Hi friends! I’ve blinked an eye, and the summer has slipped away. It turns out that transitioning to full-time work during the least structured season of the year brought some challenges my way. There is grace for the clean laundry sitting in the hamper all week, grace for the last-minute Chick-fil-A dinners, and grace for dropping the ball on my newsletter. A couple of months into my new daily rhythms, I’m ready to dive back into writing. In today’s newsletter, you’ll find what we’ve been eating this summer, the books I can’t stop raving about, and camera roll updates sprinkled throughout. Thanks for reading!

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on my mind

• I loved this poem by , and I’m counting down the days until her poetry collection releases!

• Yesterday, I spent some time working through this Substack post about creating systems and rhythms for the back-to-school season. Our family is transitioning to a new school this fall, and this post is full of practical tips to keep track of everything.

• Rapid Fire Podcast Recommendations:

  • New Churches: How do I lead? / How do I avoid burnout?

  • Book of the Month live: Sarah Damoff thinks marriage needs better vocabulary.

  • With the Perrys: Discipling Our Kids with the Krugers

  • Knowing Faith: I’ve been loving their tricky topics series. I especially appreciated Is it Wrong to Use AI? and Is God Still Speaking Audibly Today?

  • Speaking of AI, I found this series so helpful earlier this year when I was first dipping my feet into AI for work.

on my plate

• This air fryer dinner has been on heavy rotation in our house.

• My girls devoured these sheet PANcakes, and I loved how easy they were to throw together.

• I can’t let a summer pass without sharing my favorite crowd-pleaser grilled chicken marinade.

• We’ve instituted “Fancy Sandwich Night” as an easy weeknight dinner. This bread + pesto + prosciutto + burrata + TJ’s bruschetta sauce was a winner!

on my nightstand

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a small commission if you purchase one of the resources from the links here. Thanks for helping me fund my massive book wishlist!

• Make Believe, Mac Barnett: This witty collection of essays on children’s literature made me want to buy a couple more bookshelves and fill them to the brim.

• The Burning Side, Sarah Damoff: Somehow, I missed Sarah Damoff’s hit debut, The Bright Years, but her sophomore novel caught my attention. A house fire, a marriage on the brink of divorce, multiple generations forced under one roof, and exposed family secrets set the stage for this captivating story. Told in alternating perspectives, this book introduces characters you won’t soon forget. Sarah writes about grief, trauma, memory, and forgiveness with honesty and complexity. The Burning Side made me an instant fan–I’ll enthusiastically read everything Sarah Damoff writes.

• Jude and the Extraordinary, Spectacular, Miraculous Day, Jessica Dennis Bush: This story begins on a day like any other, an ordinary morning at Jude’s home. We watch Jude walk through the familiar motions of his day–rising with the sun, watching his mother bake, and walking to the sea with his dog. When his mother packs him his lunch of five small barley loaves and two salty fish, readers get the first hint that Jude’s day may be anything but ordinary. This book creatively reimagines the gospel story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 through the lens of the child who offers up his meager lunch.

  I love how this retelling invites kids to imagine themselves in the pages of Scripture, and shows how an interaction with Jesus changes everything. The cut paper illustrations beautifully bring this familiar story to life. Thank you to Crossway for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

• The Heartwood Hotel Series, Kallie George: I’ve shared about my love for the first book in this series before. During road trips this summer, we read the first four books aloud, and the characters captured our hearts. My girls yell “Tilly!” every time they see a squirrel, and speculate that every massive tree in a park must be the Heartwood. If you’re looking for a sweet series full of endearing characters, adventures, and bravery, try this one.

on my good list

• Each morning on my drive to work, I’ve been starting my day with this devotional podcast.

• I owe you a report back from my work tote purchase. I ended up going with the Quince Shopper Tote, and have been so pleased! I carry my laptop, planner, tech charger pouch, Owala, and notebook to work each day, and it all fits great.

• I bought this lamp to cozy up my office space, and now I want to sprinkle a few of them around my home.

• I swapped planners midyear, convinced a new layout would change my life (just kidding…sort of). So far, I’ve been loving the brain dump pages and built-in grocery lists.

• I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve listened to this album since it released.

Thanks for reading another month of Chasing Delight. I’m planning to swap my post date to the 3rd of each month. Three is my favorite number, and as I’m getting back into the rhythm of monthly writing, I think it’ll artificially trick my brain into thinking I have three extra days to write. 🤪 See you back on September 3rd!

Hello from the fullest stretch of the year. Between birthdays, Easter, and all that comes with it as a ministry family, and the end of Kindergarten, our spring has been packed to the brim with reasons to celebrate.

Our family is also in the midst of a pretty big transition—I’m returning to full-time work for the first time since becoming a mom! Lately, I’ve been working 25 hours a week for Activate, homeschooling Marian three days a week, painting banners, and coordinating weddings. While I’m not naïve enough to believe that transitioning to full-time work will be easier, I am excited to minimize the task-switching and consolidate my vocational efforts. I’m thankful for a company I love, my incredibly supportive husband, and the hours I spent listening to this podcast that helped me get to this point.

Here’s to a spring of everyday celebrations, new starts, and making time to stroll through garden centers.

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on my shopping list

Alright readers, we’re trying something new this month. As soon as I decided to go back to work full-time, I also decided to buy myself a new work bag to celebrate. But now I’m deep in indecision, with dozens of tabs open and my first full-time week quickly approaching. So, we’re crowd-sourcing! I’ve narrowed down my options and need your help making the final call.

The Contenders:
I love the sleek look of the Quince Italian Leather Tote. The reviews look great, and I like the zipper laptop sleeve. I was almost ready to order it, but then my friend Ally told me to look at the Poppy and Peonies Go-Getter Tote, and I became enamored with all that built-in organization. But I wonder if I’ll regret choosing Vegan leather over the real deal. And then, in a total wild-card, I can’t stop thinking about this Alex Mill Perfect Weekday Tote.

Related, I need to upgrade my lunch box from the reusable Kroger bag I’ve been using. 🤪 I love this fun print, but I’m thinking this may be more practical with its water bottle pocket.

What should I pick?

Leave a comment

on my plate

• Friends, I owe you a Cookie Madness update! These cookies took home the crown—I think my friends have a soft spot for anything with brown butter. These marbled cookies were the most fun to make.

• We don’t repeat meals super frequently in our house. In fact, I probably make it harder on myself by only making each of my favorite recipes 1-2 times per month. But let me tell you, we’ve eaten these Street Corn Beef and Sweet Potato Bowls weekly since the end of March, and they still haven’t gotten old.

• I’m not sure what took me so long, but I finally tried my hand at focaccia, and it was a hit with the entire family!

• Add this Dollywood Cinnamon Bread to your next brunch menu. You won’t regret it.

on my nightstand

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a small commission if you purchase one of the resources from the links here. Thanks for helping me fund my massive book wishlist!

• God Loves Me, Kristen Wetherell: Our family loves Crossway’s For the Bible Tells Me So board book series. I was delighted to add this new title to Junie’s Easter basket. God Loves Me introduces the big concept of the Trinity in an approachable way for young readers. With memorable repetitive phrases, bold illustrations, and an interactive mirror flap at the end, these books are perfect for building a faith foundation in the earliest years.

  This title highlights different moments in Scripture where the work of the Trinity is clearly displayed—creation, the incarnation, the baptism of Jesus, and Easter morning. I appreciate how the book turns to show kids that the Trinity isn’t just a concept they can read about, but a true personal God they can experience. Thank you to Crossway for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

• Tiny Theologians NIrV Bible, edited by Amy Gannett: Now that Marian is gaining confidence in reading, we were thrilled to gift her this beautiful first “big-girl Bible.” It is beautifully designed, with so many thoughtful tools to help kids gain confidence in how to read the Bible well. It includes color-coded pages to quickly identify biblical genres, and eye-catching features that teach attributes of God, answer questions about the basics of faith, and show how each book points to Jesus.

• Plant the Tiny Seed, Christie Matheson: This was another Easter basket find, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. This interactive book will delight young readers as they tap, clap, wave, and wiggle through the life cycle of a zinnia seed.

• What Can a Mess Make?, Bee Johnson: I’ve raved about this book before, and I’m close to crowning it my favorite picture book of all time. The gorgeous illustrations and fun rhymes follow two creative sisters throughout a playful day at home. They cook breakfast, build forts, paint masterpieces, make mistakes, and leave messes behind every step of the way. I finally bought a copy for our home library, and on my most recent read, I realized that the little sister carries a giraffe stuffy everywhere she goes, just like our Junie. 😭

on my good list

• I’m not so patiently waiting for this album release.

• I can’t remember the last time I preordered a book so fast.

• Some Substacks I’ve been loving lately: ’s The Moms Know Best is full of great recommendations, article roundups, and product links. ’s sunday bagel is such a fun read! Start with “Cool mom status: 10 outfits to wear to birthday parties.”

• I grabbed these shoes on sale at Urban Outfitters for $35. 👏🏼 They are the first I’ve owned from this brand, but won’t be my last!

• I’ve been working my way through Small Steps by , and it is such a refreshing read. Small Steps is a collection of blessings for daily life, with invitations to slow down, lift your eyes, and pray in the midst of your very full days. Kimberly writes blessings for life’s big moments—welcoming a baby, graduation, a funeral visitation—and the everyday—for school pick-up line, filling out a calendar, and making chocolate chip cookies.

on my camera roll

• one: Our Juniebug turned three in March! She loves peanut butter drizzled on everything, wearing cozy hoodies, and listening to the “oliviadean” record on repeat.

• two: Year two of recreating the Masters Champions dinner didn’t disappoint.

• three: Marian and June have started looking at each other and saying “BEST SISTERS FOREVER!” and I want to bottle up their little voices.

• four: Landscaping day! We spent a Saturday sprucing up our front yard, and now I’m wondering why we waited 10 years to do this. 🤪

• five: We’ve entered the tooth fairy stage of parenting!

• six: I wrapped up my last wedding as a coordinator this month. I will miss perfect weather nights at the barn.

Thanks for reading another month of Chasing Delight. See you at the end of May! 💕

Happy February 30th March 2nd. To paint a picture of my February, let me start by telling you that one of the most relaxing things I did was get my teeth cleaned at my semi-annual dentist appointment. My Oura ring has been yelling at me over stress levels, I hit my 10 pm bedtime goal exactly three times, and my newsletter is two days late.

But I also finally made time for a day trip to meet my childhood best friend’s baby. I teared up in the car as my oldest read The Magic Treehouse aloud. I spent a Friday night playing Activate with my brother, and confirmed we’re still just as competitive as we were as kids. I painted my daughter’s nails as she got ready for her first Daddy-Daughter dance. I discovered some delicious recipes and read three great books.

Whether I hit my imaginary deadline for this newsletter or not, I love that it forces me to slow down and reflect each month. February could have been a month to flip the calendar and not look back. But instead, I’ve got 19 delightful bullet points ready to share, and a reminder that even the hardest months are filled with so much good.

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on my mind

• I read this essay right after pressing publish on January’s newsletter, and I’ve been thinking about it all month.

• This poem had me weepy on Valentine’s Day.

on my plate

• I am a sucker for anything with feta, and this sweet potato side recipe is no exception.

• I’ve been attempting to have better pre-made lunch options readily available. This chicken and broccoli salad was my favorite lunch discovery this month. (I subbed feta for the goat cheese. Reader, are you sensing a theme?)

  

• Everyone in my family is happier when I have a stash of these Copycat Perfect Bars in the fridge.

• This recipe claims to be the “best one pan dinner, maybe of your life.” Might not be an overstatement.

• Homemade brownies are so hard to nail. I’ve tried my fair share of recipes through the years. 9 times out of 10, I’m happy with the finished product, but would have been just as satisfied with a Ghirardelli box mix. These tahini brownies are worth the extra steps. They also happen to be gluten-free!

on my nightstand

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a small commission if you purchase one of the resources from the links here. Thanks for helping me fund my massive book wishlist!

