Podcasts about Thomasville

This is the day everything changed. We celebrate Easter not just to recall a moment, but to remember a mystery: that even death couldn't stop God's plans. in this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares that the resurrection is not just a nice story—it's the unstoppable truth that redefines reality.  Why is the resurrection such a big deal?Christians talk about the cross a lot, but the empty grave is the key to our faith.Romans 6:8-9 MSG When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us.If the cross is Jesus' death for me, the empty grave is Jesus' life for me.If the cross gets me into heaven, the empty grave gets heaven into me.If the cross reveals Jesus as savior, the empty grave reveals Jesus as victor.If the cross paid for my sin, the empty grave means that the payment was accepted. You can have confidence that the resurrection happened.In addition to the 4 independent documents attesting to the historicity of the resurrection called "the gospels" - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. We also have many eyewitness testimonies that people saw Jesus after his death.1 Corinthians 15:3-6These disciples suddenly and sincerely came to believe that Jesus was risen from the dead, despite there being no benefit to them believing it. Two Biblical authors, James and Jude, believed their brother Jesus was God. What would it take for you to believe your sibling was God? The stone was rolled away, not to let Jesus out, but to let us in—so we could see that what He said is true. Shortly before Jesus' death and resurrection, He made one of His boldest declarations.John 14:6 NLT Jesus' way is unstoppable.Jesus is protecting you when He shows you His way because He is the only road that leads to life.Proverbs 14:12 NIVBottom line: You cannot get to a kingdom destination by following the culture's directions. Jesus' truth is unstoppable.Jesus is the reality check the world didn't ask for, but desperately needs. John 8:31-32 The truth that sets us free in found in only in Christ.The resurrection is the exclamation point on everything Jesus ever said.  Jesus' life is unstoppable.Jesus didn't escape death; He conquered it. John 11:25-26 Your story doesn't have to end in despair, defeat, or death. In Christ, your story ends in resurrection. Jesus doesn't only offer you a better life; He offers you eternal life. If you're feeling lost—He's the Way. If you're questioning what's real—He's the Truth. If you're barely hanging on—He's the Life. This is Easter.When the devil said "checkmate," God said, "The King has one more move."Jesus is the Way that can't be blocked, the Truth that can't be silenced, and the Life that can't be killed.  Is Jesus your way, your truth, and your life?

This week on From the Front Porch, we have a treat for you: an Ordinary Time audiobook preview! Annie B. Jones' debut book, Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put, releases on Tuesday, April 22. When you preorder a physical copy of Ordinary Time from The Bookshelf, you get the audiobook FREE courtesy of Libro.fm. Preorder a physical copy of Ordinary Time and receive a FREE code for the audiobook here. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 525), or download and shop on The Bookshelf's official app: Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put by Annie B. Jones (physical copy, FREE audiobook with purchase) Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put by Annie B. Jones (audiobook only) From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.

Would you consider yourself a person of excellence? How clean is your microwave?In this message, Pastor Tim Martin shares how We can pursue excellence. Being a person of excellence doesn't mean being perfect. The original motto for Victory Fellowship Church was "the perfect church for imperfect people".We should reflect God's character, reflecting him wholeheartedly Characteristics of a person of excellence:- FaithHebrew 11:6Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.- IntegrityProverbs 20:7    The righteous who walks in his integrity—        blessed are his children after him!Matthew 5:37 Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil.- CompassionEphesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.Are you tired and struggling, Jesus has compassion on you. A person of excellence will ask God to see people the way God sees them. - Humility1 Peter 5:5-7[5] Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."[6] Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, [7] casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.- Persistence Galatians 6:9-10And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.You become a person of excellence by spending time with God. You learn to trust God the more you spend time with him. Like the way a horse learns to trust his master, we should learn to trust our Master. A well-trained horse will obey quickly. The horse has spent a lot of time with his master and has learned to trust his master's commands. As children of God, we can learn to trust God as we spend time with Him. Time had a horse named Lucky, wherever he pointed Lucky's head, he would go. We need to be like that with God. 

This week on From the Front Porch, it's another New Release Rundown! Annie, Erin, and Olivia are sharing the April releases they're excited about to help you build your TBR. When you purchase or preorder any of the books they talk about, enter the code NEWRELEASEPLEASE at checkout for 10% off your order! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 524), or download and shop on The Bookshelf's official app: Annie's books: Passion Project by London Sperry (4/8) When the Harvest Comes by Denne Michele Norris (4/15) Ordinary Time by Annie B. Jones (4/22) Olivia's books: Gifted & Talented by Olivie Blake (4/1) Midnight in Soap Lake by Matthew Sullivan (4/15) The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner (4/29) Erin's books: A Change of Habit by Sister Monica Clare (4/29) The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner (4/29) The Eights by Joanna Miller (4/15) From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Annie is reading Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green.  Olivia is reading Candle Island by Lauren Wolk.  Erin is listening to Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.

On this episode, we talk to Brandy Avery, Community Engagement Manager for the City of Thomasville. She gives a rundown of the events slated for the 104th Rose Show and Festival. Thanks for tuning in!

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie recaps the books she read and loved in March. You get 10% off your books when you order your March Reading Recap. Each month, we offer a Reading Recap bundle, which features Annie's favorite books she read that month. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 523), or download and shop on The Bookshelf's official app: Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (releases June 3rd) Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall Hot Air by Marcy Dermansky Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson The Tell by Amy Griffin When the Harvest Comes by Denne Michele Norris (releases April 15th) Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green Annie's March Reading Recap Bundle - $75 Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks Hot Air by Marcy Dermansky Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Here: A Spirituality of Staying in a Culture of Leaving by Lydia Sohn. If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.

Have you ever felt like worship and following Jesus just aren't clicking for you? In this message, Pastor Eric Robertson shares something simple yet essential that can unlock your relationship with God. In this series, we look at major themes that repeat in the Psalms.I. Desire for GodPsalm 27:4 – "One thing I ask from the Lord... to dwell in the house of the Lord..."What if your faith could feel like home instead of homework?Psalm 24:3-4 The key to unlocking intimacy with God—the thing we've been missing—is holiness.II.  Why Holiness Feels So HardWe Don't Know What it is—Holiness Feels Heavy.Holiness is a major theme in the Bible. Psalm 51:10 – "Create in me a pure heart, O God..."Psalm 86:11 (NLT) – "Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you."Holiness Feels OverwhelmingSometimes we feel so far off, we don't even want to start. If we understood holiness, we'd feel empowered, not defeated.It brings life, not pressure.III. What Holiness Really IsTo be set apart for God's purpose.Holiness isn't about avoiding sin—it's about staying close to the God who is holy.Sin is not just a legal problem—it's blindness, sickness, and weight. It clogs your spiritual arteries.IV. How do we walk in holiness?1. Live Like You Matter (Identity)1 Peter 2:9 – "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation..."This is about your who, not your do.Holiness begins with knowing you belong to God.Takeaway: You can't know how to live until you know who you are.2. Live like "That" Matters (Action)Romans 12:1 Holiness isn't about your ability, its about your availability.Every area of your life that is not surrendered to God is an opportunity for ineffectiveness.Takeaway: God doesn't just want your Sundays. He wants your everyday.Holiness means being usable—not flawless.3. Live like It Matters (Purpose)1 Peter 2:9 - "that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness..."It's hard to live set apart life when you don't know what you were set apart for!When you know something's purpose, you use it for what it was created for.You were made to point people to God—but you can't do that when your purpose is misused.Takeaway: Live like it matters—because it does.Conclusion: Put Purity on RepeatHebrews 12:14 – "Make every effort... to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."Holiness isn't old school, it's essential.David had to climb the mountain. We have a Savior who comes down it.Holiness isn't about getting it right—it's about staying surrendered.Final Thought:Holiness is the key to moving from hard mode to easy yoke. It's not about rule-keeping, it's the rhythm of real life with God. Make it something you put on repeat.Question: Are you skipping out on holiness?

