Whiplash, Candle SALE, and week 2 of school

Heyyyyyy,

Anyone else in the throes of back-to-school structure, routines, and all the things? 😅

We definitely are. And let me tell you—it’s been a bit of a whiplash over here. Maybe not so much for the kiddos, but for me?

The endurance it takes to navigate schoolwork amidst the usual fires that tend to break out in daily life... I’ve been calling on the Lord minute by minute.

Still, I’m very grateful for the flexibility homeschooling allows in this season of raising little ones. 💛

My period began this week, and it quickly became the topic of conversation between me and the kids—why school started later that morning, why Mommy needed more help around the house, and why I didn’t want to be touched.

Living in constant community means flowing and shifting based on the needs of the most tender among us—so that we stay united in our daily mission.
And sometimes, that mission simply looks like eating together... and thanking the Lord for another day. 🍽️🙏

Also, shout-out to my sister Meghan (who’s visiting from NY 💕), for showing up multiple times this week to see her nephews and nieces—and to help out with alllll the things. What a gift.

So here we are—Week 2 of back-to-school.

My prayer? That we enjoy this year… not just make it through.

This year, I’m daring to make changes in faith—based not on what I think we should be doing, but on what actually works best for our family.

The old mindset was rooted in fear.

The new one? It trusts God to cover where I fall short and to multiply what I could never do in my own strength. 🌱

Also—quick shop update:

I’m currently running a sale on my amber jar candles! 🕯️

I'm actually sitting here with one burning beside me as I type.

What I love most about these candles is the burn time.

I can leave my candle burning for hours at a time and come back with so much more to burn.

Let me know if this has been your experience too! My current fave is “By the fire” scent. Most of you have stated that you love “Above the Dew.” Most either absolutely love “In the garden” or hate it haha. If you’re a fan of jasmine you’d thoroughly appreciate “In the Garden.”

So, if you’ve been thinking about ordering, now’s a great time. Inventory is limited, so don’t wait too long! ✨ The Sale ends this Saturday.

If you're local, I hope you’ve been enjoying this sweet break from the heat.
Fall is coming. 🍂

With grace,

Pondered Thought