I didn’t prepare a post for today because yesterday Rich and I celebrated our 55^th wedding anniversary. It’s been a long time since we drove up the Hudson and we were again impressed by the mountainous, breathtaking beauty of its shoreline. We spent a beautiful, uninterrupted day of gratitude for God’s blessings and loving care over our years together.

With a final, lingering look at summertime, let’s consider the word redeploy. I know it sounds all “military-boots on the ground-ready to fight” but it simply means a transfer from one area or activity to another. In our case, we could say it’s a transfer from leisure activity to focused activity.

• Activity is good. It’s a sign of health, strength, intention. It rouses us from bed for a purpose and returns us to bed with a sense of accomplishment.
• Activity is also a sign of bravery. It demonstrates our courage to meet a challenge and step out of our comfort and security. 
• Activity grows us and stretches us in ways we can’t anticipate. We expose ourselves to opportunities and find our spirits fed and hearts filled.

As you consider God’s path for you this fall, I expect to hear tales of old fears being conquered and new vistas opening before you.

Summer is a passing season. Soon it will yield to the chill and busyness of autumn. It can be a challenge to dive back into the fray. Are you ready?

The quiet of summer has allowed me to recharge and pray about fall opportunities. What will the new season bring? I’m not looking for good ideas—I have plenty of those. I’m asking God to reveal His plans for me and considering opportunities in our new church home. As I prayed, I thought about God’s promise to bless those who delight in Him.

Psalm 1:3 says, “Whatever they do prospers.” It struck me that the promise isn’t for worthy thoughts or good intentions but for what we do. We are expected to contribute, not be observers.

Lord, there’s a small window before fall activities resume—recharge me with passion and courage. Speak to my heart and point me in the direction you choose. You’ve prepared a ministry for me and prepared me for ministry. I thank you now, for prospering what you and I will do this fall.

Like no other season, summer invites us to relax and enjoy its sounds, smells, and stillness.

Tune in to the sound of a sudden downpour, the uninhibited laughter of children, the songs of birds flitting from branch to branch, and the cadence of croaking frogs and shrill crickets.

Take time to smell the flowers, literally and figuratively. Inhale fresh sea-salt air. Enjoy the aroma of outdoor fires lit for the sake of a marshmallow on a stick, or the enticing scent of grilling meat. Smell the freshness of the air after a summer rainfall.

Sensitize yourself to summer’s stillness—a quieter schedule and a quieter self. Let your thoughts wander to where they’ll be nourished. Read that inspiring book, or neglected passage in the Bible. Spend time with the one you’ve intended to contact but time wouldn’t allow. Think… about things that are true, noble, right, pure, and lovely. “Whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

This picture was taken at a prayer garden we discovered in New Holland, PA. God led Its creator to develop a peaceful haven with beautiful gardens, a tiny chapel, and individual quiet rooms. https://www.peacefulhealingjourney.org/