- please forward to that special friend -
PORCH
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a Christ-centered
iron-sharpening-iron
weekend newsletter
gentle conversation & calming snapshots
uplifting linkage & occasional surprises
for those who delight in doing life
in the company of kindred spirits
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Dear kind-hearted friends ~
He is risen indeed!
Praise God we don't have to wait 'til Sunday to speak those glorious words right out loud. That our God is alive and well in the midst of chaos and disorder and heartache, that He'll never change like shifting shadows, that He's the same yesterday, today, and forever, is such a powerful anchor for the bewildered soul.
I'm so grateful for the hope that is Jesus.
Meanwhile, I'm re-discovering all kinds of energy I didn't even know I had. Really. Simply by neglecting my laptop, saying farewell to my comfy fireside chair, and heading outdoors again. Long walks that are stretching those dormant muscles and re-orienting my spirits. Cleaning up winter's havoc in the gardens, clipping forsythia, planting more wildflowers. The simple joy of inhaling fresh air, leaning into the sun's warmish rays, relishing the sound of familiar birdcall.
Choosing to immerse myself in God's restorative creation has been a very good thing for body and soul. And in the process, I feel His pleasure.
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Are you a Compulsive Helper? I've been there done that and let me tell you it's highly overrated ... and ultimately quite unhealthy.
Sarah Bessey's essay Do you want to be well? is the icing on the cake after our own conversation here a few months ago.
My rather candid disturbing Holy Week considerations.
An Easter worship medley for us all.
NURTURE YOUR EASTERTIDE FAITH
(YES, ON SALE)
(YES, ON SALE)
John Eldredge
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Letters of C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis
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C.S. Lewis
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Henri Nouwen
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Emotionally Healthy Discipleship:
Moving From Shallow Christianity
to Deep Transformation
Peter Scazzarro
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Moving From Shallow Christianity
to Deep Transformation
Peter Scazzarro
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Joni Eareckson Tada
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of the World's Greatest Book
Mark Yarbrough
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Mark Yarbrough
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Study Bible
Zondervan
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Zondervan
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Going back to your Disturbing Holy Week observations, I'll confess to the same feeling as I see ads for The Chosen. I'm not an avid viewer of the series, but really don't want to see that winsome and wonderful Jesus covered in blood and suffering...
ReplyDeleteWhich begs the question, how can I possibly feel more empathy for an actor playing a role than I feel for the Son of God, bearing my sin?
God help us, we are messy critters, every one of us.
Critters?!! I don't think I've ever been called a critter!! That's striking me so funny this morning, Michele. Maybe I need to get a cup of tea.
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Someday maybe we’ll chuckle together over teacups!
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DeleteThank you for this beautiful offering. The Easter medley is wonderful. I related to being a compulsive helper. I am also reflecting on your Holy Week observations and Michele's comment above. There are only so many visuals that I can handle and the destruction and devastation of Jesus's body is not one of them. I pray you find the Resurrected Jesus in the beauty of creation around you.
ReplyDelete'There are only so many visuals that I can handle and the destruction and devastation of Jesus's body is not one of them.'
DeleteMary, this is so well said. Thank you for putting clear words to what I so deeply believe. Our precious Savior knows the depth of my adoration. I do not need to be graphically exposed to His ultimate suffering to love Him more.
Easter blessings to you, friend.
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Good stuff throughout. It's true that we can often fail to consider how we, as His disciples, would have responded and how we respond now. My posts this week asked similar questions. We love The Chosen but I am not sure how we will be able to watch the scenes ahead. Our weather has been a series of storms, but I am nudged as well about getting outdoors more in the midst of His creation. Have a blessed weekend!
ReplyDeleteREADERS - Please head over to Pam's as she goes into greater depth in 'God's Darkest Hour.' A must Holy Week read ...
Deletehttps://pamecrement.com/2023/04/07/gods-darkest-hour-2/
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As a pastor I always look forward to Resurrection Sunday. It is the highlight of my year (and not because the attendance tends to be higher). :) I love the meaning and hope it gives. I also like your lighthouse and storm pictures.
ReplyDeleteIf ever we were yearning for Resurrection Sunday it'd be right about now. Preach it, friend!
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Linda, please forgive, but this is what it is, and I am terrified.
ReplyDeleteThis is not what I would seek,
although it may be kind of funny
that my knees are getting weak
when beholding death right in my dunny.
I wonder, did He feel the same
when the crowds did sing His praise?
When He heard them call His name,
did He see His End Of Days?
My friend, I'm scared beyond belief.
Please let this cup GO AWAY!
Please, God, give me some relief,
please just a lonely single day
in which I do not have to cry,
because I do not want to die.
Jesus is with you, Andrew. He's been there, done that. He knows the way home. Let Him carry you each step of the way.
DeleteHe loves you so. He whispers peace.
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Wishing you a very happy Easter!
ReplyDeleteJeanie, the same to you!
