Slowing Down

The Myth of the Perfect Summer: Letting Go of Expectations

Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
— Matthew 11:28

When summer rolls around, I always imagine long, slow mornings with coffee in hand, kids playing happily in the yard, and unhurried evenings under twinkle lights. But by the second week of June, I’m usually staring down a packed calendar, sticky floors, and a to-do list that didn’t take a summer vacation.

Somewhere along the way, we bought into the idea that summer should be magical, memorable, and perfectly curated. Whether it’s Pinterest-worthy vacations, a house full of fun (but exhausting) activities, or trying to be everything to everyone—our expectations can weigh us down.

But Jesus doesn’t invite us into a “perfect” summer. He invites us into rest. Into stillness. Into His presence—right in the middle of messy living rooms and noisy pool days.

What if this summer, we laid down the pressure to make it perfect and chose to make it peaceful instead?

What if the most beautiful moments weren’t the ones we planned, but the ones we paused for?

The gentle breeze on a hot afternoon. A spontaneous dance party in the kitchen. A quiet moment in the Word before anyone else wakes up. These aren’t interruptions—they’re invitations.

So friend, if you’re already feeling the weight of summer expectations, take a deep breath. Jesus isn’t asking you to impress Him—He’s inviting you to rest in Him.

Slow-Down Spiritual Practice: The “One Thing” Prayer

Each morning this week, ask God: “What’s one thing I need to let go of today? And what’s one thing You’re inviting me to receive?”

Write it down. Let go of the burden. Receive the grace. Sometimes slowing down starts with surrendering just one thing.

How to Cultivate Joy When You’re Weary

How to Cultivate Joy When You’re Weary

Joy isn’t the absence of weariness—it’s the presence of God.

I don’t know about you, but some days joy feels easy. The sun is shining, the coffee is hot, and the kids are actually getting along. (A miracle in itself.)

But other days? Joy feels like a choice I have to fight for. Not because I don’t love my life. Not because I’m not grateful. But because weariness is real.

If you’re there too, I want to gently remind you: Joy and weariness can coexist. And you can cultivate joy right where you are.

Finding Peace When Life Doesn’t Slow Down

Finding Peace When Life Doesn’t Slow Down

Because sometimes the pace won’t change, but your heart can.

If your calendar looks anything like mine right now, it feels like May-cember. School is wrapping up. Sports are in full swing. Work is busy. Family life is non-stop. And honestly? Slowing down isn’t always an option.

But here’s what I’m learning in this season: Peace doesn’t always come from a lighter schedule. Sometimes, peace is found right in the middle of the hustle — when our hearts pause even if our calendars can’t.

New Mercies in May: Embracing God’s Fresh Start for Your Life

New Mercies in May: Embracing God’s Fresh Start for Your Life

There’s something about flipping the calendar to a new month that feels like a quiet invitation. A gentle reset. A moment to breathe. As May begins, it reminds me of Lamentations 3:23: “His mercies are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” And if God’s mercies are new every morning, they’re certainly new every month too.

Finding Rest in God

Finding Rest in God

In a world that glorifies busyness, we are constantly taught to find renewal in fleeting comforts like bubble baths, pedicures, or a glass of wine. While these things may offer temporary relief, the truth is that genuine rest and renewal can only be found in God.

Jesus extends this invitation to us: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." — Matthew 11:28-30

This sacred invitation is a reminder that we don’t have to carry the weight of our responsibilities alone. True rest is found when we lay our burdens at His feet and embrace the rhythm of grace He designed for our lives.

“Busy Vacation” tired.

“Busy Vacation” tired.

After this week, my husband and I realized something… we are not “busy vacation people” anymore.

We used to love to pack our vacations with things to do and see. When we would travel somewhere, it was always a busy experience as we tried to see everything!

Since we have started the process of slowing down to “see the details in everything”, we have lost the thrill of “seeing everything”!