Summer is upon us! It’s transition time again!
The next three months could be full of ball games, picnics, vacations, extra lessons, and camps. A different kind of agenda settles over the calendar. The kids look forward to doing new activities while the parents have to figure out a transportation and meal schedules that works for their family. Sanity becomes illusive as we daydream about sitting on a beach with sand between our toes.
What do you want your summer to look like?
Take a few moments to daydream and write down fun things you’d like to do this summer.
Here are ten ideas to get your
“Summer To Do List” started:
Plant a garden. Read a book. Take a picnic lunch on a hike. Have a regular date with your spouse. Look at the stars. Bike ride as a family. Walk for exercise. Take a dessert to a neighbor. Make ice cream. Have a cookout in your neighborhood. You can check out this Pinterest page for many more ideas.
Summer is also a time when you can develop your faith. Here is a verse to keep you on track in the next 90 days:
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in Him , strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 NIV
This summer, continue in your faith.
Keep growing. The verse encourages us to live in Christ, being rooted and built up in Him, and strengthened in the faith. Even though the routine changes, be sure to keep the Word, prayer and your relationship with the Lord in focus. The more you soak in God’s Word, the more it leaks into your life.
What will you study in the Bible over the next 3 months?
This summer I’m doing something different by participating in an online Bible study to be encouraged in the Word and to learn to develop an online community. If you’re not doing a study, discuss a devotional book with a friend as you walk together, combining faith and exercise. Use this graphic to memorize Colossians 2:6-7.
Use informal times to share your faith by talking about nature and creation with your kiddos (or grandkids) so they can see your faith in action. Oh yes–attend church regularly–I know that will encourage your pastor!
This summer, overflow with thankfulness.
The second part of the above verse says to “overflow with thankfulness.” Begin everyday with a “gratitude moment” thanking God for the blessings in your life. Write these down to see how many you have by the end of summer. Encourage your kids (or grandkids) to look for everyday blessings. This will cultivate the habit of thankfulness and show them that Thanksgiving isn’t just for November.
It is my prayer that your next three months will continue in your faith and overflow with thankfulness as you draw you closer to the Lord.
Have a fun and blessed summer!
