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 Sunday, friends!
It feels good to be back. My writing cadence had slowed down for a few weeks, as I was enjoying my parents’ last few weeks of their stay. They officially flew back on Tuesday, and of course, they are already missed. Departures are always bittersweet when they leave. The fellowship and help became a part of my everyday life, even if only for a short month. Now, I’m back to the daily grind of solo parenting and to my dismay, adulting, which I feel like I always take a slight break from when my parents are around.
Summer is upon us, and although it hasn’t started yet, I’m already preparing for it, along with the school year ahead and more transitions for our family. While there is a low-grade anxiety, thrumming through my mind regarding these future events, I’ve found the best antidote is to be present, grounding myself in the moment, focusing myself on what is in front of me — enjoying a thrilling book and a cold beverage on the screened-in patio, watching my kids’ splash and play in the inflatable pool, taking in the winds and waves on the beach. While these things seem small, they remind me that I don’t have to have it all figured out; life will slowly unfurl, clarifying itself, as the Lord leads and guides me day by day, moment by moment.
The Joy List ✨
Solo coffee shop date. The coffee shop is always a pefect hideaway for me to read and catch up on work. While I was there, I was blessed with some beautiful flowers from the staff that they were trying to get rid of that turned out to be the sweetest Mother’s Day bouqet.
Mother’s Day with the family. I was thankful to spend this Mother’s Day not only with my parents but my husband. This was the first Mother’s Day he’s been off for since having children. 😆 We went to church, took a mini road trip to visit my in-laws, and made it back together to have dinner out with the family. It was a great day.
The return of the sun. We were slammed with rain for about a week, so I was thankful when the sun returned right before my Dad’s birthday.
Celebrating my Dad’s birthday. The last time I was with my Dad on his birthday, was 10 years ago when he was in town for my college graduation. Time is flying and with us being 12 hours away, time is limited. I was thankful that we got to spend it together as family.
Day trip to Savannah with my Mom. My mom and I had never been to Savannah, so we decided to take a little girls trip, being that I live only an hour away. We spent the day at the Coastal Botanical Gardens and went to lunch at Ms. Wilkes Dining Room (which I highly recommend for all-you-can- eat southern/soul food at only $35/person). Afterwards, I popped into E. Shavers Booksellers, a cutie historical bookshop that has resident bookstore cats, and we took a stroll down the Riverfront, browsing small shops. One day, wasn’t nearly enough time to soak in all that Savannah has to offer, so I’m thankful that I live in close proximity. We will be back!
Family visits. On Saturday, my uncle, aunt, and cousins took a day trip down to visit from Atlanta. We hosted a little fish fry, and although it was a quick visit, it was nice to spend time together nevertheless.
The kids’ first pool experience. The builder, who’s building a house across the street, blessed us with life jackets for the kids, so my mom and I took the kids over to our neighborhood’s community pool. It was the joy and giggles as they swam, kicked, and floated on the water for me. A core memory I don’t want to ever forget.
Currently Savoring 💕
Books
Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan.1 This book was one of my highly anticipated releases for this year. On publish day, I went to our local bookstore to purchase a copy, only to be disappointed that they didn’t carry Kennedy’s book. While I placed an order, I ended up canceling it after finding an autographed copy at E. Shavers in Savannah. This is the third book in the series, following talent manager Hendrix Barry and tech mogul Maverick Bell as they fall for each other against all odds. I’m always captivated by Kennedy’s word choice/play/imagery and her ability to weave in poignant, culturally relevant, and heavy topics while still keeping things romantic and light. If you plan to read it, read the author’s note and be aware that mature content is in this one.
The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore. I have a love-hate relationship with this series, but I think Laurie Gilmore got it right this time. This was honestly the best book in the series. I personally think Laurie does the best with slow burns, as we got more of a storyline and character development with this one, not just spice. If you like single dads, forced proximity, small town, and family tropes, you would enjoy this one.
Podcasts
Whether you are working within the context of a stay-at-home mom or inside or outside the home, each comes with its challenges. In this episode, editorial director and author Ashley Hayes shares wisdom and encouragement on navigating the different seasons of motherhood while staying faithful to her calling.
Dreaming doesn’t mean we pretend we’re not sad. It means we believe God can do something new while we’re sad. It’s how we practice resurrection in real time.
We’ve been told to be practical. To be realistic. To manage our expectations. But God invites us to ask again. Believe again. Hope again. To pray prayers so audacious they make us nervous. To lift our heads and say, “Maybe… maybe there’s more.”
This is something I’ve been thinking about for a while now — what it looks like to dream in this season, because if I’m being honest, right now, dreaming feels more elusive than encouraging or hopeful. But as Jess suggests, maybe there is something more if we vulnerably open ourselves up to dreaming — trusting, stepping out in faith, and believing that God is more than capable of giving us beyond what our wildest dreams can even imagine.
to create a summer bucket list. Here’s what I hope to get through personally and as a family this summer.
A Nourishing Note ☕️
Grace As You Go 🕊️
As you move into a new week, may you be anchored in the truth that God’s mercies meet you fresh each day. Even when transitions feel weighty or rhythms shift, His faithfulness does not. Lean into the simple joys, savor the beauty in your everyday moments, and trust that grace will carry you, again and again.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” | Lamentations 3:22–23
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That food looks delicious. 😋