On the Porch * Way-Too-Long Edition

Hello, dear friends!

It's time for one of those On the Porch posts ... and I'll be the first to admit that this is a very random, rather lengthy offering.  You'll find no shortage of links to awesome people, superb opportunities, and heartfelt reflections.  

So settle into your hammock and pour a tall frosty tea.  {I feel oh-so-domestic when snipping a whole bunch of peppermint from my very tiny garden and throw it in the brewing pitcher}.

Enjoy!

💕   There's been lots of action on the new Post Index.  I'm guessing you're either curious as to what this new page is all about ... or maybe you're finding the resources you've been searching for.  Have fun exploring the 490 posts {smile} or choose your subject on the right side and click away.  The link is at the top right {email subscribers, click on the title of the post to head over to the website.}

💕   What do you think about Dane Ortlund's Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers as our next Book Club selection?   So many of you have read it, are reading it, or see it on your TBR pile.  My review is right here.  Please let me know your thoughts!  {And yes, I may earn a small financial bonus when you click on the Amazon link.} 

💕   Thanks to Simone Biles, I've been spending time reflecting on what it looks like to make a courageous and wise decision, no matter what others may say.  To choose to bow out, claim a sabbatical, say 'no more,' to step aside when you know you're not in a good mental / emotional / spiritual space.  Or when it finally dawns on you that you're serving 'reluctantly or under compulsion' {2 Corinthians 9:7}.

I admire people who are honest about where they find themselves and give themselves plenty of grace and space to re-group, to do the healing work they need to do, to take care of their personal business, to fully appreciate what truly matters.  I've had to make that significantly difficult choice a few times myself.  See Finally ... In Which She Spoke the Dreaded 'S' Word and A Note to My Friends & Followers.  Maybe this subject is resonating for you?

💕   Bible Gateway has scads of devotionals, study tools, reading plans, and more.  Superb online resources.

💕   Jon Egan's song What You Said is a blessed, timely reminder.

💕   Do you want to join me in getting certified as a Mental Health Coach through the American Association of Christian Counselors?  This is an amazing opportunity for you to pick up some solid training, no matter how you're ministering or doing life in the company of others.  Find out about the program here ... the vision, the course work, the q & a, the professors ... and how to get free tuition!  I'm in the home stretch and all I can say is that this important invitation is too good to pass up.

💕  These 3 Emily-s never fail to grab my attention ... and when they show up on my screen I can't get over to their websites fast enough.  Emily Lex and her artistry.  Emily at My Weathered Home.  And Emily P. Freeman and The Next Right Thing podcast.

Hands Off?  When It's Hard to Be Quiet
Lisa Burgess

Seeing His Scars: Healing For Those Wounded In the Church
Steve Grusendorg

The Ebb & Flow of Grief
Lois Flowers

The Self-Awareness Gap: What Non-Christian People Really Think About the Church
Carey Nieuwhorf

Why We Don't Dump Friends Who Disagree
Bonnie Kristian

Sticks, Stones, & Words... Can Cut Me Deeply
Scott Sauls

Lemon Pasta at Our Garden Tea Party
Kitty @ Kitty's Cozy Kitchen

How I Claimed the Title ARTIST
Debby Hudson

Wardrobe Declutter: Remove These 10 Things From Your Closet Today
Courtney Carver

The 7 Types of Rest Every Person Needs
Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD

How My Father Issues Impacted My Marriage
Beth Steffaniak

With Jesus In the Kitchen
Barbara Harper

What Churchgoers Missed Most About In-Person Services
Barna Group

Five Useful Questions
Seth Godin

Kate Bowler

Gotta run, friends.   I've got a bag or two to pack before we head off to our annual very-extended-family jaunt to Camp of the Woods in the Adirondacks.  You know you'll be missed and prayed for.  Thank God He's not done caring for the burdens we bear.  And He's ready, willing, and far more than able to accomplish more than we can ask or imagine {Ephesians 3:20}. 

And yes, if you haven't already, this is the perfect time to subscribe so you'll be one of the first to know when I pick up my pen again.

In His Love ~
Linda  💕

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hi

Richella  .  Lisa

 Jeanne  .  Cindy