THE SECOND HALF: Gelato, July and a generous special offer

 It’s July and we’re into the second half of the year! And into high summer ….

Are you a lover of heat or cool? The astronomical (unprecedented) high temperatures of the past week or two have divided us - some have been overheated, others (me!) have relished the warmth. And as I write, I'm in a sweater and feeling chilly as it's a mere 64F/17C outside. Bbrrrrr. AND it’s JULY! Having just returned from a week of true heat in Tuscany, I am feeling somewhat chilly today. Tuscany was a blessing and a privilege, being taken by our family for a week of sight seeing. OK, of gelato and pasta and Florentine steak! I fell in love all over again with Italy, especially Tuscany where we’ve been so many times, often leading pilgrimages on the Via Francigena, and once again appreciating the ancient churches and the art and the people. Such a joy and a privilege. Even though temperatures were in the high 80sF/mid 30sC every single day. It was HOT!

Summer with its warmer temperatures used to herald lazy summer days, with time to paddle, to relax, drink Pimms while wearing pretty summer outfits, BBQ the chicken til it was burnt on the outside and still raw in the middle, and lie on lovely cushions or in a hammock and read relaxing books.

I wish.

Because my Social Media feeds are full of adverts and articles about how burned out everyone is feeling, how difficult it is to switch off, and how the summer is stressed and busy for us all.

Doesn’t that just makes us all feel even worse?

I've even had the thought that I'd love to return to the first few weeks of summer lockdown, two whole years ago, when the sun shone, traffic was minimal, there were hours of doing very little except daily walks, and there was a general feeling of 'we can do this; 6 weeks and we'll have conquered it. Right, let's make the most of it!'  **

We are all so much more stressed and exhausted two years on and the world is a vastly different place even in such a short time, in many many ways, with forecasts predicting even worse scenarios in the months ahead.

 **(I am aware that for some, lockdown, then and later, was a truly grim time of illness, grief, claustrophobia and alone-ness; I'm also aware I might currently be wearing rose-coloured spectacles as I look back.)

And those lovely old words come into my mind -

“Are you weak and heavy laden? Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Saviour, STILL our refuge  .... In His arms He'll take and shield you, so take it to the Lord in prayer.”

Those  words, written by Joseph Scriven in the mid 19th C, have been a comfort and solace to me on so many occasions throughout my life. But do I always do what the hymn suggests? Take it to the Lord in prayer?

 And maybe THAT'S what this summer is all about. Taking a deep breath and committing it all (whatever IT is for you and for me, and IT will be different for each of us) to the Lord, asking for grace and strength, asking for love and peace, asking for whatever courage it takes to carry on.

Maybe even asking for the humbleness and determination actually to take it to the Lord in prayer, because sometimes it hardly seems worth the effort. Until I do eventually admit I need His unending, inexhaustible help. And discover it's always there.

Where do you need His solace and grace, His peace and His love for the summer weeks? What do you need to talk to Him about? And how, when, where could you take moments to talk to Him, maybe shifting schedules a little, being creative with time and space, maybe involving friends or family? 

- a prayer walk with a friend

- a Pimms and Praise evening with your home group (some members may not be going away or have family nearby and might like an occasional informal time together)

- a little weeding in the cool of the evening as you talk to Him; God likes walking in gardens in the evening shadiness. (Gen 3:8)

- an earlier bedtime to have some moments to share your day with Him; perhaps practice the Examen? (the link is to Amy Boucher Pye and Sheridan Voysey talking about how to do this)

- read a really good and encouraging book, instead of those hours spent scrolling the screen of social media.

What are YOUR suggestions for being creative in finding time to ‘take it to the Lord in prayer?’ And remember that prayer is so much more than a mere shopping list. What are your suggestions for praise and adoration, for drawing close to the Lord, to LISTENING to Him, to relishing His love and care for you?

 My prayer is that you too will be able to have some moments of deep peace and be able to realise and relish the love of the Lord for you, wherever you are and whatever you are doing.

A SPECIAL OFFER FOR JULY …
… FOR CHURCH LEADERS AND THOSE WHO SUPPORT THE BEREAVED.

 Or for you, even if you’re not a church leader - maybe to give to friends, but why not take advantage of this to give to your own church leader, minister, pastor?

Endorsed by Debbie Thrower for the work and ministry of ANNA CHAPLAINCY , listed in the Christian Book Awards 2022, SCENT OF WATER is a gorgeous hard back gift book to give to those who grieve and to help them through the first months of bereavement, to receive, to dip in and out of, to appreciate the words, the pictures, the reflections and the quotes. 

I’m giving a special offer just to churches, clergy, pastors and ministers, as many churches are finding it's a valuable and gentle gift to give to those who are grieving, to show love and care and support. A tangible expression of Christian love.

UNTIL THE END OF JULY, you can get a bundle of 5 copies on a ridiculously special offer to use in your work and ministry.

5 signed copies of Scent of Water £55 including postage. (RRP per book is £14.99) which is a very generous discount.

To order, email me penelope@ministriesbydesign.org or via website before the end of July. Why not do it now before your forget and before the summer hols take over?!

Do pass this on to your church and its leaders - or why not purchase the bundle and give it to them to use! I know many would be very grateful.

“ The devotions are grouped under headings that could work like topics. They can be read in any order, so you could choose a theme, rather than the next one on the list. Between each week there is a beautiful photograph. Just turning the pages, reading words, prayers and thoughts is soothing in itself.” - Maressa Mortimer, author, clergy wife

 Order individual copies of Scent of Water (and any of my other books, ebooks and journals) here

*****

 What will you be doing in the weeks ahead? 

 Shall we take it all to the Lord in prayer?

 with love,

Penelope