Finding Joy in Your Home

Big changes are happening — a new home, new routines, and a whole new season of life! In this honest and encouraging episode, Jami shares how she's rethinking her homemaking rhythms and routines as her family transitions into a new home (and a new chapter). Whether you're moving, welcoming a baby, starting a new schedule, or simply realizing your old routines aren't working anymore, this episode will help you refocus and find peace in the middle of change. Jami walks through nine practical and faith-filled steps — from praying over your priorities to simplifying systems, involving your kids, and holding your plans with open hands. If you've been craving a fresh start or just need gentle encouragement for your current season, this is the perfect episode to listen to while folding laundry or brewing your morning coffee. 🎧 Listen in and be reminded: change doesn't have to steal your peace — it can be the perfect opportunity to invite God into your home's rhythm. Links and Resources: Join our private community to chat about this podcast episode: FindingJoyCommunity.com Watch the podcast on YouTube if you want! Finding Joy in Your Home on YouTube Check out our amazing new app at https://joyfulhomeapp.com/ We are undergoing a huge website redesign. We will be moving things up a ton and will have a super fun relaunch soon - big giveaways and other fun stuff. Stay tuned! Our Sponsor: Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/HOME! #honeylovepod

Ever find yourself exhausted in the very life you prayed for? In this week's episode, Jami opens her heart about seasons of weariness and how to trust God when joy seems out of reach. Drawing from a listener's heartfelt question, she offers both spiritual encouragement and practical wisdom for tired moms—especially those in the thick of little years and endless noise. You'll hear Jami's own stories of fatigue, faith, and God's sustaining grace through motherhood, plus encouragement to check your physical and spiritual health, invite your husband into your struggles, and find joy in everyday faithfulness. ✨ Topics covered: Finding purpose when motherhood feels heavy The difference between physical and spiritual exhaustion Encouragement for moms with multiple young children Training kids in chores (without losing your mind!) Why God's strength meets us right where we're worn out Listen in for fresh encouragement and truth: your work in the Lord is never in vain. Links and Resources: Join our private community to chat about this podcast episode: FindingJoyCommunity.com Watch the podcast on YouTube if you want! Finding Joy in Your Home on YouTube Check out our amazing new app at https://joyfulhomeapp.com/ We are undergoing a huge website redesign. We will be moving things up a ton and will have a super fun relaunch soon - big giveaways and other fun stuff. Stay tuned!

Do you ever feel like your days at home are stuck on repeat? They're mundane, overwhelming, or just plain boring? You're not alone! In this episode of our Back to the Basics Homemaking series, Jami shares honest struggles from her own journey (including the diaper years with back-to-back twins!) and offers four practical, faith-filled steps to help you recover joy in your home. From memorizing Scripture and filling your house with worship to seeing homemaking as a ministry and caring for your body, you'll find encouragement to approach everyday tasks with renewed purpose and delight. Links and Resources: Join our private community to chat about this podcast episode: FindingJoyCommunity.com Watch the podcast on YouTube if you want! Finding Joy in Your Home on YouTube Check out our amazing new app at https://joyfulhomeapp.com/ We are undergoing a huge website redesign. We will be moving things up a ton and will have a super fun relaunch soon - big giveaways and other fun stuff. Stay tuned!

Do you ever feel like Bible study keeps slipping through the cracks in your busy days? In this episode, I'm sharing the simple Bible study routine that's been transforming my quiet time over the past nine months. We'll talk about overcoming guilt in hard seasons, finding rhythms that actually work with little ones underfoot, and practical tools like the ESV Spiral Bible, praying through the Psalms, and journaling Scripture. Whether you've got five minutes or thirty, you'll walk away with fresh encouragement and ideas to help you grow in God's Word right where you are. Links and Resources: Join our private community to chat about this podcast episode: FindingJoyCommunity.com Watch the podcast on YouTube if you want! Finding Joy in Your Home on YouTube Check out our amazing new app at https://joyfulhomeapp.com/ We are undergoing a huge website redesign. We will be moving things up a ton and will have a super fun relaunch soon - big giveaways and other fun stuff. Stay tuned!

