Summer Coffee Date, 2025
Hi Friend!
I’m back with one of my favorite things: A quarterly Coffee Date!
This is where I pretend we’re catching up over coffee—sharing family updates, photos, fun links, and a giveaway at the end. Let’s do this!
(Warning –This is a super long one bc so many photos and updates! 😉 Feel free to scroll to the very bottom for links and a giveaway!)
Where do we start?! Ahhh, it’s always hard to know! We’d probably begin with the usual “You go!” “No, I want to hear about you!” routine…(So, think about what you might share with ME over coffee and save it for the comment below!)
I’ll start with some work and life updates!
About that Podcast break…?
If you tuned into my last podcast episode, you know that I am currently on a break from podcasting.
After six years of weekly episodes, I sensed it was time to pause. Between working on a new book proposal, traveling for Luke and Levi’s surfing and golfing, and wanting to hold space after my Dad’s cancer diagnosis, the timing felt right. The break has been refreshing, and your encouragement has meant so much. ❤️
When will I be back on the pod?
Right now, I’m not sure. 🥹 Maybe later this winter or in the new year? Our family’s fall schedule is full, and we’re waiting on more scans for Dad. Speaking of which…
Health update: Dad is doing well overall—praise God! (if you missed it before, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer last winter, which has metastasized to his skull and his hip But you’d never know it if you saw him!) After spending much of the year here in Hawaii, he and Mom went back to their home in Gig Harbor, Washington where he is getting immunotherapy treatments this summer. His attitude and faith are so inspiring. I just love him so much I want to see him living and thriving as long as possible! (Prayers SO appreciated!). But one thing we know is that It helps to have things to look forward to! Our next “thing” is a family trip to Portugal in late September for Luke’s next contest (and my parents’ 61st anniversary!) We are so excited!
So, with all of that, for now, I’m grateful for time to pray, ponder, and reset before hopping back on the podcast. ❤️ I may share a quick update episode soon, but otherwise I’ll keep you posted.
Meanwhile, it’s a great time to catch up on past episodes in your podcast feed!
But, as always, signing up for my weekly email is the best way to not miss anything!
Now to the fun stuff!
OUR BIGGEST FAMILY NEWS: Jonah got engaged!!
Quick love story (though I’m sure Jonah and Taylor could tell it better!):
Jonah and Taylor met in June 2024, right after Jonah graduated from Westmont and Taylor from Cal Poly SLO. From the start, it seemed so natural—like they’d found their person! Taylor has been working in early childhood development while living in Thousand Oaks with her parents, and Jonah works as an engineer for Lockheed Martin in Goleta/Santa Barbara. The hour drive between them hasn’t been easy, but they’ve remained super balanced, staying committed to ministries, time with friends, and going on adventures together and apart. It’s been such a healthy season!
Our whole family has had the joy of spending time with Taylor, and we just adore her. I’ve especially loved watching how she and Jonah interact—there’s such a mutual respect and tender affection between them. When they visit, Jonah leads them in devotions each morning, and together they’re always up for a hike or outing. Taylor is quick to smile and so easy to be with, and we all agree: Jonah is the happiest and most himself we’ve ever seen.
Last spring we got to have a meal with Taylor’s parents in California, and it was no surprise to see where she gets her sweet spirit. They’re wonderful people, and we know they’ll be amazing in-laws.
The engagement story: Jonah proposed on the Carpinteria bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. He arranged for a photographer to hide in the bushes, while big brother Josiah captured the moment on video from a distance. (with some proud tears caught in the audio. 😉)
So…are you thinking what I’m thinking? I’m going to have a daughter!! 🎉 We are absolutely thrilled and can’t wait to celebrate Jonah and Taylor when they visit next week.
More updates from the past few months…
Back in June…Luke, his girlfriend Malia, and I had a really fun week in Newcastle, Australia for his first Challenger Series surf competition. He didn’t have the best event, (this is his first time on this pro series, so we expect a big learning curve!) But we had a ton of fun exploring, eating, chasing kangaroos, and drinking lots of delicious coffee (it was cold!)
