May Collection

Things that have filled my cup this month

May 27, 2025

Hello dear friends!

Today I’m posting the first of what I hope will be many “collections.” Each month, I plan to share resources/music/random things that have served me well, caused me to think, or brought me joy throughout those thirty(ish) days. I hope that they will do the same for you! I’ll split things into categories so you can navigate easily and take what’s helpful.

Substack Posts & Online Resources

His Workmanship | Joni Eareckson Tada

Every time I come across a video from Joni, I find myself thinking, She must be the most radiant woman alive. I think you’ll see what I mean. This video popped up on my Instagram feed with the very truth I needed that day—I am his workmanship. When Joni says it, I believe her! Her faith is contagious.

Grief in Narnia | Alyson Punzi

Alyson is a fellow Cedarville alum and a mom navigating grief with her little girl. Her reflections are raw and honest but—most of all—they are hopeful. Part literary analysis and part personal narrative, this post was heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure. I hope you’ll read it and be encouraged, especially if you grew up reading Lewis’s fairytales.

Is ChatGPT Forming Your Faith? | Katie Laitkep

Katie and I both work for Revive Our Hearts, and it’s been delightful to begin following her writing. This post caught my attention, as I find I’m increasingly tempted to turn to Chat for quick answers rather than sitting with the Lord and waiting on him. Katie offers practical guardrails against AI idolatry that are biblical and wise.

What If I Don’t Fit the Feminine Mold? | Bella Agnello

Cedarville ladies, represent! Bella is a current student at my alma mater, and discovering her Substack has been a joy. This post was rich with Scripture and exhortation for the girl who desires a gentle and quiet spirit but worries pursuing one will stifle her personality. Bella says, “I’ve seen God turn my brashness to boldness. I’ve seen Him take my loud passion and make it loud for Him. I’ve seen Him even make my loud laughter louder because of the joy He’s abundantly given me. And He’s not done working yet.” Just beautiful. Read, and be encouraged, friend!

Music

Those who’ve spent any length of time with me know I love the song “Lilies and Sparrows” by Jess Ray. The lyrics are simple, but they speak right to the fears seeking a stronghold in my heart these days. Sometimes simple is just what we need, isn’t it? As I prepare to move to a new city on my own, I’m singing this one often.

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Look at the birds, they never sow or reap
Look at the flowers, they never toil or spin
There's not a day they don't have what they need
Are you not worth even more than them?

Don't you know that your father in heaven
Knows just what you're needing?
Seek Him first and everything else
That you need will be given

Don't you see, He loves you much more
Than the lilies and sparrows?
Come and rest, don't waste today
Being scared of tomorrow

Books

I’m determined to read more resources by women devotional writers this summer, so I picked this one off my mom’s shelf last week. Comforts from the Cross by Elyse Fitzpatrick offers a simple look at the gospel—which I’m convinced is the best kind.

Fitzpatrick is reliable when it comes to doctrine, and her daily reading format makes this resource an easy add-on to regular time in the Word. I’ve been reading it as a “nightcap” before I go to sleep.

Miscellaneous

Evening Walks

I love the little Arkansas neighborhood where I grew up—especially in the spring. Right now, the foliage is lush, honeysuckle is beginning to sprout its fragrant little blossoms, and a family of skittish brown bunnies roams each evening. I count bunnies as I walk and talk with the Lord.

This picture was taken before some intense storms de-leafed my favorite tree, but it’s still beautiful. I’m sure there’s a metaphor in there somewhere. Like Keats says, “The poetry of the earth is never dead.” Creation points to truth, and that’s one of the reasons I love to pray outside.

The NWA Coffee Scene

Not to brag, but northwest Arkansas is home to the #1 coffee shop in the United States (#2 in the world!). Onyx Coffee Lab is iconic, and I’ve been hitting up my favorite locations as much as I can reasonably afford before I move.

But there’s a smaller, lesser-known coffee shop in the area that I love more because of its friendly service. It’s called Old Pine, and the delightful baristas keep me showing up. I’ve eavesdropped on some of their conversations (oops), and my suspicions have been confirmed. They are followers of Jesus, and I’m proud of them for representing Christ faithfully through their kindness.

Let me know something that’s filled your cup this month! I’d be delighted to hear about it.