Tori here today and I want to share something bit personal.

Lately, I’ve been navigating a challenging season with breastfeeding. Put bluntly, it just hasn’t been easy. Some days it feels like an uphill battle, and I’ve had to really sit with the reality that no matter what choice I make moving forward, there will be challenges.

It’s made me realize that in life, we often have to choose our hard. I’ve found myself asking, “Which hard am I willing to push through? And how can I find joy in that “hard”? The truth is, each path has its own set of struggles, but I’m learning that the way forward isn’t just about enduring the difficulty—it’s about leaning into the Holy Spirit, finding joy in the process, and trusting God to provide the strength I need to keep moving. Which takes us from victims of our situations to “… more than Conquerors..” Romans 8:27

I’ve also been wrestling with the fact that doing things God’s way often feels like the hard way. But I’m reminded that God never promised us an easy journey—He promised us His presence, His strength, and His peace along the journey. It’s in these moments, when we choose to trust Him despite the difficulty, that we truly see His power at work in our lives because those difficult times actually reveal His power at work (if we run to him). And for me at least, I find comfort knowing that each struggle I face is another opportunity to bring Him glory.

I know I’m not alone in this. We all face hard choices, whether it’s in our jobs, our relationships, or the day-to-day demands of life. Maybe you’re wrestling with your own version of hard right now. If you are, I want you to know that it’s okay to feel the weight of it—but remember, you don’t have to carry it alone.

In moments like these, I’m reminded of Paul. He faced more than his fair share of hardships, yet he wrote, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” Phil 4:11. Paul’s joy didn’t come from his circumstances being easy, but from the God who was with him in the midst of them. He chose his hard, embraced it with faith, and found joy in the journey. That’s the kind of joy I’m seeking, and I’m inviting you to seek it too.

We’re in this together, fam. Let’s keep moving forward, one step at a time, in His strength, with His JOY!

Fam update: Chad just got home from his 5 day adventure to his annual men’s retreat in CO & all is right in our little world! We missed him even extra because our sweet Micah boy ended up getting sick (so sad & not fun) but very grateful I had my mama and bestie in town visiting! 🙌🏻

Thank you for being a member of the Sunday Send! We love you & remember… you are God’s masterpiece!

p.s. when you’re ready, here are some ways we can help…