• A Little Theology of Exercise, David Mathis: This quick little read was a great follow up to one of my favorite reads from 2025, The Body Teaches the Soul. Both books operate under the assumption that the Christian life is an embodied life. As Mathis puts it, “We train our souls through conditioning our bodies, and what we do with our souls can greatly affect our bodies.” The book begins with a brief exploration of what God says about our bodies in his Word. With this foundation in place, the book shifts to practical mindsets and applications for how to glorify God through your exercise.
  I’m in the middle of a 75 day health challenge with a handful of my friends, and this was a timely read to help me see the greater purpose for stewarding my body well. If you’re reading this and struggling to see how Christian faith connects to your workouts, I invite you to pick up this book. Thank you to Crossway for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

• Project Hail Mary, Andy Weir: I am generally not a sci-fi girlie, and I typically don’t love books or movies set in outer space. Andy Weir continues to break me out of my go-to genres with witty characters and his knack for making me chuckle while reading about science. I can’t wait to watch the movie later this month!

• That Holy Week So Long Ago, Matt Boswell: I’m so excited to include this beautiful new release in our girls’ Easter Baskets this year. Matt Boswell is the songwriter behind some of my favorite modern hymns, including “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery,” and “His Mercy is More.” Now, he written a collection of poems celebrating each day of Holy Week. Each spread in this picture book explores a different day of that week that changed the course of history.

  Helena Perez Garcia’s illustrations paint a vivid picture of the events of each day, with brilliant uses of color and detail. I’m looking forward to pulling this book out for many years to come! Thank you to Crossway for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

on my good list

• This album has been on repeat this month.

• I’ve never preordered a book faster than this one. Then I saw that is releasing her second cookbook in the same month. I can already feel my August self breaking out of a dinner rut.

• I ordered this spread, hoping to find a less sugary alternative to Nutella. (I’m not sure when Marian started asking for Peanut Butter & Nutella sandwiches, but convincing her that it is dessert, not lunch, has been a hard sell.) Apparently this has been my month to go crazy for tahini, because I’m obsessed. It is delicious drizzled over fresh strawberries, mixed into a smoothie, or straight off the spoon. 🤭 P.S. I ordered from Thrive Market for a much better price than the link above.

on my camera roll

• one: My girls flipped over this local coffee shop with a cereal bar. They also have a stash of vintage toys for kids to play with while their parents sip coffee in peace. 10/10 recommend.

• two: After weeks of ice and freezing temps, I was delighted to see the sunshine.

• three: I helped throw a sweet Galentine’s themed baby shower for a dear friend. 💕🎀

• four: We were surprised with a quick visit from one of our favorite people!

• five: My current fixation breakfast + two fried eggs, not pictured. 🤩 If you look at my February camera roll, it’s just dozens of variations of this meal.

• six: The girls decided this tree is The Heartwood Hotel. Seeing their love of books spill into real life makes my heart happy!

That’s all I’ve got this month! What’s on your list? What have you been reading, thinking about, cooking, and listening to?

It’s safe to say I’m not a winter person. I move from one room of my house to the next with a space heater in tow. You can nearly always find me under a blanket. And after a particularly cold day of work in a warehouse office, I started seriously contemplating purchasing these gloves to type in.

Although I deeply long for warmer weather, the cold isn’t my least favorite part of winter. It’s the lack of color and light. The trees are bare, the landscape is bleak, and weeks pass with dreary gray skies.

But when the sky is blue, everything is more manageable. The cold loses a bit of its bite, and I feel spring lurking around the corner. My kids have picked up on my delight for blue skies, and my oldest diligently brings them to my attention every chance she gets.

This is how I found myself hurrying to the back deck as my daughter exclaimed, “Mom, mom, come quick! You’ve got to see the sky right now!” I was greeted with a kaleidoscope of color, one that even made the bare branches look lovely.

Now that my little sidekick is on sky watch alongside me, I’ve never noticed more January blue skies. Here’s to being a month closer to spring, and to looking for the light together.

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on my mind

• I’ve been thinking about the last two lines of this poem all month.

• I’m thankful for this reminder that spring is always coming.

on my plate

• I really loved this zucchini chicken meatball dinner that Graham made last week. Related: why does food taste so much better when someone else cooks for you?

• While browsing through my list of recipes I’ve shared on my newsletter, I was shocked to learn that I’ve never linked my tried and true chocolate chip cookie recipe.

on my nightstand

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a small commission if you purchase one of the resources linked here. Thanks for helping me fund my massive book wishlist!

• Careless People, Sara Wynn Williams: I flew through this memoir earlier this month. Sara Wynn Williams has written a highly readable account of her time at Facebook. I must say, the level of story dramatization and the way she presented herself as the only person on the right side of history made me question the reliability of some of her narration. I found myself wondering why she remained at the company so long past the point of feeling optimistic about her ability to effect change. Nevertheless, I’m glad I read this book, and I’m interested in following it up by reading The Chaos Machine.

• Cook in a Book: Tacos, Lotta Nieminen: This series is one of my all-time favorites for toddlers. Each book is filled with fun interactive elements and vivid illustrations. If I need Junie to “read” independently for a moment, I always reach for these books.

• Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch, Eileen Spinelli: With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I want to share one of my favorite Valentine’s picture books. Mr. Hatch is a lonely man, living an uninteresting, repetitive life. This all changes when he receives a gift in the mail on Valentine’s Day from a secret admirer. His outlook shifts as he searches to learn the identity of his admirer. When the truth comes out, we see true love in action, and a heartwarming reminder of the power of community.

on my good list

• We bought Marian this toy for Christmas and she’s played with it nearly every day.

• We upgraded our meal prep containers this month, and it makes me feel more like a true adult.

• We’ve been loving this new-to-us game, even though Marian somehow wins nearly every time we play.

• Kentucky was hit with a snow storm that kept us homebound for nearly a week. Hours before the snow began, we browsed Barnes and Noble to stock up on some books and puzzles to make staying home feel cozier. Each night before bedtime, I’ve been slowly making my way through this book while Marian works through this one.

• One of my goals this year is to grow in consistency with working out. As I mentioned in my what worked (and what didn’t) reflection, I love exercising, but when anything extra gets added to my schedule, it is one of the first things I drop. So far this year, I’ve been leaning into at-home workouts and finally have a great rotation of channels I love. Here are a few of my favorites:

  • Nourish Move Love and Heather Roberston: for strength training programs

  • MadFit: for cardio dance playlists

  • FitLara Barre and Pilates: for at-home barre classes

on my camera roll

• one: Working mom life hack: this Spotify playlist is great for deep focus AND getting your stubborn toddler to take a nap.

• two: Marian is the queen of “Can you take a picture of just me?” 🤣

• three: I’m not sure who was more excited for this birthday purchase, me or Junie.

• four: The girls have been thrilled about the amount of snow we’ve received this January.

• five: I was so sad about sending this sweater back to Nuuly that I made Graham take a picture of me in it first. 🤪

• six: We cashed in on the incredible raffle prize I won at my work Christmas party—lower-level seats at a UK basketball game, dinner at Italx, and a night at the Marriott in downtown Lexington. 💙

Thanks for reading another month of Chasing Delight. Stay warm, friends! ❄️

Happy New Years Eve friends. After I hit publish, I’ll be taking a quick catnap or there is no chance I’ll see the clock strike midnight tonight. This month’s newsletter is jam packed with links, so let’s dive right in!

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on my heart

• There are few things I love more than an end-of-the-year reading recap. Here are my top 10 books of 2025.

• In case you missed it, I shared my annual what worked (and what didn’t) list earlier this week.

on my mind

• Sometimes, the best thing you can do is take a winter walk.

on my plate

• Okay, maybe this is dramatic…but this might be the best savory dish I’ve ever made. Side note: Graham didn’t like Brussels sprouts for the first seven years of our marriage, and my life has really improved now that he finally loves them.

• Everyone in my family is asking when we can make this French Toast again.

• These cinnamon rolls were the star of our Christmas Eve brunch. My first time baking with bread flour didn’t disappoint!

• Don’t be shocked when these cookies make an appearance at Cookie Madness in March.

• I read about this appetizer in a newsletter last month, and it’s quickly become my go-to. It comes together in minutes, and the combination of flavors is perfect!

on my nightstand

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a small commission if you purchase one of the resources from the links here. Thanks for helping me fund my massive book wishlist!

• 11/22/63, Stephen King: What a wild ride. It may be recency bias, but this was my favorite fiction book I read in 2025. This was my first Stephen King novel, and I was impressed by his storytelling and the breadth of genres covered in this book. Yes, it is a time-travel sci-fi, but it’s just as much a meticulously researched historial fiction story, an eerie thriller, and an endearing love story.

• Unhurried, Samantha Decker: “When was the last time you felt like you had a spare amount of time?” Samantha Decker opens her debut book with this question, and if you read my “what didn’t work” list, you probably know how I would answer. As I’ve read year-end reflections, it seems many of us lack margin and long for a slower pace. This book offers biblical reflections and practical encouragement for how to live an unhurried life—an abiding life, marked by surrender and margin. Although I read this book alone, I think it would be best read in a community setting. Each chapter ends with action steps and thoughtful discussion questions. Thank you to Moody Publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

• The Body Teaches the Soul, Justin Whitmel Earley: While I read this book in December, I am ready to crown Justin Whitmel Earley as my favorite author to kick off a new year with. I love the way his books make me think intentionally about God’s design and my life. His newest release breaks down the walls between the physical and spiritual worlds, showing just how interconnected they are. I especially loved the chapters on eating, sleeping, and technology.

• We Sing, Kristyn Getty: This year, we’ve added two childrens books by Kristyn Getty to our shelves, and they’ve both been beautiful! We Sing teaches children that singing is for everyone, for every day, and forever. This rhyming picture book helps connect the dots between worship and allowing the truths of the songs we sing to transform our lives.
  I cannot get over the illustrations in this book! The cut paper and mixed media designs by Laura K. Sayers are stunning. It’s easy to get lost in her beautiful depictions of a life filled with praise. I hope to see similar illustrations in upcoming Christian kidlit! Thank you to Crossway for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

on my good list

• I’ve been a fan of the Dwell Scripture app for years, and they’ve recently added audiobooks to their subscription. 👏🏼 This has been a fun way for me to gain access to some Christian titles on audio that our library doesn’t carry. I listened to Advent for Exiles leading up to Christmas and loved it!

• My friend group has flipped over this simple little game. I love that my two-year-old can play (and win!), and it’s small enough to keep in your purse to play while waiting at restaurants.

• I came home from a My Favorite Things party with these earrings, and I haven’t taken them out since.

• Graham and I stayed up way too late watching this. Related question: are all new movies 2.5 hours long? Are we splitting these up across multiple nights? How do you watch movies as an adult and not feel like a zombie the next day?

• In classic Shelbie form, on December 30th, I found a planner that I think might solve all my problems. Unfortunately, I already bought another planner I love for 2026, and I’m too stubborn to switch at this point. However, I did buy their downloadable Habit Trackers to test the waters and see if I’ll make the switch for 2027.

on my camera roll

• one: We had so much fun at my work Christmas party this year! Ask me about the time I beat someone in cornhole in front of the entire crowd to win an incredible raffle prize. 🤪

• two: Graham turned 34, and we celebrated with dinner at Jeff Ruby’s. I’m still thinking about the sushi and skillet cookie.

• three: All smiles for hot chocolate!

• four: Every December, we bundle up and visit the “Big White House on Chinoe” with dear friends. I love watching our family grow through these pictures each year.

• five: The calm before the storm. There’s something magical about being the only person awake on Christmas.

• six: Junie completed her first Art for Kids Hub video, and I think I might need to frame it. 😭🍕

Thanks for reading another month of Chasing Delight. I’ll return to your inbox next with a roundup of upcoming book releases to get on your radar.

I’d love to hear what’s on your list. You can always reply to these emails or leave a comment on Substack!

what worked

• Buying a Brick: In early November, our friends convinced us to buy this little gadget designed to reduce screen time and distractions. I’ve only been using it for a couple of months, but I can confidently say it is one of the best things I've purchased all year. The Brick is a physical device that temporarily restricts distracting apps and notifications on your phone. I’ve severely limited what I can do on my phone—no Safari, email, social media, Zillow, shopping apps, etc. Basically, I’ve made my smartphone as dumb as possible. As a result, I’ve stopped reaching for my phone out of boredom, and my screen time hours are lower than I thought possible. I love that my husband and I can both use the same Brick, and that it is a one-time purchase rather than a subscription-based model.