This week on From the Front Porch, it's all about books and basketball! Annie is joined by her husband and friend, Jordan, to set different books head to head and debate their merits in this beloved yearly tradition. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search episode 522), or download and shop on The Bookshelf's official app: The Women by Kristin Hannah vs. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt A Fine Sight to See by Sophie Hudson vs. A Bit Much by Lyndsay Rush Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten vs. The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker vs. The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown The Kingdom of Quail by Harrison Strickland vs. The Ladies Rewrite the Rules by Suzanne Allain James by Percival Everett vs. The God of the Woods by Liz Moore Funny Story by Emily Henry vs. Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst.  Jordan is reading The Lost History of Christianity by Philip Jenkins. If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.

Lower Peach Tree United Methodist Church extends an invitation to attend the Fifth Sunday worship service on March 30, at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome. Coastal Alabama Community College will host informational sessions for nursing and allied health on the following dates: April 1, 5:30 p.m., at the Bay Minette campus; April 12, 5:30 p.m., at the Thomasville campus; April 24, 5:30 p.m. at the Monroeville campus, as well as April 29 at 5:30 p.m. Jackson Area Rotary Club will host a spring market Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Jackson Fair Grounds. This will...Article Link

The information for the Thomasville Police Department released by Chief Mitchell Stuckey for the week of March 17-March 23 is listed below. Accidents: 05Traffic Tickets: 12Warning Tickets: 27Merchant Checks: 413 Arrest Charges Reported: Daron Morice Gilmore, harassment, menacing and criminal mischief Willie James Figgers, harassment Gerald Nathaniel Perryman, failure to appear Johnny Jerell Jones, warrant arrest (Clarke County) Complaints Reported: Miscellaneous incident, West Front Street Miscellaneous incident, Adams Avenue Miscellaneous incident, Bashi Road Harassment, Martin Luther King Street Menacing/criminal mischief third degree/harassment, Highway 43 Theft of lost property third degree, Adams Avenue Property damage, Highway 43 Property damage, Griffin Avenue...Article Link

Adversity is a normal part of life, and a normal part of the Christian life. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally reveals what we should remember as we walk through adversity. 1 Peter 4:12 NLTGod allows adversity because it matures us. So how do we not just go through adversity, but grow through adversity? The key to overcoming adversity is remembrance.  Biblical remembrance is actively recalling and expecting God's past goodness to happen again in the future. Psalm 77:7-12 NLT is a perfect example of how remembrance defeats the discouragement of adversity.This psalmist had very real feelings. You can choose to dwell on your feelings, or you can choose to remember God's faithfulness.  What should we remember during times of adversity?1. Remember to pray.Prayer is communication with God. It's talking to Him and letting Him talk to you.Psalm 34:17-18 NLT Adversity is coming. Don't start panicking, start praying! 2. Remember to praise.Praise and worship is the pathway into God's presence.Psalm 34:1 NLT Your praise is a powerful weapon. Stop worrying, start worshipping.Psalm 57:8 NLTPraise and worship is an act of defiance against adversity. 3. Remember to be patient.Psalm 37:7a NLT Patience is a muscle you can flex, and a mature Christian works it out.  4. Remember God's perspective.Life's trials are like puzzle pieces—you don't see the full picture yet, but God does. Adopt His perspective.Psalm 30:5b NLTAdversity is fleeting, but God's faithfulness is forever. 5. Remember God's promises.Psalm 119:50If God fulfilled His promises in the past, you can be sure He'll fulfill His promises in the future. 6. Remember God's people.The Church isn't just a place to go to; it's a people to grow with.Psalm 133:1 NIV Isolation weakens; community strengthens. A single coal removed from the fire quickly dies out. Stay connected to the flame.Prov 17:17 NIVWe don't pull away from one another during hard times; we press in. 7. Remember God's purpose.Psalm 57:2 When you forget God's purpose, you forfeit His peace.Romans 8:28When life shakes you, stand on what God has said, not what you see. In the 1968 Olympics, Tanzanian runner John Stephen Akhwari was injured in a fall during the marathon. Despite dislocating his knee, injuring his shoulder, and being in excruciating pain, he refused to quit. Hours after the race ended, he limped across the finish line. When asked why he kept going, he said: "My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; they sent me to finish it." God didn't bring you this far to leave you now. Adversity is part of the race, but finishing with faith is what matters.Hebrews 12:1 Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.How are you responding to adversity?

Marcus Daniel “Mark” McKinley, 41, of Pine Hill, died March 8, 2025 at his home. He was born Feb. 28, 1984 in Thomasville, to James “Skeeter” McAuthor and Mary Ann Parnell. He was a foreman with Ozark Safety and attended Thomasville Church of God. He is survived by his wife, Joni McKinley; mother, Mary Ann Parnell; sons, Marcus Gabriel McKinley and Donovan James McKinley; daughter, Alaina Brooke McKinley; brothers, Jon Wesley Parnell and Ronald “Mac” Parnell; and sisters, Connie Francine Morgan, Rebecca “Missie” Gustafson, and Susan McGarrity. Condolences may be offered at obryantchapelfh.com Arrangements by O'Bryant Chapel Funeral Home and...Article Link

Change is not always easy, but it is inevitable. In working here, for over 10 years, I've seen lots of people come and go, but I must say our recent departure of our reporter Eduardo Magana will be a significant loss to us here at the local papers. Previously in the past, we had a reporter to cover each individual area, in addition to their coverage of the area also included other tasks as well to make sure we have the news out weekly on time. Eduardo was assigned to cover news and events in Jackson, Grove Hill and Thomasville....Article Link

(Bonus Edition! We had a fun conversation about the Secretary Lloyd Austin Street renaming ceremony and what it was like behind scenes. Also included in the bonus edition, economic development the Thomasville way. Be advised- jokes and sarcasm ahead!)On this episode, we welcome back one of the original podcast hosts Ricky Zambrano, and we interview Andy Goodwin, Director of Economic Development. Andy talks about some of the new processes the City is developing and new businesses in our community. Also, keep listening for the Sounds of the City. Thanks for tuning in!

Big Idea: The Psalms teach us to bring raw, honest emotions before God rather than pretending everything is fine.In this message, Pastor Eric Robertson shares how to be real with God and others. The World's View of AuthenticityCulture claims to value authenticity but actually promotes curation—selecting and displaying only the best parts.Social media reinforces this: we publish the highlights, hide the struggles.The danger? We do this with God too—afraid to be real before Him.The Root of Our HidingGenesis 3:8-10 – Adam and Eve hid from God out of fear and shame.We admire authenticity in others but struggle to be authentic ourselves.Spiritual imposter syndrome: We feel we're not enough, so we hide our failures from God.Key truth: If we want intimacy with God, we must be vulnerable before Him.The Psalms Show a Better WayDavid was flawed, but never fake.Examples of raw honesty in Psalms: Psalm 12:1 – Feeling abandoned. Psalm 13:1-2 – Wrestling with doubt. Psalm 51 – Confession of failure. Instead of hiding, David brought his mess to God—and God met him there.God Calls Us to AuthenticityPeople judge our mess—God embraces it to heal us.Key point: Emotions can be real and irrational at the same time. God is not afraid of the mess.Matthew 16:24 – Following Jesus means denying pride, not pretending we have it all together.The Psalms reveal two powerful truths:1. God                 you (Psalm 139:1-4).2. God has            for you (Psalm 103:13-14).How We RespondBe Real with                 (1 John 1:8-9) We deceive ourselves if we claim to be sinless. Grace is for those who acknowledge their need. Be Real with           (James 5:16)Accountability spreads the weight and helps us rise again.Three rules for accountability: Choose wisely—don't share everything with everyone. Seek spiritual maturity—don't ask a child for medical advice. Own your accountability—it's your responsibility, not theirs. Closing Challenge:Stop curating your faith—God wants the real you.Bring your whole self to God, and let Him transform you.The Psalms teach us that authenticity before God leads to true holiness.Are you being real with God and others?