I know many of you are curious about Malia (I’ve seen your sweet DMs! 🥰). Malia grew up here on the North Shore, and she and Luke had a special friendship during high school, and started officially dating last fall. She’s going to college and working locally—and even teaching Luke to ride horses! She’s been such a steady support in his surf journey and is a joy to have around.
Summer on island: I’ve thoroughly enjoyed some time home this summer! — decluttering (yay!), rearranging and setting up my office so it is more organized, efficient, and a better place for recording video (eventually!) Yay…
Levi’s been golfing a ton — with some great success, and some really rough tournaments. (golf is so hard!) He still loves it! My boys also all love spear fishing in the summer here!
We’ve had lots of visitors and beach days and tennis matches and sunset dinners. Dave and I have been lifting weights, taking walks (with our weighted vests, of course!) and just enjoying the simple life we have in the summers on the North Shore of Oahu. (winters= waves, so more surf traffic and busyness.)
One of my favorite things is gathering with friends after church at the beach on Sundays. We watch kids frolic in the waves, dip in to cool ourselves off, and share umbrellas, food, and our lives.
^^ My buddy, Emily, who is not only an incredible photographer but also beginning to pass on her expertise to other photogs via free resources, coaching, and courses! Check out what she’s up to (and drool at her beautiful work) on her website!
HUNTINGTON BEACH
A special/rare event! — Our entire family (including my folks) gathered in Huntington Beach for another surf contest in July. It was a highlight of the year for sure!
Our friend Hannah (who lives on the North Shore but grew up in Huntington Beach) was in town and captured family photos for us while we were there! If you are in Hawaii and need wedding or other photos, reach out to Hannah here!
❤️
Also here’s a great (news) update on our friend Dakota since he was hit by a car two months ago. Please keep praying!
I’m excited to share that for the next two months…My Wednesday email will be themed: “Autumn Notes.” 🍂 In it I’ll continue to share fun links to great articles or my new favorite lipstick or jeans (bc: balance!) but I’m also planning to share some heart-felt reflections from my life, motherhood, and faith. It’s just an 8-week series so I don’t want you to miss it!
If you’re not receiving my emails yet, SIGN UP HERE!
Also: Don’t forget: On the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month I tackle Q&A’s in Instagram stories. Mark your calendars and bring your questions!
(By now I’m sure your cup is dry, so you might want a refill before we wrap up with links and a giveaway…)
Links I Love
Got picky eaters? My friend Katie Kimball has help:
No more picky eaters challenge here
Snack recipes kids can make themselves
My friend (and now almost-neighbor!) Meg just launched her amazing new skincare line: GOOD BEAUTY!
I was able to try samples this spring and it is unlike anything I have ever experienced! Check out her site and place your order here!
Books I’ve been reading this summer:
- A Little Theology of Exercise short but thought-provoking.
- Doing Life with Your Adult Children (just starting it, so stay-tuned for my thoughts later!)
- When Crickets Cry rare (Christian) fiction for me, but enjoying it.
Two books coming out this month (I highly recommend you Pre-order now!)
- Come on Home: A Grace-Filled Guide to Raising a Family Who Loves (and Likes) Each Other, by Jessica Smartt Sooooo good!!!!
- Is Your Daughter Ready? 10 Ways to Empower Your Girl for an Age of New Challenges. by Kari Kampakis. Girl Moms you need this!!
If AI is on your mind… 🙋♀️ Here are two things to check out:
1. Are We all Cyborgs Now? (written from a Christian perspective, recommended by Jessica Smartt who I trust…) *warning: It has a lot of pages (and lots of words on every page 😜 ) so I’m a bit overwhelmed, but Jessica says it’s worth the read!
2. Jordan Raynor did a webinar on “Redeeming Your Time with AI” and it is excellent! He touches on ways to use AI to redeem time with kids, as well as work/writing life applications. This is a conversation we need to be having!
A few more links I’ve been saving up…
(I sampled Talitha coffee this summer and it was excellent! And their mission is one I want to support!)
IG’s I love:
This IG post made my brain 🤯. (I didn’t fact check it but I will be going to bed at 10 tonight. 😂)
I learn a ton from Dr. Mark Hyman’s IG.