• Thrifting things for our home: Early this year, I set an intention to try to thrift items for our house before buying anything new. My Pinterest boards are filled with cozy, collected styles, and I thought this would be a way to lean into that aesthetic, as well as cut back on expenses. It also turned out to be a great exercise in delayed gratification. I found the perfect desk for a nook in my living room, and it delights me every time I sit down to work. I hunted for a piece to organize our stash of kids’ art supplies from May to November. I was ready to call it a day and order something from Amazon when we stumbled on the perfect secretary desk. Here’s to a 2026 filled with more thrifted treasures.

• Taking a chance on going back to work part-time: I didn’t see this one coming, but it has turned out to be a sweet blessing for our family! Since becoming a mom, I’ve felt the tension between hoping to stay home with my kids while they are little and my desire to contribute to a meaningful vocation. I’ve worked seasonally as a Wedding Coordinator, but since 2023, I’ve primarily been home with my girls. Early this year, a former boss reached out to me with an opportunity to work remotely for a company I love. I’ve spent this year growing in my understanding of the brand, meeting an incredible network of coworkers, and playing games that make me feel like a kid again. ☺️👏🏼

• Planting a garden: 2025 was the year I finally planted a garden! We took a neglected patch on the side of our house and filled it with zinnias and tomatoes. It was a bright spot in my year, and an unexpected source of contentment.

• Renting from Nuuly: Looking back on 2025, I’m wearing rented clothes in so many of my favorite moments. Nuuly is such a fun way to sustainably switch up your wardrobe, shop for special events, and try out trends. Their extensive online reviews help me feel confident while shopping online. You can filter reviews for height, bra size, and more to see what shoppers with similar body types are saying. My referral link will get you $30 off your first order if you’d like to try it.✨

what didn’t

• Trying to do too much at once: There were a few moments this year when all I could do was laugh at my list of overcommitments. September comes to mind—I returned home from a dream trip to Italy, launched a banner painting business, celebrated my daughter starting a hybrid-homeschool Kindergarten program, enrolled our youngest in a new Parents’ Day Out program, coordinated two weddings, and spent four days in Nashville for work. Far too many of my days in 2025 started by printing an hour-by-hour worksheet to figure out how I’ll fit everything in. 🤪

• I know I need to go to sleep earlier…I just don’t do it: I am pretty convinced that my life would significantly improve if I went to bed before 10 pm and woke up before 6 am. I’d love to have a more extended morning before my kids wake up. I’d love to prioritize working out to start my day. Yet somehow, I keep surprising myself with how easy it is for me to stay up past 11:30, and then I wonder why my mornings are hectic. I’ve recently started wearing an Oura Ring, and I hope the cold, hard data will help convince me to change my ways.

• Working out consistently: I really enjoy working out, but when anything extra gets added to my schedule, exercise is the first thing I drop. In 2025, I was incredibly consistent with working out during some seasons, and I totally neglected it during others.

• Finishing Christmas shopping early: I’m embarrassed to tell you when I finished Christmas shopping this year. Let’s just say it wasn’t before Thanksgiving like I originally planned. 🙈 Friends who are good at this, please teach me your ways! When do you get started? Where do you store things until you’re ready to start wrapping? When is your goal to be finished?

I’d love to hear from you! What worked (and didn’t) for you in 2025? Tell me all the things!

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I’ll be back in your inboxes later this week with the final edition of Chasing Delight for 2025. As always, thanks for reading along!

Around this time of year, I start to feel myself being pulled in two equally strong, opposing directions.

When the temperature dips below 30 degrees, I’m ready to curl up under my heated blanket with a good book in hand, a puzzle nearby, and hibernate until spring. Give me slow, cozy evenings at home and zero plans on the calendar. Give me a pot roast in the slow cooker and a mug waiting to be filled with hot cocoa. Give me all of the end-of-year reflection prompts, the book-of-the-year lists, and a crisp, empty planner for 2026.

But also, give me tickets to The Nutcracker, a cowboy-Christmas party, and a night driving around town in search of the best light displays. Give me kindergarteners reenacting the nativity, school pajama days, and holiday dinners with friends.

Give me all the memories, the magic, the wonder of the season, but give me space to savor it as well. Give me a final month of 2025 filled with dear friends and marked by joy, thankfulness, and stillness. And give me grace when I inevitably swing too far on either side of the spectrum.

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on my mind

• If you’ve been drowning in Black Friday emails (all month long), read this poem.

• Stepping on my soapbox for a second to make a plea for every parent to read this article (and maybe forward it to the grandparents). 🤪

on my plate

• I brought these rolls to Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving, and they were a hit both times.

• There are months when I’m scratching my head writing this section of the newsletter, wondering what I can share. Then there are months where we find great new recipes nearly every week. November was the latter, so if you’re in a meal-planning rut, look no further.

  • This was a great weeknight meal, though it definitely took me longer than 20 minutes to throw together.

  • My friend Jess shared this dump-and-bake, one-pan recipe with us—it requires minimal prep and is so flavorful.

  • These Chicken Tortilla Bowls were one of my favorite things I ate all month. Don’t skip the Cilantro Lime Sauce!

on my nightstand

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a small commission if you purchase one of the resources from the links here. Thanks for helping me fund my massive book wishlist!

• Perfected, Bethany Broderick: I’ve been slowly making my way through this refreshing read, savoring each chapter, and I finally finished it earlier this month. Perfected is a book for anyone who has ever wondered if they are good enough or doing enough. Combining relatable personal reflections with biblical truth, Bethany invites readers to rest in Christ’s finished, perfect work on the cross.

• Isola, Allegra Goodman: Nearly twenty years ago, Allegra Goodman discovered the story of Marguerite de la Rocque de Roberval while reading a children’s book to her sons. A quick blurb told the brief, true story of this incredible sixteenth-century woman who sailed to Canada, was marooned on an island as a punishment from her cruel guardian, and survived for years while fighting polar bears. This aside in a kid’s book simmered in Goodman’s mind for decades, and eventually led to Isola, the fictional retelling of Marguerite’s story. I couldn’t put this book down.

• The Gift of All Gifts, Melissa B. Kruger: Every year on December 1st, I give the girls new holiday books to enjoy for the season. When I saw that one of my favorite authors was releasing a Christmas kids’ book, my decision of what to buy became a no-brainer. The Gift of All Gifts meets kids where they are, joyfully anticipating the gifts that come with the Christmas season. In her signature rhyming style, Melissa helps foster conversations about why we give and receive gifts, and why Jesus is the best gift of all.

• Teach Me to Pray, Kristen Wetherell: I am so excited to add this resource to our shelves. You can think of Teach Me to Pray as an encyclopedia of prayers for kids. With 52 entries (two per letter), this book helps children see how they could talk to God about topics they face each day—friendship, decisions, mistakes, worry, obedience, and more. Each entry features a rhyming prayer, related Scripture passages, reflection, and action prompts.

  This book is listed as written for ages 8-12, and I feel confident it will be helpful in those stages. But as a mom of younger girls, I’ve already pulled it off the shelf multiple times to help with parenting moments. The rhyming prayers are memorable and make for great parenting scripts to draw from. Thank you to Crossway for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

on my good list

• If I made an all-time hits list of this section of my newsletter, I feel pretty confident the Brick would be near the top. Early this month, our friends were raving about it at the gym, and we bought one later that evening. Guys…nothing has helped lower my screen time or fight against unnecessary distractions like this little device. I’m planning to share more about it next month in my “what worked (and what didn’t)” list, because I can’t stop talking about how much I love this thing.

• This roundup is a great resource for realistic gift-giving ideas.

• I grabbed these shoes during a Black Friday sale and have been pleasantly surprised by how comfortable they’ve been from day one.

on my camera roll

• one: Our annual Friendsgiving meal with our best friends—one of the best nights of the year!

• two: We took Christmas card photos at Hawks Nest, followed by a visit with the “moo-moos.”

• three: There’s something so magical about Joseph Beth during the Christmas season.

• four: Earlier this month, I participated in my first vendor market, selling hand-painted holiday door hangers. I won’t be shocked when Marian has a successful future career in sales, and I owe her a commission for helping me that day. 😂

• five: We took the girls to the movies for the first time. It was also my first visit since 2019!

• six: On the way home from Harrodsburg, we stumbled on an abandoned school building converted into an antique store—my dream come true. Kentucky friends, it’s worth the drive!

Thanks for reading another month of Chasing Delight! I’ll be back in your inbox on December 15th with my annual “what worked (and what didn’t)” reflection. Until then, there are so many ways you can support this newsletter:

💙 Like and comment on this post on Substack
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💌 Forward this email to someone you think would enjoy the content. If you received this email from a friend, hi there! Use the link below to receive next month’s recap:

Hello from the land of potty training! 🤪

A couple of months ago, I took my planner to a playdate and made my friend choose a start date for potty training Junie. Left up to me, I would keep thinking of reasons to put it off indefinitely. But alas, the day has come, and my littlest will wake up anytime now. Wish us luck, and let’s jump right into this month’s delights.

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on my mind

• I need to frame this Liturgy for To-Do Lists above my desk.

• I loved this poem based on Psalm 16.

on my plate

• This sheet-pan meal will be in heavy rotation for us this fall. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and so flavorful!

• It’s that time again—here’s my annual plea for you to add this pie to your friendsgiving menu.

on my nightstand

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a small commission if you purchase one of the resources from the links here. Thanks for helping me fund my massive book wishlist!

• The Names, Florence Knapp: This debut novel is equal parts haunting and hopeful. The story opens with Cora walking into town to register her son’s birth. Her controlling husband, Gordon, made it clear he expects the child to be named after him. When the registrar asks for the baby’s name, Cora hesitates. The remaining chapters chronicle 35 years of what-ifs—how would life play out if Cora named her son Gordon, Julian, or Bear? I finished this book weeks ago, and I’m still thinking about it. Content warning: domestic abuse.

• Death on the Nile, Agatha Christie: Somehow, I’d never read an Agatha Christie novel before this month. A coworker recommended Death on the Nile, and I’m glad I finally experienced Hercule Poirot in action. Which should I read next?

• The Biggest Story Advent, Kevin DeYoung: I was thrilled to receive a copy of this new release earlier this month. We are big fans of Kevin DeYoung’s Biggest Story series, and are excited to work through this new Advent family devotional. Each spread features a lift-the-flap countdown revealing vibrant illustrations and a corresponding Bible story, retold by DeYoung.

  When I opened this package, I was pleasantly surprised by the size and quality of the book—pictures don’t do it justice! The book feels weighty, the flaps are sturdy, and I can envision our family reaching for this resource at Christmas for many years to come. Thank you to Crossway for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

• My Father’s Dragon, Ruth Stiles Gannett: I just finished reading through this sweet story for the second time, and it is one of our favorite family read-alouds. Even our 2.5-year-old loved it and asked to read “one more chapter.” It checks all the boxes: perfect length for preschoolers, imaginative storyline, laugh-out-loud moments, and amazing vocabulary. Plus, you can buy a paperback copy for less than the price of a latte. ☺️

on my good list

• Here’s something that has been helping me lately: creating a meal matrix for fall dinners. I love variety and finding new recipes, but I can easily get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. This month, I created a few categories for weeknight dinners to help implement some healthy limitations.

  • Pasta Monday

  • Taco Tuesday

  • Leftover Wednesday (We are out each Wednesday for our church’s small groups & kids’ ministry.)

  • Soup Thursday

  I have a few other categories to fill in the weekend gaps: Sheet Pan meals, Breakfast for Dinner, and a short list of “Try Something New” recipes. Next month, I’m considering trying out Naptime Kitchen’s recommendation to meal plan for a month at a time—will report back.

• Speaking of meal planning, I’ve almost finished my second of these weekly meal plan workbooks.

• I would be shocked if this album doesn’t squeeze its way onto my Spotify Wrapped.

• I’ve also lost track of how many times I’ve listened to this EP this month.

on my camera roll

• one: It’s hard to believe that I wrapped up my fourth wedding season this month!

• two: 10/10 recommend starting a folder on your phone of all the funny positions you’ve found your kids napping. Instant mood booster.

• three: My little banner business has hijacked my kitchen table more nights than I can count this month.