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie chats with her mom, Susie, about books for readers with PG-13 tastes. You get 10% off the Susie-approved reads mentioned in this episode when you use code SHOPMOMSELECTS at checkout online and in-store! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 520”), or download and shop on The Bookshelf's official app: Susie's Favorite Books The Sunflower House by Adriana Allegri Time of the Child by Niall Williams Ordinary Time by Annie B. Jones The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore Have More Fun by Mandy Arioto (unavailable to order) The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry (releases 3/18) Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Munroe (releases 5/13) What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange A Separate Peace by John Knowles The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall.  Susie is reading Beach House Rules by Kristy Woodson Harvey. If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.

We all long for loyalty but human loyalty has limits. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally, shares about loyalty that we can depend on.  Psalm 8:4 ESV What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?It doesn't make sense. Because although God doesn't need us, evidently He wants us. Exodus 34:6 ESV The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness." There is a Hebrew word in God's self-description: hesed.Hesed is a word mentioned 247 times in OT. Here are some ways its translated:Unfailing love, steadfast love, faithful love, constant love, gracious love, loyal love, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, and favor.  Pastor Jamie's definition:Hesed is the dependable and enthusiastic loyalty, kindness and support that is received when someone is in relationship with God. Lamentations 3:22-23 "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."This is the relationship written on your heart that you have judged every other relationship by. You were hardwired for Hesed.What do the Psalms say about hesed?1. God's hesed never ends.Psalm 136:1 2. God's hesed isn't earned.God's loyalty isn't a loan He expects to be paid back—it's a gift with no strings attached. Psalm 106:43-45 NLT 3. God's hesed is pursuing you.Psalm 23:6 ESV Your sin and your shortcomings can't outrun the love of God. God's mercy moves faster than your mistakes. What is our response to Hesed?1. Worship God.Psalm 63:3 NKJVSince God's love never quits, our worship shouldn't either. 2. Give God your loyalty.Loyalty shouldn't just be received; it should be returned.Proverbs 3:3 NLT His loyalty toward us should move us into our own loyalty toward Him. 3. Love people.God's love fills us, not only for our own benefit, but so we can pour it out on others.Romans 13:8-10 NLT Notice love is an obligation, not an option. You don't have to follow the 10 commandments if you'll just follow the one commandment.Let's stop letting others determine how we act—we have hesed.Since you're loved by God, love like God. While we fail to show up, wander away, and even forget about God, He is faithful, He never forgets us, and He is there waiting for us to return to Him. Exodus 34:7a NLT I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations... God's hesed love is faithful for 1000 generations, or 40,000 years! No failure, no mistake, and no amount of distance can separate you from His hesed love and loyalty.  How are you responding to God's loyal love?

This week on From the Front Porch, it's another New Release Rundown! Annie, Erin, and Olivia are sharing the March releases they're excited about to help you build your TBR. When you purchase or preorder any of the books they talk about, enter the code NEWRELEASEPLEASE at checkout for 10% off your order! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 519”), or download and shop on The Bookshelf's official app: Annie's books: One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter (3/4) The Antidote by Karen Russell (3/11) Tilt by Emma Pattee (3/25) Olivia's books: The City of Lost Cats by Tanya Lloyd Kyi (3/4) Once for Yes by Allie Millington (3/25) The Other People by C.B. Everett (3/25) Erin's books: Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (3/4) Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley (3/11) Early Thirties by Josh Duboff (3/18) From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley.  Olivia is reading This is Not A Game by Kelly Mullen.  Erin is listening to I've Got Questions by Erin Hicks Moon. If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.

Hey everyone, Chris here. In this latest episode of Head, Heart, and Boots, Brandon and I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Alexus from Thomasville Restoration. She blew us away with her insights on reshaping recruitment and branding in the restoration industry. Trust me, this is an episode that truly revolutionizes how you think about team building and company identity. Here's Why We Love This Episode: Innovative Recruitment Ideas: Alexus shares how Thomasville uses their branding strategies not just externally but as a core part of their recruitment. This approach attracts top talent and creates a workplace where everyone wants to be. Building a Magnetic Culture: We dive deep into how Thomasville integrates their brand values throughout every employee interaction, transforming their workplace culture into something genuinely inviting and cohesive. Engaging and Retaining Talent: Discover the creative and effective methods Thomasville employs to keep employee engagement high and loyalty even higher. Their approach makes the company's brand a living part of their employees' lives. Thank you sponsors! Liftify is for restorers who are looking to accelerate their online reviews. Consistent and fresh Google Reviews are critical to growing your online presence and establishing trust with your brand. Don't leave it to chance, partner with Liftify and let them capture the feedback your team has earned. https://www.liftify.com/floodlight AnswerForce transforms the restoration industry by providing round-the-clock answering solutions. Their skilled team ensures no call goes unanswered, capturing and qualifying leads, scheduling appointments, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Benefit from industry expertise, scalability, and customized scripting while saving costs compared to in-house solutions. With AnswerForce, your business growth potential becomes limitless. https://www.answerforce.com/floodlight C&R Magazine is the industry's oldest and longest-running media outlet. The team brings restorers all the current news, developments, education and resources that impact our business and the teams we lead. From print media to podcasts, C&R ensures the industry news you need is accessible from anywhere. https://candrmagazine.com Actionable Insights. The Actionable Xactimate Profile by Actionable Insights offers live guidance for more accurate and complete estimates in Xactimate, preventing costly errors and improving your team's workflow. It's an essential upgrade for enhanced estimating accuracy and efficiency. https://getinsights.org/floodlight Did you know... Only 30% of businesses listed for sale actually find a buyer? Even more striking, just 10% of those sell for the price their owners anticipated or higher, meaning only 3% of all business owners achieve their desired sale price. By focusing on understanding and enhancing your enterprise value, you can significantly boost your chances of joining that successful 3%. Business Health & Value Assessment Start Assessment Know Your Enterprise Value. See Your Potential Gaps. Complete this assessment in less than 15 minutes and receive a free assessment for your business that includes: A Lite Valuation Of Your Business Your Value Multiplier Per Your Industry Health Assessment Per Our PYB Methodology Business Value & Growth Roadmap Tailored For You Value Acceleration Strategies

Do you feel insecure? The desire to feel secure is foundational for psychological development. In part one of our series On Repeat: The Psalms' Greatest Hits, Pastor Eric Robertson explores one of the most powerful themes in the Psalms—security. As human beings, we all seek stability, but no amount of money, success, or preparation can provide the unshakable foundation we long for. Psalm 125:1-2 reminds us that true security comes from trusting in the Lord, not in our own strength.Psalm 125: 1-2:  Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.Life is full of uncertainties, and insecurity often comes from within rather than external circumstances. We chase financial success, relationships, and control, yet they leave us feeling just as vulnerable.Our biggest threat to our sense of security comes from insecurity.The problem isn't just that the world is uncertain—the problem is that we are. Even when life is stable, we struggle with insecurity.Insecurity is a feeling of self-doubt or a lack of confidence. Emotionally, it makes you feel like you're on roller skates but don't know how to skate. That is the feeling that we, as a society, run from.Psalm 46: 1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surgingThe Psalmist doesn't say that troubles will never come, but that in the midst of them, GOD IS OUR REFUGE. It's His presence, not our circumstances, that make us secure.The Psalms repeat this truth over and over—when life shakes us, we have a shelter that never fails.Join us as we discuss what it means to take refuge in God, let go of self-reliance, and find peace in His presence. When trouble comes, where do you run?

