“She is energetic and strong,
a hard worker.”
Proverbs 31:17 NLT
Proverbs 31:17 NLT
Summer is almost here! Maybe it means a change in schedule for you. Or perhaps it means a continuation of the same.
I'm a work-from-home mom of three children, ages 15, 13, and 11. Since I have one more summer before the oldest can drive, I'll be making a lot more trips to town after Memorial Day. This change in my quiet days will require intentional effort to maintain, or chaos will result.
I have friends who are retired, looking forward to traveling this summer. I also know other friends with younger children who are feeling apprehensive about so much time with them in the summer. Depending on your viewpoint, summer can look appealing or daunting.
Whatever summer holds in store for you, it can be a success if you are intentional about it now. Since you are a woman of faith, it's important to set your faith at the top of your priority list this summer. By focusing energy, strength and hard work in your faith walk this summer, all the other areas on your list of priorities will be blessed.
Here are several ways you can gear up for a successful summer in your faith:
1. Challenge yourself to Bible study. Pick a short book of the Bible, like one of the New Testament letters, and commit to reading it. You can commit it to memory by writing it all out in a notebook, a few verses at a time. Choose your favorite verses and place them on sticky notes on your mirror, in your planner, on your car dashboard, etc. By the end of the summer, you can memorize over 12 new verses if you pick one per week!
2. Honor the Sabbath. Resting is so important for our spiritual, mental and physical health. Give God one hour of your Saturdays or Sundays this summer. Use it for prayer, personal reflection, Scripture meditation and songs of praise. Of course, this hour of rest will only enhance the time you spend in corporate worship. This special hour between you and God will bless you with greater peace throughout the week.
3. Pray over your schedule. If you are traveling, pray for safe travels and good health. Also pray that God will place people in your path whom you can encourage and point to Jesus. If you are staying home with littles (or big kids), pray that God will help you rejoice in the time you share together. Ask him to give you the attitude of Jesus, as beautifully explained in Philippians 2. This passage is a great source for meditation. You'll have plenty of verses at the ready when you feel frustrated or weary.
4. Consider opening your home. Summer is such a unique season, full of beauty and opportunities to connect with others. By hosting a simple potluck meal with a few friends, you can share the love of Jesus with others. Don't fret over whether your house is big enough, nice enough, or clean enough--just offer the best you can, all things considered. Hospitality will provide lasting blessings to you and to others. Go ahead--schedule a barbecue or picnic today!
5. Rejoice! Life moves at such a fast pace. It's easy to forget to rejoice in all the blessings we have. By rejoicing every day over your blessings, you'll start to see things in a positive light. I meditate on this verse every day, which instantly improves my outlook. Rejoicing is an important part of our daily walk that can set us up for success in faith.
I'm a work-from-home mom of three children, ages 15, 13, and 11. Since I have one more summer before the oldest can drive, I'll be making a lot more trips to town after Memorial Day. This change in my quiet days will require intentional effort to maintain, or chaos will result.
I have friends who are retired, looking forward to traveling this summer. I also know other friends with younger children who are feeling apprehensive about so much time with them in the summer. Depending on your viewpoint, summer can look appealing or daunting.
Whatever summer holds in store for you, it can be a success if you are intentional about it now. Since you are a woman of faith, it's important to set your faith at the top of your priority list this summer. By focusing energy, strength and hard work in your faith walk this summer, all the other areas on your list of priorities will be blessed.
Here are several ways you can gear up for a successful summer in your faith:
1. Challenge yourself to Bible study. Pick a short book of the Bible, like one of the New Testament letters, and commit to reading it. You can commit it to memory by writing it all out in a notebook, a few verses at a time. Choose your favorite verses and place them on sticky notes on your mirror, in your planner, on your car dashboard, etc. By the end of the summer, you can memorize over 12 new verses if you pick one per week!
2. Honor the Sabbath. Resting is so important for our spiritual, mental and physical health. Give God one hour of your Saturdays or Sundays this summer. Use it for prayer, personal reflection, Scripture meditation and songs of praise. Of course, this hour of rest will only enhance the time you spend in corporate worship. This special hour between you and God will bless you with greater peace throughout the week.
3. Pray over your schedule. If you are traveling, pray for safe travels and good health. Also pray that God will place people in your path whom you can encourage and point to Jesus. If you are staying home with littles (or big kids), pray that God will help you rejoice in the time you share together. Ask him to give you the attitude of Jesus, as beautifully explained in Philippians 2. This passage is a great source for meditation. You'll have plenty of verses at the ready when you feel frustrated or weary.
4. Consider opening your home. Summer is such a unique season, full of beauty and opportunities to connect with others. By hosting a simple potluck meal with a few friends, you can share the love of Jesus with others. Don't fret over whether your house is big enough, nice enough, or clean enough--just offer the best you can, all things considered. Hospitality will provide lasting blessings to you and to others. Go ahead--schedule a barbecue or picnic today!
5. Rejoice! Life moves at such a fast pace. It's easy to forget to rejoice in all the blessings we have. By rejoicing every day over your blessings, you'll start to see things in a positive light. I meditate on this verse every day, which instantly improves my outlook. Rejoicing is an important part of our daily walk that can set us up for success in faith.
By practicing these steps regularly throughout this summer, you'll be able to look back in the fall and praise God for growing your faith.
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Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings and God's peace to you,
Photo from Canva.com
Reflection questions:
1. What is your greatest challenge this summer? How can God or others help you with it?
2. Which of the five steps will set you up for the greatest success in your faith?
I'm so looking forward to summer. My schedule opens up a little, so I feel more restful just thinking about it. :)
ReplyDeleteI appreciate you sharing this attitude, Sarah. It is helpful to live this way: "By focusing energy, strength and hard work in your faith walk this summer, all the other areas on your list of priorities will be blessed."