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Oh dear Linda in reading your written words on Disturbing Holy Week Considerations, it made me want to hide my face! It's almost more than I can bear to even think about. Marty and I carried my sister to see the movie in 2004 when it first came out and I remember all too well leaving that theatre in total quietness! You've surely given me food for thought today about my own reality and would I too be able to stand there at the foot of that cross for my Lord? Happy Holy Week to you. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteYeah. These are hard questions. We are not alone. He knows how much we love Him and is full of tenderness and compassion. He understands.
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I too am grateful for the hope we have in Jesus, as trouble around the world seems to be on the increase. Praise God, though, "Hope can see heaven through the thickest clouds" (Thomas Brooks)!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Nancy. Thankfully He's written the end of the story and He is not surprised or deterred. More than ever we say, 'Come quickly, Lord Jesus.'
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Thank you for the beautiful images, Linda. Wishing you and your family a blessed Easter!
ReplyDeleteYou, too, Pam! READERS - Head over to see Pam's whimsical outdoor Easter table-scape!
Deletehttps://everydayliving.me/2023/04/03/an-easter-table-by-the-woodlands/
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Here's to newfound energy, Linda ... and to sensing God's pleasure outside! :-) I feel as if I've turned a new leaf this month. March's anxiety seems to have receded, words and productive thoughts are flowing more easily, I'm feeling better physically. I'm thankful and don't take any of it for granted. As for your links, I've never seen The Passion of the Christ either. I just heard a sermon this week about what happened AFTER the physical suffering ... my gracious, what Jesus endured for us was when "the Father turned His face away" was truly love beyond measure. Happy Easter, my friend.
ReplyDeleteDear Lois, I'm so grateful to hear that last month's anxiety is behind you and that your creative energy restored. Your story is a timely reminder of how regular outdoor exercise can be a game-changer for our mental health. It's a lesson more of us need to take to heart.
DeleteBeginning with me.
Bless you for your inspirational life. And thanks for reaching out this week, too. It means the world.
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Just prayed for you for continual blessings, learnings, and faith! Easter blessings!
ReplyDeleteWell, whoever you are, thank you for listening to the Spirit's prompt to pray this afternoon. You'll never know how exquisite His timing was. Bless you for your obedience and your kindness.
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I love to hear about getting out in God's creation is invigorating you! Happy Easter!
ReplyDelete'All the earth worships You and sings praises to You; they sing praises to Your name.'
Delete- Psalm 66:4
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Christ is risen indeed! I hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend!
ReplyDeleteI hope yours was memorable ...
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I love the reminder that Easter brings. Hope and beautiful ending no matter how dark our days are. Have a wonderful April!
ReplyDeleteIt's so good to see you here again, ol' friend ...
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Spring is such a wonderful time of the year! I love when the hummingbirds return and when it’s light enough outside to run before work.
ReplyDeleteMore than ever, I've been enjoying birdsong this year, Anita. It's fun being in different areas of the country and 'meeting' new little creatures.
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A new nickname for my dear wife
ReplyDeleteto show I am no sycophant,
and in this springtime of her life,
she's Shazaam! The Golden Elephant.
She's neither wrinkled nor that large,
but she has little use for bunk.
It's quite clear that she's in charge,
and yes, her nose looks like a trunk...
well, not really, my own's bigger,
but the new nickname came from me,
and in its authorship I figure
that I am really truly free
to set the rules that run this game
which will rightly define the name.
Oh, dear Barbara, how do you stand it?! You must be an absolute saint.
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She is, Linda.
DeleteYou guys inspire us all, for sure ...
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I love how you are gaining energy from time in God's creation--the great outdoors! The snow is finally melting here, and my new bike is on its way. I know getting outdoors can revitalize my mind and body, but I can succumb to the tiredness instead of stepping outside. Thanks for giving my a glimpse into your simply joys just a step outside your door!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Lynn. Some afternoons nothing but a long leisurely nap will do. The walk can wait, right?!
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Nice last photo! I love to see the little hands and plants. Thank you for sharing your uplifting reflections on the Easter season too. Your words are a reminder of the power of hope and the restorative effects of nature. It's easy to get caught up in the busyness of daily life, but taking time to immerse ourselves in God's creation can be a much-needed reset for both body and soul. And I appreciate your honesty about the dangers of being a compulsive helper. It's important to recognize our own limitations and take care of ourselves as well as others. Thank you for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteAritha, hi! Those little hands are now just about 13 and 14 years old. Where did the years go?
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Thank you for the beautiful photos, Linda.
ReplyDeleteI love the reminder that Easter brings.
Hugs and blessings
I hope you had a wonderful Easter, friend ...
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Happy Belated Ressurection Day! But, then again, it is not belated because we serve and celebrate our precious risen Savior every day of our lives. Oh, He is precious to my heart! I have never loved Him more. I pray He blesses you, dear Linda.
ReplyDeleteSo beautifully said about this not being belated. I want to shout 'He is risen indeed' every day of the year! Thank you for saying this all so well this evening, lovely lady. And I am growing more in love with Jesus by the minute. It's a wonderful place to be.
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Indeed He Has Risen.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I so appreciate you sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month.
You're a generous hostess, friend. I hope your Easter week has been a fruitful celebration.
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