This is the (Joy)Cap where I share a weekly reflection or lesson and a roundup of links, recommendations, and everything that’s bringing me joy, inviting you to do the same. Think of this as a weekly coffee date with my close friends. ☕️💕🫶🏾 Join me on a weekly joy hunt and start receiving the (Joy)Cap by subscribing today! ✨
Happy Valentine’s Day, friends!
I want to say it’s been a whirlwind of a week or a get-my-life-together week, but honestly, isn’t every week like that? While I spent the earlier half of my week planning and recalibrating, the latter half was filled with exploring and settling into some realizations.
Many of you know that my family and I have gone through a lot of transition in the last several months—my husband’s new job and a major move that has shifted our family rhythms. While I knew it would take time to settle, I found myself getting antsy, eager to establish routines that would ground and comfort me in this season.
A lot of this time has been spent experimenting—figuring out what fits and best serves us right now. With new opportunities in our community and the kids growing (the twins will be three at the end of March, and Kaiden will be four and a half in April), my capacity has shifted. Life is full of beautiful, exciting things, but it has also left me feeling stretched at times, wondering if this newsletter was becoming stale. But this space has always been a source of joy—an outlet that nourishes me and (hopefully) encourages you. So, I’ve been thinking about how to freshen things up in a way that feels fun, pressure-free, and meaningful.
Over the past week, I’ve made some small but intentional updates to The (Joy)Cap.
Here’s what’s new (and what’s staying the same!):
🌤️ Glimpses of Grace – Small but meaningful reflections on where I’ve seen God at work or grace show up in my life this week.
✨ The Joy List – A collection of simple joys, moments of delight, and things bringing light to my days.
💞 Currently Savoring – Books, podcasts, media, cozy finds, or anything that I am savoring this week.
☕️ A Nourishing Note – A handpicked Substack note from the week that resonated deeply—something to encourage, inspire, or challenge us.
🕊️ Grace As You Go – A final thought, question, or encouragement to carry with you into the week ahead.
This space will continue to evolve, and I’ll keep leaning into what feels most aligned each season. I hope these updates make The (Joy)Cap feel even more inviting, inspiring, and encouraging.
Leave me a comment letting me know what you think—I always love hearing from you! ❤️
Glimpses of Grace 🌤️
It was Monday morning, the usual flurry—preparing plates, running refills, answering another “More, Mommy” request. As I rushed between the table and the kitchen island, my mind raced ahead, trying to plan not just this week but this whole chaotic season of life. Since my husband’s job transition, I’ve had less capacity than before, and now, with a new community, new activities, and the possibility of homeschooling, my plate feels fuller than ever.
So, I turned to my go-to consultant (and low-key therapist) —ChatGPT—to make sense of it all. I had it create a rhythmic schedule, only to realize that it mirrored my natural rhythm all along. And that’s when it hit me: You can’t plan your way out of a hard season. Sometimes, life is just full—not because you’re lacking discipline or structure, but because it simply is. You don’t get around it; you walk through it—with prayer, presence, and grace, trusting that the Holy Spirit will do the heavy lifting, one day at a time.
The Joy List ✨
A few hours of much-needed solo time. On Sunday after church, I was able to get out of the house for a few hours to shop. The weather was perfect, so I drove with the windows down and soaked in the time alone as I sipped on the newest Wild Berry Poppi flavor on the way back home.
Catching up with friends after Storytime at the Libary. If I’m being honest, the kids’ library time has become my social hour 😂. I’ve made a few mom friends there, and I always look forward to catching up with them after storytime winds down.
Park outings with friends. I’ve found park outings are also a fun way to connect with new friends while the kids can continue to run around and play. I’m thankful that my city has so many beautiful parks that sit on water. They are peaceful as much as they are beautiful.
Thrifting at the Gather Thrift & Cafe. I’ve been meaning to check out this spot in town that is a thrift store, cafe, and community center wrapped into one. I’ve been looking for a few pieces of furniture for the house, so the kids and I finally were able to browse the store. While I didn’t find what I was looking for, the kids spotted a few children’s books that were collectively under $2, so I’ll take it was a win.
Currently Savoring 💞
As my reading cadence shifts and changes in this season, I’ve been thinking about ways to keep this newsletter fun and fresh. This section is a new addition where I share a collection of what’s been filling my cup—books, podcasts, cozy finds, and more. Think of it as a snapshot of what I’m savoring in this season.
Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams. After finishing Practice Makes Perfect, I was itching to dive into Sarah’s latest release. I’m only a few chapters in and it’s giving an enemies-to-lovers vibe with hilarious banter off the bat.
The Four Hour School Day by Durenda by Durenda Wilson. As I start to wrap my mind around what home school could look like, this book has been extremely helpful, and I’m only a few chapters in. If you’re thinking about homeschooling, I highly recommend adding this to your reading list.
Rest has been something I’ve been thinking about and have been intentionally creating as much as I can while solo parenting the kids six out of seven days a week. This week I came across this video by Milena Ciciotti as she has shared how she has created rhythms in her home that allow her to rest alongside her kids as a mom of four.
I had literally just shared in a recent (Joy)Cap that so much of my days as a mom are rinse and repeat. In this Instagram post, Maryanne encourages us to find endurance and joy in each day. If you’re in a haze of the mundane too, this post will encourage you.
“Yet on the keys to fruitful motherhood, I am convinced is engaging with this tension, greeting each new sunrise with an end goal that overides emotion - that of faithfulness for today, which is enough.”
In case you need the reminder: you don’t have to have it all figured out to be faithful. Some seasons are about settling in, about learning to trust the slow, everyday work of God. His grace isn’t just for when you feel strong and capable—it’s for the moments when you’re stretched thin, unsure, adjusting, and feeling the pressure of the day-to-day. Rest in this truth: His grace is sufficient for you, right here, right now.
“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” | 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT
Your Turn! 👉🏾 I would love to hear from you! What brought you joy this week? Leave a comment, or send me a direct message!
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