Stories from the Porch in September

As you read this, Greg and I are in Washington, D.C.! He’s been there before, but this is my first time and I know I’ll have so many stories to bring home. We were invited to attend the annual Angels in Adoption events because U.S. Rep. James Comer nominated me for this recognition for adoption advocates. I’m honored and excited to be part of this and see this city!

(You can read more about my recognition here.)

Highlights

Fall decided to show up on the day of Rachel’s birthday party, which was going to be a swim party had the weather cooperated better. Even so, we’ve had a fun time celebrating my baby girl who is now three years old! The celebration included two goldfish that now live in a bowl on my kitchen counter. They don’t have names yet, but they only cost 28 cents each.

Favorite things

Race finishes – I don’t like to run, even though I went through a phase several years ago when I tried to like it. But I love finishing races. Turns out, I get teary at finish lines even when I’m not running! Ben is running cross country this year. As an elementary student, he runs a mile at the meets, and I love seeing him cross the finish line. I also love the team spirit I’ve seen from these kids.

Ticket to Ride – This isn’t a new game around here, but it is new that both the big kids know how to play. I love being able to play games that aren’t Candy Land with them! (Here are some of our other favorite games!)

From the bookshelf

“Remember God” by Annie Downs – I preordered this book and then received a free copy of the audiobook. So I listened to Annie Downs tell me stories of remembering God as I picked up my kids from school, drove them soccer practice and horseback riding lessons, and ran errands. I loved hearing about cathedrals and her baptism. She welcomes God’s goodness and kindness when life is hard. She knows God prepares us for seasons and then walks into the changes with us. She recognizes the holy moments.

“It’s All Under Control: A Journey of Letting Go, Hanging On, and Finding a Peace You Almost Forgot Was Possible” by Jennifer Dukes Lee – I mentioned this book last month, but I read it this month. I like to have control, but God has been teaching me about surrender. If you’re like me in even the slightest, trying to hang on when you should let go and let go when you should hang on, then “It’s All Under Control” is a book you’ll want to read. These pages are full of encouragement, biblical truth for hanging on and letting go, and practical advice from an author who speaks like a friend. I underlined paragraphs my heart needed to hear, thought through the questions and exercises she had at the end of each chapter, and closed the book feeling like someone understands.

I also shared some of Jennifer’s wise words about how God’s got it – whatever it is in your life. I was so glad she could join us on the porch earlier this month with this message.

“White Picket Fences: Turning toward Love in a World Divided by Privilege” by Amy Julia Becker – I’ve realized I certainly live a privileged life. But, after reading “White Picket Fences” by Amy Julia Becker, I understand privilege differently. That’s what sharing stories does for people. In this book, Amy Julia shares her story and challenges us to think about our own. “White Picket Fences” would make a great book study because there are so many discussion points. I’ve actually already recommended it a few times to real-life friends because certain passages reminded me of them or I recognized the importance of this message.

(I’ve always got book recommendations if you need more ideas! And I reviewed a new favorite this past month.)

On the screen

“Jack Ryan” – Greg and I binged this eight-episode season on Amazon Prime. I had to cover my eyes a few times because war is messy, but I really enjoyed the show.

“Suits” – We’re still making our way through this series on Amazon Prime, but we recently started season seven.

(Fun fact: Wendell Piece is in both these unrelated show as Robert Zane and James Greer!)

I’m looking forward to new TV episodes! I’ve got “Survivor,” “The Voice,” “The Resident,” “This is Us,” “Manifest,” and “Madam Secretary” set to record on my DVR.

What stories do you have to share from your September?

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