In this episode, Becky Keife interviews author Kristen Strong about her book 'Friends Are Family We Choose'. They discuss the importance of friendship and belonging, especially in the context of military life. Kristen shares her personal experiences and insights on making and maintaining friendships. They also talk about the power of in-person relationships and the need for deep connections. The book is described as a gift book that expresses gratitude and appreciation for meaningful friendships. Kristen encourages listeners to persevere in finding and nurturing friendships.

Takeaways

• Friendship is a learned art and skill that requires effort and intentionality.
• In-person relationships provide a sense of belonging and contentment.
• Having a few deep friendships is more valuable than having many surface-level acquaintances.
• Good friends support and serve each other in tangible ways.
• Finding and nurturing friendships requires perseverance.

If you want to tell your friend what she means to you but don’t quite have the words, Kristen Strong is here to help. She is an (in)courage writer and an author whose books include Girl Meets Change and Friends Are Family We Choose, and she writes as the friend helping you get in your friendship groove. Her gift book, Friends Are Family We Choose, is a small but mighty book that’s just the thing to bless the bestie or good friend in your life that you love like a member of your own family.

Order your copy of Friends Are the Family You Choose, and leave a comment on the featured excerpt shared earlier this week for a chance to WIN a copy: https://incourage.me/?p=248599

Connect with (in)courage:

• Facebook & Instagram for daily encouragement, videos, and more!
• Website for the (in)courage library, to meet our contributors, and to access the archives.
• Email us at incourage@dayspring.com.

Leave a podcast review on Apple!

"I imagine Jesus sitting on the floor of my family room with our shaggy rug under His legs, in the middle of the night, while the rest of my family sleeps. Would I try to hide my feet under the couch cushions? Would He hold my feet gently, and wipe them clean?

“Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.”

Unless you stop trying to prove yourself as useful and right, with all things under control, you won’t wake to your need for Me.

Unless I spend time with your worries, the things you’d rather keep hidden from view -- each dry patch, scab, and crack -- you will not know Me and receive the depth of My love as much as you could.

Unless I wash you, and welcome you in as you are, you won’t be able to welcome anyone else into My love and mean it."

Leave a comment for Tasha: https://incourage.me/?p=248602
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Every day is a chance to change the world with hope and encouragement. To celebrate National Day of Encouragement, DaySpring is giving away a free card & a fun surprise with every order, while supplies last! Place your order today at dayspring.com - and use code PODCAST10 to save $10 on your order!

The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com.

Connect with (in)courage:

• Facebook & Instagram for daily encouragement, videos, and more!
• Website for the (in)courage library, to meet our contributors, and to access the archives.
• Email us at incourage@dayspring.com.

Leave a podcast review on Apple!

God is the Source of all hope, the Giver of every good thing — but He invites us to be His messengers. Whether by practical support, a helping hand, or comforting words, we all have the ability to encourage others!

Today is National Day of Encouragement! It's the perfect time to give thanks for the ways God has infused your heart with hope and look for ways you can love and encourage those around you.

Leave a comment for Becky: https://incourage.me/?p=248706
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Every day is a chance to change the world with hope and encouragement. To celebrate National Day of Encouragement, DaySpring is giving away a free card & a fun surprise with every order, while supplies last! Place your order today at dayspring.com - and use code PODCAST10 to save $10 on your order!

The (in)courage podcast is brought to you by DaySpring. For over 50 years, DaySpring has created quality cards, books, and gifts that help you live your faith. Find out more at DaySpring.com.

Connect with (in)courage:

• Facebook & Instagram for daily encouragement, videos, and more!
• Website for the (in)courage library, to meet our contributors, and to access the archives.
• Email us at incourage@dayspring.com.

Leave a podcast review on Apple!