Friday, November 26, 2021

On the Porch #25 * 4 Somethings




Welcome back, my friends!

It looks like we've survived all the turkey, stuffing, and pie that's been passed our way.  Perhaps a joyfully chaotic gathering or two, maybe far too much highway traffic to contend with, or an overdose of mind-numbing happy activity.

Meanwhile there are people among us who've received some rather unsettling news since last we met.

Come with me to a quiet place.  Shut the door oh-so-softly.  Go ahead and curl up in that comfy chair in the corner.  Shhh ... perhaps no one will even notice you've stepped away.

It's time for a little 4 Somethings review with an unplanned emphasis on choosing to live an intentional lifestyle.  Two family snapshots remind me how quickly time flies.  A life-altering quote serves as a wake up call.  A handful of links invite you to live this holiday season {and into 2021} with a bit more intentionality and purpose.

And yes, a book list awaits your attention simply because we can't get enough of those around here.

SOMETHING LOVED

2021

2011

SOMETHING READ
10 Exceptional Books To Calm + Heal + Inspire

CT's Holiday Guide for Book Lovers

5 Great Resources for Raising Grateful Kids

ECPA Christian Book Award Finalists

SOMETHING TREASURED
The terrible gift of a terrible illness is that it has, in fact, taught me to live in the moment.  Nothing but this day matters ... when I look closely at my life, I realize that I'm not just learning to seize the day.  In my finite life, the mundane has begun to sparkle.  

The things I love - the things I should love - become clearer, brighter.  Burdened by the past, preoccupied by the present, or worried about the future, I had failed to appreciate the inestimable gift of a single minute.
No Cure for Being Human: (And Other Truths I Need to Hear)
- Kate Bowler

SOMETHING AHEAD 
Christmas cards?  
Three to-the-point questions are worth considering.  Especially #2.

Shopping?  
Check out these eight smart tips ... #4 and #5 hit home for me. 

17 degrees out? 
How 'bout this?

People pleaser? 
Showing up for yourself might be a better choice.

Let's talk about living with intentionality and purpose.  What would that look like for you in the next month?  In 2022?  What would you need to release ... or increase?  
Linda

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36 comments:

  1. Just wow...
    10 years is a game changer. Every so often FB will do me the favor of showing a picture of some smooth cheeked adolescent male who is now a married man producing grandchildren.
    Whoa, time! Let us catch up!

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    1. Yeah. Exactly.

      Talk about living intentionally ...

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  2. Loved meeting you on he porch, Linda, your beauty shines through in each of your four somethings, may we all choose to live in the present moment with intentionality!

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    1. Donna, I'm always glad to see your smiling face!

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  3. Oh that we may live intentionally Linda! I too have learnt this precious lesson through the gift of Chronic health conditions.
    Bless you,
    Jennifer

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    1. I absolutely hear you about the impact of chronic conditions, Jennifer. More than ever, I don't want to waste a moment.

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  4. Linda, I always enjoy our porch meetings. May I choose to live intentionally every day!

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    1. I hope this has been a wonderful weekend for you, Pam. I can just picture the beauty of your table, your cottage, your home ...

      ;-}

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  5. I love the before and after photos from 10 years ago. Your grands have really grown up! I loved the Kate Bowler book too. I'm not going through a physical illness, but an emotional one this month, and it is throwing me into trying to stay more in the moment too just to get through. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Linda!

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    1. This is a unexpected hard season, Lisa. Please know that I'm praying, friend.

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  6. love the photo and Kate Bowlers writing is so full of wisdom!

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    1. Yes, yes, we're gleaning much about suffering and perseverance and being real from Kate. I love when the 'next generation' end up being our mentors and guides!

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  7. My word for 2019 was intentional. I love your quick posts, they tend to be deep, and cause you to think. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

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    1. Oh I'm glad there's something of substance here, Cindy. I want our time together to be worth your while! So much begs for our attention, doesn't it ...

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  8. WOW, your people are changing! Nothing like a decade to prove that! Stuffing---is dressing here in the South. But we ALL ate until we were stuffed!
    Blessings!

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    1. We just spent a week with a Southern gentleman and learned the difference between many words and their meanings. Always learning, right?!

      Glad to hear you are full to overflowing, friend. God is good.

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  9. Hi Linda! Hope you had a grateful Thanksgiving. Not too sure about all the other stuff but that picture sure shows how families change and grow. You have much to be thankful for. I pray this coming month shows you and those you love the true celebration of the Unexpected.

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    1. Bill, your final line brought that old carol, 'Come Thou Long Expected Jesus' to mind. So many rich truths in these old hymns.

      May God enrich this year's Advent for you, Jo, and your church family. Bless you all.

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  10. You are right about an illness in changing one's perspective. In some ways, it brings many gifts.

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    1. I've gotta admit that it's been hard for me to find the gifts in the midst of illness even when I know they're in there somewhere. But, yes, in the seasons that follow, they become clearer and more meaningful.

      Thanks for that nudge to be aware, Jeanie.

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  11. Great pictures and wonderful memories. I try so hard to treasure each memory. Yes, you are right...a terrible illness can surely be a wakeup call for us. Love your heart so much Linda. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. Thanks for the reminder to keep each memory close to our hearts, Cindy. May God bring them to mind in the days ahead when all turns quiet again.

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  12. Love the pictures of how the kids have grown! What a difference in each of them! Glad you enjoyed yourThanksgiviong!

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    1. What a joy-filled week! My head is spinning, my heart {and stomach} are quite full. Sure beats last year's fiasco.

      But tonight my heart is with those whose week has been quite the opposite. Heartbreak and illness know no season.

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  13. Wonderful memories and so interesting to see how much has changed, and what has stayed the same over the years.

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  14. Love to see family pics! Ten years fly by in a hurry, don't they. Appreciate the unspoken reminder to make the memories NOW! I'm also inspired by Anne Bogel's post about getting outdoors for a walk--even in cold weather. I've been satisfied with my fitness routine in the basement! But I have a feeling the fresh air as well as the sights and sounds of nature would do my soul some good!

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    1. This, so perfectly said, Nancy -->'the fresh air as well as the sights and sounds of nature would do my soul some good!'

      I must keep your words in mind next time I want to curl up in a chair instead of grab a jacket and head out the door!

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  15. I love those family pictures, Linda. ❤️ I’m in line for Kate’s book at the library … it looks like another good one. So glad you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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  16. Lovely family photos! Thank you for the reminder to enjoy every moment of every day as they are so fleeting and more precious than we realize.

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    1. I have no idea where a decade has gone. I don't want to miss the next one. Here's to being present and pro-active. Especially after what we've all been through in recent years.

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  17. Thanks for linking up! As an avid Christmas card sender, I appreciated the article you linked to.

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    1. Heather, every year I go back and forth on whether to invest all that time and energy! But I love finding them in my own mailbox ...

      ;-)

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