Mellow September Reflections 📬 Porch #111

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In this reflective edition of 4 Somethings ... 

SOMETHING LOVED / glimpses

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SOMETHING READ / questions
'I think our calling is found in discovering where we are uniquely gifted and positioned to reveal God’s character and bring about healing, hope, and restoration in our lives and relationships.  What makes your heart race?  What aspects of God’s kingdom do you long to see more of in this world?  What injustices do you ache to be made right? Your calling is most often embedded in those very places where your heart is naturally drawn toward and broken by.'
Melissa Brownback

SOMETHING LEARNED / follow-up
Remember On Marshmallows, Mushrooms, and Monotasking?  Well in the seven weeks since I wrote that essay, I've amped up the healthy eating, embraced listing/bunching/batching tasks, and bravely ventured forward in some med tweaks suggested by my doctor.  Without any apologies, I'm claiming extra grace and space for a few days before and after large gatherings, deep conversations, and significant events.  

(Tim and I hosted a potluck supper for our church's Stephen's Ministry team of 20 this past weekend and it was a zero-stress, sheer joy occasion.  I loved every minute - the quiet readying of the house, the gathering itself, the slow process of tidying up.  I felt the calming rhythm of the Spirit's kind presence before, during, and after.)

I'm noticing that on the whole my mind is clearer, although don't be surprised if I ask your name if there's a lot going on in my head or commotion happening around us.  Many have agreed with me on this name thing, with great relief to know they're not the only one.  I do believe that putting difficult subjects on the table ... in writing and empathetic conversation ... serves as a path toward greater clarity, fresh options, and wise choices.  

All glory to the Helper and the Healer of our souls.  Every moment we gently cradle is only by His grace.  Jesus is The Name that never escapes my heart or slips my mind.

SOMETHING AHEAD / prayer

Now it's your turn to talk about what's made your September memorable!  How God has surprised you, what He's been whispering.  Is He inviting you to something deeper, more substantial?

Linda

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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.

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something loved 

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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

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something learned 

create your very own
ENOUGH LIST

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something eaten

squeezed or zested

lovely tart lemons give 

every dish a very unique zing

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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 #61 * Sunflowers & Somethings

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SOMETHING WISE

'Prayer is not asking God to endorse and resource your plan for your life.  Prayer is recognition that the One who made the world, including you, knows what's best for you.  As the psalmist says, "the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether" (Psalm 19:9).  

Prayer is not bringing your list and asking God to sign on the bottom.  Prayer is handing God a blank sheet that you have already signed and trusting Him to fill it out as He sees fit.'
- Paul David Tripp

SOMETHING WONDERFUL

very early morning tea & scones

with my sister

we use our grandmother's tea set

she was Scottish

i think she & our dad
would have been delighted

that we were honoring 

the Queen

remembering her life

celebrating the legacy 

she left our family

on the day of her funeral

SOMETHING WHISPERED
As we entrust our dreams, hopes, and desires to His tender leadership, He gives us light for each moment and sweet reassuring glimmers of the road ahead.  He holds us close to His beating heart as He carries us safely through those treacherous valleys that would easily swallow us alive if we were venturing alone.

His loving guidance fills us with hope and assurance as He whispers, 'peace, be still.'  For He knows the end from the beginning.

Keeping in pace with His sacred rhythms frees us from having to figure out every last detail.  And choosing to invest our energy in enjoying His companionship rather than playing the know-it-all grows our faith ... and gets us where we're going in a much calmer frame of mind.

He leads.  We follow.  Our souls overflow with unspeakable gratitude.
- How Calming the Relief When We Relinquish Control
July 2016

SOMETHING WHIMSICAL

Thanks for sharing this little bit of time together as we head into the weekend, dear friends.  As we mark the official start to autumn, may His hope re-fill our hearts as, yet again, 'we see His hand of mercy and hear His voice of cheer.'

He is always near.  Always.

Linda

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Heather & Jean

visiting 

Jeanne/Lisa J

Richella & Lisa

February's 4 Somethings

Thank You, Lord, that February is zipping right on by.  I don't think I've ever met anyone who says that this is their favorite month.  And that's ok.

Every once in awhile You send a warmish day with bright blue skies and we know that all will be well.

Meanwhile ...

SOMETHING LOVED
I'm praying this praiseworthy song on repeat these days.  Because sometimes this is all we can do.  And it is more than enough.

I just want to speak the name of Jesus
Over fear and all anxiety

To every soul held captive by depression

I speak Jesus

SOMETHING GLEANED
Emily Freeman's recent How to Walk Out of a Room stirred up memories of places I've walked into ... and out of.  Some were rooms of exhilarating opportunity.  Others felt like a pair of ill-fitting shoes.  There were rooms I stayed in far too long.  And others where freedom and joy were unleashed.

Sometimes we have to close the door behind situations that haven't served us well ... and yes, even the opportunites that have been wonderful require closure.  Because that's the only way we'll discover the place God has for us to be in this next season.
Podcast
Transcript

SOMETHING BRAVE
Joshua 1 is a call to battle.  God speaks these words, 'be strong and courageous.'  Repeatedly again and again.  He knows that we need to be constantly reassured of His presence, His power, His peace because we are easily prone to discouragement and fear ... the hand-wringing and what-ifs that tend to paralyze us into inaction. 