Spurgeon Quotes are still my favorites.
Can we just do a group THANK YOU to Forrest Frank for being the role model our kids need?
New to homeschooling? (or thinking about it? )
Don’t forget Becoming Homeschoolers is your guide, from Preschool to College! (and be sure to get my homeschool freebie and encouragement HERE!)
Also, this article gave me goose bumps.
FINALLY: PREVINEX has a LABOR DAY SALE happening now!
My family has been taking Previnex Supplements all year and I am so excited about how great I’ve been feeling! (Read more of my story from their website here!) In this season I especially love the Muscle Health + (w/ creatine) and the vegan Protein Powder (in addition to Gut and Greens Superfood, Omega + and Joint Health +!) Be sure to check out all they have to offer on their website.
ALSO read this page about how Previnex “gives back” (I ❤️ it!)
And if this is your first order: Use can always use CODE: MONICA for 15% off!
GIVEAWAY!! (now closed!)
Congratulations, Katie, on winning the Previnex bundle!
David Block, founder of Previnex (and guest on my podcast last spring), has offered to give one of you BOX FULL OF ALL MY FAVORITE SUPPLEMENTS!!
Comment below and you’ll be entered to win!
— ** Let me know if you’re an email subscriber and if you’re following Previnex on Instagram! (extra entries!)
Choose from either QUESTION (or answer both!)
- Share something from the summer that you are taking WITH YOU into the next season!? A memory, a lesson, or even a challenge that has grown you in faith.
- Share one way you are seeking growth in the fall season? A new healthy habit, commitment to a spiritual discipline, family time, or…(you name it!)
GIVEAWAY will close on Tuesday, September 2nd!
I can’t wait to be encouraged by what you share!
Thanks for putting up with this crazy long post! I hope to hear more from you in comments! And I’ll close with the verse my friend Leanne highlighted for me earlier this year that has absolutely STUCK:
Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. -Psalm 37:3 ESV
My prayer is that in all seasons, in all that I do, I might “befriend” faithfulness to the Lord and what He has called me to in that season. I pray the same for you!
Hi Monica! Thank you for the wonderful coffee date!
I know I’m super late to the game and missed the giveaway, but I still wanted to think through your questions. They are really good!
One way I’m hoping to grow through the fall is… balance, patience, grace, and being more willing to ask for help. And remembering that each day is the Lord’s and glorifying him however I can. Because… we’ll be adding our fifth child to the family in just a couple weeks, and our home and lives will be very full! Our other children are ages 9, 7, 5, and 3. There are many needs, activities (even if simplified to one per child!), routines, and just basic things that we all want to keep steady, while also introducing a newborn! There is potential for chaos and overwhelm. But I don’t want that. I want to invite the Lord’s peace into each day. A slow and calm in the busy and full. It’s totally possible! And for that I’m beyond grateful. He led us to this point in our family and I know He will provide!
Hi Monica! I like your Bible verse monthly pages. Could you send out the twelve months sometime and I could print and have for reference? Thanks so much! Blessings to you and yours, Autumn
Hi Autumn, I’m so glad you liked the memory verses! I have been thinking about a way to put them all in one place…hmm, stay tuned and I’ll try to get something together with those sooner than later! Meanwhile, if you’ve been an email subscriber (?) you can probably pull up my older emails because for two full years I was sharing them the first Wednesday of each month! xo
I am seeking more time to take care of me this coming fall. My kids ages 18 and 16 allow me to have some free time as they can drive themselves and also take charge of their classes, leaving some extra time. I hope to fill it with reading, Bible Study, and exercise vs. Netflix and snacks before bed.
Following Previnex on IG!
I’m an email subscriber!
I’d like to be more intentional about my health in the fall season. My mom fell and broke her ankle and seeing how that affected her has lit a fire in me to take better care of myself!
I’m an email subscriber and follow Prevenix on IG. One way I’m seeking growth in the fall season is to work out more consistently. My hub and I are in our late 40’s and realizing that things do not come as easily in the strength department. I blame not having to carry my kids anymore but age probably is the biggest component. We are becoming grandparents and want to have lots of energy for our kids and grands. Cheers to better movement and health. Thanks for your steady encouragement!
