friendship for grownups {review + giveaway}
This month I am trying to focus on the many, many things I have to be thankful for. So many of those things I often take for granted. Like friendships for instance. I know that friendships can be complicated at times. Friendships often change as we get older, don't they? All of a sudden we are not in college anymore with the freedom to hang out anytime we want to and talk for hours. Instead we are trying to balance our friendships with working a full time job, or with being a wife, or with being a mom, or with all of the above and the busy schedules that go along with each of those roles.
God has blessed me with some amazing friends! Over the past two years I have developed some awesome "blog friendships" through this blog. But, I am talking about "real life" friends. My real life friends are great. They have walked with me through some really tough stuff. They support me, encourage me, love me for who I am, challenge me, pray for me, cry with me, make me laugh...I could go on and on.
I am not sure if I have ever read a book focusing totally on friendship. So, I was excited when I was asked to read and review Friendship for Grown-ups by Lisa Welchel.
I am not going to take much time to tell you my thoughts on this book. Instead, I thought it would be fun to invite some of my friends to read and review this book along with me. Throughout this week I am going to introduce you to six of my "real life" friends. Some of these women I have known for years...we go way back. Some of these women are new friends that I am just getting to know. These six amazing women are going to tell you some of their thoughts on friendship. I can't wait for you to meet them!
In the mean time, would you like to win a book? Thomas Nelson Publishers has sent me five extra copies to give away to you...my blog friends!
Giveaway Details:
Friendship for Grown-ups by Lisa Whelchel
FIVE winners chosen at random
One entry per person
Giveaway ends Sunday, November 14 at 10pm (CST)
To enter leave a comment in today's post
(bonus: tell me what you appreciate most about your friends)
posted by the mcclenahans @ 7:00 AM
297 Comments:
I would love to read the book. As I am getting older, it seems some relationships are just like teenager relaitonships. I have been thru some personal struggles this past year, and have noticed more "friends" fleeing rather than coming together around me..... oh how I would love that=)
Anyway, for the few true friends- I love how you can say exactly how you feel about something and they don't judge you!
I would love a copy of the book!!
I LOVE my friends! I am very blessed to have down to earth, real, and drama free friendships! Michele Thiessen
I would love to read this book. I'm always having to remind myself to not place too many expectations on my friends and to realize that God is my ultimate friend.
I would love to read this book! Over the years, I have learned that I would rather a few true friends than many "fake" ones. I am blessed with 3 friends who I love dearly and who I know would do anything for me at anytime. They are more like sisters and I am grateful for them.
I would love to read this book! I have always valued my friends and just recently (within the past few weeks) my husband and I suffered a sudden loss of both of his parents. It was very unexpected and we were overwhelmed by the outpouring of love by our friends. My closest girlfriends stepped in to pick me up when I needed it and I couldn't have been more thankful.
Like you my friends are amazing and have been with me through it all. It saddens me to realize that we will be moving away from them soon and so as I look forward to making new friends it brings such a bittersweet emotion with it.
I would love to read this and share it with a few other people as well. Life has been unkind in reminding me who my true friends are lately. I could use some means of healing.
I am very thankful for maintained sweet long-distance friendships, though I am at a stage where I would love to have more friends nearby. Most of my close friends have moved away in the past several years.
I'd definitely love to read this. This topic is one thing I've been struggling with lately... maintaining and nourishing my friendships even being so busy and everyone having so many responsibilities. Thanks for the opportunity!
This sounds like a great read! I am really interested in nourishing my friendships! Thanks for the giveaway!
I would love to read this book. I am struggling with a friendship right now. It seems I am the only one interested in keeping the friendship going, which is disappointing. On the other hand, I have made a wonderful new friend in our new town. Thanks, Jess!
I was 28 when I met my first REAL friend - 30 when we actually BECAME real friends (I was slow to warm back then!). She has been such a blessing in my life; opening my eyes to the truth about mankind -- that not all people are bad, not all people hurt others. He has shown me - through her - how to become a friend, how to accept friendship, and how to love and be loved. FRIENDS ARE AWESOME!
I have three very close girlfriends. One was my college roommate (she lives 2 states over), one has been my best friend since before I can remember, and the other one I met 10 years ago. They are all different friendships and I cherish them all equally. I love how no matter how long it's been since we caught up, we can always pick things right up where we left off and it seems like just yesterday we talked instead of the weeks it actually has been!
I'd love to read this!! I love that my friends love me for me and are so understanding!
I would love to read this book!
As I get older, I've realized {the hard way!} who my true friends are and I appreciate them more and more. I've really been blessed by having them in my life!
I was raised in the military life, so moving around made it hard to make friends. I have to say though that I met some amazing friends that I still keep in contact with. And they are all over the world. As a mother of 3 girls who are also growing up in the military life, I feel blessed to be able to share the same experiences, making us so much closer. I am so thankful to have wonderful friends, near and far!
