Somehow it’s the middle of June. Can you believe that? Gasp? I can’t! This has been a tough month with lots of circulated sadness and horror. It’s made me pause and reflect on how precious life is and how truly blessed I am in so many ways. Our church service this weekend reminded us to take the time we have in life to encourage those around us because we don’t want to live a life of “If I only …”. Don’t wait until it’s too late to speak life into a loved one, share encouraging words, give hugs. Spread joy, kindness, and lavish words of blessings to people today. Give a compliment, forgive quickly, love deeply.

With that said, it’s time for June Crushes! Here we go!

1 – Chef’s Table on Netflix. Ohhhh, guys, this is a good one! If you enjoy food and documentaries, then you have to tune into Chef’s Table (available only on Netflix).  It’s an American documentary series and each episode of the series profiles a single world-renowned chef from all over the world. Josh and I have learned about food, cultures, and lives of those in Italy, New York, Argentina, Australia, Sweden, Brazil, Thailand … just to name a few!

Our favorite episode by far was Episode 1 of Season 2, Grant Achatz of Allinea in Chicago, IL. Fascinating.

(Warning: the episodes are rated TV:14 because there is minimal, but occasional strong language or themes in some of the stories.)

Season 2 was just released this month and rumor is that Seasons 3 and 4 have been approved. Enjoy!

2 – Joyful Devotion. I was recently introduced to this awesome devotional-subscription company called Joyful Devotion. SO GOOD! This monthly box sends you the latest books and trends in the Christian community and delivers them right to your door the first week of the month. Not only do you get a current devotional, but you also get some fun lifestyle products too! (Plus access to their Private Facebook Group, which offers a place to talk about the reading, share great resources and grow in Faith together!)

Check out my June box!

• Fervent by Priscilla Shirer, which I have been hearing SO much about. (Winner of Christian Family & ECPA 2016 Book of the Year award!)
• An awesome Illustrated Prayer Journal which pair perfectly with the book, which encourages us to write out our prayers with focus. With scriptures on each page, it’s not only resourceful, but beautiful!
• A “Trust” coin purse with wristlet attachment. Love the teal color, especially for the summer!
• A Bible verse keychain.
• An new bookmark, perfect for my new book!

This July box features Wild and Free and tons of other goodies. In fact, it’s not too late to snag a July box, while supplies last! You can head over to Joyful Devotion and grab one today. Use “SIGN10” for 10% off too!

In fact, I am teaming up with Joyful Devotion to give away a July’Freedom’ box to one lucky winner! Head on over to my Instagram page to enter now through Wednesday! If you comment on there that you signed up for her newsletter too (pop up on her main page), you will get 5 extra entries! Whoooo hooo! Good luck!

3 – Starbuck’s Pink Drink. I literally can’t even. After seeing a Buzzfeed article about a “secret pink drink” at Starbucks, I had to try it. And my friends, it. is. everything.

The summery drink is simple: just order a Strawberry Acai Refresher and ask them to make it with coconut milk instead of water. The end result is refreshing and fruity and makes me feel like I’m on a magical beach. And there’s gotta be unicorns floating around somewhere too. Maybe even endless rainbows and sparkly skies.

Add this to your summer bucket list of things to try, then let me know what you think. I have to limit myself to one a month because otherwise, I would be there every stinking day drinking the “pink drink”.

4 – This Quote. Have you guys found this summer to be exceptionally full already? I don’t know if it’s just me, but between going back to work briefly this summer, working on a garage sale, celebrating all sorts of occasions, engaging with friends and family, volunteering, writing, coffee-ing, bringing meals to friends, (the list goes on and on), the days have just flown by.

(Side note: I LOVE everyone who has reached out to get together this summer. People who are intentional about making time together happen and getting a day on the calendar are my jam. Thank you friends.)

Anyways, I was on a walk with Cali one morning, processing through my week ahead while listening to a podcast, when this quote realigned me.

“Jesus was never so rushed that He couldn’t be interrupted. He always had time for those in need.”  (Steven Furtick)

It was such a great reminder to me that even when things are busy, we don’t need to live rushed lives! We need to be cautious in planning our days so that we don’t unintentionally eliminate opportunities to slow down, smile at the cashier, say hello to barista, make small talk with the elderly man in the line behind you, or help a stressed mom load her bags in the car. Busy, in the right season and with the right balance, isn’t bad, but rushed can be. It made me really opened my eyes to ensure that my day, no matter what it holds, always has time to help those in need. So yes, loved that reminder.

5 – In the Wait Spotify Playlist. During both of our Facebook community groups for ‘In the Wait‘, we asked participants to share some of their favorite worship songs for getting them through a waiting season, or simply, songs that brought them encouragement. What’s unfolded is this playlist that houses over 5 hours of praise and worship songs that will make your soul sing and your hearts encouraged. Feel free to follow or play when you need a little mood boost!

Hope you all have a great rest of the month! My summer time blogging schedule is always a little more sporadic but I love the grace y’all give me. A small fertility update – it looks like our transfer will be on/around the first week of October. It feels so close, yet so far away! Keep those prayers coming! All of the prep for that will begin in August and of course we will keep you posted!

XO!

Chelsea

Happy belated Father’s Day to all the dads out there today – the ones who have been blessed with kiddos, the fur dads, the step dads, the dads that hold their babies in their hearts instead of their arms and the dads that are to be. We love you all and celebrate you and the roles that you play in the lives of those around you today and every day!

We are so blessed with two fantastic dads, but we know that’s not always the case for many. Or perhaps your own dad isn’t on earth anymore and my heart breaks for you. We recognize your aches today as well and are thankful there’s another Father who loves you so!