Hey, Monica! A healthy habit I’m working on is increasing my protein intake (I have always struggled with this). A spiritual discipline I’ve been thinking about a lot lately is being more intentional with reading God’s Word to my children at home. I’m also subscribed to your emails 🙂 thanks for everything!!
Love all this! I’m taking into this season a reminder that “interruptions” throughout the day with my kids are far from interruptions to God’s plan for my life. They are great opportunities for discipleship for my kids or perhaps the Lord’s discipleship of me.
I’m an email subscriber and I follow Previnex!
Hi Monica!
Thanks for the update. I have been following along with you on your email list for a few years now and I enjoy hearing about your family. I’ve already started in the last couple of weeks, but my new habit that I’m starting this fall is reading and memorizing scripture and praying every morning consistently, whether that is alone in the quiet or with the baby at my feet if he’s up early. It’s already been a wonderful time of growth for me as I am starting my days at a better pace.
I was following you on instagram but I made the decision this summer to give up my social media entirely, and I think it’s been good for me.
Thank you for encouraging and inspiring us!
I will pray for your dad and the whole family.
Grace and peace to you!
Hi Monica! I’ve been an email subscriber for at least 12 years. Congratulations on Jonah’s engagement!!! What an exciting time for your family!!
I don’t have insta, but after your podcast episode with David Block, we ordered Previnex’s Muscle Health + and are now subscribers. (I think that tells you how much we like it. I love it with a half of a lemon squeezed in. ) 💪🩷
To answer your question, the Lord has really worked in my heart this summer to love those who are hard to love or hurt me. God has really done a work in my heart to make me realize how amazing His love for me is as He has loved me though I often hurt Him and am so prone to sin. If He loves me so incredibly and tells me to follow Him, how can I deny love to someone who hurts me? It’s no surprise to say this, yet somehow experiencing and walking through this trial has surprised me with how much deeper my knowledge of Christ has grown and how rich my fellowship with Him has been. He is so good to teach and grow His children more and more into His image. 🩷 He is our good, good Father.
Oops. Forgot to add—I’m an email subscriber and follow Previnex on Instagram. Congratulations on the growing family and a *new* daughter!
One thing my kids and I started adopting at dinner time has been saying about the things we’re thankful for. It’s just been such a rewarding tradition that we are continuing to make it one every night. And, I’m working on really dialing in on a healthier sleep schedule. No more late nights!
I was so wrapped up in my comment that I forgot to add that I’m an email subscriber. I have an IG account but life is too crazy to keep up with more than email and occassional social media.
We’re two and half years into caring for mom – she has late stage dementia and I don’t think we have a lot of time left with her. My daughter heart is struggling with this; she has always been my go-to person for childhood memories, family histories uncovered, my rock in her loving me through my worst and my best, and reminding me how important God is. But I’m realizing I also have some growing to do, mending a selfish heart I didn’t know I had. and seeking forgiveness from myself and others so that I can be the daughter in Christ that I am supposed to be. Both of these personal journeys are harder than I am prepared for. My faith has been challenged, my heart has been challenged, and I’m open to all the prayer and support my siblings and myself need desperately.
Hi Monica! I have been a subscriber of yours for a few years and love hearing your updates. Congratulations on your son‘s engagement! This summer I have been working to start the day off with the Lord‘s prayer before I even get out of bed. When I get downstairs, I’ve been lighting a candle and writing three things of gratitude after my prayer time. I really like the candle 🙂 I also following Previnex Instagram. prayers for your dad! Hope your fall is cozy!🍁
Good morning. Thank you for your podcasts and blog posts. I so greatly appreciate them. One thing I am trying to do this fall is to take one day at a time and focus on the moment instead of being overwhelmed by my calendar. With four sweet kiddos, and my oldest entering high school, it can be overwhelming. But if I focus on loving God and loving my family moment by moment, instead of overwhelmed by the week’s tasks, I’m hoping to be a better mom and wife and to enjoy this stage instead of stressed out and missing special moments.
I enjoyed your post. I had a wonderful summer with my two grandsons. they are amazing. I do subscribe and I do follow.
