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! ✨
I’m back! When writing starts to feel like a chore instead of a life-giving rhythm, I know it’s time to take a break. I was feeling a little worn down from running around and working the last few weeks, so I needed to take a few days to rest without the pressure of a deadline. So that’s what I did. Instead of writing, I lingered in bed a little longer and caught up on a few books that I had been meaning to finish.
Ever since this move, my days have been fuller than they ever have been before, and as a result, I have found myself needing to discern and manage the energy I have to show up in this space. That’s why I lean into breaks as I feel led — they allow me to refresh and remind myself to keep going and showing up in this space, even if imperfectly.
This is a part of what building a life, brick by brick looks like — embracing rest and making little by little, imperfect progress as you steward your everyday roles and calling. While I shared about this in my last monthly reflection, I dove into this deeper, sharing a personal audio reflection with my paid subscribers. You can listen to the full voice note and a free preview below.
🎙️ This is the first in what may become an ongoing series of raw and honest voice note chats I’ll be sharing with paid subscribers. Think of it like a voice memo or FaceTime catch-up with a friend—unfiltered reflections from the journey, shared straight from the middle of it all.
Last weekend, both of my weekend plans fell through—two different hangouts with friends, canceled back to back. What I thought would be a full, fun weekend turned into a quiet one, and I found myself feeling the weight of loneliness and disappointment. But even in that unexpected stillness, God’s grace met me. Not in the way I planned, but in a quiet moment of comfort and encouragement that reminded me I wasn’t alone. That same grace gave me the nudge to show up anyway—to share a few words of hope on TikTok. And somehow, in offering encouragement to others, I ended up encouraging myself too.
The Joy List ✨
Blowing bubbles with the kids. I’m always outside with the kids, but it’s rare that I get in on the play. Last Tuesday, I found a leftover bubble wand and blew bubbles while the kids chased around and popped them. Seeing them laugh and play always brings me joy.
Witnessing my sisters’ adoption. One of the most special joys last week was witnessing a moment that’s been decades in the making: my twin older sisters were officially adopted by my dad. In our hearts and in our lives, there was never a distinction—he’s been their dad since they were five, long before I was born. But this week, they made it official. It was their moment, their story, and such a powerful testament to love, family, and the ties that grow even stronger with time. Watching it unfold brought me to tears and filled me with such deep joy and gratitude for the quiet, faithful love that shapes our lives.
My first trip to the beach in almost 10 years. The last time I’ve been to the beach was back in 2016 when I first moved to Georgia (I know — tragic). So when I got a last minute invite from my friend, I panicked because I have absolutely no beach gear, besides a bag. Thankfully the boys had a few swim trunks, so I pieced together our outfits, tossed a few excavators, dump trucks, and snacks into some bags, and we made it work and had a blast. I’m thankful that we live near a handful of beaches that are only 25 minutes away. I’m pretty sure we will be frequenting them all spring and summer long.
Receiving the notification that my publication, The Life Designer is #99 Rising in the Faith and Spirituality category.I was at Storytime at the library with my kids on Tuesday when I received the Substack notification that my publication, The Life Designer is #99 Rising in the Faith and Spirituality category. I came to Substack after spending years blogging, feeling like my work was largely unseen, unnoticed, and undervalued — especially when compared to my counterparts in the faith space. I was about a year and a half post-partum after the birth of my twins and in need of a creative outlet but even more than that, healing. While I’ve learned since then that numbers and money don’t determine my worth, it’s nice to know that my work is being received, recognized, and valued by like-minded others who are on this journey with me.
Currently Savoring 💞
I’m always willing and ready to soak up as much motherhood wisdom as possible. Gratefully, in this episode, Abbie shares how to find joy in any state of motherhood. She also provides practical tips, rhythms and routines, and even recipes that have made her life and journey easier as a mom of 10.
Parenting is the most challenging yet rewarding journey, and at times, it’s hard to know the right thing to do, especially when you want to lead your children in the way of Christ. If you’re looking for tips on daily discipleship with your kids, look no further than this episode. In this episode, Adam and Chelsea Griffin from the Family Discipleship podcast share simple and practical ways to disciple not just your kids but children in the next generation. I found myself being discipled and convicted as I listened to this episode. You’ll want to save this episode to go back and listen to continue gleaning wisdom and insight.
Motherhood can be lonely. While we are constantly surrounded by love, there are certain seasons when motherhood can feel isolating as you navigate your own family dynamic. I’m thankful that even when we feel lonely, we are not alone. Our Savior is ever present, and He has also given us community, whether in-person or online, as a gift to encourage one another and stir each other up in love and support. If you’re struggling or feeling lonely in this season, know I see you and that you’re not alone. 🫶🏾 🩷
Grace As You Go 🕊️
If this week finds you somewhere in the in-between—between plans and purpose, full rooms and empty ones— I hope you’ll remember that grace isn’t reserved for mountaintop moments. It meets us in the gaps. In the pause after a plan falls through. In the quiet when loneliness lingers. In the small brave steps we take anyway. Let this be your gentle reminder that even here, in the slow and unseen, God is at work—forming, filling, and faithfully walking with you.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
If you were encouraged by this (Joy)Cap, I’d love for you to support my work by becoming a paid subscriber. Your support helps me continue sharing these grace-filled stories and reflections, and as a paid subscriber, you’ll get access to exclusive posts and deeper conversations. I’d be honored to have you along for the journey!
Or, if a monthly subscription isn’t for you right now but you’d still like to support this work, you can also buy me a coffee. Every bit of support means more than you know.
Your Turn! 👉🏾 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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