Okay, it’s not technically summer yet, but in South Louisiana, it might as well be. And I feel on the cusp of so much newness and energy! We’re out of winter, on the other side of Lent, and in a new season as a church, and I’m excited about what’s next!
In case you’re new here 🙌, each month I send out a digest of curated things I’m loving. You’ll see a mix of products, content and tips.
In case you’re old here 😉😘, you might notice this content looks a little different. More on that below!
WHAT A MONTH!
I’m loving Substack, and it looks like y’all are too! Our Monday questions have already been challenging me and our readers to think differently. In case you missed the news or the emails have been a bit confusing,
, will be a place to share our Weekly Pep talks and Monthly Digests but also with an option to upgrade to a Monday post where I’ll share a question I’m wrestling with, and we’ll talk it out in comments, and I’ll include questions to wrestle with in prayer with God too! I love goals and good habit but one of the things that has changed my life the most has been asking questions and being open to God changing my heart. I’ve been sending preview emails for our first month. Those will stop now, but our weekly pep talk will include a little blurb about the post if you’d like to check it out! You can stay a free subscriber for life if you prefer and just get the digest and pep talks. If you’d like to read the Monday questions, you’ve got just two days left to get 20% off.TYLER IS OFFICIALLY A PASTOR
I shared earlier this year here a bit about the journey to get here. I’ll be sharing more in the weeks to come, but our church voted last week, and here we are. It’s been crazy to see what God has done in a year. Tyler’s first week as interim was last year’s Easter Sunday, and here he is, the new lead pastor this year!
BLONDE BARRY WILL BE MY SUMMER SCENT
When I was in college, I had a summer scent (Fresh’s Sugared Lemon) and a winter scent (Fresh’s Brown Sugar). I loved mixing it up. I’ve already shared how much I love my Torn from Henry Rose. If you are looking for a non-toxic perfume, you have to check them out. So many of you purchased through my link last time that I got a free t-shirt that is actually really cool (and was able to buy a perfume for our women’s retreat giveaway basket)! I cannot bring myself to wear a graphic tee of a band that I have no idea what they play, but I will rep all day long for Henry Rose perfumes. When the t-shirt came in, I got a little sample of the body sprays, and by unanimous vote (me and Tyler), Blonde Barry will be my new summer scent! Use this link for $10 off.
IF YOU’RE READING THE BIBLE
How’d you like that header? Hopefully, that’s all of us! I have been loving The Bible Recap podcast! I am sure you’ve heard of it, maybe even a thousand times, and you’re like, Val, why are you even sharing this? I also heard about it for a while, but I started listening this year, and it’s been so good! Really short episodes, just go find the section of Scripture you’re reading and basically keep what you read that morning top of mind. Plus, Tara-Leigh Cobble always shares her one takeaway, and I’m amazed how often it hasn’t crossed my mind. Listen here.
AND IF YOU NEED A NEW ONE
Hosanna Revival just released this beautiful new Bible and it’s even prettier in person!
YEP, STILL TALKING ABOUT PHONES
I’ve been following Jonathan Haidt
for a while now and anticipating his new book which just came out: The Anxious Generation. I think this is going to be a really important book for us to read. If you want to get a little taste, google Jonathan Haidt, and he’s got several articles on your favorite media sites! Or grab the book here! The book was #2 of all books. I am so hopeful how this book will change our kids’ generation for the better!ISO A GOOD PAIR OF HUARACHES
One of my favorite new features of sharing our emails on Substack is the fact that you can reply by leaving a comment and y’all can see the responses too! Before, when I asked questions in email, I only got to see the reply, but now, if you see me ask something and want suggestions too, you can check out the comments or give your own suggestions. So, friends, I need help. I’m on the hunt for a good pair of huaraches like these or these but less expensive? :)
SATURDAY PREP
I opened my freezer to store the ice cream cake a small group member brought to celebrate the church vote and one friend commented on my food prep soups! I, of course, had to show off the rest of the prep I did the day before. With Tyler prepping sermons Saturday afternoon and evening, I’ve started to spend that time chopping veggies, prepping fruits and veggies for school lunches, making breakfast muffins and more. I felt so overwhelmed starting because I saw so many food prep posts for things I didn’t do full meals for the week, but once I started thinking about our family needs, it helped! I’m off gluten and grains so having healthy snacks was really important. And anything to help mornings, like breakfasts and school lunches, was huge! Share your best prep tips in the comments.
A LIFE TRANSFORMED
"Before the prayer map, my thoughts (and therefore prayers) were all over the place! Now that I have clarity, I pray more consistently and am able to recognize God’s work in my life.”
- Jenna about our new Prayer Focus Map
FROM THE BOOKSHELF
My Hygge Home by Meik Wiking (random library pick but super interesting!)
Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
See a full list of my favorite books HERE! This email may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
SHOP NEWS
Almost forgot to mention our new Prayer Focus Map PDF! If you have all your ducks in a row and know what to pray for but aren’t sure what to say or how to pray for it, this tool will help you get clarity and go deeper!
Talk soon,
Val
P.S. It’s April, and y’all are still snatching up these Rhythms Prayer Journals! If you don’t have yours yet, you’re not too late.
Oh, I need to check out that book. I love and greatly appreciate your book suggestions and recommendations. There’s so much out there it can be tough to sort through what’s worth it!
Yay, Tyler! How exciting!