I’m an email subscriber!
Something from the summer that I am taking WITH ME into the next season that has grown me in faith.
Realizing that He wants everything, including my failings and failures. I didn’t realize how tightly I was holding onto them until He asked me for them and I said “But they’re MY mistakes and MY failures, not yours.” It actually surprised me! And once I gave them to Him I felt relieved and released. My load had lightened considerably and I was able to be even more present in the moment. My gift of my entire life – good, bad, ugly – was His gift to me – my life freed of all the good, bad, and ugly.
One way I am seeking growth in the fall season? Becoming mentally and physically fit so I can free my home of the excess of things we truly don’t need. I want my home to be open to anyone who wants to come by and for them to feel comfortable and at home. I want to make the backyard a prayer garden. I have it sketched out, I just need to get into a habit to clear the area and start working on it bit by bit.
Monica,
I am a subscriber and a follower.
Heading into fall (my favorite season), I have been diagnosed with a couple of new health issues. I am just working on changing my eating and health habits to bring that under control.
Loved the update!
1- I am an email subscriber
2- I am a previnex follower in instagram
3- I would like to focus more on slowing down and being present in the moment this fall!
Newsletter subscriber.
Next season, I’m hoping to change into falling back truly & getting back to waking up earlier & reading my Bible every morning.
Hi Monica,
Send Jonah our congratulations!!
I will pray for your father.
I haven’t read straight through the Bible in a couple years. I plan on starting in Sept. with a new focus on how my daily readings can be reflected in my everyday life.
I have heard great things about previnex. I now follow them
Sipping coffee and enjoying this coffee date!
Hi, One thing I am excited to start a new job at a small christian school as a PE teacher. Looking forward to the challenge of helping kids love moving their bodies and sharing more with them Gods great creativity in making us all unique! I am also going to be super consistent i.ln my eating and working out habits as perimenopause has wreaked havoc on my body this last year!
I am an email subscriber:)
Love getting your emails and praying for your dad!
Hi Monica!
First!! Congrats on the engagement and inheriting your first daughter in Love. Enjoy this season💜
What a FUN giveaway, thanks for the opportunity:
✅ to being an email subscriber!
✅ to following Previnix on the gram!
What I’m taking from Summer into Fall: The Holy Sprit in us is incredible power God gives us access to.
What I’m working toward this Fall is Consistency. (Thank you for the podcast where you answered the questions🙌🏼 it brought me back to the truths of your Skinny Friends book, and freedom)
Finally, if you end up loving When Crickets Cry (that one made me🥺) put Water From My Heart as your next read by Charles Martin!! Wow…so Good!
Katie!! I LOVE all of this AND your name was chosen to win the Previnex bundle giveaway!! Emailing you now! big hugs! (and ordering Water From My Heart now! :))
xo
I love your podcast and all you do! Thank you! As a fellow podcaster I know how much work it is behind the scenes. This fall season all three of our kids are playing flag football on different teams. It’s a joy to watch them play. As I’m sure you understand from watching your boys do the things they love. Over the summer we took a big trip to Europe with our kids, such amazing memories. We are hoping to cultivate more in this next year. We just have a few more years until our oldest goes to college.
I am taking the memories of an incredible summer with my amazing husband and daughter.
I am a subscriber
I followed on Instagram (jodileighhunter)
I’m just working on finding a good oncologist. The last four caused more problems than they solved.
I’m an email subscriber.
This past summer taught me about the gift of Sabbath rest. It’s one command that’s easy to gloss over, yet God speaks about it more than anything throughout scripture. I will be taking all that I’ve gleaned and practiced into the next season and beyond. We were made to work, but God gifted Sabbath because he knew it is not good for man just to work. We need rest to be with God and our spiritual and immediate families. It’s his gift and I’m thankful.
I’m an email subscriber!!
