Weekly Magazine | Together on Purpose
Your weekly magazine is here—real stories, real faith, real encouragement. Just for you!
Dear Friends,
Have you ever sat across the table from someone, shared a few words over coffee, and felt like your soul took a deep breath?
That’s the beauty of godly friendship. It doesn’t have to be flashy or perfect—it just has to be real.
This week in Just Between Us, we’re celebrating the kind of friendship that reflects the heart of God. The kind that says, “You’re not alone. I see you. I’m with you.” The kind of connection that goes deeper than surface-level chit-chat and enters into Spirit-led, life-giving sisterhood.
Friendship can be beautiful, but let’s be honest: it can also be hard. Many of us carry wounds from past relationships, wrestle with insecurity, or wonder where we even begin when it comes to making new connections. But the truth is, we were never meant to do life alone. God designed us for relationship—from the garden of Eden to the early church, we see His people walking together.
This issue is all about learning to build—we’re diving into what it means to build, care for, and safeguard the friendships God has placed in our lives. Whether you’re hoping for a soul-deep connection, healing from past wounds, or simply needing to remember that Jesus calls you His friend—there’s something here for you.
Let’s explore together how to love with intention, bridge our differences, and become the kind of friends who mirror the steady, grace-filled love of Christ.
Encouraging You in God’s Truth,
No One Left Out | Carla Gasser
Real friendship isn’t about being popular—it’s about showing up with courage, grace, and commitment. Carla shares three essential building blocks for deep, lasting connection—and three “wrecking balls” we need to watch out for.
Finding Family Through Friendship | Cherie Burbach
Can God create spiritual family through friendship? Cherie shares her own story of how a casual connection turned into a bond that felt like family—centered in Christ and overflowing with encouragement, honesty, and joy.
Who Calls You Friend? | Shelly McClanahan
From the playground to the classroom, Shelly’s experience as an ESL teacher reveals how powerful cross-cultural friendships can be. Through real-life stories and biblical examples, she invites us to reach beyond our comfort zones to love those who are different from us.
BONUS ARTICLE: The Write Thing to Do | Carole G. Rodgers
In an age of texts and likes, a handwritten note can be a rare treasure. Carole reminds us how the simple act of writing a card—what she lovingly calls a “love note”—can build connection and brighten someone’s day.
📖 For Your Heart
📜 Bible Verse of the Week
🙏 Prayer of the Week
No One Left Out
Building friendships that last.
By: Carla Gasser
“So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind…”
I still remember the sting of second grade.
Katie asked me to eat lunch with her, and I was thrilled. Later, Lisa extended the same invitation, and I said yes, again, thinking I must be the most popular girl in class. But when lunchtime rolled around, I discovered the harsh reality of playground politics: two angry girls and a lonely seat at the table—just for me.
From that moment on, friendship felt confusing and complicated. Through middle school and high school, I collected acquaintances but struggled to form close, lasting bonds. I became a pro at staying likable and avoiding confrontation. Guarding my heart became second nature. And for a long time, I wondered if deep, authentic friendships were even worth the effort.
Maybe your story is different—or maybe mine sounds a little too familiar.
It wasn’t until college that I met a few kindred spirits and began to understand what friendship could really be. And once I became a mom, I realized just how much I needed other women in my life. I wasn’t created to do life alone, and neither were you.
God wired us for connection.
From the very beginning, in the Garden of Eden, we see that we were created for relationship. Connection is in our DNA. We are image-bearers of a relational God who calls us to live in community with Him and with each other.
But building authentic friendships doesn’t come easy—it takes intention, effort, and grace. Along the way, I’ve discovered there are a few building blocks that help form strong friendships… and a few wrecking balls that threaten to destroy them.