• four: Junie, dressed as a unicorn, riding a giraffe—a portrait of delight.

• five: One of my all-time favorite sister pictures. If you live in Kentucky, pencil in Bear Wallow Farm for your October plans next year. It’s the best!

• six: Marian’s school had a pumpkin decorating contest, and we had too much fun recreating Cinderella’s carriage.

That’s all I’ve got this month! What’s on your list? What have you been reading, thinking about, cooking, and listening to? What books should I squeeze into my reading list before the end of the year? I'd love to hear from you!

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Hello from my accidental newsletter break! Since I was last in your inbox, I traveled to Italy, launched a hand-painted banner business, coordinated two weddings, watched my daughter start Kindergarten, and went on a work trip to Nashville. This season of life has been a sprint—one “I’ve just got to get through {fill in the blank}” after another. For the first time in two and a half years, I skipped a month of Chasing Delight.

I once believed I needed to wait for inspiration in order to write. Before I picked up a pen, I wanted to mull over an idea until it was fully formed. I’d carve out time to write only once my thoughts were begging to be captured on paper. As you might imagine, I wrote sporadically, a few times a year when the stars aligned.

Thirty-one newsletters later, I am convinced that writing consistently is the key to staying inspired. Making space in my life to write this newsletter keeps my eyes open to the joys worth sharing all around me. I’ve missed the cadence of noticing, of jotting ideas in the margins, of reflecting as I flip the calendar page. Thank you for reading each month. I’m delighted to be back.

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on my mind

• Here’s a poem that perfectly captures friendship in your thirties. I’m thankful for all my friends that I’ll hang out with one day. 🤪

• As someone in the “breathing in tiny little gasps” season of motherhood, I loved this piece on time by .

• This episode of The Deep Dish is worth listening to, especially if you’re in a season of waiting.

on my plate

• Add this copycat Sweetgreen harvest salad to next week’s meal plan and thank me later. My kids ate a deconstructed version, and we swapped the dressing listed for a simple homemade honey balsamic vinaigrette.

• My family can make a box of granola bars disappear in the blink of an eye. After trying several recipes, these are our favorite homemade protein bars.

• I’ve shared about this cookbook before, but let me shout its praises once again. The mini pesto meatballs served over pasta have been my favorite meal we’ve cooked since returning home from Italy.

on my nightstand

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a small commission if you purchase one of the resources from the links here. Thanks for helping me fund my massive book wishlist!

• Heartwood, Amity Gaige: I almost skipped over this book after seeing it touted as “the best thriller of 2025.” I always read fiction before bed, and when I hear the word thriller, I’m convinced I’ll have nightmares. I’m glad I gave this book a chance, because I ended up really enjoying it. Heartwood tells the story of Valerie Gillis, a forty-two-year-old Appalachian Trail hiker who goes missing. The chapters alternate between three female points of view. Valerie journals as she tries to keep herself sane, Beverly, the warden leading the investigation, works through the case, and Lena, an elderly woman living in a retirement home, becomes unexpectedly linked to the story.

• Good News for Parents, Adam Griffin: I probably don’t have to convince you that parenting is hard. Unfortunately, reading parenting books can sometimes feel like heaping more burdens onto your already full plate. Good News for Parents is not that type of book. These pages are drenched with gospel hope, freedom, and true relief from so many of the troubles we face while parenting.

  Adam Griffin writes, “We are all struggling and stumbling through the parenthood journey. In fact, if the quality of our parenting determined every outcome for our kids, we’d all be in big trouble. We are all imperfect parents. But we have the help of a perfect God.” Each chapter in this book views a fruit of the Spirit and examines the ways walking with God impacts how you parent.

  Thank you to Crossway for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

• The Quiltmaker’s Gift, Jeff Brumbeau: This picture book has been on repeat in our home lately. This heartwarming story brings the idea that it is better to give than to receive to life.

• The Ology: Ancient Truths, Ever New, Marty Machowski: Over the past couple of months, Graham has been reading through this book with Marian before bed each night. This collection of truths is an introduction to systematic theology for kids. I love listening in on their conversations, and know this will be a resource we will continue to revisit in our home.

on my good list

• I must confess, a large chunk of my September free time was devoted to The Summer I Turned Pretty. I watched the show, made my husband watch the show, and edited videos of his reactions (here and here). Since September 17th, I’ve been listening to this playlist to fill the void.

• I’m using this before bed each night to hopefully avoid the stretch of the year where my lips are perpetually chapped.

• My September included two visits to Jeni’s for ice cream. This might be my new favorite flavor.

• I haven’t been able to get this song out of my head for weeks.

on my camera roll

• one: Of all the banners I’ve painted over the last couple of months, I think this has to be my favorite!

• two: I blinked, and sweet Marian Ruth is a Kindergartener! 🥹

• three: An all-time Junie photo—mischievous and proud of it!

• four: I stayed at a bucket-list Nashville hotel for a work trip and savored the slow, quiet mornings.

• five: We took the girls on a walk on UK’s campus, watched them dance around the spot where Graham proposed, and found my Dad’s graduation photo in the College of Engineering.

• six: Our church celebrated its 20th birthday on Sunday! I’m so thankful God has woven our family into this church’s story for the last 13 years.

Thanks for reading another month of Chasing Delight. I’m planning to be back in your inbox next with a recap of our Italy trip. 🇮🇹🍝🍕 I’d love to hear from you as I’m working on this piece—what questions do you have?

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On the Saturday before Mother’s Day, I planted a garden.

Now, I want to set clear expectations here. Take whatever Pinterest-perfect image your mind just created and dial it back a few notches. I’m traditionally more likely to read a book about gardening than to plant one myself. Nevertheless, I decided this is the year. This is the summer I finally stop talking about it and actually get my hands dirty.

We picked a sunny spot on an otherwise neglected side of our house. We tilled up a small plot of earth and scattered seeds. Day by day, we watered, weeded, and waited.

I expected to have a jar of freshly picked blooms next to my kitchen sink this summer.

I expected to savor Graham’s first batch of salsa made with homegrown tomatoes.

I expected to Google “is this a flower or a weed” more times than I’m proud to admit.

I expected to stumble my way through this first year of gardening.

What I didn’t expect was cheering for the first zinnia to bloom like I once cheered for my babies to take their first steps.

I didn’t expect to be making plans for what I want to grow next summer before this summer is over.

I didn’t expect to look at my yard with new eyes, eagerly dreaming up garden expansion plans.

I didn’t expect a tiny patch of dirt to become a catalyst for contentment in my life.

It’s no secret that I’ve struggled with contentment when it comes to living in our little blue home. I’m still guilty of mindlessly scrolling Zillow each day. I’m still too easily convinced that my life would be better with a second bathroom, a quieter street, and a finished laundry room. And should the opportunity to buy a new house for the next season of our family’s life arise, I will gladly pursue it.

But it’s hard to remain discontent when the very ground you live on is a source of delight.

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on my mind

• This new-to-me podcast was a fascinating conversation about God’s revelation—how he makes Himself known—and the implications for walking by faith. I already want to relisten with a notepad in hand.

  The Bible actually tells us, Jesus says, “Blessed are those who have not seen, and yet believe.” The Bible describes the Christian life as walking not by sight, but by faith. And yet, most of our prayers when it comes to big decisions or big moments or things in front of us don’t have to do with asking God for wisdom of how to walk in ambiguity, they have to do with asking Him to grant us certainty. And the Christian life does not promise certainty—beyond the most important kind—which is: God will make you holy, no matter who you marry. God will conform you to the image of Christ, no matter what job you’re in. God will bring about sanctification in you, whether you make a good decision or a bad decision.

• I stumbled on this poetry Instagram account, and quickly fell in love with her lyrical, psalm-inspired words. This is a great one to start with.

• While listening to this podcast, I realized that I could listen to Jonathan Pennington talk about metaphors all day long.

on my plate

• This might be my new favorite way to marinate chicken. Graham grilled ours, and we served it over rice with homemade guacamole and salsa. 🤌🏻

• I’m always looking for new recipes to try on the Blackstone, and these chicken quesadillas were a big hit.

• I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve made these blueberry muffins this summer. If you need a tried-and-true recipe, start here.

on my nightstand

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a small commission if you purchase one of the resources from the links here. Thanks for helping me fund my massive book wishlist!

• I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen, Kate Strickler: I have been looking forward to this release from the founder of Naptime Kitchen for months. In her first book, Kate identifies 10 lies about the so-called good life and offers simple mindset shifts to help you love the life you already have. This book felt like catching up with a friend over coffee. I appreciated how the author recognizes that she doesn’t have all the answers, but desires to share the truths she has learned along the way. My favorite chapters included “I Just Wish I Had A Better Husband,” “I Just Wish I Had More Friends,” and “I Just Wish I Had More Money.”
  This title releases on August 26th, so you still have time to preorder to get access to an exclusive podcast series that looks incredible. Thank you, Bethany House Publishers, for providing an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

• Romans-At His Feet Study, Hope A Blanton & Christine B Gordon: I just bought this study to pack for our Italy trip. I love At His Feet Studies for their accessible approach to Bible study. These are some of my top recommendations for anyone who desires to spend time in God’s word during a busy season.

• Pippa and the Singing Tree, Kristyn Getty: With whimsical sentences that capture a child’s attention from the first page, Pippa and the Singing Tree is a delight to read aloud. This sweet story begins with young Pippa enjoying a frosty morning on her tree swing. As she swings, she begins to notice the swirling sounds all around her. The wind, leaves, raindrops, branches, and birds all contribute to this song of creation. Filled with joy, Pippa joins in the song, adoring God for his beautiful creation.

  This story, inspired by the Psalms, shows children that all of creation sings to its Creator. God has created us to do the same. I loved the reflections from the Psalms at the back of the book, and the insight into how the author named the main character. The watercolor illustrations by P.J. Lynch are captivating and add greater detail and depth to the story. Thank you to Crossway for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

• Slow Down: 50 Mindful Moments in Nature, Rachel Williams: This has been our favorite library check-out this summer—one I’ll be purchasing for our shelves. Every day, nature is growing, transforming, and shaping the world around us. But it’s often easy to overlook these tiny wonders. Each spread in this book is an invitation to slow down, notice, and marvel at the world around us.

on my good list

• I’m still enjoying classes with friends at the YMCA a few times each week, but I’ve started supplementing with at-home workouts from this youtube channel. It’s a bit chaotic as we don’t have a dedicated space in our little home, but I love that my girls jump in alongside me.

• We played this at a recent game night, and I laughed until I cried multiple times. It’s basically a combination of Pictionary and Chameleon, and I already can’t wait to play again.

• I know these aren’t exactly new, but I tried them for the first time this month at a Costco sample stand and instantly added them to my cart.

• Did I buy this dress hours after Meredith Scheffler wore it greenside to celebrate Scottie’s latest major win? Guilty. Have I already worn it twice in the last week? Guilty again. 😅 // editing note: it seems like I was not alone, and this dress has flown off the shelves. I debated removing this section, but I’m much more interested in sharing what delights me than selling a dress via affiliate links, so I left it. ☺️

on my camera roll

• one: Our annual 4th of July picture—I’m not ready to talk about how quickly the girls are outgrowing my lap!

• two: My favorite purchase of the month was a thrifted digital camera. I can’t wait to take it to Italy!

• three: I finished off the last harvest of fresh berries from my mom’s backyard with a lemon blueberry coffee cake, sourced from this cookbook.

• four: Junie has entered her squinty smile era, and I’m here for it.

• five: We spent a night at Great Wolf Lodge. My girls loved sleeping in bunk beds for the first time, gem mining, Build-a-Bear, and splashing in the pools for hours on end.

• six: My friend hosted a pool party earlier this week. This backyard + a double rainbow + brownies and friends…a perfect night in my book.

Thanks for reading another month of Chasing Delight. I’d love to hear from you! What’s been delighting you this summer? What books should I download on my Kindle before my upcoming 8+ hour flight?

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Hi friends, happy Thursday!

I’m not sure about you, but I love this time of year. Summer is in full swing, but I’ve got an eye on the upcoming fall season as well. I just received my daughter’s kindergarten supply list, and I’m giddy thinking about passing on my love for back-to-school shopping.

