The Weekly (Joy)Cap
Week of August 2nd- August 9th (24') | Strained Backs, Recent Reads, + A Framework for Waiting Well
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 Saturday, friends!
This week was one of the week’s when I was low on mental energy, and then on top of that, I ended up straining by on Wednesday, so I have been down for the count this week. But nevertheless, I am here with this week’s (Joy)Cap.
Most of my days are pretty mundane — the same thing, day-in-out, tending to my littles while doing the best to tend to my husband and my heart. These days aren’t packed with much. In the mundaneity, I find that this (Joy)Cap is more than a weekly roundup or recap; it’s a gratitude practice that reminds me weekly to tune my heart and eyes to see the good and hunt down joy within each day, even in the smallest amounts.
What brought you joy this week? Pop into our chat and share.
What Brought Me Joy ✨
Surprise visits from friends. On Saturday, one of my best friends and her husband were in a nearby town and paid me a surprise visit. I was already weary from a long week and with my husband out of town, this was the adult company I needed.
A quick library visit. Sometimes you just need to get out of the house. On Wednesday, the kids were trying my patience, and I just needed a quick moment of silence and solitude. Thankfully, our local library is five minutes around the corner from the house. While hubby tended to the kids after work, I slipped out of the house for a quick library run. My sister recommended Shady Hollow by Juneau Black, a cozy murder mystery. I had placed a hold earlier last week and it was available to pick up. I also browsed the new arrivals section and was delighted to see A Run at Love1, one of Toni Shiloh’s latest releases. I’ve been meaning to read one of her books, so this was a perfect opportunity to start.
Currently Reading 📚
This week I finished The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden, Summer Ever After by Kortney Keisel, Unshakeable Hope by Max Lucado, and The Bookshop by the Bay by Pamela Kelley.
I’m slowly making my way through Motherhood Without All the Rules by Maggie Combs.
My sister and I are onto the second book in the Sweet Magnolia’s series, A Slice of Heaven, for our buddy read.
I’m slowly phasing out my summer reading with August being back-to-school time. I’ve heard great things about Kiley Reid’s, Come & Get It. This one is set on the campus of the University of Arkansas, and it’s giving me all the of college nostalgia, making me remember and miss my time on Howard’s campus.
Shady Hollow by Juneau Black is another library hold that was highly recommended by sister that became available for me to pick up this week. I was a little hesitant to read it at first, because I haven’t read fantasy since high school, but this has been such a cute and cozy read! I’m nine chapters in and enjoying it so far.
I’m always sharing my thoughts in real time on Fable and Instagram. For ratings and reviews, check out my Goodreads.
Currently Listening 🎧
This episode looks at the doxigical psalms and how we can leverage them to spur worship and praise in everyday moments. It is easy to look to our circumstances or even people for hope. This episode, reminds us to focus on who God is and why it is good for our hearts to praise Him in all things and at all times.
If you’re in a season of waiting, this episode will encourage you. In this episode, author Mark Vroegop, shares how God uses our waiting seasons to mold and shape us as He works. In addition, he also shares his own struggles and tips for how you can wait well.
Fave Substack Read of the Week 💻
If you’re struggling to get into the Word for any reason,
offers encouragement and refreshing tips on where to start.“The Bible is our lifeline, our light, our joy, and our wisdom. It is how we hear God speaking to us. Giving up entirely on reading the Bible is not the right answer. Instead, when reading is hard, consider changing how you read your Bible.”
I would love to hear from you! What brought you joy this week? Share with us in the group chat, leave a comment, or send me a direct message!
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Thank you for featuring my article Janelle! This is so kind!
Laughing with my Hubby after we had laid our daughter down for the night.