Engaging Our Five Senses this Summer + Starbucks Giveaway!
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
Afternoon storms, buzzing bumblers, and Ricky the lizard give it away.
Summer is rounding the corner. And although this is the season known for relaxation, it can become one of the busiest in no time flat.
If I’m not careful, my heart can become a hurried one, drying out quicker than the beach towels sunning on my deck after an afternoon swim. When I hear the edges of my heart begin to crisp, I know there’s only one way to reset my stay-in-step with the Spirit button and that’s to set aside some dedicated time to spend with God.
Confession, repentance, and receiving God’s grace and mercy help me get back on track, but how do I keep my heart hydrated to avoid the snap crackle pop in the first place?
“The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11
It’s hard to be guided when we get ahead of God.
Another way to keep the heart hydrated?
Remain attentive to the small but generous goodness of God that water the soul and refresh our spirit.
Want to join me as you did in spring to pause and praise our Maker for these morsels of goodness?
What We See:
- Fireflies glittering in all their glory when the world goes to sleep.
- Summer sunsets (Click here to download/print sunset verses to read as you see the day come to a close.)
- The United States of America flag flying high!
- Children splashing in the pool with smiles that stretch ear-to-ear. “Then followed that beautiful season…Summer…filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light, and the landscape lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
What We Hear:
- If we’re lucky, the chug of homemade peach ice cream churning on the back porch. Is there anything more delightful?
- Hot licks of fire and the sound of delicious that happens when marshmallows and chocolate bars collide in between graham crackers.
- Thundering waves pounding the shore.
- The crack of a ripened watermelon. Followed by the sound of a salt shaker. (Is that weird?)
- Fireworks celebrating our freedom. (Thank You, Lord!)
- Flip flops slapping cement.
- Your breath as you quietly lie on a blanket taking in all summer has to offer. “Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” John Lubbock
What We Smell:
- Coconut and sunshine in a bottle: Coppertone.
- Salty breezes.
- Cheeseburgers sizzling on the grill.
- The earthy, fresh scent created after a summer thunderstorm.
What We Touch:
- Those first slow and methodical steps into the pool, or the slicing of water if you’re brave enough to dive in before dipping the toes.
- Granules of sand.
- The warmth of your skin.
- Berries! It’s the perfect picking season.
- The force of wind when you poke your arm out the car window on a sunny day.
What We Taste:
- Syrupy sweet Popsicles that can be broken in half and shared. Or stowed away in the back of a freezer to be enjoyed alone. Not that I’d know anything about that.
- The nectar from a slightly squeezed honeysuckle blossom.
- The fresh tang of cilantro…on anything!
- Green matcha latte with whole milk, two extra scoops of matcha, and stevia (Is that too specific? Okay, it’s my new favorite but leave a comment below to be included in a Starbucks giveaway so you can enjoy your own favorite summertime drink!)
From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised. Psalm 113:3 ESV
So tell me, what’s one good gift from God you will pause to praise this summer? Is it something you see, hear, sniff, touch, or taste?
(The winner of the $10.00 Starbucks gift card will be notified next Monday!) *** Congratulations Charla Matthews!
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