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I've moved to my brand new online home
I can't wait to see you again
the welcome mat is out
I saved a seat just for you
Linda
💙
11.2.2023
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
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
- 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
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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
Want more?
If This Blog Disappears
If This Blog Disappears
What are you writing these days?
'I've always believed in the therapeutic value of writing. At a very early age, I realized that I think better with a pen in my hand. I'm not a journal keeper, but for most of my life I've been a champion notetaker, documenting everything ... The scratch of a Pilot Precise V5 roller pen feels pleasingly analog in a relentlessly digital world, as if I were knitting something - and in a way I am. The physical act knits concepts together in my memory and makes them part of a whole.
The cool thing is, research backs this up: Studies reveal that when we write things down by hand, we're better able to recall that info later. And as both devoted diary keepers and brilliant novelists know, writing helps knit ourselves back together, too ... If we read to know the world, we write to know ourselves. When we put our experiences down on paper, we make meaning out of them, and when we share them, we invite others to not only feel what we felt but find themselves in our stories.'
*
I've always found satisfaction in putting pen to paper. All those jumbled up bits and pieces swirling 'round my brain somehow begin to make sense when seen in black and white. Random thoughts magically come together, ideas and images join forces, thoughts and plans and brainstorms happily rub shoulders, relieved to find themselves as kindred spirits heading in the same direction.
And if the process unfolds well, a spark may slowly ignite something of value or become a tool that keeps life moving down the right track.
For years I journaled until I found it cumbersome, repetitive, and depressing. But I find writing out prayers to be a powerful experience. And grateful to have 35 years of notes scrawled in the margins of my Bible.
I do love a shopping list on the back of an envelope, a to-do list on the left side of my desk, a good quality wall calendar.
The convenience of texting has gotten in the way of hand written notes and cards. I'm trying to head back to that gracious, old-fashioned kind of correspondence. You, too?
These days I'm toting around one of those stenographer's pads to keep ministry thoughts, notes, plans in one place. Actually the one I'm using right now was my Mom's, who never met a notepad she didn't love.
And you already know that blogging's in my blood. I'm sure I never would have made it through the hard transitions and deep grieving and that awful season of covid without its faithful rhythm and the community that's emerged from it.
Thank You, Jesus.
Along the way, a few people have encouraged me to write a book, but I can't even imagine. The stress of it all! Ugh. Writing brings me life and hope and satisfaction. Heading toward any kind of publication would drain me dry.
So ... what are you writing this week? If you've got samples or links, I'd love for you to share with the rest of us. What's working for you just might prime the pump for the next person.
Linda
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Porch #96 * Blogger, This One's For You
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
📬
THIS WEEK
College orientation. Can you even ...?
I like how you framed the summer 'blogging load.' It's a loaded phrase, no pun intended. It's interesting to see the wide variety of responses ... drop out, pare down, forge ahead as usual. Or maybe do something completely different in these online spaces we call home.
It'd be refreshing NOT to do business as usual, wouldn't it ...
😉*
So dear blogging friends, what do you really want to do with summer? Do you feel an inner pressure to keep your tried and true routine going? Or maybe you've been dreaming up something completely out-of-the-box for your online presence?Are you craving a break from your posting schedule but fear losing your readers and that hard-won momentum in building community?
Feeling a bit crispy around the edges, at a loss when it comes to producing something fresh or innovative?
Are you bored with blogging? Or do you feel God stretching and growing you because of your time online?
And if you're not a blogger but you love FB or Insta or any kind of online social, are you considering any summertime choices, changes, or challenges?
Let's talk. Because there's no one size that fits all. Yet it's always good for us to know what we value and how we want to invest our
sometimeslimited time and energy, especially as we're barreling into a brand new season. I can't wait to hear what you're considering.
Linda
P.S.
