Hi everyone and Happy July!!

I feel like I’m trying to wrap my brain around how it is already July because it feels like just a couple of months ago we were coming out of 2020 with such high hopes for 2021 and it’s weird because I say that feels like a couple months ago but at the same time the life that I’ve experience so far this year feels like it could fill several years!

I guess that just sums up how so not normal life still is for so many of us. And you know I’m not one that was wanting to rush back to a lot of what was considered normal but I almost feel like the negative remnants that we’ve been left with are obnoxiously loud and have shifted life forever as we knew it...ok I’ll leave that there….since that’s not even where I was going with this episode. 

Although in some ways it does tie into that I want to talk about…

I shared in a post on Instagram a few weeks ago on the “official 1st day of Summer”  about how even though I’m not a fan of the humidity and heat I am a fan of days filled with curiosity and adventure.

I know as adults most of us don’t get an official “summer break” but that doesn’t mean we can’t intentionally create some sweet summer moments!

I know for me if I’m not intentional in how I want to live my life…

Life tends to live me!

So I am making a point to shake things up this summer and be refreshed spirit soul and body! 

I’m not taking a trip to some exotic island or hiking in the mountains but I am finding ways to spend time in nature and just enjoy the life and beauty all around me.

Do you remember as a child counting down the days till summer.  I know I did that every year And it wasn’t because I was looking forward to a particular activity or trip..it was because I was looking forward to FREE TIME to follow my curiosity.

Some days that was musical productions in my living room and other days it was wading through creeks playing what we called “pioneers”.  

These summer days I’m walking outside in the grass barefoot and taking in beautiful sunrises and allowing the sun to shine down on me while I thank God for life and new mercies and new opportunities to represent who He is to the world around me.

I love Matthew 11:28-30

“Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. 29 Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me.30 For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.”

Today's episode is a short one because I mainly want to encourage you to find refreshment and rest in God this Summer. 

We can go to all the places and have all the things but they will never give us the rest and refreshment we are needing without the source of all life in the midst of it all.

July is my birthday month and I’m going to be sharing some thoughts on Instagram throughout the month about life and things I’ve learned and learning and you can find me @susanbmorris and you can also connect in our private community on FB that was started for listeners of the podcast and you can find that link in the show notes as well as the IG link.

I’d love to pray for us…

Father, thank you for the seasons. In our physical world as well as our inner world...Help us to look to you and receive from you those things that only you can give to us. 

Open our hearts to see the beauty around us even if the circumstances seem hard that we find ourselves in. Remind us that pure joy comes from you and is not determined by circumstances.

May we be reminded this Summer that you are where we find true refreshment and rest.