Friendship - Joy to the Soul

09 Jun

When We Say Hello to Hard Things

Joy

10 Comments

A lunch with friends turned into a meet-up for our misery. One by one we tossed our difficulties onto the table. Our tales of woe included caring for those we love and sorting through broken dreams. But there was something eating at us between our bites of pizza. We each...

03 Jun

A Fresh Wind Blows through Friendship

Joy

2 Comments

All Things New, Relationships

If a friend supports us through tough times, it’s a gift. I’ve had my share of both — good friends and tough times. And yet, ironically, the storms of life allow a fresh wind to blow through a friendship. It reminds us we’re not alone. It rushes in on the...

30 Oct

What Are You Feeding Your Friendships?

Joy

14 Comments

Growing A Friendship Series, Lessons I've Learned (so far) Series, Relationships

I cherish the friendships I’ve had through the years. However, some connections seem to fade over time. Other relationships deepen as we share life experiences because sharing is key to a friendship’s growth. You may be familiar with the saying “something is alive if it grows, breathes and eats.” It’s...

23 Oct

When Insecurity Is Turned Inside Out

Joy

12 Comments

Lessons I've Learned (so far) Series

I’m usually excited when a friend shares good news. But enthusiasm escaped me when a friend shared a recent accomplishment. Thankfully, we were on the phone. Otherwise, she would have seen my dark brown eyes turn green. She would have noticed my frown betray the fake reply of “wonderful,” as...

16 Oct

Why Friendships Benefit from Boundaries

Joy

4 Comments

Lessons I've Learned (so far) Series

My friends and I often speak about our need for greater focus. So when I asked one for help with a project, she said, “No.” As she explained her commitments, I knew she was at full capacity. Normally, I’d be disappointed. But this time was different. I knew her “no”...

09 Oct

Faith When A Friend Faces A Crisis

Joy

6 Comments

Growing A Friendship Series, Lessons I've Learned (so far) Series

We can get by with a little help from our friends. But sometimes circumstances are dire and the assistance required is substantial. In Mark 2, a crippled man is unable to move. Perhaps he’s unable to speak. But he’s carried to Christ by his friends. "...Soon the crowd overflowed from...

02 Oct

The Uncommon Gift of Friendship

Joy

8 Comments