Thursday, February 2, 2023

Porch #77 * Winter Wonderland

 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




Brrr, my friends!
Oh my gosh it's so frigid outside.  I hope you're as snug as a bug in a rug and that your favorite mug is serving as a hefty handwarmer.  Care to share ...

what's in that mug?
___ black coffee

___ tea with honey

___ mulled cider

___ hot cocoa

your go-to cozy?

___ well-loved quilt

___ ratty old sweatshirt

___ fluffy fleece blankie

___ ancient bathrobe

Four reflective reads that are well worth diving into.  Wintertime snapshots gathered over time.  A couple five star Kindle deals.  A musical walk down memory lane.  And a quick recap of recent writing.

Are You Dangerously Tired?  Exploring the Symptoms & Sources of Spiritual Exhaustion in Ministry
Ruth Haley Barton

The Limitlessness of Grief
Marisa Renee Lee

Healing is Hard.  Here Are Four Ways to Come Alongside Hurting People
Aubrey Sampson & Brian From

lessons from a still life
Barbara @ one hopeful life



⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
KINDLE DEALS
Henry Cloud & John Townsend
$3.99

Sarah Young
$3.99

JUST IN CASE YOU MISSED THESE
15 Mid-Winter Life Savers

&

May you take joy in creating a serendipitous memory or two this weekend.  May you indulge in conversations with kindhearted people.  And may that peace that passes understanding be yours to overflowing.

Bless you & yours ~
Linda


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Thanks to blog hostesses
Paula & Jeanne & Donna & Richella & Lisa


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50 comments:

  1. Black coffee and a turtleneck layered under a sweater.
    And maybe a scarf, too.

    Just finished reading Rough Sleepers by Tracy Kidder, a detailed account of homelessness in Boston area from a physician’s perspective. Good medicine for New England readers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That sounds like a NTR (need-to-read), Michele.

      Meanwhile, it's Earl Gray decaf tea and my dad's ancient plaid fleece robe. I'm quite a sight.

      Stay toasty, girl.
      🧣

      Delete
  2. It looks as cold there as here! I love your quilt -- I'm a sucker for vintage quilts and this looks a gem. And that tricycle in the snow is so sad. Lovely photos, all!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Gosh, I love that pop of yellow from the door among the winter photos! Colours can cheer us up so much. I'll think I'll wear something colourful today just to give others a pop of colour in their life, too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So ... what colors did you end up wearing today, Lynn?
      🎨

      Delete
  4. I have a cup of hot tea next to my computer and I'm wearing both sox and slipper sox so my feet are toasty warm. I'm listening to the wind roaring outside and part of the fence around the yard where we are renting has blown over. Think I'll stay inside today!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you thought it was roaring this morning, how 'bout tonight?! It's -14 right now with the 30 mph wind chill factor.

      Do I sound like Dad or what?
      🧐

      Delete
  5. Yes, it's really winter here,
    quite cold, and it really hurts,
    but needs must, my friend, I fear,
    and I'm out there wearing shorts.
    Got blown up one long-gone day,
    burned my thighs to smoking cinders,
    and shorts are the only way
    that I can survive the winters.
    From desert cold there is a lack
    of moisture in the damaged skin,
    and rubbing fabric makes it crack
    to let infection come on in,
    and humbled thus, I think I will
    just put up with the winter chill.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep, I've got some grandkids who wear shorts no matter what the weather. You're in good company.
      🤪

      Delete
  6. It's cold here (Ohio) but we don't have that much snow right now, just a recent dusting. It's only 12 now, feels like -4. I like wearing sweatpants and sitting with a blanket over me when it is this cold!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love sweats. And hand me another blanket, please ...
      🛌

      Delete
  7. A generous cup of black coffee and a fleecy blanket! I sure would need both if I were living in your winter wonderland right now. We are chilly here, but it's sunny and bright - a beautiful winter's day in the South.
    I loved the recording by the Lennon sisters, too. Took me back to when I'd watch Lawrence Welk with my grandparents . . . Nothing like old memories to warm the heart.
    Blessings, Linda!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh you, too? I've got the same warm Lawrence Welk/grandparent memories. Those were the days.
      🎶

      Delete
  8. Loved the pics - Make me feel warm and cozy especially on a very cold morning in Ohio. Doesn't Ruth Haley Barton write so thoughtfully?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Introduction to Solitude & Silence is one of my favorite books of all time. It changed my life.
      📘

      Delete
  9. I love your winter photos Linda! We don't get snow in our part of Australia & it's Summer here at the moment...
    But I do enjoy your photos & winter stories.

    In my mug is Earl Grey & in winter my favourite warm clothes are my pure lambswool gym trousers & fluffy sweater (we call a sloppy Joe!) & Fluffy socks.
    Blessings, Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jennifer, I was thinking of you when I wrote this. Australia sounds blissful right about now. And lambs wool gym trousers and all things fluffy. Toasty!
      🐑

      Delete
  10. Hello Linda! Its been very chilly here, was -6 just this week, although now has thankfully warmed up into the 30s, and we are expecting rain this weekend - crazy weather. I love a hot cup of anything - black coffee in the morning, hot black tea in the afternoon, just plain hot water at bedtime. Your book choices sound lovely! Have a wonderful weekend, stay warm!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was sure my brother-in-law was the only one who drank hot water. He's in very good company, my friend. Enjoy a cozy weekend!