Would you take two minutes and tell me what you'd like to see around here the next few months? (And what you wouldn't). I think I know where we're headed but your needs are important to me, ok? It'd mean a lot to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
Would you take two minutes and tell me what you'd like to see around here the next few months? (And what you wouldn't). I think I know where we're headed but your needs are important to me, ok? It'd mean a lot to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
Porch #76 * 15 Mid-Winter Life Savers
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
Winter seems to drag on forever here on Cape Cod. More often than not, it's damp, chilly, and windy. It seldom snows and a gray haze wraps itself around us like a big ol' quilt ... the heavy cloud-shrouded skies, the mighty churn of the ocean, the darkened shingled houses, the dormant trees, the roadways.
It gets dark early and spring takes her own sweet time in making a brief but glorious arrival before summer saunters in like she owns the place. Year round residents are few and prone to hunker down somewhere cozy rather than be out and about. Not that there's a whole lot of anything open to go to anyway.
It's easy to become a hermit 'round these parts, to have your lovely solitude erode into gloomy isolation. Yet there's no place else I'd rather be. When the blue sky makes an appearance, we stream outdoors and celebrate every bit of it. We breathe in the fresh, salty air and thank God for the simple blessing of real live golden sunshine and any warm breeze He sends our way.
All that to say here's my mid-winter life savers. Get cozy and hunker on down with me, friends, and browse and explore to your heart's content.
💌
1. candle
Most mornings, I light a candle after coming downstairs. The warm scent of Woodwick Vanilla Bean smells luscious but not overpowering as it crackles away. And in this peaceful morning ritual, I often quietly sing the chorus of this song.
SHOP HERE
2. calendar
I didn't set up my wall calendar 'til last week. Bad idea. Every time I wanted to know what was going on I had to sift through a whole bunch of bits and pieces of scrap paper looking for what I should have already known. My favorite calendar saved the day when she finally arrived. If you look at your calendar 10x a day like I do, Lang's gorgeous works of art are worth every cent.
SHOP HERE
3. white board
If it wasn't bad enough that I had no calendar, my white board bit the dust last month as well. Ours holds a place of honor on the fridge and it's always been a steady lifeline, simply because if something's not written down, I'll forget it. Daily to-dos, our weekly schedule, things I don't want to nag about that need attention. Few things are more satisfying than swiping away a task after finishing it off. I was so relieved when my new one arrived. Life could return to normal again.
SHOP HERE
4. ministry
I've found my sweet spot as a co-leader of a Stephen Ministry at church. The team of care givers that God continues to pull together is awesome. If your church is looking for a more organized, effective way to reach out to people who need care, this just might fit the bill. The training is awesome, the hearts of people who both give and receive care are beautiful. I can't say enough.
LEARN MORE
5. movies
One of the many things we missed during covid was the simple joy of going to the movies. It looks like we're finally back in business again ... and one of the local theaters is only $6.50 on Tuesdays.
6. wreaths
I recently scooped up two faux forsythia wreaths at T.J. Maxx, one for each door. I was more than glad to take down the dried up pine wreaths and put these beauties up yesterday. Springtime wreaths in January? I couldn't imagine waiting another day. These make me smile.
SHOP SIMILAR
7. seasoning
I'm a huge fan of Everything Bagel seasoning. I sprinkle it generously on all kinds of food - hard boiled eggs, sweet potatoes, tuna salad, avocados, mashed potatoes, tossed salad, whatever. You, too?
SHOP HERE
8. starfish
No, I'm not talking about the spiny ocean dweller. Lands' End Starfish pants/leggings/jeans/shorts are my wardrobe staples. Think comfy, stretchy, excellent quality ... and there's always a sale going on. I'm the biggest fan ever as my body continues to change. (Emily Freeman's gracious game-changing Wear Better Pants podcast episode comes to mind.)
SHOP HERE
9. freezer
There might only be two of us these days, but you'll still find me whipping up big batches of spaghetti sauce, chicken soup, chili, pot roast, sausage tortellini soup, biscuits, shortbread. It's a good nudge to invite a few people over for a meal ... or to keep the freezer stocked for (most) days when I don't feel like cooking. The secret is to freeze your culinary goodies flat in bags, not use bulky containers that take over limited freezer space.
