Time for FUN in the SUN!
As I was gathering up the "essential" beach/pool bag supplies, it occurred to me that these little "summer time sundries" serve as spiritual reminders as well!
In our beach/pool bag this summer you'll find the following:
~Sunscreen (SPF~the highest one I can find)~
The initials traditionally stand for SUN PROTECTION FACTOR....but let's change that "S" to SATAN and the higher we go...the greater the armor we wear! Makes you think about going with that 72 SPF doesn't it??
I'm calling it SUMMERTIME ARMOR~
"Put on the FULL ARMOR of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."
Ephesians 6:11
It's easy to get dehydrated in the scorching summer sun and a water bottle is handy and healthy to have along. It's also a reminder of where the"living water" can be found.
"Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
John 7:38
These are essential if you are "pooling or beaching it" with young folk this summer. That simple sand shovel serves as another reminder. Be careful where you build that sandcastle, as they are prone to waves.
"But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
Matthew 7: 26-27
Those fanciful, colorful FUN shoes are one thing we can't leave home without!!
The message in the flip flops is unmistakable. Walking in the footsteps of Christ is ever on my mind as I glance down at my "flip flopped" feet.
"Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding."
Proverbs 9:6
~Umbrella~
Don't leave home without one!
Those summer storms can be unpredictable! Not to mention arriving at the beach to see that all of the umbrella chairs have been taken. Traveling with an umbrella is always wise.
No doubt, another reminder for our lives is found in that umbrella. HE is our "shelter in the storm."
"I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings."Psalm 61:4
~Sunglasses~
Essential for eye protection, any optometrist will assure you.
Again I'm reminded how important my VISION is. The sunglasses remind me where my own eyes need to be fixed. Forgetting that can make for a miserable day!
"But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign LORD; in you I take refuge"
Psalm 141:8
With the beach/pool bag packed, I realized that I was taking with me far more than I had originally thought. These summer essentials became life~essentials. This summer I'll pack up the USUAL items, but their meaning is going far beyond just "filling the bag."
This summer, paying a little bit of extra attention to "what's in YOUR bag" may just help you to .
As we enter this time of fun and relaxation, help us not to forget to see You in the ordinary. It is daily where we can find YOU. Glimpses of You are ever in the details. As we begin our summertime journey we ask for Your protection and Your presence in our lives. Help us to use this time to reconnect with YOU while we engage in play, enjoy rest, and embrace life. Thank You, Father, for this time of summer, full of fresh air and fun. Help us to be constantly mindful of Your hand in it all!
In Jesus' name,
Amen
Lori is a 4 year homeschool mom to 3. Currently a 7th grader, a 5th grader and a 3rd grader. Lori insists that when she was wrestling with the decision to home school, a gentle voice guided her with the words, "you know what you should do." Never looking back, accepting the challenges and rewards and CONSTANTLY clinging to THE ROCK..."No Storm can shake my inmost calm when to this ROCK I'm clinging." "Raise Your Hands" is an inspirational column while, as the Beatles so eloquently put it, we walk "this long and winding road," together. Hoping to impart peace and inspiration amidst the daily chaos. Be sure to visit her blog at All You Have to Give.
5 comments:
I really enjoyed your article! Putting God in everything you do/see is great. Love reading your work.
Nikowa
knowledgehouseacademy.blogspot.com
I am amazed! Never again will I look at those "beachy" things in the same light. Instead I will think of those verses and honestly just give God praise for seeing HIM through it all.
I magnify God through your beach bag.
:)
Lea
<*)))><
We're at the beach on today, and I had to laugh while reading this because I certainly wished I had read this before we left home--my daughter has complained about me forgetting the shovel and pail. What I especially enjoyed was the prayer about remembering God in the everyday simplicities of life. Simply stated, but how profound. Thanks for sharing.
Oh Lori,
This was just incredible!! I'll never look at those "summer time sundries" without being reminded of of the POWERFUL truths you have shared here.
Go girlfriend, making the magazine cover!!!!!
Yes, I'm going to follow the SON!!
Thanks for blessing us with such a wonderful devotional to start our week with.
Blessings and hugs are coming you way now♥
May I add one? When I take my towel to "COVER UP" real good, I'm remember His loves covers me, (OK, I little cheesy, I tried!!)
I think this is amazing, not only are you pointing out the "summertime ways" to find the Lord, but you made me think about how everyday things...all everyday things pertain to the Lord.
Wonderful, I say, wonderful!
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