Our porch party setting
Last week one of my daughters said, “Mom, why don’t you blog about your porch parties. Tell us how it works.”
Almost every morning for the past two years, my husband and I take our coffee on the front porch and begin our day together. Negative comments and discussing problems aren’t allowed at porch parties. When pesky thoughts try to worm their way in, I tell them to scram. For me, porch parties are creating a new way of thinking–a discipline, for sure.
No two mornings are like. Each one has a unique personality and feels like meeting a new best friend. This morning with the cooler weather, we didn’t hear the summertime crickets, but the sweet scent of gardenia bushes greeted us. We needed our red fleece blankets. A flock of geese honked overhead. Our only light was the cool lavender sun peeking through the trees.
I don’t know why it works, but it does. Maybe it’s about anticipation, choosing to focus on the good in life, and looking forward to simple things.
Rain.
Stringing Christmas lights.
Grandchildren some day.
A second cup of coffee on the weekends.
For a few minutes each morning we pretend all is well. Perhaps it is.
“…for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning…” Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
P.S. In the Daily Guideposts 2012, you’ll find more devotionals about our porch parties.
Love,
Julie
Nice….like-a-lot!
Thanks, Mike!
“perhaps it is” wow, what a beautiful reminder of the blessings of discipline and relationships!
So true, Tom. The blessings of discipline and relationships–love the way you tied it together. Thanks for reading!!
That is beautiful! What a special thing to share with your spouse. I think I’ll have to add this to my mornings as well. Thanks for sharing!
Hey, Sarah. I can’t tell you what a difference it’s made for us. And it only costs pennies a day. So glad you’re going to start having porch parties too!! I bet you’ll love it as we do. Thanks so much for commenting~~~
What a lovely way to begin the day… my sweet husband passed 5 years ago… you are blessed indeed… how wise you are to recognize that and cherish this time…
Oh, Ann. I’m so very sorry to hear about your husband. I love it that you call him, “Your sweet husband.” Oh, that I’ll listen to God’s voice and cherish my days.
My love to you. Thank you so much for reading.
Wow, how sweet and special. Looking forward to my husband retiring so we can do these things together. Thanks for sharing with us.
Hey, Helen. You’re so welcome. Thanks for comments and I pray blessings on you and your husband’s upcoming days together!!
I love your peaceful porch.
Wish we’d taken time to sit and chat when you were here…..Thanks, Steph. Much love to you today.
Julie, everything about this article is comforting/hopeful – especially the scripture you chose!
Love from Michigan!
Hey, Pat. I’ve missed you! Thanks for stopping by on my online porch with me. And for being such an encourager. xoxo!!
“Online Porch!” I like that! Also, it should be noted that I have a small porch at the condo I moved to in Aug. after 40 years in my home. It is decorated right now with my Fall wreath on the door, Welcome sign, wicker chair, pumpkins, mums, scarecrow. Even though I am “one,” because of your article I am going to look for “Peace on the Porch.” xxoo to you, too!
So good to hear. I’ve been wondering if you’d resettled. So glad you’ve discovered the Peach on the Porch secret too. Much love to you.
Julie, thank you for your welcome reply! I smiled at the typo “Peach on the Porch!” It is perfect and appropriate because you ARE a Georgia Peach for sure!! XXOO
It’s not nice to make friends covet your porch, Jewels.
I love porches and wish we had a better one, big enough for this kind of sitting. Maybe that’s why I chose the porch photo I did for my blog. 
Love you, girlfriend!
Hey, Ane!! You and I do love our porches, don’t we. Real or imaginary–which are pretty darn close to real. Thanks for being such a dear friend and for loving porches right along with me.
LOVE your porch and the red fleece blankets. Can just “see” you both there with coffee mugs in hand, soft talk, cocked heads and listening ears. Special moments for special people. : )
I was thinking about you–wondering if in your neck of the woods you’d need a red fleece blanky yet? Thanks, my friend. So much love to you.
This reminds me that there is ALWAYS something to be be thankful for… and that it’s good to take the time to notice these gifts! Hmmmm… maybe we can all have porch parties anywhere, anytime – porch optional, of course. : -)
Exactly, Mary. There’s always, always something to be thankful for. And, porch parties can happen anytime!! xoxo
I love your front porch and I love the idea of having that sacred time with your husband!
Thank you so much, Sherri. You’re so right. For so long, I had no clue that it mattered.
I’m with Tom…I love: “perhaps it is….” yes sitting on the porch with your husband at your side and coffee in your palms…everything is alright.
I love your porch J…I love your marriage …what a testimony.
xo
R
Thanks, Rob. Good words from you, as always. xoxo
I’d love to sit on your porch and see the hummingbirds! I love sitting in rockers on a porch, it is such a comforting feeling, the rocking back and forth. Enjoy your porch parties!