5 Porches: I designed my barn with 5 different porches to stage hanging baskets and container gardens. I did not know of the story in John, Chapter 5.  I only learned of this passage after giving a close friend a tour of the barn, and when I explained that the barn has 5 porches, he said "that is my favorite bible story". In John 5, Jesus heals the 38 year old lame man lying near the pool in Bethesda that was surrounded by 5 porches. Jesus asked the man if he wants to get well, and the man replied that he can’t because no one will put him in the pool where healing happens; someone always budges him. Jesus then tells the man to “stand up, pick up your mat and walk.” And the man does. He is healed.

A few years ago, I was diagnosed with a degenerative neuromuscular disease. It is similar to ALS, but affects legs only. Essentially, my brain and legs have a hard time communicating.  My farm is in Bethesda (which means House of Mercy) TN, it has 5 porches and I have a problem with walking. 5 Porch Farm seemed like a perfect name. I see a great neurologist in Ann Arbor, Michigan and closely follow promising research. There is no cure yet.

To me, John 5 says: 1. we cannot live in our victimhood. We have to respect our limitations (physical, financial, etc.), but we cannot let them control our lives: keep a strong will. The man spent his life laying by a pool hoping to be cured and blaming others when it did not happen. 2. God’s blessings are abundant and available to all, not just a select few who get into the pool. 3. Hold on to hope.