In this episode, we explore what it really means to view homemaking through the lens of the gospel. From endless dishes and laundry to the unexpected trials of daily life, it can be easy to wonder if the work of the home truly matters. But Scripture reminds us that every small act, each meal prepared, story read, or diaper changed, can be an offering of worship when done for the Lord. Join me as I share personal stories, encouragement from Colossians 3, and a reminder that homemaking is more than chores—it is kingdom work. Links and Resources: Join our private community to chat about this podcast episode: FindingJoyCommunity.com Watch the podcast on YouTube if you want! Finding Joy in Your Home on YouTube Check out our amazing new app at https://joyfulhomeapp.com/ We are undergoing a huge website redesign. We will be moving things up a ton and will have a super fun relaunch soon - big giveaways and other fun stuff. Stay tuned!

In this episode, we explore what it really means to view homemaking through the lens of the gospel. From endless dishes and laundry to the unexpected trials of daily life, it can be easy to wonder if the work of the home truly matters. But Scripture reminds us that every small act, each meal prepared, story read, or diaper changed, can be an offering of worship when done for the Lord. Join me as I share personal stories, encouragement from Colossians 3, and a reminder that homemaking is more than chores—it is kingdom work. Links and Resources: Join our private community to chat about this podcast episode: FindingJoyCommunity.com Watch the podcast on YouTube if you want! Finding Joy in Your Home on YouTube Check out our amazing new app at https://joyfulhomeapp.com/ We are undergoing a huge website redesign. We will be moving things up a ton and will have a super fun relaunch soon - big giveaways and other fun stuff. Stay tuned!

We're back for Season 5 of the Finding Joy in Your Home podcast! 🎉 In this kickoff episode, I'm diving into one of the most-requested and foundational topics: what does it truly mean to be a homemaker? Whether you're a stay-at-home mom, a working woman, a student, or somewhere in between, homemaking is something every woman is called to in unique ways. I'll share my own journey of starting marriage with zero homemaking skills, how God shaped my perspective over the years, and why being a homemaker is less about spotless dishes and more about creating a Christ-centered haven. We'll talk about: Why homemaking looks different in every season How to define your family's culture and priorities The balance between routines and joy Building a home that nurtures hearts, not just chores If you've ever wrestled with what biblical homemaking should look like, or if you're ready for a fresh encouragement in your daily rhythms, this episode is for you. Links and Resources: Join our private community to chat about this podcast episode: FindingJoyCommunity.com Watch the podcast on YouTube if you want! Finding Joy in Your Home on YouTube Check out our amazing new app at https://joyfulhomeapp.com/ We are undergoing a huge website redesign. We will be moving things up a ton and will have a super fun relaunch soon - big giveaways and other fun stuff. Stay tuned! Sponsor: Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/HOME! #honeylovepod 

What does it really mean to have a rightly ordered home? In this episode, I'm diving into a topic that's been heavy on my heart: how we as Christian women can faithfully order our homes according to God's design while recognizing that every family looks a little different. I share some of my own story of working from home, balancing homeschooling, business, and motherhood, and what it's looked like for Jason and me to wrestle through these questions together. We'll talk about biblical principles for family life, the beauty of unique family cultures, and the importance of being faithful in the exact season God has given us. If you've ever wrestled with questions about priorities, work, comparison, or what "ordering your home" should practically look like, this episode is for you. Links and Resources: Join our private community to chat about this podcast episode: FindingJoyCommunity.com Watch the podcast on YouTube if you want! Finding Joy in Your Home on YouTube Check out our amazing new app at https://joyfulhomeapp.com/ We are undergoing a huge website redesign. We will be moving things up a ton and will have a super fun relaunch soon - big giveaways and other fun stuff. Stay tuned! Sponsor: For a limited time, you can try OneSkin with 15% off using code HOME at oneskin.co.