I would love to read this book! Sadly, I have been hurt by several friends in the past so we lost touch over the years. I have been praying for God to bring a good friend in my life for the past 5 years and God is finally answering my prayers. I have found new friendships in my MOPS group and Bible study at church. It's a long process but it is oh, so worth the wait!
sounds like a great book, I love that several of my closest friends I can not talk to for days or weeks and we just pick up where we left off hen we get together.... it's so fun
Would love this book. I struggle with friendships right now. It's so hard with young children and not as easy to stay in touch. It's a very lonely season. Friends are great to help you though the tough times!
I have one absolutely great friend. We have know each other for 20 years and have gotten into all sorts of trouble together..ha!
It is so very hard to make lifelong friends as you get older so I am so greatful for the one that has stuck by me in good times and bad, who will come running if I call, who stayed up until 2 am on a work night just to finish the tile in my kitchen before the cabinets came the next day, who loves my daughter like my own and who I KNOW will be a great mom this January!
Laugh, love and be yourself!
Jill
thegodings@msn.com
i would love to read this book. right now i'm struggling with my friendships. i live in a city where i went to college, but jobs and life have taken my high school and college friends all over the state and country. i have close friends, but i want a 'group' that i feel a part of.
when i fell and needed surgery, my friends brought meals for two weeks while i was laid up! i'd love the book, hope to win! :)
My life group ladies have not only become my close friends, but we have grown to funtion like a family. We to do life together. We are real with other, blemishes and all. This would be a perfect read for our next study!
This sounds like a great book. I have recently lost a few friends probably as a result of the drama similar to that in the story. I'd love to know how other people handle friends who aren't necessarily there for your best interests.
I love when the women I am around can be real with me!! Honesty and realness is key in relationships!! Thank you for hosting this giveaway! It sounds like a great book!
I would love to read this book as well!! I love Lisa Welchel, I read her book Creative Correction awhile back.
This book would be a blessing for me at this moment. I find myself holding close to many of my old (long distant) friends, and struggling to grab ahold of new ones in my new hometown.
This sounds like a great book! Some of my closest friends are not in the same town as me any more and it makes it hard to stay close! BUT, I know they are always there for me...just a phone call, email, or car ride away if I needed them!
I'd love to read this book! In the busy-ness of life with so many excuses, it's hard to stop and cultivate those relationships that mean the most...and even harder, if you're the only one willing to do it. Friendships require time and everyone has the same amount of time (24 hours in the day) - it's just up to us on how we spend it!
I was actually thinking about buying this book! I saw that it was reviewed on someone else's blog too! I value my friends for being real. I have only about 2-3 that Im very close to but I prefer it that way. They are wonderful!!!
I would love to read this book! Since I've become a mom, I have fewer friends than I did when I was in college. The ones that have stayed by my side have been so encouraging. I love how I can pick up a conversation with my friends right where we left off, even though it has been weeks or months since I have seen them. They understand that my life is crazy busy. I also love that they trust me enough to come to me for advice.
Thanks for the give away!
andreawinters99 at gmail dot com
Man, I could use this book! Most of my close friends live out of town, so it is difficult to maintain those friendships, but I love that we seem to pick up where we left off whenever we get together! But I could really use some local friends. Good friends.
I would love the book! I am blessed with a few good friends that love me and my family and stay out of the drama!
Would love to read this book! I have some great friends and what i love about them is that even with life getting busy and not being able to do much with them very often we can pick right up where we left off anytime we do get to spend time together!
Interesting book! Most of my friendships have had too much drama over the years, and now, with 5 kids, I don't have time to devote to friendships. But I have a couple of special relationships that I wish to nurture...maybe this book would have some pointers. :)
Danielle G
I would love to win this book! After a really hard year I am blessed to know which of my friends are really there for me.
Wow! I would have never thought there was a book out there about friendships. I have often struggled with drama in friendships--so I don't have many friends. My husband and I are moving in a few months while we pray about our future I especially pray for friends to be there-- knowing how to develop real and deeper friendships would help greatly! Thank you for offering this book.
Bridgette
smilin.bridge@gmail.com
In the past couple years, I have had the "pleasure" of learning who my true friends are. I am so incredibly thankful for my real friends, the ones who stand beside me through it all. Then a few years ago I moved and have struggled since then to find friends here. So I am very interested in reading this book and would love to win a copy of this book!
I would love to read this book...I have a hard time knowing how to be friends as adults! It's sooo difficult, even though I love the women in my life..
I would love to read this book...being friends as adults is something I'm really struggling with right now, even though I love the women in my life!
I would love to read this book. I too have some wonderful old friends. I think the hard part as a stay at home mom is making new friends.
I could really use this book right now. We just moved to a new town and in 3 days my BEST friend my husband is leaving me for a year :( I really need to make some friends to have a support group. Maybe this book would help!
