Hi friends,
Every season, I find myself drawn back to rhythms that make me feel rooted. I don’t know about you, but I especially lean into rhythms that ground me in seasons of change. In this season of change ( a wedding coming up, a daughter starting college, and my youngest, a freshman in high school), I need to feel the comfort and stability of habits and routines, especially the ones that nourish my soul and spirit. Most of the time, I can define new rhythms as just the quiet little choices that keep me moving closer to Jesus instead of drifting on autopilot. For me, that looks like picking up a book that challenges me, leaning into Scripture with fresh eyes, and filling the background of my days with voices and songs that point me heavenward.
This month, those three things, what I’m reading, learning, and listening to, have been speaking to one another in surprising ways. I thought I’d invite you into it.
What I’ve Been Reading:
I’ve been slowly working my way through Mel Robbins’ book, Let Them. The premise is simple but powerful: if people want to walk away, let them. If they want to misunderstand you, let them. If they choose not to see your worth, let them. If seasons change and so do people, let them.
At first, I thought this sounded almost dismissive, but the more I’ve read, the more freeing it’s become. It’s not about indifference; it’s about release.
But what really shifted my heart was when Robbins turned the phrase back around to let me know. Let me take responsibility for my response. Let me own my attitude, my obedience, my stewardship. Let me show up fully present in the life God has called me to. I alone am responsible for my beautiful life.
That balance-let them and let me—feels like a breath of fresh air.
What I’ve Been Learning:
At the same time, I’ve been walking through The Bible Recap with Tara-Leigh Cobble. It’s been such a gift to trace God’s story day by day, not just reading verses but connecting the bigger picture. The Bible Recap is a chronological walk through the Bible. It also is a great resource to stir up your Bible reading. If you’re like me a new reading plan, version, or devotion brings a freshness to my daily reading routine.
Here’s what’s standing out: God’s character never shifts. Through genealogies, laws, victories, and heartbreaks…He is steady, holy, faithful. He gives people the freedom to choose, even when their choices hurt His heart. He lets them.
And yet, His story keeps unfolding. That perspective has been changing the way I read not just the Old Testament, but my own life. I can let people make their choices without losing my peace—because God never loses His plan. My part is simply to keep showing up and obeying Him in mine.
What I’ve Been Listening To:
On my drives, getting ready, and in between the busy everyday moments, I’ve been listening to:
• The Bible Recap Podcast (to deepen what I’m learning in the Word)
• Leadership podcasts that challenge me to keep stretching as a leader (I love Jasmine Star for this)
• The Bible Project (I love a good, quick Bible recap)
• Dag Heward-Mills has been my go-to for preaching lately. He is so simple and profound. ( He is an African preacher, so it can get loud and hard to understand)
• Worship playlists that usually land on something Elevation or Forrest Frank (for easy listening)
• Our house always has either worship or Jazz music playing. I love to search Spotify for an Autumn Jazz Playlist.
Recap:
Here’s what God’s been speaking through it all: Release what isn’t yours to carry. Take ownership of what is. God’s plan will prevail, and you can find joy in HIM through it all!
Let them make their choices. Let me be faithful in mine.
It sounds simple, but it’s life-changing and soul-grounding. And maybe, just maybe, it’s the reminder you needed, too. Thanks for reading and walking this journey with me—I love that we get to grow together here.
xoxo, Joie
(PS: I’d love to hear from you—what are you reading, learning, or listening to right now that’s shaping your season? Hit reply and share; I’d love to gather some new recommendations (and who knows—you may encourage someone else in the process!).
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