Thursday, May 30, 2024

Create a Gratitude Jar

• Since you might be at home more during the summer, place a jar in a central location of your home for everyone to write notes of gratitude about members of your family. You can also use the notes as a form of payment for treats, placing one note in every time you get a snack! Designate a time during the week to have someone read out the notes. You can incorporate this into your week at dinner, after church, or during bedtime routines. While you practice gratitude, take time to remind yourself that every blessing comes from Jesus!

Go on a Camping Trip, even in your own backyard!

• Psalm 66:4 says, “All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to your name.” Through this we are reminded that all of nature praises God in its very existence. With summer in full swing, it presents the perfect opportunity to embark on a camping adventure with friends or family and personally witness how amazing God is. If there aren’t campsites near you, spend a night in your backyard after roasting smores! Not into the overnight camping? Take a day to explore a local Metropark and hike the trails! Whether you spend a day or week camping, getting outdoors will draw you into how awesome God is while you form lasting memories.

Celebrate a Silly, Food or Activity-Themed Holiday

• Summer is one of the best times of the year for many reasons, but especially for all the food you can enjoy! Choose one or more of the days below to celebrate with your family through at-home recipes, fun restaurants in town, or silly activities to get everyone laughing.
  • Do Everything Twice Day – June 3
  • Drive-In Movie Day – June 18
  • Onion Rings Day – June 22
  • Ice Cream Day – July 17
  • National Drive-Thru Day – July 24
  • Read a Book All Day – August 9
  • Eat Outside Day – August 31
  • Eat an Extra Dessert Day – September 4

Summer is a way to focus on joy, especially after you’ve had a season of disappointment or struggles. Laughter truly is the best medicine, which happens to come from the Bible! Proverbs 17:22 is true – joy really does a spirit, body, and soul good like medicine. Focus on the beauty of God’s love as you choose joy this summer with your friends and family!

Adapted from Focus on the Family writer, Bret Eckleberry and Kenneth Copeland Ministries