Welcome to Gather & Grace – A Weekly Pause for Joy

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Happy Friday, friends! I’m so glad you’re here! I’m thrilled to invite you into this new tradition here on Birdsong & Blessings. Every Friday, we’ll pause together for a moment of joy and gratitude. This space will be a place to savor simple pleasures, share what’s been filling my heart, and reflect on the grace we can find in the little things of life. Whether it’s a book I’m reading, a dish I’ve cooked, a show that’s lifted my spirits, a nurturing touch that’s become a favorite, or a home piece that’s adding peace to my space, I hope this weekly post gives you a little boost of positivity as we head into the weekend. Let’s take a moment to gather, reflect, and find grace in the ordinary.

A Moment to Savor
This week, I took an extra moment to enjoy my morning coffee, letting the warmth wrap around me like a hug. In the stillness, I found peace. Life moves fast, but there’s something about a quiet cup that reminds me to slow down and just be.

What I’m Reading
Lately, I’ve been revisiting The Road to Le Papillon by Shannon Ables. I’ve read all three of her books and loved them so much that I’m diving back in. This one is structured as a day-to-day guide, and I often find myself reading several days at once. It’s filled with gentle wisdom and reminders that joy can be found in life’s simplest moments. If you’re looking for something to bring a little light to your day, I highly recommend it!
I typically read a mix of books—for both wisdom and enjoyment. Next on my list is Liberation by Imogen Kealey, inspired by the true story of World War II’s greatest heroine. I’m excited to start this one, as I’ve always been drawn to stories set during this time period. I can’t wait to share my thoughts with you soon!

Nature’s Blessing
Spring is gently making its presence known. This week, I spotted fresh buds on the trees and heard the sweet songs of birds returning, adding their joyful melody to the warm breeze. I’ve also been enjoying a peaceful moment watching the birds dining at the Birdsong Café—what I affectionately call the bird feeder outside my window. It’s such a simple pleasure to see them flitting about, a reminder of nature’s gentle rhythm. I find peace in these little moments, as if nature is reminding me to pause and take in the beauty around me. Nature, in its own way, teaches us the beauty of renewal and patience.

Something to Enjoy
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of watching a couple of shows that really lifted my spirits. The return of Sweet Magnolias for its 5th season was such a treat. It’s a light-hearted series that, while it doesn’t shy away from the characters’ struggles, it presents them in a way that doesn’t feel heavy. The people of Serenity feel like old friends!
I’ve also been watching The Chosen, which has been deeply moving and impactful. While it’s an uplifting portrayal of Jesus and His journey with the Apostles, it doesn’t shy away from the immense sacrifice and the challenging moments of His story. It’s an incredibly powerful show that has opened my heart to a deeper understanding of His life, and each episode leaves me reflecting on both His love and the very real suffering He endured. It’s a beautiful mix of inspiration and reverence, and I can’t wait for the next season!
Some stories just have a way of deepening our understanding and lifting our spirits, don’t they? What have you been watching lately?

A Taste of Comfort
Living in Florida, I usually skip the warm comfort foods like soups and stews, but when we had a brief cool spell, I couldn’t resist making Taco Soup. It was the perfect cozy dish for that rare chilly day, and just what my soul needed. Since my daughter sticks to her chicken nuggets and pizza, this is a solo treat for me, but it’s super simple and comforting if you’re in the mood for something hearty. Here’s the recipe if you’d like to try it!
Taco Soup Recipe
Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can corn, drained
  • 1 can chili beans (optional)
  • 1 cup beef or chicken broth
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    Instructions:
  1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef (or turkey) with the chopped onion until fully cooked.
  2. Add the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chili beans (if using), and broth.
  3. Stir everything together, add garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then bring to a simmer.
  4. Let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Serve with your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips.
    Enjoy!

