Why does it seem like midnight when it is five o’clock after we turn back our clocks for daylight saving time? It always catches me off guard how the shift can alter our perception of time so dramatically. Yesterday seemed to go on forever even though we only had one extra hour; it felt almost magical, as if time itself had been gifted to us, a rare treasure that we seldom appreciate in our fast-paced lives. It is amazing how much I got done before church and after church with that extra hour—a golden opportunity to engage in activities I love, whether that meant finishing a project or simply enjoying a moment of quiet reflection. Today is Monday, a fresh start filled with potential. Happy day to you! Last week I read Open Book by Jessica Simpson, a memoir that provided a window into her world. As I read about her life, I understood her earlier days of going to church, inviting people to youth group, and spending time in prayer, which painted a vivid picture of her roots and the way those experiences shaped her character. Her genuine enthusiasm for faith touched me deeply; it was inspiring to see how her spirituality played a significant role in her life journey. It seemed like as she got more famous, she slowly drifted from that way of life, even admitting that she hadn’t prayed in a while, which made me reflect on the choices we make when life gets busy and success beckons. I am wondering if she would have kept following Jesus and let Him lead her; perhaps her life wouldn’t have been so challenging, and the struggles she faced could have been tempered with peace and guidance through faith. I recently heard a song that I think resonates perfectly with her journey… The Truth by Megan Woods. In this poignant song, Megan sings, “How many times can you hear the same lie before you start to believe it? The enemy keeps whispering to me; I swear these days it’s all that I’m hearing…” These lyrics resonate with the doubts we often face in our own journeys, casting light on the internal battles that challenge our sense of worth. “The truth is I am my Father’s child, I make Him proud, and I make Him smile. I was made in the image of a perfect King,” she continues, providing a sense of reassurance that we, too, are cherished beyond measure. He looks at me and wouldn’t change a thing, and that realization comforts me as I navigate the ups and downs of life with faith in my heart. I really didn’t watch anything but the news last week, so there is nothing to report in this category; it feels like the world moves at such a hurried pace that sometimes it’s hard to keep up. What I am making is a mess: glitter all over the floor in my studio getting ready for a sale on Saturday, and paint slopped on the table, a delightful chaos filled with creativity, preparation, and the thrill of what’s to come. What I am cooking is take-and-bake lasagna, a simple yet satisfying dish to ease the hectic schedule. Remember that I told you Friday that my house was going to be painted? Well, the painters are here, and my whole kitchen is taped off, making it impossible to whip up my usual gourmet meals this week. Ha! It’s amusing how life can throw little challenges our way, nudging us to adapt and make do. What about you? Let me know if you have read Jessica Simpson’s book or what you’re reading these days. Or what are you watching, making, and cooking? I would love to hear about the little joys and struggles you’re experiencing in your own life as we share our journeys together.