How can “Connecting with God and Each Other” refresh us and help us squeeze all the goodness out of summer days?
Did you notice the title change in my website banner above? I still plan to brighten your day with encouraging posts based on God’s Word and practical tips, but we’ll focus on relationships and how to strengthen them.
As I read Scripture and talk with friends, ideas are splashing onto the page like a waterfall on the river rocks below it. I can’t wait to share posts with you and read your ideas.
A challenge
Let’s reach for refreshment and savor our summer days before the season slips away. Vacations, family visits, and the restful days we treasure at home all renew us. Still, these sunny days will vanish as quickly as watermelon at a picnic.
No regrets
Instead of saying, “This summer, I meant to …,” let’s plan to enjoy the days and the refreshment God gives us when we build our relationship with Him and with others.
Table time for refreshment
My favorite place to connect with our heavenly Father is at the table on my deck. A cup of coffee and a bird chorus start my summer days off right—with refreshment I can savor all day.
One morning, I walked onto the deck to pray and read Scripture after the temperature had reached 84 degrees. I returned to the kitchen and poured my coffee from one ice-filled cup to another until it cooled.
I walked back to my table on the deck and sipped the iced coffee. The drink’s coolness refreshed me physically and God’s Word refreshed my spirit.
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.
Psalm 19:7 ESV
The early morning summer air is crisp and cool where I live, but when the day races ahead of my time with God, it gets too hot and sticky to sit outside. (The humidity here sometimes makes me feel like I’m wrapped in plastic wrap. Seriously.)
When my day gets into full swing and I’m deprived of my time with God, worry or stress sometimes heats up too. We can read our Bibles and pray anytime, but spending time in God’s Word early on summer mornings refreshes our spirits and brightens our day. (If mornings don’t work for you, try another time of day.)
Sharing God’s blessings
After we’ve talked with Him in prayer and filled our hearts with His Word, connecting with others is easier and more enjoyable. Whether we’re introverts or extroverts, Scripture teaches us to reach out to others.
After we’ve talked with God in prayer and filled our hearts with His Word, connecting with others is easier and more enjoyable. Click To Tweet
Let’s consider three verses about fellowship.
- The first verse gives us a biblical example. After the Resurrection and Pentecost, when God sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in believers,
they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Acts 2:42 ESV
- The inspired writer of Hebrews tells us how to cherish our time to build relationships and encourage fellow believers.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
- Paul’s writing teaches us how to connect with those who may not be Christ followers. Look for two strategies in this passage. How can they guide us this summer?
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Colossians 4:5-6 ESV
From these three verses alone, we find an example and strategies to help us strengthen current relationships and build bridges to create new ones for the purpose of sharing Christ.
Whether you’re reluctant to reach out to others or you’re the first one to say, “Come join me,” future blog posts will hold biblical truth and practical help I’m learning for connecting with God and each other.
Before you go, I have one small favor please, and then I have a gift for you.
Would you send a link for this post to 3 friends? If the posts are blessings to you, tell them. Also, let them know for a limited time I’ll continue to send a free PDF to new subscribers entitled “10 Easy Appetizers, Ideas & Recipes” to enjoy around the table with family and friends.
A new resource about friendships will replace this one soon.
Your Turn
What’s your favorite way to connect with God and with friends during the summer months?
A summertime gift for you
Our daughter is offering you two summertime treat ideas to enjoy and share with friends, old and new. Savor your days and reach for refreshment.
Iced Coffee
Brew a pot or prepare a cup of coffee.
Add milk or cream and sugar or sweetener if you prefer.
Allow the coffee to cool.
Pour it into an old-fashioned ice cube tray and place it in the freezer.
When you’re ready for a cool treat, place the coffee cubes into a thermal cup. Stir as they begin to melt and enjoy your visit.
Refreshing Broccoli Salad
Add ingredients to a large bowl.
- fresh broccoli florets
- chopped red onion
- crumbled goat cheese (Or substitute your favorite.)
- raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries
- chopped walnuts or pecans
Add balsamic vinaigrette dressing to taste. Mix gently for a colorful and tasty salad.
Summer News
This summer, I plan to start a monthly newsletter for subscribers. I’ll pack it full of refreshing value and include additional summer treats.
See you next time.
If you need refreshment, click the link to this former post.
Quench Your Thirst
Shared, and yes, fellowship with others (in all things) is so important ma’am. It is what makes the bad times bearable and the good time better. Well said my friend.
Thanks. J.D. I’m thankful God planned for us to fellowship with Him and with family and friends.
Love this! Especially, “No regrets!” It’s so tempting to feel like you didn’t get everything on “the list” done. So important to let God lead our steps and our rest…regardless of “the list!”
I agree, MK. We won’t regret spending time with God and each other. Both are important to our well-being.
