Mama Lava’s Back Porch

PEACE WE CRAVE IS FOUND IN THE WISDOM OF PROVERBS

(October 10, 2025) Mama Lava shares from her heart regarding Proverbs…

Finally! Saturday arrived and I sat at Starbucks with a drink I’d been craving. I settled in and opened the Bible app on my phone. It was October 1, and I headed to Proverbs 1.

It has been a long-time habit to read a Proverb a day. Proverbs has 31 chapters, which makes it the perfect length. And because it is a book of incredible wisdom, I can’t imagine ever reading it enough times to master or tire of it.

Finding Perspective
I typically read from my NIV Bible… but my Bible app opened in the NLT, which is very similar, but just different enough to intrigue me. The familiar verses pulled me in with slightly different wording and made me think about them with fresh perspective.

(more…)

THE COMPANY WE CHOOSE TO BE AND KEEP

(July 28, 2025) Mama Lava challenges us as she shares from her heart about a very important Christian principle…

The crisis was unimaginable. I couldn’t fathom what she was going through. The desperation I felt for a friend on her behalf couldn’t have come close to what she must have been feeling.

I was a step removed from the situation, but the gut punch I felt knocked me off my feet.

(more…)

ANXIETY STEMS FROM MISPLACED TRUST!

(May 14, 2025) Mama Lava, sharing from her heart, reminds us of another great truth…

Hello again!

Trust is our theme this month, as we work on alleviating our anxiety. Specifically trust in God.

Think about this… we put our trust in many things every day. We trust that—

  • What we buy online will arrive as described.
  • The amount charged on our various bills is accurate.
  • Our cars will get us from point of origin to destination without breaking down.
(more…)

WHEN GOD REPEATS HIMSELF, WE DO WELL TO LISTEN!

(March 16, 2025) Mama Lava, sharing from her heart, reminds us of a great truth…

Sometimes I feel like a puddle of emotions, but then I remember that a puddle reflects what is above it and at my lowest, I can showcase almighty God on high!

God is Able!
There has been a fantastic song on repeat in my head as I’ve been contemplating my theme this month— God is Able. In fact, the lyrics come from the verse that was on this month’s first Assurance Card. 

(more…)

WHY IS IT SO HARD TO BELIEVE THAT GOD IS FOR US?

(February 10, 2025) Mama Lava, sharing from her heart, challenges us to trust our loving and caring God…

February! What a great month!

And what a perfect topic we have on the Back Porch: God is for us!

Initially I didn’t chose this topic on purpose. Last year, as I sat with the Lord, planning a 2025 roadmap through the topic of overcomimg anxiety, I did not realise how appropriate it would be to talk about God being for us during this month of love. But, my friends, that is how God works! He knew what He wished me to share this month— and His timing is perfect.

(more…)