Christian Womens Blog

Christian Womens Blog by Laurie Cole of Priority Ministries

Laurie Cole

Author, Speaker, Teacher

Front Porch Friday Best Year Ever GIVEAWAY!

FPF 2015 Giveaway

It’s the very first Front Porch Friday of 2015! And because I love you soooo much and I want 2015 to be the best year ever on Front Porch Friday, I’m kicking off the New Year with a glo girl giveaway!!

Find out all about the giveaway and how to enter (it’s super easy, just post a comment by answering one or both of the questions below the video). You could be a winner! So click play, get the scoop, and help make 2015 our best year ever on Front Porch Friday. See you on the porch!

 

Post your comment to one or both of these questions and enter the giveaway now! 

  • If you could ask Laurie any question on any topic, what would it be?
  • What topics or ideas would you like to Laurie to address on Front Porch Friday, OR what ideas and suggestions do you have to improve Front Porch Friday? 

If you don’t want to leave your question or suggestion in the comments, feel free to email me instead.

Thanks so much for your help! Winners will be announced on next week’s Front Porch Friday.

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. I would love to see more on prayer. My personal goal this year is to focus more on my prayer life and I will also be including a focus on prayer during my church’s ladies ministry.

    Reply

    • I have the same goal about prayer, Michelle. I would love to partake in a study on prayer. I often feel like I stumble and things don’t come out sounding as eloquent as I wish they would; and I listen to others pray aloud and am often so impressed with the flow of their beautiful, meaningful words. Praying for you and your ladies ministry.

      Reply

  2. If I could ask Laurie any question on any topic, it would be: How do you create a presence of calm and sanctuary in such a busy world? I know we need to extend hospitality and peace to others wherever we may be, but this is so challenging to do when the prevailing culture is pretty much the opposite.

    Reply

  4. I work outside the home. My days start at 4 am, I get home between 7-8:30 pm, eat dinner with husband, sleep til 4, do it all over again.
    I talk to God in my commute but I want to have more time with God. If this were you, when would you have your private time with the Lord?

    May seem easy but it’s overwhelming to me.

    Thank you.

    Reply

    • Sherree, I pray while driving too. Hopefully we can figure this out together here on the Front Porch. Lifting you in prayer.

      Reply

    • My son-in-law downloads an audio Bible app and listens to the Bible on his way to work. That is his quiet time because also works long hours and has a family at home. I will pray for you.

      Reply

  5. Hugs Hugs Hugs! I just wanted to tell you I appreciate your ministry so much and ENCOURAGE you to continue in God’s Grace as he Leads you daily. I am currently reading thru the WORD and plan to finish reading the entire Bible by Febrary 9th 2015. It shows me that if I plan to set aside time in my life to do what I Really want to do> I CAN DO IT> thru God, All things are possible. AMEN He is REALLY helping me!! In this season, this chapter of my life: I am not watching TV like I did. I am not showing as much Property as I normally do right now (Im a realtor) I can tell you that taking TIME to seek God’s face and listen to HIS voice is my hearts prayer. I would love to hear more encouraging stories of women seeking God’s face & what they have experienced as a result. I see hurdles come up daily to try to stop or distract, and sometimes run me off in the ditch>lol, oh BUT GOD!! I see business opportunities distract me, BUT GOD. I see sickness try to defeat, BUT GOD! I want to be Faithful, I see Goliaths in my path more than ever. Why is it that getting in the WORD more than 15/30 minutes is so hard but we can sit and watch a movie for almost 2 hours and zone out. That is NOT my heart> I want so desparately to inhale the breath of God’s word into my spirit and exhale into my Life. Pray that I be Faithful to this Goal. I’d love to hear if any other ladies feel like i do.

    Reply

  6. I really need to focus more on prayer and my personal relationship with the Lord. I also feel like we, as Christians & church members, need to learn how to &/or be more active, involved members in the local church body.

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  7. I really want to grow my heart closer to the Lord and my kiddos hearts closer to the Lord. How do I sweeten my heart towards the Lord and train my girls to Love the Lord and my Boys to be Warriors for him in today’s society?

    Reply

  8. I would ask her how she handles the things that are the hardest to forgive.. people namely. How do you go about a Godly attitude & not let unforgiveness take root (as it so easily tends to do)..

