Thursday, August 24, 2023

August in a Nutshell πŸ₯œ Porch #106

PORCH
A CHRIST-CENTERED
WEEKEND NEWSLETTER
 gentle conversation  
calming snapshots
uplifting linkage
occasional surprises

Still life photos from 'round these parts.  A surprising slant on forgiveness.  An innovative faith resource.  And a peek at the upcoming kitchen reveal.

Here's August in a nutshell. 

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SOMETHINGS LOVED












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SOMETHING READ


'One of the most important distinctions to make when learning about the practice of forgiveness is to forgive the person, not their actions. Playing the sequence of someone’s wrongful action over and over again in the mind is a terrible hindrance to obeying God’s command to forgive. When we continually reflect on how wrong an action was, our thoughts act as a blockade between our hearts and God’s heavenly compassion.

Showing compassion for the wrongful actions of another is not easy, but it is necessary. If we are to live a lifestyle of continual forgiveness the way God commands, we must look to heart of the person and receive God’s compassion rather than taking up the seat of judgement. If we are to love one another as God has loved us, we must value relationship over worldly justice and give grace where none is deserved.'
First15: Forgive the Person, Not Their Actions 

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Something Learned


'Helping people experience the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus.'  

Biblical scholarship intersects with visual storytelling and technology at BibleProject.  I've gained so much clarity from the Book Summary videos, sometimes at the normal playback speed, more often at a slightly slower speed (good for those of us who don't think as quickly as a 20 year old), and with no volume at all.

A superb adjunct to your personal Bible reading, but also in family devotions, classes, groups, worship services.  I'm giving this excellent multi-faceted, faith stretching toolbox ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.

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SOMETHING AHEAD




Next weekend's PORCH?  The long awaited kitchen reveal!  I'm putting the final touches on this upcoming edition, including all kinds of kitchen-y links in case you see something that inspires you.  And no, this ain't no home decorating blog, but you guys came up with all kinds of brilliant ideas when we first started talking about this project way back in January and your enthusiasm jump-started the whole shebang.

It all started with The Shelves Make Their Grand Debut ...

See you in the kitchen ~
Linda

P.S. #1
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oin in ... or consider what others have shared.  Click here to check out your wide variety of dilemmas, questions, and answers.

P.S. #2
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60 comments:

  1. The plate of shrimp in the pictures looked great!! Perfect meal on a hot summer day! I appreciated the article on forgiveness - "forgive the person, not their actions". I think in some instances I need to make that clearer - it might come across that I approve the actions, when I don't. I'll have to look at that closer to see what the person's understanding is of what I was forgiving. Thanks for sharing that!

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    1. Yeah, I've had to sit with this concept a bit to begin to appreciate how this might help us forgive more fully, while still loving well yet not forgetting the wisdom we've gained from the situation. It's a process, to say the least, isn't it ...
      🀷‍♀️

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  2. Love the pictures on the blog!!

    * subscriber text response

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  3. Love the pictures and oh my! That shrimp dish looks so good. Can't wait to see the full kitchen reveal. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. Peel and eat shrimp = ZERO points on WW!
      🍀

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  4. The August photos all look so lovely. I especially like the hydrangeas paired with white roses. I'm looking forward to the kitchen reveal!

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    1. Barbara, thanks! A handful of flowers always makes me smile.
      🌷

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  5. All your "something loved" photos just scream summer fun to me! I can't wait to see how the kitchen turned out.

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    1. It HAS been a fun summer ... and still is. I just read something on Halloween this morning. Yikes, let's hold our horses!
      🐴

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  6. Linda, the photos you shared here soothed and inspired my soul! It took me back to my childhood and all the memories I have of spending time in Massachusetts with grandparents, cousins, etc. I could almost taste the salt spray in the air!
    Your kitchen is going to be marvelous, I'm sure. Looking forward to the big reveal photos.
    Blessings!

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    1. Oh I'm so glad you've found some lovely memories here, Martha. Those were good seasons, weren't they ...
      πŸ–️

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  7. I've bumped into the Bible Project before, but had forgotten about it. I'm going to make a point of checking it out. Thanks for sharing all the goodness you find.
    Just returning from a couple of nights in the tent at a site waaaaay up in Western Maine with no phone access. Lots of pine trees and a beautiful lake. Now reentry...

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    1. Camping in a tent in Western Maine with no phones! My admiration for you grows and grows, girl ...
      πŸ•️

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  8. What a great idea--to capture the essence of each month with photos! You are a talented chooser-of-subject-matter!! (And none too shabby with a camera either!) / Thank you for sharing the book-excerpt about forgiveness. I'm thinking that considering the person and not the deed will help me remember: none of us are perfect; we all need forgiveness now and then--including myself. / I too am looking forward to the kitchen reveal--see you next week!

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    1. Yeah, good point, Nancy. We all need forgiveness now and then, don't we. How soon we forget ...
      πŸ˜•

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  9. Linda, I love all of your “something loved” photos! I can’t wait to see the kitchen reveal!! Happy weekend!

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    1. Pam, thanks! We're so happy the project is done!
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  10. Sure, it is good to forgive,
    but recipient must understand
    that the way I choose to live
    is with a weapon close at hand,
    so if you cross me once again,
    at your peril it will be,
    and I will gladly bring the pain,
    and it will be too late to flee,
    but turn new leaf to face the sun,
    and enmity comes to an end,
    and you will see that I become,
    each passing day, a better friend,
    for there's no dearer thing to me
    than a mate who was once enemy.

