Happy Wednesday, friends! You know what this day means around here... it’s Hodgepodge link-up day! I always love these posts because they feel like catching up with old friends over coffee... or maybe a caramel macchiato ;). This week we’re chatting about how far the apple falls from the tree, what we’re nuts and not-so-nuts about, what abundance truly means, our favorite caramel treats, memories that come with falling leaves, and of course... a random thought to wrap it all up. So let’s dive in!
1. “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
Oh yes!!! This definitely rings true in our family. Mason is equal parts me and equal parts Nate. From me, he gets that tender heart, the compassion, and the “I love you”s that never stop. He literally cannot leave a room without telling us “I love y’all” at least four times... and that just melts my heart every single time. I’m the same way... I’ve always worn my heart on my sleeve and love big.
From Nate, Mason gets his sarcastic humor, his quick wit, and his love for sports. He’s a natural leader, just like his dad, and has that grounded, realist mentality that keeps us all balanced. It’s funny to see so much of us wrapped up in one amazing kid... the best parts of both of us, all rolled into one. He’s truly a gift from the Lord... our answered prayer and biggest blessing.
2. Something you’re nuts about these days? How about something that’s driving you nuts?
This may sound funny to say, but I am absolutely nuts about Jesus these days!! There’s been this stirring, this sense of revival that’s hard to explain but impossible to ignore. It’s like the Holy Spirit has just lit something on fire deep in my soul.
This past Sunday we had the most powerful sermon on being disciples...not if we want to be, but that we will be His witnesses. Acts 1:8 came alive in a way I’ve never heard before. Jesus didn’t give us an option... He gave us a mission. And that’s been echoing in my heart all week. I can’t help but want to share the good news everywhere I go...in conversations, in captions, at the rink, in thrift stores, in every ordinary moment. He’s been too good not to talk about.
Now... what’s driving me nuts? Honestly, it’s seeing people treat Jesus like an afterthought instead of the priority He deserves to be. I say that not from judgment, but from love... because once you’ve experienced His goodness, you can’t help but want that for everyone else. I just want all my loved ones to know Him... to feel that peace and freedom that comes from putting Him first. I want to see them in Heaven.
3. What does abundance mean to you?
When you look at abundance through the lens of your faith and walk with Jesus, it becomes something far deeper than possessions or comfort. It’s the overflowing presence of God in every part of life...the kind of fullness that can’t be counted or contained.
True abundance isn’t what God gives, it’s who He is. When you have Him, you already have more than enough. It’s His nearness in the quiet mornings when you open your Bible and feel His Word come alive. It’s the peace He places in your heart when life feels uncertain. It’s His mercy that meets you again and again...not because you’ve earned it, but because His love overflows.
It's also in the knowing this world isn’t your home, and the truest abundance waits in eternity with Jesus. But until then, it’s choosing to live heaven-minded: walking in gratitude, loving deeply, giving freely, and shining His light in every rink, thrift store, backroad, and Texas sunset He places me in.
Abundance isn’t found in what fills my hands, it’s found in what fills my heart. It’s found in His presence, His promises, and His peace. It’s the rhythm of grace that carries me through every season. And as long as I have Jesus, I’ll always be living in abundance.
4. Caramel apple, caramel cake, caramel corn, caramel sundae, caramel macchiato... what’s your caramel treat of choice?
You had me at caramel!! I don’t think I’ve ever met a caramel treat I didn’t like. I especially love green apples dipped in caramel...that perfect mix of tart and sweet. And does anyone else remember those little caramel square candies that our grandparents always had? I used to let them melt slowly in my mouth just to savor every bit of that buttery sweetness. Do they even still make those? I haven’t seen them in years, but now I’m on a mission to find some!
And just curious... do y’all say car-a-mel or carmel? We’re from the South, so it’s usually carmel around here!
5. What’s a childhood memory that always comes to mind as the leaves start to fall?
Falling leaves always meant one thing growing up... it was almost time to head to Tennessee to visit my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins! We spent so many Thanksgivings there, and it will forever hold a piece of my heart.
The crisp air, the smell of my Mimi's kitchen, the laughter echoing through the house... it’s all etched in my memory. But the best part was always seeing my PawPaw. He and I have shared the sweetest bond for as long as I can remember. Just being around him filled my heart with peace and joy. I’d give anything to go back to those days...the simple, sacred moments that meant everything.
I can't wait to see them all this Thanksgiving!!
6. Random Thought...
Sometimes I think we overcomplicate what it means to walk with Jesus. We make it about doing enough, being enough, checking all the boxes... when really, it’s about being with Him.
It’s not about having the perfect quiet time or knowing all the right words to pray. It’s about sitting in His presence...even in the messy, ordinary moments...and letting Him meet you there. It’s choosing to be still long enough to hear His whisper over the noise of the world. It’s trusting that He’s working even when we don’t see the full picture yet.
Walking with Jesus isn’t about perfection... it’s about presence. It’s about keeping your heart soft and your eyes fixed on Him. It’s following where He leads, even when it doesn’t make sense, and resting in the fact that He already knows the ending to your story.
It’s simple, it’s beautiful, and it’s enough.
Thanks for stopping by and joining me for another Wednesday Hodgepodge! I love these little midweek check-ins... they remind me to slow down and reflect on life, faith, and the sweet (and sometimes nutty) moments in between. Wishing you a week full of God’s abundance... and maybe a little caramel, too.
Thank you, Joyce, for hosting this wonderful link-up.
No comments
Thanks for the comments! Hope you are having an amazing day!!