After a few years in a reading slump, I'm finally excited about books again, and this episode is a joyful deep dive into what's been fueling that spark! I'm sharing my current reading stats (57 books and counting!), how I track my progress, and the quirky way I rotate between fiction and nonfiction to stay motivated. You'll hear about the nerdy rabbit trail I've been down with fermented and cultured foods (hello, nine cookbooks in a row), the new Hunger Games prequels I couldn't put down, and the Trim Healthy Mama book that might just be my favorite read of the year. Plus: a sneak peek at my next cookbook project and our upcoming fantasy novel Hearthstead—coming to the app this fall! If you love books, need a little reading inspiration, or just want to peek at what I'm geeking out over right now, grab your cup of tea (or kefir 😉) and enjoy this cozy, bookish episode. Links and Resources: Join our private community to chat about this podcast episode: FindingJoyCommunity.com Watch the podcast on YouTube if you want! Finding Joy in Your Home on YouTube Check out our amazing new app at https://joyfulhomeapp.com/ We are undergoing a huge website redesign. We will be moving things up a ton and will have a super fun relaunch soon - big giveaways and other fun stuff. Stay tuned! Sponsor: Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/HOME! #honeylovepod  

After months of chaos, with hospital stays, a move, and postpartum recovery, meal planning completely fell off my radar. But now, I'm picking it back up with fresh eyes and a much simpler, grace-filled approach. In this episode, I'm sharing how I'm easing back into meal planning after survival mode, the strategies that are working right now (including planning just 3–4 dinners a week), and why I'm prioritizing flexibility over perfection. I also talk about how I'm using my own meal planning app to stay on track, how to meal plan even when your life is unpredictable, and the mindset shift that's making cooking joyful again instead of stressful. If you're in a messy season or just want a fresh start in the kitchen, this one's for you. Links and Resources: Join our private community to chat about this podcast episode: FindingJoyCommunity.com Watch the podcast on YouTube if you want! Finding Joy in Your Home on YouTube Check out our amazing new app at https://joyfulhomeapp.com/ We are undergoing a huge website redesign. We will be moving things up a ton and will have a super fun relaunch soon - big giveaways and other fun stuff. Stay tuned! Sponsor: Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/HOME! #honeylovepod  

After a hard season of stress, burnout, and survival mode, I'm finally focusing on rebuilding my health—slowly and intentionally. In this episode, I share the three simple (but powerful!) changes I'm making right now to support healing: focusing on whole foods, prioritizing daily movement, and supporting my hormones naturally. I also talk about why I'm not chasing perfection, what I'm learning about adrenal health, and how I'm weaving these shifts into full days with eight kids. If you're craving a fresh start with your health—without guilt or overwhelm—this conversation is for you. 💛 Let's talk about doing what we can, with what we have, right where we are. Links and Resources: Join our private community to chat about this podcast episode: FindingJoyCommunity.com Watch the podcast on YouTube if you want! Finding Joy in Your Home on YouTube Check out our amazing new app at https://joyfulhomeapp.com/ We are undergoing a huge website redesign. We will be moving things up a ton and will have a super fun relaunch soon - big giveaways and other fun stuff. Stay tuned! Check out Function Health at findingjoyinyourhome.com/function

In this eye-opening episode, Jami dives into the topic of women's hormones and the internal "clocks" that shape our energy, mood, and productivity. While men tend to operate on a 24-hour hormonal cycle, women's bodies follow a 28-day rhythm that impacts far more than just our periods. Jami explains how understanding the four phases of your cycle—menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal—can bring clarity and grace into your daily life. Learn how to sync your schedule, workouts, and expectations with your body's natural rhythms, why it's okay to feel tired some weeks and energized the next, and how God beautifully designed our bodies with intentional cycles of rest and renewal. This conversation is practical, faith-rooted, and encouraging, perfect for any woman who wants to work with her hormones instead of fighting them. Want to go deeper? Grab Jami's new book Cycles & Seasons at findingjoybookstore.com before the summer sale ends this week! Links and Resources: Join our private community to chat about this podcast episode: FindingJoyCommunity.com Watch the podcast on YouTube if you want! Finding Joy in Your Home on YouTube Check out our amazing new app at https://joyfulhomeapp.com/ We are undergoing a huge website redesign. We will be moving things up a ton and will have a super fun relaunch soon - big giveaways and other fun stuff. Stay tuned! Check out Function Health at findingjoyinyourhome.com/function Our Sponsor: Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/HOME! #honeylovepod Our Sponsor: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code HOME at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod

Summer is here—and whether your days are relaxed or full of activities, it's never too late to think intentionally about how you'll spend the season. In this episode, I share what our summer looks like as a homeschooling family of ten: from low-budget camping trips and local state park adventures to reading challenges and kid-led passion projects. You'll hear how we're managing screen time, why we're embracing a slower pace this year, and what kinds of creative learning (and fun!) our kids are diving into—like gardening, cookbook creation, and even a homemade audio drama! This episode is packed with ideas and encouragement to help you craft a summer rhythm that works for your unique family and season. Whether your summer is bustling or quiet, I hope this gives you inspiration and freedom to make the most of it without pressure. Links and Resources: Join our private community to chat about this podcast episode: FindingJoyCommunity.com Watch the podcast on YouTube if you want! Finding Joy in Your Home on YouTube Check out our amazing new app at https://joyfulhomeapp.com/ We are undergoing a huge website redesign. We will be moving things up a ton and will have a super fun relaunch soon - big giveaways and other fun stuff. Stay tuned! Check out Function Health at findingjoyinyourhome.com/function Our Sponsor: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code HOME at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Our Sponsor: Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/HOME. #honeylovepod

This past homeschool year was anything but smooth—between hospital stays, moving twice, and navigating postpartum exhaustion, our plans got turned upside down more than once. In this candid episode, I reflect on the highs and lows of our chaotic school year, how we adapted on the fly (including a big shift to online learning), and what lessons we're taking into the next season. Plus, I share our full curriculum lineup for the upcoming school year—from language arts and science to our big plunge into Omnibus with our oldest boys. If you're curious about Master Books, Monarch Online, CTC Math, or how we approach homeschool with eight kids (including two toddlers), this episode is packed with practical insights, encouragement, and a peek into our real-life homeschool decisions. Whether you're wrapping up your year or just planning ahead, I hope this gives you ideas and freedom for your own journey. Links and Resources: Join our private community to chat about this podcast episode: FindingJoyCommunity.com Watch the podcast on YouTube if you want! Finding Joy in Your Home on YouTube Check out our amazing new app at https://joyfulhomeapp.com/ We are undergoing a huge website redesign. We will be moving things up a ton and will have a super fun relaunch soon - big giveaways and other fun stuff. Stay tuned! Check out Function Health at findingjoyinyourhome.com/function Our Sponsor: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code HOME at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod  Our Sponsor: Check out PrepDish and get a 2-week free trial at prepdish.com/homemaking Our Sponsor: Check out the amazing journal from Tea and Ink Society and use coupon code FINDINGJOY to get $3 off at findingjoyinyourhome.com/readingjournal

After a whirlwind season—hospital stays, a move, and recovering from trauma—I'm finally starting to dig into some persistent health struggles I've been feeling for a while. In this episode, I share the very beginning of my journey to better health: why I decided to get comprehensive blood testing, what surprising results I discovered (hint: it wasn't my hormones), and how I'm creating a long-term plan to rebuild from the inside out. I also share my honest experience with Function Health, the affordable testing option I used, and give a peek at what I'm working on—like low ferritin, omega-3 deficiency, and gut health. If you're navigating fatigue or wondering how to get to the root of your own health issues, this episode is for you. Links and Resources: Join our private community to chat about this podcast episode: FindingJoyCommunity.com Watch the podcast on YouTube if you want! Finding Joy in Your Home on YouTube Check out our amazing new app at https://joyfulhomeapp.com/ We are undergoing a huge website redesign. We will be moving things up a ton and will have a super fun relaunch soon - big giveaways and other fun stuff. Stay tuned! Check out Function Health at findingjoyinyourhome.com/function Our Sponsor: Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/HOME! #honeylovepod  Our Sponsor: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code HOME at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod  Our Sponsor: Head to shopbeam.com/FINDJOY and save UP TO 40% for a limited time when you use code FINDJOY at checkout.

