{Catching Up // Wednesday Hodgepodge}

Hi friends! It’s been a little while since I’ve shown up in this space, and I’ve missed it. Life has been full lately... in the best ways, but still full. Between a busy work season, adjusting to having a new little kitty (more on that sweet fur baby soon), spending time crafting or DIYing, diving deeper into my Bible studies, and creating videos... the days have just been flying by. I’ve been having so much fun sharing encouragement and the Good News over on TikTok, and I feel like God has really been using that space. But with all of that, I haven’t had as much time to sit down and write here. The last couple of weeks have been filled with scheduled posts, but I’m ready to get back to writing more freely and catching up with all of my sweet blog friends again.

And what better way to jump back in than with Wednesday Hodgepodge, one of my very favorite link-ups? This week we’re chatting about family, the good in the world, the color orange, and a few fun “this or that” questions. Let’s dive in...

1. What do you like most about your family?

I know most people feel this way... and maybe that’s because God so intentionally and intricately designs our families... but I truly feel like I’ve been blessed with the best. I’m so grateful to have met Nate when I was just fifteen years old, and to have the gift of growing up together. Mason was our little miracle babe, and he’s more than we could have ever imagined. My little family may not look like what I once pictured (I always dreamed of six kiddos), but it’s exactly what the Lord planned for us... and His plan is always best. Together, the three of us share the sweetest, strongest bond and that is such a gift.

As for my extended family... goodness, I’m blessed there too. I have so many cousins (and my sister) that double as best friends, and we all genuinely love spending time together. Growing up, people would ask, “Do y’all really like each other that much?” and the answer has always been yes! My Granny used to laugh and say, “Y’all will find any reason to have a get-together,” and she was absolutely right.

And I can’t talk about family without mentioning my in-laws...I hit the jackpot there too. Nate’s parents have never treated me as anything less than a daughter. Since I’ve known Nate’s family for so long (his youngest brother was just two when we met!), they truly feel like my own. Both of his brothers are married now, and we three girls have such a sweet relationship. Nate’s mom is also one of my best friends... what a blessing that is.

2. What’s something nice that’s happened to you recently?

I recently won the sweetest Instagram giveaway, and I still can’t stop smiling about it! I’ll tag her Instagram because she has such a beautiful ministry and shop. She handmakes so many lovely things, but my favorites are her Bible covers. The giveaway package was overflowing with goodness:

• Handmade Bible cover

• Handmade bumbag/fanny pack

• Handmade highlighter and pen holder

• ESV Crossway journaling Bible

• Alabaster 52-week Bible study for women

• Notebook

• Highlighters

• $15 Starbucks gift card

• Scrunchies

You can see the exact bundle here

Her husband actually dropped it off on my porch (they’re local!) and I couldn’t wait to open it. I tried to film an unboxing video, but it was so windy outside. My house doesn’t have great lighting, so I usually film outdoors... I’ll probably have to do a voiceover later. Afterward, I cried because I didn’t feel like my video did the beauty of that package justice. And then Mason said, “Mom, she couldn’t have picked a better person to win that.” Cue the tears again! I’m so, so grateful for this thoughtful gift and pray that she knows how much it blessed me.

3. Do you like the color orange?

I’ll admit, when I was younger, orange and brown were probably my least favorite colors. But now? I love them both! I can’t think of a single color I dislike these days. The other day, while sitting on the porch, I told Nate how much I love fall colors, especially when they pop against the turquoise on my bench.

Speaking of orange, I’m currently sipping on my favorite drink... the Mandarin Orange sparkling water from Walmart’s Clear American brand. I always have one within arm’s reach! Other “orange” things I love? Monarch butterflies, sunsets, fall leaves, campfires, and of course, candy corn.

4. What’s something you have now you couldn’t have imagined five years ago?

It’s not a material thing, but something much deeper...a stronger understanding of the Bible. In 2024, I committed to reading the entire Bible in chronological order using The Bible Recap plan. I didn’t just read... I studied, journaled, highlighted, and prayed my way through every single day. It was truly life-changing.

Up until then, I had read a lot of the Bible, but never in order...so seeing the timeline unfold made so much sense. I feel more equipped now... to understand sermons, answer Mason’s big Bible questions, and share what I’ve learned with others. I’m so thankful that God placed that challenge on my heart. It deepened my faith in ways I didn’t even know I needed. I’m already planning to do it again in 2026!

5. October This or That

pumpkin bread or apple cider donut — Pumpkin bread 
cozy sweater or cozy hoodie — Cozy sweater 
apple picking or pumpkin picking — Pumpkin picking 
scary movie or Hallmark movie — Hallmark movie (always!) 
hayride or corn maze — Corn maze 
twinkle lights or candles — Twinkle lights 
autumn hike or autumn bonfire — Autumn bonfire 

6. Random Thought

October has been busy but so, so good. Between family, faith, creating, and soaking in this beautiful season, I’ve felt both tired and grateful in the best kind of way. I’m looking forward to slowing down a little, cozying up for the holidays, and finding my blogging rhythm again. I’ve missed sharing and connecting here... this little corner of the internet has always felt like home. Is October flying by for anyone else?

Thanks for stopping by and catching up with me today, friends. If you’ve been here for a while, thank you for your patience while I found my way back to this space. And if you’re new here, welcome...I’m so glad you’re here! I can’t wait to visit all my Hodgepodge friends and read your answers. Until next time... sending love and a whole lot of gratitude from our corner of Texas. 

Linking up with Joyce