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie recaps the books she read and loved in February. You get 10% off your books when you order your February Reading Recap. Each month, we offer a Reading Recap bundle, which features Annie's favorite books she read that month. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 518”), or download and shop on The Bookshelf's official app: How to Sleep at Night by Elizabeth Harris Tilt by Emma Pattee (releases 3/25/25) The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett (releases 4/29/25) Blessings and Disasters by Alexis Okeowo (releases 8/5/25) Among Friends by Hal Ebbott (releases 6/24/25) Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (releases 3/4/25) Annie's February Reading Recap Pairing - $52 How to Sleep at Night by Elizabeth Harris Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson. If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.

 Are you a good person? Better than most? In this message, Pastor Eric Robertson shares a parable of Jesus that addresses the difference between those who are self-righteous and those who have through humility received the righteousness of God.   Luke 18: 10-14   Pharisees were the good guys. They were the only people in Jerusalem doing something about the Roman occupation.  Tax Collectors were traitors! They were Jews selected by Roman officials because they knew the culture and everyone's secrets.  Breakdown Vs 10: It would have been normal to see a Pharisee stand in the temple and pray, but very odd to see a tax collector there.  Vs 11-13  The Twist Vs 14  This is the reversal! This is the shocking end. If you were listening to this parable as Jesus told it, offense would be setting in, anger would be brewing.  The bad guy finds redemption and the good guy finds condemnation. Vs 9  To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: Jesus is telling this parable to people who think they are better than they are. People, who through pride, believe that their efforts are enough to restore union with God.  Kingdom Truths from the Parable  1.  Self-righteousness blinds us to our brokenness. Self-righteousness is a reliance on one's own perceived goodness, morality, or religious works to justify oneself before God.   Self-righteousness is a sin that blinds us to our own brokenness. When you are looking down on everyone else, you can't look in the mirror. God is looking for more than compliance. He is looking for surrender.   2. We are saved by grace, not good behavior. How you receive grace, shows you what you believe to be true about God. Those of us who feel like we need to work for or earn God's love may see God more like a boss. His grace flows from His eternal desire to be your Father. "Jesus did not come to change God's mind about us; He came to reveal the eternal truth that we are beloved." -Baxter Kruger In other words, God's grace doesn't purchase His love, it reveals it. Ephesians 1:4-5  Ephesians 2:8-9 3. Pride Ruins, Humility Restores. Galatians 6: 3-4  The reason pride is so dangerous is that it removes our ability to be reliant. If you don't think you need help, you are at risk of rejecting the very thing required to save you...God's grace. James 4: 6-10 Conclusion: The story of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector is a warning to us. Jesus leaves us with two choices at the end: either remain humble and allow God to elevate us or get knocked down. Some of us require the latter.  But the scandal of the Gospel is that there is grace for the humble, and grace for the proud. Question: Who are you trusting in?

This week on From the Front Porch, it's an episode of Off the Shelf with Annie & Ashley! Annie is joined by friend, cousin, and former colleague, Ashley Sherlock, to chat about what they're reading – but also what they're watching, listening to, and buying. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 517”), or download and shop on The Bookshelf's official app: Annie is reading: Tilt by Emma Pattee (releases March 25th) The Favorites by Layne Fargo Ashley is reading: The Women by Kristin Hannah Playworld by Adam Ross Bark by Lorrie Moore From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading I've Got Questions by Erin H. Moon.  Ashley is reading The Magic of Knowing What You Want by Tracey Gee. If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.

On this episode, we talk to Eve Geyer, Project Manager for the City of Thomasville. She gives us updates on the Dewey City CDBG project, Old Albany Road project, and stormwater design sessions. Also, we debut our new segment, "Sounds of the City!" Look for the Facebook post, provide your answer for the city sound effect in the comments, and you might when a prize.

Do you struggle with forgiving others? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares about Jesus's surprising teaching about forgiveness. Jesus didn't use parables to make everything clear, but to make everyone think.Today's parable: The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant Matthew 18:21-353 Questions to ask:Who is being represented in this parable?1. The king represents God.We can learn what God is like based on what this king does. Notice, He is not just an accountant, He is compassionate. Psalm 103:14Isaiah 48:11 But also like the king, God gets really angry when someone who has been forgiven so much refuses to forgive another.  2. The servant who was forgiven the larger amount represents us.Romans 3:23Some of the things we have done were unforgivable, yet we are freely forgiven. 3. The servant who wasn't forgiven the smaller amount represents those who have hurt us.Ephesians 4:32  What is the surprise twist in the story?There are three twists:1. The king forgave an astronomical amount of debt.2. The forgiven servant refused to forgive a far less amount after he had been forgiven.3. Jesus says God will do the same to us if we don't forgive. What are the kingdom lessons in the story?1. Forgiveness is a two-sided coin: heads, I'm forgiven; tails, I forgive.You can't spend only one side of a coin, and you can't separate your forgiveness from your forgiving.Matthew 6:14-15 If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.This isn't a threat, its an explanation. Jesus isn't saying God is waiting to pounce on us if we don't forgive. Instead, He's explaining a kingdom reality about the nature of forgiveness.  2. You won't survive unforgiveness.James 2:13 NLT Forgiveness doesn't condone sin, it doesn't deny what happened, and it doesn't replace having wise boundaries with people who hurt you. Forgiveness is hard, but here is the truth: the pain you feel during the process of forgiving someone is nowhere near the pain you will feel if you hold on to the unforgiveness. 3. We are to make a big deal of our own sin, not other people's sin.1 Tim 1:15 4. Forgiveness is a mindset, not only a moment.Matthew 18:21-22 Forgiveness is not just a point in time action; It's a life-long decision. Here is God's promise in the process: If you will forgive the people who hurt you, God will remove the pain they caused you. Unforgiveness is like keeping old junk in your house. The more you hold onto, the less room you have for peace. When you forgive, you're clearing space for God's grace to move in. Are you learning the lessons of the unforgiving servant?

Ted is joined by Annie B. Jones, the author of the soon-to-be-released Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put. A book of essays, it draws on her experiences living in a small town in the area where she grew up. Those experiences include owning and running an independent bookstore, The Bookshelf, through which she also talks books, small business, and life in the South as the host of the store's popular podcast, From the Front Porch. In one of her first interviews about her book—and yes, if #humblebrag were still a thing, that would absolutely be a Working Drafts #humblebrag—Annie talks with Ted talk about what it's been like to go from bookseller and reader to the person with your name on the cover. She also shares why she chose to write essays given her well-known love of fiction, the process of titling those pieces, deciding how much of her life to include, and what just might be the frontrunner for her favorite essay in the book. In the process, Annie and Ted discover they both read what they write out loud—oftentimes to a canine companion—in order to get their words in their final form.Episode Links:Annie's WebsiteThe Bookshelf (Annie's bookstore)From the Front Porch Podcast (plus wherever you get your pods)Working Drafts episodes and info for requesting transcripts as well as more details about Ted and his books are available on his website, thetedfox.com.

