āļø Happy summer to my Substack friends, familiar and new!
I hope this Sunday afternoon email finds you restedāor at least restingāand enjoying the gifts of this season: a cold drink, a slower day, or a bit of time doing something that brings you joy.
One thing Iāve been pondering a lot is the fact that joy and shame cannot co-exist. Maybe thatās one reason our enemy works so hard to keep us carrying burdens God never asked us to bear?
If parts of your soul feel heavy today, sit with this question for a while: Is shame shaping parts of my experience right now?
If the answer might be "yes," ask God to show you where shame has taken rootāand what grace might look like in that place.
š What Iām reading
Donāt Burn Your Own House Down: Prioritizing Your Marriage, Your Spouse, and Yourself for a Deeper Connection
This book, by Lindsey Maestas, is a must-read for anyone who is marriedāor hopes to be someday.
š What Iām loving
Travel Makeup Kit, by Billion Dollar Beauty
I never fly without this kit in my carry-on bag! (Use code KRISTYH20 for 20% off.)
šæ What Iām learning
Healing isnāt just about feeling betterāitās about becoming freer. The more I recognize and release shame-shaped narratives, the more room there is for joy, peace, and connection.
š¬ If you missed itā¦
āParenting Without Shameā
This weekās article over on Substack. Read it now, and share it with someone who needs a gentle reminder about grace.
Grateful youāre here. š¤
Veritas et Gratia,
Kristy š