What I love most about my friends I do have is that even though they are far away, they are always there for me
I have heard of this book & would love to read it!! What I value most in friendships is support. Feeling like you've got other women supporting you when life gets tough is invaluable!
Having just moved from San Diego to a tiny Iowa town, I am missing my best friends and struggling to make new friends. My husband just graduated from seminary and is now a senior pastor; I am also learning how/what it looks like to be friends with women in the church. Thanks for encouraging your readers to read this book; I will definitely read and learn from it!
I would love to read this book. I am a new parent and am finding out who my true friends are. I've been surprised the ones who drifted away and even more surprised at the ones who have come to love our son and make an effort to spend time with us. I'd like to say I have a large group of close friends but really my husband is the only one I can truly count on. I'd love to read the author's thoughts and perspectives.
I'd love to check out that book! My FAVE things about my FAVE friends is being able to pick up right where we left off, even if it's been a few months!
~Tressa Elvehjem
I have an amazing group of friends! We all grew up together in a small town... we literally did everything together. We all live in different cities now (luckily, all of our parents still live in our hometown), but make a point to get together every couple of months. I sure do love those girls!
Hi Jess!
Growing up I always had "friends", but it wasn't until I lost my mom unexpectedly at 25 that I truly learned who my true friends were. During this time it became extremely clear who would be there for me during the good, the bad, and the sometimes ugly. These gals and a couple of guys are my rocks. They are there for me and my family no matter what and I can't begin to imagine our life without them in it.
The thing I most appreciate with my closest friends is their honesty and compassion. Those friends I most hold dear are true blue and a vital part of my life.
I would love to read this book. My friendships have really changed in the past years. This could really help me understand why.
This book would be such a blessing, as I am in a lonely season of friends in my life as my tried and true friends live miles away and I do not have any close friends in the city. I have a little one at home and a school age daughter and work part-time evenings. It is difficult to find time to be vulnerable and develop these friendships. Thanks!
I too would love to read this book. I have been struggling in recent months with a dear friendship of 18 years that seems to be falling apart.
Love that with true friendship you are just comfortable with each other through anything...
Kim
kyork2@yahoo.com
I would love to win a copy of this book! I'm so thankful for my friends, whom I call my "home team." My husband and I live hundreds of miles from our family, but our friends have become our family and we couldn't imagine life without them.
Looks like a good book!
JEss,
You are so awesome! Always trying new things, giving really cool things away and above all ALWAYS bring to life what is important!
My friends are and have always been my "family" away from home family! Some come into your life for different reasons, some stay and some go, but one thing for sure is I try to learn from each one of them and love them for who they are and who they make me to be!
Take care and give cutie pie a kiss from me! I meant Levi. not hubbbbbyyyyy! ahahaha
love you,
AMIE
This looks like an amazing book! I appreciate that my friends and I can still pick up where we left off when we see each other even though we live in different states and are at different stages in our lives.
I would really like to read the book. I appreciate how, this past year, my closest friends have made sacrifices to be generous to me, even when it was difficult for them.
I love my friends. We are very careful with our words - using them to edify one another!
I would love to read this book!
I would love to read this book. I just came back from a weekend with old friends...I love that even though we don't see each other or even talk as often as I would like, when we are together it is like we were never apart!
I have always struggled with friendships. I have a few close friends and the thing I love most about them is how inviting they are to my children. Our friendships are great, but I truly appreciate how kind and generous they are to my children! Thanks for the chance to win a book!
i love that my best friend and i can talk and switch subject every 5seconds, but we still follow each other! :) we can always pick up right where we left off and love each other unconditionally!
I would love to have this book as it sounds very encouraging. My two girlfriends and I stayed out until 1:30am the other day, just sitting at a coffee shop and catching up, it was very refreshing and I'm super blessed.
I would love to read this book too. I am a mother, a wife, and a teacher. Many of my friends are still single and not really in the same place that I am right now, so it makes it even harder to get together and probably a little harder for us to relate to each other. Regardless, I cherish my close friends and thank God for them. The thing I love the most would be how much fun we have laughing together.
Always praying for you guys!
I would love to read this book. Thank you for this great opportunity!
I would love to win that book!! :)
Now that I'm a little older I appreciate my small group of close friends! I love that we don't have to talk everyday to know that we still care!
it's hard being a grownup!
I love that I have friends who I have known since elementary school.
I was just talking with my mom yesterday about "friends" and how I could improve on being a friend. I would love to read the book. My favorite thing about my friends are that most of them are also family. That makes it extra special. Thanks for offering the giveaway!
i am really struggling with friendships right now....i guess i could really use this book!
God has blessed me so much with great friendships... I recently became a mother and unfortunately had to return to work doing 45 plus hoours a week and leave my baby with family. I was torn about leaving my Ivan but the encouragement I have recieved from my friends had really been such a blessing, God uses people in amazing ways sometimes! ~ Christina E.
their honesty....and lately I have been burned a bit here and there by those who aren't true friends...at my age i thought that would be done..guess not.
