Linda Stoll: On the Porch #23 * A Surprise Announcement

A Good Brisk Cape Cod Weekend to You, Friends!

I've got the surreal feeling that one foot is firmly planted in autumn's delights ... while the other is already stepping into full-fledged holiday mode. It's an unintentional transitioning, yet somehow natural and unforced.

Transitions can be unexpected or fully planned, usually laden with all kinds of emotions and choices, but always pushing us ahead into the future. I'm a bit surprised to announce that On the Porch has slowly transitioned to become my weekend{ish} newsletter.

This is a rather unexpected personal serendipity. It's like my 2021 OneWord birthed a baby.

So if you appreciate a weekly dose of hand-selected resources, random snapshots, and heaven knows what, topped off with a hefty dose of follow-up conversation, this is your baby, too.

If you already subscribe to the blog, this unintentional newsletter will arrive in your inbox just like magic. You don't have to do a thing ... no special sign-up, no free gifts, no exclusive treats. If you're not a subscriber, this is as good a time as any to join the party. Click here!

Anything healthy morphs and grows and changes. In a season when so many of us are transitioning, I trust that On the Porch will be your go-to weekend companion, energizing your mind, offering you spiritual sustenance, nudging you onward and upward ... and providing a safe, nurturing space where you are free to mingle and converse with other like-minded souls.

May Jesus Christ be praised.

This week ...

Layer ... The Key to Transitioning Your Seasonal Home

Emily Freeman reads Psalm 23 and Psalm 27 and Psalm 139 in her own distinctive, compelling way. And all God's people said, 'amen.'

These sympathy cards warmed my heart with their muted colors and elegant simplicity. Printed on high quality kraft paper, the blank page is perfect for sharing a simple prayer or Scripture. And they come with stickers, too.

A Perfect Place to Pray: The Dentist's Chair. Really.

Kate Bowler has a free Advent reading guide which would be a lovely addition to whatever biblical readings you already have in place.

I'm polishing up my kinda-annual Christmas Book List. It should arrive in your inbox in a couple days. I hope you'll find it makes your shopping a whole lot easier. And more gentle, calm, and peace-filled. {Sunday evening update - 10 Exceptional Books to Calm + Heal + Inspire}

This song ... for all of us who have loved and lost.

And finally, 1 Essential Question to Ask Yourself Before the Holidays Descend