“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.
The statues of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
By them is Your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”
Psalm 19:7-11
Summer, summer, summer, summer…we love summer! The last day of school is June 11th! We love our school, but we are looking forward to slower-paced days and a break from homework. We are craving fun in the sun and lots of time with family and friends. Rainy pajama days are on the agenda, too. I’ll be working one day a week instead of two (I work at our church and have the BEST bosses!). We are taking a week’s vacation at Camp of The Woods and a week in Ocean City, New Jersey.
We are excited about making summer meaningful by seeking Him as to how we can reach out to those around us in His love. Our cherubs are going to help us plan how we can serve others…and some of that will be spontaneous, too! Soaking in His Word is our hearts’ top priority for our children.
Summers can be very challenging and frustrating for moms. As I began seeking the Lord a few months back about how I can best invest my time with our children this summer, He put it on my heart to “invest My Word into their hearts“. I felt God impress that on my heart very clearly. Shortly thereafter, I read Psalm 19:7-11 (written above) and that confirmed it for this mommy’s heart.
I am planning on going through the book of Proverbs with our children this summer. Both cherubs will have a new journal (thank you, Dollar Tree!) to record the verses for three specific themes (of many) in Proverbs that we will read and discuss: 1.) truthful lips, 2.) being a God-honoring friend and choosing friends wisely and 3.) receiving discipline and instruction. Our prayer is that God would make their little hearts rich, fertile soil to receive His Word and that the seeds go deep into their hearts and then flourish through obedience for His glory.
Taking summer breaks from my Precept Ministry Bible Study and my P31 Gather & Grow group, I am looking forward to delving into a few studies myself. I am participating in the on-line study with Wendy Blight, author of “Hidden Joy In A Dark Corner“. I had started this book before Wendy announced her on-line summer study, so I am pausing until she begins in a few Wednesdays. Wendy’s book is rich in God’s Word. Her story of God’s healing after a violent attack on her by a masked man is moving and powerful.
I am also going to read a trilogy by Nancy Leigh Demoss “Brokenness, Surrender and Holiness”. Hello…the title alone shouts of the depths of this triple blessing!
I am still reading my Daily NIV One-Year Chronological Bible, which has been such a treasure to me each day. (Getting through Numbers and Leviticus was tedious at times, I must admit that readily!) In early June right now, the NIV Chronological Bible has me in Proverbs, which is right where I need to be during this season of life…learning about wisdom, discernment and understanding through His very practical Proverbs. God is good!
So, as we plan our summer, we want our hearts and our children’s hearts to be anchored in God’s Word. As Psalm 19 says, His Word is perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, pure, enduring forever, sure, righteous, precious and sweet. In keeping His Word is great reward. “You have exalted above all things Your name and Your word.” Psalm 138:2 Would you please pray for us this summer? We will pray for you, too! Thank you!
What time is it? Summer time!
“Pay attention and listen to the sayings of the wise;
apply your heart to what I teach,
for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
and have all of them ready on your lips.
So that your trust may be in the Lord.
I teach you today, even you.”
Proverbs 22:17-19
Unknown says
AMEN! Here is to SUMMER time!
Lexi finished 9th grade yesterday!
WOW! I'm the Mom of a 10th grader? When did that happen! LOL!
Hugs and much love – you know we will join you in prayer!
Jill
Mich says
Summer has arrived! Busy times for a student minister's family…
You have a lot of exciting things planned. I pray that you will be blessed in all you do.
My kids would love your new music on your blog!
Unknown says
Wow Sharon, you are such an inspiration! I am blessed to be laid off this summer and I have been praying about using this time with me and my kids to really grow in the Lord, and will need lots of prayer to be consistent. It is so easy to get so busy with activity in the summer, as well as get Lazy!
Please pray for me as I desire to spend this summer with my kids and the Lord, I will pray for you too.
I love your blog you are a blessing:)
-Love Nicole
christy rose says
Sharon,
Your summer sounds like a fun-filled time. That is great that you are so prepared. I wish I could say the same for myself. But you did just inspire me a little. Thank you!
Christy
Fields of gold says
Hi Sweet Sharon…I sure will be praying for you and your summer! LOVE all the ways you're tilling the soil of your and your family's hearts, spirits and minds! Am praying deep roots and a love for the Word take place in your cherubs, and the delight you already have in the Lord and His Word will grow without bounds! Happy summering! Much love to you~
Toia says
Love it!! Love it!! I am truly bless to have come across your blog.
I am so looking forward to spending more time with my children this summer. Their last day is June 9th.
I really like the idea about giving your children journals for bible study. I think I might try that.
Thanks so much for sharing!! Summer, here we come!!
Mama Zen says
What a wonderful idea! I turn to Proverbs often.
KelliGirl says
Sharon,
You've got a busy and exciting summer planned. I love weeks "down the shore" and I visited COTW last year and just loved it! What a special place that is.
I'll have to check out some of the books that you're reading. Looks like you've picked some good ones. I also think I might follow your example and do Proverbs with my kids.
Hope you're well. Enjoy the start of your summer.
Blessings,
Kelli
Sarah says
Enjoy your summer dear time. God has beautiful plans for you this season in your life.
Thanks for splashin' around with me on my blog. Your comments always bless my day.
Besitos (little kisses),
Sarah Dawn
Lynn Cowell says
Sharon,
Samantha in the P31 office sent me your link today as our posts were similiar. I love the specific ways that you intend to work the Truth into the hearts of your children. My kids are all teens and sometimes wonder how to continue working the truth in them at this busy stage. I have a Gather & Grow group for teens with each of them, but that is only once a week.
Anyway, thanks for giving me something to think and pray about!
See you at She Speaks (I believe I heard in the office that you would be there?)
Lynn