This has been a week of anticipation, broken sleep, tired muscles (physically and not), and lots of reading. For each moment I felt overworked and stretched too far, there was a moment of rest right when I needed it. For each moment of disappointment or discouragement, there was a moment of reassurance and support. I know it doesn’t always work this way, and sometimes we go through droughts of discouragement with little to hold on to, but I’m always thankful when God provides one-for-one doses of the good and the difficult. It makes His provision and presence so apparent. Here are some other things I’m grateful for this week.

Cultivating Gratitude

A week that went by really fast. My 20-week ultrasound is on Tuesday, and it feels like I’m a kid counting down the days until Christmas!

My favorite pair of running shoes at 60% off. My lower back can only take so much, and it was beyond time to replace the old pair. I always order the same pair, and whenever I put on new ones I think, Ahhhh, that’s how these are supposed to feel.

A broken modem. While I’m not thrilled that our brand-new modem shorted out in a storm, which means shelling out money for another one, it has been surprisingly nice to be without internet. I use Dan’s iPad as a hotspot when he’s home, but when he’s out for home tours in the evenings, I have no choice but to do internet-less activities. I did tons of reading and writing, free of distractions, and I loved it.

Creativity and inspiring writers. I’ve felt a little stalled in my creative process lately, and truly, it’s because I haven’t been reading enough books (not articles, not blogs, not Buzzfeed lists—books). Savoring the voices of my favorite authors is like getting a massage for my tired creative muscles, leaving me refreshed and limber.

The community of readers here. Even when I change things up and take risks in my writing, you guys cheer me on, and it helps me want to keep on growing. I love, love, love connecting with each one of you.

Sharing Love

Looking for some fun summer date ideas? Susannah shared lots of inspiration for getting outside and making the most of this season with your better half.

Christine and her husband are celebrating 10 years of marriage this week! These are the top 10 things she’s learned during her time as a Mrs.

Mornings don’t have to be a drag. Jump start your day by incorporating a few of these suggestions into your routine.

I don’t know yet if I’m having a girl or a boy, but if this little one is a girl, you better believe she’s going to have an adorable headband collection. Minimal, sure, but still adorable. Jess shared her favorite shops for headbands, and they could not be cuter.