    Reply

  9. I would like a topic on surviving the death of a child. I lost my 28 yr. old son this past March and am struggling terribly. I did grief/share and counseling at Sagemont and I am as much as I can be digging into God’s word. I also did the bible study Children of the Day this past summer. Being a christian I can’t understand how I am struggling so much. I have withdrawn from anything I don’t HAVE to do. Since my son’s passing I have been taking care of his 2 children “most” of the time and am very overwhelmed just with life in general. I keep going to Romans 8:28,Psalm 91:4 and Romans 15:4. I know all things work together for good for those who love the Lord, I know Jesus is here with me comforting me and I will take refuge in Him, and I know I have to stay in the Scriptures because I find my hope and encouragement there! But my heart and my mind are having a battle with so many different emotions going on…
    Thank you so much Laurie for all you and your staff do, I am looking forward to spending part of my Friday’s with you.

    Reply

  10. The question I would like to ask is how in the world does anyone still love God when they are stripped of everything they have.

    Reply

    • I am not sure if that applies to you personally or someone else. But God’s Love does not change towards us no matter what the trial a person goes through. God Love Us and He sees the big picture.
      God desires for us to be fully devoted to Him, obedience, and sacrifice as this question regards.

      God wants us to yield our life totally to Him and Trust Him with our whole life, and that would include our finances, home, job, family and the list goes on,

      In America we have “too many gods” that keeps and pulls people away from God, not desiring nor feeling they need God. And that is so sad because that would fall into idolatry ; things take priority over God.
      How would I react if all was taken away, I am not sure, but I pray that my strength God gives me would not shake my Faith, Trust, Love and Service to God for His Glory.
      When you look at countries that have nothing, it is some times easier to share Christ and His Love because they had nothing from the beginning (if they are of the poorest of the poor) And knowing God loves them and cares about them draws them to Salvation.
      Miracles draws them to Christ, help and meeting their needs draws them to Christ knowing He is Jehovah Jirah. If a person met lets say a man and he nothing but everything about that person you know you love him and the stuff did not matter; you wanted to spend the rest of your life with that person. That is the way it is with God He provides, He loves, He cares, and that is all that matters. God was stripped of everything and went to the Cross because He loves us and He was our sacrifice for our sins. He would of went to the Cross even if it was just one person. His eye is on the sparrow and He watches over me.

      Reply

    • Dear Jennifer, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Being a mom it just really tears at my heart to think of the sorrow you are carrying. I have not experienced that type of loss but I can only imagine your pain.

      I want you to know that I will be praying for you that God would fill your days with His Love, His Hope and His Peace. I am sure it will take time for you to grieve this loss and that is OK you need to take that time, but I pray that you will not withdraw from people who can walk along side of you and help you through this season of your life.

      May our Great bring you much comfort in the days ahead.

      “May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

      Love and Blessings, Joyce

      Reply

  11. Laurie, I have two children grown, 25 and 21. A boy and a girl. How can I continue to minister to them at the level they are at. Without sounding like I’m nagging.

    2nd question- I married a godly man but they are some ethic differences with our cultures. I have just left it up to God to fill in the blanks since difference cultures are from God. However I’d like to know how to express to my spouse the differences without him getting offended. I may not be choosing the right words either. My definition of words are different then his. I don’t want to insult his intelligence because he is very smart. We do have shaping moments that at times don’t go the way I’d hope and at times I’m caught off guard because I do not mean it the way it was taken. I’m very thankful for my husband and know that God has a plan. However I got this email and thought maybe you had some light to shed on our path as well as our faithful God.

    Reply

    • I will pray for you. I was cross-culturally married once and we went through a divorce because of it and the communication problems it caused. One thing I found that helps is to talk to a foreign missionary because often people who have not lived in another culture do not understand the hidden cultural rules, but missionaries do understand. Also, read something about the cultural background of your husband and look at how the Bible, which is from the eastern culture has impacted us here is the US. If you want, you can email me at clarlynb@yahoo.com. I may be able to tell you some more that might shed some light on the subject.

      Reply

  12. What is your typical day like? When do you make time for your Bible study and quiet time?

    Would love topics like prayer and evangelism.

    Reply

  13. I would like to hear about providing encouragement and comfort to the hurting. I would also like to see more on sharing and witnessing to seniors. Thanks love these on-the-porch sessions.
    God bless
    Min. Doris Green

    Reply

  14. Hi Laurie! Could you please sometime discuss “how to move on with a new normal”? My husband lost his job (due to downsizing and what I’ll call “business politics”) a few years ago and has not been able to find a new one in his career field. It’s meant a loss of income and an emotional struggle as we sometimes wonder “why us” as we watch friends continue to succeed in their same fields. I know we all have “why us” events in our lives that change our path completely – just wondered if you have some “helps” for moving on. Thank you!

