From My Front Porch

Life's stories connect lives

a WORK of art

This image makes the smokestacks look smaller than they are. They stand guard over Lansing, MI and welcome factory workers to their jobs each day.

My hometown, Richmond, Virginia, has become a trendy area for its social networks, food scene, and focus on the arts. Over the years, their social magazines and websites have focused on what’s “Very Richmond.” Readers contribute anything from fishing on the James River shoreline to clubbing in Shockoe Bottom. This capital city is a hub of entertainment and culture, and the art scene beckons those who seek beauty.

Ten years ago, I moved to another capital city, albeit a bit farther north: Lansing, MI. [Read more…]

Sick Little Man

My precious grandson Zadok Lewis has been in the hospital overnight and on IV fluids for over 24 hours, and this treatment has not re-hydrated him. The diagnosis is Rota Virus, and it has left him severely dehydrated. I’m using today’s post to ask for prayer and for you to leave Zadok a comment below, so we can show how many people cared for him when he was so sick. [Read more…]

Dinner Table Diplomacy

Our dinner table is a treasure, not for its pristine shine or expensive price tag, but for the bonding we all shared sitting around it in our second hand chairs we snagged before the local Wendy’s restaurant threw them in the landfill. As a matter of fact, my husband made it for me himself when we moved to this little country farm house and our old table had fallen apart.

We’ve laughed ourselves silly over gaffs in speech, held each other accountable for unkindness, and shed more than a few tears. That table, with all its dings and scrapes, is a symbol of unity in our home. [Read more…]

You May Not Deserve Your Church

body-of-christ“Go be a blessing!” Our pastor years ago ended every sermon with this short exhortation. He explained repeatedly over his ten-year tenure that if we come and go to GET a blessing, we’ll likely be disappointed, but if we come and go to BE a blessing, we’ll always GET one.
[Read more…]

Grateful Begets Grateful

grandsons1 “Tank Tu, Gamma!” my little grandsons say for every glass of juice or slice of apple I give.  “You’re welcome!” I always reply.

This may come as a shock, but they did not spontaneously start expressing gratitude upon discovering the wonders their grandparents would lavish on them. In fact, their more natural reactions were “Mine!” at the thought of getting their grubby little hands on some fabulous toy or treat. Gratefulness simply wasn’t in their wheelhouse, and most days it still isn’t. They’re little, though, so we’ll cut them some slack. [Read more…]