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! ✨
After three weeks of quarantine, I’m so grateful to be back in community—catching up with friends, getting fresh air, and easing back into our rhythms. On Friday, we went on a nature walk with a moms' group over on St. Simons, and later that night, I met up with my mom friends for First Friday downtown. It felt good to be out, to be present, to just be again.
Most of this week has been about getting back into our routines while also reflecting on how I want to show up in this season. Ever since this move, I’ve been exploring integration—figuring out how to bring together home, motherhood, friendships, and the work I still feel called to do. Most days, it feels like a giant game of life Tetris, shifting pieces around, trying to make everything fit in a way that aligns with my vision. It’s challenging, but I sense the Lord calling me to lean in—to trust Him in the process and have the courage to dream again.
Lately, I’ve been dreaming a lot. Dreaming about what life with the kids could look like—not just in the day-to-day but in the long run. Dreaming about what work could look like with them beside me. I know I want to be home with them, but I also desire to contribute financially. So, I’ve been pressing into ideas and projects that I believe will not only make an impact in this space but also serve my family well. (If you haven’t already, I’d love for you to take a moment to fill out my survey —your thoughts would mean so much as I shape what’s next.)
And honestly? A part of this feels scary. I’ve had this business for 10 years, and at one point, I felt like I gave so much and saw so little in return. It’s tempting to let that hold me back. But instead of choosing fear, I’m choosing faith. I’m trusting that God will lead, provide, and sustain—just as He always has. Even if it takes time. Even if it doesn’t look like I originally imagined.
So, I’m leaning in. Trusting. Taking the next step. And if you’re in a season where you’re questioning what’s next, I hope you’ll do the same.
Glimpses of Grace 🌤️
We had just wrapped up our nature walk. The kids—who always seem to save their energy for the very end—were running around with new friends, and I could feel a fresh energy in me too. After three long weeks of quarantine, we were grateful to be outside, breathing in fresh air and reconnecting with friends. Wanting to savor the moment a little longer, my friend and I decided to take the kids to the pier, just five minutes away, to catch up.
I packed the kids into the car, got in, and pushed the start button. Instead of the engine roaring to life, there was only a clicking sound. The lights flickered. My stomach dropped. Lord, not now.
We weren’t just ten minutes down the road—we were thirty minutes from home, in a still-new-to-us city. My first instinct was to call my husband, but I hesitated. I just knew he was already on his way to work. And work today? Alabama. My chest tightened. Frustration threatened to spill over. But instead of breaking down, I took a deep breath, reminding myself that the same God who holds all things together was holding me, too.
And then, grace. My friend—who thankfully hadn’t driven off yet—stayed with me, helping and supporting me however she could. When I finally gave in and called my husband, expecting to hear that he was long gone, I was met with another grace: he had just left for work and wasn’t far away. I sent him my location, and in thirty minutes, he was there, ready—as always—to rescue me when I needed him most.
It turned out to be nothing major, just a battery issue. A quick jump, and the engine roared back to life. Annoying? Yes. Inconvenient? Definitely. But even in that moment of frustration, I could see the ways God had already gone before me—holding things (and me) together, surrounding me with the right people at the right time, and reminding me that His grace isn’t just for the big, miraculous moments, but for the small, ordinary ones too. 🤍
The Joy List ✨
Re-entering back into society. After three weeks of quarentine, we were finally able to return to our regular rhythms and routines outside the home. On Thursday, we went to storytime at the library, and I couldn’t tell who was more excited — me or the kids 🤣.
Fun Fridays with the kids. In our house, I like to do “Fun Fridays” where we do something exciting or go on an adventure we normally wouldn’t. This past Friday, we were invited on a nature walk over on St. Simons Island with a mom’s group, and later we went downtown for First Friday with friends. These are the kind of the days that I’ve literally prayed for for years — days spent in community with mom friends. I’m so thankful to be living in this answered prayer.
The return of the sun ☀️ . It’s been a rainy few days in the Golden Isles. My poor son kept asking, “Where’s the sun?!” I am thankful to report that the sun is finally back.
Currently Savoring 💞
Due to changes in my body postpartum and my wellness journey, I’ve postponed building my wardrobe for the last few years. However, now that we are out and about more, that needs to change. While I can’t do a 🤣 clothing haul at the moment, I am committed to picking up a few pieces here and there that will fit our lifestyle and this season. This past weekend, I found the cutest set at Target1—perfect for lounging, library outings, and running errands with the kids. I got the pink one for now, but I plan to buy a second set in black.
ChatGPT’s Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes. Yes, you read that right. I needed some meal ideas in a pinch and ChatGPT came through with a few ideas and recipes that I decided to try and I was highly impressed! This is one of those set-it-and-forget-it meals that I made yesterday while I spent the afternoon vacuuming and mopping the floors. I wish I had a link for the recipe, but email or DM me here on Substack if you’re interested, and I will send you the recipe 🤣.
I enjoyed this conversation between Jennifer Pepito and Chelsi Jo, creator of the Systemize Your Life podcast. If you’ve been looking for ways to systemize or revamp your home systems, rhythms, and routines, Chelsi provides insights into her framework that helps moms maximize their productivity at home so they can make space for what matters most.
A Nourishing Note ☕️
Grace As You Go 🕊️
Sometimes life feels like a balancing act — like we’re shifting pieces around, trying to make everything fit. And when things don’t go as planned—when exhaustion sets in, fear whispers that we’ll never figure it out, the car won’t start, and when frustration tempts us to crumble—grace holds us together.
So as you step into this week, may you lean in where you are, trusting that God is guiding your steps, even when the path feels uncertain. May you have the courage to try again, dream again, and trust that even the slow, unseen work is leading you somewhere good. And when things don’t fall into place the way you expected, may you rest in knowing that God always makes a way—even if it looks different than you imagined. 💛
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." | Proverbs 3:5-6
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So yea send me that recipe! I have a list of our favorite recipes and it’s actually helpful when my brain cannot commute what to do.
So after watching Meghan’s show I was inspired to host. I love intimate gatherings so I hosted a little tea and bagels breakfast. I pulled out all the flowers and stationary. Even the tea party china I had tucked away. It was so much fun. I found myself clapping in anticipation for the day.
So yea send me that recipe! I have a list of our favorite recipes and it’s actually helpful when my brain cannot commute what to do.
So after watching Meghan’s show I was inspired to host. I love intimate gatherings so I hosted a little tea and bagels breakfast. I pulled out all the flowers and stationary. Even the tea party china I had tucked away. It was so much fun. I found myself clapping in anticipation for the day.
I love all the St. Simon pictures. It looks beautiful.