Grateful today for the friends who edited, cheered, prayed, and stood beside me.
Some treasures aren’t stored on shelves or tucked into memory boxes — they’re woven into the fabric of our hearts. Today, my gratitude is focused on three dear friends who walked with me during my earliest writing years: Martha Rogers, Kathleen Y’Barbo, and DiAnn Mills.
When I think back on those early days of learning, growing, and trying to shape words into stories that mattered, these women were the ones sitting across the table — red pens in hand, coffee nearby, hearts wide open. We weren’t just critique partners; we were lifelines for one another, cheering, teaching, correcting, and believing.
Week after week, chapter after chapter, we swapped pages, sharpened sentences, prayed each other through deadlines and doubts, and became fast friends in the process. They didn’t just refine my writing — they refined me. They modeled grace, professionalism, faith, and perseverance. I learned as much from who they were as women of God as I did from their edits.
We lost Martha a couple years ago, and though we grieve her absence, her legacy continues to ripple. (A little side note that always makes me smile: she published her first book at age 75 … and went on to publish dozens more!) Proof that it’s never too late to say “yes” to the call of God on your life.
These friendships remind me of this simple but powerful truth:
“A friend loves at all times…” — Proverbs 17:17
God knew I needed women who would link arms with me, guide me, sharpen me, and laugh with me along the way. Much like the trio of sisters in one of my early inspirational romance series, Boardwalk Brides, these friends felt like family — bonded, steady, sweet through every season.
If you haven’t read that series, here’s where it begins: Salt Water Taffie
And speaking of sweet — I can’t mention salt water taffy without sharing this with you. I have a fun, simple recipe that brings a bit of seaside nostalgia right into your kitchen. It’s stretchy, delicious, and just plain fun — much like the friendship I shared with those precious women.
Easy Salt Water Taffy Recipe here:
Before I close, here’s a little something to reflect on this week:
Gratitude to Stir Up This Week:
Thank God for a friend who loved you, supported you, or stood by you — not just in the easy times, but “at all times.” If they’re still here, maybe send a note to let them know what they mean to you.
Thank you for being here. You’re part of this journey too — part of the sweetness God has woven into my life.