As I’m looking ahead to what August and September will bring for our family, I’m also excited to share some amazing new books releasing soon. These titles explore topics such as contentment, parenting, body image, foster care, and more. Whether you pre-order a book or two, or make a note to request them at your public library, I hope this list makes you excited for the months ahead!

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• Good News for Parents by Adam Griffin | August 19th: Drawing from Galatians 5, Adam Griffin cuts through the noise surrounding modern parenting, showing how walking by the Spirit can free parents from anxieties, stress, and self-doubt.

• I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen by Kate Strickler | August 26th: I’ve been patiently anticipating this release from the founder of Naptime Kitchen for months. In her first book, Kate identifies 10 lies about the so-called good life and offers simple mindset shifts to help you love the life you already have.

• Turn Your Eyes by Winfree Brisley & Sharonda Cooper | September 2nd: This eight-week Bible study explores 15 psalms. Each week focuses on a different key theme, such as wisdom, lament, kingship, and trust. I’m looking forward to working through this study to prepare for The Gospel Coalition Women’s Conference in 2026.

• The Bible Is for You by Raechel Myers & Amanda Bible Williams | September 2nd: The founders of She Reads Truth have curated a 66-day devotional journey through every book of the Bible. No matter if you’re new to reading the Bible or have spent years in the story of Scripture, the Bible is for you.

• Motherhood Is Not Your Highest Calling by Vicki Courtney | September 9th: This title invites moms to reconsider the widely-held belief that motherhood defines your identity.

• Come On Home by Jessica Smartt | September 23rd: In this new resource, Jessica Smartt encourages parents to intentionally nurture the type of homes their children will want to return to someday.

• We Sing! by Kristyn Getty | September 2nd: This new release from hymn-writer Kristyn Getty teaches children the importance of praising God through singing. I have a feeling I’m going to adore the cut-paper illustrations.

• Your Worth Never Wavers by Laura Wifler | September 16th: I can’t wait to share this book with my girls! Inspired by this poem, Laura has written a primer for first conversations about body image and self-worth from a gospel-centered perspective.

• The Story of Corrie ten Boom by Jennifer T. Kelley | September 23rd: This new addition to the Lives of Faith and Grace biography series explores the life of Corrie ten Boom. This series is aimed at kids ages 8-13, and is filled with illustrations, maps, and timelines.

• He Always Hears by Alyson Punzi | September 23rd: This hope-filled book introduces the biblical concept of lament in an approachable way for children. I love reading , Alyson’s Substack!

• Jesus Loves You More by Hunter Beless | September 30th: This board book asks children to imagine the biggest and furthest and deepest parts of creation—that’s how much their parents love them, but Jesus loves them even more.

• God Loves Kids by Jamie C. Finn | September 30th: I’ve learned so much about foster care from Jamie Finn’s online ministry, so I was delighted to see this title. God Loves Kids is a trauma-informed, gospel-centered children's picture book designed to help you navigate difficult conversations about foster care with kids.

💌 I’d love to hear from you! Reply to this email or comment on Substack to let me know which book you’re adding to your preorder list!

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I just received an advanced reader copy of I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen, and I truly can’t wait to dive in. I’m pretty sure I’m the exact target demographic, although if I wrote the book, it would be called “I Just Wish I Had One More Bathroom.” 🤪

Happy June, friends! To start today’s newsletter, I want to thank you for reading Chasing Delight each month. It’s hard to believe I’ve been steadily writing for nearly two and a half years now! Whether you’ve faithfully read all 29 or this is your first month reading along, thanks for being here. What started as a little creative outlet has turned into one of my biggest joys. Let’s keep chasing delight together! 🫶🏼✨💌

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on my mind

• This episode of The Deep Dish was an encouraging conversation on holding the tension between grief and gratitude in the Christian life.

  We don’t need to keep fast forwarding through the resurrection. Right through Good Friday, that didn’t happen. Right to resurrection and live there all the time. There’s a lot of life lived in that Saturday between, where we don’t know how God’s going to turn it for good, and yet we repeat the true story to each other, that He did, and He will, even as we don’t know how He’s doing that in our individual stories.

• This poem tugged at my KidLit-loving heart.

on my plate

• You all know I’m always down to try a new chocolate chip cookie recipe. This one is a winner.

• I don’t buy watermelons. Somehow, I’m the only person in my family who enjoys them, so I’ve resigned myself to a life of only eating them at cookouts. But when a friend brought half of a watermelon to my house a few weeks ago, I was determined to help my family like it. I made this watermelon mojito mocktail complete with mint I grew in the backyard. To my delight, everyone loved it. I’m not sure if it counts as eating, considering it is blended, but I’m taking the win!

• These Double Chocolate Veggie Muffins were a big hit at our house this month. They contain three cups of vegetables blended into the batter. My kids helped me grate the veggies and thought it was magical how they “disappeared” into the fudgy texture.

on my nightstand

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a small commission if you purchase one of the resources from the links here. Thanks for helping me fund my massive book wishlist!

• Every Hour I Need You, Katie Faris: I’ve been working my way through this book during my morning reading time, and I can’t recommend it highly enough! In this rich book, Katie Faris shares thirty meditations on the character of God. Each chapter focuses on a different characteristic, such as God’s sovereignty, wisdom, strength, and eternality. Katie skillfully and succinctly helps moms draw connections between their daily lives and the biblical truths they are studying. Motherhood is sanctifying, and this book helps moms lift our eyes to the work God is doing in our hearts as we raise our children.

  I appreciate the approachable chapter lengths, reflection questions, and prayer prompts at the end of each chapter. After a couple of weeks of reading through this title, my desk is becoming filled with quotes from the book scribbled on index cards. This title has quickly become my new go-to devotion recommendation for moms. Thank you to Crossway for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

• A Bit of Earth, Andrea G. Burke: I spent most of the month slowly savoring this book. As I’ve shared before, I’m attempting to garden for the first time this year, so I thought this would be a great summer read. A Bit of Earth is a collection of poetic reflections on Christian living through the lens of gardening. As I joined Andrea in her garden through the seasons, I learned about the practice of gardening, and grew in my affections for the Lord as he carefully cultivates my heart. I won’t be shocked if this makes it on my list of top 10 books of the year.

• Polly and the Screen Time Overload, Betsy Childs Howard: We continue to add to our collection of TGC Kids books with this story about the dangers of a screen time overload. Polly cannot wait to spend the week of her birthday on her grandparents’ farm. She looks forward to time with her cousins, picking blueberries, and riding Mustard the horse. But when Aunt Patty gifts her a tablet for her birthday, her summer fun nearly disappears due to the pull of the screen.
  

  This story is a cautionary tale for kids to see how easy it is to miss out on fun in the real-world when we are sucked into the electronic-world. I appreciate the way the author addresses some of the complications with this topic—Polly and Gamps have a great conversation about how her tablet isn’t completely bad. It isn’t a black and white issue, but as Gamps says, “sometimes things that are good can make us miss out on something even better.” I’m glad to have this title on our shelf to facilitate conversations with my girls. Thank you to Crossway for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

• Heartwood Hotel: A True Home, Kallie George: We couldn’t get enough of this sweet story! A True Home introduces readers to Mona the Mouse, who stumbles upon a giant tree with a heart etched into the door. Seeking refuge from a storm, Mona is lonely, afraid, and excited to learn that this tree is actually a hotel, bustling with opportunities. Mona is allowed to stay for the season as a maid, and she befriends staff and guests alike. But when rumors of wolves in the area grow stronger, Mona will be faced with challenges unlike ever before. I tried to stop reading this book with three chapters to go, but neither Marian nor I wanted to sleep until we knew how it ended!

on my good list

• My friends introduced me to this game, and I immediately ordered it.

• A couple of months ago, I shared about how much I’d been loving Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen. After reading my newsletter, my friend Laura texted me and said I had to try the Trader Joe’s dupe. Their version is a fraction of the price, and I truly don’t think I could tell the difference in a blind test. Thanks, Laura! ☺️

• I love finding makeup products that can serve multiple purposes, and my most recent favorite is this blush/lip combo from Ilia. Although Marian tried her hardest to convince me to buy the deepest shade of red possible, I went with At Last | Mauve Rose.

• I’m thrilled to share something my friend Emily has been working hard on. The Date Crate Club is a curated monthly digital download, full of original themed date night ideas. Emily is an incredible teacher, and she’s taken her love for creating resources and channeled it to helping facilitate fun, intentional moments in marriage. I couldn’t be a bigger fan!

• I was back on my Nuuly game this month, and loved the pieces I ordered so much that I purchased one. In case you’re not familiar, Nuuly is a clothing rental site, featuring brands like Anthropologie, Hill House Home, Free People, Varley, and more. With family photos, a rehearsal dinner, and a wedding to attend in June, it was the perfect month to jump back in. I’m going to Italy (!!) in August, and I have already spent too much time daydreaming about my next rental box. This referral link will get you $30 off your first order if you’d like to try it.

• I found this YouTube series earlier this month, and now you can catch me watching it nearly every night while I do my skincare routine (assuming there aren’t any golf press conferences to catch up on 🤪). I started with this episode, which features a home in my friends’ neighborhood.

on my camera roll

• one: We’re so grateful our friend Crawford captured our family at our favorite place in Lexington earlier this month. He spent an evening chasing our kids through the Arboretum, and I couldn’t be happier with the photos!

• two: We spent a weekend celebrating my sweet cousin’s wedding. Marian was *thrilled* to be a flower girl for the third time, and Junie rocked it too!

• three: I had to drag Marian off the dance floor at 10 pm! 🤪 This girl is the life of the party.

• four: We’ve entered the time of the year when blueberries become my entire personality. To all my local friends: expect me to show up to everything with a blueberry baked good for the foreseeable future.

• five: We stumbled upon the cutest little bookstore in Monticello, KY. If you’re visiting Lake Cumberland this summer, this could be worth the drive! 📚

• six: A trip to Somerset isn’t complete without visiting Burnett Farms. We love their farm-fresh goodies, and my girls love their playground.

Thanks for reading another month of Chasing Delight. I’m planning to be back in your inbox in early July with a roundup of upcoming book releases to get on your radar. Until then, there are so many ways you can support this newsletter:

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Friday night, 5:15pm

I’m wearing a black dress that hits mid-calf, white sneakers, and a black headband. My crossbody is filled with zip ties, scissors, and floral pins—the unofficial uniform of a Wedding Coordinator. With my clipboard in hand, I walk to greet this weekend’s officiant. After exchanging introductions and getting a sense of how he hopes the rehearsal will flow, he asks me if I’m from Lexington.

“I’m from Somerset, but I’ve been here for a while. I moved here in 2011 for college, and just never left.”

He’s lived here his entire life, raised kids, become a grandparent. He tells me this is his eighteenth year at his church. “It’s a great place to raise a family.”

Sunday morning, 8:55am.

I’m attempting to finish my makeup, mediate a sibling conflict, and keep an eye on the clock at the same time. We need to be walking out the door in 40 minutes. I still need to brush both girls’ teeth, do Marian’s hair, do my own hair, and double-check the diaper bag. Abe is curled up at my feet, and our bathroom feels a bit too small for the amount of living creatures huddled in it.

My phone dings with a text from Graham. “Heads up, Drew surprised me with calling me on stage to recognize being on staff 10 years this morning lol they will do it again next service and you will go up with me 😂.”

In an instant, my mind jumps from rolling through my get-out-of-the-house mental checklist to the last decade of memories.

I’m a newlywed falling asleep on the couch as Graham listens to seminary lectures. I’m ranking professors based on whose voice is most soothing to put me to sleep.

We’re in the old worship center off North Locust Hill. I’ve been asked to be a “prayer partner” alongside Graham at the end of the service. I’m a few months removed from the death of my dad, and struggling to see light at the end of the tunnel of this intense grief. As soon as the music begins, I walk straight to Susan and ask her to pray for me instead.

I’m standing on the balcony during the first Sunday at our new building. I’m beaming as Graham and Tim co-teach in a room we’ve spent the better part of a year preparing to move into.

It’s around 3am but I’m upright in bed, attempting to help Graham edit an impossible church-wide email. Our pastor has died. Just weeks ago he was full of life, hiking through the mountains on a mission trip and now he is gone. Between the unexpected events of this month and the unanswered questions about the future, I can feel myself aging. As tears fall, I watch my husband painstakingly choose every word to share the news that no one wants to hear.