Nurturing Touches
As I’m embracing the changes in my skin at 47, I’ve been enjoying a rich face cream that feels like it’s giving my skin just what it needs. With the way my skin keeps evolving, I find myself reaching for more of the good stuff, and this cream is definitely a favorite. It’s amazing how nurturing the right products can feel at different points in life—especially when our skin changes and asks for more care and attention. I’m also trying a new skincare line, but I haven’t started using it yet, so I’ll have to update you soon!

Home & Heart
I’ve been adding a few new touches to my space lately. One of my recent additions is a cozy throw blanket for my couch, which is perfect for bringing a little extra warmth and texture to the room. I also introduced a beautiful glass oil diffuser with a refreshing mix of orange, lemon, and mint essential oils. This is new for me, as I’ve always been a candle girl, but I’m really enjoying how this diffuser fills the air with such an energizing, uplifting scent. It’s a lovely change, and the mix of citrus and mint is so recharging.

Grace & Gratitude
This week, I was reminded of the beauty in everyday connections. A kind word, a shared laugh, a moment of stillness—these are the real gifts. As we step into the weekend, may we carry grace in our hearts and gratitude in our steps.

I’d love to hear what has brought you joy and gratitude this week—let’s share in these simple joys together.

Thank you for being here!

Love & Gratitude,
Jenny

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Birdsong Reflections: Lessons & Joys from February

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Hello, friends,

February has been a month of quiet shifts—some small, some significant, all shaping the rhythm of my days. With Birdsong & Blessings now launched, I find myself paying closer attention to the little moments that bring meaning, comfort, and joy.

This will be a monthly series here on Birdsong & Blessings, a space to reflect on what has filled my heart, what I’m learning, and what’s stirring in my soul. Each month will bring its own musings—some fleeting, some deep, all worth holding onto. I hope you’ll join me in this practice, perhaps even taking a moment to reflect on your own joys and lessons each month.

Now, let’s settle in with a cup of coffee (or tea!) and linger over some February moments together.

1. The Beginning of Birdsong & Blessings

I finally took the leap. Starting this blog has been both exhilarating and a little nerve-wracking, but it feels like home. A space to write, to reflect, to share pieces of this journey. Will anyone read it? Will it grow? I don’t have all the answers, but I do know this—God placed this on my heart for a reason. And that’s enough to keep moving forward.

2. The Beauty of Small Steps

Routines, structure, rhythms—I’ve been leaning into these more. Not forcing them, but gently shaping my days with small, intentional shifts. Mornings feel different when I start with purpose, even if that purpose is as simple as a quiet prayer before the day begins.

3. Decluttering & Creating Comfort

Little by little, I’ve been clearing out what no longer serves me. Organizing, donating, making space—not just in my home but in my mind, too. It’s amazing how a freshly arranged space can make everything feel lighter.

4. A Song That Speaks to My Heart

This month, “Hard Fought Hallelujah” by Brandon Lake & Jelly Roll has been playing on repeat. There’s something about its rawness, its truth. A reminder that faith is often a battle, but a worthy one.

5. Stillness in the Chaos

Not every moment can be peaceful, but I’m learning that stillness is something we carry with us. It’s in the whispered prayers, the deep breaths, the warm coffee in my hands before the world fully wakes up.

6. New Routines, New Energy

Movement in the mornings—it’s a thought that keeps coming back to me. I haven’t fully committed yet, but I feel the pull. Maybe next month I’ll take the step.

7. A Step Toward Simplicity

Less clutter. Less rushing. Less unnecessary noise. This month has been about simplifying—physically, mentally, spiritually. Making room for what matters.

8. Conversations That Stay With Me

A deep talk with a dear friend. Words that didn’t need explanation. The kind of conversation where silence isn’t awkward, just understood. Those are the moments I hold onto.

9. The Power of Adoration

I found myself in Adoration, simply sitting with Jesus. No agenda, no perfect words—just being. And that was enough.