    Reply

  15. To Carla, the same thing happen to my husband (our family) back in 2000. Fleshing it out> November 7th 2000, he was making almost 6+ figure income. On November 8th> -0-!!! They did away with “old timers” and brought in the NEW. We were in our 40’s at the time. We had no income after November 8 and I mean NOTHING! For all our marriage> I was his helpmate, working in the home raising our 4 children. He worked to provide and it devastated him in ways I am STILL realizing even today. The good news is that in time> There is a New Normal as you called it> It is true! I went to work while he reinvented himself. The kids have seen the struggle and have coping tools now that they would have never known. We lost our home, yes. We learned to do without, yes. Keeping it real, we almost lost sight of our marriage, yes> BUT GOD! He has been there when no one else was and kept whispering his promises thru his Word when all the world around us crumbled. I would be happy to talk with you if you ever need a friend to listen. I am SOOO sorry that you are going thru this! MY heart truly understands. You WILL be OK and God Does have a plan for you….to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you Hope and a Future. Jeremiah 29:11 amen

    Reply

  16. I would like to hear more on how you study and prepare for writing. It’s not so much that I want to write but I would like to see the process of study for writing.

    Reply

  17. Hi Laurie,
    If I thought toddlers were a marathon, young adults is the ‘ironman’ triathalon. It seemed like when we were younger we just held hands and prayed and God fixed everything, but now it seems as if it’s all way too overwhelming, and I am just trying to keep my head above water. The losses get harder it seems to deal with too. Any teen parenting tips and advice on how to work through conflict amiably with your sweetheart would be most welcome. Thanks for writing, and for the front porch, you are a gift from God.

    Reply

    • Debbie, I’m praying this morning for God to uplift you and your family. You will remain in my prayers.

      Reply

  18. Dear Laurie, last Monday morning(Jan 5th), my teenage son attempted suicide with a rifle. Only by the Holy and true Grace of God, the rifle didn’t fire. My son is still in the hospital getting treatment from doctors and therapists, and while I NEVER saw this coming, I realize my need to be strong for the long journey ahead as we deal with this together to help him get better. My son has been bullied all of his life. He is a painfully shy young man and always been taught to turn the other cheek, but he would never even use his voice to tell the bullies to knock it off. He has never done drugs, doesn’t smoke or drink alcohol. He has about 3 friends as meeting new people and making friends is difficult for him. I know there are other reasons that have added to his depression but I feel that the bullying started it all. My question this morning is a selfish one: how do I move forward and deal with my own guilt as a mother? OBVIOUSLY I did something wrong, I neglected some facet/issue, something I should have handled better…..I am feeling like I have failed my only precious child. A good-hearted young man that God entrusted me with in this life. I love him as much as Father God loves him. Though I was never raised hearing “I love you” from my own parents, I have made sure to tell my own son multiple times each day that I love and adore him. My heart is so heavy and so broken and while I realize right now it’s all about him, I also know that privately I need to deal with my personal feelings and the messages in my own head too. I would appreciate any prayers from you or anyone else on this board for the progress of health and wellness of my beloved child. I fully realize that twice in this lifetime I have been blessed beyond belief: the first time was when my son came into my life, and the second was when God and God alone prevented the rifle from firing.

    Reply

    • Sorry that you are going through this difficult time. Praying for you. Please don’t beat yourself up. It sounds like you were a good and godly mother. Sometimes things happen in our children’s lives that are completely out of our control, no matter how “perfectly” we have parented them. Praying that your son will experience a new hope and lasting encouragement.

      Reply

    • Momma with a Heavy Heart, I will be praying for you. May God’s love, presence surround you , your family , and especially your son.

      My father-in-law committed suicide when his son and I were just married over a year and had a baby at the time.

      It has been 46 yrs. ago . Praying for you , I know your son is really special and God loves him very much.

      I hope he has a Youth Group at church and can let the Pastor love on him and encourage him through the difficult teen years.

      Reply

    • Momma with a Heavy Heart,
      I’m so sorry to hear this about your son and thrilled at the same time that he is physically okay and not hurt! Praise God! I will be praying for both of you everyday.