I’m an email subscriber
Wow! So many life happenings and excitement! I have been out of the groove of many things and have missed listening to your podcasts and emails. I was checking my old account and saw this fresh coffee date. Definitely was nice to “catch up”. I think this is the theme of my fall…catching up with friends I have lost contact with in the chaos of the last few months. Started back in the homeschool year and away we go. It is always so encouraging to me to see how your boys are successful and thriving and since I have been following for awhile I feel like I have watched them grow up even though I don’t know them!. I always question myself as we do the homeschool thing and wonder if we do enough but I think we are always just where we need to be. One other thing I am going to commit to again is the Bible Recap. It was from your podcast I learned about TLC and what a blessing!
My biggest challenge is to lose weight, been eating more to soothe the pain of my 18 year old cat passing away 9 days ago, ( had Fred since he was a kitten).
An email subscriber since the beginning! Love following and feeling like I’ve done life with you while I’ve been raising my kids. This summer, I’ve really enjoyed late evenings with my teenagers. They open up so much and you see a new side of them. Have to figure out how that works with school starting again but we will get there. Subscribing to Instagram previnex now to see what they have.
With Autumn and the holidays coming, I’m going to try to remain anxious free. Working on my breathing exercises. And stretching. it makes a HUGE difference!
I’m following preview on ig and I’m a subscriber.
I started a new medicine 2 weeks ago to lower my blood sugar and help lose weight. I’m hoping I go into the fall with the mindset to to both and help it along.
Thank you for this coffee date post because I’ve missed the podcast but totally respect you for focusing on the things that matter! As a email subscriber you teased so much of this info to us. 🙂 The healthy habit Id like to have this fall is talking over the Bible with my kids. We often read it or do devotions on it but Id love for the Holy Spirit to allow me to just have conversation on the Bible and how it applies throughout the day.
From the summer, I am taking a lot of things I learned at work after covering eight weeks for someone else’s job – I now am better equipped (but tired??) to do my own.
For the fall, I’m hoping to take motivation to get out and get my daily walk in!!
This summer I’ve been intentional about seeing/loving/accepting my daughter (who is SO different from me) for who she is. She is 11 and I have made it my mission to focus on not changing her and I can feel the shift in our relationship. This is something I want to take with me not only into the next season but for life. My eyes have been opened and I’m noticing these amazing qualities about her that I want to emulate. Loved reading all your life updates. Honestly the podcast break is giving me a chance to get caught up so enjoy your much-needed hiatus. Congrats to Jonah and Taylor – how exciting!!!
I am an email subscriber and am now following Previnex on IG :).
Well I’m ending the summer with having Covid for the 5th time, not fun. This is despite having the vaccinations. I did enjoy the summer with a few of my kids and some of my granddaughters, that’s always my happy place. The best part of the summer is finding out that my daughter is having her third child, a girl. All girls, I will have 6 granddaughters, we are a over run with girls in this generation. I love it though because they are the best and I can’t wait to see this new little girl.
I’m an email subscriber. What I’ll take with me from the summer is the memory of a week at the beach with my family.
I am an email subscriber. Because of circumstances, my husband is not living with me at this time. That means I’ve had to learn to use a zero turn mower, buy and assemble an edger and blower that I can handle, and keep up with all the yard work plus the housework and love on my kids through it all. It’s been a journey. I am learning to adult on a whole new level. I’ve also taken up jigsaw puzzles to keep me away from screens and just give me quiet to think and pray. I also did some hanging yoga this summer which was great for strength training and also doing something new which is good for the brain.
Hi Monica! I enjoyed your long coffee post. I drank my cup as I read along. My next purchase of coffee will be from Talitha, I even sent the link to myself so I could remember. Thanks for sharing that with us! I recently discovered the swiss water process to get a good, healthy, cup of decafe without also drinking acetone, what’s typically used to decaffeinate it. I don’t tolerate caffeine very well ( I wish I did, it has many benefits) but I love the aspects of rich coffee for the antioxidants. Talitha has good decafe made with the water flush process, yay! For me, coffee is a supplement!
The Holy Spirit is taking me deeper in being less self focused. I can obsess over my health. Can you tell from my above thoughts on coffee? 🥴 I do love to learn and care for myself, but I can take it too far and be a perfectionist. What I know I really want is more contentment in who I am in Christ, right now, as I am. Thank you for sharing the article last week about how healthy is our pursuit of health. That landed at a perfect time in my inbox. I shared it with a friend who also can struggle as I can.
