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!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Join Morgan Ellis as she finishes up the Weary Mama Series, where we have been going through her book Rest for the Weary Mama: Words of Hope and Encouragement for the Worn-Out Mom.

Please take a moment to share this episode or any other episode with a friend, and please go leave a review here on Spotify or wherever you listen to this podcast. Reviews truly help the word get out about this podcast and help more mamas find it. I so appreciate you, friends!

Chapter 9: Hope for the Journey

This chapter sums up beautifully everything we have talked about throughout the entire book so far. It is meant to be a heartfelt encouragement for you, mom, as you continue to persevere in your calling to motherhood. Some big takeaways from this episode:

"GOD DOES NOT CALL THE EQUIPPED, HE EQUIPS THE CALLED."

Believe this today, friend. God has called you to this task of motherhood, and He is equipping you and with you every step of the way. Trust in Him as your companion to finish well.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before Him he endured the cross, scorning it's shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12:1-2

May you, mom, count it all as joy. Whatever road lies beforeyou. Joy in the serving. Joy in the suffering. Because God is working in it all. And He is using whatever it is to shape you into the beautiful mama He has created you to be.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

James 1:2-3

I pray this book has brought you hope and encouragement and most of all helped point your heart towards the true source of rest, Jesus. Thanks for being here!