The Weekly (Joy)Cap
Week of October 2nd - October 9th (25') | Hard Days, Changing Seasons, & All Things Fall
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! ✨
This week was a tough one, as we dealt with my husband’s truck being out of commission and my son being at home, sick. That, on top of running an hour and some change back and forth to Jacksonville, along with prepping for my son's and I’s birthdays at the end of the week, while squeezing in work, left me feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
“Lord, I refuse to stress about this,” I told myself while walking around the neighborhood after getting back home from Jacksonville the third time within a week. “Lord, I believe that you told me that you’re doing something new, so why does it feel like the same hardship keeps happening over and over?”
Sometimes, we go through periods of challenge before we see the new things that God is doing. We know that new is on the way. Right now, we see the leaves changing colors and the trees shedding their leaves. Even though it may not feel like fall everywhere, there are signs that indicate that fall is indeed here.
That’s how I’m feeling right now, spiritually. I see the signs that the season is changing, but I’m still going through what feels like a hard season. But just like there is beauty in the falling, decaying leaves, I’m choosing to see the beauty and goodness in what appears dead and dormant in my life.
I’m experiencing a falling away of sorts — a falling away of old mindsets, thoughts, and patterns. And although the transition is slow, I’m grateful to have eyes to believe beyond what I can. It’s the essence of faith that God has been growing in me throughout the seasons, as well as a reminder that the new thing God is doing often slowly unfurls, transforming the old into something new.
The Joy List ✨
Grabbing Chick-Fil-A. On one of our mini drives back and forth to Jacksonville, we stopped at Chick-Fil-A on the way home, which is always a treat.
Time home with hubby this week. With my husband’s truck being in the shop and my son home sick, we had ample time together as a family this week, which was needed.
Neighboorhood walks. I’ve been grateful to be able to take neighborhood walks a few time this week. Nothing grounds me like being outside or in nature.
Currently Reading 📖
If It Makes You Happy1 by Jade Olivia — Think Gilmore Girls, but in the 90s, that takes place in small-town Vermont.
History Lessons by Zoe B. Wallbrook — an elevated cozy mystery that takes place in upper academia. I love the humor and references to black culture in this one.
Podcasts 🎧
If you’re struggling with having the faith and courage to dream again, you’ll be encouraged by this one.
This mini-podcast episode reminds me that I need to worry less and worship more while I wait for God to move in my life.
As you consider adjusting your fall rhythms and routines, this would be the perfect episode to listen to. It pairs well with what I discuss in the Reset, Refresh, Renew Lifestyle Guide.
On Holding Plans Loosely This Season 🧡
This week was a perfect reminder to hold my plans and expectations loosely. It’s essential that as we pursue the work of God in our day-to-day lives, our plans, rhythms, and routines don’t conflict with God’s will and our actual lives. I shared more about this in my last post on designing rhythms that work this fall.
Designing Rhythms That Actually Work This Fall
Fall is a beautiful time of year. There’s something about watching the leaves change, inhaling the fresh, brisk air, and experiencing the nostalgia of the season that grounds you and invites you to lean in. But as we enter into the final quarter of the year, it’s also a busy time of the year, as we approach the holiday season. With that comes a subtle t…
In this post, I also shared more about The Life Designer Strategy Session — a 75-minute one-on-one experience designed to help you feel grounded, intentional, and aligned with your purpose and values. Together, we’ll create clarity, actionable steps, and rhythms that help you move forward with confidence and peace. I have 2 to 3 spots available for October. Click the button below to learn more and book your session.
Fall Bucket List 🍂
I finally had a chance to create my fall bucket list. What are you hoping to check off your list this fall?
Trader Joe’s Fall Haul 🛒
In my last (Joy)Cap, I shared that after several months, I finally made it to Trader Joe’s. Here’s a chatty fall haul of everything I picked up.
Early Christmas Shopping 🎁
I shared in my Fall Reset podcast episode that my goal was to get ahead of our Christmas shopping early this year. This week, I decided to take advantage of the sales and shop early. Here are some of the things that I grabbed for the kids for Christmas this year. See something that you might want to grab, too? I’ve linked to everything in my Amazon Storefront below.
A Nourishing Note ☕️
Grace As You Go 🕊️
As the seasons shift, may you find grace in the in-between — in the falling leaves, the unfinished prayers, and the small steps of faith that don’t always make sense yet. God’s hand is steady even when the ground feels like it’s moving beneath your feet. Trust that the shedding is part of your becoming, and beauty is already budding beneath the surface.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
— Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
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I literally just picked up History Lessons from the library. Ive been letting my mind rest from reading long works but I feel good about opening a new book.
Also just started listening to an episode of Candace Cameron Bure’s podcast episode with Priscilla Shirer.