January Recs | Humility + Joy
Where humility is lacking, joy becomes elusive.
I sat down with my coffee nearby and my computer on my lap. It was rest time for the boys and work time for me. Ideas had bounced around in my head and words formed into a to do list all morning long, and I finally had a moment to myself.
Sentences began pouring from my fingers just in time for the toddler to wake early with a roar of a cry. As I closed my laptop, frustration flooded my heart. Why is it always my work that suffers? Why can’t I just have this time? My anger seeped into my actions toward my children and husband, and I found myself doing dishes in resentment and getting snacks with annoyance on my face.
Where humility is lacking, joy becomes elusive. God has been teaching me that my lack of joy in motherhood is less of a circumstance problem and more of a humility deficiency. I’m finding that the things that leave me joyless are often the things that chip away at my comfort, desires, and dreams.
Clinging to my desire for uninterrupted work, a nap, dinner that cooks itself, and children who obey perfectly will only lead to joylessness and frustration. May I instead humble myself, serve my family, and cling to the God of my salvation in whom joy is found (Psalm 16:11).
—Brittany
These words though:
“The Church is God’s gift to you to help you walk in faithfulness to Christ until you see him.” — Glenna Marshall
Q: Are you doing anything to manage your OCD/Phobia?
I just started the process of getting help with this struggle. I am currently working to find the right medication and will be looking for a therapist soon. If you are local and know of a Christian therapist who is trauma informed and has experience with OCD/Phobias, I’d love their information!
Got a question about something? Just click on the button below and shoot me a message.
Recent Articles + Poems:
OCD: Mind-Weary on Substack
From the Archives:
Seasons of Spiritual Drought on the blog
Books I Finished:
The Maid by Nita Prose
Help for the Hungry Soul by Kristen Wetherell
The Lake House by Kate Morton
The Lord is My Courage by K.J. Ramsey
This is How I Lied by Heather Gudenkauf
What Did the Cross Achieve by J.I. Packer
Current Reads:
Homecoming by Kate Morton
Remaking the World by Andrew Wilson
Growing Together by Melissa Kruger
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
Counterfeit Kingdom by Holly Pivec
God is Still Good by Katie Faris
The Soul in Paraphrase by Leland Ryken
Into His Presence by Tim Chester
The Son of David by Nancy Guthrie
Hey, Here's What I Recommend:
Book: If you’re looking for encouragement when it comes to spending time in God’s Word, Help for the Hungry Soul by Kristen Wetherell will meet you right where you are.
Children’s Book: My friend Abbey Wedgeworth has 2 more books coming out very soon in her Training Young Hearts series and they are wonderful.
Song: Still in Control by Mack Brock
Articles, Poems, and Essays I Liked:
Dancing in an Empty Theatre by Brianna Lambert
For the Love of a Dog by Andrea Burke
What I’m loving lately (some affiliate links):
- I just bought this cordless electric scrubber and it is awesome for cleaning showers, windows, floors and more. I’m all for tools that make homemaking a little easier.
- This might be silly but I looked around for the perfect boot socks for a long time and these are exactly what I was looking for. So cozy and perfect for ankle boots.
- A friend shared the app Mealime with me a few weeks ago and I’ve been loving it. Here’s how it works: You select recipes you want to try and add them to your meal plan. It makes an automatic grocery list that you can connect to your grocery store of choice. Then it transfers them over for you to order through your local store. The pro version let’s you add your own recipes to the app to choose from as well.
- My husband and I love to play games together. We were super excited to find the two player version of Codenames.
Life Lately:
This happy painting of a zinnia from my garden that my MIL painted is keeping me company while I work on my next book proposal. Praying for wisdom and guidance as I begin submitting to publishers soon.
Brothers. I love watching their friendship develop. If they aren’t wrestling, they are likely getting into trouble. Pray for the boy moms in your life.
We loved getting a couple inches of snow last week.
I just adored this picture of me and my firstborn. He is growing up so fast.
May you treasure Christ ever more. <3
Brittany Lee
Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing hard things in your writing.🩵
Love this!