I’m sitting on a blanket at Praise in the Park. Our new lead pastor and his family will be moving to Lexington soon, and they are here for the weekend. I grab my phone and record a clip of our two year old belting the words to “You’ve Already Won.”

We’re sitting on the couch, calendars open. “I’ve got a discipleship meeting on Monday night, can you handle dinner? Then we’ll have pre-marital counseling on Tuesday after bedtime. When is your next Leadership Team meeting?” We walk through the week one meeting at a time, aligning expectations and rhythms.

I’m the last one through the serving line at Easter brunch. When I walk onto our back deck, Marian is asking the table full of college students to each share the best part of their day. She listens intently, thanks each person for sharing, and keeps the conversation flowing.

I managed to get the girls to church on-time, and Graham meets us at the car. He takes one girl by each hand and allows me my first quiet moment of the day to gather my coffee, Bible, and thoughts. I follow them into the building.

Maybe I moved to Lexington and “just never left,” but maybe it’s more. Maybe we chose to stay planted in this city, this little blue house with one tiny bathroom, this simple life of ministry. Maybe we’ve been given an incredible gift of growing up together in one place. We started dating while in our college ministry, got married, became parents, and grew into our roles with the same church family cheering us on every step of the way. I’m keenly aware this isn’t the story for so many young couples in ministry, but I’m thankful it is ours. Ten years of marriage. Ten years of ministry. What a grace.

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on my mind

• I loved the contrasting imagery of restocking vs. practicing patience in ’s Lord, Don’t (Just) Give Me Patience- “It was the Spirit’s work to save us; it is His work to sanctify us. And sanctification isn’t usually an overnight, restock-the-shelf kind of path. It’s a slow-growing, learned-in-affliction, plodding kind of path. And sanctification is the path God keeps us on to make us like Jesus.”

on my plate

• These Orange Chicken and Broccoli Bowls came together so quickly and were full of flavor.

• After a few bites of these Blackstone Steak Tacos, Graham said we may need to redo our upcoming Father’s Day menu to include them. That’s about the highest praise I can think of.

• We kicked off the month with Marian’s We’re Going on a Bear Hunt birthday party. These Peanut Butter Bear Print Cookies were a big hit!

on my nightstand

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a small commission if you purchase one of the resources from the links here. Thanks for helping me fund my massive book wishlist!

• Big Dumb Eyes, Nate Bargatze: If you’re looking for a lighthearted, funny read this summer, look no further. I listened to the audiobook, read by the author, and I couldn’t stop laughing from start to finish. In fact, my girls kept asking me what was so funny when they’d find me chuckling as I folded laundry. If you love Nate’s comedy shows, you will love this book!

• The Correspondent, Virginia Evans: I added this book to my TBR the second I saw that Ann Patchett called it “a cause for celebration.” The epistolary novel introduces readers to Sybil Van Antwerp, a 72-year-old retired lawyer. She is divorced, has an estranged daughter, and lost a child earlier in her life. She comes across as stubborn, a bit-self righteous, and sometimes frustrating, but was one of the most authentic characters I remember reading. She begins to receive letters that stir up choices made in a previous time in her life, and readers are treated to a journey of reflection, forgiveness, and change.

• Jesus Moments: Esther, Alison Mitchell: After mentioning how much Marian loves reading Bible stories about “brave Queen Esther,” a sweet friend gifted her this book for her birthday. The Jesus Moments series by The Goodbook Company helps young readers develop skills to identify how Old Testament Bible characters point to Jesus. Marian loves searching for the hidden scrolls throughout the book—illustrations that cue readers to look for a connection to Jesus. After reading this book, I want to own the entire series!

• Indescribable, Louie Giglio: I grabbed this devotional to use alongside our summer unit study. Each entry focuses on an aspect of God’s awe-inspiring creation, with scientific facts, Bible connections, and simple activities. It is written to help kids lift their eyes to the majesty all around us and worship the creative God who made it all.

on my good list

• I checked out this cookbook from the library, and will probably purchase it for the Butterflake Biscuits with Salted Honey Butter alone.

• If I’m in the kitchen cooking, there’s a 99% chance this playlist is on.

• Happy Ben Rector album release week to all who celebrate!

• My brother gave Marian this tracing pad for her birthday, and it’s been a huge hit! During a moment of concentrated creativity she told me, “I’m probably going to be focused on this…forever.” 😅 I may steal it to help execute some embroidery projects this summer!

• My mom gifted me this tennis skirt for Mother’s Day, and I can’t get over the quality and thoughtful design. It has branded grippers to keep the built-in shorts from riding up, and a two-way pocket that can hold your phone or tennis balls. It’s the little things, right?

on my camera roll

• one: Who took my baby and replaced her with this fully grown CHILD?

• two: I still can’t believe I snagged this Victorian dollhouse at a yard sale for $10. I’m fully prepared to fall down a rabbit hole redecorating it and watch it become my entire personality.

• three: We kicked off summer break with a hike led by the science teacher at Marian’s school. Local friends, have you been to Raven’s Run? After holding Junie for the entire hike, I was incredibly sore, but the views were worth it!

• four: Graham snapped a picture the moment it became clear Scottie Scheffler was going to win the PGA Championship. I have been having too much fun rambling about golf on my Instagram stories lately. Tune in during Father’s Day weekend for all my U.S. Open thoughts. 🤪⛳️

• five: My best friend is having a baby girl and I am having the time of my life celebrating her!

• six: Speaking of welcoming baby Watson, Rachel asked me to paint wildflowers scattered around her nursery. I have never been so intimidated to make a first paint stroke, but I love the way it’s coming together. 🌼🌿

Thanks for reading another month of Chasing Delight. I’ll return to your inbox in mid-June with a summer themed 3x3 booklist. Until then, there are so many ways you can support this newsletter:

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Hey friends, happy May! How are you hanging in there? My oldest finished up her Junior Kindergarten school year yesterday, and I’m in disbelief. I’m sure I’ll spend the next few weeks wondering where the time went, but for now, we’ll dive into a pile of library books and dream up our summer bucket list.

After years of talking about it, I’m finally attempting a garden for the first time. I’ve got a small selection of herbs on my back deck, and we scattered zinnia, lupine, and forget-me-not seeds in the sunny patch next to our house. Watering the seeds and searching for tiny sprouts has already brought our family so much joy! 👩🏻‍🌾🌼💦

I’m thrilled to share this book list with you. Some of my all-time favorites are featured this month. Here’s to a summer filled with garden harvests, enjoying food with friends, and reflecting on the best story ever told!

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Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a small commission if you purchase one of the resources from the links here. As always, I only share what I truly love. Thanks for helping fund my massive book wishlist!

books about gardening

• Miss Rumphius, Barbara Cooney: Alice Rumphius, the Lupine Lady, has three goals for her life. She longs to travel the world, live in a house by the sea, and do something to make the world more beautiful. This beloved story traces the footsteps of her life and legacy through the eyes of her young niece.

• Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, Kate Messner: This story follows a young girl and her grandmother as they prepare, plant, tend, and harvest their garden throughout the year. The story alternates between their work above the ground and the extensive ecosystem underground that makes their garden possible.

• Plant the Tiny Seed, Christie Matheson: This interactive book will delight young readers as they tap, clap, wave, and wiggle through the life cycle of a zinnia seed. My two-year-old asks to read this again and again.

books about generosity

• Thank You, Omu!, Oge Mora: One by one, everyone in the neighborhood follows their nose to Omu’s door, excited to taste the mouthwatering stew she has prepared, until the bowl is empty. This book is a beautiful celebration of kindness, community, and the power of food to bring people together.

• Paletero Man, Lucky Diaz: On a hot summer day, a young boy races through his neighborhood in search of Paletero José and a tasty treat. But when he arrives at the ice cream cart, his pockets are empty! He must have lost his money along the way. We love this vibrant story of community, kindness, and summer fun.

• Dozens of Doughnuts, Carrie Finison: LouAnn the bear is baking a doughnut feast in preparation for her long winter’s nap. Just as she’s about to enjoy the fruits of her labor, she hears a knock at the door. LouAnn happily shares her doughnuts with one surprise guest after another, until they are all gone and she’s left disappointed and hungry. This sweet story about sharing and friendship makes for a deliciously fun read aloud.

books about the gospel

• The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross, Carl Laferton: This delightful book starts in the Garden of Eden and follows the Bible’s story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. The story focuses on the temple curtain and how sin separates us from God. The way Catalina Echeverri uses color to add a layer to the story’s message is unmatched.

• The Sower, Scott James: The Sower skillfully traces the biblical themes of God as gardener, cultivator, and vinedresser through engaging writing and breathtaking illustrations. Immediately after reading this for the first time, I texted Graham and told him it was one of the most beautiful gospel presentations I’ve ever heard.

• The King and the Dragon, James W. Shrimpton: In any story, when a knight slays a dragon, it is a cause for celebration. Readers instinctively join in on the triumph, in part because it is an echo of the greatest story ever told. Through rhyming text, The King and the Dragon tells the tale of redemption through the lens of dragon slaying.

Do you have a favorite book about gardening, generosity, or the gospel that I missed? Leave a comment and help me add it to my list!

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See you back at the end of the month for my roundup of what I’ve been reading, eating, thinking about, and loving lately.

An ode to the gingham craft tarp

you see me at my best moments as a mom / at my “girls come play!” / “I made this for you.” / “come paint with me!” / you catch rainbow rice and paint drops / you don’t mind the splotches that won’t scrub off / you’re the base for playdoh cookies and block castles / the backdrop to my hopes of raising creative kids / you live here and there / on the kitchen table / front porch / living room floor / you tolerate sibling squabbles and marker tug-of-war / you’re happiest in use / your edges are starting to fray / your creases beginning to peel / I’ve often considered replacing you / but how could I let you go?

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on my plate

• Here’s your annual reminder to add these Mini Muffins into your breakfast rotation. They are similar to the Little Bites muffins I loved as a kid, but made with love (and sour cream 🤪).

• While listening to a book set in Italy, I switched up my normal lunch routine with this Single-Serve Pastina. It tasted like comfort in a bowl.

• My only regret about trying this Honey Mustard Chicken recipe was that I underestimated how much my kids would love it. This vanished from our table in an instant and I can’t wait to serve it again.

on my nightstand

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a small commission if you purchase one of the resources from the links here. Thanks for helping me fund my massive book wishlist!

• To the Tenth Generation, Ray and Jani Ortlund: A nonfiction book rarely breaks me out of a reading slump, but from the moment I picked up To the Tenth Generation, I could not put it down. This is not a parenting how-to book, although it does contain practical encouragement. This is a compelling vision of God’s heart for families, designed to help expand your prayers and dreams far into the future. The Ortlunds’ words are drenched with wisdom and soaked in Scripture—I find myself wanting to read everything they’ve written.

• Kate & Frida, Kim Fay: I stayed up way too late last night finishing this novel. Written entirely in letters between two twenty-somethings, Kate & Frida is a celebration of friendship, food, and books. Kate is a bookseller at a small Seattle-based bookstore, with aspirations to write a novel. Frida is an American living in Paris, hoping to become a war journalist. This book was a change of pace from my typical read, but I loved seeing both characters grow. I probably enjoyed this particularly because the book’s basis called to mind one of my all-time favorite reads.

• Fanny Crosby, Laura Caputo-Wickham: I’ve been slowly working my way towards owning the full Do Great Things for God series. Our most recent addition to our library tells the story of Fanny Crosby, a blind young girl who grew to write some of the world’s most cherished hymns.

• Sonia and the Biggest Block Tower Ever, Kathryn Butler: Another series we can’t get enough of is TGC Kids by Crossway. Each title engages kids’ hearts and imaginations while teaching a biblical truth. Sonia and the Biggest Block Tower Ever introduces readers to a new character. Sonia is a creative little girl, eager to impress her classmates and teachers with her imagination and skills. Her daydreams spiral to new heights as she looks for ways to experience the approval we all long for. When she crashes back to reality, her teacher helps her understand the best place to look for her true value and acceptance.