SHOP HERE
10. devotions
This year I'm using a Bible reading plan. It's designed to take the reader through the Old Testament and the New Testament in two years, and the Psalms and Proverbs four times. I'm staying focused but when I miss a day, no worries. God is not a harsh taskmaster, but a loving Father full of grace, gently inviting us into a deeper, more vibrant relationship.
THE PLAN
11. organizing
It's like winter was made for sorting and re-organizing our stuff. I feel free-er and lighter when I know what I actually have and decide on the perfect place for it to be stored. And there's something satisfying in shedding excess stuff that we simply don't use or care about anymore.
BAG A DAY
12. caring bridge
Two dear longtime friends are each walking through cancer's dark valley. My heart breaks for their pain and their families' grief. But I'm grateful for the loving online communities that let them know they're not alone. Please pray for Heather and for Brent.
THE WEBSITE
13. books
I'm moving slowly through my TBR list. I did a detour to dive into Prince Harry's memoir. And Bonnie Gray's Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul to Rest is waiting patiently in the wings (thank you, Carole).
MY TBR LIST
14. the blues scrapbook
I pulled together these mid-winter snapshots a year ago. Best therapy ever.
ENJOY SCRAPBOOK
15. blogging
I've been blogging since way back in February of 2008. I can't begin to tell you how my faith in Christ has deepened because of the conversations we've shared. I'm grateful for the meaningful ways you've nudged me out of my worn-out comfort zone, enlarged my borders, and clarified my worldview. Iron truly sharpens iron, doesn't it (Proverbs 27:17).
I've been blogging since way back in February of 2008. I can't begin to tell you how my faith in Christ has deepened because of the conversations we've shared. I'm grateful for the meaningful ways you've nudged me out of my worn-out comfort zone, enlarged my borders, and clarified my worldview. Iron truly sharpens iron, doesn't it (Proverbs 27:17).
What's saving your life this winter?
Linda
💌
P.S.#1
Subscribers - click on today's title, scroll down, and jump right into the conversation! Not a subscriber yet? Click here now! I'd love to have you join us.
P.S.#2
Thanks to bloggers Anne & Paula & Jeanne & Donna & Richella & Lisa
P.S.#3
As an Amazon Associate, I receive a small commission when you do your regular Amazon shopping after clicking on their links here ... at no extra cost to you! Thanks for continuing to support my work, friends.
9 Blogging Questions You've Been Asking Me
Hey my friends! Welcome back.
Today we're going to look at questions you've sent my way in recent days. Hopefully this will be helpful, maybe even interesting whether you're new to blog reading ... or you're a writer who's been blogging since way back in the day.
I've been writing online since 2008. And more than ever I love it. I do get a little weary of hearing creative types brush it off as 'old school.' The nay-sayers don't know what they're missing. Fresh topics and energizing dialogue that enlarge our borders and push us out of our well-worn comfort zones. Open doors and invitations to be heard and known. Building relationships and growing faith in ways that sometimes catch us surprisingly off guard.
There's absolutely nothing flashy, trendy, or eye-catching about my online home's design. No bells and whistles, no widgets and gizmos. I've kept things pretty bare bones with lots of quiet white space. When all is said and done, it's probably been a good thing.
Looking back, simple has served me pretty well. I've learned the hard way that too much tinkering with the innards quickly robs me of any creativity I may have.
My desire is to offer you a warm and welcoming Christ-centered space. A gentle pause in the busyness of your online travels. A calm haven to catch your breath and be re-filled. An opportunity for you to join in community with other like-minded souls to savor whatever is on the table at the moment.
And an ongoing invitation to safely join in on the conversation at hand. Or silently soak it all in on the sidelines.
Anyway, let's go ...
1. Where can I find your past book recommendations? I love the fiction you've written about.
Oh I'm glad you've found some good stuff!
Oh I'm glad you've found some good stuff!
Go to LindaStoll.net.
Right under the brick wall logo, click on post index.
You'll see the word LABELS on the right side. Scroll down until you find the word bookbag and click on that link.
All the book posts will be at your fingertips. Enjoy!
2. Do you make money when I shop at Amazon after clicking on one of their links here?
Thanks for asking, yes!
