Welcome back to PORCH,
your go-to weekend companion.
Embrace community.
Discover a fresh perspective.
Grow your faith in Christ.
Get unstuck.
Share your story.
Hello again. Yes.
The answer to your question is yes, Mom is still here with us.
After all these weeks since we said our first of endless 'final' goodbyes, we're in an exhausted, awe-filled stage. For Mom has defied all the medical odds, predictions, and stats. We marvel at each heartfelt story shared, each remembrance whispered through tears, the legacy she has carved out at the care facility that's been her home for almost 21 months.
For she has become known for her lavish words of appreciation to those who did for her what she could no longer do for herself. And all her gentle yet firm reminders to faithful caregivers that it was time for them to take a break, to head home, to be with their families.
And the quiet words in which she blessed people or told them she was praying for them.
Early in this closing chapter Mom asked, 'Is this the day of rejoicing'? It was a random question that caught me off guard, probably prompted from one of the many old hymns tucked deep in her heart. All I could say was, 'I hope so, Mom.'
Sing the wondrous love of Jesus
Sing His mercy and His grace;
In the mansion bright and blessed
He’ll prepare for us a place.
When we all get to heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!
🍄
🍄
* Kristin's been trying to convince her father how fun it would be to team up and build a chicken coop together.
Look at these DIY plans and tell her you agree!
* It's
Psalm Summer over at Emily's. No one reads God's Word quite like she does.
* Bloglovin seems to be heading the way of the dinosaur. Can you give me a Plan B?
* No flip-flops for me this summer. But there are these pretty watercolor Crocs and when I look downward, they make me smile. Footwear for an almost 67 year old? Yes, please. Let's hear it for Coastal Grandmothers.
* Barbara captures the luxury of walking in yet another trademark winsome post. My response to her?
'One of the things I’ve missed most after spraining my ankle is walking. Pure and simple. I think I do my best thinking, writing, and praying as I put one foot in front of the other. It’s when I feel healthiest and strongest and most vibrantly alive. Maybe it’s where I discover my best self, too. No wonder I’m missing those steady strides …'
* 'If you need some soul food to nourish and challenge, head over to Linda Stoll's and see what she means by "becoming like Nancy Drew." So good!'
- Richella
* 'Linda Stoll’s Doing the Blogging Life was so unique. I confess I didn’t have time to answer her questions or read the responses, but I’m going back! If you are a blogger and you haven’t weighed in yet, make sure you do. Thanks for starting the discussion, Linda.'
-
Lauren
🍄
Dr. Gregory Jantz - $3.99
Shauna Niequist - $2.99
Tsh Oxenreider - $2.99
🍄
May you relax into this weekend, knowing that God is kind and faithful and worthy of our praise ~
Linda
🍄
🍄
As an Amazon Associate, I receive a small commission when you make an Amazon purchase by using these links, at no extra cost to you!
Thank you for supporting my work.
Some smiles go all the way to my soul, and my soul is smiling reading this gracious post. ♡ Debby
ReplyDeleteOh Debby, thank you. This means so much to me.
Deletexo
My heart goes out to you and your family. My mother-in-law spent a couple of years in a holding pattern of sorts, sleeping over 20 hours a day, rarely speaking. It was an awkward position in some ways. It's not that you wish your loved one would die, but you wish them perfectly healed in mind and body and with their Savior, where sorrow and pain are not more.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful testimony your mom has.
I had not heard about Bloglovin'. I haven't looked at it in a long time since I switched over to Feedly for reading blogs.
Exactly, Barbara. You've put into beautiful words the awkwardness, the true humanness of where we find ourselves. I'm so glad that God understands. Thank you for that same grace, friend.
DeleteWhen it is time for me to go home, whether I linger (like your mom has) or whether it is to quicker, I do pray I leave a legacy behind like your mom has. To be known as a kind and gentle person who is grateful for the attention but not so overbearing that I want to take someone's life away from them. Thanks for sharing Linda.
ReplyDeletePraise God your mom is still with us. I love that your my go to weekend companion my friend.
ReplyDeleteNot sure why Google is being weird but it won't let me sign in. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say again: rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Don't worry about anything but in everything with prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the God of peace which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 CSB
ReplyDeleteThank you for supporting my writings. God bless.
ReplyDeleteBloglovin' is making me crazy. I've bookmarked some sites I can't follow any other way but I wish all would either have google friend follow blogger widget if they are blogger or subscribe by email. In fact, I'm going to mention on my blog one of hese days that if you follow by bloglovin I recommend subcribing by mail -- it's more reliable! And every day is one for rejoicing for we are here. Hang in there with your mom and thanks for your recent visits, too!
ReplyDelete“What a day of rejoicing that will be” for your beloved Mom. Love all your photos, and the crocs are cute! Wishing you a sweet weekend, Linda!
ReplyDeleteYour words brought tears this morning, Linda. What a beautiful thing to see God continuing to bless others through our loved ones, even when their time on earth is winding down. I have a feeling that YOUR frequent presence in the nursing home is also an encouragement to the people who are caring for your mom. Love in action is precious to behold. ♥️
ReplyDeleteExtra prayers heading your way. She is blessed to have you by her side!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the hymn, Linda. And for all the ways you encourage.
ReplyDeleteI use Feedly to read all my blogs and it works well! Hope you find something that works well for you. And continuing to pray for you as Mama holds on....
ReplyDeleteMany loving thanks, as always, for sharing what I've written. I appreciate you sharing your shared journey with your mother. Her question, so humbling. Her life ... a model. I'm grateful to know of her through you. Blessings to you and your family.
ReplyDelete❤️
Barbara onehopefulyear.com
That's wonderful news about your mom. That pizza looks incredible.
ReplyDeleteI SO love your photography! As for your Mom, God surely knows and all will go according to His plan. I know you are cherishing every moment with her.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Oh, sweet friend! It brought me to tears to hear our dear, sweet Mom's question! That has to be one of the most precious things I have heard in a while. Lying there, she awaits her day of rejoicing! Bless her dear heart. My heart breaks for you, as this painful good-bye seems to span like an eternity in front of you. I do trust your ankle is healing. I am sorry I haven't been by in a while. SO much going on. But, I am thinking of you, my friend, and I am praying that Jesus holds you extra close. Sending much love your way.
ReplyDelete