July - Summer in the South

We love the summertime, but oh we do get hot. Some simple pleasures to escape the heat a bit in the summer:

1.  Enjoy an  iced cold glass of fresh squeezed lemonade on the front porch or patio.

2. Let the kids splash in the sprinkler (maybe we run through a time or two ourselves.)

3. Sit under a shade tree where we can enjoy a cool breeze blowing.

4. Lay on the hammock with a good book. 

5. Make a freezer of homemade fresh peach iced cream to cool us down.

6. Walk  outside early in the morning before it gets too hot and  take in the summer morning among the flowers.

7. Sit  outside in the evenings after the sun goes down to watch the fireflies (lightning bugs)  and to see the stars come out. 

These are all things, just simple things, we can do to help us enjoy and relish our summer. You may be planning a vacation; a trip to the beach perhaps, or just a family picnic. Whatever we do, we can do it with joy in our hearts at the privilege just to have a day or few days away from the regular routine of our busy lives.  Make a conscious effort to slow down a bit, let our minds and bodies relax and take in the summer. 

July begins with the celebrations of America's Independence Day. We wave our flags, grill out with friends or family, and watch fireworks. 

Hopefully we take some time to reflect on what our freedom means and to think about the ones who sacrificed so we could enjoy this freedom, and give a prayer of thanks.

Pray with me for America. In 1 Timothy 2: 2 -3 it reads: "I exhort therefore that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sign of God our Savior."

We are to pray for our leaders (even if we don't always agree with them). Prayer changes things and people. It really does.

"A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both."

     - President Dwight D. Eisenhower

"The Constitution only guarantees you the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself."

                     - Benjamin Franklin

Summer is finally here! We can relax and enjoy sunshine,  long lazy days and evenings sitting outside watching the glittering stars. 

"If it could only be like this always - 

always summer,

     always alone,

the fruit always ripe."

                - Evelyn Waugh

"One must maintain a little bit of summer, even in the middle of winter."

                     - Henry David Thoreau

"If summer had one defining scent, it'd definitely be the smell of barbecue."

                                 - Katie Lee

"To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow."

                         - Audrey Hepburn

"Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words int he English language."

                         - Henry James