Small Thoughts & Big Leaps

Living My Summer Days

I can feel it. I’m writing this morning under a light blanket. There is a chilly breeze blowing in my windows. A change is coming. On my to-do list is filling in my 16-month paper calendar/agenda, which tells me September is right around the corner. Our grands are back to school, our beach toys are packed away, and soon I’ll be baking my first Apple Crisp of the season.

Not to worry, I’m still holding on to my blooms. How I’ve enjoyed my summer flowers.

Repeated traditions. Those rhythms that are felt deep inside our hearts. They tie us to memories and conversations in the same place, year after year. The traditions of our summer days and family getaways require a lot of energy and time, as well as a significant amount of work, but our dream is always to build a legacy of values and faith. One pancake at a time!

I’m on track with my specific “book-a-month” challenge. I have enjoyed it so much, I will carry it into 2026. Some of the books I read this summer dovetailed with my own personal Bible study. I’m reminded of what Stuart Briscoe, a pastor and author, said: “May it never be said of us that we had the ability to read, we had the most priceless book available for reading, but we lived our lives without becoming biblically literate.”

Deepening my understanding of the Bible has been one of my greatest joys this summer. An invite – I’m here and available if you need encouragement. I’m a work in progress in my walk with Jesus, but I know a Guide. And He’s always delighted when I show up. A shameless plug to fall in love with God’s love letter.

I snapped this photo of my husband during our recent lake vacation. It is his daily morning habit. Coffee time with the Bible open and prayer time. Non-negotiable seven days a week.

The summer of slow and sacred, creeping sadness and letting go, ordinary moments and boisterous play. And in a blink, we are left with the memories. Memories that carry us into the next season. Lessons learned that turn our hearts a little bit softer and just maybe, a lot stronger.

And I did it. I paid attention. Not perfectly, but better.

I’ll keep the same goal this next season.

One last summer goal has been accomplished, thanks to the help of a friend; my book is now available on Amazon. I heard your requests. My little home store is still operating, but the convenience of one-click ease can’t be beat—a sweet thank-you to all my book-purchasers out there.

Now it’s time for my walk and then coffee. I’ll be thinking of you as I step forward. I’m grateful for your company.

Margi