      Reply

    • Hello to all of the beautiful Ladies that responded here and/or in your own heart for my son’s struggle mentioned above. Every single prayer is appreciated. Today the sun is shining again, and after several days of some amazing treatment by nurses, doctors, and therapists, things are looking up for my son. He has been prescribed medication for depression and anxiety and they seem to be working wonders in him. He has returned to school and is making strides in the right direction including some positive self-talk. God has indeed saved my son and given him an opportunity to move forward feeling better about himself, his life, and putting his problems into perspective. This Momma is grateful beyond words. I look forward to the day I will be able to look my Heavenly Precious Father in the face and say, “Thank You for saving my son!”
      I realize it is early on in his progress and a new journey has appeared before us, but I have renewed faith that with God and all of the prayers from my new friends here and at home, that things are going to be okay. Thank you all for allowing me to pour my heart out to you at a time I felt it was irreparably broken. Thank you for the prayers and for lifting us up during this difficult time.
      Momma with an UPLIFTED Heart

      Reply

      • Momma with a Heavy Heart,

        I am so happy to see your comment here! I am just in tears right now! I lost my son this past March and it has been absolutely the worst pain I have ever felt. I will keep praying for you and your son.
        And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
        Romans 8:28
        Love in Christ,
        Jennifer

        Reply

  19. Hello Laurie,
    I Thanks GOD for ordering my steps into your Ministry it has been such a Blessing in my life!
    My question is – How do You balance Marriage, Motherhood & Ministry?
    Topics of Interest – There is never enough information about Marriage.
    How to have a successful Marriage in today’s
    society’s.

    Reply

  20. Laurie, your FPF’s have been a GREAT encouragement and at times a much needed oasis. It’s also a lot of fun when you have guests on the porch with you. What could be better than to chill with TWO godly women, talking about the things of the Lord? “Two people are better than one because {together} they have a good reward for their hard work.” (Eccl 4:9 GW) 😉

    Reply

  21. Possible topic: Complicated Grief/Grieving Process (my sister committed suicide)=how to heal from it.

    The Grieving groups and other groups I have attended have rejected me and/or told me that I don’t fit in or don’t belong or am not allowed to join their group b/c they told me that the death from suicide is a more complicated or complex grief that they do not deal with in their grieving support group, etc.

    Reply

    • Dear My Whole Words Hurts, you are and will remain in my prayers. I pray you find comfort and strength, as well as a group that welcomes you into their loving arms.

      Reply

    • Dear My Whole World Hurts,
      I’m so sorry for your loss, and I am so sorry that you have not found a good support group. I lost my son and I went to a Grief/Share group at Sagemont Church. It was awesome and I am thinking about going through it again. The next group session begins on Feb. 4, 2015 meeting every Wed. evening at 7:15pm, ending on April 8, 2015 At Sagemont Church room WC1109 You will be welcomed with open loving arms there! Keeping you in my prayers,
      jennifer

      Reply

  22. My question is…….how do you ever get your house clean, shop, cook, spend time with grown children and grandkids, entertain guests etc. and still have time to study not to speak of writing books and doing your online ministry!!!! That is a mystery to me that I have not figured out yet for myself

    Reply

  23. My question is…….how do you ever get your house clean, shop, cook, spend time with grown children and grandkids, entertain guests etc. and still have time to study not to speak of writing books and doing your online ministry!!!! That is a mystery to me that I have not figured out yet for myself

    Reply

  26. Would also like to know how you study ……. What method do you use? How do you organize thoughts in order to write?

    Reply

  27. Topics that I would love for you to discuss would be Fasting and even Prayer Journaling.
    I love spending quiet time with the Lord, I am up all hours of the night while my family is sleeping. And I know it’s hard at times. But the Lord gives me the strength to carry on the day.
    Keep up the good work.
    God Bless,
    Inez

    Reply

  30. Hi Laurie,
    I would love your insight on what the Bible teaches on cremation versus a burial. Thank you for your insight!

    Reply

  31. Hi Laurie,
    I am doing your bible study “Beauty By The Book For Teens” and I am really enjoying it. It would be great if you could talk about Christ-like character in your one of your Front Porch Friday’s. Could you share your testimony sometime? Thanks!

    Reply

  33. Another topic I would like to have help on is how can we best minister to those (especially moms, grandmothers, mother-in-law) who have lost a loved one especially the loss of a child no matter what the age of the child.

    Reply

  34. Laurie, I would like to hear more about dealing with the “empty Nest” and How to help and support our children from a distance

    Reply

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