In this deeply personal episode, I share the story of our 7-month-old son Radley's accident—how a spilled cup of hot tea led to second- and third-degree burns, an ambulance ride, and an 8-day stay in the pediatric burn unit. It was one of the hardest weeks of our lives, and yet in the midst of the pain and exhaustion, God met us in powerful ways. I open up about what those long hospital days taught me—not only about suffering and surrender—but also about the incredible opportunity we have to minister to others in similar places. Whether you've walked through your own medical emergency, want to be more equipped to serve hurting families, or are simply curious what it's really like to live in a hospital room for over a week with a baby, I hope this episode encourages you and gives you a renewed heart for showing up when it matters most. Links and Resources: Join our private community to chat about this podcast episode: FindingJoyCommunity.com Watch the podcast on YouTube if you want! Finding Joy in Your Home on YouTube Check out our amazing new app at https://joyfulhomeapp.com/ We are undergoing a huge website redesign. We will be moving things up a ton and will have a super fun relaunch soon - big giveaways and other fun stuff. Stay tuned! Our Sponsor: Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/HOME! #honeylovepod

In this episode of At The Hearth: Family Chats, Jami and Jason sit down to talk honestly about one of the biggest modern parenting challenges—technology. With eight kids ranging from 12 years old to a baby, homeschooling, and working from home, they've had to be intentional about how screens and devices fit into their everyday life. They share their family's philosophy on tech use, practical boundaries they've set (for both kids and adults), and how they've handled screen time during busy seasons—like two years living in an RV! From social media limits to tech-free moments and everything in between, this episode offers encouragement, grace, and real-life ideas for stewarding technology well in your home. Links and Resources: Join our private community to chat about this podcast episode: FindingJoyCommunity.com Watch the podcast on YouTube if you want! Finding Joy in Your Home on YouTube Check out our amazing new app at https://joyfulhomeapp.com/ We are undergoing a huge website redesign. We will be moving things up a ton and will have a super fun relaunch soon - big giveaways and other fun stuff. Stay tuned! Our Sponsor: Check out Prepdish by going to Prepdish.com/homemaking Our Sponsor: Get a FREE 7-day trail to the Joyful Home App! Just go to findingjoyinyourhome.com/app

In this episode of At The Hearth: Family Chats, Jami is joined by Jason to tackle a challenge every busy family faces—finding margin and rest. They share practical ways they build rhythms of rest into their daily lives, set boundaries to protect their time, and simplify their schedules to avoid burnout. Whether you're managing a big family or just feeling overwhelmed by the pace of life, this conversation will help you create more space for peace and joy in your home. Tune in for real-life insights and encouragement! Links and Resources: Join our private community to chat about this podcast episode: FindingJoyCommunity.com Watch the podcast on YouTube if you want! Finding Joy in Your Home on YouTube Check out our amazing new app at https://joyfulhomeapp.com/ We are undergoing a huge website redesign. We will be moving things up a ton and will have a super fun relaunch soon - big giveaways and other fun stuff. Stay tuned! Our Sponsor: Go to GreenChef.com/homemakingfree and use code homemakingfree to get started with FREE Salads for two months plus 50% off your first box. Our Sponsor: Go to FindingJoyInYourHome.com/readingjournal and use code FINDINGJOY for $3 off one of these AMAZING reading journals!

