Porch #115 🎨 4 Nurturing Somethings

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

The last golden days of October have arrived.  Meanwhile, we're living with the awful surreal reality of the mass shooting in next-door Maine.  The whole world has gone mad with torment and grief, our politics are completely off-the-rails, and holiday excesses are just around the corner.  

Lament matters.

I don't know about you, but I need to acknowledge these stark realities even as I purposefully refocus and recalibrate, reflecting on things that are good and lovely, excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).  I know no other way to continue forward.

The soothing art of dabbling with watercolors.  Choosing to purposefully quiet our ragged souls.  Falling in love with the Scriptures yet again.  And my take on blogging as 2023 edges toward a close.

Here we go.

SOMETHING LOVED

🎨

SOMETHING READ

In the cacophony of life's demands and pressures, God invites us to intentionally still and quiet our souls.  When we let our soul rest in God's presence, we no longer come to him as an infant scrambling for sustenance or demanding his attention and action.  Instead, we become like a content older child who just wants to be near for the sake of the relationship.
- Mindy Caliguire, Soul Care

🎨

SOMETHING LEARNED

If the Old Testament leaves you daunted and dazed, if the New Testament seems completely unrelated to those first 39 books, The Story of Scripture will turn your faith walk upside down and inside out.  I can't speak highly enough of Dr. Mark Yarbrough's presentation, a fascinating journey through the Word of God that connects Genesis right up through Revelation.  

After eleven in-person sessions in one weekend, I left with a whole new biblical worldview, in awe of God's covenant plan for those who love Him.  Finally, all the pieces fit together.

This course taught by Dallas Theological Seminary President Yarbrough is now FREE online.  Yarbrough is a dynamic combination of scholar theologian, gifted leader, and enthusiastic storyteller.  Click here to check out the course.  Is it time for you to go back to school?

🎨

SOMETHING AHEAD

Something's going on in the blogging world.  People are shifting gears.  Link Up gatherings aren't what they used to be.  Some writers are heading off for greener pastures while others are exploring fresh creative outlets in other social media venues.  

The pressures of family life, health challenges, and work responsibilities cramp our style and drain us dry.  We lose heart, passion, and focus.  It's not uncommon for former prolific blogging dynamos to simply fizzle out, fading from view without a trace or a farewell.

But despite all this, I do believe that 'old-school blogging' is not only here to stay but is beginning to re-emerge as a force to be reckoned with.  I'm hearing of people disillusioned with FB and Insta and whatever Twitter is calling itself these days.  There's a yearning for good solid writing and old-fashioned dialogue.  Less competition and comparison, more collaboration and community building.

All that said, I'm pulling the pieces together for my next venture.  I'm anything but technologically literate so I'm immersing myself in a labor of love that's stirred with a hefty dollop of apprehension.  (You might remember that I almost lost not one but two websites all within a span of five minutes.  And I actually lost my entire subscriber list three years ago in the bowels of the internet.  What a train wreck.  Thankfully, many of you hung on with me and God has blessed this work.)  

Anyway, you, my faithful sojourners, will be the first to know what's next.  I'm kind of excited about what He has in store.  I'll be back in a week or two.  Maybe three?  I've learned not to rush into anything new but to honor my need to move slowly.

Grace and space.

I think you'll like what's coming down the pike.  Hold your breath, say a prayer, stay tuned.

Linda

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August in a Nutshell 🥜 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. 

🥜

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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.

🥜

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
I've been blogging since way back in 2007 and this past week's conversation is, hands down, the most in-depth one we've ever had.  It's not too late to join in ... or consider what others have shared.  Click here to check out your wide variety of dilemmas, questions, and answers.

P.S. #2

* Subscribers, as always you can click on the title to take you over to the comment section.  OR hit REPLY to email your thoughts.  OR text if you'd like.  I will post your email or text remarks using your first initial only and you'll always find my responses in the comment section! 

😉

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Porch #102 💕 The 6 Teenagers Edition

 PORCH
A CHRIST-CENTERED
WEEKEND NEWSLETTER
gentle conversation & calming snapshots
uplifting linkage & occasional surprises
for those who delight in doing life
in the company of kindred spirits

What's happening?!

Yes, this weekend's uber-late-to-the-party edition of PORCH will sneak in right under the wire.  I'm in recovery mode after spending the last week at Camp and I'm guessing that these snapshots will speak a thousand words of the sheer joy of spending 7 days with 6 teenagers.

