September Digest

Trying a new planner, dumb houses, fun games and more

Happy September!

Well, August was quite the doozy. We had one of our best launches ever and then announced significant changes for Val Marie Paper. For sure a roller coaster of emotions. I had planned to share the news in October, but it was getting increasingly difficult not to share what I knew was coming (More below).

If you’re new here, at the beginning of each month, I share a curated list of things I’m loving right now, highlights and what I’m reading. Admittedly, it’s slim on content as I’ve been a bit distracted.

VMP IS CLOSING

Pardon the redundancy if you’re thinking, how can any of your subscribers still not know? It’s possible! I’m getting new feedback every day. Read more here, here, and here. To answer a few of the FAQs:

• Will pre-orders still be shipped? Absolutely! If you’ve already placed an order, the close doesn’t affect that. In fact, you can shop through Christmas! We won’t close till the end of the year unless we run out of inventory. The inventory remaining should last, but y’all have been buying things up quickly!

• Can you buy the journals somewhere after the end of the year? You will not be able to purchase the spirals or soft cover moleskin after but we will have an Amazon version (available now!) and a digital version coming before the year ends! I’ll be working on that soon and will let you know in email when it’s ready.

• What about the course? You can still purchase and use the course. We will move the course to a private link on YouTube or send all the videos to you. We’re trying to figure out the best vehicle for you to have video access after we close. If you have input, please share!

• Can we stay connected? I’ll be off Instagram (with occasional pop-ins) and off Facebook, but I will be on Substack! You can leave comments on posts, and I’ll still be encouraging you each week with our Monday Questions (for paid subscribers) and for free subscribers, the Wednesday Peptalk, and our Monthly Digest, like this one.

EASY FAMILY GAME

Playing games with the girls is one of my favorite ways to connect with them, especially if I’ve been distracted. This game has become a favorite. It’s not a million pieces, no board, it can be played quickly if we don’t have a ton of time, and it’s the names of God! We’re not doing a theological deep dive or anything, but it has sparked little conversation and planted seeds of things about who God is. And if you played the Chick-fil-A game Spot-it, it’s similar to that! Grab it here.

IF YOU WANT A GOOD PERSPECTIVE ON HEALTH

Before I tell you about this new book that you’re gonna want to read, I need to share a remarkable story of God’s direction. Maybe 7-8 years ago, we were hiring for a position, and Meredyth applied for the job. There was something special about her that I just couldn’t put my finger on. She was in my life for a reason, but I didn’t feel like I was supposed to hire her. I did another round of interviews with the finalists because I was so confused! Eventually, God impressed on me that I was supposed to not hire her but help her with her own business. She was a nutritionist, and as she talked about that, I knew we needed her unique perspective. I let her know I’m not hiring you, but I want to help you build your business. Had to be the wierdest call she got, and I’m sure I was nervously trying to explain to her how excited I was about her business despite saying she didn’t get the job. She did grow that business, and I got to work with her as a client and offer any business help I could, and this year she WROTE A BOOK! I’m so proud of her! I got to read it earlier this year, and I truly think this book is going to be so helpful if you’re trying to piece together health, faith, and understanding the science of things in a super digestible way. Check it out here!

I’M TRYING A NEW PLANNER!

I’ve been using the Full Focus Planner for YEARS and love it! This summer I took a break because they are pricy and I knew I wouldn’t use it much for that season. Well, big mistake. I sound like our customers who return to us after a year of trying the format in their own notebook. ;) It didn’t go so well. Before I dive back into the Full Focus Planner for 2025, I wanted to test out this beauty from Sugar Paper. I have long been obsessed with chambray (see Springboard Prayers), so I had to give this one a try! Will report back!

IF YOU JUST NEED TO SMILE

I’m not saying modern cartoons aren’t creative. I have a few favorites that always wow me with their vision, but this made me smile! I mean, such creativity! It definitely made me nostalgic and smile! Also a baby otter getting a blowout? If that won’t make you smile. : P

SMART OR DUMB HOUSE?

Do you have all the Alexa bells and whistles, or do you like things simple and quiet when it comes to technology? This is on my mind, and I’ll be writing on it soon. But I’m curious: what do you prefer? Or have you thought about it? What’s too much? What’s basic necessity in 2024?

HI AMAZON INFLUENCERS!

Someone DM’d me saying they were an Amazon influencer asking about our new journals that will be on Amazon. Hadn’t even crossed my mind that now that we’ll have products on Amazon, our LTKIt friends and Amazon Influencers can share prayer journals amidst home decor and clothes! It’s exciting to think of someone who’s just looking for a good pair of boots and finding something that just might change their prayer life! Email us at info@valmariepaper.com if you want to connect. And if you want to see what’s available on Amazon, here it is!

A LIFE TRANSFORMED

“This prayer journal is actually the best thing I own rn [right now].” - Brie

FROM THE BOOKSHELF

• If Momma Ain’t Happy - Rachel Norman

• Stolen Focus - Johann Hari

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.

ASKING QUESTIONS

Here's what we've been talking about on Mondays. Each week I ask a question and to wrap up each post, I share several questions to ask God in prayer. It’s really helpful if you struggle praying reactively and just about the latest crisis you’re facing as these topics aren’t usually “emergency issues”. This is part of the paid posts on Substack, but I always share a big preview, so feel free to click the links below to gain some insight, even if you don’t subscribe!

1. Are parasocial relationships ruining us for local relationships? - Why it’s the devil’s sweet spot for us.

2. What deserves a new name? - The things we complain about that are actually good.

3. What is the new prosperity gospel? - And is my church preaching it?

4. Where did our confidence go? - Rediscovering what my love for safety pushed away

5. What happens when the answers come? - Mapping out the best way to wait and get clarity

Not subscribed to our Monday posts but want to be? Click here!

SHOP NEWS

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Talk soon,

Val