Cultivating your BFFs

A few years ago, there was a short-lived reality show called My New BFF, where young women competed for the privilege of being Paris Hilton’s “New Best Friend Forever”.  It was a one-sided proposition where Paris the celebrity, auditioned those eager to earn the privilege of entering her world. The title of Friend came at a price, and I couldn’t help but think of the popularity contests in my high school that only fed teenage angst and left many of us feeling insecure and unsure of ourselves. But even as adults, friendship can still be Continue Reading

Questions Wounded Wives Ask

Renee, you've been telling us about the WIFEBOAT Online Support Groups.  What sort of topics will you cover in this program? The WIFEBOAT Online Support Group will be 2 hours a week for 12 weeks.  After we take some time to share our stories, each session will have a short teaching on subjects relevant to their recovery--boundaries, wounded femininity, children and family issues--then we'll have a group discussion on how this issue is affecting each one. I even have a special guest facilitator planned--my husband Joe will be on hand for a Continue Reading

Expectant Waiting

We are the people of instant gratification.  We put things in the microwave and they’re cooked within seconds, we get food out of windows within two minutes of ordering, have information instantly available at the touch of our fingertips and travel at speeds unheard of in previous generations.  So having to wait for something important can seem unreasonable; even cruel at times. It’s hard to wait for a job after months of interviews, for a relationship to heal, or for a long illness to be over.  In all our waiting, we may wonder if God’s Continue Reading

Looking Back with Graditude, Looking Forward with Confidence

When Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, our country was in the middle of the Civil War.  Loved ones were being lost daily on the battlefields in America and our country was being torn apart and full of uncertainty. It seemed there was little to be thankful for.  Yet Lincoln saw the need to seek God and be thankful for His mercy and provision during the hard times, and ask for our country’s healing and prosperity in the future.  It was a declaration of hope and trust in God that despite the turmoil in the present, God Continue Reading

Jackie Kennedy and the Gift of Encouragement

“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people.”  Philemon 1:7 Jackie Kennedy Onassis was known for her beauty, poise and elegance and is considered a classic style icon, much like Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel.   But what stands out most about Jackie is her renown for writing the perfect thank you note.  Her correspondence was so effective that it notably inspired French President Charles DeGaulle, moved Pakistan’s President Ayub Khan, and comforted Kathleen Graham Continue Reading