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! ✨
When we pray, how often do we recognize God's answers in the moment? For me, it's not always immediate. More often, I see His work on the backend, when hindsight is 20/20 and I'm looking back with gratitude and perspective. But occasionally, I'm blessed to notice His movement in real-time, and this week was one of those times.
It’s been a little over two months since we moved to Brunswick, and as soon as we made the transition, I began praying for friends and community. In all the places I’ve lived, there’s always been a built-in community—whether through school, organizations, or family nearby. Here, the closest resemblance to that is my in-laws, who live over an hour and a half away. With my husband gone for a week at a time, I was craving adult connection and meaningful relationships.
I knew it would take time to find community, build connections, and feel rooted. I wasn’t expecting it to happen overnight, but I hoped it might happen sooner rather than later. To my surprise, the Lord has orchestrated it over the last few weeks. On Tuesday, the kids and I went to storytime at the library with two friends who also recently moved to the area and love the Lord. Afterward, we grabbed tea at a nearby shop and planned a play date at the park for later in the week. As we sipped tea and chatted while the kids played, I couldn’t help but pause and reflect: This was an answered prayer, tangible evidence of God’s faithfulness in action.
Often, we don’t see what God is doing, especially when His plans look nothing like our own. Never in a million years did I imagine starting this year in a new place, but God is showing me that what I resisted might be exactly what I needed. While I wondered and doubted, He was quietly weaving something greater than I could have planned.
Just because you can’t track Him doesn’t mean He’s not moving. Just because you question Him doesn’t mean He’s not working. He knows our prayers and the desires of our hearts, both spoken and unspoken. We can trust His timing and guidance, knowing that wherever He leads is exactly where we’re meant to be.
🌟 ICYMI: My Latest Paid Post – The Year of Living Wholly
As someone who has often poured every ounce of energy into making things happen, I know what it feels like to let goals become idols. This year, instead of striving, I’m focusing on intention, habit-building, and wholeness. It’s about creating a life that isn’t fragmented but rooted in purpose and peace. In The Year of Living Wholly, I share the areas where I’m directing my focus and how this shift is changing how I approach life."
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Going to storytime at the library and coffe shop chats with friends. I’m hoping this becomes a part of our weekly rhythms.
Grabbing a brown sugar cinnamon latte from my favorite local coffee shop. Yesterday, I decided to treat myself to a coffee before running errands with the kids. This large brown sugar cinnamon latte was so good and under $6 which is rare and always a pleasant delight.
Blythe Island Regional Park outing. Yesterday was also a rougher day with the kids, so once the twins got up from the nap that they refused to take, I loaded them up in the car to go to the park for some fresh air and perspective. We had a great time. I got to chat with some Moms, the kids got to witness the cutest goose chowing down on some McDonald’s fries, and the lake is always is calming and and peaceful scene.
Currently Reading 📚
This week I finished Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams, and it’s the perfect rom-com for if you’re on the verge of a reading slump. I didn’t care for When in Rome, the first book in the series, but this one right here was gold for me. Multi-layered characters and fake dating with great banter?! Five stars! I’m looking forward to reading Beg, Borrow, or Steal, the recently released one in the series.
I always like to keep an audiobook in rotation, and The House of Eve by Sadequa Johnson has been on my TBR for quite some time. With part of the setting taking place on Howard’s campus, as an alumni, I’ve been really enjoying listening to this one.
Honestly, I’m going through my winter reading list at this point and Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fameby Olivia Ford is another one that has been my TBR for a while. It’s a great cozy winter read if you’re looking for one.
There’s something about reading these murder mystery fantasies with woodland creatures that helps me wind down and ease my anxiety before bed. The Shady Hollow mystery series is the epitome of adult bedtime stories.
I’m always sharing my thoughts in real-time on Fable and Instagram. For ratings and reviews, check out my Goodreads.
Currently Listening 🎧
This was such a rich and encouraging conversation with Courtney Doctor. If you’re in your 30s feeling behind or trying to discern your next steps, Courtney helps you release the pressure by reminding you that God has you exactly where you need to be. Do the next best thing and let God sovereignly weave your story together.
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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Sounds wonderful. I love hearing about all of the islands.
Oh Janelle, I love how the Lord has brought you new connections. What a beautiful gift as you continue to settle in. Wonderful.