10. A Gift to Myself

Fresh flowers in a few places around the house. No occasion, no reason. Just a small joy, a quiet beauty, a way to bring life into my space.

11. Love Across the Distance

Long-distance love is a lesson in patience, in trust, in finding connection even when miles stretch between us. Some days, it’s a challenge. Every day, it’s worth it.

12. Words That Stayed With Me

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” – John 14:1
This verse met me at just the right time. Maybe it’s meant for you, too.

13. The Gift of Writing

Writing has been a place of peace for me this month. Whether in my journal, on my blog, or scribbled in the margins of my day, words are where I meet myself and God.

14. Embracing the Seasons

Instead of decorating for every holiday, I’ve been shifting toward decorating for the season itself. A slower, simpler approach that feels more in tune with the rhythm of life.

15. Musing on Purpose in Planning

I’ve been thinking a lot about sinking funds. Planning ahead, giving every dollar a purpose before it’s spent. There’s something in this that feels more peaceful, less reactive. What do I want to prepare for? How do I want to shape my finances with intention? These questions are still unfolding.

16. Looking Ahead

March whispers of spring, of new growth, of fresh air and longer days. I feel the pull toward planting flowers, toward leaning into light and warmth, toward welcoming what’s next.

That’s February’s edition of Birdsong Reflections!

This will be a monthly post—a space to reflect, to gather thoughts, and to share the little things that make life meaningful. I’d love for you to join me in this practice, whether here in the comments or simply in your own quiet moments.

What stayed with you this month? What are you carrying forward into March? Let’s walk into this new season together.

With love and gratitude,
Jenny

The Little Luxuries That Make Life Sweet | Finding Joy in Simple Moments

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It’s the smallest things that bring the deepest comfort—a warm cup of coffee cradled between tired hands, the soft glow of candlelight dancing against the walls, the familiar melody of a favorite song playing low in the background. Life’s little luxuries aren’t grand or extravagant; they’re the everyday moments that whisper this is enough.

This week, I’ve been savoring…

✨ The soft rhythm of rain against the windows—a quiet lullaby that slows the world down, inviting reflection, rest, and deep exhales.

✨ Freshly ground coffee with lots of cream—the scent filling the air before that first slow sip, the kind that soothes, awakens, and somehow feels like a small act of love.

✨ Candlelit evenings with a book in hand—the flicker of warmth making everything feel softer, cozier, a quiet world away from the noise of the day.

✨ Handwritten notes—the scratch of pen on paper, a love letter to the past, a tangible thread that connects hearts across time.

✨ The scent of fresh linens and a tidy space—a simple kind of peace, like a deep breath for the soul.

✨ A message or a voice on the other end of the phone—even across miles, even when words feel few, the sound of someone you love reaching across the distance is its own kind of warmth.

These aren’t lavish things, but they are beautiful things. The kind that ground us, bring us back to the moment, and remind us that joy isn’t found in the big, unattainable dreams but in the simple, fleeting wonders of everyday life.

A few tiny treasures to savor this week:

  • A warm bath or shower with your favorite scent.
  • Playing music that makes you feel light and happy.
  • Adding fresh flowers or greenery to your space.
  • Writing down three things you’re grateful for today.
  • Taking a deep breath and simply being in this moment.

What little luxuries have brought you joy this week? ✨

Thank you for being here!

Love & Blessings,

Jenny

#SimpleJoys #LifesLittleLuxuries #BirdsongAndBlessings

Sips & Stillness: A Moment for Reflection & Rest

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Monday mornings come early. Before the world fully stirs, before the sky shifts from darkness to dawn, my day begins. The dogs need to be let out, their eager paws tapping against the floor, reminding me that no matter how tired I am, life keeps moving. My daughter needs to be roused for school, a task that, lately, feels heavier than it used to. The weight of our struggles lingers in the air, unspoken but felt. I take a deep breath and press on.