It's usually about 4% of your purchase total, depending on what you buy. So if you buy a book for $1.99, I might get 8 cents. But if you continue shopping after you arrive on Amazon, I will receive about 4% {more or less} of your total purchase price. And it doesn't cost you anything extra.
One way to do this is to take advantage of the e-book deals I gather for you. Click here to scroll through my most recent finds. You'll also find this link under the brick logo at the top of LindaStoll.net. This page is updated often and is a great way to sample a number of authors and their work. You'll never know who or what will turn up. Enjoy!
3. I used to get your posts in my email. Now they're not showing up. What happened?
In the past year Blogger slowly faded Feedburner out which is how subscribers received posts in their email inboxes. I moved to Mailchimp about 15 months ago. I'm guessing a number of readers and writers wonder where everyone vanished to.
Please re-subscribe by clicking the subscribe button on the top right under the brick wall logo. You'll most likely find my smiling face in your inbox within the week.
4. You often talk about 'joining the conversation.' How can I leave a comment? Or read what others are saying?
Subscribers, simply click on the title of the post and that will take you over to LindaStoll.net. Scroll down to the comment section and follow the prompts. When you see Name/URL, simply put your name there, and speak your mind.
OR
You can hit REPLY and email me your comment. I'll cut and paste it onto the website with the initial of your first name.
Please note that comments are approved by me before they show up on the site. This saves us all from dealing with obnoxious spam and random obscenities. 99% of the time I'll respond to your thoughts ... and if you're a blogger, I'll be dropping by at your place to say, 'hello.'
Honestly, the comment section is the best part. Period.
5. What days do you publish?
I'm keeping a pretty loose schedule these days. This is the 5th month of PORCH, my weekend newsletter. It goes out anywhere from Thursday to Saturday. Some weeks I'll do an essay mid-week.
Subscribers get everything I write. There's no special sign-ups or secret handshakes. Mailchimp sends out anything published soon after 11 am {eastern}.
6. I want to share your work with my friends. How do I do that?
If you're a subscriber reading this on email, simply hit the forward button and send a post to whoever. I'd love that. Really.
If you're reading on LindaStoll.net, you'll find 4 round aqua share buttons at the end of each post. If you like something, please spread the word to your fans and followers.
7. Are you on social media?
Nope, you won't find me anywhere else except right here. I decided long ago to just stick with blogging. The technology for everything else was daunting and I knew that I was already spending too much time online.
I do post a Scripture verse early mornings on LinkedIn. I'd love to see you there.
8. Will you do a guest post on my blog, read my manuscript, or connect with me offline?
Email me and we'll talk, ok?
linda stoll @ juno . com
9. Are you still counseling?
No, I retired from private practice right before Covid hit full force back in 2020. But you can access a number of posts on emotional healing and spiritual growth by clicking here. This will always be a passion of mine and a distinct theme in my writing.
And I keep this mental health resources link updated on LindaStoll.net. It's right under the brick wall logo. I hope you'll find some helpful information there. If you're in crisis, please call 911 or head to your local Emergency Room.
What other questions do you have, dear readers? You bloggers, let's talk about your blogging life these days ...
Linda
P.S.
Liked this? Click here for more musings on the wonders and challenges of the blogging life.
*
visiting
Jeanne/Lisa J & Paula
Richella & Lisa
Doing the Blogging Life
Hey There ~
For awhile, I've been wanting to chat with other bloggers about how they live out their blogging lives. I've never seen a discussion devoted to personal behind the scenes values and logistics. I find myself curious, fascinated really, to get a peek at what works for you ... and what doesn't.
For sure, there's no one right way to do the blogging life and chances are how you're living it out now has evolved from when you first started ... as well as being quite different from your neighbor's philosophy and practice.
I've thrown a whole lot of questions on the table to get the conversation going, but I really want to hear what's on your heart, the good, the bad, the divine, the not-so-pretty.
As ever, we are all students, listening well to each other's vulnerable stories, respecting our differences, and gleaning from hard won know-how, mistakes and victories.