I am friends w/a group of ladies who plan a yearly mammogram trip. We all go get mammos' and shop. We giggle, shop, eat, shop, and are there in case someone gets a scarey report. This started b/c one friend was diagnosed w/breast cancer.
I also have other groups of friends that I do other things with.
I've learned in my 52 years the gift of a friend who is daily with you is just that. ..A rare and beautiful gift from God.
If I get the book, I'd probably share it w/some ladies who've struggled w/friendships...I've been blessed w/ many.
I think your children are so very cute!
I would love a copy of this book! I appreciate that I have had some of the same close friends for so many years, they are the sisters that I never had! ~Kimberly Waller
Sounds like an interesting book, I would love a copy to read and share with my friends.
I would love to read this book! I have a close group of girlfriends who I can tell anything to. I love that we know we can be honest and open with eachother and won't be judged. We are always there for eachother. Good friends are the best!!
I've been feeling friendless lately and maybe this book would help...I'd like to read it. Thanks for the chance to win. I do have a few good friends but they don't live near me, but I would say a good friend is someone who is there for you when you need them.
I don't have any close friends and am experiencing a time in my life where I really need some.
I'm looking forward to reading the other perspectives!
I have one really really close friend who I bonded with in college, and keeping up with her regularly has helped keep us both sane. :)
This sounds like a great book. I'd love to read it. I used to have a strong group of friends and they have definitely dwindled through the years and I've often wondered if it's something I'm doing (or not doing)...maybe this book could help me look inwards to see if I'm doing everything I expect all of my friends to do for me....hmm...
I would love to read this book!
I have a few very close friends and I love that they are always there for me and that we all try to MAKE time to get together even though we are now in that next phase of wife/motherhood. I also love that in a sense, we never grow up, we are still silly and goofy and have lots of fun together. :)
I would love to read this book:)
I have had many acquaintances in my life but only a few true "treasured" friends..my best friend took her own life when she was only thirty five and left behind a trail of devestation, however through it all the Lord provided healing to her family and friends...God is Good.......
I have 3 amazing friends in my life. One I have known since we were three, one since high school and one I met 10 years ago through heartache, but we have both grown and changed together and I can't imagine my life without ANY of them! We just seem to GET eachother when maybe no one else does.
Courtney Mayfield
I have a wonderful group of like-minded friends from my church -- we all love the Lord and see to honor Him in our roles as wife and mother, and I am encouraged to be a better person because of them. However, a couple of years ago, I lost friendship with two close Christian friends because of unnecessary "drama" which has made me appreciate my true friends so much more! Would love to read this book and seek healing in those broken friendships.
I would love to read this book!! I have been blessed with great friendships at all of our bases, but as a military spouse it is hard to maintain close friendships as I move every 2-3 years. Thanks!
I would love to read this! I'm not a person who has a multitude of friendships, but the ones I do have I cherish because they love me for me and everything that comes with that package deal. I also love the brutal honesty true friends can give each other. It's a priceless gift that we so often dance around.
It sounds like a great book! I love the friendships where you're friends ask, "What do you need? What can I do to make this easier?" and you KNOW they mean it!
I have heard great things about this book and would love to read it!! My friends are always there for me...no matter what!! Thanks for a great giveaway!
My closest frienships are with girls that I knew through highschool. We have all had very different paths in life, married and having children at different times in our lives, and 1 of my best gal friends still single and searching for Mr. Right. I love that we can pick right up where we left off when we get together, even though sometimes it is many months in between.
The thing I appreciate most about my friends is that they'll inconvenience themselves to help me if I'm in a bind... and as much as I wish they never had to do it, it's comforting to know that they do.
I'm also soooo thankful for wonderful friends. I appreciate that they are happy for me when good things happen, and mourn over the difficulties life sometimes brings. I would love to read her book.
I never really appreciated my girlfriends until my husband passed away in August 2008. My best friend is much younger than me but so wise and so caring - she's a godsend and my earthly angel for sure. I eat lunch with her every day at work. We laugh, cry, and talk about all kinds of things. She "saved" me when I thought I could not go on with my life. My other BFF's are my 4 sisters. How blessed and lucky I am to have these wonderful women in my life. I would love to read the book. Thanks for sharing your hopes, your dreams, and your family with all of us. You have made such a difference to many. Even as you deal with the loss of your sweet and wonderful Cora, you still inspire and help others with your words. Mary in SLC
I am also so thankful for friends and I have been blessed. I love that my friends will do anything for me in a time of need. Amd I love that my friends love my children just as much as I do.
I've loved Lisa since watching her on FACTS OF LIFE :) I would LOVE a copy of her book! The thing I love about TRUE friends is their capacity to HELP when you REALLY need it without stopping to think about themselves and what's in it for them. Like the country song says you find out who your friends are in times of true need.