Jeannie, such a refreshing message and I love the broccoli salad recipe. Our Lord is a wonderful role model of fellowship, love, and service. He shows us the way. Thank you for sharing this inspiring and encouraging message.
Thank you, Katherine. The broccoli salad fits your teaching about healthy diets and taking care of our physical health. I know you agree taking care of our spiritual health by spending time with God each day is important. What joy to share what we learn with others.
So many thoughts here to ponder but two especially spoke to me-refresh- what will that look like for me this summer, and “no regrets”. Thanks for the recipes too.
Those ideas helped me also, Marilyn. This summer I want to honor God more, learn more from His Word, and spend more time with people I love or want to meet. I’m glad you found value in the post. Thanks so much for letting me know.
I’m like you Jeannie. I love to sit on my patio drinking coffee while I listen to the birds sing. This is a refreshing way to start the day along with my Bible reading of course. I appreciate your reflection on fellowship. I didn’t realize how much I had missed connecting with my fellow church members in person until we returned from overseas. That first Sunday we were back was a happy reunion. Thanks for sharing this and I wish you a happy summer!
Happy summer to you, Barbara. I’m sure getting back home filled your heart with joy. Connections with God and each other fill us with joy and peace. There’s something peaceful about early morning outdoor time.
Love this post ❤️
Thank you, Evelyn. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Spending time with God is refreshing, isn’t it? He uses that to allow us to share His blessings with others which blesses us in turn.
What a good reminder to enjoy time with those we love. I plan to try your daughter’s broccoli salad!
I’m glad you found value in the post, Debbie. Enjoy the broccoli salad.
Jeannie, I took note of the phrase where people “neglect to meet together”. I was having a conversation with friends yesterday about how all of our churches are dwindling because more people are watching services online. It’s easier than getting dressed and going, but that fellowship with each other is missing! Thanks for this post!
I agree. Fellowship renews us and gives us the joy of encouraging others.
Thank you for those practical ideas Jeannie. Just yesterday I told my husband I felt convicted I didn’t sit and enjoy God’s creation from our patio enough! Last evening we sat out there together and it was lovely!
Sylvia, I’m thankful you took time for those moments. Rest and time spent in God’s creation refreshes us.
This article falls right in line with what the Lord is speaking to my heart this summer ♥️. I love connecting with people but this summer I’ve been much more intentional. I’m so grateful for different friendships He has put in my path. Having kids has also given me a variety of ways to connect, whether it’s outings or “play dates” with other families or just trying to connect with other moms. This article is such an encouragement to me to keep on initiating and building those relationships!
I’m delighted you found the post encouraging, Stacey. I prayed you’d enjoy and peaceful, joyful summer.
Thank you for this post. It was as peaceful and refreshing as a summer morning!
Martha, how kind you are to let me know. I appreciate you stopping by and taking time to comment. Have a blessed and refreshing summer.
Jeannie,
You are a kindred soul! I believe that fellowship with others is God’s handiwork. In our society today, it’s easy to stay in your own bubble. But God can use us in our interactions with Christians and non believers. You are a great influence in my life. Thank you!
Thank you for this wonderful post. Having that one special place that becomes your “beside still waters and restores my soul,” is such a sweet gift. Mine is in the sunroom overlooking the pond. In years past it was a favorite chair in the family room. In recent months it’s been face down ( recovering from retinal detachment) but God still shows up!
Jan, I’m grateful God strengthened you to endure the face down post-surgery time. And I’m especially thankful you have quiet, pretty places to rest in His presence.He always provides, doesn’t He?
Deanna, I appreciate your sweet influence in my life. Thank you for adding wise observations.
Thank you for the inspirational message and recipe. 🙂 We may never know if someone is experiencing a tough situation in life. Fellowship with others helps us learn compassion and helps us to know how to show His love to others. 🙂
Melissa, I love this powerful statement you made: “ Fellowship with others helps us learn compassion and helps us know how to show His love to others.” I agree. Fellowship reveals needs and provides models of those who serve well. It also gives us the opportunity to use our God-given gifts. Thank you.
I love your new focus, Jeannie. Can’t wait to hear more!
Thank you, Annie. The new tagline is the basis of what I love to write and talk about. I’m excited.
Great new focus Jeannie. It is so important for us to stay connected to God and those around. We are the light that the world needs. Thanks
Yvonne, thanks for reminding us we share the light of Christ with the world. Time with Him equips us to share with others.
Jeannie, thanks for sharing this refreshing post. I need constant reminders to stay connected to others while busy writing and care giving.
I also need reminders, Lisa. It’s easy to become so focused on the people we’re serving and the tasks before us, that we neglect our own refreshment. I’m praying and working to achieve more balance in this area. I appreciate your comments to let me know you enjoyed the post, Lisa.
Lisa, I need those same reminders. When we spend time with God, He refreshes us so we can hear from Him and share His love with others. I’m sure you agree. Thanks so much for your comments.