      Delete
  11. I am having iced-lemon tea, bare-footed and wearing tees and shorts in my sunny corner of the world. It's 81 °F as I am typing this which is "cold" by our standards. Temps here are usually in the the 90s.
    Hugs and blessings, Linda!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh iced lemon tea! Bare feet! Tee shirts and shorts! You go, girl! Enjoy every warm and delightful moment this weekend.
      😎

      Delete
  12. Beautiful snow pictures, Linda, and what a gorgeous quilt! I prefer hot cocoa to keep me warm. May 2023 be a blessed year for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep, I'm with you on the hot cocoa, Lisa. Mmm ... maybe I should go make some right now? It's -21 right with the wind chill factor.
      🥶

      Delete
  13. Keep warm and safe. Love the snow photos. It's wet and damp here.

    God bless.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hope you're having a jolly weekend, ol' chap.
      💂

      Delete
  14. Good morning, Linda! My nana used to tuck me in with ... snug as a bug in a rug! You made me smile! How interesting that each of us inspired grandmother memories in our writings this week! I love your blog so much ... you always make us feel so comfortable here. To be featured by you is an honor. My sincere gratitude to you.

    Barbara
    onehopefulyear.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, my grandma memories are warm and comfortable, kind and sweet. How blessed we are, friend ...
      👵

      Delete
  15. Coffee (with just a splash of milk) or hot cocoa and a fleecy blanket for me! I love the snowy pictures, but I am glad it's not quite as cold as that here at the moment!
    Thanks for sharing the links - I especially liked the Ruth Haley Barton one and the 4 ways to come alongside hurting people. Hope you stay warm and have a lovely weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Ruth Haley Barton always speaks truth to my head and heart. Such a gifted mentor-from-afar.
      ✝️

      Delete
  16. Yes, it's sure been cold! love your quilt!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's warmed up to a balmy -9 with the wind chill factor. The sun is out and bright and all is well. So thankful to have a warm place to call home.
      ☀️

      Delete
  17. What was in my coffee was coffee with half and half and sugar. Can't drink it black. My go to cozy is a fluffy fleece blanket AND a Snuggle with a nice fire going!😍

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love my fireplace. As much for the quiet ambience as for the heat. I'm sitting 3 feet away from it even as we speak.
      🧦

      Delete
  18. Well I reckon I'm the odd ball. I'm not much for hot drinks except if my throat is scratchy and I plan to preach. Then it is green tea with Stevia. I have been known to use hot lemon water from time to time as well. As for the frigid, I say this with all sincerity: please keep it. Please don't share it. The sea gull looked awful lonely. However, I did love the lighthouse picture. I like it even better because it stayed up your way!! Blessings Linda.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I remember the Sunday that someone put a goldfish in the pastor's water glass on the pulpit. Let's say he was surprised when he picked it up to take a sip.
      🐟

      Delete
  19. On these cold winter days you'll find me layered up in Cuddle Duds, SmartWool socks, fleece, and more fleece (a thick robe). Don't mind a bit! Soft, cozy layers = comfort. Next to me is either hot coffee or tea depending on time of day. / Thank you for the Lennon Sisters video! I'm another who enjoyed watching that show with my grandparents. / As for your prayer that we enjoy conversations with kind-hearted people, God has already answered. Last night it was a lovely dinner-date (Hubby and me), this morning a delightful coffee date with two mentees, and tonight, dinner with our son and his family! May you also enjoy special moments with your people, Linda!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How lovely that your weekend has been filled with soul-talk and loving company, Nancy. I think many of us are craving this kind of interaction but don't even realize it because we're too absorbed with our screens.

      Not a healthy reality.
      😕

      Delete
  20. Love my black coffee. Those photos make me shiver down here in the South. I love the tricycle in the snow, so sweet. Stay warm and cozy, Linda!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 'Those photos make me shiver down here in the South.'
      🥶

      Delete
  21. Snow on the beach!

    My cozy checklist:
    - tea with honey
    - ratty old sweatshirt
    - fluffy fleece blankie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cozy is the name of the game these days, for sure ...
      🥰

      Delete
  22. Wow, your winter photos are absolutely stunning! Your eye for capturing the beauty of the winter landscape is truly remarkable.I love your shoes. You need them there

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't you just love how every season wears beauty in her own unique way?
      📸

      Delete
  23. All these snow pictures are so beautiful! We sometimes get one ground-covering a year, but not this year. I'm off to look at the links now... Thanks for sharing these, Linda!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I see you're writing up a storm, featuring a book a day! Wow. You go, girl!
      ✍️

      Delete
  24. Joining you on the porch, okay maybe inside watching the winter wonderland with a hot drink. I love warming up with Coffee and snuggle down in my fleece blankie.
    Thank you so very much for sharing this delightful post with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Today's an umbrella day. But I'm not complaining! Each day brings us a bit closer to springtime.

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