Debbie
robydeb@aol.com
I appreciate the friends that accept me, but also challenge me to grow. They challenge me to think deeper about myself, how to address a difficult situation, etc. and still be true to myself. It's not with judgment but with a love that says "we make each other better."
I'm the kind of person who only has a handful of really true great friends. Some of them live long distances away and we don't talk that often. I love that we can basically just pick up where we left off. Its like there was never a time we were apart.
I appreciate my friends because when you least expect it,true friends, god and family are the only ones who will be there for you when you need them and it's important to have true friends!!
dreamerklc@gmail.com
This sounds like a great book. Most of my closest friends now have been in my life for years. I love that they knew me when and still love me now.
sounds like a great book...friendships are a huge deal to me... I hurt when they don't go the way they should, and I consider my close friends vital to my daily survival. Thanks for sharing, I'd love to win one!
My mom taught me from a young age that there will probably be a boy / man around you for the rest of your life. But true friendship with another girlfriend is something to be valued and treasured and a relationship that you have to work on. My parents have been married for almost 50 years, and my mom's girlfriends are still very important to her - as are mine!
I would love the book..what i appreciate most about my closet friends is that they except me for who i am warts and all!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have struggled with friendships most of my life- I seem to have too high of expectations and I get hurt. I am grateful to have a few very close friends however, that I know love me for me- faults and all!
I love my friends for the fact that I can say how I feel about something and they don't judge me because of my opinion.
I just recently posted about being thankful too.
Since starting our church over 3 years ago, we met an amazing couple. They have suffered some through the times, so our friendship has grown so much. Our friends are there for us to help us when we need them. We struggle with finding someone who will baby-sit our kids and treasure them while they are sitting. My friends truly do that. They mean more to me than I can say.
I struggle with this. I have no close friends. I'm very lonely. I feel invisible in a crowd. It is a tough thing to admit.
What a great giveaway! My college buddies are all my bestest friends...I especially have one special friend who has been there through thick and thin. She encourages me, she inspires me, she is an amazing mother and I have been lucky to have been friends with her for almost twenty years...what a blessing she's been in my life. I'm Lucy to her and she is Ethel to me!
I have heard of this book and it looks great! I love that my friends love me even when I haven't showered! LOL Seriously though, I love people and love having them around me. But this year I have focused more on the QUALITY of my friendships and not just the QUANITY of friends (if that makes sense) and the Lord has blessed me so much!
I love friends who can be honest and tell me the truth - and are there to laugh and cry!
~ olivia
My favorite thing about my friends is that I can call them up anytime!
It's amazing how we have lots of people we call "friends" but when you really think about it there are less than a handful who are truly friends that stick close through the thick & thin. I am happy for the couple of really close friends I have. They are a blessing.
What a great idea & a neat book! Friendships get harder and harder to maintain as we get older & have more commitments, but I also think they become more important! We need friends to get us through the ups & downs of life - to lean on, to pray with, to laugh with & to grow with!
I too would love to read this. I've read a few of her other books and they are all good. Still can't believe that's Blair!! LOL
What I love most about my BFF is that she gets me. She's always been there. And I pray she thinks I'm as good a friend as she is.
Thanks for this giveaway!!!
Diane
alainasmom AT homerco DOT net
This book looks like it's right up my alley! I can completely identify with the stuggles of being a good wife, daughter, career-person, runner, master's student AND friend. I love my friends--they have been there through the good and bad. Any pointers I could get on how to be a better friend in return are much needed.
i have read other books by lisa and really enjoy her as an author!! something i love about friendships, esp old established ones is the ability to laugh or talk and the other person just "gets" you...no need to explain or rehash...they just "know" what you are talking about. there is such a comfort in someone knowing you so well that they just "get" you...thanks for the giveaway!! wish me luck, lol!
linda
lindaanderson2099@yahoo.com
This book sounds right up my alley. Sometimes, I think I missed out on some of the nuances with friendship with my upbringing. Thanks for the chance at a freebe too.
I love my friends because I feel we can be honest with each other and still love each other! Although, it is hard to keep up with each other with "life" getting in the way! :) I would love a copy of the book to help with this!
I love Lisa! I've read her autobiography. What I like about my friends is you can be completely yourself around them. And I have friends much older than me and much younger than me...I love the wisdom I get from the older friends and that I can help pass some of the wisdom I've gained to my younger friends.
Jss:
I'd love to read this book. I'm struggling a bit with friendships - at the ripe age of 68. You see, when you move away from friends you've had for YEARS, there's such a vacuum. With true friendship comes HISTORY and that takes a longtime to build. I have such a longing for true local friends. I guess I'm in a rebuilding phase. I guess patience is a huge factor, here. Perhaps this book would be just what I need.
I love that I can be REAL with my friends and the are REAL back to me. No matter what we know we are there for each other.