There are seasons when the world feels too loud. Too heavy. Too much. And often, that weight doesn't stay "out there." It follows us home. It shows up in tired bodies, overflowing sinks, loud kitchens, and hearts that feel stretched thin. In moments like that, it's easy to wonder if the quiet, repetitive work we do every day really matters. This season, I've been thinking a lot about what it truly means to be a homemaker. Not just in the way we often picture it, but in the deeper, truer sense. Homemaking isn't limited to a job title or a particular life stage. If you are a woman, you are a homemaker. Whether you live in a dorm room, a small apartment, a house full of children, or a quiet home with just yourself, you are cultivating a space. You are shaping an atmosphere. And there are skills, habits, and a mindset worth cultivating in every season. I remember our very first home after getting married at nineteen. It was a tiny one-bedroom apartment built sometime in the seventies, complete with mismatched wood paneling and a giant wall of floor-to-ceiling glass that made absolutely no sense for what was now considered entry-level housing. It wasn't fancy. It wasn't beautiful by design standards. But it was our first home. I was so excited to learn how to care for it, to figure out what diligence looked like in that small space, and to take ownership of the work in front of me. That excitement has been tested many times over the years. Because the work of homemaking, especially in a full and busy household, is deeply cyclical. The dishes are never truly finished. The laundry basket never stays empty for long. Floors that were swept this morning somehow need it again by lunchtime. There are days when it feels like everything you do is immediately undone, and the question sneaks in: is this even worthwhile? Colossians 3:23–24 has become an anchor for me in those moments. "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." That word "whatever" leaves very little room for exceptions. Dishes count. Diapers count. School lessons, late-night talks, scrubbing toilets, and calming big emotions all count. The work may feel small or unseen, but it is not insignificant when it is done unto the Lord. Right now, our days are full of very ordinary things. A lot of food. A lot of dishes. A lot of schooling. A lot of cleaning on repeat. And while I know I'll one day miss the noise and closeness of having everyone under one roof, there is no denying the weight of the mundane in this season. Much of what I do will never be photographed, praised, or noticed outside these walls. And that's okay. I'm not doing it for applause. I'm doing it to love the people God has placed in my care and to create a home where peace, rest, and joy are easier to find. When I remember that I am ultimately serving Christ, something shifts. The work doesn't magically disappear, but my posture toward it changes. I can approach it with purpose rather than resentment. With gratitude rather than defeat. Even when it's hard, I can trust that God sees every small act of faithfulness. There are also moments when homemaking becomes ministry in very visible ways. Recently, we had one of those days where disappointment seemed to pile on all at once. After a difficult season already filled with medical expenses and uncertainty, our truck broke down unexpectedly. It felt overwhelming in that moment, like one more thing added to an already heavy load. I didn't pretend it wasn't hard, and I didn't hide my disappointment from the kids. Instead, we talked through it together. We made a plan to encourage their dad when he got home from having the truck towed. And they watched me work through discouragement with honesty and faith. Those moments matter. Our children don't need perfection, but they do need to see what it looks like to trust the Lord in real life. They need to see repentance when we fail, humility when we fall short, and faith that is lived out, not just talked about. The home becomes a place where grace is practiced, forgiveness is modeled, and the gospel is made visible in everyday decisions. Homemaking really is so much more than chores. The physical work matters, and we shouldn't dismiss it as unimportant. Those small, repetitive tasks make up our days and, over time, our lives. But beyond that, homemaking is a ministry. When we view our work through the lens of Christ's death and resurrection, even the most ordinary moments take on eternal weight. Washing dishes becomes an act of service. Reading bedtime stories becomes a chance to shepherd hearts. Late-night conversations with teens become sacred ground. Still, there will always be more to do. More dust. More laundry. More reminders that we cannot keep everything perfectly in order. And the gospel meets us there too. Our worth is not found in how much we accomplish. It is not measured by the state of our homes or the length of our to-do lists. Our value is found in Christ alone. This truth frees us. It frees us from striving for perfection and allows us to serve with joy. Christ has already done the greatest work on our behalf. Because of that, we can work diligently and rest deeply at the same time. Cooking dinner becomes an act of worship as we thank God for provision. Cleaning the bathroom can become a quiet prayer. Rocking a child in the night can remind us of the tender care God shows His own children. Some days will still feel long. Some seasons will feel exhausting. Joy may feel distant at times. But Scripture calls us to lift our eyes and remember who we are serving. We are not just keeping house. We are serving Christ. And the gospel is not a one-time truth tucked away in the past. It is daily hope for the present. When discouragement creeps in and the work feels unseen, we can trust that our labor in the Lord is never in vain. So when homemaking feels heavy, pause and remember the greater story you are part of. You are building more than a clean home. You are shaping a gospel legacy. The grace you extend, the prayers you whisper, and the meals you prepare all point your family toward Christ. That is kingdom work. Keep going. Ask the Lord for strength and wisdom. Ask Him to clarify your priorities and give you peace to let go of what doesn't matter. Work diligently, rest faithfully, and trust that God is using every seed you plant. Your work is not wasted. It is seen. It is holy. And it matters. Lord, help us to see our homes as places of ministry. Teach us to treasure the gospel in the middle of ordinary tasks and remind us that our work is not wasted when it is done for You. Give us joy in the small things and grace to serve our families with love. Amen.