  There is so much to love about this series, but my favorite thing is the conversations these books facilitate. Sonia’s story was a wonderful springboard to ask questions like, “Have you ever felt like Sonia?” and “What do you think makes you special?”. As the series has grown, my daughter and I are both delighted by finding the other characters illustrated in each new story. Thank you to Crossway for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

on my good list

• I heard this for the first time at The Gospel Coalition Conference, and I have a good feeling it’ll be highly ranked in my Spotify Wrapped.

• I added these fun dinner plates to the girls’ Easter baskets. They remind me of retro school lunch trays in the best way.

• I’ve been looking for a daily SPF to add to my skincare routine, and I love the way this feels on my face. It isn’t greasy or sticky at all, and although it’s a little pricier than I prefer, I’ve been using a 10 mL sample since January and still haven’t run out!

• Of all the books I purchased at TGC25, I’m most excited to dive into this one. It is pitched as a kid’s guide to reading and understanding God’s word, but I’m sure I will learn from it as well!

on my camera roll

• one: We kicked off the month with an early birthday date to the ballet + a trip to our favorite gelato shop! Experience gifts are truly the best // thank you, Reva! 💜

• two: My incredibly talented aunt made me a set of “mommy vases,” perfect for tiny flowers picked from the yard. I’m obsessed.

• three: When we weren’t pacing the living room, this is how we watched the last round of the Masters. 😅

• four: Our friends hosted a backyard art show on Good Friday, reflecting on the cross.

• five: Every Easter, we invite students from our church’s college ministry into our home for lunch. We enjoyed brunch on the back deck, followed by a “ballet performance” by Marian, complete with costume changes. 🩰

• six: I loved getting away for a few days to attend The Gospel Coalition Conference with Graham and our church’s staff. I may or may not already be counting down for the women’s conference next summer.

Thanks for reading another month of Chasing Delight. I’ll return to your inbox in mid-May with another 3x3 book list.

💌 If you love receiving this newsletter each month, would you consider forwarding it to a friend? If you received this email from a friend, hi there! Use the link below to receive next month’s recap:

Happy Masters Week to all who celebrate. 💚💛 This week, you can find me glued to my television watching around-the-clock coverage of my favorite week of the year! But before my brain switches into golf-mode, here are twelve books releasing this spring and summer to get on your radar!

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• Every Hour I Need You by Katie Faris | April 22nd: This devotional contains thirty rich meditations on the character of God, designed to help moms lift their eyes as they serve their families.

• Everything Is Never Enough by Bobby Jamieson | April 22nd: Pastor Bobby Jamieson takes a modern look at the ancient wisdom of the book of Ecclesiastes, aiming to answer the question, “How can you be happy?”.

• Raising Disciples at Home by Chris Ammen | May 6th: This debut from the founder of Kaleidoscope encourages parents on their journey to disciple their children, while emphasizing Christ’s power to work through our weakness.

• Formed for Fellowship by Kyle Worley | May 13th: Kyle Worley is on a publishing tear this year. Just a few months after releasing Home With God, he’s back with this title on spiritual formation. Formed for Fellowship is an invitation to look upon God and be changed.

• Known and Loved by Glenna Marshall | July 1st: In this verse-by-verse reflection of Psalm 139, Glenna Marshall invites readers to consider the implications of being fully known and loved by the God of the universe.

• Overbooked and Overwhelmed by Tara Sun| August 5th: There was a great meme that went viral recently that said “Adulthood is saying ‘But after this week things will slow down a bit’ over and over until you die.” Tara Sun speaks into this fast-paced culture with wisdom for those who wake up feeling behind before the day begins.

• The Storyteller’s Bible by Kathryn Butler | April 22nd: I’m intrigued by this new Bible Storybook, written specifically for reading aloud. Each of the thirty-five stories includes mid-story and follow-up questions to help engage listeners and point them to the greatest Storyteller of all.

• The Big Mess by Justin Whitmel Earley | May 6th: I’m a big fan of Justin Whitmel Earley’s books for adults, so I was thrilled to see him announce a debut kids’ book. The Big Mess is a humor-filled rhyming story designed to help siblings learn to get along.

• No Matter Where I Go by Jessica Mathisen | May 27th: Although foster care is near and dear to our family’s heart, I don’t have many great books about the topic on our shelves. I’m hopeful that this title will be a great addition to our home library, and a great gift for all the foster families we love.

• What Are Feelings For? by Abbey Wedgeworth | June 1st: We can’t get enough of this series! Hardly a day goes by in our home where we don’t quote these training refrains. I’m excited to add this to my parenting toolbox!

• A Paintbrush for Joni by John Greco | June 3rd: I’m always looking for illustrated biographies to add to our girls’ shelves. This title tells the story of Joni Eareckson Tada, an accomplished artist, author, and disability advocate.

• C.S. Lewis by Laura Wickham | August 1st: Speaking of biographies, I am so excited to see the Do Great Things for God series continue to grow. This series has chronicled the lives of twelve faithful women, and this will be their first male biography.

💌 I’d love to hear from you! Reply to this email or comment on Substack to let me know which book you’re adding to your preorder list! (Or who you think will win The Masters 🤪).

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March 2025 by the Numbers
6 birthday parties attended, ages ranging from 2-29 / 1 adoption celebrated 🎉 / 442 miles driven between Lexington, Somerset, Cincinnati, and Louisville / 2 days spent subbing at Marian’s school / 10 wedding venue tours given / 285 cookies baked on 1 Saturday morning / 22 cups of flour, 17 sticks of butter, and 18.25 cups of sugar used in the process / 1,550 miles flown in one whirlwind day / 1 pair of jorts, 1 bald eagle shirt, and 1 nascar jersey thrifted for a murder mystery party / 3 tomato tortellini soup dinners / 5 distinct days of kids with stomach bugs / 4 books read / 8 consecutive days of wearing Kentucky blue / 4 meals cooked on the Blackstone / 1 night of pickleball with friends / 25 books checked out from the library / 8 weeks of swim lessons scheduled / 31 days filled to the brim

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on my heart

• Last week, Junie turned two! I wrote a quick snapshot of this season of her life to celebrate.

on my mind

• I need more nights like the one this poem describes in my life.

  “And on these evenings, when the light is out past seven and we choose to ignore everything with a checkbox, I think to myself, even if nothing gets done, what a joy it is to be alive.”

• This was such a life-giving interview. As soon as I finished it, I texted Graham and told him I could listen to the Ortlunds talk all day.

  If a generation is—and this is just a quick turnaround—20 years, we want to think about our family 200 years out. Now we’re not here to control them. We can’t do that. Only God has that sovereignty. We are here to invest in them. And we’re here to pray for them. And we’re here to love them in advance, trusting that long after we’re in heaven with the Lord, if we pray to an eternal God, then our prayers are not limited in time. Our prayers are active through time, because they’ve gone to God, the eternal one.

on my plate

• My kids loved this Chicken and Stars Soup on a cold, rainy day.

• Each year during the first weekend of March Madness, I create a “Cookie Madness” bracket and bake eight different types of cookies for my friends to judge. This year, Coffee Cake Cookies won by a landslide! You can find the recipe in Sweet Tooth, or online after registering for a free account.

• Drop your meal plan and buy ingredients for these Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas. After cleaning his plate, Graham looked at me and said, “I’m not trying to overreact, but I think this is the best thing you’ve ever made.” 🤣

on my nightstand

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a small commission if you purchase one of the resources from the links here. Thanks for helping me fund my massive book wishlist!

• Marriage and the Mystery of the Gospel, Ray Ortlund: I have been eyeing Crossway’s “Short Studies in Biblical Theology” series for a while. Each volume traces a theme found in Scripture across the entire Bible. The series aims to explore the Bible as one unified story through the lens of various topics such as work, sabbath, covenant, and marriage. After listening to Ray and Jani Ortlund’s interview linked above, I decided to jump into this book.

  The author makes the profound claim that marriage isn’t just one theme among others in the Bible. “Instead, marriage is the wraparound concept for the entire Bible, within which the other themes find their places.” He explains that the first cosmos in Genesis was created as the home of a young couple, Adam and Eve. The last book of the Bible points to the new creation as the eternal home of Jesus and his bride, the Church. In under 120 pages, Ortlund traces the story of marriage through Genesis, the Law, Wisdom, the Prophets, and the New Testament. This book is concise, accessible, and made me eager to explore additional titles in the series. Thank you to Crossway for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

• This month’s kids’ book recommendations are the two books in my cart for the girls’ Easter baskets: Spring Sings by Ellie Holcomb and The Good News of Easter by Rousseaux Brasseur. I can’t wait to add these to our shelves. Ellie Holcomb released an accompanying album that we can’t get enough of.

on my good list

• March is full of sports-related traditions in our home. We always make Hot Browns for dinner the first week of March Madness. A Hot Brown is an open-faced turkey and bacon sandwich, covered with an incredibly creamy Mornay cheese sauce. The dish originated in Louisville, and in Kentucky, you can find unique takes at many local restaurants. My mother-in-law gifted me these incredible plates to make our annual dinner even more special.

• This album has been the soundtrack to my month.

• It’s time to do a second edition of “toys-my-kids-actually-play-with”. This ice cream set has been a huge hit in our house for years. These loose parts are a recent find for Marian, and I love seeing how she creatively arranges them and incorporates them with her wooden blocks. And finally, this flower building kit is one of my favorite toys to play with alongside the girls.

on my camera roll

• one: We kicked the month off with Graham officiating a wedding for some sweet friends in our small group. Congrats Jim and Roxy! 💕🎉

• two: Our friend Lindsey completed her missionary training, and we had the privilege of flying to Richmond, Virginia, for the day to celebrate alongside her.

• three: My best friend is having a baby and I can’t contain my excitement! What a joy to get to celebrate this season with her!

• four: UK made the Sweet Sixteen, and I wore Kentucky blue most of March. Pictured here on the day of Cookie Madness in a vintage pullover from my father-in-law. 💙

• five: Our birthday girl, living it up on a tree swing!

• six: We celebrated Junie’s big day with a Moana-themed family party. I started painting this banner at 6am the morning of the party—nothing like that last-minute creativity. 🤪

Thanks for reading another month of Chasing Delight. If you love this newsletter, there are so many ways you can support this work:

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As soon as I spot the first bloom in March, I can’t stop searching for more. Every car ride is filled with I-spy games and counting how many flowers we see. Winter’s gray steps aside for spring’s burst of color. When the temperature passes my sixty-degree threshold, every night is a night for dinner on the Blackstone. Hearty soups give way to fresh vegetables and meat grilled as the kids play in the backyard. It’s hard to beat this time of year. This month’s 3x3 is full of vibrant books, perfect for welcoming the sights and flavors of a colorful new season.

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Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a small commission if you purchase one of the resources from the links here. As always, I only share what I truly love. Thanks for helping fund my massive book wishlist!

books about cooking

• The Seven Silly Eaters, Mary Ann Hoberman: This charming story takes a fun birthday spin as each of the seven Peters children attempts to prepare their favorite food for their mother. This title is fun to read aloud and perfectly depicts the chaotically sweet moments of life in a large family.

• Bee-bim Bop!, Linda Sue Park: When I was pregnant with Marian, I helped develop a Bee-bim bop-inspired noodle bowl recipe for a local restaurant. The flavor descriptions in this rhyming book transported me back to those days. I love that the author included a recipe with instructions for kids and grownups.

• Pete’s a Pizza, William Steig: On a dreary rainy day, Pete is stuck in a bad mood. His dad decides the best way to cheer him up is to turn him into a pizza—a genius parenting move, in my opinion. If your preschooler is anything like mine, this simple story will bring lots of laughs and daily requests to “do the pizza game” again.

books about colors

• Pocket Full of Colors, Amy Guglielmo: After visiting Walt Disney World last month, I had to include this vibrant biography of Mary Blair, a Disney artist and animator. My girls love the bold illustrations, and the text is great for expanding your color vocabulary.

• Green, Laura Vaccaro Seeger: This Caldecott Honor book creatively explores the question, “How many kinds of green are there?”. The use of color and page cutouts will surprise and delight readers. I find myself flipping the pages back and forth every time we read this, wondering how the author perfectly executed this book.

