Helping You Grow Life-Affirming Relationships
Welcome! I'm glad you're here!
Would you describe your relationships with your spouse, parents, and children as vibrant—or stagnant? What about your friends? Do you encourage each other or drag each other down?
Are you ready for a wake up call?
No matter your age, your stage, or what you look like, I invite you to grab your favorite beverage and come sit with me awhile. We'll explore ways to create and maintain authentic, life-affirming relationships—even when life doesn’t go the way we planned.
I look forward to hearing from you and reading your comments.
Feature Articles
Hold On To Every Word
As a late-blooming author, I have come to believe it is wise to hold on to words God inspired me to write years, even decades, ago. Journals, poems, articles, and even musings for possible future pieces, are precious to me. I refuse to squander documentation of hard-won life lessons God has taught. Disclaimer: I’m a […]
A Place at the Table
As I gaze at our hundred-year-old solid oak table, with the scrolled legs and six leaves to accommodate up to twelve loved ones, I see ghosts of Christmas dinners past. There I am, about eight, with my new baby doll Santa brought. We’re all at Grandma and Grandpa White’s house in Mallard, Iowa: Mom and […]
Because of Her
I never thought I’d get caught driving through a blizzard in circles around the mall for Christmas. But as of six PM that Christmas Eve, my freezing-snowy nightmare seemed unending. Because of her. It had seemed like such a simple “yes” when she asked for help. I had Fridays off, and all she needed was […]
New Friend with a Kindred Spirit
In December, 2022, Rod and I chose a simpler lifestyle. We sold our recently remodeled four-bedroom home of thirty years, and moved to a two-bedroom independent living “cottage” on a senior living retirement property. We don’t live in one of those flashy places you see advertised with 50-somethings parading around a pool with drinks in […]
Jump Starts to Spark Life-Affirming Conversation
- What was your best 4th of July celebration, and why?
- Which summer activity is the most fun for you? When is the most recent time you did it?
- How old were you when you learned to swim? Tell about your swimming experiences.
- Talk about a memorable summer camp experience you had as a child or teen.
- Sing part of a favorite camp song you remember.
“I love Charlene’s heart for the Lord and people that comes through so powerfully in her writing. Her words will encourage and bless you.”
– Marlene Bagnull, Director of Write His Answer Ministries