May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NIV (emphasis added)
Thoughts to Ponder
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks, a new and glorious morn…
Confession: I am weary. I’m so weary as I type this, in my day-old clothes, unwashed hair, as my toddler watches Daniel Tiger and I attempt to “make” dinner by baking pre-made crescent rolls in the oven and heating up leftovers.
Christmas is less than a week away. We have no idea where we’re living next year or if we’re moving (thank you, Mother Air Force, for this lack of information). We fly out to visit my family in a few days and nothing is packed. I’m anxiously awaiting an email regarding my book proposal. I need to prep to lead my women’s Bible study; a leadership position I still feel inadequate to have. The new baby’s nursery quite literally looks like a bomb went off in it. My nausea rages at 27 weeks pregnant and I am quite literally sick of it. Laundry is piling up. Christmas cards are still en route, and will need addressed and mailed out before our trip. Presents are surprisingly wrapped, but that’s about all that’s checked off my fast-growing to do list.
Weary seems to be the right word. I fully realize I just word-vomited my personal struggles in this newsletter for all to see, but I don’t want to sugar-coat the season I’m in. As I scroll my Instagram feed and see shiny photos of ice skating, perfectly baked cookies, and witty captions full of holiday cheer… I sigh. I logically know this isn’t a true reality for many, but there’s a nagging thought in the back of my head that wonders: how do these people have time to curate these insta-worthy photos and captions amidst their busy days, yet I can barely find time to shower and make dinner?
I think it’s okay to admit when we’re weary. Maybe you’re weary too. Your word-vomited list probably looks different, but the underlying feeling is there. So much to do, so little time. Rushing to get it all done. Worries pile up, or one is alleviated but only for another to quickly replace it. Holiday parties or family gatherings that bring more stress than joy. Wondering when you’ll finally get a break from the hustle and bustle of the season and actually get to slow down enough to enjoy it.
Yet despite this weary season, I have a deeper conviction than the weary feeling that threatens to consume me: a thrill of hope.
This is new for me—new for me in the sense that I’m choosing to anchor myself in a thrill of hope instead of remaining in a weary place. Instead of letting my stress and weariness consume me, I frequently remind myself (often by closing my eyes and taking a few deep breaths, to be totally honest) that this season is simply just that—a season, and God is still with me in it. I refocus my thoughts on Emmanuel—God With Us—and the hope that I know to be true.
Hope that is in anchored in these truths: He is faithful. He is trustworthy. He is in control. He has a plan. And He works it all for good.
When I remind myself of those truths, I can’t help but feel a thrill of hope… and rejoice.
Because as my toddler says, “the sun comes up in the morning!”, her eyes bright with wonder at the idea of a brand new day—tomorrow will break, and with it comes a new and glorious morning.
What I’m Reading
In preparation for the Bible Study I’m leading in the new year, I’m reading Pilgrim: 25 Ways God’s Character Leads Us Onward by Ruth Chou Simons. It’s an absolutely beautiful book, with artwork done by the author. I’m excited to lead my group through this book after our holiday break. You can get your copy here.
What I’m Writing
I have a few articles I want to write bouncing around in my mind—one in particular is tugging at my heart, so I have a feeling I’ll sit down to write that one soon. I’m still chipping away at my manuscript as well.
Top Books of 2023
I jumped on the Good Reads bandwagon this last year, and according to my book-tracker, I’ve read 60 books this year… Although I’m close to finishing another one, so I’ll hit 61 soon, and I’ll possibly finish off another one before the year ends.
In no particular order, here are some of my favorite books from 2023, that I would definitely recommend and give 5 Stars to:
Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood by Ashlee Gadd (Christianity, motherhood)
Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar with the One Who Overcomes by Keri Eichberger (Christianity, personal growth)
The Measure by Nikki Erlick (fiction)
Spare by Prince Harry (memoir)
Game, Set, Love by Kaelin Scott (Christian romance)
The London Girls by Soraya Lane (historical fiction)
What were some of your favorite books from 2023? Shoot me an email and let me know—I’m always looking for book recommendations!
What I’m (Not) Cooking
Full disclosure: with traveling, the holidays, and since I’m still suffering from hyperemesis, cooking isn’t really happening a lot in my house. But I hope to try out some new recipes in the new year (especially veggie-loaded ones, because weirdly enough, I don’t tend to vomit veggies as often), and if they’re good, I’ll be sure to share them!
In the mean time, here are a few links to my favorite food bloggers:
I pretty much exclusively cook from these websites, or their cookbooks!
Let’s Connect!
Thanks for reading my newsletter! Feel free to forward this email along to anyone who might enjoy it. My hope is to encourage you in your everyday faith and to share the joys and trials of life and motherhood. We’re all in this together.
—Kristin