Welcome to Fill Your Cup, our 2026 summer series here on the Joyful Mama Podcast. I'm Morgan, and each week this summer we're spending a few minutes together in God's Word, finding encouragement, hope, and refreshment for the motherhood journey.

So wherever you're listening today—folding laundry, driving kids around, taking a walk, or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee—I'm so glad you're here. Let's open our hearts and see what God has for us today.

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In this welcome-back episode of the Joyful Mama podcast, host Morgan Ellis returns after a busy school year and introduces her new summer series, "Fill Your Cup." Morgan shares a personal story about finding renewal by watching a beach sunset after an exhausting week. She then explores Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus invites the weary to find rest in Him. Morgan unpacks the deeper meaning of spiritual rest and offers a practical acronym — REST: Remove distractions, Entrust your season to God, Stay in God's Word, and Talk to God — encouraging mothers to lean on Jesus throughout the summer.

Tools and Resources:

BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIP : find a group in your area

REST FOR THE WEARY MAMA

This Week's Scripture:Matthew 11:28-30"Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Love you, mama! ❤️

As summer winds down, Morgan A. Ellis invites you to slow down, reflect, and reset as you prepare for the transition into a new school year. This episode is packed with encouragement, grace-filled truths, and practical tools for moms navigating the messy middle of motherhood.

⏱️ Timestamps & Highlights:

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

Morgan sets the tone with reflections on the beauty and chaos of summer and what today’s episode is all about.

02:15 – Segment 1: Soaking Up the Last of Summer

A gentle invitation to be present, savor slow moments, and let go of perfection.

07:01 – Segment 2: The Bittersweet Reality of Back-to-School

Acknowledge the mixed emotions — joy, grief, excitement, and guilt — and how God meets us in every part of the transition.

"Let go of some of the things that are coming down the pipeline and live presently in this moment."

Hey friends! I am so excited to introduce this new series on the podcast, the Summer Porch Series. Join me on my back porch as we dive into Summer and into God's word.

Summer means longer days, later nights, looser schedules, and all the fun, right? Well, maybe not all the fun. Which is why I wanted to dive into this topic of trusting God, even in the chaos of our Summers, along with a few practical ways to help you find a little more joy this Summer, even if the kids are home and driving you bonkers! Grab a glass of lemonade or maybe a cup of coffee and let's chat. Mom-to-Mom.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Where does this summer find you? Are you in the midst of a stormy season? If so, lean in and lean on God as your firm foundation. May He be the source of strength to get you through whatever it is you are facing. He is with you friend and He is walking beside you in this season.

4 Practical Ways to Find Joy this Summer:

1. Start Small:

Find pockets of space for you to get alone with God - maybe a 5 minute morning devotional, a short prayer time, or a small window to read a passage of scripture over a cup of coffee.

I encourage you to make this time in the morning to help you get your head in the right space to take on the day.

2. Breathe + Pause:

Invite God into the messy moments with you + don't forget to breathe!

3. Let Go of Perfection:

Trade perfection for peace in being present. Embrace this season you are in and all that is possible for you this Summer.

Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty...

Proverbs 14:4

4. Ask for Help!

Okay, this one is hard for me! Let's not let pride stand in the way of asking for help when we need it. Spiritual and Physical. Use your Community and your tribe to come alongside you and help you make this Summer the best it can be.

Friends, I know that Summer can some days feel out of control and overwhelming. May these simple reminders help you find so much joy, even in the chaos of Summer. I'm cheering you on!

Love you, mama!