Iron sharpens iron {Proverbs 27:17}.
Are you an old-timer or a fresh face?
Keep a posting schedule or go with the creative flow?
How many hours a week?
Developed a unique niche?
How do you dream up topics?
Do you participate in weekly link-ups?
Take time off?
Run out of steam?
How do your nurture your community?
And manage the tech stuff?
Do unpleasant emotions make an appearance?
Is this a money maker?
Have interactions been hurtful or harmful?
Embraced a theme, mantra, or mission statement?
How many bloggers do you follow?
Do you schedule time for commenting on other blogs?
What hasn't worked for you?
Impact of other social media?
Spending less morning quiet time with God?
Your biggest disappointment?
Your greatest joy?
What might God want to do with your passion to write, create, nurture, teach, mentor, lead?
Can't wait to hear how you do the ins and outs, the ups and downs of a fulfilling, Christ-honoring blog life ~
Linda
visiting
💻
please invite your online community
to join the conversation -
share buttons are below
Dear Subscribing Friends
Hey all you lovely email subscribers ~
I'll make a long stressful story short. I messed with the innards of Mailchimp last week and by the time I was done poking around, I had somehow cancelled the mailing of this past weekend's newsletter.
Brilliant.
So 4 days later, fingers crossed, here you go.
If you'd let me know this hits your inbox and what time it arrives, I'd appreciate the info. You can leave a comment on the Porch post or hit reply to this little note.
{Whenever you respond to a post by hitting reply, texting, or email, I publish your comment and identify you only by your first initial.}
My apologies. Enjoy the conversation.
From my heart to yours ~
Linda 💙
☎
Join me in Courtney Carver's
Less Phone.
More Life.
5-Day Challenge!
Jumbo 2021 Blog Celebration
Happy end of 2021, dear friends!
As the year winds down, we're celebrating connection and community and all the splendid gifts that come with purposeful, kind-hearted relationships, whether online or in person. Grab your party hat and the confetti ... because you had a big hand in making this happen!
And then put your feet up and get cozy 'cause we've got a whole lot to explore, bookmark, and take note of.
A blog-ish drum roll please.
All praise to Him.
🏆
THE TOP POST
I loved creating this scrapbook of blue-hued snapshots as well as opening the door to yet another conversation on pandemic brain health. This article got twice as many hits as usual around here ... and confirmed my inkling that it was time to add more snapshots into the mix as well as continuing to cultivate a safe place for emotional healing. You agreed.
MOST GENEROUS CONVERSATION
You jumped in with an outpouring of titles for my dear friend who was battling cancer {and continues to do so}. So much sincere empathy, prayer, and lovingkindness tumbled from your tender hearts, along with a hefty number of your favorite inspirational titles.
MOST COMMENTS
The 4 Somethings posts have been some of the most popular this year. This one really hit home. Thanks to Heather Gerwing for her monthly invitation to share what we love, read, treasure, and anticipate.
BIGGEST BOOKBAG POST
No surprise that the pandemic impacted our reading life in all kinds of ways. This post included titles that speak into the building of a stronger faith and the calming of mind, soul, and schedule.
MY PERSONAL FAVORITES
A love letter to the joys of long-term blogging. Paying no attention to blogging nay-sayers. Lessons learned the hard way. And a tribute to those gently encouraging, iron-sharpens-iron relationships.
We were created for rhythm and purpose, connection and creativity. Here's what happened when we joined hands and came up with all kinds of helpful ideas, soothing remedies, and healthy lifelines.
7 months later the conversation was still continuing. We joined forces to confirm what we already knew ... that we were all so done with juggling 58 things at once. What comfort to know we're in good company!
🏆
LONGEST TIME BLOGGING COMPANION
Loralu
@
The Final Chapters
MOST FAITHFUL COMMENTER
Martha
@
Meditations of my Heart
POET-IN-RESIDENCE
Andrew
@
Blessed Are The Pure of Heart
WITTIEST COMMENTER
Victor
@
Time For Reflections
📬
UPDATE FOR THOSE WHO LIKE
THE BLOG COMING TO THEIR EMAIL
Back in June I moved my free blog post delivery system from Feedburner to Mailchimp.
