New year, new norms... cuffs again, creativity collector

Hi friend,

If you’re receiving this, you were subscribed to my previous newsletter. I’m switching platforms because Substack is free, and if I ever decide to offer a paid subscription in the future, I’ll have that option. So WELCOME! I’m so glad you’re here.

Lately, I’ve felt a God-nudge to start writing again—kind of like the good ol’ days of blogging. This space will be a mix of shop updates (yes, I’ll be making things again!), recipes, quotes, God revelations, healthy tips, book reviews, travel—basically, anything I love and want to share. I like to think of myself as a Creativity Collector—inspired by so many things, and if they inspire me, I know they’ll inspire you too. So here we go! Look for something bi-monthly:)

I know it’s already mid-February, but I wanted to share a few habits that are sticking. My honey and I love TV. We could easily stream Netflix or Amazon Prime for hours every night. But a few months ago, I started feeling convicted about the shows we were consuming. And I do mean consuming because what we watch, listen to, and read—it all feeds us in some way. Can you say convicted?

So back in December, we started a no-plot TV rule. Now, whatever we watch has to be educational in some way. I subscribed to the MasterClass app, and I’ve already watched quite a few. My favorite so far? Martha Stewart. The funny thing is, I’ve never really been a fan, and I’m sure she’d be a lot in real life. But watching her “day in the life” gave me a whole new respect for her work ethic. She’s in her 80s and still living every day to the fullest. I want that to be me—purposeful, working on something I love until God calls me home.

This shift in TV habits has helped us build a better nighttime routine. We try to be in bed no later than 9:30 and to help with that, I bought a silk eye mask. As soon as I put it on, my body knows it’s time to sleep. Somehow, by morning, it’s always under my head, but I never notice it slipping off. I’m also trying mouth tape. The verdict is still out on whether that’s beneficial yet. The claims are a defined jawline, deeper sleep, no snoring, etc. I’m all for the above. We’ll see.

And this leads me to the best part—these changes have helped me finally establish the habit I’ve wanted most: becoming a morning person! It’s happening! I set my alarm for 5:45 most mornings, sip my coffee, read my Bible, and then head to our garage gym for some movement. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m determined to make this my life. I’m calling it my refreshing routines mantra for the year. If something isn’t serving me, I want no part of it. Wasting time, feeling sluggish, and not meeting my goals? Not serving me. So onward and upward!

My Word of the Year

Speaking of mantras, have you picked your word of the year yet?

Mine found me in mid-January. I kept seeing the word abundance—in well, abundance. 😊

I love this verse from Ephesians 3:20:

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think."

Our God is able to do more than we can imagine. We need to live in a place of faith, knowing He is the God of the cattle on a thousand hills. With Him, there is no lack, no scarcity. I want to live in that place of overflow—where my needs are met and the love, joy, peace, and provision He gives just bubble up and out of me. Yes, Lord!

** Want your word on a brown leather cuff? Here’s the listing.

What I’m Reading

I recently finished Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. A friend loved it and loaned me her copy. I’d never read Ann before, but I was curious since she owns a local bookstore here in Nashville—Parnassus Books.

The book was a little slow at first, but the character development was amazing. The ending? Completely shocking! Would I recommend it? Yes.

Quote of the Week

This one is from James Clear (also on MasterClass 😊). He sends out a weekly newsletter on Thursdays, and I get a little giddy when it pops into my inbox.

I loved this quote:

"The quality of my life is significantly higher on days that I publish an article. The creative process and well-being go hand in hand."

YES. I feel that to my core.

What Brave Thing Have You Done Today?

Here’s mine: I sent a press release request to a local online newspaper, asking for a mention of my children’s book, My Forever Home: The Hope of Heaven. Fingers crossed! 😊

Every week, I’m committed to doing something out of my comfort zone to get His work into the world.

What else am I working on?