These guys are the real deal.  Courageous, wittier and more energetic than I'll ever be, tender, and occasionally too smart for their own good.  Spending a week in their company was utterly priceless.  

Walks and talks, puzzles and watercolors.  A brief impromptu dance party on a small motorboat ('go grandma!')  Hearing their fears and dreams.  Learning from their wise choices.  Cheering on their athletic prowess.  Worshipping together ... and downing far too much ice cream.

I'm grateful to be doing life with them, usually from afar.  I find it quite freeing not to feel like I've got to solve their problems, fix their dilemmas, or save their souls.  I try to listen more than dispense unwanted advice or unnecessary opinions.  I'm applauding every godly character trait and wise decision I can find.  

Praying without ceasing has become my lifeline.  Because this is what grandparents do.  Yes, I love my role in this sometimes treacherous, often miraculous season of their lives.

(Oh and spending time with their parents?  Bonus points, for sure.)

💕

something loved

something read

Emily Freeman is reading a Psalm a week to us again this summer.  What a simple treasure to hear God's powerful Word spoken in her gentle cadence on Tuesday mornings.

something eaten

yes, you can order a small & end up with a large

yes, you can eat dessert first

yes, blue is delicious

something learned

'What if there was a place where we could share stories ... with other people who also have lost a parent?  Not a grief site or a support group, but a place to reflect and remember together?'

My friend Lois is debuting @RememberingOurParents.  She has been a faithful, gentle encourager in my own grief journey and I'm so excited that she is now building community around this healthy desire to recall and reflect.  Here's what, why, and how.  

Let's talk grandparenting (or parenting).  

Your best joys, your deepest challenges.

Or something you're reading 

or eating or learning.

Linda

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Porch #97 📬 June Somethings

 PORCH
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How are you today?

It's an early rainy morning here on Cape Cod and I literally am on the porch, sitting on this sofa, pulling this newsletter together.  I did a quick calculation last night ... we've been able to spend 14 days this month with our grandkids (and parents) in Connecticut, Maryland, and right here this week.  A new record, I'm guessing.

The house is now still as a stone.  It's so quiet you could hear a pin drop.  The loud laughter and music and random dancing have ceased.  There's not ten conversations going at once or sweet memories being made one-on-one.  The kitchen is not overflowing with food, counters and tabletops are clear of water bottles, phones, and sun glasses, and there's no piles of shoes to trip over.

The 14 days were sprinkled with little miracles, right and left.  Like stardust that sparkled bright and left me in awe of God's faithfulness and the reality of answered prayer.

I miss it all. 

*

something loved

something read
'Our God is bigger and better than our circumstances, fears, wounds, misconceptions, and past failures.  There is security and joy in declaring the goodness, kindness, loving, and eternal nature of our Father.  We dictate the emotions we feel by what we choose to dwell on and believe.  Our minds are the battleground for our emotions, actions, and desire to dwell in communion with our good God.'
- First15

something learned
It took me weeks, but I finally emptied my Juno email account.  She was with me every step of the way for 30 years, long before blogging and texting became my daily bread.  

I wasn't sure what to do with the thousands of emails Mom had sent or the all the cute stories of the grandkiddos when they were little or copies of every post I ever wrote.

But in the process, I realized I didn't need to stuff my new email account with old memories.  My heart sheltered the moments that needed to be treasured.  And once I started hitting the delete button, I realized I'd survive without having to hold onto and re-read a blow by blow account of my life since 1993.

I can't begin to tell you how light and unencumbered I felt when it was all over.  Freedom from the tyranny of the sheer quantity of what I had thought was so essential. 

something eaten

Clam chowder and a stuffed quqhog.  Oyster crackers, melted butter, lemon ... and a lovely pink lily.  Lunch at Landfall in Woods Hole, a waterfront restaurant 'constructed of wood taken from old shipwrecks and boards from old buildings.'

What are you loving, reading, learning, and eating?  I'd love to hear.
Linda

📬

If you're a blogger, a whole bunch of us have been figuring out what we really want to do with our normal routines this summer.  It's not too late to join the conversation.  Click here.

Jennifer & Paula & Jeanne & Donna & Richella & Lisa & Dee & Joanne

- thanks!

4 Quirky Somethings + Bonus Read

Hey, all you May lovers!

I don't know about you, but more often than not, life ends up feeling oh so random and weirdly unplanned.  Wonky and unpredictable and a whole lot of quirky.  Kinda like this month's 4 Somethings.  No rhyme, no reason, no hidden theme, no carefully crafted summary of a lovely, sunshiny month. 