I would love to read this book! Someone just recommended another book by her to me - what a coincidence! :) I love my old friends, because they know all my details - good and bad. And I am feeling very blessed to be making some wonderful new friends in our new town.
I'd love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway!
i am so thankful for my sweet friend who i have known since 3rd grade. we have walked through many seasons of life together. we live many miles apart now, but are still "doing life together."
i think this is really neat and i am borrowing the book from J.
what i love most about my heart friends is that they make time for me, encourage me, pray for me, hold me accountable, laugh with me. remember stuff about my everyday life (so how'd that appt go? etc)
we share a heart friend and you KNOW why i LOVE HER. she's amazing.
I would love to read that book! I'm also excited to "meet" some of your friends! I am so thankful for the rich friendships I have in my life. Of course it does take work....and sometimes challenges do arise....but I'm SO blessed to have true friends in my life.
I would love to read this book! I have a few very close friends and many friendly aquaintances. For my few very clsoe friends, I appreciate most that we can talk about the mundane and the serious anytime without judgement! I would love to read more baout how to nurture those friendships and make new ones as a grownup.
I need this book! I have struggled to hang onto a lot of my friendships as I have become a mom and wife. I do have a few real friends and I just love that I can laugh with them about everything!
To be BRUTALLY HONEST- I have had a tought year with friends. When you get older- you start to find out who is for keeps and who is growing in another direction. I have 1 AWESOME friend that is still in my life and a few newbies. But with the 1- she is always there for me- no matter the situation.
i can't wait to hear more feedback about this book! would love to read it. currently working through some friendship stuff and mostly dealing with things in my past that are challenging my trust in current situations. i have awesome friends to walk through this with me!
I would love to read the book too! For me, my friendships mean so much to me. Being single and all of my friends married with kids or ones on the way, I appreciate that we still take time to really talk to each other. They have been there for me in my time of need and I always make it a point to be there for them as well.
I feel blessed to have friends that understand that I can't always call them back right away, but know that I still value and treasure them anyway.
I would love to read the book. I love my college friends, because it seems like no matter how long it's been since we talked, it seems like we pick up exactly where we left off.
I would love to read this book! I have 3 good friends but one stand out more than the others. She loves me no matter what. She knows where I am vulnerable and the trials I have weathered and all the ugly that went with it. I am so thankful that God saw fit to send her into my life - if you knew how she entered into my life you would see it that way too - God literally placed her into my life even though I didnt think I needed her. I love you Amy!
We moved across the country a year ago, and friendships (near and long distance) had never felt so important. I've been blessed to make a few good friends here already, and my friends from times past have been an encouragement and a major prayer support during this year.
Great giveway! Girl Friendships are So important in all areas/times in our lives - it amazed me how they change often though and you can never quite expect them to be the same or how you think they might be!
I love getting to the point with my friends where I can truly be honest but not cruel, have that honesty reflected back with love, and not have to worry about hurt feelings. That is the treasure and measure of a real, good friendship.
I most appreciate the gift of encouragement from friends. Nothing like a good friend to make you feel like you're not a) a bad mom or b) losing your mind. Thanks!
The best thing about my friends is that they laugh at my jokes. I would love a copy of this book as I always yearn for even deeper friendships.
I would love to win that book!! I have always had some amazing friends, but it seems like as I have gotten older - my friends have moved on with their lives and left me behind. I am however, extremely thankful for the amazing friendship I have with my mother and my sister. They are beyond compare! I also have one or two very special friends from church that God has blessed me with.
I would love to read this book. Sometimes I feel like there's too much drama in my life, and it's easy for me to cut people out... and that's something I totally struggle with as a Christian. My true friends are those who speak "Julie". We get each other. We don't compete with each other. We share the common bond of Christ with each other.
I would love to read this book! We just moved to a new city and have been blessed to meet some of the nicest people. Instant friends... it's great!
You can tell a true friend when you don't see or talk for a while and you can get together and catch up like no time has passed at all. It's tough as we live in different cities and have started families, etc. to keep in touch as often. I love that I can see or talk to them, and we can jump right back in! Thanks for reminding me to be thankful for my friends!
Wow.. Your post with this book could not have come at a better time! I have really been struggling lately trying to balance being a "there" wife, sister, daughter, a purposeful teacher, coach, and on and on... My friendships have been suffering because cannot balance a ball let alone my schedule.
You are so right about the tendancy to loose touch from those friends you NEVER would have thought it could happen. Then with marraige, moving away, kids, and jobs it just begins to happen. It takes real effort to keep in touch and stay connected. Looks like a great book!
I would love to read this book - I've had some challenging friendships in my adult life but I also have found my solid friends that I know I can count on through anything. It's been a struggle to live through the way "God brings some people into our lives for a season and others for a lifetime." I've found it hard (painful) to let go of my seasonal friends but I know it helps me to grow and I always look forward to the friend I haven't met yet : )
Christen
I would love to read this book. I love having friends who just take me as I am. Also I think true friendships are hard to come by.