This week on From the Front Porch, it's an episode of Annie Recommends! In this series, Annie curates a stack of books in a certain genre or theme for you – just as if you walked into our brick-and-mortar store, The Bookshelf. This month, Annie recommends a short list of her favorite rom-coms. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 516”) or download and shop on The Bookshelf's official app: Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell Back After This by Linda Holmes (releases 2/25/25) The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan Passion Project by London Sperry (releases 4/8/25) From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading How to Sleep at Night by Elizabeth Harris. If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.

Today we ventured off the porch and made a quick trip to Thomasville, Georgia to sit down with the owner and master distiller for the 1861 Distillery, Brian Higgins. Brian tells us all about how the distillery started, its various accolades, and he was kind enough to share some of their whiskey and their more unique products, including Quinoa whiskey, Sorghum whiskey, and Amaretto. Cheers y'all!

There is parable that Jesus says is the key to understanding all parables. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally helps us understand this important teaching of Jesus. Jesus didn't use parables to make everything clear, but to make everyone think.Questions to ask when reading a parable:1. Who does each character represent?2. Where is the surprise twist in the story?3. What are the kingdom lessons behind each parable? Today's parable: The Parable of the SowerMark 4:3-9 NLTA sower is someone who plants seed. Mark 4:14 - 20 Questions to ask:Who is being represented in this parable?The farmer is anyone sharing the seed—the truth of God's word.  The seed on the footpath represents people with hard hearts. Like rain on a water-proof jacket, it never soaks in. Why?Offense – holding unforgiveness in your heart makes you suspicious of everyone.Hurt – an unhealed heart will grow hard to protect itself from more hurt.Pride – the prideful heart isn't open to correction because they already think they know everything. Rebellion – the more you choose intentional disobedience, the harder it becomes to obey.Hebrews 3:7b-8a  Satan wants to steal God's truth from you, just like birds want your food. The seed on the rocky soil represents people with shallow hearts. Problems and persecution come and they wither rather quickly. John 16:33 MSG The seed among thorns represents those who let worry, wealth and wanting overtake the growing fruit. 1 John 2:16-17 NIV  The seed on good soil represents those who hear and accept—they repent, apply the word and live in the ways of the kingdom.James 1:23-24 NLT What is the twist in the story?The farmer threw seed everywhere. That was very inefficient farming, but it demonstrates the heart with which God shares Himself.  What are the kingdom lessons in the story?1. God's word is for everyone.He sows seed everywhere.Titus 2:11 You've been given the antidote to this world's sickness—don't keep it to yourself.Don't reject God on someone else's behalf. Don't decide for them—just sow seed. 2. It's the condition of our heart that determines if we receive from God.2 Peter 1:3 This is why Proverbs 4:23 says keep/guard your heart will all diligence and above all else. Safeguard your soil! 3. Our application of God's instruction determines the amount of fruit in our lives.James 2:14 Real faith is evidenced by action. What determines 30, 60, or 100 fold? The quality of the soil. Your production is based on your hearing and accepting—your obedience. The degree to which you obey is the degree to which you'll produce a harvest of spiritual fruit.    James 1:21 NLT ...Humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.What type of soil are you?

This week on From the Front Porch, it's another New Release Rundown! Annie, Erin, and Olivia are sharing the November releases they're excited about to help you build your TBR. When you purchase or preorder any of the books they talk about, enter the code NEWRELEASEPLEASE at checkout for 10% off your order! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 515”), or download and shop on The Bookshelf's official app: Annie's books: The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy (2/4) We Would Never by Tova Mirvis (2/11) Back After This by Linda Holmes (2/25) Olivia's books: The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune (2/4) You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego (2/11) The Enemy's Daughter by Anne Blankman (2/18) Erin's books: The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict (2/11) The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker (2/25) Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister (2/25) From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Isola by Allegra Goodman.  Olivia is reading The Enemy's Daughter by Anne Blankman.  Erin is reading Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson. If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.

Ever wondered why there are so many imposters and hypocrites in churches? What should we do about it? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares insights both this topic from a story that Jesus told.  Why did Jesus use parables?Matthew 13:12-13a Jesus didn't use parables to make everything clear, but to make everyone think. Jesus' parables reveal people's hearts—they penetrate some hearts and they harden others. With His use of parables, Jesus isn't hiding truth FROM people; He's hiding it FOR people, in hopes that it draws them closer to Him. Questions to ask when reading a parable:1. Who does each character represent? 2. What is the surprise twist in the story? 3. What are the kingdom lessons behind each story?  Today's parable: The Wheat and the WeedsMatthew 13:24-30  The weeds in the story, are also called tares, but they're known today as darnel weed, often called false wheat. Jesus' explanationMatthew 13:36-43  3 Questions to ask:Who does each character represent?Jesus – FarmerThe field – the worldWheat – people who follow JesusWeeds – the people who don't follow JesusThe farmer's enemy – the devilThe harvest – the end of the worldThe harvesters – the angels What is the twist in the story?The farmer waited until harvest to sort the wheat from the weeds.28-30 God is playing the long game. God's justice is coming eventually, but God's mercy is here currently. What are the kingdom lessons in the story?1. It is often difficult to distinguish between believers and unbelievers, especially at the earliest stages of growth. We must be slow to declare which is which.Jude 1:22-23 NLT God is long-suffering towards those you find insufferable.This is why we don't throw people away when they make a mistake, when they struggle with sin, or when they're taking longer to "get it" than we think they should.Our father is a farmer and growing people takes time. 2. God is not calling you to be a holy weed eater.We have not been instructed to go in guns blazing, clearing out and cleaning up all we see wrong in someone's life. Why? Because sometimes, you look like a weed too.Galatians 6:1 NIV Christians shouldn't be passive against evil, but we're called to be patient with people.John 3:17 NLT If God didn't send Jesus into the world to judge the world, I doubt He sent you to judge it. 3. God's judgement is real, but not yet revealed.Romans 2:5 Some of you are too excited about the prospect of people going to hell. Others of you aren't concerned enough about people going to hell.Be angry at injustice, but trust the wisdom of the Lord of the harvest and share God's grace with others while we can.   Are you learning the lessons found in the parable of the wheat and the weeds?

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie recaps the books she read and loved in January. You get 10% off your books when you order your January Reading Recap Duo. Each month, we offer a Reading Recap bundle, which features Annie's favorite books she read that month. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 514”), or download and shop on The Bookshelf's official app: The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy (releases 2/4) We Would Never by Tova Mirvis (releases 2/11) Lucky Night by Eliza Kennedy (releases 3/25) Playworld by Adam Ross Back After This by Linda Holmes (releases 2/25) Show Don't Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld (releases 2/25) Annie's January Reading Recap Duo - $52 The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy (releases 2/4) Playworld by Adam Ross **Please note your January Reading Recap Duo will ship after Tuesday, February 4, when The Snowbirds releases. From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy. If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Beth, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, Jammie Treadwell, and Amanda Whigham.