But we do have sneakers and lace.  Boundaries.  A to-do list that's breathtakingly simple.  A whole lot of lemons.  And a bonus read.  

Just because we can.

🍋

something loved 

🍋

something read
'If we don't know who we are, we will constantly be manipulated into who others want us to be or become enmeshed in the needs of other people.  

When we know who we are, we are whole and available to love, serve, and give to others from that fullness. 

 If we don't know who we are, then we will love, serve, and give, hoping people will fill our empty places and make us feel whole.  

And in doing so, we will always be defined by how well or how poorly someone else makes us feel.'
Good Boundaries and Goodbyes:
Loving Others Without
Losing the Best of Who You Are
Lysa Terkeurst

🍋

something learned 

create your very own
ENOUGH LIST

🍋

something eaten

squeezed or zested

lovely tart lemons give 

every dish a very unique zing

*

cinnamon coffee cake
roasted veggies

lemon pasta
scones

barbeque sauce

muffins

anything fish-y
lemon bars
iced juices, tea, soda
lemonade (of course)

🍋

BONUS READ: When Life Hands You Lemons
Linda

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Porch #89 * 4 Springtime Somethings

THE PORCH

A CHRIST-CENTERED
WEEKEND NEWSLETTER
*
gentle conversation & calming snapshots
uplifting linkage & occasional surprises
for those who delight in doing life

in the company of kindred spirits

🍦

SOMETHING LOVED

My husband hit it right out of the park with this anniversary gift of love ... he designed and built our very own Log Cabin Road Library.  Our neighbors have been dropping by and seem just as happy about its debut as we are!  If you're on the Cape, please come visit.

Little Free Library Mobile App

🍦

SOMETHING READ

Is it too early to say that this will be one of my favorite reads of 2023?
vulnerable . unputdownable . compelling
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
All My Knotted-Up Life: A Memoir
Beth Moore

🍦

SOMETHING LEARNED
'Healthy is a wholistic state of being that requires more than just knowing the amount and type of nutrients in the food you're eating.  Being kind to yourself while eating ice cream is healthier than hating yourself while eating a salad.  Anxiety and perfectionism are not good for your health.'
How to Keep House While Drowning:
A Gentle Approach to Cleaning & Organizing
KC Davis

🍦

SOMETHING EATEN

Have a delicious weekend, friends!  
Linda

*  Did you catch No One Has a Crystal Ball this week?  It might have gotten lost in the shuffle.

*  SUBSCRIBE HERE to get the PORCH weekend newsletter + occasional essays + the monthly BOOKBAG.  All FREE, straight to your inbox, cancel any time.

*  Jennifer & Paula & Jeanne & Donna & Richella & Lisa - faithful blog hostesses.

*  I appreciate all of you who support my work!  Simply click an Amazon link on any post & then shop 'til you drop.  That's it!  A few cents go into my pocket at no extra cost to you ever.

Porch #84 * 4 March Somethings

 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

☕

#1
SOMETHING LOVED

My sister & I remembered Mom's birthday at this lovely little tearoom ... decadent treats served fireside, topped with Marilyn's fabulous gift of story-telling, some quiet moments, a hefty portion of good memories, laughter, & a sprinkle of tears.

#2
SOMETHING READ

Lysa writes, 'I want to be the friend who comes alongside you with compassion to show you that it isn't unloving to set a boundary, & it isn't un-Christian to say goodbye.'   I couldn't agree more.

#3
SOMETHING LEARNED

WILDFLOWER SEED BOMBS!

Flatten a bit of air-dry clay to make a 1.5" circle.  Add a bit of compost/potting soil & then a couple pinches of seeds.  Fold in half & squeeze into a ball.  Dip quickly in water, then roll in compost/potting soil again.  Dry & then store 'til you're ready to toss them in the area you want the flowers to grow!  

* I used compost & a combination of seeds I collected from our garden last fall mixed with the seed mix.  A 2.5 lb. container of clay & 1/4 lb. seed gave me about 70 seed bombs.  I hear you can use air-dry clay, kitty litter, wet shredded paper, or clay powder.  A messy, fun, outside, kid-friendly activity.

#4
SOMETHING EATEN

There's nothing like the first bite of your first lobster roll of the season ... & catching up on all the latest with a dear friend.  Don't forget the chocolate shake.

☕

What are you loving, reading, learning, and eating these days?

Linda

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Thanks to those of you who support my work!  Simply click an Amazon link on any post & then shop 'til you drop.  That's it!  No extra cost to you ever.