What a lovely several months it has been since I last sat down to write and converse with you all. Our boys have finished another school year, we made it through multiple holidays with joy, and the summer is upon us! How is your summer going? Is it full of lazy and relaxing days, or is the pace too much? I find myself somewhere in between. We have had very busy weeks lately, punctuated with days of rest as we are able to squeeze them in. But I find that the Lord always provides what we need.

This summer I am reading several good books, and I find that to be such a welcome respite when my mind and calendar can threaten to overwhelm me. (Scroll to the bottom to see the complete list of what I am reading/ have finished lately)…One book in particular, The Nature of Rest, by Eryn Lynum, has been encouraging to discuss with friends, as we all seek to live in a Sabbath mindset. From hummingbirds and fairy shrimp, to the rhythms of the sun and moon, we have found that God is all around us if we take a moment to abide in him, particularly by enjoying his handiwork in creation. How are you spending the quiet moments of your day? Here are a few other ways I am squeezing in some “Sabbath moments” as I go. (These are not affiliate links…)

LindyWell Pilates has been such a blessing to me, as well as short morning walks. I find that even 15-20 min of moving my body reaps great dividends.

Dwell Audio Bible – the short daily devotion is so good for a mid-morning pick me up! I usually try to read a little more of a lengthy devo in the early mornings, but when I didn’t sleep well, and the kids wake before I do, listening to this together over breakfast is such a good thing too.

Verse card affirmations – I have a few different pretty verse cards to look over, but a free one from Ann Voskamp is a favorite. I have been writing the full verses out on the back and popping these in my purse or by my morning reading chair to go over.

Daily pauses – John Eldredge has a great app for this, but sneaking quiet moments throughout the day in a closet, popping out on the patio for a few minutes while the boys rest in the afternoon, or by the kitchen sink is such a treat. Connecting with the Father is always the best part(s) of my day!

Day one app – I have kept up with this for several years, though not as much as I’d like this past year. However, I do try to record my thoughts and a few pictures several times a month. Daily would be even better! Keeping track regularly of my gratitude is life-changing and set the stage for a healthy marriage for us.

Family Life radio – This has been such a gift to me in my quest to be on my phone less! We have an old Tivoli radio, and thankfully a local Family life station that I can enjoy while I work in the kitchen.

Have a great day in the Lord!