    Sorry I've been absent. Barb had surgery, and caregiving roles have been reversed. It was her gallbladder, and she's on the mend.

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    1. Hey Barb, mend well, girl. I hope Andrew and all those 4 footed creatures are giving you time and space to heal.
      🩹

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  11. I always enjoy our times on your porch, Linda!

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  12. Your photos are so lovely! It looks like a marvelous summer. And I will eagerly loo forward to your big reveal!

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  13. Ah, I can't wait for that porch reveal! Keeping us in suspense like that! August in a nutshell, I would say, was beautiful!! Love love those flowers in the flour canister!! Happy Friday to you!

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    1. I love putting all those old kitchen-y things to good use!
      πŸ₯£

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  14. My church introduced me to the Bible Project awhile back. It's so relatable. I'd encourage to watch the video of the creators explaining how it all started. Very inspiring! Looking forward to you big reveal, too!

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    1. I hadn't gone to the website 'til this week, Lynn. I agree, it's all inspiring, so innovative, Christ-honoring, forward looking. What a gift for the next generation to have these kind of resources. I've come to better understand the big picture of His Love Letter to us from these videos. So grateful!
      πŸ“½️

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  15. love these photos - how refreshing. The one that stood out the most to me was the salad with shrimp. One of my favorite meals

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  16. I also love your flowers in the flour container. Beautiful.

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  17. Wonderful photos. Especially the close-up ones. Thanx Linda.

    God bless.

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    1. Hope you're having a great weekend, Victor.
      πŸ’‚‍♂️

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  18. Just love all the photos! My favorite might be the one of the artists at the beach. Very exciting about the kitchen project, so I'm looking forward to the big reveal. I also love The Bible Project and always learn new things from their podcasts and videos. Hope you have a great week!

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    1. It was fun to see them painting away. But I'd feel weird and be embarrassed to do the same, ya' know?!
      🎨

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  19. And what a nutshell Linda! Gorgeous photos, memories and wonderful words, "'One of the most important distinctions to make when learning about the practice of forgiveness is to forgive the person, not their actions." THIS I feel is the key to letting go with forgiveness. We have a rather disappointing issue of hurt with a family member, and I was encouraging my husband with this thought just this morning!

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    1. I'm working through what this looks like on a practical basis. Some behaviors are so outrageous and completely off the charts and we get all caught up in that aspect, getting mired in all kinds of details that need to be released. Looking at forgiveness through this simplified lens can be a very freeing thing.

      And Jesus hasn't given us another option.
      ✝️

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  20. I always enjoy your photos, and I look forward to seeing your new kitchen!

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    1. Good to connect back and forth today, friend! Have a good one ...
      🌍

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  21. I love those books of the Bible clips! Our Bible study is on the book of Ephesians now. Made for a great synopsis! ❤️πŸ™

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    1. And we're studying Galatians on Sunday morning ... I need to check out that overview this week!
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  22. Hi Linda,

    I've been meaning to come back and comment on your posts all week, and then when I finally did, I got error messages. I don't have the bandwidth to figure out why right now, so I'll just continue emailing you my comments until I find the problem or it mysteriously resolves itself (which it has done before, go figure).

    Comment for Porch #106
    The anticipation seems to be building for that kitchen reveal, Linda. I also can't wait to see the finished project. :-) Now I'm off (finally) to comment on your last post ...

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    1. Thanks for going the extra mile and tracking me down! And yes, I completely hear you about the bandwidth. Nobody's got time for all that these days ...
      😬

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  23. ❤️❤️ your amazing photos. You writing on forgiveness was powerful.

    * subscriber text response

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    1. It's great wisdom from an excellent morning quiet time resource. I highly recommend!
      πŸ“–

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  24. WOW! 40+ comments. I feel like a "loser" since I am so late to this party. :) But traveling to see my grandson takes precedence. LOL. I love the looks of that shrimp. Yum. it looks like life is taking an "easy toll" on you as you slow down. Thanks for sharing your "life" with us in pictures.

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    1. No one is ever a loser when they spend time with their loved ones. Never! Hope it was wonderful, Bill ...

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  25. I have a book to recommend that can be a life changer: "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" by John Mark Comer.

    * subscriber email response

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    1. I've been hearing good things about Comer's book, friend! Thanks for mentioning it to us ...
      https://amzn.to/3qOGNaW
      🐒

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  26. Beautiful my friend. Regine
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

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    1. Always happy when you pop in, Regine ...
      🌀️

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  27. Your photos always make me want to be sitting with you in person enjoying the same things. Oh how lovely that would be!!

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  28. Linda, first, I loved your photos from your neck of the country. Looks like such a wonderful place to live! Second, I look forward to seeing your kitchen reveal! We recently had our kitchen cabinets resurfaced, and I couldn't be happier with the results! Your kitchen has a very similar layout to ours. :)

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    1. It'll be fun to compare notes! I love peeking at other people's projects and getting fresh inspiration.
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  29. I just realized that I have not been getting your posts in my email...not sure why! I love your pictures and can't wait to see your kitchen reveal!

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    1. Bummer! I'm sorry they haven't been coming your way, Cindy. Maybe sign-up again on the subscribe page?

      You've been missed, girl.
      http://www.lindastoll.net/p/subscribe.html
      πŸ’Œ

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