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 Resurrection weekend, friends! This week has been a bit of a blur, but in the best way. I’ve been in full prep mode — getting the house ready for my parents, who are staying with us for the next month, and getting everything together for Easter weekend.
They arrived on Tuesday, and ever since, I’ve been soaking up their presence—nothing fancy, just slow mornings, catching up, and planning a few fun things while they’re here. While I am still getting to know our new area, I’m excited to share some of what we’ve been discovering, especially the beach, which has been such a gift lately.
Glimpses of Grace 🌤️
Recently, I received disappointing news regarding an opportunity I had been hoping for and waiting for a while. It was an opportunity I was genuinely looking forward to and had quietly anticipated for months. But for reasons I may never fully understand, they decided to go in another direction.
Even still, I felt peace. Of course, there was some sadness and lingering questions, but I also felt unexpected relief. The kind that only comes when you realize God might just be protecting you from a burden you weren’t meant to carry in this season. While I’m still discerning what’s next, I’m trusting that even this no is not a detour but somehow part of my path.
If you’re holding disappointment right now — a door that didn’t open, a plan that fell through — I hope you feel permission to release it. Sometimes the gentlest mercies are found in the places that don’t make sense yet. May peace meet you there, too.
The Joy List ✨
Park outings. With another round of weekend plans being cancelled, we found ourselves at the park. The park is the best place to go when you need to pivot last minute. It’s always the place I go to when I need to protect and save my peace sanity and when we all need a quick refresher.
Sunday dinner cooked by my husband. This past Sunday, my husband spoiled me on his day off by cooking us a southern dinner — baked chiken, rice, field peas, baked cabbage, and skillet cornbread. I’m thankful any time he volunteers to cook, becuase that is obviously an automoatic break for me that will always be well received 🤣🙌🏾.
My parents flying into town. My parents still live in my hometown in Ohio, and we now live on the southeast Georgia coast, so visits with them are far and few in between. I’m thankful that they will be here for a little over a month, so we’ll be enjoying family time, and I’ll be taking advantage of the much neeeded help and repreive.
Family day at the beach. Of course, I had to bring my parents to the beach! Since we live about 20-30 minutes away from several beaches, St. Simons was the first stop. We spent the afternoon lounging around while the kids played in the sand and then finished up the day at Moo Cow Ice Cream, which was incredible.
A Beginner’s Beach Kit // What I’ve Been Slowly Gathering 🏖️
Now that we live closer to the coast, I’ve been easing into what it means to be a beach-going family. Until a few weeks ago, I hadn’t been to the beach in nearly ten years, and now, two trips in, I’m already feeling like we’re beginning to find our rhythm.
I’ve been slowly building out our beach kit, grabbing things little by little as we figure out what we need. My parents’ visit gave me the perfect excuse to grab a few more things, like a proper beach tent, wagon, and a cooler bag for drinks and snacks.
A beach wagon (I’m still looking for the perfect one, as the one I purchased didn’t work well in soft sand. I just grabbed this one, so I’ll report back after our next beach outing).
A Bogg Bag. After researching bags for a few months, I finally caved and got a Bogg Bagg. There are many dupes out there, but since we will be frequenting the beach all year round, I thought this was a pretty solid investment. I’ve carried it both to the beach and playground so far, and I love how I don’t have to worry about this bag getting sticky, wet, sandy, or dirty with the kids.
Archies flip-flops for arch support. Since I injured my left Achilles a few years ago, I cannot wear flat sandals or flip flops without pain. I ended up ordering these Archies flip flops, designed by a physical therapist, and was amazed by how comfy and supportive they are. While I still have discomfort in my Achilles ( I really need to go back to physical therapy. It’s still healing), I was able to be on my feet for a few hours, which is nearly impossible to do while barefoot or in flat shoes. I plan on getting a few more pairs in different colors in addition to the slides.
Cooler bags — I snagged a full and a mini tote for family beach days as well as quick beach trips.
A Simplified Easter 🐣✝️
This year, Easter feels a little quieter—and honestly, I’m okay with that. I haven’t had the bandwidth to plan Easter baskets or activities like I have in the past — no dyed eggs or Easter egg hunts this year. However, I have been maintaining a little devotional time with the kids, thanks to a sweet Holy Week guide we’ve been walking through together, provided by our church.
I’ve made it through most of the She Reads Truth Lent study this year, which I’m proud of. And my mom (bless her 🙏🏾) sent most of the goodies for the kids’ baskets, which was such a gift.
We’re keeping things slow and simple this year, and I’m giving myself grace to let that be enough.
A Nourishing Note ☕️
Grace As You Go 🕊️
As we celebrate Resurrection Sunday, may your heart find rest in the reminder that even in seasons of waiting, shifting plans, or quiet disappointment, we serve a risen Savior who brings life from what feels lost and hope from what feels heavy. His resurrection wasn’t just a moment in history; it’s an ongoing invitation into newness, strength, and steady grace.
Even when the path ahead feels uncertain, we can trust that He is making all things new. Because He lives, we can walk forward with peace, purpose, and grace.
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” | Psalm 37:23-24
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Love the beach kit! The wagon should work great looking at those wheels. Your beach kit reminds me to have a summer kit in the car for the many park outings.
Beautifully written! Like you, one thing that has brought me joy this week was being with family!
Love the beach kit! The wagon should work great looking at those wheels. Your beach kit reminds me to have a summer kit in the car for the many park outings.