finding joy in quarantine.

(Disclosure: I started writing this weeks ago lol so quite a bit of this has changed at this point)

We’ve been in Quarantine for forever now and we’ve all been coping in different ways. The first month I had to pray for deliverance from my quickly developed addiction to packages arriving at my door. I mean… I had to have something to look forward to right?? I had to quickly stop the lie I was telling myself that it’s your birthday girl, its all good!” OR the lie I was telling others that I “was supporting small businesses” lol which I was and you should too! BUT it got a bit excessive. 

Anywaysss that said, I can tell you I’ve been delivered and I have some things that have become harbingers of joy during this time. I started keeping a list to look back at when this is all ove,r but, I figured I would share them with you!

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favorite listens.

Psalm 23 Zóé

Graves Into Gardens, Elevation Worship 

Capes, Rahkii

Maverick City Vol. 3 Part 1, Maverick City Music

favorite views.

Never Have I Ever on Netflix

Onward on Disney+

Becoming on Netflix

favorite reads.

Desiring God by John Piper

I'm still working on this one, I have to simmer every few pages, but it is thought provoking, complex and yet so simple.

Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson

Calming, reflective and a must if you make things, miss making things or have an appreciation for the artistic process.

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses Book 2) by Sarah J. Maas— The picture has the first one because I read this one on my iPad.

JUST. FUN.

favorite apps.

Dwell

I absolutely ADORE the Dwell App. Dwell is an audio Bible app that allows you to listen to scripture in an immersive way. 

*Fun fact! For a long time the Bible was mostly consumed by being read aloud and listened to! I think there is something to be said there and so I think it’s important that we intake scripture in a lot of different ways! 

Now, I know you can listen to scripture on your Bible app but Dwell provides a completely different experience. You can choose from different male and female voices of different intonation and accent, your accompanying background music and various translations! You can even customize how quickly they read and insert pauses to allow you to process (or DWELL on hehe) scripture between chapters. I love this app and the ability to hear specific passages or curated playlists. 

*PRO TIP I love to listen to whatever book I am currently studying. It helps me feel even more familiar with what I’m reading when I sit down to study.

Goodreads

There used to be a time when you couldn’t find me without a book and it’s been exciting to get back to that as of late. I had always heard of Goodreads and decided that now would be a great time to start cataloging the things I’ve read. Since I’ve hopped on I’ve been cataloging my Corona reads and I’m also discovering how many things I’ve read that I didn’t remember so that’s been fun. Yay for all the lists. If you’re an avid reader I recommend checking it out for sure!

favorite purchases.

Madewell Paperbag Jeans in Flannigan Wash

Madewell has been in a perpetual state of sale since this virus started. I am OBSESSED with these jeans! They are sooooo comfortable with a nice stretch while still fitting nicely. In hindsight, I think I would've gone down from my normal size to account for the stretch. I usually have to compromise waist for thigh... the stretchier the fabric the easier it is for me to get a better fit for both my legs and my waist.

Mocha Pot from Amazon

One of my Corona goals is to become an entry level barista by the time we exit our homes again. HOWEVER, I wanted to go the more frugal route before actually purchasing an espresso machine. This mocha pot firstly, is the cutest. It came with two little metal espresso mugs but, it works like a charm! I've had fun getting to know this little gadget!

New York City Candle from Homesick

I’m not gonna lie. I only bought this candle because I really wanted an Alexandra Winbush candle and they we out of stock (the usual) and so impulsively got this one instead. HOWEVER I have been pleasantly surprised by this candle. It smells divine even though it is subtle and I. Am. A. Fan. Be sure to trim the wick because this thing can get a bit crazy if you don’t.

The Hera Midi Ring from Sun and Selene

I adore this little ring. It is a thin gold hammered band that can be worn as a midi ring but fits perfectly on my pinky. I got my band in gold slim and it’s my new favorite accessory. Sun and Selene is ALSO a local Richmond, Va small woman of color owned business and definitely a good choice if your’e looking to support small businesses right now!

favorite activities.

Jumping Rope

Early on in social distancing I was trying to get creative with how I could do cardio that didn’t involve running or that honestly didn’t feel like cardio. I hate exercising and really only do cardio so I don’t hurt myself while stretching. Jumping rope seemed like a great, low impact and a fun way to get my blood pumping and it’s been great fun! I got mine on Amazon for pretty cheap and have been liking it.

Walks

I turned into a hippie last year and it doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. So in order to maintain my sanity, walks around my neighborhood, or sits in my backyard have been vital! It’s also a great time to pray and work through the tsunami of emotions that I’ve been experiencing during this time. GET THAT VITAMIN D FRIEND!

Kitchen Praise and Worship

I spend an equal amount of time putting on full productions as I do in worship while I wash dishes. I live alone, so I have made a habit of putting on some music and living my best life while I wash dishes for the hundredth time. Highly recommend.

kk. byyeee.