Growing Friendships: Connecting More Deeply with Those Who Matter Most

by Tracy Klehn

Inspirational and practical help for women to find, enjoy, and nurture friendships, especially for moms with young children. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764204343
• ISBN13: 9780764204340
• Release Date: December 2007
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.9" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

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Many of us have great memories of the fun days of childhood, of going outside to play or neighbor kids knocking on the door. Then we grow up, get busy, and close the door to friendship as a life priority. Becoming aware that skills involved in friendship are often neglected, author Tracy Klehn determined to share her understandings and approaches to initiating, restoring and maintaining them. Klehn's book, GROWING FRIENDSHIPS, concentrates on ways to make friends, schedule time with them, learn their likes and dislikes and give support in times of trial. When coming across directions for making a daisy chain, it occurred to Klehn that every detail related to aspects of friendship. We seek friends by going out to find the flowers; i.e., meet new people. We begin friendship when we pick the flowers; i.e., take time to talk. Chapter titles reflect the process. Some are "Connecting the Flowers," "Handling the Flowers," "Forming the Crown," and "Losing Blossoms from your Crown." Although actions may sometimes be accidental, if you want friends, each step must be purposeful and planned. The author helps readers think through the two-way process of giving and accepting friendship. When life is filled with joy, friends just make those experiences more fun. For those times of difficulty, Klehn lists suggestions to help readers provide and receive support. She also discusses times when friends can't help, but just need to be there while the Lord takes over. Throughout, the author concentrates on both the need for commitment to and appreciation for every friend the Lord brings your way. Each chapter contains prayer thoughts, biblical guidance, suggested activities, quotations from historical and literary leaders, and sample friend-to-friend letters. I enjoyed reading the book at odd and end times. You can keep it handy, reading a little here and a little there. It could also be used as a small group study or discussion starter by mentors. If you, like Tracy, put thoughts of friendship and flowers together, you'll find that GROWING FRIENDSHIPS is pleasant, practical reading.

So true...so true!

It is difficult to make or maintain friendships these days. With work, family and a million other obligations, who has time? This busyness of daily life leaves people desiring something deeply meaningful: the love and companionship of friends. Technology has created efficiencies for us to "simplify" our lives but has left out the human element of connection. In particular, women may find friendships with other women the most challenging aspects of their lives. How can we find the time for those connections that not only provide a human connection but a spiritual one as well? Tracy Klehn provides an answer to this well-worn question in her latest book, Growing Friendships. Growing Friendships outlines the understanding of the loss of connection women feel with each other and helps advise us on re-establishing that lifeline of female friendship. Klehn addresses women from all walks of life, whether single, a new mom, or an empty nester. Through the guidance of her faith, Klehn provides us with a spiritual path through which we can develop and maintain female friendships through the many challenges of our daily lives. She also speaks to the many situations we face by sharing examples from her own life. As Klehn gives us insights into the seasons and strengths of female friendship, she provides spiritual light into the connection that women share. In these challenging times, Growing Friendships is a wondrous read that gives spiritual hope and strength to sustain and truly grow that special female connection. Armchair Interviews agrees.

A Powerful Resource to Grow Friendship

Everyone can benefit from increasing the friendships in their life. Tracy Klehn shows you how to nurture and grow those relationships. This practical book is a great resources. In the opening pages, Tracy writes, "My goal is to help women like you--women who are short on time and low on energy--to find and develop their circle of friends, because I truly believe this is God's lifeline for women. I will do this by sharing heartfelt stories, creative ideas, scriptural prayers, and inspiring quotes. Using the analogy of making a daisy chain crown (yes, the kind you used to make and wear when you were a little girl!). I walk you through the specific stages of friendship...You can download the FREE study guide for GROWING FRIENDSHIPS at [...] What a powerful resource for building more special relationships. I highly recommend this valuable tool.

This is a MUST read for ALL BUSY MOMS

In Growing Friendships, Tracy Klehn has created a resource all busy moms need - especially mothers of preschoolers. With heart touching stories, a Biblical foundation, and practical tips you can apply to your life today, this book can help even the most isolated mom reconnect with girlfriends, and even build new friendships. As a mother of four, I know how vital my friendships are to my health and my joy, and most days, my sanity. This is an easy book to read, and has discussion questions in each chapter. You can even use it as a book club book, and share the journey with your friends, in person or online. Thanks, Tracy, for putting into words, stories and tips what women need most in their lives! A reminder of what God wants for us - to be in relationship with Him and in relationship with one another. Enjoy the journey - Trish Berg Mother, Author, Speaker, Book Reviewer www.TrishBerg.com Rattled: Surviving Your Baby's First Year Without Losing Your Cool The Great American Supper Swap - Solving the Busy Woman's Family Dinnertime Dilemma

Boy, am I grateful

I stayed up 1/2 the night and read just about every page. It's really great and has helped me to put new light on my friendships. The next day, a friend called to confirm lunch plans. I left her a msg saying..."I was just getting over a bad sinus infection and still didn't sound great...so if you're not afraid of catching anything, I'd still love to meet you for lunch." She left me the cutest message saying..."i'm not afraid of catching anything and whatever you have I WANT to catch it....I want to catch anything you can give me....your looks...your this, your that....etc..." It was so cute and funny and I thought, Wow, what a good friend. Your book helped me to appreciate the BLESSING of a good friend and has given me the incentive to INVEST more time into my friendships.