This school year I have a 9th, 4th, and kindergartener. I really struggled with my littlest guy (All three are boys!) going to kinder. I shed many tears, and still have, and considered homeschooling again (I did in the past and still have a huge heart for it) just to keep him home another year 😭. But I know public school is where God has our kids, and I’m resting in that, and this new season. The extra time with my hubs has been great! And I lead a moms group at church and not taking a little along with me has been nice (and sad) in its own way.
Thanks for all you bring here Monica! You are a blessing to me and so many other mamas! Prayers for you and your ministry ✝️🤎
P.S. I’m an email subscriber. I’m not on social media right now.
With the school year starting, it also allows for a growth mentality.
I started a new job in March and after five months of getting my feet wet and a steep learning curve, I am finally finding some stability and understanding.
My daughter graduated college in May and is living her best life across the country, learning so much about being on her own, and looking for adulting guidance. I am learning how to help her grow and thrive as a friend, and not so much as a child.
This perimenopause phase of life is interesting. I started lifing weights again (adding creatine), added HRT, and reading books on body changes.
Congratulations on all the goodness in your life!
email subscriber
previnex follower
Hi Monica! I just subscribed to your emails and started following Previnex on IG. I had never heard of them; thank you for sharing! I am learning to slow down EVEN MORE in this season where I’m starting to homeschool while going through perimenopause. This fall/winter I will be trying to plan things according to my cycle (for my sanity and to protect my family’s peace and joy 😆). It is challenging to lean into rest instead of forcing myself to be productive or too active. I’m trusting God will make it all work out, and that my family will be better for the change in pace and not resent me in the future. I have boys as well, so I’m not sure how well they will understand this season in my life when they’re older. Meanwhile, asking Holy Spirit for help, to stay joyful in my service to my family and to God in all things. Thankful for your encouragement on this journey!
Summer came to an abrupt end when my son was hit by a car and now needs surgery. He’s a homeschool senior this year and it hurts that we can’t do our traditional stuff (National Park trip in October, for one). There is so much more involved since this is not just an injury but an at-fault, police involved, legal and medical issue. It’s just confirmed that I can do it in God’s strength, not mine. It’s been oddly encouraging in some ways.
Email subscriber. Not on IG but I subscribed to Previnex email.
Canadian mom here 👋🏻🇨🇦🏒
School is just about to start and so is our very busy hockey season. With 3 kids playing minor hockey we have been much more intentional this year to seek the Lord first in how we balance everything, and what we need to pour into this season. My husband always coaches one of the kids and I seem to manage a team or two, and very quickly we can be running way too hot! I am excited to see how this year will feel with a grounded and Christ centered start.
I’m also looking forward to routine and better habits for everyone, myself largely! Summer is short and intense in the North so we soak up every minute we can, but it leaves a lot of room for better choices every fall lol.
Good morning from Simi Valley, CA.
I’m sitting in my den, listening to the birds sing and enjoying your blog.
I love reading your blogs, emails and posts and I clap my hands to you for taking a break from the podcast. I think as women we want to be so involved in work and home life and see how much we can add to our plate. It’s okay to say no, it’s okay to take a break and it’s okay to switch focus on friends and family or whatever God has for us in the season that he wants us to say yes to. 🙂 I’ve finally leaned to say no or not right now in my mid 40 years…took long enough right?! lol
Santa Barbara is my home away from home and I’m familiar with Carpinteria and I’m just so excited for your son and his engagement. Pictures were beautiful!
This summer I learned to make better work hours and really leave at 4:30/5pn so I can take time with my kids, Roman (11) and London ( 7 1/2). I can let work consume me (I’m a project manager for a general contractor) and I have to constantly remind myself that Work will be there tomorrow… The kids will not be small forever.
A new habit for me is when I wake up and before I look at the phone, I say a prayer and thank God for life and tell him that I surrender all to him and that because he is my shepherd I lack nothing. It helps me get focused in the morning and thank God first!
I am just now following Previnex and my husband and I are looking into purchasing. My husband just started acupuncture for his digestion issues and it’s really been helping so I’m hoping this product is something that can help as well.
