any imminent danger, but little did he know that here was a deadly foe, an enemy that wanted to destroy him.

The Grey Questioner began to ask him questions that caused him to doubt whether or not he will ever reach the City of the Great King, he made him wonder if he was really able to complete his quest. He  raised questions that made the knight doubt what he knew to be true about The Great King, which is Jesus.

The Questioner offered him a shortcut that he said leads to the City. This shortcut was to go across the Sea of Mists in a boat with the visitor. When he finally realized he was being deceived, he drew his sword and tried to strike his opponent, only to see his  opponent had retreated. He soon found himself stranded in the middle of the sea and engulfed in a deadly mist, unable to see the shore.

Sir Constant initially did not know what to do, then he turned his eyes away from the dark mist of the sea and looked up at the stars. As he was looking up at the stars, he began to see them take the form of the Name of the Great King, Jesus. It was then that he could focus more on the name and power of Jesus and less on the danger that was all around him. As he thought about Jesus, the mists became less and less and he could see the shore and the emblem of the Great King, a tall cross set upon a little hill.

He saw his Master walking along the shore, waiting for him, for the he had known the guile of the Grey Questioner and the terror of the Sea of Mists and was waiting to help the knight make it to safety. When our knight saw his Master, he ran to him and was received in love with no words of rebuke.

This is our Jesus. He is always waiting for us.  The tactics of the Grey Questioner, which is Satan, are very familiar to Jesus.  Just like the visitor came to Sir Knight when he was weak, Satan came to Jesus when he was hungry and tired.

The Great Deceiver will come to us when we are weary, tired and wanting to give up on the work that our King has called us to do.

He will tell you that you are not a good Mom, that you are going to ruin your kids. He will make you worry that your kids will rebel so you will treat them like rebels.

He will speak of all of your husbands shortcomings and make you doubt your love for him.

He will cause division between you and your friends by pointing out all of their little annoying habits and causing senseless quarrels.

Do not listen to him. Keep your thoughts on Jesus and the power of His name. When you are engulfed in the Sea of Unbelief, go to God. Press into Him and His Word. Write verses of truth on little cards and keep them all around your house. Say the verses out loud. Claim the truth in the Word of God in your heart and mind.

When I was a new Christian, I struggled with doubt quite a bit so I made a cassette tape with many verses of faith and played the over and over each day as I got dressed and when driving  in my car.

Pray for God to “Deliver you from the evil one,”  for protection against Satan.

Walk with your God in faith knowing that “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24. God will help you and give you everything you need to do what He has called you to do.

Beloved, may we all learn to trust Jesus more and more.

We had been looking forward to Mary’s games all week. Our family had special plans to see Mary play then go out for a nice dinner together which for a big family is a big deal…at least financially. My oldest daughter was bringing her boyfriend. My mom and step dad were coming. I had two of the younger children with me. We even brought the puppy, which we regretted by the second inning of the first game:)

As a single working mom it has been hard to make a lot of Mary’s games as they are typically during the busiest part of my work day. So this was a treat all the way around.

Mary didn’t play the first game, which was unusual, but we enjoyed the game anyway expecting her to start game two. Up to this point, Mary had only sat out on college game as a freshman due to an injury. When she didn’t play game two either, we were disappointed but supported the team nonetheless. As a mom, I was dreading that dinner as I knew how upset Mary would be.

It didn’t help any that they lost both games.  I watched Mary jump right into after game duties as a team captain, raking the pitching areas and putting things away.

I saw her walk over and speak to both coaches before exiting the field. I prayed diligently for the words to comfort her.  She made it to the car before breaking down in tears. I listened as she relayed her frustration and lack of understanding at the coach’s decisions. Upon questioning the coach, the coach responded,  ”Nothing was wrong, she didn’t need to do anything any different, and keep working hard.”

I tried to encourage my Mary that at least she had not fallen short and had some great feat to conquer to be better. I made a mental note that I hate performance based situations and to steer my kids toward basketball as players are rotated out more regularly. And the game is faster paced.

My attempted words of comfort fell on deaf ears. She got into her own car to meet us at the restaurant. No one brought it up over dinner. Sitting across from  Mary, I sensed her decompressing as she settled into the love of our family. She was safe and valued and her life mattered to us. We laughed together, ate way too much, and said our goodbyes as she drove back to campus.

Before bed, my heart was still heavy. I knew Mary was alone in her dorm room with all those thoughts swarming around in her head along with feelings of doubt, insecurity, even anger. I reached out via text and said…

“Mary, I’ve been thinking a lot about today, about the sovereignty of God, and about how He controls everything….even who plays. Although I don’t understand it, there is some reason you weren’t supposed to play today. Maybe God wants you to know we love YOU and just enjoy the game.  I really don’t know but I trust Him and hope you can too.”

