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! ✨
It feels good to be back! Winter storm Enzo plus a sinus infection had me down last week, so this week was spent getting the house back in order — laundry, cleaning, doing hair, homeschool researching, and prepping. I’ve always known it, but so much of my life makes up these mundane moments that are on rinse and repeat. And for some reason this week, I felt somewhat discouraged by it.
While I was sick, I had the opportunity to catch up on a few Substack reads sitting in my inbox and a few social media accounts of people I know and follow. As I read and scrolled through, taking in their content and photos, a sinking thought crept in, You have such an uninteresting life.
The thought continued.
You’re a solo parent who doesn’t go on many outings, so there’s nothing to really capture. That also limits the type of content you put out. You have no extra capacity to post on social media. No extra funds to buy trendy, cutesy things. What do you have to offer?
While I know that this was a lie from the enemy, I had definitely fell prey to comparison and self-pity in that moment, until l remembered that this is just a season, and even in this season, I am not alone.
There will be seasons when we feel unseen, lacking, or stretched to our limits, but that doesn’t make us any less chosen or any less worthy, and it doesn’t mean that even in the hard, we can’t experience joy where we are right now. It is in these moments that I have to remind myself to keep my eyes on the prize1 and stay focused on the work that He’s set before me to do2 rather than concerning myself with the affairs of others.
It’s so easy to get caught up in what we lack or what we think we should be doing, but the truth is, there is purpose even in the ordinary. There is meaning in the laundry, the homeschool prep, the bedtime prayers, and the unseen sacrifices. Just because something isn’t flashy or shareable doesn’t mean it isn’t valuable.
When I take a step back, I realize that these “rinse and repeat” days aren’t insignificant—they are the fabric of a life well-lived. A life poured out in service, in love, in faithfulness. And isn’t that what truly matters?
So if you’ve been feeling unseen, like what you have to offer isn’t enough, I hope you remember this: Your life, just as it is, is already worthy. You are doing holy, meaningful work, even if no one applauds it. And in the quiet, in the mundane, in the moments that don’t make it to the highlight reel, God is there, working in ways you can’t yet see.
And that, my friend, is more than enough.
What Brought Me Joy ✨
Seeing snow in south coastal Georgia. I didn’t think that the snow would find us this far down south, but it did! Winter storm Enzo brought a little over 2 inches of snow. Although I was sick and spent most of the day sleeping, I was happy that the twins got to see their first snow, and that my husband was home for a few days.
The return of 60+ degree weather. On that same note, while the snow was beautiful to look at and although I am an Ohio native, I’m not used to bearing through frigid temperates anymore, so I was thankful for the sunny, 60+ degree weather that returned this week.
Encouraging words. Our children’s librarian is like another grandmother to the kids. I appreciated how she encouraged me and built me up after storytime on Tuesday. Sometimes, you just need encouragement that you’re doing the right thing, and she gave me just that when I needed it the most.
I’m still making my way through The Common Rule by Justin Whitmel Earley, and I’ve been so blessed by it and the urge to reclaim habits and meaningful practices that have been forgotten in this digital age.
I can’t believe that I'm reading my third historical fiction of the year. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah has been on my list for quite some time and is the perfect winter read.
For me, a balanced reading diet always has a romance or a rom com in rotation. I found My Phony Valentineby Courtney Walsh available on Kindle Unlimited, which is perfect for the upcoming holiday, and Courtney Walsh can never do any wrong.
I’m always sharing my thoughts in real-time on Fable and Instagram. For ratings and reviews, check out my Goodreads.
Currently Listening 🎧
When faced with quiet, oftentimes we will find ways to add to the noise, whether that’s plugging in our Airpods to listen to an audiobook or podcast, scroll on social media, or catch up on our favorite show. But what if in those moments, we learned how to lean into quiet and create a practice that slows us down and restores our soul? In this episode, Sarah Clarkson shares how we can create a practice of quiet and stillness, even in busy seasons.
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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As much as I look forward to reading your words, I do appreciate you taking care of yourself.
This month and next is heavy with grief, but my sister surprised me at my house (she doesn't live locally) and I thought "I can't wait to share this moment of joy". We needed each other, and so I'm happy she came. Thank you for reminding to look for joy and holding on to the moments that we sometimes miss.
The past month has been a month of reset from taking in more content. I took a break from consuming so much and literally journaled to dump the many ideas and plans in my head. I slowly added rewatching shows like Kim's Convenience during crafting, or simply reading the newsletters already in my inbox. As much as I love reading books, I didn't crave it. I was okay.
Next month is back to reading books! I have a UK inspired novel on hold at the library and so many shows I'm excited about.
As much as I look forward to reading your words, I do appreciate you taking care of yourself.
This month and next is heavy with grief, but my sister surprised me at my house (she doesn't live locally) and I thought "I can't wait to share this moment of joy". We needed each other, and so I'm happy she came. Thank you for reminding to look for joy and holding on to the moments that we sometimes miss.
The past month has been a month of reset from taking in more content. I took a break from consuming so much and literally journaled to dump the many ideas and plans in my head. I slowly added rewatching shows like Kim's Convenience during crafting, or simply reading the newsletters already in my inbox. As much as I love reading books, I didn't crave it. I was okay.
Next month is back to reading books! I have a UK inspired novel on hold at the library and so many shows I'm excited about.