“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