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!
We are officially in South Coastal Georgia! We arrived late Tuesday evening and have been working to settle in ever since. As you can imagine with moving, unpacking, and keeping up with the challenge — things have been quite chaotic. I’m still struggling with getting my bearings.
I remember when I got off the exit, I scanned the area and thought, “What the heck did we just do?” Everything from the environment to the grocery system is vastly different than what I’m used to. I think at the moment, I am experiencing culture shock. Honestly, it feels like I’m living in a fever dream, where I am in somebody else’s house stocked with my stuff. All that to say, I’m still processing, (somewhat grieving), and adjusting.
While I was sitting on our screened-in porch and journaling the other morning, the Holy Spirit nudged me, reminding me of God’s words to the Israelite exiles who were far from home and feeling out of place.
“Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” - Jeremiah 29:5-7 NLT
While this move wasn’t originally planned, welcomed, or expected, I know that if He allowed it, this is His good and perfect will for me. While I could wallow, I know it’s not beneficial. I know that the Lord is doing something new, and His beauty and goodness can be found here, I just have to stretch myself to sense it and see it.
What Brought Me Joy ✨
Exploring my new city. This week was the first time I got a few hours of alone time in the last month or so, so I took advantage of it, got out the house to explore our new city. I visted a local coffee shop and the library, two places I know will be my mainstays, regardles of the city I find myself in. I found some tourist magazines, that I look forward to diving into to further get a pulse on the area
Sitting on our screened-in patio. We have a screened-in patio in our backyard that sits on a pond. The other morning, I sat out there while the sun was rising and the kids were still sleep to journal, and it couldn’t have been more peaceful.
Being back with my husband. The hardest thing about this transition and the last two months was being away from my husband. More than a house, he is my home. Although it’s been busy, I’ve enjoyed spending this last week with him while he’s off. There’s nothing like quality time spent together.
The audio for Ina Garten’s memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happensbecame available on Libby for me this week. I had originally started to read it on Kindle, but it’s something about memoirs where I have to listen to the author read it. It just hits different.
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros also became available on audio to me this past week, which has been the perfect accompaniment while packing and unpacking boxes.
Juniper Bean Resorts to Murderby Gracie Ruth Mitchell has been on my TBR for quite some time, so I was excited when I saw it available on Kindle Unlimited. The cover is screaming fall which is the perfect time for a romantic, cozy mystery.
The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller has also been on my list forever, and now that I’m living in what feels like the country, I thought this would be the perfect fall read before going into the holiday season.
I’m always sharing my thoughts in real time on Fable and Instagram. For ratings and reviews, check out my Goodreads.
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 moment had been sitting outside. I've been trying to sit outside as much as possible.
Janelle, how you're embracing the changes is truly inspirational and motivating!