PORCH
a soft place to land
a calm weekend haven
a gentle pause from life's busyness
so we may experience
the tender lovingkindness of Jesus
as we do life together
in community
Oh my gosh guys in two weeks we'll be up to our eyeballs in Thanksgiving leftovers!
Um, where did fall go? Around here the leaves have been blowing down all crispy and brown (unintentional poetry) and yet it's been warm and sunny and gorgeous like early September. Meanwhile, the sun is setting at 4:22 this afternoon and the Cape landscape is slowly morphing into winter's multi-hued shadows of gray. I love every bit of it all.
Which means I've kind of been MIA online but that's a gift we need to give ourselves often, isn't it.
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'When I don't have energy I always set myself three challenges:
1. Connect with nature, even if just enjoying the clouds through my window.
2. Nourish my body and enrich my mind by learning something new, doing something kind ... being creative in a small way.
3. And then, I respect my body and try to find small ways to make my workday a little simpler, even if it just means mindfully letting go a bit of stress.'
- Paola Merrill
3 Ways to Turn Against Your Pastor
Jared Wilson
A Blessing for Care-Givers & Care-Receivers
Kate Bowler
Here's Why You Might Want to Serve S'Mores on Thanksgiving
Me
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We're off to meet our five new grand-chickens this weekend! I can't wait to hang out in the coop with Blackie, Lily, Lulu, Nugget, and Oreo.
Linda
P.S.
Thanks to youngest granddaughter/basketball star Brookie for curling up on the sofa and showing me how to create my new Bitmoji. It was way too much fun. And to dear friend Joyce for sending along that rainbow pic. It's like God was smiling down on our visit together.
I do love your bitmoji, Linda - how sweet of your granddaughter to help you with it!
ReplyDeleteAs always, an uplifting post to prepare us all the the weekend ahead. Blessings!
The bitmoji is so fun! The rainbow photo is amazing…God’s faithful promises! Happy Weekend, Linda!
ReplyDeleteGod's faithful promises. Yes, yes, Pam. How easy to not take careful notice of how faithful He has been. Weekend blessings to you at your lovely little Sunshine Cottage, friend!
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This is just what I needed to read on another dreary day with our yard still littered with the effects of our most recent named storm. Even in the clouds the light shines through. Thanks for being that light, Linda. ♡ Debby
ReplyDeleteDebby, I hope you and your family and community are alright. Too many frightening storms these days ... in more ways than one.
DeletePraying right now.
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As always, I love your mixture of sweet stories and helpful tips and your uplifting opening, Linda. And your bitmoji is cute and colorful. :) The rainbow pic is awe-inspiring! Love, hugs, and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to send love, hugs, and blessings right back to you, friend. What a sweetheart you are.
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November is a lovely month, isn't it? The desert looks mostly green (we've had a lot of monsoons this year), but the cottonwood trees near water sources have turned a blazing yellow. I love the things that come out of little one's minds and mouths :).
ReplyDeleteWhat fun to read this today. I sense a calm joyful energy. and love love love all the images. Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteOh 'a calm joyful energy.' A perfect description of who I want to be, Jean. You do have a way with words ...
DeleteHappy weekend to you!
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You served up a lovely buffet of enjoyment for us, Linda. I particularly appreciated your advice for replenishing our energy, your cute bitmoji, that stunning photograph of fall foliage AND a rainbow, and your nephew's weaving of Jesus' parable with the three little pigs! That's some divergent thinking right there, which will put him in good stead for the future!
ReplyDeleteHe's a fabulous father and knows how to tell a story! I have a feeling that Little Man is already following in his father's (and grandmother's and great-grandfather's!) storytelling footsteps.
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What a sweet and fun encounter with your nephew!
ReplyDeleteI get to live vicariously through my sister's little grandchildren these days! Mine are all teenagers now and their sense of humor more developed and nuanced, shall we say!
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I expect a picture of you with your grandchix! Great pictures
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I doubt they'll be ready to do a photoshoot in the rain, but maybe we'll give it a try!
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Oooh! I love November, too! Autumn is my favorite time of year! I'm glad you've had a bit of time to enjoy some self-care! It is important for us all to recharge sometimes! Have a wonderful weekend! Blessings, Jo
ReplyDeleteJo, thanks! And welcome! I'm really glad you're here.
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I noticed that cute little leaf raking replica of you!
ReplyDeleteAnd grandchickens…! ๐คฃ
Too bad I'm not actually raking. I like to watch that kind of activity from the sidelines!
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I love all your fall photos, Linda. I grew sugar pumpkins in my small yard this year. Gave a few away, and made a pumpkin pie. I'm going to grow more of them next year! They were so much fun to see budding on the vine. Thinking about this, when we see someone thriving from being attached to the vine of Christ, it is also a joy! We have been covered in snow since November 1st, but our September and October were also very warm!
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Lynn! Your thoughts on thriving on the vine grabbed me immediately just now. Next time I spot a vine, I'll be remembering you.
DeleteThank you. And enjoy another piece of pie for me, ok?!
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Fall is alway over so fast. Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteYeah, you're right, Amy. I'm trying to stay right in the moment. It's too beautiful to let go ...
DeleteEnjoy your weekend, friend!
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Your photography is a gift with every blog! Thank You!
ReplyDeleteHey girl, it's so good to see you again. You've been missed!
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Fab photos - I love the rainbow!
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Carol! So fun to meet you this week!
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Love that Merrill quote, Linda! I need to practice those three challenges more often. Happy Fall, my friend!
ReplyDeleteShe has a gentle, thoughtful way about her, doesn't she ... I'm a fan.
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Cool rainbow shot!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit!
As I'm reading your comment, I'm sipping a mug of Earl Gray Decaf with lots of local honey!
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That shirt on the right is mine.
ReplyDeleteGod bless always.
Around here, if he doesn't actually have it attached to his body, there's a good chance that one of the grandgirls will casually/purposely walk off with a flannel shirt of their grandfather's. It's a rough crowd!
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That bitmoji is fun!
ReplyDeleteAs always, I enjoyed your delightful post ๐งก๐งก๐งก
Hugs and blessings ๐
This week she's wearing a red and black plaid fleece jacket and red boots!
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This is chock full of goodness. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so glad! Thank you for that thumbs up!
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Hi Linda,
ReplyDeleteI love your three ways of caring for yourself. I'm taking note!
The photo of the rainbow in fall is incredible. Thanks for sharing and for linking up with Grace and Truth.
Blessings,
Tammy
P.S. Looking forward to checking out the stocking stuffer link. :)
Anne does the best stocking stuffer list of anyone I've ever seen. So creative and out-of-the-box!
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Just love your bitmoji Linda. I really chuckled at little man's answers.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month.