By Kristine Amundrud

@kamundrud

I caught myself ruminating on a friendship and how it had changed. Everything felt different after returning from our family’s annual summer trek to the west coast. Daily check in text messages suddenly diminished. Opportunities to meet up became increasingly difficult in the changing seasons of life. Our kids grew out of playing ninjas in the backyard together. Separate friend communities grew. Then there was loss upon loss resulting in significant life changes on her end.  

My husband, the ever-wise counselor, encouraged me to put my fragile ego aside and continue reaching out. Declined invites became the norm. Messages sat answered, lacking the usual zest and conversational flow. Insecurities grew. Had I been a good enough friend? Maybe I’d missed an obvious way to serve her, leaving a gaping wound in an already tender heart. I’m guilty of not always serving others well outside of my family, in this current season of life.

I’ve been on the other end of a friendship quietly going up in flames, where happy-go-lucky pals aren’t able to extend grace in the time of grief. In the wake of suddenly losing my dad, I didn’t have the emotional bandwidth to look outside of myself and assuage their doubts. Fast forward to today; I knew better than to press for an explanation, because it’s not actually about me. It is a great kindness to sit in the painful valleys with a friend. But if they won’t allow it for whatever reason, pray behind the scenes and let God do the rest.

We recently bumped into one another while navigating the chaotic aisles of Costco. It was an unlikely day at an absurd time, reminding me that divine appointments do indeed happen. Would she have rather avoided the awkward conversation outside the cooler? Nervously shifting her gaze when I asked her how she’d been, she replied saying things had been really hard. My offer to help felt tenuous in light of our disconnection. I searched for the friend I really missed while she looked for the quickest escape route. 

Seasons change. Adjustments are required.  Community shifts happen.  Friendships are inevitably impacted.  Life gets altered like a game of Boggle, and we can’t always find the words.

Perhaps while I was feeling like “not enough” in the friendship, she viewed me as too much.  My life may look squeaky clean on the surface. My husband had just landed a successful new job in leadership. Our children are gifted musicians. We travel all summer to national parks while still managing to grow a decent garden back home. It’s the good life. God has blessed us. But make no mistake–I’ve walked through sorrow. There are circumstances and relationships that I’m helpless to change, much less fix. I oscillate from numb to overwhelmed, making busyness an antidote to the pain. I wonder if you can relate?  

Enter God and his unchanging love and faithfulness. Hebrews 13:8 highlights that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. In fact, God spoke to Malachi, saying “For I the LORD do not change” [Malachi 3:6 ESV] How comforting, that in a world filled with change threatening to throw us off course, we have a Savior who is faithful. Emmanual is the God with us who enters into our darkest seasons. We have simply to open our hearts and call on his holy name.  

Insecurities may rise over planning summer festivities with family. Is there that one member you’re no longer speaking to? Rising inflation might have you nervous every time you line up in the grocery aisle.  Can we afford to buy butter anymore? Seriously though, how can we afford not to? Hesitance may plague you while you consider pursuing a friendship that seems to have gone by the wayside. Are they willing to let you into the hard places and how hard do you push?

Shift your gaze and seek God. You can feel secure in his love for you, sure of your identity in him and confident of his unchanging nature. Don’t let unsettling circumstances alter the landscape of your heart in Christ. He can fill the spaces that are left aching. In the meantime, gently pursue that friend, because while her bandwidth may be low, she just might see our dear Savior’s reflection in you.

About Kristine Amundrud

KRISTINE AMUNDRUD is a wife and homeschool mom to three kids, living in Central Alberta, Canada.  In the busy day to day, she’s pursuing healing through story work and writing. Kristine hopes you will find traces of God’s immeasurable goodness in the words she shares. She finds joy creating in the kitchen, walking alongside her husband, adventuring in the Canadian Rockies, and cuddling up with her children and a good storybook. She loves friendships that go beneath the surface. Connect with her on Instagram @kamundrud

Share your favorite recipe + their story

Hey there, friend!

I was so excited to receive an email this past week from my friend, Cheryl. I am not sure Cheryl knows this, but when I first stepped out of the classroom, I had felt lost. So much that I set out looking for answers.

What better place to search than in a church book study. It was the beginning of my journey of looking for more and seeking out a bigger meaning in life.

To think seven or so years later, Cheryl and I are still connected. It is something that is dear to me and I am thrilled she chose to share her grandmother’s Corn Fritter recipe with me and my family.

Cheryl’s grandmother, Grace Beiser, was born in 1888. She recalls eating these like pancakes on Sunday for supper served with sausage and syrup. Is your mouth watering? I know mine is!

Corn Fritters

Corn Fritters

1/2 cup milk

2 cups corn (6 ears)

1-1/2 cups flour

1 tsp salt

2 tsp baking powder

1 tbsp shortening

2 eggs

Add milk to corn, add flour sifted with salt and baking powder.  Add melted shortening and beaten eggs.  Beat well.  Fry by spoonfuls on a hot greased griddle or iron frying pan.

If you would like to submit a recipe, simply replying to this email or write me at danielle@farmhousestoryteller.com.

Have a question? Drop me a line here.

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A Blueprint for Intentional Living – Grounded in the Middle.

In this episode of the Grounded in the Middle podcast, we dive into the transformative power of identifying your non-negotiables and living with intention. Discover how setting boundaries can protect your happiness, from learning to say no, to disconnecting from technology, and being fully present with loved ones. We'll explore ways to ground yourself in nature, find passion in daily activities, connect meaningfully with others, and make the most out of mundane moments. Join us as we provide practical tips and personal stories to help you create a more intentional and fulfilling life. Post Show Homework: 1.Identify your non-negotiables 2.Be intentional in everything you do. Five ways to become more rooted in who you are today 1.Disconnect 2.Ground yourself 3.Find a Passion 4.Connect with others 5. Make the most out of the mundane moments Follow me on IG + FB Step into the country at Farmhousestoryteller.com

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