Michelesias@frontier.com
I would love to read this book. I have a great friend that I cherish our friendship. I have another friend where are some trust issues. Mayabe reading this book will help me see things differently.
jBeing a military spouse, it's hard moving and meeting/making new friends. Would love to read this book!
Hi - I most appreciate the empathy my friends have for me; most of my friends are experiencing a similar season of life, so we laugh and cry together easily, knowing we all are probably having the same experiences in our homes....
I would really enjoy this book. Being in the ministry with my husband it seems as though true, meaningful, share you heart with friends are few and far between. For the ones that I do have, I love that I can just be "me", the good, bad and ugly.
My dearest friend also happens to be my sister-in-law. She listens, understands, and chastens and encourages all at once. BTW, I love, love Lisa Whelchel's books! Creative Correction is one of the few nonfiction books I actually enjoyed reading!
My best friend is my rock. There is nothing I could tell her that would surprise her or make her mad at me. It's like we are soul sisters. I am blessed that God has placed her in my life.
Their love in good times and bad. Looks like a great book!
Real friends are great! I would love to read this book!
Jaimi
i would love to read it this book as i feel i have a few friendships that could be better but i do have wonderful friends too.
I would love to read this book! I love that I can joke around with my friends and be myself around them.
I would love to read this book! I love that I can joke around with my friends and be myself around them.
I would love to read this book! I am so thankful for my friendships and am continually blessed by the women around me. My close friends have stood by in hard times, prayed for us and surrounded us with love and support!
Emily H.
i would love to read this book. i love my friends and have many different groups of friends to fill different needs. i love my mommy friends to relate to my kid issues and i love my church friends for discussing faith, love my highschool friends for remembering the good old days and hanging out, my college friends for discussing professional issues. love them all :)
I love that I have had my 5 best friends since high school (we graduated 35 years ago now!) AND my daughter married one of my best friend's son. (That was an easy one.) I'd love to read this book!
I have many great gal pals but I often wonder how I can be a better friend...this book sounds like it would be full of great tips!
great idea--i told robbie that you're getting kinda big time in the blogging world if they're asking you to review books! :) can't wait to get to know your friends.
i have amazing friends that i can laugh and cry with, dream with, pray with, ... i feel incredibly blessed!
Authenticity all the way. Would love to read this book.
My friends seem to know just when I need some adult time. I'm very much a hermit and keep to myself, but once in a blue moon I need to be a woman, not a wife or mom, and they have this sense about it.
I never knew what true friendship was until I went to college. I met some amazing friends who know me better than anyone. I love that we can go for weeks without seeing each other, and then when we get together again it's like we were never apart.
i would LOVE this. as a pastor's wife it is hard to have real, close friends. it has been one of the biggest prayers of my heart. i don't have a best friend but i do have a couple close girlfriends. my 2 sisters are the women i trust most.
i am thankful for the ability to pray, hurt & share life with my close friends. it is such a blessing.
i have 2 small children ages 2 years & 9 months so having an open schedule is not the easiest thing right now! i would love to read this book! thanks!
One of my best friends is my 96 year old mother. She is the most attentive listener and unselfish lover of this flawed human daughter. Even though she has become frailer over the last few years, she is still a lot of fun and my wonderful sister in Christ. I rise up and call her "blessed."
I am very thankful for the friendships I have! 3 months ago I miscarried and my husband went into the hospital all in the same week.....I was amazed and blessed by the outpouring of love I received from friends....but I am even more thankful for my best friend (after Jesus) my husband :) He is the best friend I have ever had! Yes, we have our "moments", but we can't stay mad at each other for more than 10 minutes....usually not even that long....lol :)
Looks like a good read. Amazing how God works in our lives with different friendships during different seasons of our lives....some we have to let go of for one reason or another and others are friends for life.
Thank you for hosting this giveaway. What I appreciate most about my friends: when they sharpen me with Scripture.
Lisa is a fabulous author and I didn't know about this newest book!
I appreciate the longevity of particular friendships. Friends who I have known since a very young age and through all of life they are still present. I love that we can laugh about a variety of things and there is a history there to continue to build on.
Would love to read the book! I am so greatful my best friend lives nearby because I am 5 plus hours from home. I struggle to make friends as I grow older, but am always reminded God's love shines bright.
I am so thankful for my friends. My friends are always there for me and ready to listen or to share with me. As I get older I value my friendships even more. I would love to read this book.
My husband and I lost our second son almost two years ago. Luckily, we are (and were) surrounded by a group of friends who lived us up in prayers, dropped everything they had going on to be with us, and stood by us even in the darkness that surrounded us.
I love all of my friends, but especially my true friends. I've always said these friends are like the siblings God forgot to give me! The book sounds like a great read!
