The Weekly (Joy)Cap
Week of August 9th- August 16th (24') | Wrestling in the Waiting, Solo Saturdays, & Resting in Faith
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! ✨
How do you maneuver when you’re in a season of waiting or unknown? Lately, it feels like so much of life is hanging in the balance. Our family is on the precipice of what could be big changes and transitions, and I’ve never been one that has easily welcomed change.
With each day that goes by and every decision that is made, I am waiting — waiting for answers and solutions. In the wait, I’ve found myself mentally pacing, anticipating what these next few days, weeks, and months will look like. I try to research, forecast, predict, and plan for something likely but still uncertain. And right now, I much rather have something, some answers that are sure and concrete.
All this mental pacing, decision-making, and waiting reminded me of an entry I recently read in Emily A. Jenson’s, He Is Strong.
“We often want more knowledge and control, but God has given us all the information he wants us to have and the tools we need to trust him. It’s not for us to know when the phone will wring or what news will be on the other side. Instead, we can pray, rejoice in who God is and the work he’s already doing, be patient, look with hopeful anticipation for his provision, and believe that God is doing more than we can see. Get out of bed and make it. Shop for groceries and cook meals. Make phone calls, fill out paperwork, and say prayers. He will give you the strength you need for what comes, whatever that may be.”
That is what I want. I want the knowledge. The information. The control. The sovereign ability to make decisions knowing the outcome with certainty. But then I am reminded that with that sovereignty, there would be no reason to trust. So instead of pacing back and forth, I’m challenging myself to forge forward in faith — Getting out of bed. Making meals. Cleaning house. Applying for work. Tending to the kids. Reading books. Reading the Word. Saying prayers and trusting that He is working everything together for my good and His glory.
What Brought Me Joy ✨
My Solo Saturday. On Saturday, I took a much-needed day to myself. I treated myself to Starbucks, browsed and picked up a few books at Barnes & Noble, bought some Wallflower plug-ins from Bath & Body Works, and popped into Hobby Lobby to window shop fall decor. I was only out for a few hours, but it’s amazing how much I felt refreshed.
Early mornings outside with the kids. The Georgia heat is unrelenting. Usually by mid-morning, we’re already experiencing an unbearable blend of heat and humidity. However, it was uncharacteristically cloudy and cool on Monday, so I got the kids outside around 8:45 am before the heat fully kicked in. I enjoyed playing dinosaurs with the kids and even enjoyed a few moments of reading.
Naptime reading in bed. I didn’t get much sleep Tuesday night, so I laid down for a nap on Wednesday when I put the kids down for theirs. I woke up with about 15 minutes to spare and reveled in snuggling under the sheets while I read This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan on my Kindle. This book currently has me in a chokehold.
Celebratory birthday dinners. My husband’s birthday was this past Wednesday, but we celebrated Friday evening, throwing a few steaks and some lamb on the grill. The meats were seasoned and grilled to perfection. It was nice to just sit, eat, drink some good wine, and enjoy each other’s presence.
Currently Reading 📚
I’m slowly making my way through Motherhood Without All the Rules1 by Maggie Combs.
My sister and I are still reading the second book in the Sweet Magnolia’s series, A Slice of Heaven, for our buddy read.
This week I finished Natural Selection, a short story by Elin Hilderbrand, along with Shady Hollow by Juneau Black and Come & Get It by Kiley Reid.
I finally got my hands on This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan during my Barnes & Noble run last week, and it’s giving 6-star energy so far.
I’m always sharing my thoughts in real-time on Fable and Instagram. For ratings and reviews, check out my Goodreads.
Fave Substack Read of the Week 💻
This was such an encouraging and much-needed reminder from
for yes moms, but really anybody who may feel like their relationship with the Lord is lacking or strained from daily pressures.As a mom, it can feel like so much is riding on you. You are responsible for the life (or lives) of another human being, making sure they are fed and soothed and cared for. In a season where you are carrying so much, remember that your relationship with God is not one more thing you have to carry. Yes, you are an active participant in the relationship, but it is God’s love and active pursuit that serve as the foundation of your faith.
I would love to hear from you! What brought you joy this week? Leave me a comment or send me a direct message!
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I’m in the same place. Just trying to trust God
We are in NC and have been enjoying the relatively “cool” early mornings as well!!