As I move through my morning routine, there is little time for stillness. The coffee brews as I mentally run through my day—lessons to teach, students to guide, responsibilities to carry. But even in the motion, I seek the quiet. I journal every day, whispering my prayers onto the page, knowing that He hears even when I cannot find the words to say aloud. Life can be tiring. My heart longs for the unhurried pace of a Saturday morning—coffee in hand, my journal open, my dogs nestled beside me. But today is Monday, and I must go.

Still, I find my moment. Stepping outside with my dogs before work, I breathe in the crisp air. The world is waking up. The birds, my faithful morning companions, begin their songs, and I greet them softly—”Good morning, birdie birds.” It is a simple ritual, but it anchors me. It reminds me that even when life feels heavy, there is beauty in the small things.

I whisper my gratitude, even on the hardest days. For the warmth of my coffee, the steady rhythm of my breath, the love of close friends who walk this journey with me. I find comfort in the quiet moments with Jesus, where no words are needed—just the stillness, just the knowing.

Mondays may not be slow, but they can still be sacred. They remind me to push forward, to seek the glimpses of grace, to trust that even in exhaustion, there is purpose. And so, I step into this day, heart open, hands willing, soul anchored in gratitude. A sip, a breath, a whispered prayer—and onward I go.

A Gentle Invitation for You:

If you are feeling the weight of a heavy morning, take a deep breath. Seek a moment of stillness, even in the rush. Here are a few simple ways to center yourself as you step into your day:

  1. Pause for Gratitude – Before you dive into the day’s demands, whisper a simple ‘thank you’ for one thing, however small.
  2. Find a Ritual – Whether it’s greeting the morning air, sipping coffee slowly, or taking one deep, mindful breath, let a small act anchor you.
  3. Write a Prayer or a Thought – It doesn’t have to be perfect or long. Just something that reminds you that you are held and heard.
  4. Seek Beauty in the Ordinary – Notice the birds, the morning light, the warmth of your cup. Small joys carry us forward.
  5. Give Yourself Grace – Some days are heavier than others. Walk gently, knowing you are doing the best you can.

May your Monday, no matter how hurried, hold a moment of peace, a sip of stillness, and a reminder that you are not alone.

Blessing & Peace

Jenny

Welcome to Birdsong & Blessings

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Hello and welcome to Birdsong & Blessings! This space is an extension of my very imperfect life—a place where I can share the highs, the lows, and the little moments that have shaped me into who I am today. Life is a journey full of twists and turns, and through it all, I’ve found that gratitude, faith, and a good cup of coffee are what keep me grounded.

As a single mom raising a teenage daughter, I’ve had my fair share of struggles. There have been moments of loss that left me questioning everything, but there has also been love, healing, and the hope that the Lord has always been with me, guiding me through each season. I’ve learned that no matter how hard things get, there is always something to be thankful for—even if it’s just a quiet moment or a reminder that tomorrow is a new day.

I’ve also discovered the joy in simple things: the sound of birdsong in the morning, the way flowers bloom even after the harshest of winters, the peace found in a good book, and the comfort of a warm cup of coffee. These little blessings have a way of soothing the soul, and I’m so excited to share them with you here. Whether you’re walking through a tough season or simply looking for a little inspiration, I hope this blog can be a reminder that we are never alone.

Through my words, I’ll share the lessons I’ve learned along the way—lessons that come in both the biggest and smallest moments of life. The importance of slowing down, finding peace in the simple things, and living with intention. I’ll also share the beauty of faith and how it’s woven into every part of my journey, from the struggles to the triumphs, from the love I know to the lessons I’m still learning.

Join me in embracing the chaos and the calm, the challenges and the joys. Let’s walk this imperfect, beautiful journey together.

And as always, I’ll leave you with a little reminder to find something to be thankful for today—no matter how hard it might seem. You’ll be amazed at how the smallest blessings can bring the greatest joy.

Thank you for being here.

With love and gratitude,
Jenny