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Lisa T. Bergren, author of Life on Planet Mom: A down-to-earth-guide to your changing relationships, the 2009 theme book for MOPS International, recently spoke with MOPS Publishing Manager Jean Blackmer, and said she believes it's both essential and possible for a mom to create and maintain vibrant relationships.

Through her experiences as a wife, mom, daughter, sister and friend, she's discovered firsthand the value of creating and keeping strong, healthy relationships. "In heart-bonded, meaningful relationships, we find a shortcut toward joy and peace in life. We all want to feel understood, known and connected and this comes through healthy, life-giving relationships," Lisa says.

Lisa is the best-selling author of over 30 books—children's books, gift books, nonfiction and fiction. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her husband of 17 years, Tim, who's a worship leader. They have three children, Olivia (14), Emma (11) and Jack (6). And she divides her time between running them to many different activities, corralling them for family dinners, taking part in Bible study and, in her spare time, writing and editing. Find out more about her at LisaTawnBergren.com, FamilyTripster.com and BusyMomsDevo.com.

How have you seen your relationships change since becoming a mom?

By necessity, more of my time and energy goes to my children, so those other relationships in my life have to adjust, or in some cases, they've gone by the wayside. I see relationships as being like characters in a book. Sometimes they're heroes or heroines, very visible in every chapter. And sometimes they become somewhat secondary for a while, reemerging in Part III for a big comeback. I'm into letting things flow naturally. It's all very organic for me.

What advice would you give to women to keep friendships strong and healthy?

In our crazy, busy society it's a significant challenge, yet so important, to spend time with our friends. Because we're going in so many different directions, we tend to put our friendships on a back burner. But women need their girlfriends! I also try to stay in touch with my friends. I do this by thinking about a friend, praying for her at that moment, sending her a quick e-mail or picking up the phone and calling her to say, "Hey, I have five minutes, and I just wanted to hear what's happening for you today. I was thinking about you."

Describe a relationship struggle you've experienced and how you handled it.

I had a very close girlfriend; we got together once a week and even shared holidays and vacations with each other. We basically shared everything about our lives with each other for several years. Then, at one point she and her family became very involved with youth baseball, and they stopped going to church. I felt this was a mistake for her and her children, and I was very frank with her about my feelings. The conversation went poorly, and she withdrew from my life. It broke my heart.

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