The Front Porch Swing

Selma, Alabama, native Lula "Mama" Sharpe possessed all the characteristics of a forceful Southern grandmother: undeniable charm, strong personality, ability to dish out unsolicited advice, unreserved love, remedies for ailments from broken arms to broken hearts, and a frank way of delivering the lessons she valued. Each day, weather permitting, Mama sat on her front porch swing while teaching, advising, and encouraging her two granddaughters and anyone else in the community she deemed in need of guidance. You too can learn life sustaining lessons from Mama as you read short vignettes about her life in this book aptly entitled, Lessons from the Front Porch Swing. The stories will delight you and the lessons can help you in all walks of life; at home, school, work, or play. Some of the lessons instruct you to: - Listen to Wise Counsel - Appreciate Bosom Buddies - Acknowledge Tough Stands Require Courage - Practice Self-Control - Make Life Special for Others - Never Tolerate Abuse of Any Kind - Avoid Dwelling in the Past Mama is not the only one to teach these lessons; her lessons are supported by quotes from the Bible and from famous historical figures. These lessons can benefit high school students, college students, and adults who want to improve the way they interact with their peers, parents, spouses, bosses, coworkers, and strangers.

What do you see from your front porch swing? The greater question may be, ?Do you take the time to relax on your front porch to appreciate and savor life Swing for a few moments and view the world with a childlike perspective by reading On My Front Porch Swing by Elizabeth Dawn Tate. Enjoy life go by and God's creation in action by observing flowers, bunny rabbits, and thunderstorms.

This New York Times bestselling book is filled with hundreds of fun, deceptively simple, budget-friendly ideas for sprucing up your home. With two home renovations under their (tool) belts and millions of hits per month on their blog YoungHouseLove.com, Sherry and John Petersik are home-improvement enthusiasts primed to pass on a slew of projects, tricks, and techniques to do-it-yourselfers of all levels. Packed with 243 tips and ideas—both classic and unexpected—and more than 400 photographs and illustrations, this is a book that readers will return to again and again for the creative projects and easy-to-follow instructions in the relatable voice the Petersiks are known for. Learn to trick out a thrift-store mirror, spice up plain old roller shades, "hack" your Ikea table to create three distinct looks, and so much more.

or the front porch you dream of. There’s nothing quite like a front porch—a place that represents the warmth of home, a simpler pace of life, and a space to welcome others. With the sway of a rocking chair, you can take a deep breath, unwind from the day, and spend a few quiet moments with God. Devotions from the Front Porch invites you to retreat from the busyness of everyday life. These ninety devotions centered on the front porch and home will soothe your soul, refresh your spirit, and remind you that He is with you throughout each day. Fix yourself some tea and put up your feet as you spend a few peaceful moments in God’s presence.

When tragedy strikes a family in Lancaster County, can two young Amish people find the hope that lies on the other side? “This story of profound loss and deep friendship will leave readers with the certain knowledge that hope exists and love grows through faith in our God of second chances.” —Kelly Irvin, author of the Every Amish Season series Laura Riehl is no stranger to heartache. Less than a year after her mother’s death, Laura finds herself burying another loved one: her best friend, Savilla, who has died after a brief and sudden illness. Laura feels heartbroken and alone, but her pain is nothing compared to that of Allen, the husband Savilla has left behind. He now faces a life so different from the one he imagined—plus a baby to care for on his own. When Laura offers to help Allen with baby Mollie, he jumps at the opportunity until a permanent solution can be found. She’d do anything to lend a hand to Allen and to honor her best friend’s memory. Rudy, Laura’s boyfriend, is initially supportive of her plan, but the more time Laura spends with Allen, the more jealous and frustrated Rudy seems to become. As Laura and Allen face hardships together, their friendship takes a surprising yet comforting turn—and she discovers an attraction she’s never felt with Rudy. Would falling for Allen betray the people she cares about most, or would denying those feelings betray her heart? This latest installment in the Amish Homestead series returns us to Lancaster County, home of the beloved Riehls, where a family’s strength—and advice from a new friend—may help Laura find God’s direction. This sweet read is the second book in Amy Clipston’s Amish Homestead series, but it can also be enjoyed as a standalone novel. “Readers . . . will appreciate the author’s realistic portrayal of coming to terms with loss in order to continue living with hope and happiness.” —RT Book Reviews, four stars

“Perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber.” —Publishers Weekly on The Last Carolina Sister They have nothing in common—except a need to start over… The drawback to having a picture-perfect life is that there’s nowhere to go but down—and Annalise Haverford is falling fast. Once, she was the self-proclaimed queen bee of Magnolia, North Carolina. Now her husband has been arrested for fraud, and she’s become an outcast in the shallow circles she used to rule. There’s only one affordable rental in town, and it’s owned by the woman Annalise got fired from a lucrative job. Much as single mother Shauna Myer would like to refuse Annalise, who treated her like dirt on the bottom of her red-soled shoe, she needs that rent money. But when Shauna’s first love arrives in town, unraveling secrets she’d hoped to keep, Annalise becomes her unlikely defender. Meghan Banks, an elementary school art teacher whose quiet existence suddenly descends into chaos, is thrown an unexpected lifeline by Annalise, too. As spring ripens into a sultry summer, the three spur each other on to share their fears and dreams, face new challenges, and seize second chances. Because no matter how turbulent life may be, it’s much easier to navigate those choppy waters when you’re buoyed by true friendship…­ Bonus novella! The last Carlyle sister, new mother Trinity, finds love where she least expects it—with Magnolia’s upstanding chief of police, Asher Davis. Both Trinity and Asher think their romantic days are behind them. But then Asher asks Trinity for just one dance… The Carolina Girls Book 1: Wildflower Season Book 2: Mistletoe Season Book 3: Wedding Season Book 4: The Wish List Book 5: The Front Porch Club