* If you've never subscribed, now's the perfect time. Click right here to do so. {You can easily cancel any time.} Be sure that I'm on your safe sender list.
lindastoll @ juno . com
* If the posts aren't coming, check your junk mail folder.
* If you've been a long time subscriber and haven't re-subscribed since June, click right here. Feedburner deliveries are getting more erratic and will most likely disappear before too long.
* If you're getting delivery of two copies of the same post:
Keep the email that has the brick building logo at the top of the page.
* If you're getting a copy with no brick building logo:
Scroll down to the bottom left of that email and click on the tiny unsubscribe now button. This is the old Feedburner email that is going out of business. The subject line reads Linda Stoll ...
YOUR INVITATION
TO COMMENT
Hint: The best part isn't the post. It's the conversation that follows for all readers.
You don't have to be a subscriber, a blogger, or an online guru to join the party. This is not an exclusive club, it's an open house! I invite you to savor whatever's on the table and then head on down to the comment section and share your thoughts.
Email readers, click on the post title to jump on over to the website. Scroll down to the comment section. Follow the prompt to comment. There will be a space that says Name /URL. Just fill in your name {a URL is only if you have a website. Just ignore it.}
Or you can simply hit the reply button and I'll post your comment, identifying you only by your first initial. Texting friends, the same applies to you!
If you're having trouble navigating, please email me at
lindastoll @ juno . com
Looking forward to doing life together in 2021! Let's see what God has for us individually and as a community.
Linda
P.S. #1
The resources page has been updated to include local and nationwide links to crisis care, counselors, support groups, workbooks, and more.
P.S. #2
Like what's happening here? Please share this sampling of posts with your friends and followers. Share buttons are below!
P.S. #3
Did you catch Our Christmas Letter and 2021's Top Three Books?
P.S. #4
Happily reconnecting with Jeanne/Lisa J & Richella & Lisa
Unplugging = Good for Body . Brain . Soul
Hey, dear friends!
Sometimes you just KNOW when it's time to pretty much unplug from online's incessant pull. And for me that's right about now!
October has found this single-tasker fairly focused on pawing through and re-organizing bins and drawers, file cabinets and closets, trunks and shelves. Furniture has been moved or put out on the end of the driveway with a FREE sign on it. The garbage cans overflow, goodies are passed to other family members, the shredder works overtime ... and the thrift shop will be happy when we drop by again tomorrow.
The coming weeks are filling fast with a bunch of online classes, long-anticipated {courtesy of covid} days with family and friends, random appointments ... and hopefully an adventure or two. And so I'm stepping back from blogging for a bit so I can be fully present for whatever God has in store.
And while I'll miss connecting with you in this space, I've never regretted taking time away from screens and blogging. Nothing revitalizes me more than living life away from the laptop. It's good for body, brain, and soul.
Meanwhile, I'm happy to leave you with a bouquet of recent finds that have touched me deeply. Check out the morning meditation app, a couple of truly outstanding podcast episodes and a few penned gems that are soothing, creative, rejuvenating, calming.
The musical benediction is the icing on the cake.
THE APP
Biblical Meditation
Emily Freeman Podcast
THE PENNED GEMS
Debby Hudson
Barbara @ one hopeful year
Emily @ My Weathered Home
Jean Wise
Courtney Carver
Emily Lex
Lois Flowers
Tracie Miles
THE MUSIC
We the Kingdom
Miss you already ~
Linda
P.S.
Thanks to my dear friend, Nancy, for sharing that dreamy picture up top.
P.S. #2
Our last two chats were just plain fun - Joyful Single-Tasking and the follow-up Little Sister Spilled the Beans.
P.S. #3
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Good morning, Linda! This past weekend I took Molly to summer college orientation and visited a dear friend where we used to live in Arkansas. Still processing all the thoughts and feels from all of that! I love your photos ... for me, right now, they feel like a quiet invitation to find ways to lighten my own blogging load this summer. I hope you have a wonderful week, friend.