The gift of a slow Sunday

 Be still, and Know that I am God. - Psalm 46:10

Over the years, Sundays have become a sacred pause in our home. A day where pace softens and the expectations loosen. Even when we're not serving on the Coffee Team, the rhythm of getting ready for the day helps reset our hearts. 

We settled into the usual Sunday quiet: 

 - Mads catching the sports highlights

 - Ry catching up on golf news

 - I took a few minutes to breathe

 - Mack researched a bit about the Outer Banks

Tonight I have D&D. No matter who is at the helm, it's funny how something as simple as a weekly game has become a thread that keeps our family connected across the states. It's community. It's creativity. And it's laughter woven into the beginning of a new week. 

Where might you feel God inviting you to slow down today? 

We are rooted in grace

 

"We love because He first loved us." - 1 John 4:19

Saturdays are my exhale... no work... no meetings... just space to breathe. Well, that's usually the pace I practice. Today that rest blended beautifully with Valentine's Day. Instead of pressure or expectations, I lean into a celebration day rooted in grace. Love that doesn't perform or compare. Love that reflects the heart of my Lord. 

This year, we chose to intentionally keep things simple. A shared meal, a few laughs, and a moment to acknowledge the ways we've grown over nearly 24 (woah did I say that) years of marriage. The girls add their own sweetness to the day and then we have D&D tonight. 

Speaking of dungeons and dragons tonight, I will be the DM and I'm taking the party on a fun one shot adventure through the process of finding what happened to the post man and rescuing him then delivering the candy grams he was supposed to be helping to find their owners. I just love how love shows up in these shared stories. 

How has God's love shaped the way you love others? 

Love in the everyday

 

"Let all that you do be done in love." - 1 Corinthians 16:14

Fridays always seem to feel lighter... the last stretch of the workweek... the anticipation of rest... the sense of exhaling. Today, I anticipate thinking about Valentine's Day and the small gestures that make love feel real. 

• A hand written note
• A favorite snack
• A message reminding how proud I am of the recipient
• Love you guys text messages to family afar

Love grows in the everyday. It's built on the routines, the shared jokes, the forgiveness after long days, the dungeons and dragons nights that keep us connected across states. As I wrap up work for the week and look toward the weekend, I feel grateful for the ordinary love that fills our every day at home - we are imperfect. we are steady... and we are real! 

What's one simple way you can show love to someone tomorrow? 

A Homemaker's Heart: Creating Peace in Small Ways

 
"She looks well to the ways of her household." - Proverbs 31:27

Thursdays always feel like the quiet slide toward the weekend, and today I find myself noticing the house more than usual. Working from home means I see every pile. Every dish. Every corner that needs attention. However, instead of tackling everything, I focus on creating small pockets of peace. I like to call this putting out hotspots. 

Turning on my wax warmer. Clearing one surface. Turning on the Tunes while I wrap up work tasks. These small things help anchor us. Especially with the family in a season of transition - Ryan with his new job. Mackenzie stepping into travel training. And, last but certainly not least - Mads navigating what remains of her gap year. 

Homemaking is spiritual work. It may not be glamourous, but it's holy. 

What is one small act that could bring more peace into your home today? 

Midweek Mercy: When you're tired but still trying

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

Wednesdays tend to carry their own version of tired. Some rely on the Great Camel when the to-do list grows, the laundry multiplies, and the week's weight starts to show. Today was one of those days where I felt stretched thin - not overwhelmed, just worn out. Balancing home, work, and the emotional load of guiding young adult daughters is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful, but it's also a real challenge some days. 

Mercy shows up in small ways though. A quiet moment between meetings. a task I gave myself permission to push to tomorrow. A reminder that God has never, and will never, ask me to carry ALL THE THINGS alone. 

Evening will bring just a bit of calm. We don't have dungeons and dragons tonight. Only a space to breathe... reset... and let my spirit settle. Sometimes that mercy looks a bit like rest. 

Where do you need to receive mercy instead of pushing harder? 

 

Greenville moments: Where can I find joy in the ordinary?

 "In all things give thanks." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Tuesdays have a steady rhythm: 

• work during the day
• D&D with Red's Raiders tonight

Today, I made a point to step out for a moment between meetings for a quick walk. It's important to let myself breathe outside of my normal routine. Greenville has this way of making ordinary moments feel just a tiny bit brighter. Maybe it's the friendliness of people in line or the way the foothills peek through when we are driving to and fro. 

Joy showed up in small ways today: a productive meeting, the excitement of Ryan about his new job, a funny meme from Dr. Ponsia Bile in our D&D chat, and the anticipation of gathering for tonight with Uncle DM at the helm. All of these tiny things add up. 

Cox & Kin has always been and will continue to be about noticing these everyday graces. The more I look for them, the more I find them. 

As you went through your day, what ordinary moment brought you unexpected joy today? 

A Monday of small wins

"Do not despise these small beginnings." - Zechariah 4:10

Mondays can feel like an abrupt beginning after a restful weekend, but today held a surprising number of small wins. Working from home as a Learning Manager means my Mondays are full of planning, meetings, catching up, and moving projects forward. However, I've learned to look for the tiniest of victories. This one action helps to make my day feel lighter and go faster. 

• a smooth morning routine
• a productive meeting
• a sweet message from Mackenzie excited about her upcoming travel agent training
• my sweet Turtle showing me a new Caitlin Clark clip she loved
• Even a quick check-in with Angel and Chris before they start their day in Wisconsin

All of the above add just a touch of brightness and blessing to my day. These may seem like things to overlook, but I count them as small wins. They are the building blocks of gratitude. When I take the time to slow down and notice them, I realize how much God is doing in the background. It is a gentle reminder that He is in the details of our lives no matter how tiny those details may be. 

What is one small win you can celebrate from today?