Surviving Siblings and Summer

Summer is a great break from the norm, a change of pace from school and routine. The schedules are more relaxed and it gives you time to soak in the slower pace of life with your family.

 For some, it is a stressful time of the siblings spending more time than usual together and driving the parents crazy with, 'what do we do next' questions, boredom, and quarreling amongst the troops.

Fortunately, with a little pre-planning,

your children can go from surviving to thriving.

This sweet time together 

allows them to develop a friendship without the distractions of the world.

I have seen my kids go from arguing and fighting over 'mine and yours' to wanting to play together and have true companionship.

It is Summer, and I told myself that I was going to have a more more 'relaxed' schedule. 

Well...that hasnt happened yet! 

I also planned to allow myself some grace with my early morning devotions.  However, the Lord has had other plans!  I have still been waking up right on cue at 6am.  I dont always get out of bed, and sometimes God and I have a conversation about the wake up call.  I have tried to debate changing the wake up call to a later time but I havent won that battle. 

So, I gave in and resumed my early morning devotion time. 

I have to admit, I didn't have a 'plan'.  So, I got up, turned on my lamp and stared at my bible. I began to pray that God would give me clear direction and lead me in His Word.  I honestly just let my fingers flip until the bible flopped open.  I almost cried when I saw where it landed.

The Lord had lead me to Psalm 98- A song of praise. 

Sing a new song to the Lord,

for he has done wonderful deeds.

His right hand has won a mighty victory;

his holy arm has shown his saving power! 

The Lord has announced his victory

and has revealed his righteousness to every nation!

 He has remembered his promise to love and be faithful to Israel.

The ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth;

break out in praise and sing for joy!

Sing your praise to the Lord with the harp,

with the harp and melodious song,

with trumpets and the sound of the ram’s horn.

Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King!

Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!

Let the earth and all living things join in.

Let the rivers clap their hands in glee!

Let the hills sing out their songs of joy

before the Lord.

For the Lord is coming to judge the earth.

He will judge the world with justice,

and the nations with fairness.

Here I was trying to be slack when I KNOW deep in my heart the Lord is worthy of my praise!  How could I not devote myself fully?  Acknowledging God and what He has done fills me with a thankful spirit.  As I start my day in His Word, I recognize the daily blessings more readily!

The Lord gave me a very clear message.  While it may be summer, the kids are out of school and there are all kinds of fun things to do- the Lord still desires my whole hearted worship!