Take care and enjoy those pumpkin drinks!! I remember from IG how much you love fall 😊🎃🍁🍂
Love,
Marissa
This summer was a summer of healing, my husband of almost 50 years this November passed away March 1 from Cancer.
It was 5 years of ups and downs and struggles.
God is faithful and was with us through it all. My children and grandchildren and family members and friends were very supportive.
I was blessed to have them all.
Staying home after his passing was hard, so 3 weeks later I started a job at a school for special needs children. It was the best thing for me. I did get sick several times, which does not happen to me usually. Apparently though your immune system is really challenged after you lose your spouse and you don’t realize how much stress emotionally has been put on your body. I am back at the school and feel great. This summer I visited family and friends and relaxed and also took another look at my lifestyle and exercise and my meals. I have also joined the YMCA.
I listen to JOYFM a Christian radio station here in Florida on the way to work and home from work and anytime I am in the car.
I found an awesome church home and leaning on the Lord daily!
I get up early to spend quiet time with Jesus, just talking and praying and try to listen to His direction.
Thanks so much for your post I have enjoyed them so much. ❤️😊❤️
Stephanie Dory yes I am an email subscriber. I now follow them. We are growing this fall by starting homeschooling on September 2! I am seeking wisdom, patience, grace and praying for a better connection for our family!!!
Growth-I’m trying to embrace “good enough” on my school semester. For the past three semesters, I have spent an inordinate amount of time in an attempt to get good grades. But really I just need to pass, and with a full-time job plus a Homestead and family, it is not the right season of life for me to give up everything just for a “good” grade.
Good morning! I am an email subscriber and when I get back on instagram I need to find Previnex. I’m taking a little social media break. This summer has been challenging for me. My daughter started college last week and I lost a dear aunt to breast cancer. I’m heading to Portland this afternoon for her memorial. Here is what I’m taking away from this season: life is constantly changing. I have to lean into prayer and faith at times like this. He will guide me and calm my nerves.
This summer has been wonderful but full of challenges. Our small town in northern Minnesota got smacked by a “hurricane on land” and had lots of damage. I was also diagnosed with thyroid cancer and had surgery on July. I’ve continually been reminded of Gods faithfulness and kindness through the hard seasons. Whenever I go through a “big” trial in life, I keep a list on my phone of all of the ways I see God show up. It’s been so encouraging to look back at lists from past trials as I walk through current trials. As I remind our kids often, “God is always with us and can always be trusted.”
This fall I’m setting some goals through an Arc Challenge with nourish move love. Excited for that! AND I started homeschooling my oldest kiddo a couple of weeks ago! He’s loving kindergarten so far and I’m sooooooo grateful for all of your podcasts, books and encouragement over the years. It truly has equipped me and gotten me so excited for this new season! So, thank you 🙂 congrats on the engagement!!! So exciting!!!
Hello,
I’m an email subscriber. My name is Ka’Lon, mom of four. A lesson I learned this summer season was God is all I need. My husband fell ill in July and it could have changed everything. God has shown me even in the chaos and uncertainty, He’s all I need. I have no one else to turn to, so I’ve been turning to Him.
With the coming fall, kids will be in school so I with be seeking more self care time with focus on my health, nutrition and strength. I wanna find me again.
This fall I’m working to keep my time organized so I can serve those around me well. I have realized if I am organized, plan, and don’t waste my time on things that don’t matter- I can do more. I have wanted to get healthier but always feel like supplements are too expensive- I would love to win!
I’m seeking growth this fall by really trying to find my quiet spot with God and opening my Bible every day even if it’s for 5 minutes. With going back to school, staring a new position and trying to keep my family grounded, I feel like I don’t get a lot of time for me. Pray I keep rooted and positive. Thank you!
I think one thing I’ve learned this summer is to see grace as a gift from God. I’ve been too hard on myself and others. meditating on the amount of grace that God gives us and the amount we are able to give others has changed ally relationships.
Didn’t see anything about giveaway but I wanted to let you know that I want to enter giveaway and are interested in reading your books in print format since you’re new to me
Hope I Win