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 is cold here in Southeast Coastal Georgia, and with the snow, fires, winds, and rains happening around the country, I hope everyone is staying safe during this whirlwind of a week.
On Sunday, I went back to church for the first time in years, and it felt so good to be worshipping in community again. We met up with some friends during the week at the library for some stories and fun, and on Wednesday evening, we took an unexpected trip to Jacksonville to fix my husband’s truck. That fix led him to be off for a few days, and honestly, these off days couldn’t have come at a better time.
Lately, I’ve been feeling the weariness of solo parenting again. It’s a routine weariness that ebbs and flows, never quite going away. I know these little years will pass, but right now, they demand so much of me—more than I sometimes feel capable of giving. What little capacity I had before seems even less now, and I’ve struggled to find joy, even when I know it’s there.
I’ve been encouraged, though, as I read Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad by Abbie Halberstadt with my sister. As a mom to 10 children, including two sets of twins, she understands what it’s like to be stretched past capacity. Her words gently reminded me:
“Just because this is hard,” I reminded myself, “does not mean it’s bad. the Lord is doing a good work in me, and He’s going to complete it… eventually (Philippians 1:6). He’s upholding me with His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). I will reap a good harvest if I do not give up (Galatians 6:9).
While you may not be in the throes of parenting, you may be facing grief, sadness, bitterness, or resentment that feels equally hard. I hope this encourages you to remember that the Lord sees you. Even in what feels hard, He’s still working, refining, and orchestrating all things for your good and His glory. Keep going, remembering that you will reap a reward if you do not give up.
What Brought Me Joy ✨
Being back in church for the first time in over 5 years. This past Sunday was my first time back in church in over five years. Me and my husband were in the process of searching for a new church home right before COVID hit. It was also then when we got pregant with my son. Then ten months after he was born we learned that we were pregnant with the twins so between all of that on top of solo parenting has made finding a church home a challenege. I made a promise to myself that once we got semi-settled here in Brunswick, the first thing I would do is search for us a new church home. On Sunday, I managed to get me and the kids dressed and out the door with more than enough time before service started. I know that church hunting will be a process, but I’m excited and expectant that God will lead our family to a place where we can serve and grow in community.
Meeting a new friend. I feel like making friends as an adult is always an awkward feat. As a stay-at-home mom in a new city, it’s not like there are many opportunities for socialization. I was thankful to connect with another stay-at-home mom friend from church. I’ve been praying that the Lord would help me find community here, and I can already see how he’s forming it and answering my prayers.
Having my husband home. As I shared earlier, my husband had some unexpected time this week, so I’m making the most of it. Right now, I’m finishing off this week’s newsletter from the coffee shop, my favorite place to relax and unwind with some me time.
Justin Whitmel Earley’s books have been on my TBR since last year. With the discussion of habits and purpose that occurs during this time of year and the consideration I’m giving to what I should spend my time on during this season, I thought The Common Rule would be a perfect read.
I’m always sharing my thoughts in real-time on Fable and Instagram. For ratings and reviews, check out my Goodreads.
Currently Listening 🎧
Despite what you see on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, there is no perfect mom. I loved this bite-sized episode with Laura Wifler from Risen Motherhood. In this episode, Laura shares how we can use the gospel to free us from these misconceived notions regarding the best way to mother our children. There’s no one-size-fits all solution, but there is a gospel one, and it’s grace-filled and perfection free.
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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My joy this week was my snow day. I was outside just like the kids. I realized how I miss the quiet of the snow, it beauty and its crunch under my feet ❄️☃️ My husband was also home so it was nice to have there day “off”. ☺️
My joy this week was my snow day. I was outside just like the kids. I realized how I miss the quiet of the snow, it beauty and its crunch under my feet ❄️☃️ My husband was also home so it was nice to have there day “off”. ☺️