At the Coffee and Bible Time podcast, our goal is to help you delight in God's Word and thrive in Christian living.

Each week, we talk to subject matter experts who broaden your biblical understanding, encourage you in hard times, and provide life-building tips to enhance your Christian walk.

We are so glad you have joined us.

Welcome back to the Coffee and Bible Time podcast. I'm Ellen, your host. And today we are going to be

talking about a topic that I think everybody can relate to in one way or another.

So let's start with, have you ever studied relationships in the Bible and come across

this precious friendship that existed between Jesus and his siblings, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus?

I shouldn't say Jesus' siblings, but the sibling group of Mary Martha and Lazarus. I shouldn't say Jesus' siblings, but the sibling group of Mary, Martha,

and Lazarus. And we have so much to learn from Jesus' perfect example of friendship by how

he demonstrated his love to them, his compassion, and acceptance of his friends. And because of Jesus' remarkable

friendship with them, they were actually willing to sort of lay down their societal expectations

and unhealthy patterns in exchange for a healthy relationship that Jesus offered. And the good news of that relationship

is that we too can experience that kind of friendship with Jesus. And I'm joined today by Amy Boucher

Pie, who wrote in her book, Transforming Love, How Friendship with with Jesus changes us, that studying Jesus'

friendships is a great place to start in our goal of experiencing him on an intimate level.

Amy Boucher Pie is an author, speaker, retreat leader, and spiritual director. She's the author of seven books and

resources. And her first book, Finding Myself in Britain, one, the Christian Living Book of the

Year in the United Kingdom. She also writes for publications such as Our Daily Bread. She has an M.A. and Christian

spirituality from the University of London and enjoys leading retreats. Please welcome Amy.

Hi. I'm so glad to be here with you, Ellen. Thank you for having me. Oh, what a delight.

You know, Amy, when I was sort of getting myself familiar with your book and I learned about your experience here in Minnesota and you're living in the UK, maybe just greet our listeners here in America with just a little bit

about your growing up here in Minnesota. Sure, yes. Well, I had 20 wonderful years in Minnesota.

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