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. Share on X
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.