I have finally — and I mean finally — been really diving into my reading goals and actually enjoying them again. For the last few years, my reading has been a little lackluster. I've been reading far below my goals (which in and of itself is totally fine), but I was also lacking excitement and joy in my reading. I read a lot of fiction in '24–'25, but most of it was throwaway fiction that, once I finished it, I never thought about again. It didn't linger. It didn't shape me. It didn't spark anything. When I made my reading goal for 2026 and started pulling out the book stack I wanted to read, I was honestly shocked to find books I got for last Christmas that I hadn't read yet. This is unheard of for me, because I usually devour my new Christmas books immediately. In fact, I don't think I finished a single book from last Christmas. That alone told me something needed to shift. My goal for 2026 is to read 104 books for the year, which breaks down to two books a week. That's actually a very doable goal for me, since I've spent well over a decade cultivating the habit of reading. If you're just starting out, though, I highly recommend aiming for one book a week — or even one book every two weeks. Consistency matters far more than speed. So for January 2026, that breaks down to ten books for the month, and I'm happy to report that I'm right on track! For me, the goal isn't really about hitting the exact number as much as it is about inspiring me to read more, put down screens, and pick up actual books again. I'm also developing a "40 before 40" list of classics I want to read by the time I turn forty (four years from now), and I'll be sharing that list soon! Here are a few things that have made a big difference for me this year. First — my health is doing so much better. I've spent the past two years (but really closer to four) with lackluster health and energy. It all came to a head this last year when I had multiple rounds of kidney stones, multiple kidney infections, and the lowest energy I've ever experienced. I could barely function. I would start cleaning a room and literally have to sit down after twenty minutes to rest. Eventually, I discovered my body was literally starving for oxygen due to extremely low ferritin (iron) levels. It's been a long nine-plus months of working on this, and for the first time in years I'm finally starting to feel like myself again. I still have a ways to go, but the increased energy has been such a gift. I can read again in the evenings and find little pockets of time throughout the day — and what a joy and blessing that has been. Second — I'm genuinely excited about my current book stack. This is absolutely essential for me. If I'm excited about what I'm picking up next, it keeps me moving forward. It also allows me to juggle dryer, heavier books because I've got something fun waiting in the wings. The last couple of years I tried to force too much reading that simply wasn't exciting me, and it made reading feel like work instead of delight. I need a good balance. Here's what I've read in January so far. The Family Garden Plan. I'm planning a massive garden this year and needed a refresher. I first read this book four years ago, and it was really fun to revisit it now that I have more gardening experience under my belt. It was the perfect first book for the year and got me excited all over again for this season's plans. Five stars. Making Vegetables, Book 1. I've owned this book for over a decade and this was the first time I actually read it cover to cover. While it's not groundbreaking, I did pick up some helpful tips. Four stars. Gut Renovation. I've been studying gut health extensively for the past two years, so I was excited about this newer release. While there were a few interesting tidbits, overall it wasn't especially helpful for where I'm at in my learning. Three stars. Gardening for Everyone. Can you sense a theme in my reading so far? There's nothing I love more than picking a new practical subject and reading everything I can get my hands on. When I was learning to quilt, I checked out every single quilting book from the library and promptly read all of them. When I take something on, I like to do it properly — or obsessively, if you will. This is an excellent book for the home gardener. Four stars. Harry Potter Dramatized Versions, Books 1–3. Audible is currently releasing each Harry Potter book as a full-cast audio drama. It took me a little while to get into the first one, but by the third I was fully engrossed and now I cannot wait for book four coming out in February. Wisdom on Her Tongue. I originally had high hopes for this book, but a friend told me it was very basic and very short, so I went in with very low expectations. I think because of that, I ended up liking it more than I expected. While it is short, there were some wonderful reminders throughout, and I'll definitely read it again. Four stars. Pride and Prejudice. Okay, don't kill me — but I have to admit I've never read a single Jane Austen book and I've never seen any of the movies. I've just never been drawn to what I assumed was a silly period romance. I do adore studying history, though, and enough people have told me I'm ridiculous that I finally gave in. I'm reading this as part of my 40 before 40 list, and while it's not my favorite book by any means, I'm enjoying it far more than I expected. Once I finish it, Jason and I are going to watch the movie (which one?!) since he read it last year. As a rule, we never watch the movie or show first if it's based on a book. The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis. I've somehow never read this very short Lewis book before, but my book club is reading it this month. I'm only at the very beginning so far, so no real notes yet — but I'm looking forward to digging into it. So tell me — what did you read in January? I've got my February reading mostly planned out, but not much beyond that yet, so give me some recommendations!