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 Fourth of July! I’m currently writing this during the fringe hours before the kids wake and before we dive knee deep into Fourth of July festivities with family and friends. My best friend from college and her family came into town for the holiday, so I’ve been spending the week preparing while doing my best to keep the kids entertained. These last few weeks (really months) have been full, so my time on here has been short. For those who are celebrating today, I pray that you have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend!
The Joy List ✨
Evening solo walks. While I’m not able to walk by myself every day, I’ve been trying to make more of an effort to do so when my husband is off or gets home early. These walks have been so good for my mental health. Sometimes I’ll listen to a podcast or sometimes it will turn into a prayer walk with me pouring out my hopes, dreams, and concerns to the Lord.
The cutest bunny I spotted on one of my last evening walks
Reading + a sweet treat. I’m not an ice cream all year round girl, but I have been allowing myself to indulge in more cold, creamy treats this month while I read in the evening on my Kindle.
Prepping for the holiday. There’s something about spending Fourth of July in the Golden Isles that feels like the pinnacle of summer. My best friend from college and her family will be here, and although my husband will be at work and won’t be grilling, I slow cooked some ribs and have assembled some shrimp pasta salad, baked beans, potato salad, bought some seasonal treats for all the kids, and did my best to plan a fun day hopping around the island and town to take part in all the Fourth of July fun. We are fighting a forecast of scattered thunderstorms, so fingers-crossed the weather will be on our side.
Weekly Faves 🫶🏾💕
Books
Happy Place1by Emily Henry. I read Happy Place last year around this time and honestly did not understand all the hype. It could’ve just been me or bad timing (we had a lot going on around this time last year), so I decided to give it another go around and have been enjoying it so far.
Problematic Summer Romanceby Ali Hazelwood. I had started this book on audio and immediately had to start it over with the physical copy because I couldn’t stand the narrator. I can already tell that this won’t be my favorite of Ali’s — it’s kind of cringey (it’s an age-gap trope and she won’t let you forget it) and is a bit of a train wreck that I can’t turn away from just yet. We will see if I finish or DNF.
Podcast 🎧
Grace As You Go 🕊️
The fullness of summer can be both energizing and exhausting. We make space for joy, celebration, and connection, but sometimes in the quieter moments, the weight of all we carry still lingers. Hosting, parenting, and planning — it can all take a toll, even when our hearts are full.
This week reminded me that grace isn’t only found in rest or retreat; it’s offered right in the thick of it. In the middle of holiday noise, sugar highs, and sticky fingers, God is present. Not waiting for silence, but showing up in the swirl. He sees the hidden weariness behind our smiles and the steady love behind every list crossed off.
So if you find yourself both grateful and a little worn, know this — grace is here, ready to meet you in every part of it.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” | Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
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Happy 4th! A summer book and an ice cream sandwich? Perfect combo.
My librarian bestie told me to skip Problematic Summer Romance. That's two votes to skip now!