Summer: A Great Time to Soak Up the Son

School is out, Memorial Day is past, ball games are about to begin, the pool will soon be opening, and grills are being fired up regularly. All are signs that summer is upon us. Most look forward to the warmer temperatures because they can do more things outside. The sun stays out later enabling us to enjoy daylight and being outside that much longer. Kids love it too, as they usually do not have to go to bed as early.

As outdoor activities increases, so does the wearing of less clothing. This will bring about the tan, the Caucasian-craved skin color. Regardless of the warnings, this desired shade is still sought after throughout the summer time. People like to not look “white” but have a bit of a tan shade to their body.

Spring, though technically still here for about another calendar month, has basically dissipated from the lips of people. Spring brought about green grass, leaves on trees, flowers in bloom, and many other wonderful colors to our area. Each time between the end of March and May, God brings on His paintbrush and paints a gorgeous picture. It happens every year and it is something I look forward to seeing.

Since spring has passed and summer is here, why not take some time, as an individual or as a family, to soak up some Son? The wonderful thing about soaking up all the Son you can, is that it never makes your skin look leathery or has even the slightest potential of making you have cancer. Here are some ways you might go about soaking up more Son this summer. One, go grab some ice cream, refreshing drink, or some other summer treat, and sit outside and look at what God has created this spring. If doing it as a family, talk to your kids about God’s creation. Ask whoever you are with what is their favorite creation. Two, spend time outside with your family or with someone else, either just chillin’ out, playing games, washing the car, or doing yard work. During this time you can be playing Christian music. Three, watch movies outdoor. A multimedia projector makes for great drive-ins. If you have one, use it outdoor and invite your neighbors. There are tons of great movies out that have a very good message to display. Finally, don’t forget the formal ways, that is getting you and your family involved in church-related activities this summer. Watch for them in the paper. There will be Vacation Bible School events going on throughout the summer. Plus, our own church is planning on having some different activities for families and dads throughout the summer.

Soaking up the Son doesn’t only have to be when the sun is out. You can soak up the Son any time of the day, inside or out. Just take this summer as a common time to soak up more sun to not neglect soaking up more of the Son that we all need!

E-mail Encouragement: Fearing Shadows

Light is practically always a good feeling. The sun coming up in the morning reminds us that a new day is dawning. Lights coming back on after they went out due to power failure allows us to feel safe again. You could probably think about other instances where light made someone feel good.

Light causes shadows. Do you fear shadows? Read on...

Never fear shadows. They simply mean there's a light somewhere nearby. ~ Ruth E. Renkee

The system of sacrifices in the Old Testament has been referenced to being a "shadow" of what Christ does for us in the New Testament. Based on the inabilities found in the sacrificial system, it would be easy to "fear" them. As the sacrificial system was such a system that required many, many sacrifices to be done throughout one's life.

If those in the Old Testament knew that Christ's death meant never having to sacrifice again, they wouldn't have "feared" these sacrifices. As those sacrifices simply meant that Christ (i.e. the Light) was "somewhere nearby"!

May we revel in the idea that we have the Light to "walk in" (I John 1:7) and a "light" to illuminate our path (Psalm 119:105)! So remember not to fear shadows because a light (of comfort) is nearby!

I hope you have a great end of your week!

Walking a "Lit" Path ~

Oh, What a Feeling...

Several years ago, Toyota came out with a slogan to describe what it was like to drive their cars. The slogan was, "Oh, what a feeling, Toyota." Do you remember?

God has either really been working in my life in a notable way over the past 6 months or I have just finally been attuned to His presence. Either way, I thank Him for making practically every day a day that I can say that being on His team gives me that "Oh, what a feeling" feeling!

I am sure that those Toyota cars became hot in the sun, cold in the winter, and their batteries eventually wore out. Sure, life as a Christian is not always cool in the sun, warm in the winter, and we never have days that are not as good as others. However, when you look back on your day may you think "Being with God is the best experience I could have had." What is the alternative? What would life be like with out God? I don't even want to think about it.

May you be able to look at each and every day as an "Oh, what a feeling" kind of day!