It looks as though I am not the only one who would like to read this book!! I think friendships for women is a great topic for Lisa to have written about. I would love to read what she has to say! As women we have such busy lives and maintaining friendships or creating new ones after a move is often difficult. From the comments it seems that there are many of us who struggle with this area. Looking forward to reading Lisa's book!
I would really enjoy this book. I would like to learn how to make my friendships stronger, it sometimes seems like I have so many that I don't get to spend as much time with some as I do with others. I am so blessed to have so many wonderful friends in my life!
I love my friends. They are a very important part of my life. I don't know what I would do without them.
Carolyn G.
Looks like a wonderful read, I have read several blog reviews on it, and it seems that Welchel is certainly not the Blair from Facts of Life from my childhood... I will never forget, though, the one episode that she sang to some inmates, "I'll Be Home For Christmas." It has stuck with me all these years...
I have a few really, genuine friends whom I'd love to share this book with!
I have such great friends from college that have made me realize how to be a better friend, but I would love to read this book to find out how I can be an even better friend to them.
Kelsey
This is so hard for me to manage while also trying to balance my two girls (both under the age of 2), work full-time and be a pastor's wife! It is by far the thing I miss the most in my life though, I need my friends to keep me centered... and to remind me that I'm a person, not just a mom in high demand! : )
Living overseas, I appreciate most the friends with whom I can just 'pick up' where we left off, even if it's been years since we've seen each other. Even if we haven't taken the time to write. Even if we need hrs and hrs to get caught up.
I'm 60 years old and still learning about friendships.
I agree with this author about needing a few "good" friends.
Would love to read this book and then pass it along to my daughter.
Love reading your blog and admire you so much.
Linda Miller
lindapmiller60@gmail.com
I would love to read this book:)
I would be interested in reading this book. All of my close friends live hours away now and it definitely has changed the dynamic of our friendships. I think this would be helpful in learning how to maintain these friendships!
i would love to read this! with kids its seems relationships get harder because you have to make more of an effort in a busy life...this book would be great!
i would love to read this book.My friends knowwhen to be friends and when to givve me space.
This would come at the perfect time, I do have WONDERFUL lifetime REAL friends but I see myself struggling with some of those "high school drama" type of friendships lately and I feel a little awkward considering I'm soon to be in my mid 30's - I'd looooooove to read it.
:)
Can't wait to keep reading what your friends have to say about this book as well.
I've loved reading the reviews! Sounds like a great book. The thing I most appreciate about my friends is their ability to instantly put me in a good mood if I've had a bad day. =)
Looks like a good read. I think we can always use reminders to put caring for our friends on our "to do" list. It's easy to get swallowed up in the hustle and bustle of our own lives.
I'm so glad I read this post and the one written by your friend reviewing the book! It is really timely in my life because for the first time ever I feel like I have been blessed with too many friends! I know that sounds strange but I am feeling the difficulty in maintaining meaningful relationships with all of them and being a good friend to all of them. I would love a copy of this book! And isn't this the gal that used to be on that 80's show?
Oops! I forgot to say what I appreciate most about my friends...I love the encouragement my friends give me, they love me and support me in so many areas.
I think I appreciate all of my friends for very different reasons. I guess the common thread amongst all of them is the ability to make me laugh. :)
I would love to read this book! Once I reached my mid-30's, it became clear that friendships are so important and I felt the need to renew friendships with long-lost friends. It's amazing to me that even after all these years, we can still pick up just like we left off -- a sign of a true friend!
I couldn't relate more to the topic of this book! I don't live near most of my friends from high school or college and I struggle with not having friends near that I can see or chat with on a regular basis. My "old" friends I love and cherish but it would be great for me to find friends that really know the me now, not from high school or college.
This sounds like an amazing book! I'm at a point in my life where I have very little time for much of anything....I'm in school full-time and my kids are involved in sports. I've always NEEDED time w/my girlfriends and I've really been missing that the past few months. I loved reading what your friend, Julie, had to say about the book too!
I have a great group of friends who support and encourage each other. This book would be great for all of us! ;)
I would enjoy reading this book. I love my friends that I can be 100% real, my true self with. I think we tend to put on masks with different people but there are just some who can come to with no agenda, no hidden motives - just who you are. I find these friends refreshing.
I love laughing with my friends or sharing recipes or sharing my struggles.
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I have been wanting this book since I first saw it. Friendships are extremely important to me and I have a strong desire to be a better, more thoughtful friend. with 3 little kids, it's often hard to devote time to friendships but I know I need to to develop and grow them deeper.
Just today at Bible Study we were talking about how hard it is to connect with people today....just crazy busy lifestyles, not to mention all the technology. Would love to read this book and get another perspective
scootermae@msn.com
I would love to read this book. I feel like I often struggle with how to be a good friend and fail. Pick me, pick me!
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