Yes, we really are in a battle.  But it's His battle, not ours.  We ask Him {repeatedly} to still our hearts.  We fight on our knees.  We speak Jesus.  We reject clamor and crazymaking and doom-scrolling.  We look for practical ways to show His lovingkindness and grace.

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.
- Exodus 14:14

SOMETHING ACHIEVED
One of my favorite things is to hunt down top-shelf resources.  You've told me that this is helpful, so ... here you go!  There are now two pages on the website that feature a treasure trove of discoveries.  I'm so excited! 

Click here for all kinds of healing resources.  Counselors, organizations, groups, workbooks, ministry training, links, phone numbers, etc.

Click here for terrific e-book deals.  So many goodies of all kinds!  This page will be updated every few days so come on by often and check out what's new.  And yes, as an Amazon Associate, I may receive a financial benefit when you make a purchase using these links {at no extra cost to you!} 

Let's talk about February in your neck of the woods ~
Linda 

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Don't You Just Love a Serendipitous October?!

time in New England took me away 

to long rocky beaches 

you by the bay

we started a story 

whose end must now wait

-  Manilow -
1976

You Guys!

There's two kinds of busy.

The kind that's frenetic, crazed, out of control.

And the kind that's pro-active, serendipitous, and restorative.

I've been there, done both.  But these days I'm pretty much embracing the healthier angle.  Cutting back on my online activity maybe 90% has been a necessary gift that's helped me be present with my own calendar, enjoy being in the moment right in front of me, and single-task to my heart's content.

The only thing missing is you!

So in the midst of exploring New England's nooks and crannies, focusing on these ministry leadership classes, and tending to a bunch of well-care visits, I'm happy to interrupt my blogging break to drop in to let you know you're on my heart.  And send a bit of golden October your way. 

🍁

SOMETHINGS LOVED

SOMETHING READ
Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return.  Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring.  They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen.  You, too, must be patient.  Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.   Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged.  For look—the Judge is standing at the door!
- James 5:7 - 9

I love the book of James.  The half-brother of Jesus talks straight to where we are right here, right now.  I'm on my 2nd read-through this month, soaking in his practical, pointed counsel on living a humble, servant-hearted Christian life.  Each phrase, each verse is savor-able and applicable.  Join me in a read-through, maybe using a fresh translation?

SOMETHINGS TREASURED 

SOMETHINGS AHEAD
Grieving losses.  Candles in the windows.  Breakfast by the fire.  Wrapping up Christmas shopping.  Quietly singing multi-versed hymns with Mom.  Saying farewell to Florida-bound friends.  Figuring out holiday logistics.  Concocting soup recipes.  Bundling up for brisk walks on the beach.  

Welcoming a new associate pastor and his family.  Aiming for 10,000 steps each day.  Praying more faithfully.  Wondering what blogging in this next season might look like.  Pulling fluffy biscuits out of a hot oven.  Saying good-bye to flip-flops and hello to fuzzy socks.  Launching into a new ministry.  

Listening well.  Loving deeply.

What's in the works for you?
Linda

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linking with

Lisa  .  Heather  .  Lisa J  .  Peabea

The Late Summer Somethings

Late August is a lovely season all its own.  

We're still savoring the lazy days of summer, yet can't help but think about our rapidly filling September calendars.  Even while we're sweating to death, the decorating blogs are in full-fledged autumn mode and we're shopping for warmer clothes, pumpkin candles, and piles of {expensive} school supplies. 

Let's all take a deep breath.

There's no rush to careen ahead at full speed.  Let's purpose to be fully present in this moment.  To appreciate the simple joys that are still within reach.  Flip flops and tee shirts.   An ice cream cone, a walk in the woods, a leisurely lunch with a friend, a bike ride, a day trip, a swim.  

For these days will be gone in the blink of an eye. 

So go ahead ... grab yourself an iced tea and head out the screen door toward the hammock.  It's been awaiting your leisurely arrival. 

SOMETHING LOVED

SOMETHINGS READ
Sarah Bessey on Why She Gave up Drinking
Sarah Bessey

Should We Still Be Called 'Evangelicals'?
Ramesh Richard

a blessing for when you're forced to rethink your life
Kate Bowler

10 Better Ways to Help an Anxious Child Calm Down
Erin Leyba, LCSW, Ph.D.

How to Keep on Persevering in the Wisdom of Kind Words
Michele Morin

120 Things To Remove From Your Life
Courtney Carver

Enjoying My Good-As-It-Gets Body
Theresa Boedeker

SOMETHINGS TREASURED

SOMETHINGS AHEAD

3 INVITATIONS!
Early Fall Women's Support Group 
Live in the Cape Cod area?  Our 4 week group begins on Thursday, September 9th.  I have just two seats left ... RSVP now!

linda stoll @ juno . com 

Book Club #7 
Our 4 week conversation begins Sunday, September 12th!  Gentle and Lowly: the Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund is a soul-fortifying read, not to be missed.

#66
Party with me, right here THIS FRIDAY, August 27th!  Giveaways galore!  

Loving August ~
Linda

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66 Gratitudes + 7 Giveaways  >>

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visiting with

Heather  .  Richella  .  Lisa  .  Jeanne