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Welcome!
Let's talk...
Step back in time, just a little, to when gathering on the porch to chat was a tranquil way to spend an afternoon.
Hello spring & Summer!
We've waited for you. Do you know how wonderful you are?
more porches, more jesus
Come, Sit a Spell!
Isn't it Lovely?
The world is hurting right now. As trite as it sounds, I think it needs more porches and more Jesus. Do you see what all three of these porches have in common? A place to sit. A place for conversation. A place to laugh. A place to cry. A place to be honest. A place to love.
Send me your submissions of your porches, and I'd love to feature them!
Like a Friend
As porches begin to bloom across the country, they take on their own personalities. They gleefully exclaim something different, calling out to you to hang out, pray, ponder, and talk about the mysteries of God. They're all different and all beautiful.
Is your porch a friend to passersby? Might I suggest you invite someone to your porch for a cup of coffee and make yourself a new porch pal?
Porch Lessons
We can learn a thing or two from our porches. They believe in compassion, kindness, encouragement, and keeping secrets. And so should we! No, I'm not crazy, just a crazy porch lady.
We all could use a listening ear. Am I right? Porches provide a place for that, for gatherings of a few or many. In a time of scheduled busyness and calculated events, we've lost the "simple". Even kiddos have planned play dates when at one time they laughed and ran barefoot with neighbor kids. Yeah, simple is good.
PORCH TIME ~ NO AGENDA
Porch Therapy Now in Session
I wish all of my readers could join me on my porch in person even just once. The folks who gather on my porch are all unique, and so are YOU! You are who God says you are. He made you on purpose. You are unique, and as such, your call is unique. It may be to be a homemaker, a business owner, a career person, or a volunteer. Your calling may be to move, to stay put, to rest, or to be someone's support cheerleader. Whatever it is, it takes courage and faith to do it. And God will equip you! Porch time is an encouraging time to support each other in that calling whatever it looks like.
PORCH DECOR
The Changing of the Porches
As a new season comes upon us, out bursts all things that speak of spring and summer. Rugs, flowers, decor and patio furniture all make their appearance from their dormant state, and what a glorious day that is! The looks and smells and sounds of summer are beginning to emerge!
I particularly love my old wooden screen door on my back porch that creeks and slams shut as my little grandloves run back and forth. That's the sound of summer to me, and I love it.
There's just something, I don't know, hospitable about being welcomed by a screen door in the summer.
summer and water go hand in hand
Splash
Life-Giving
Ripples
A backyard kiddie pool, a day at the lake, the beach, boating, tubing down a creek, squirt guns--they all speak of summer.
I'm basically a child when it comes to getting my feet in the water as soon as the weather is warm enough, and usually way before it's warm enough. Water has a way of drawing you to it.
There are so many verses in the
A backyard kiddie pool, a day at the lake, the beach, boating, tubing down a creek, squirt guns--they all speak of summer.
I'm basically a child when it comes to getting my feet in the water as soon as the weather is warm enough, and usually way before it's warm enough. Water has a way of drawing you to it.
There are so many verses in the Bible about water, fountains and springs. Numbers 21:16-17 says, “Gather the people together and I will give them water.
Then Israel sang this song:
“Spring up, O well!..."
Ripples
Life-Giving
Ripples
A few years ago I witnessed a sweet little boy tossing rocks into a giant puddle at a campsite. He found such pure JOY in watching the ripples he created in the water.
So simple, yet so inspiring. We can learn a lot from the little ones.
I still think about that little boy. I wonder, "What kind of ripple effect do I have on those around me?"
Does it create that kind of joy?
Life-Giving
Life-Giving
Life-Giving
Water. It heals. It's powerful. It's life-giving. Without it, our beautiful summer gardens wouldn't survive. Without it, we wouldn't survive.
I'm reminded of Proverbs 18:4 that says, "A person's words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook."
Words can heal or destroy. Like water. Haven't we all
Water. It heals. It's powerful. It's life-giving. Without it, our beautiful summer gardens wouldn't survive. Without it, we wouldn't survive.
I'm reminded of Proverbs 18:4 that says, "A person's words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook."
Words can heal or destroy. Like water. Haven't we all experienced that? I know I have. I could tell you about words that have given me life and encouraged me, and I could also tell you of those that wrenched my heart. Are we acting as life-giving water not just to our friends, but also to our family, leaders, bosses, strangers, others? I don't know about you all, but it makes me think!
Sun Tea, Porch Time & Prayer
The Recipe
Sun tea - a hundred year old recipe with just 3 ingredients: sun, tea bags, and water. Those are my kinds of recipes you guys! Simple.
I think of prayer the same way. The sweetest prayers are those right from the heart. God just wants us to talk to him. He yearns for it in the same way we yearn to gather on the porch and talk with our friends. Go to a bookstore and you'll find armfuls of books on "how to pray". Let's not complicate things people. Prayer is like sitting on the porch talking to your best friend with a nice glass of sun tea.
Unhurried, uncomplicated, and refreshing. It's really a very easy recipe.
