I’ve been collecting little thoughts throughout the week. You know, the kind that don’t really deserve a blog post of their own but still feel worth remembering. So here’s this week’s collection, from learning to rest before everything is finished to little family moments, Bible study, fireworks, and everything in between.
1. Rest Isn’t A Reward 🪴
Do you ever find yourself spending so much time preparing for life that you forget to actually live it? Instead of being present, making memories, and showing up, you feel like you need to earn that right first—the right to experience togetherness, joy, and rest.
We can show up in our lives exactly as we are, though. We don’t have to wait to rest. We don’t have to wait to stop rushing from one thing to the next. We don’t have to wait until our homes are more put together, our kids are older, our schedules are calmer, or life finally feels manageable before we allow ourselves to enjoy the lives we’re already living.
There will always be something else: another task, another chore, another email, another load of laundry. Those things are never truly finished. These tasks will take as much of our time and attention as we allow them to. Rest, belonging, and joy are not rewards we earn once everything is checked off a list. They’re gifts God freely gives us.
When we allow ourselves to rest in the middle of unfinished projects, cluttered counters, overflowing laundry baskets, and endless to-do lists, we’re reminding ourselves of something true: our worth isn’t found in productivity. It’s found in Christ. Life isn’t waiting for us on the other side of getting everything done. It’s happening right now.
When we choose to rest before everything is finished, we’re declaring that God is in control and we don’t have to carry the weight of holding everything together. We can put down our lists for a little while because He never puts down His care for us.
You don’t have to earn the life you’ve already been given. Your loved ones don’t need everything to be perfect—they just need you to be present.
2. Our Escapees 🏃♀️
Mordecai will be four in November and for the first time ever, he climbed out of his crib on his own in the morning once he woke up. The very next day, his sixteen-month-old little sister also climbed out of her crib. She didn’t get out as gracefully as he did. We need to lower her crib!
3. The Energy at the Fireworks Store 🎆
Listen, I could care less about fireworks. I don’t like loud noises, staying up late, or spending money on things that explode and are gone in seconds. But my husband and kids? They live for the Fourth of July. That’s how I found myself in the Phantom Fireworks store on the evening of July 2nd.
The energy in there was contagious. It felt like the 23rd of December, when everyone is out shopping for their last minute gifts and the whole world is holding its breath in joyful anticipation. This might have been even better, though, because it was light out at 8:00 pm and the air was sultry.
Did we spend too much money on fireworks (I think any money spent on fireworks is a waste 😜)? Yes. Did Jimmy budget for it? Yep. Was it a fun experience to feel the excitement buzzing around before the holiday? Also, yes!
4. Sneaking in More Bible Time 📕
Studying the Bible is truly one of the greatest joys in my life. The more I learn, the more amazed I am by it. God’s Word is so practical, so relevant, and so full of wisdom for every season of life. You don’t need to be a scholar or even use a special study to learn. Just open your Bible, grab a good Bible handbook (I use this one), start reading, and be amazed at how cool the Bible truly is.
One of my favorite things about the Bible is seeing how archaeology continues to confirm what Scripture has said all along. Kings, cities, walls, temples, bodies of water, and so much more have all been discovered and verified. The places and people we read about weren’t made up—they were real. The Bible isn’t just inspiring; it’s historically reliable too.
I’ve also been trying to sneak in a little more Bible time each day. Just like I wrote about above, I’ve realized that I don’t have to earn the right to sit with God’s Word. I can open my Bible even if there’s a basket of laundry on our bed. Even if the counters are cluttered and grimy. Even if there are a dozen other things I could be doing.
The laundry will get folded. The dishes will get washed. The counters will get wiped down. But spending time with God is never time wasted. If anything, I think I’m better equipped to love my family and serve them well because I spent that time with Him first.
5. Heat Dome ☀️
The Eastern part of the United States is experiencing a Heat Dome. The only way it’s tolerable to be outside is if you’re near water. We’ve been living at the pool lately. I thrive in this weather. I’m just a lizard in my terrarium, soaking up the heat.
Meanwhile, Niva, our Siberian husky? She is not happy! We never, ever worry about her in cold weather. In fact, she refuses to come inside when it’s cold out. But the heat? We take extra care of our girl and keep her near the air conditioning vents as much as possible!
6. Contentment 🙌🏼
Jimmy washed his truck the other night and Mordecai wanted to join in on the fun. Jimmy is very specific about washing his truck (like, he doesn’t even like to take it to a car wash!!), so instead of Jimmy being miserable and micromanaging Mordecai’s wash skills, I had the idea to let our little guy wash his cars right beside daddy.
He loved it so much! Mordecai is so content to just be. He never asks for anything and even takes every opportunity to tell us he loves us and says when he has had fun or enjoyed something. He inspires me constantly.
7. Happy Fourth of July 🇺🇸
Happy Independence Day to all my friends in the United States! Jimmy and our big kids braved the heat dome and walked in a parade with our church. Our church’s float won first prize in the parade! I kept Dakota home. She is definitely our child that does the worst in the heat. We always wonder if it’s because she has extra fair skin or because she’s the tiniest member of our family? I’m not sure, but we had a quiet morning doing some food prep together!
It’s currently 93 degrees and 84% humidity outside as I type up this post… and yes… I’m outside. I love it! Anyways, Pittsburgh is under a thunderstorm watch until late this evening, so fingers crossed we get to fulfill Jimmy and the kids’ wildest dreams and light our fireworks. 😉
Other Notes and Thoughts 📝
- Scripture I’m loving: You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13 🙏🏻
- I went to order one of my favorite cereals and guess how many times Amazon told me I bought it? 15!!! I don’t know whether I should be embarrassed or proud. 🤔
- I want to forever remember Mordecai standing in our driveway as I came home from the store. He was waving me in with one hand like a mini crossing guard while sucking his thumb with the other hand. The best welcome home. 🤍
- Every morning, our big kids ask for a mug of hot cocoa. I’ve been using this mini (but powerful) blender to mix it and they love it! I also use the blender to make Jimmy’s daily ginger shots. 🥤
- Sadie got her nightgown stuck in her expander. No idea how she managed that! She did get it out all on her own, though. 🦷
- Recipes to make: Blueberry Oatmeal Bread, Hummingbird Cake, and Miss Laura’s Kielbasa Butter Beans. 🫘
Living My Full Life 