• Blue on Blue, Dianne White: Scratchboard and watercolor illustrations pull readers into a rainstorm on the farm, and all the colors involved. The detailed, unique art makes this story jump off the page.

books about creativity

• What Can a Mess Make?, Bee Johnson: I can’t stop talking about this book! My favorite picture book of 2024 follows two creative sisters throughout a playful day at home. They cook breakfast, build forts, paint masterpieces, make mistakes, and leave messes behind every step of the way. I love this book because it reminds me to be thankful for the creative messes that fill our home.

• The Night Gardener, Terry Fan: This imaginative tale depicts the impact one person’s creativity can have on a community. When William wakes one morning to a tree trimmed into the shape of an owl, curiosity and wonder spread like wildfire through his quiet street. This book shows the legacy one can leave behind by stewarding creativity well.

• The Book of Mistakes, Corinna Luyken: This is a message that every child needs to hear. When an ink smudge threatens to ruin a new sketch, kids learn that mistakes aren’t something to be afraid of, but the very spark that leads to deeper creativity.

Happy reading friends! Be on the lookout for the next installment of on my radar, upcoming new releases that have caught my eye. In case you missed the first one, check it out here!

I’m sending this newsletter two days removed from a wonderful week at Walt Disney World. More than on any previous trip, I could not stop thinking about how immersive the Disney experience is. One minute you’re walking down Main Street heading towards the castle, and the next you’re surrounded by futuristic structures and ideas in Tomorrowland. Or you enter a tunnel with the vibrant and vintage sights of Toy Story Land only to exit transported into another world in Galaxy’s Edge. As you wind back in each stop in Epcot’s World Showcase, you feel less like you’re standing in Central Florida and more like you’re on a whirlwind sightseeing tour. Disney excels at its use of sightlines to bring these magical worlds to life.

Now, you can take this next paragraph with a grain of salt, as my architectural knowledge stems from this 19-minute YouTube video and a healthy dose of Mall Tycoon in the early 2000s.

In architectural design, a sightline is a consideration of visibility. Sightlines answer the question, “What can you see?” and sometimes more importantly “What can you not see?”. At Disney, sightlines funnel guests’ attention to particular attractions, beckoning them to explore further and further into the parks. They are responsible for the breathtaking moment when Cinderella’s Castle is revealed moments before your log plummets down Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. They help The Haunted Mansion look like an actual mansion and not a shipping warehouse. They create the perspective that brings the magic to life.

All week long, as my eyes wandered from one visual splendor to the next, carefully engineered for me, I couldn’t help but think about the other sightlines in my life. What we see matters. Perspective matters.

At Disney, I can choose to see a winding queue as a reason to lose my patience, or as a key to the ride’s storytelling. At home, I can choose to see an all too short naptime as derailed afternoon, or a perfect excuse for a last minute trip to the library. At Disney, I can choose to see a congested Main Street, USA as a frustrating traffic jam, or a moment designed to draw every eye towards the castle. At home, I can see an interrupted quiet time as a missed opportunity for time alone with God, or the chance to invite my children into my faith.

Imagineers understand that what we see matters. They expertly craft sightlines to create the most magical place on Earth. May I have the perspective to see the everyday magic all around me.

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on my mind

• This poem on adoption by left me speechless.

• I came across this series of scripture refrains to fight temptation by . Scroll through her profile to read all four—they are worth it!

  When we grow weary and fainthearted, and we hear that voice whispering, I can’t, I don’t want to, this is too hard, may we also hear, you have need of endurance as we turn our eyes to our Savior who endured every conceivable hardship, even death on a cross, with his eyes fixed on the joy of togetherness with us in the presence of his Father. That hope propels our next step of faithfulness.

• I may or may not have cried on a Disney bus reading this poem.

  My love, I have fallen for every version of you.
  I have packed them away in my heart,
  folded them into the very storage of my soul.
  Memories are a minefield, but you are
  a miracle every time.
  How lucky am I
  to know a joy
  worth mourning?

on my plate

• These single-serve double chocolate chip cookies are the perfect after-dinner dessert if you don’t want an entire batch of cookies lying around your house. Don’t forget to add some flaky sea salt on top after baking!

• The opposite of a single-serve dessert—a skillet cookie designed to share. This is my go-to dessert when hosting because it is so easy to throw together and it is a fun twist on your typical cookie.

• If you like spicy food, try these Folded Buffalo Chicken Wraps. Full disclosure—I could only eat one before the spice was too much for me to handle. But if you’re into spicy foods, you’ll love them.

on my nightstand

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I receive a small commission if you purchase one of the resources from the links here. Thanks for helping me fund my massive book wishlist!

• The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year, Ally Carter: One thing to know about me—if a book gets compared to Knives Out, I’m moving it to the top of my TBR list. I saw a ton of buzz about this holiday rom-com at the end of last year, but the waitlist on Libby was too long for me to fit it in before Christmas. My friend Rebekah encouraged me that it isn’t so holiday-themed to require waiting to read until the end of the year, and I’m so glad she did! Two rival authors get a cryptic invitation to a secluded Christmas house party. Upon arriving, they realize the host is none other than Eleanor Ashley, the world’s most famous mystery writer. When Eleanor vanishes from a locked room, everyone becomes a suspect. Has a crime been committed or is this all part of an elaborate test? This cozy mystery was fun from start to finish.

• Revelation, Jen Wilkin: I just started working through this Bible Study with a friend from church, and I’m already learning so much. If you’ve ever been confused, intimidated, or hesitant about the idea of studying Revelation, this is a great resource.

• Lucy and the Saturday Surprise, Melissa Kruger: Saturday morning begins with a trip to the grocery store and a delightful surprise—Lucy and Lewis are each allowed to pick out one treat from the candy carousel. Unfortunately, Lucy’s chocolate square quickly melts, while Lewis’s colorful lollipop turns out to be a treasure he can slowly enjoy all day long. As Lucy sees her brother continually eating his treat, her happiness dissolves into discontent, as she wishes she had also chosen a lollipop. Young readers will easily imagine themselves in Lucy’s shoes, as she spirals through the pattern of discontent: see, covet, take, and hide.
  
  I appreciated this easy-to-remember language pulled from Joshua 7:20-21. In the Note to Grown-Ups, the author writes, “For Lucy, Saturday’s biggest surprise wasn’t about the treat at all—it was realizing that sometimes what you want isn’t what really makes you happy. Looking over the fence and wanting what someone has will only make children (and adults) less happy.” This is a lesson I hope to teach my kids, and one I often need to be reminded of as well. Thank you to Crossway for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

• Anatole, Eve Titus: Our favorite February library book was this sweet story of a happy, hard-working mouse determined to earn his family’s food. When Anatole overhears humans complaining about his breed, he is shocked and saddened. He must continue to provide for his family, but he hates the idea of being a burden. He develops a plan that puts his impeccable palate to good use, giving back to the human world rather than simply taking from it.

on my good list

• My three favorite items I packed for our Disney Trip: these socks, this skirt, and this lip balm.

• Due to the size of our kitchen, I have traditionally been pretty minimal concerning small appliances. Our crockpot, air fryer, and KitchenAid mixer are workhorses, but we don’t have the space to store many other kitchen gadgets. Graham asked for this rice cooker for Christmas, and I was initially skeptical. Why buy another appliance when you can cook rice on the stove? After a couple of months of using it, consider me converted. I love how easy it is to set and forget, and it has helped us level up our burrito bowl and stir fry game.

• I’ve been working my way through this cookbook over the last month. I loved her “pasta e ceci with sweet potato & brown butter-fried rosemary” and can’t wait to try “the breakfast burritos that should always be in your freezer.”

on my camera roll

• one: I painted a banner for a dear friend’s “silly goose” baby shower. Every time I finish one of these I decide it is my new favorite I’ve ever done.

• two: My friend Angi hosted a Galentine’s Day brunch, complete with the cutest build-a-bouquet flower bar.

• three: All the best vacations include sprinting to the Contemporary Resort to arrive at your brunch reservation with three minutes to spare, right? I’ll never forget watching Marian’s eyes light up when she met Mickey and Minnie.

• four: My favorite coffee from our Disney trip—Cold Brew Black Caf topped with sweet cream cheese and cocoa puffs.

• five: When Marian first spotted the Eiffel Tower replica in Epcot she exclaimed, “My dream has come true! I’m in Paris!” 😭

• six: A bite four years in the making. Gideon’s Bakehouse opened weeks before our last Disney trip in 2021, but due to insane wait times, we weren’t able to try them. This moment was delayed gratification at its finest.

Thanks for reading another month of Chasing Delight. I’ll return to your inbox on March 15th with the next edition of the 3x3. Until then, there are so many ways you can support this newsletter:

💙 Like and comment on this post on Substack
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💌 Forward this email to someone you think would enjoy the content. If you received this email from a friend, hi there! Use the link below to receive next month’s recap:

I’m not sure about you, but we’ve reached the point in winter where I start getting desperate for spring. Snow covered the ground for most of January; now we’ve entered the slushy gray days of February. At this point in the year, I try to lean into what I enjoy about the season. You can find me cooking all the soups, slowly chipping away at my latest puzzle, or washing another load of chunky sweaters. February is for hunkering down, bundling up, and staying cozy at home. This month’s picture books are about homes, helping others, and hibernation—a true snapshot of my February. Pull up your library holds list and let’s jump in!

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Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost, I receive a small commission if you purchase one of the resources from the links here. As always, I only share what I truly love. Thanks for helping fund my massive book wishlist!

books about homes

• Farmhouse, Sophie Blackall: Be prepared to lose yourself in Blackall’s layered, delightful art. This story, which reads as one poetic sentence, follows the daily life of a 19th-century farmhouse, home to twelve children. Blackall used recycled objects from a real New York state farmhouse in her illustrations, including wallpaper, handmade dresses, and catalog clippings. This would be a perfect gift for dollhouse-loving girls (or interior design-loving moms).

• If I Built a House, Chris Van Dusen: In this fun, creative story, Jack dreams up a whimsical home, starting with rooms you may be familiar with and moving on to more fantastic additions. This book is sure to spark imagination and prompt fun conversations between you and your little readers.

• The Lantern House, Erin Napier: Tearjerker alert! I checked this out from the library as a fan of Ben and Erin Napier’s Home Town on HGTV. The story follows the life of a young happy home and its young happy family. But as time passes, the homeowners age, and eventually the lights fade. This is a celebration of life, love, and what makes a house a home.

books about helping

• Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light, Apryl Stott: All the woodland animals believe Bear is mean and scary because of his size. In an attempt to change their mind, Coco and Bear bake cookies and make lanterns to “Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light.” The animals remain unconvinced, rejecting their efforts. When a voice calls for help from deep in the woods, Bear’s kind heart is proven after all, and everyone learns the true meaning of kindness.

• Last Stop on Market Street, Matt de la Peña: This intergenerational story follows CJ, a young boy, and his nana on a Sunday afternoon. Their weekly voyage across town on the city bus turns out to be more than an inconvenience or chore—it is an invitation to connect with others and see beauty in unlikely places.

• Boxes for Katje, Candace Fleming: This inspiring post-World War One story was based on the author’s mother’s childhood. Katje, a poverty-struck girl living in Ost, Holland receives a package from a young girl in America. The book follows a heartwarming exchange of letters and shows children they aren’t too young to make a difference in someone else’s life.

books about hibernation

• Old Bear, Kevin Henkes: This soothing, sweet story describes Old Bear’s vivid dreams during his long winter sleep. I love the bold watercolor and ink artwork representing the four seasons.

• The Snowy Nap, Jan Brett: When the temperature on the farm begins to drop, all the animals begin discussing the wonders of winter. Hedgie begins feeling like his annual hibernation is causing him to miss the fun. With Brett’s signature artwork, this story transports readers into the unique perspective of someone experiencing winter for the first time.

• Bear Snores On, Karma Wilson: As Bear hibernates, his cave quickly fills with animals looking for refuge from the winter wind. There is a reason this series is so beloved—this will be a book you read again and again.

Here’s something to ponder: If you could live in any picture book house, which would it be? Farmhouse has to be high on my list, but you could also convince me of the house by the sea in Miss Rumphius, or the house at the top of the hill in A World Wonder. Reply to this email or leave a comment with your choice! 🏠

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See you back on February 28th for my monthly roundup of what I’ve been reading, eating, thinking about, and loving lately.