Porch #123 * What worked for me in 2023

aka 'what's saving my life' ... fresh routines, a long awaited remodel, putting first things first, & the joys of my new online home

Oh it’s so good to see you again, friends!

The end of the year was tailor made for reviews, favorites, and ‘best of’ posts. There’s no point in galloping into a new year without taking stock of what worked well … and what’s best left behind. What’s of value … and what’s not worth the investment of your time, energy, or calling in this particular season.

Here’s the odds and ends that came together to make my 2023 life simpler, healthier, smarter, and more beautiful, a series of choices that have saved my life in all the ways that matter most.

‘Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse ... Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.’
- Philippians 4:6-9 (The Message)

In no particular order:

BUYING GROCERIES ONLINE
With few grocery stories in this neck of the woods, we’re held hostage by ridiculously high prices so I’ve been gathering my non-perishables online at Amazon and Walmart instead. Sure, there’s a minimum purchase for free shipping but because I keep an eye on my pantry, I’m usually in no urgent rush. I compare prices with my local supermarket and go from there. It’s like Christmas when the boxes are delivered … and I save myself the headache of loading up a cart, unloading a cart, packing into bags, and then unpacking yet again at home.

READING, SPEAKING, & COPYING GOD’S WORD
Viewing quiet time with God as a discipline is something I've never been comfortable with.  I want to view this as a kind of sacred invitation, not a daily chore to check off my to-do list. I’m learning that adding speaking and copying to the reading of His Word make my devotional life come alive.  I feel richer for this discovery, more at peace as I leisurely hunker down into this focused practice. I feel His pleasure.  And isn't that what the devotional life is all about … our affection, our devotion, poured out on the feet of Jesus.

REMODELING THE KITCHEN
The 1980s cabinets were dreary, the floor a wreck, and the mismatched appliances were literally on their last legs. The results bring a smile to my face every day. Enjoy the kitchen reveal & a handful of lessons learned from our kitchen re-do.

LOG CABIN LIBRARY
My husband hit it right out of the park when he designed and built my very own Little Library for our anniversary.  I've been having a ball ferreting out like-new books, DVDs, and magazines to share.  What fun to get to know neighbors, dog walkers, and mamas with strollers. We ended up adding a faux-owl on the rooftop because the woodpeckers were having a field day turning it into their very own bird house. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

SETTING UP DATES WELL AHEAD OF TIME
It may seem impersonal to plan to see a friend a month ahead of time. Or to line up 4 advent one-to-one get-togethers mid-November. But I’ve learned that people are busy and if being together is a priority, this is the way to go. No regrets on this one. This sends a message that you want to send - you are important to me and I value our time together.

DOING WEIGHT WATCHERS
There’s nothing like a too-snug waistline and high cholesterol numbers to get you motivated. I lost 10 pounds … until Thanksgiving arrived. Weight Watchers works when you play the game ... and when you get off the sofa. I’m ready to start counting points again. I just have a few more cookies to polish off first.

BATCHING & MONO-TASKING
Taking care of tidying the bedroom and bath and all the beginning of the day things before heading downstairs. Batching writing, online surfing, bill paying, and then shutting down the computer. Aiming to bring my full attention to one conversation at a time.  Finishing one task at a time.  Reading one book at a time.  Straightening one room before moving to the next.  The secret is no big deal at all - complete what needs to be done right in front of me before moving on to do the next right thing.

BEING THE BOSS OF MY PHONE
My people are not big fans of this, but sorry, I do not keep my phone on my person. Rings or tones are quiet if they’re on at all. I refuse to jump at every *bing*. I check my phone when I want to, I’ll turn up the volume when I’m expecting to hear from someone, but my phone is not my best friend. Silencing her or keeping her out of sight is the only cure to random surfing which I swear has short-circuited my brain.

MOVING TO SUBSTACK
With my FOMU (fear of messing up), I weighed this decision carefully before saying goodbye to Blogger after many years. Two months later, as I head into my 17th year of writing online, I couldn’t be more relieved and grateful. Many of my old friends have ventured over to my new space and have stuck around to learn the ropes with me. I’m meeting all kinds of interesting writers, ministry leaders, and conversationalists. It’s super easy to re-stack quotes and posts and connect with like-minded people. All the technology is taken care of and I don’t have to worry about figuring out glitches or losing my work. In two months, page views have more than tripled and subscribers have gone up 35%. What more can I say than thank You, Lord. And bless you for hanging on, dear old friends and joining our little community, brand new readers.

What’s saved your life this year?
Linda

☑️ Did you see my 4 favorite 2023 books?

☑️ Don’t miss the Nester’s 14: How to Take Back Your House: Christmas Undecorating Like a Cozy Minimalist. Love this.

☑️ PORCH is a Christ-centered weekend newsletter featuring gentle conversation, calming snapshots, uplifting linkage, and occasional surprises

☑️ Linking up with with longtime pals Paula . Andrew . Joanne . Maree