I will probably always stick to teaching preschoolers at church, who often only need a hug or a band aid. Yet, we need to be ready, as moms, with an answer for why we believe what we believe. Our older children are counting on our faith to remain strong as they face life’s hardships.

Be strong, stay strong, and finish strong.

He is our strength..our ever present help in time of trouble. Psalm 46:1

In His Strength,

Pam

It’s late at night and I’ve just returned from a visit to an Urgent Care center with my son who was showing some troubling symptoms. On my way there, one of my close friends got wind of what was happening and within moments of sitting down in the waiting room, my phone started beeping repeatedly with new text messages.

Several of my friends had been put on alert and were praying, sending kind words, and offering all kinds of help. That’s just how they are. God has graciously supplied irreplaceable girls in my life.

The crushing part is that as I type, I’m sitting here surrounded by boxes. Our family is moving in a few days and, after four such moves in the last eight years, I know well the effect distance can have on friendships. They will still be some of my dearest friends, but the nature of our relationships will most likely change. Though I have no doubt new and wonderful friendships await where we’re going,  it’s an honor to carry memories of these ladies with me.

From childhood through the present, incredible girls have impacted and changed my life. Varying personalities and unique qualities contribute to the beautiful tapestry of relationships. The makings of deep friendship can be summed up in many ways, but here are a few things I’ve learned from those nearest to me.

1.      Tear Down Walls

Fortresses and fences won’t foster friendship. False appearances of perfection keep others at arm’s length. Authenticity invites. When we let people into our world we find we’re actually dealing with a lot of the same stuff. No one has a perfect marriage, and certainly not perfect children. We aren’t all master chefs, we struggle with budgets, and we get frustrated too easily. We all have junk drawers and laundry piles. Some of us are even dealing with really serious issues. Our commitment to authenticity will determine the depth of our relationships.

2.      Build Up Trust

When we tear down walls and stop doing everything we can to block the view to our shortcomings, we are better able to pray for and encourage one another. When we offer humility instead of guarded pride, trust grows. And trust protects. It provides words that heal rather than hurt. It speaks life-giving words, especially behind another’s back.

We plant seeds of trust in the way we love our friend, as well as her family. The genuine love and interest my friends show towards my children is such a gift.

3.      Check In and Check Often

Relationships thrive when thoughts of care turn in to acts of care. My friends are superstars in this area. They check in after a doctor’s appointment to see how it went, they leave cups of coffee on the front porch after a string of sick days. They pray over job interviews. They pick up groceries. They send a message just to see how the day is going. They email funny YouTube videos and great articles. Setting aside moments to express care and consideration makes all the difference.

4.      Support Individuality

When we recognize that God has gifted us each uniquely and specifically, it frees us to rejoice in our friends’ victories rather than succumbing to jealousy. Know your friends’ areas of giftedness and encourage them. Support their businesses or their talents. Be their cheerleader.

5.      Look Outside the Box

Find the friendless. Scheme together with your friends about ways to help in your community. I know this is easier said than done, but give it your best shot. Pool your ideas and resources. Think of ways to involve your children. This works better when done together.

If someone feels compelled toward a cause or an area of service, support her. If she’s adopting or fostering, join her emotionally and financially.  If there’s a necessary expense too hard for one family to shoulder, join together sacrificially as a community and help meet that need.

6.      Offer Grace

Unavoidably, we will fail each other. Sometimes our default is to shut down immediately and assume we just might not be compatible. But remember, no friendship is perfect this side of heaven. Live the beauty of forgiveness.

If friends are spending meaningful time together as families, parenting will be done before an audience. Our children will hurt each other’s feelings. Offer grace. Recognize that all children are unique, so parenting will reflect that.

7.      Spur On

Point each other back to Jesus always. His wisdom is best, even when we think our’s is pretty great.

Embracing attitudes of thankfulness is a game-changer. Our time together should never turn in to gripe-fests about our kids or husbands or our thankless work. Building and cultivating an atmosphere of genuine gratitude helps point us back to Christ.

So, What Next?

If you’re reading this with a pang of sadness that such friendships are lacking in your life, I’m about to be right there with you, friend.

But let’s not lose heart. Let’s pray for God-glorifying women to enter into our lives. Let’s be friends by making the first move. Let’s not allow insecurities to rob us of the joys of community. Let’s make a call, send an email, and invite someone over. Of course, we won’t always find our best friend immediately, but let’s not give in to self-pity. Let’s keep on praying, loving and pursuing.

Our friends sending us off with prayer