Ready to take things to the next level? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how focusing on worship can help you level up in your spiritual growth.Worship is devotion expressed.The word used in Greek literally means "to kiss the hand, in token of reverence". Worship is doing something that honors God and demonstrates your love and devotion for Him.Attention – Affection - ActionIf you're doing nothing, you're not worshipping.We are wired for worship. You will worship someone or something. You might as well choose for yourself who you worship, and not allow your devotion to be hijacked by current culture. Why do we use music?God has chosen music as a means of spiritual communication. There is spiritual information in songs. If its true in the positive, then its true in the negative. Music by itself is not worship, it's the vehicle that can take your heart into worship.2 Kings 3:15 ESV Music can usher in the presence of God.2 Chronicles 5:13-14 NLT Music is an incredible gift from God. It captures and releases emotion. Music carries spiritual messages. Worship should be done wholeheartedly, not halfheartedly.Psalm 86:12 ESV Isaiah 29:13 NIVOur worship service shouldn't just be lip service. Watching people worship God is not the same as worshipping God. Worship should be done in spirit and in truth.John 4:23 "But the time is coming—indeed it's here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way."Worshipping in spirit and truth is without pretense, with authenticity, honesty, and sincerity. Come to God as you really are. Of the 150 Psalms, 42 are "laments" where the author is struggling with life and is asking tough questions. Some are even "imprecatory."We try to fake it with people, but don't try to fake it with God. He heard you think up that lie in your head. Worship should be a sacrifice.Romans 12:1 NIVWhether we're singing a song or saying no to sin, our obedience is an act of worship. Don't give God something that doesn't cost you. True worship will cost you your comfort, your dignity, your fear. Don't give God your leftover worship.  Worship is done many ways, and one doesn't replace the others.Ephesians 5:18b-19 ...be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.Two main divisions here:1. Corporate worship (done in a group)Psalms: scripture Hymns: church songs that people knowSpiritual songs: new songs from the Spirit 2. Personal worship (done in private)Making music in your hearts "Worship is simply giving God His breath back." – Louie Giglio Are you using worship to level up?

This week on From the Front Porch, it's a new episode of Into the Backlist! Today, Annie changes her focus from new releases to dive into the backlist: the books that came out years ago, the books that didn't get enough attention, the books you may stumble upon while browsing in an indie bookstore like The Bookshelf. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 513”) or download and shop on The Bookshelf's official app: Previous Into the Backlist Titles: Frances & Bernard by Carlene Bauer The Ensemble by Aja Gabel (unable to order) The Mothers by Brit Bennett Defending Jacob by William Landay History of Wolves by Emily Fridlund The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry Miracle Creek by Angie Kim These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward Miracle Creek by Angie Kim Swamplandia! by Karen Russell (unavailable to order) Lay Your Body Down by Amy Suiter Clarke Stealing by Margaret Verble The Net Beneath Us by Carol Dunbar Bewilderment by Richard Powers Burial Rites by Hannah Kent Penitence by Kristin Koval (releases January 28th) From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy. If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

Today, Molly talks with the National Longhorn Futurity Race Female Winner owner Natalie Chaney of Diamond C Ranch. Natalie won the NLFR Race with the amazing Fifty Grande BCC.  Diamond C Ranch is located in Thomasville, North Carolina. Natalie shares what this honor means to her and shares some of the stories from the past year being the driver for Fifty Grande BCC. She also shares some of her favorite things with raising Longhorns and how this has turned into a family affair.  www.nclonghorns.comFifty Grande BCCwww.huntingtonsales.com/NLFRSend us a textFrom the Pasture with Hired Hand:Hired Hand Websites (@hiredhandwebsites): https://hiredhandsoftware.comHired Hand Live (@hiredhandlive): https://hiredhandlive.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiredhandwebsites/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HiredHandSoftwareTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hiredhandwebsitesNewsletter: https://www.hiredhandsoftware.com/resources/stay-informed

On this episode,  Mike Owens, Manager of Parks/Recreation & Golf for the City of Thomasville, talks about Phase 1 of the Paradise Park renovation. Many great people and organizations outside the City have worked hard to make Paradise Park even more special. Thanks to all who have helped and thanks for tuning in! 

Here is the problem: According to the  World Health Organization, 40% of 10,000 people surveyed reported suffering from burnout in 2023. Burnout is a recognized psychological condition that results in physical and emotional fatigue, where we feel tired and lack motivation. It closely resembles depression.Analyzing the Problem:·       Is time our problem?·       What about money? Inside of us is this desire for meaning and for life that is only truly filled by knowing and being known by God. In our pursuit of trying to fill this desire we instead chase pleasure, plenty, and power.1 John 2: 16·       The division in our hearts is one of restlessness and exhaustion. One half of our heart says "I'm tired and I need rest," while the other half says, " I am restless and I want more."·       We know we need to rest, but we don't want to.      In Exodus 13 and 14, God frees the Israelites from the bondage of endless exhaustion. In the chapters that follow, God institutes something called Sabbath ("stop" in Hebrew)·       Later in Amos 8:5 god criticizes Israel for their hatred of rest.·       Israel had one eye on the rest and the other on the clock. This desire for more contributes to our lack of desire to rest. How many times have you felt guilty about taking a break? How many of you sit down only to think about all of the things you need to be doing?When you continuously run stop signs, you will eventually get into a wreck.We go and do without restraint in hopes of finding meaning and life. The way to find life is not through doing more but by doing less.Solution:Jesus presents us with an invitation to his Gospel of rest. His invitation to rest extends to us today.Matthew 11: 28-30 ·       This invitation is to a spiritual rest and a way of life. A rhythm or way of doing life that trusts that God knows my need for rest and will do more in my absence than I could do working overtime.·       When Israel found itself stuck in a cycle of labor and exhaustion, God gave them an exit (Exodus). That Exodus for us is taking time away from the cycle and resting, delighting, and worshipping.·       Jesus gives us an exit. That exit involves resting from our spiritual works AND working into our lives a rhythm of physical rest. Sitting at the Feet of JesusLuke 10: 38-42 1.      Martha was right."But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made." Resting is about trusting God with what we need to do so that He can give us what we need.2.      Mary chose the better over the good.This country is great, and the opportunities are good, but Jesus is better.3.      Martha's works could be taken away, but Mary's rest was eternal.Our stuff can be taken from us, Jesus can't. Never trade the eternal for the external

This week on From the Front Porch, it's a Literary Therapy session! Our literary Frasier Crane, Annie, is back to answer more of your reading questions and dilemmas. If you have a question you would like Annie to answer in a future episode, you can leave us a voicemail here. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 512”) or download and shop on The Bookshelf's official app: Play for Me by Libby Hubscher A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting by Sophie Irwin Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter The Life Council by Laura Tremaine Begin Again by Helly Acton Limelight by Amy Poeppel Musical Chairs by Amy Poeppel The Second Ending by Michelle Hoffman If We're Being Honest by Cat Shook Now You See Us by Balli Kaur Jaswal Take Good Care of the Garden and the Dogs by Heather Lende Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell The Best of Everything by Rona Jaffe Live from New York by James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost I'll BeThere for You by Kelsey Miller The Office by Andy Greene Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir Dark Matter by Blake Crouch The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker Kill Show by Daniel Sweren-Becker The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker (unavailable to order) The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue Leaving by Roxana Robinson It Was an Ugly Couch Anyway by Elizabeth Passarella (unavailable to order) Congratulations! The Best Is Over by R. Eric Thomas I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet by Shauna Niequist Nobody Will Tell You This But Me by Bess Kalb From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop Taste by Stanley Tucci From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

