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! ✨
The last few weeks have been filled with fun, rest, and exploration, as we have been enjoying my parents’ stay. Last week, we chilled at the waterfront and hung out on Jekyll Island. My dad and I walked St. Simons Pier, and my parents got to experience their first Friday here in Downtown Brunswick. I’m glad we had a jam-packed last few weeks, because this week was largely spent in bed, as I fought a cold, and the upcoming forecast is declaring rain for the next week. So the plan for the next week is to hunker down under cozy blankets with my new Kindle Paperwhite Signature (my husband’s early Mother’s Day gift to me) and read and rest as much as I can.
Glimpses of Grace 🌤️
Ever since becoming a mom, I dread being sick, because as a mom, you can’t really be sick (iykyk), especially when you have littles. Between caring for the kids and the home, getting the proper rest you need to recover is a challenge. That’s why this week I was grateful for the blessing of my parents’ presence, so I could get the rest that my body needed. The kids were taken care of, and I was able to lie in bed and get the sleep I needed. All week, I could do nothing but be grateful for the little glimpses of grace I experienced through His kindness and my parents’ care and support.
The Joy List ✨
Beach days on Jekyll Island. I haven’t been to Jekyll Island since Holly Jolly Jekyll back in December, and when we went, it was at night, so it was a treat to go back with my parents and experience the beach for the first time. Right when we arrived, they were getting ready to release rehabilitated sea turtles back into the ocean, so we got to witness that, and enjoy lunch on the island.
Daddy-Daughter time. Last Friday, my Dad and I snuck away to grab breakfast on St. Simons Pier at Palmer’s Village. If you’re ever in town, I highly recommend!
First Friday with the fam. That same day, I got to host my parent’s at First Friday, which is always a good time with live music, good food, and vendors.
A quiet house. The other day, my parents took the kids to the park, so I could get some rest. I forgot what a quiet house sound. It didn’t last long, but I soaked in every second.
Currently Savoring 💕
Books
A Recipe for a Charmed Life1 by Rachel Linden. Rachel Linden’s books always preach to me. This one’s about the recipe for a well-lived life, which consists of holding onto faith, hope, and luck by finding and savoring delight all around you.
Kendra’s message is very on brand with my sentiments on seasonal living and what I shared in the latest podcast episode. Hope and the hard can co-exist in your season without you resenting it. Kendra walks you through practical ways to embrace your season while longing for the next.
"Given the majority demographics of online creators, the bulk of content you consume is a sort of ‘young adult fiction’ - meaning it is limited in perfection, untouched by experience, and unproven over time.
It is the antithesis of wisdom in any other sphere - the contractor or financial planner or teacher you’d be drawn to for their ‘years of experience.’
But somehow in the Christian influence realm, we listen to the least experienced peddle counsel and do not hold it against something more proven.”
I am always encouraged and moved to think deeply from the wisdom that Maryanne Challies Helms shares in the online space. This post made me really stop and carefully consider the degree to which I ascribe to the ideals of what is shared in the influencer space, as a whole. As I shared in my most recent podcast and voice note, it’s so easy to compare yourself to other people online as you’re building, not considering where they are in their life season or calling journey. Most of what is being shared in this space is limited at best. Maryanne’s post also reminded me why I have been yearning to connect with people who share real things, not just aspirational or aesthetically pleasing content. I appreciate encouraging, promising, and biblically rooted wisdom from someone who has experienced a well-rounded, well-lived life. This was a grounding reminder to be mindful of who we are engaging with and allowing ourselves to be influenced by while online.
A Nourishing Note ☕️
Grace As You Go 🕊️
May you feel free to rest without guilt, knowing that rest is holy and healing. May you be reminded that God doesn’t need your productivity to be moving. He’s still moving and meeting you in the slow, mundane, or chaotic seasons. As you quiet the noise and slow your steps, may you feel His care through the people around you and His peace within you.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." | Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
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