• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Find Your Consultant
  • Compassion
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • View Our Catalog
  • Consultant Login

Mary & Martha

  • Join
  • Host
  • Shop
  • About

Giving Thanks for Snowcones & Sprinklers

July 11, 2022 by Paige DeRuyscher

When I was a child, summer seemed like an eternity — one lazy day after another of sunshine and swimming and sleeping in. Now that I’m the grown-up, it seems to fly by in a flash. A few weeks of swimming lessons, baseball games, neighborhood get-togethers and BAM: Fall is here again. 

Every once in awhile, my Creator reminds me to slow down. He speaks to my heart: 

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 NIV 

I stop hurrying (why am I in a rush anyway? It’s summer! The perfect time to slow the pace!) I take a deep breath, look around, and allow a deep sense of gratitude to fill me… 

Slowing down these days is easier said than done, but it’s possible! And when we’re intentional about it, we’re able to be more present in the moment. When we’re present in the moment, we’re able to discover all the beautiful details God has provided for us to enjoy. Our hearts can’t help but give thanks! 

If you’re into equations, here’s what that looks like: 

Slowing -> Presence -> Gratitude 

Are you in need of a Summer Slow-Down? If so, here are a few ideas: 

Back to Nature

The psalmist says: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1 NIV Nature is like a never-ending love letter from our Creator, and summer is a wonderful time to read it! Each season reveals something new and beautiful, if we only take a moment to look around. Take a prayer walk or bike ride with the sole purpose of noticing and giving thanks for the beauty God has surrounded you with. Even in the city, there are vibrant signs of life that reflect his handiwork. 

Unplug and Reconnect

This may be the most difficult (but the most necessary) thing for many of us today. Close the laptop. Silence the phone, even for a few minutes. Instead of looking for joy or fulfillment on the screen, stop and receive what God has for you right here, right now. Look at the people around you, wherever you are — the park, the grocery store line, the office. Really look at them. Give thanks for all the beautifully different lives God has created. Or maybe you’re at home and there’s a little one trying to get your attention. Let them show you that new discovery; watch them blow bubbles or run through the sprinkler; wave down the ice cream truck this time, and share some sticky sweetness. Remember: when we’re staring at our screens, we’re only half living. Children can help us find joy in the moment if we’ll do our part by unplugging, even for a little while. 

Just Breathe

A deep breath sounds so simple, but how often do you really stop to take one? Pause right now, breathe in slowly for six seconds and out for six seconds (Make sure the air fills your belly!) Can you feel how it calms your body? Just as God gives us peace in our spirits, he gives us ways to calm our bodies too. Place a little reminder somewhere to take a few of these breaths each day. Before you know it, you’ll have the habit of stopping regularly to refresh. Try this devotional to help you breathe a little deeper.  

Change it Up

Routine and repetition are two things that can steal our attention from the blessings in our daily lives. We become so used to taking this road, looking out that window, eating this breakfast, or seeing that familiar face, we start to miss what God is doing right in front of us. Why not take the long way home from somewhere this summer? Visit a Farmer’s Market and taste a few things you’ve never tried before. Maybe look out your kitchen window with new eyes. Focus on what has changed since the last time you really paid attention. See where God shows up in unexpected ways. Take along this tote.  

There are so many ways to savor His blessings this summer! Why not start by making a list of your own –- not another boring “to-do” list — but a GET- to-do list! Get excited about the possibilities and see what adventures God has in store! 

Need ideas on how to combine faith with fun this summer or looking for ways to create a summer to remember?  At Mary &Martha our vision is to bring eternal hope and encouragement to every home, every day! 

We sell beautiful products, grow teams and build businesses—but Mary & Martha is so much more. We gather in homes, laugh, share life and encourage one another. 

<< Previous
Next >>

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Goodbye Winter. Hello Spring.
  • Who Was the Real St. Patrick?
  • Five Strategies for Planning the Perfect Easter Celebration
  • Practicing Lent
  • Charcuterie Snack Board Inspiration

Archives

  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • November 2018
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • December 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • June 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
Sign up for our Monthly Newsletter

Thanks for subscribing to the Mary & Martha newsletter.

* PLEASE ENTER A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS
Bringing Eternal Hope & Encouragement
to every home, everyday
Privacy Policy • CA Privacy Notice • CA Do Not Sell

Copyright ©2023 Mary & Martha

  • Join Mary & Martha
  • Find a Consultant
  • Host a Gathering
  • Contact Us
X

I Know a Consultant

Give Me a Consultant

Join Now

Name Title City State