Why is community important? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how focusing on community can help you level up to the next stage of spiritual growth.Community is togetherness. It's gathering around a common faith and relying on one another for help, support and guidance—both naturally and spiritually. It's doing life together.U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy wrote the country a letter and said, "As I finish my tenure as Surgeon General, this is my parting prescription, my final wish for all of us: choose community."Reports show that Americans are lonelier than ever. The American Psychiatric Association reported in 2024 that 30% of US adults say they have experienced feelings of loneliness at least once a week, and 30% of young adults say they feel lonely every day.Community is not connectivity, assembly, or being friendly.We have confused community with connectivity. The connectivity of the digital age is convenient, but it is a counterfeit of true community.We have also confused community with being friendly. Community is based on being authentic, not just being nice to one another.We have also confused community with assembly. True community requires that we engage with one other, not just gather together. In scripture, the word for community in Greek is koinonia - fellowship, association, sharing, joint participation, intimacy.Acts 2:42 NIV "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."The invitation to follow Christ, is an invitation into community, because other people have been invited, too. Jesus saves individuals, but we grow in groups. Things that kill community:Mistrust – our past wounds cause us to view others through a lense of suspicion.Perfectionism – everything and everybody should be perfect. Being Fake – unwillingness to be real, vulnerable and accountable.You need community.1. It helps you.Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NLT 2. It matures you.You don't get better by being comfortable.  Strength comes from stretching.1 John 4:19-21 You can't love God and not love His kids. Learning to love people teaches you about God because that what He does.3. It heals you.James 5:16 NLTMany Christians are forgiven of their sin, but they are not healed from it because they have refused to embrace community.  How Do We Level Up Through Community?1. Hang out.Make time to be with other people.Acts 5:42 Jesus had groups of 3 (close friends), 12 (spiritual family), 70 (ministry), 120 (acquaintances), & 500 (the church).Hebrews 10:25 "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."2. Help out.You can grow spiritually by investing in others.Galatians 6:10Serve your city and serve your church family. Galatians 6:2  Independence and dependence aren't healthy - we are called to interdependence.Are you using community to level up?

This week on From the Front Porch, it's an episode of Annie Recommends! In this series, Annie curates a stack of books in a certain genre or theme for you – just as if you walked into our brick-and-mortar store, The Bookshelf. Sometimes, you just want a good book list. This month, Annie recommends a short list of her favorite book club selections. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 511”) or download and shop on The Bookshelf's official app: What I Ate in One Year by Stanley Tucci Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe The Women by Kristin Hannah Sandwich by Catherine Newman From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

Ready to take things to the next level? In this series, we talk about things that help us grow spiritually. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally encourages us in prayer and fasting. What is prayer?Prayer is communication with God.Prayer is the intersection of three things:1) Being with God2) Talking to God3) Listening to God What is fasting?Fasting is the practice of not eating food in order to amplify your prayer.You can't be filled if you're already full, so fasting is making room so you can communicate with God more effectively. It's denying the flesh in order to advance the spirit.Fasting turns deciding into discerning.   How to level up though prayer:1. Pray without distraction.Luke 5:16 ESV "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."Let's be honest, many of us are used to asking Google instead of asking God.You can't do important things when you're distracted by insignificant things.Good things become bad things when they distract us from God things.John Ortberg – "For many of us the great danger is not that we will renounce our faith. It is that we will become so distracted and rushed and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version of it." 2. Pray like you know God.Have you ever asked yourself, if God already knows everything, why do we have to pray? Because prayer fulfills His desire for relationship with you, and because relationships are founded on communication.Prayer is not getting God to do something for you, it's getting to know God.Hebrews 4:16 NIV "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."Prayer should be personal, not transactional. 3. Pray like you'll make a difference.James 5:16-17 NLT "The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years!" Your prayers are so important that they actually affect the outcome of history.Think of this: If prayer changes things, not praying changes things too. So why don't you pray as much as you could?You'll only talk to God if you believe He's listening. 4. Pray a lot.Luke 11:5-8 NLT Your prayers never bother God. But do you know what does bother Him? Us, absent of relationship, wanting to use Him as our genie. 5. Pray, then listen.John 10:27 "My sheep hear my voice."Sit with God after talking to Him and learn to be led by Him. How would your life be different if you committed to prayer and fasting? Are you using prayer and fasting to level up?

Happy New Year! This week on From the Front Porch, Annie chats about the unsung books that may have flown under your radar and deserve more airtime. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 510”) or download and shop on The Bookshelf's official app: Family Family by Laurie Frankel A Great Country by Shilpi Somaya Gowda What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan One Day I'll Grow Up and Be a Beautiful Woman by Abi Maxwell The Book of George by Kate Greathead From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Rental House by Weiki Wang. If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

AlabamaGovernor Ivey orders flags flown at half mast to honor the life of Jimmy CarterSurvey teams confirm that at least 5 tornados touched down in AlabamaCongressman Moore calls out Joe Biden for draining US of its $ for UkraineMayor of Thomasville reveals at least 2 purchasers in talks for medical centerDeatsville man facing federal charges of embezzlement from companyNational40 tornadoes damaged communities in 7 states and killed 4 people White House offers more aid to Ukraine, total so far from US  is at $130B2nd Circuit court upholds $5M ruling against Trump in E.Jean Carroll caseTrump comes out with full endorsement of Mike Johnson as House SpeakerUS attorney Matthew Graves submits resignation ahead of Trump admin.SC Jack Smith sends docs to FL to pursue charges against Trump staffReport on H-1B visa program shows underpayment of foreign workersCIA whistleblower talks about gaslighting from agency re: DEWs

Think of change and transition in your life as turning points. Most trips require a series of turns to get to where you're going. That's what change is – changes are the turning points that lead you to your destination. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares what the Bible says about navigating change.1. Change is inevitable.Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."You have to give something up to get something new. You can never walk in all God has for your future  if you're still holding onto what He gave you in the past.  Life is relay race. It doesn't matter have fast you run—you won't win the race if you don't learn how to pass the baton from change to change. 2. God wants to walk you through the changes in your life.Joshua 1:9 ESV "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."If you tend to be hostile to change, recognize your tendency and take it slow. We slow down to take turns.Psalm 23:4 ESV 3. Change is necessary to get you to where you need to be.Jesus had to go through crucifixion in order to experience resurrection. Luke 5:37-38 Protecting what you have is the enemy of acquiring what you need. 4. God wants to give you His perspective on the change you're experiencing.You can't apply God's solution to a problem until you see God's perspective on it.Ephesians 1:18 NIV "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people."Perspective is tied to location. The closer you are to God, the more you'll see things the way He does. 5. Maybe you have a particular role to play during this time of change.Esther 4:14 What if you're not a victim of change but a victor through change? 6. Changing requires choosing.Get to choose how you respond to change. Choose trust, God can be trusted.Proverbs 3:5 ESV "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding."Change is painful. But it's not as painful as staying stuck where you aren't supposed to be. "Change is inevitable; Growth is optional" – John MaxwellYou can either grumble through change, or grow through change.What if you decided now that the inevitable change you will face in 2025 will be used for your personal growth? Are you growing through change?

