In the years before I met my husband, I watched my good friends meet, date, and say “I do” to the men of their dreams. As the only single woman among my friends, I often felt alone and misunderstood. I promised myself at that time that if I were ever in their place that I would go out of my way to support my single friends. Before I say … [Read more...] about 5 Ways Married Women Can Support Their Single Friends
Rejuvenating Friendships
7 Fall Get Together Ideas
Autumn is finally upon us and I’m thinking that it would be nice to have a list of get together ideas akin to the one I made for summer. If you’ll be spending time with friends this fall, then you may be able to make use of some of these ideas. Fall get together ideas Go on a hayride. Gather your friends, pile some hay in a … [Read more...] about 7 Fall Get Together Ideas
How to Kindly Bring Safety Issues to the Attention of Other Moms
Several months ago my husband and I were visiting with another couple when the wife mentioned she was eager to turn her daughter’s car seat to face forward once she turned one year old. This statement concerned me because I’m familiar with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation that babies remain rear-facing in their car seats for … [Read more...] about How to Kindly Bring Safety Issues to the Attention of Other Moms
10 Summer Get Together Ideas
Given that we often pack our summers with vacations, yard projects, and camping trips, it can be difficult to find time to get together and hang out with friends. It’s so important that we fellowship with our friends, though, so we shouldn’t put socializing on hold until the busy summer months have passed. Fortunately, there are a … [Read more...] about 10 Summer Get Together Ideas
Maintaining Friendships Across Life Stages
Years ago, when I was still single, I noticed that something weird happened as my friends got married: An invisible wedge developed between us and our friendships were tested. The same thing happened when they began having children and I remained childless. I’ve heard other women share about similar experiences, so this seems to be … [Read more...] about Maintaining Friendships Across Life Stages
Affordable, Easy-to-Prepare Meals for Large Groups
We have several family members coming to spend the week of Thanksgiving with us. As much as I love cooking, I’d rather spend time visiting with my loved ones than in the kitchen preparing meals. We’re also on a tight budget, so I don’t want to break the bank when purchasing foods for us to eat. I’ve been brainstorming and have come up … [Read more...] about Affordable, Easy-to-Prepare Meals for Large Groups
Welcoming New Neighbors
A “For Rent” sign recently went up in the window of a nearby house. This means we’ll likely have new neighbors moving in soon. I’ve noted previously that Americans have experienced a decline in their sense of connectedness with their neighbors. If we are to carry out the Biblical command to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:36-40), then we … [Read more...] about Welcoming New Neighbors
Fun and Frugal Double Date Ideas
Some time ago we looked at why it benefits couples to have friendships with other couples (read about the benefits of couple friendships here). There are lots of ways to spend time with couple friends, but it can be particularly fun to go on double dates. It’s not always easy to come up with enjoyable and affordable double date ideas. … [Read more...] about Fun and Frugal Double Date Ideas
