Seasons and changes are a natural part of life. In our culture today, I think we tend to celebrate and acknowledge the beginnings of something more often than the endings. Some endings are natural. Some are invited. Some are unexpected. And some are avoided.

The dog days of summer have crept in, and August can feel like an extended Saturday.  We want to soak up all the sun and have all the fun with those we love.  Sometimes our spiritual life, however, can take a back seat while fun and activities are at the wheel guiding the course.  In the shimmer of the summer rays, it’s easy to find our passion for God waning.

Summer is full of fun and sun. I absolutely love Summer, it’s my favorite season. Maybe it’s because I know that vacation time is coming. I always look forward to my vacation time. Finding a time to rest and unwind from the crazy, busyness of life is important to me. One of my most favorite places to visit on vacation is the ocean. I am completely mesmerized by the rhythmic sounds of the waves that beat upon the sand.

“Don’t forget to drink some water!”

 If you’re like me, you’ve heard this phrase many times in your life.

 Have a headache? Drink some water.

Have a stomachache? Drink some water.

Hot day? Cold day? Water.

Hungry? Tired? Surely a glass of water would help.

Exercising? Coughing? Hiccupping? You guessed it – water!

Water is essential for every function in our human body, and for every living thing in the world. Without it, life as we know it would simply cease to exist.

The air was heavy and the hot summer sun beat down from a blue and cloudless sky over the city. Taking in this view from a distance is one of my favorite sights. I love my city. But, where I was going would have a very different view than the one that welcomes you as you exit the Fort Pitt Tunnel into Pittsburgh. That is a view that never gets old. No, today, would be spent in the streets.

Birds fly. Dogs run. Fish swim. Rabbits hop. What about us? The ones who were created to rule over all the animals of the earth? Human beings strive.

Peter, the Rock, was busy about the Father’s business.  The church was being built just as Jesus said!  But that busyness brought Peter to an unwanted place. 

Chained.

Cold.

Frustrated.

Alone.

Wounded.

There he sat.  He was guarded by four squads of soldiers. A brood of 16 men, enough to guard one prisoner and cell door, and even take shifts through the night.

Summer has finally arrived in the Northeast! The skies flood us with afternoon showers or spread their glorious rays of sunshine for the Vitamin-D-deficient to enjoy! June through August, we dream of having a more relaxed schedule, enjoying the flash of fireflies, grabbing that new book placed on the shelf since Christmas, and relaxing with family. I love the casual and less demanding days of summer. Who is with me? 

“Are you ignorant!?” Suddenly the man’s voice seemed to be louder than it was just moments ago. As my face went warm I felt every eye in the store turn my way. Being an employee, leaving was not an option.

The summer season is upon us. School is out and summer camps have begun. Fruits and veggies are piled high at the local Farmer’s markets and of course, there are watermelons everywhere! When you see them displayed in hot tub-sized bins at the grocery store, you just know that it feels like summer.

Intentionality requires forethought, process, execution, and follow-up.  No matter what task we attempt to tackle, intentionality will take the endeavor from the first stage to completion.  UN-intentionally, we can become lax in our efforts.  We may procrastinate, worry, or even forget to forge ahead and intentionally work on the assignment set out in front of us.

As some of you, we are currently finishing up the spring sports season with a few of our kids. My husband and I have willingly accepted a coaching position for our daughter’s soccer team. My husband is also helping to coach a baseball team that 2 of our boys are on. As we have been back and forth to soccer fields and baseball fields I am constantly reminded of being on a team.

Clamor [n] - a loud and constant noise, especially that of people shouting vehemently. [v] of a group of people, shout loudly and insistently. 

The other day I found myself bombarded by sound. After a week filled with meetings and conference calls, and even time spent with family and friends, I needed a break from the sound. I desperately sought silence and a semblance of peace. I can’t remember the last time I craved the quiet so fiercely.

Whenever a thunderstorm travels through, it’s like all five of our senses come alive. We can feel the ground shake as the thunder rolls or when the wind blows, we can see the lightning mark up the sky.  We can even smell the rain as it drops from the clouds above.

The other night, I was fed up with the disarray in my closet and set out to make it better.  After weeks of travels and add in the daily laundry ritual, my wardrobe needed my full attention.  To begin this task, I asked the Lord for forgiveness. As women, we may tend to hang on to things too long. 

Why God? Why me? Why MY family? Why MY health? Why MY job? Why now? Why? Why? Why? I can guarantee we’ve all said one of these phrases at least once, maybe many times. There’s so much we don’t understand; so much suffering everywhere we turn; so much injustice; so much that’s not fair. There are some people who just seem to take one hit after another.

As a little girl, one of my favorite moments of the year was when my friends and family would gather to celebrate my birthday. Adorned in a plastic birthday tiara, I would smile from ear to ear as they sang “Happy Birthday” to me before I blew out the candles.

I love to check out a good yard sale or go to a thrift store to see what treasures I can find. Sometimes, I find a unique piece of furniture like an old farmhouse table, chairs that have character, or other little treasures that call out to me.  When a piece captures my attention, I instantly see the potential for it to be something beautiful and can easily envision a place for it in my home.