PORCH TIME WITH FAMILY
Most of us can truly say we love our families. In fact, Facebook would have us believe that every family in America is made of nothing but laughter, smiles, and good times. But truth be told, sometimes, it's our spouse, siblings, and children that can drive us up a wall and back down the other side!
Am I right? LOL
So don't despair when you think you are the only one without a picture perfect social media family, because there is NO SUCH THING this side of heaven.
We choose to love through the good, bad and ugly. Family is one of our greatest gifts, so let's be intentional about looking for reasons to celebrate--right now--this summer. Let's play games, catch fireflies, break bread, and love on each other.
Summer Nights
Evening Gives Way
The evening has cooled, the day has slowed, and the sound of a summer night begins its symphony.
Toads from the creek, crickets, critters and many other "what is that" sounds serenade us. Lightening bugs dance for us, a falling star gives way to a wish, and God's creation makes itself known. Outside on the porch in the evening, we watch a summer storm roll in as though we're anticipating fireworks on the 4th of July. Bursts of lightning accompanied by deafening claps of thunder create a show like no other. "Ohh, that one was close!" we laugh and run inside.
Until summer makes its final curtain call, let's be intentional about appreciating all its worth!
Ps 104:19 "He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down."
THE SCENTS OF SUMMER
The scents of summer… I love them all. Summer is my season of paradise! Not just smell of flowers in bloom, but even the smell of fresh cut grass. (Sorry for those of you with allergies!) That first cut is a refreshing relief that winter is over. Freshly washed sheets on a clothesline is another!
What is it for you? What is that fragrance that makes you pause for a moment and breathe in deeply?
A PLEASING AROMA
Growing up I had a spectacular lilac bush outside my bedroom window. It was impressive not only in sheer size, but the aroma! It's a childhood memory that always reminds me of warmer days ahead.
The scents of summer make me wonder what my fragrance is like to others? Do I carry the fragrance of Christ? Am I a pleasing aroma? Are you?
Your Space
Saving This for You
Have you read a great devotion, poem or short story lately? Heard a great song? Written a great song? Maybe you're a photographer, an artist, or there's something you want to share.
Submit it to me below in the "Contact me" aqua box. I'd love to feature it!
This space is for you.
About ME
PASSIONATE ABOUT JESUS. LOVE MY FAMILY FIERCELY. DEVOTED FRIEND. BLESSED.
I hope you got it by now that I love the Lord, my family, my friends, and this amazing creation. So what else? I'm pretty simple really. God shifted my passion from children's ministry and called me to women's ministry. I was a teacher for about 20 years, and also taught Sunday school, Awana, & served as a camp counselor. I've had the privilege now for over 10 years to help with women's events, lead a ladies' Bible study with some amazing women, and co-lead a couples' life group with my husband. We live in the Midwest, have two married sons, two lovely daughters-in-love, and four beautiful grandsons, with another about to make his appearance in this world!
Lest you think I have a picture-perfect life, I don't. I have had a 45 plus year history of complex orthopedic issues, 16 surgeries, chronic pain & fatigue, many serious and life-threatening medical diagnoses, and blood cancer with no cure. But God.... Have you noticed that life stories often have a "but God did this" scene? But God has showered me with iconic moments, times of celebration, acts of kindness bestowed upon me, and opportunities to bless others.
I'm sure you can say the same.
Whether you gather on the porch, in the house, in the yard, in the garage, on the driveway, or in the barn, "porch time" is about making memories and being intentional about passing along your faith. It's about the kind of legacy you will leave. What will define your next stage of life? I hope it actively involves pointing others to Jesus.
More about all that to come. Let's get to know each other.
~Guest Book~
If you've sat on my porch but don't see your name, use the contact link above so I can add you!
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Family
Dale Matthew Heather Lucas Elijah Noah Taylor Adrienne Milo Dolly Tom John Donna L Antoinette Suzanne Glen Liz Joshua Alexandria Kay Marge Marvin Gwen Dean Elise Raymond Sue Jesse Lorie John N Elmer Hannah Mac Angie Mary E Mark E Bob Jenny
Bible Study Gals
Donna Jackie Judy Joan Cindy H Gail Claudia Joanie
Denise T Denise C Shelly Diane J Susan Sherry Diane D Tracy Pat Debbie Marcia
Life Group Couples
Tom Sara Roberta Mike Stan Diane Norm Laurie Jeff Reba Cindy Jake Roger Kathy Tim Carol Cindy B Todd Forrest Sonia Trina Dale Cathy Tom
Special Beloved Friends
Kathy Tony Nancy Victoria Josiah Lincoln Vicki Ron Jennifer Sheldon Brigitte
Terri Trevor Deb Rhonda Tabitha Ron Lois Nicole Mark Donell Mav Kaylee Kendra Val Laurie Rhonda John L Tom Joanie Sue M Sharon Hugh Dianna Denise R Bonnie Phil Davis Brittany Tim Clara Tim K James Lynda Damon Jenny Matt R Jon R Michelle Pat Joe
In Memory Of
Darlene Johnson * Kris Hood