From the Front Porch
This week has been a hard one, hasn’t it?
How are you doing?
Ever since I was a little girl, I could never get fully invested in a good book, a movie, or a TV series without finding out how it ended.
I know it defeats the point and totally ruins the surprise.
But the anticipation was just too much for me and my free time was just too valuable.
Even now, I almost always skip to the last page or read the synopsis of the last series in a TV show just to make sure everything works out okay.
I have a deep appreciation for happy endings and things being tied up in a bow.
Life is hard enough already, you know?
Like many of you, I’ve been watching the news coverage and taking in the headlines from Gaza and Israel. The images and reports are so heartbreaking, that it immediately makes me want to swoop in to give those affected a happy ending or at the very least a merciful one.
While I’ve long accepted, I’ll never fully understand the conflict or why a group of people have been continually persecuted and targeted for decades, I have to believe this is only part of their story.
Anything else would be too much to bear.
And while I am not the author or the director, I do know my role.
So, from a world away, I step back and lean into the only things I know how to do.
I pray Psalms 122 with fellow believers. I stay informed and educated. I listen with compassion as people share thoughts and opinions that are different from my own. I donate to causes that help provide aid and services. I check in with loved ones and I watch and wait and trust and believe that this is not the end of the story and that divine light can still shine through the shattered cracks and crevices.
Whether you live in a war-torn country or not, none of us go through life unscathed.
Many of us carry deep scars still waiting to be healed that no one will ever see.
And while I don’t know your story personally and you don’t know mine, I firmly believe we are all overcomers, warriors, and forces to be reckoned with.
Because in between the headlines, miracles are still happening, acts of bravery and courage are still taking place and the torch of hope is still being carried from one person to the next.
This is not the whole story.
This is only part of it.
The broken can be made beautiful.
There is grace beneath the rubble and ruins.
And we can still make a difference even from a world away.
As always, I’m cheering you on as you keep the faith and shine a light for others.
A Few of Our Favorite Things from Around the Web This Week…
Beautiful Home and Garden Tours:
- I loved the Murrieta Project Reveal from Bria Hammel Interiors. It’s dreamy as always.
- Have you seen Studio McGee’s latest project yet? They always do organic modern design in such an elegant way.
- This home in California is filled with lots of layers of beautiful texture.
- The Vandorf from Ashley Montgomery Design is a gorgeous mix of modern and traditional.
- Saw this post, A California Traditional Home with Deep Family Roots, on The Haven List and immediately started pinning. The arched doorways and windows are amazing.
Seasonal Inspiration:
- It’s not too late to make these clay ghosts from the blog Why Don’t You Make Me for Halloween. They’re so cute!
- I’m always thankful Kristi shares her Thanksgiving menu – each year. It all looks delicious and makes planning for Thanksgiving in the US so easy.
- Speaking of easy, I’m not one to rush through a season but I do believe in planning. So, if you’re also planning holiday décor, you’ll love this post 80 Christmas Tree Ideas That Will Outshine the Presents via Elle Decor.
Health and Wellness Inspiration:
- How to Stop Procrastinating (via the Everygirl – I do so many of these ideas, they work)
- How to Stay in Touch with Long Distance Friends and Family (via Cup of Jo – there are so many fun ideas in this post and in the comment section too.)
- 10 Full Body Stretches for Better Mobility and Fewer Aches and Pains (via Glamour – yes to nightly yoga, stretching, and peaceful sleep)
Style Inspiration:
- Must Have Jackets to Wear This Fall (Alyson Haley is one of my favorite fashion bloggers. She always looks timeless and elegant)
- A “No Makeup” Makeup Look from makeup artist Lisa Eldridge.
- I can’t remember if I shared this or not but Lake Pajamas recently released their holiday collections and the prints are fabulous.
Simple Pleasures and Little Luxuries:
- Love this idea for teachers, grandparents, dog moms, and sports moms.
- This would make a fun gift for someone who loves monograms.
- And this would be fabulous for the people in your life with a big tumbler like a Stanley tumbler.
If You’ve Missed Anything from the Blog or the Archives Recently, Here’s a Peek At What We’ve Been Up To…
Fall Picnic at the Pecan Grove
Pumpkin Spice Golden Milk Latte
Organizing the Week Ahead…
Words to Live By:
Dates to Celebrate:
- 10/15 National Mammography Day
- 10/16 National Sweetest Day
- 10/22 National Make a Dog’s Day
Weekly Simplified and Organized Home Challenge Task:
- Finalize Holiday Travel Plans
3 Simple Ways to Celebrate the Season:
- Implement Cozy Routines
- Buy a New Candle, Essential Oil Scent, or Create a New Simmer Pot Recipe
- Make a Pot of Soup and Fresh Bread for a Family Member or Neighbor
October Menu Ideas:
Spooky Season Essentials We Spotted Online at Amazon This Week…
(Amazon affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon and Impact Media Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)
Ghost Sweatshirt * Candlesticks * Broom * Baking Dish
Pressed Powder * Pumpkin Sweatshirt * Pot * Polish
Candles * Flats * Skeleton Sweatshirt * Crow Decorations
Tree * Cupcake Toppers * Makeup Bag * Polo
As always, we appreciate you more than you could ever know, and we hope your weekend is peace-filled and relaxing. We can’t wait to share even more with you next week!
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Many blessings,
CoCo
I love your thoughts on this horrible situation. I’m going to read Psalm 122 this morning with this in mind. Some of my favorite song lyrics talk about Him turning ashes into art. We will keep praying!!
Ashes into art, I love that Susan. The whole situation is just heartbreaking and definitely tough to see so many people hurting and families that have lost loved ones. Sending you lots of hugs and adding my prayers to yours, CoCo
Thank you, CoCo, for this thoughtful post. I too believe that this is not the whole story. I believe God is a God of hope and He has a plan, even in this. In the meantime, I’m praying Psalm 122, too, and for those who are losing their lives or their loved ones, and looking for other ways to help. Thank you, again, for your wise and kind words.
YES to everything you said, LeAnne. I am right there with you! It’s hard to watch so many people suffering, families torn apart and lives changed forever. I’m praying in agreement for peace and wisdom, healing and love. Big hugs, CoCo
Dear CoCo,
I re-read the beginning of your post 3 times because the words went straight to my heart. It’s exactly what I needed to hear this morning because yes, it’s been a rough week in more ways than one. Thank you, friend, for being a light and spreading that light here today. You are so appreciated!! Hope you have a lovely weekend ahead!
So sorry you’ve had a rough week, Rachel. Hang in there sweet friend, you are stronger than you know. I’m sending you lots of hugs and prayers, love and light. Be good to yourself this weekend, CoCo
CoCo,
Thanks for all you share. Have the best weekend.
Such a great perspective. God is still in control and His plan is good. Hugs and blessings to you.
What a beautiful post, Coco. Thank you for praying for those who are in need. I will join you in praying Psalms 122. have a beautiful weekend.
CoCo, you shared my sentiments perfectly. Prayer is one of the things that we can do that definitely works. We may be far away, but prayer is powerful and we can take part in God’s plans. Thankyou for sharing your thoughts which mirror so many of us out here. It’s hard to “blog” when so much is going on in the world. Big hugs and blessings, Deb
Thank you for your beautiful words of encouragement. I always know I will find joyful inspiration when I read any of your posts!
Hello friend! I’m a bit behind, but want you to know we are heartbroken over what happened in Israel and are standing with you and so many others in prayer! Some of our friends from our old church in KY were supposed to fly there two days after the attack, but their trip was canceled. We are so happy they are safe! I hope you are feeling better and had a good weekend. Blessings, Donna