Looking out my window
The Texas summer has settled in.
The pool sparkles under a bright blue sky,
inviting us outside despite the rising temperatures.
I am thinking
Lately I’ve been pondering the relationship between imagination and spiritual formation.
The stories and images that fill our minds shape the people we become,
and I want my imagination to be increasingly formed by God’s Word.
I am thankful
This month, my heart is especially grateful for the women in our church.
Their desire to know God, love His Word, and encourage one another
is a gift I never want to take for granted.
One of my favorite things
I thoroughly enjoyed The Sheep Detectives.
It was delightful in all the right ways.
I am creating
Rather than creating something to finish, I’m creating space to think.
July will be a month of planning, praying, and letting ideas
for writing and ministry quietly take shape.
I am listening to
I’ve been happily immersed in the Emma M. Lion books by Beth Brower.
They’ve been delightful company.
I am wearing
My favorite summer accessory continues to be the beautiful tagua nut
necklaces made by Soraya Cedeno. They add just the right amount of
color and joy to simple summer outfits.
I am reading
This month’s books have been wonderfully varied:
Humility by Gavin Ortlund,
Evangelism by Sharonda Cooper, and
Revolutionary Mothers by Carol Berkin.
Each one has given me something worthwhile to ponder.
I am hoping
I’m looking forward to a quieter
July—a season to step back, seek clarity,
and prayerfully shape the writing and
ministry projects that will fill the months ahead.
In my kitchen
Summer fruit has been stealing the show.
Juicy peaches and dark cherries have made
ordinary meals feel like celebrations.
Life really is a little sweeter this time of year.
In my garden
I’m dreaming of wild sunflowers.
A packet of seeds is waiting,
and now the challenge is figuring out how to outsmart
the squirrels and birds long enough for them to take root.
Quote
“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him,
for he shields him all day long,
and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders.”
— Deuteronomy 33:12
A moment from my day
One of the greatest gifts of June was spending five days with my 96-year-old dad and
another five days with my nine-year-old twin grandsons.
There is something deeply humbling about standing between generations.
Closing Thought
June reminded me that some of life’s richest moments aren’t found in accomplishing more but in being present with the people God has entrusted to us. As one season gives way to another, I’m grateful for the invitation to rest securely in Him while He prepares whatever comes next.