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie and Hunter (@shelfbyshelf) discuss their top 10 favorite books of 2024. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 509”) or download and shop on The Bookshelf's official app: Annie's Midyear Favorites: 1. James by Percival Everett 2. Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar 3. Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner 4. Even After Everything by Stephanie Duncan Smith 5. Real Americans by Rachel Khong 6. Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo 7. Sandwich by Catherine Newman 8. Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel 9. Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan 10. Grief Is for People by Sloane Crosley Hunter's Midyear Favorites: 1. James by Percival Everett 2. All Fours by Miranda July 3. We Were The Universe by Kimberly King Parsons 4. In Tongues by Thomas Grattan 5. Colored Television by Danzy Senna 6. State of Paradise by Laura Van der Berg 7. Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel 8. Ways and Means by Daniel Lefferts 9. Henry Henry by Allen Bratton 10. Housemates by Emma Copley Eisenberg Annie's Favorite Books of 2024 1. James by Percival Everett 2. Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout 3. Even After Everything by Stephanie Duncan Smith 4. The Barn by Wright Thompson 5. The Wedding People by Alison Espach 6. Clear by Carys Davies 7. Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel 8. Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar 9. Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe 10. Grief Is for People by Sloane Crosley Hunter's Favorite Books of 2024 1. James by Percival Everett 2. All Fours by Miranda July 3. We Were The Universe by Kimberly King Parsons 4. Small Rain by Garth Greenwell 5. Colored Television by Danzy Senna 6. Rejection by Tommy Tulathimutte 7. Hombrecito by Santiago Jose Sanchez 8. Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel 9. In Tongues by Thomas Grattan 10. Orbital by Samantha Harvey / Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Playworld by Adam Ross. Hunter is reading The Antidote by Karen Russell. If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

This week on From the Front Porch, Annie and Erin chat about exciting changes to our Shelf Subscriptions! Shelf Subscriptions are The Bookshelf's book-a-month club for adults and kids. Listen to find out what makes Shelf Subscriptions special, and how we're refreshing the program in 2025. Learn more about Shelf Subscription changes and read Annie's letter here. To purchase your Shelf Subscription, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville or visit our website: Annie Shelf Subscription Olivia Shelf Subscription Revolving Shelf Subscription Susie's favorites Nancy's favorites Shop Dad Chris' favorites From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Thank you to this week's sponsor, Thomasville, Georgia. There is something truly special about the holiday season in Downtown Thomasville. The twinkling lights, beautifully decorated store windows, and holiday events all add to the festive feeling of the season. Let us be your shopping and dining destination this holiday season, so spend Christmas in Thomasville with us. Activities are held every weekend leading up to Christmas, including this year's 38th Annual Victorian Christmas on December 12 and 13. Learn more by visiting thomasvillega.com or call 229-228-7977. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Playworld by Adam Ross. Erin is reading Pictures of You by Emma Grey. If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

This week on From the Front Porch, The Bookshelf staff share their favorite books of 2024! To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 506” to find the books mentioned in this episode), or download and shop on The Bookshelf's official app: Olivia's Favorite: Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune Erin's Favorite: We Burn Daylight by Bret Anthony Johnston Keila's Favorite: All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker Caroline's Favorite:  Ghostroots by ‘Pemi Aguda From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Thank you to this week's sponsor, Thomasville, Georgia. There is something truly special about the holiday season in Downtown Thomasville. The twinkling lights, beautifully decorated store windows, and holiday events all add to the festive feeling of the season. Let us be your shopping and dining destination this holiday season, so spend Christmas in Thomasville with us. Activities are held every weekend leading up to Christmas, including this year's 38th Annual Victorian Christmas on December 12 and 13. Learn more by visiting thomasvillega.com or call 229-228-7977. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Cherished Belonging by Gregory Boyle. If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

Happy Thanksgiving! We are so thankful to you for listening to the show. This week on From the Front Porch, Annie recaps the books she read and loved in November. You get 10% off your books when you order your November Reading Recap Bundle. Each month, we offer a Reading Recap bundle, which features Annie's favorite books she read that month. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 505” to find the books mentioned in this episode), or download and shop on The Bookshelf's official app: Penitence by Kristin Koval The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop A Home for the Holidays by Taylor Hahn Entitlement by Rumaan Alam Annie's November Reading Recap Bundle - $52 The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop A Home for the Holidays by Taylor Hahn From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Thank you to this week's sponsor, Thomasville, Georgia. There is something truly special about the holiday season in Downtown Thomasville. The twinkling lights, beautifully decorated store windows, and holiday events all add to the festive feeling of the season. Let us be your shopping and dining destination this holiday season, so spend Christmas in Thomasville with us. Activities are held every weekend leading up to Christmas, including this year's 38th Annual Victorian Christmas on December 12 and 13. Learn more by visiting thomasvillega.com or call 229-228-7977. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Cherished Belonging by Gregory Boyle. If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

This week on From the Front Porch, it's an episode of Annie Recommends! In this series, Annie curates a stack of books in a certain genre or theme for you – just as if you walked into our brick-and-mortar store, The Bookshelf. Sometimes, you just want a good book list. This month, Annie recommends a short list of her favorite nonfiction titles for November. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 504” to find the books mentioned in this episode), or download and shop on The Bookshelf's official app: Circle of Hope by Eliza Griswold JFK, Jr. by Liz McNeil and RoseMarie Terenzio The Age of Magical Overthinking by Amanda Montell The Barn by Wright Thompson Congratulations! The Best Is Over by R. Eric Thomas From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  A full transcript of today's episode can be found here. Thank you to this week's sponsor, Thomasville, Georgia. There is something truly special about the holiday season in Downtown Thomasville. The twinkling lights, beautifully decorated store windows, and holiday events all add to the festive feeling of the season. Let us be your shopping and dining destination this holiday season, so spend Christmas in Thomasville with us. Activities are held every weekend leading up to Christmas, including this year's 38th Annual Victorian Christmas on December 12 and 13. Learn more by visiting thomasvillega.com or call 229-228-7977. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop. If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.

This week on From the Front Porch, we're preparing for the holidays and forgoing our traditional episode format to bring you an author interview with Lorilee Cracker and Jenny Williams, authors of Eat Like a Heroine. This beautiful book contains wisdom on how to eat, picnic, comfort, host and more like your favorite literary heroines and is perfect for gift-giving. Annie, Lorilee, and Jenny chat about food in literature and what our childhood heroines can teach us in adulthood. To purchase the books mentioned in this episode, stop by The Bookshelf in Thomasville, visit our website (search “Episode 503” to find the books mentioned in this episode), or download and shop on The Bookshelf's official app: Eat Like a Heroine by Jenny Williams and Lorilee Craker From the Front Porch is a weekly podcast production of The Bookshelf, an independent bookstore in South Georgia. You can follow The Bookshelf's daily happenings on Instagram, Tiktok, and Facebook, and all the books from today's episode can be purchased online through our store website, www.bookshelfthomasville.com.  Thank you to this week's sponsor, Thomasville, Georgia. There is something truly special about the holiday season in Downtown Thomasville. The twinkling lights, beautifully decorated store windows, and holiday events all add to the festive feeling of the season. Let us be your shopping and dining destination this holiday season, so spend Christmas in Thomasville with us. Activities are held every weekend leading up to Christmas, including this year's 38th Annual Victorian Christmas on December 12 and 13. Learn more by visiting thomasvillega.com or call 229-228-7977. Special thanks to Dylan and his team at Studio D Podcast Production for sound and editing and for our theme music, which sets the perfect warm and friendly tone for our Thursday conversations.  This week, Annie is reading Penitence by Kristin Koval.  If you liked what you heard in today's episode, tell us by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. You can also support us on Patreon, where you can access bonus content, monthly live Porch Visits with Annie, our monthly live Patreon Book Club with Bookshelf staffers, Conquer a Classic episodes with Hunter, and more. Just go to patreon.com/fromthefrontporch. We're so grateful for you, and we look forward to meeting back here next week. Our Executive Producers are...Jennifer Bannerton, Stephanie Dean, Linda Lee Drozt, Ashley Ferrell, Susan Hulings, Wendi Jenkins, Martha, Nicole Marsee, Gene Queens, Cammy Tidwell, and Amanda Whigham.