Hello My Friend,
My kids had their “Moving Up” ceremony today, which means one thing: summer is here!
Every year, I go through the same initial stage of panic, wondering how on earth we are going to survive so many “unstructured” days. But eventually, we settle into a summer rhythm — slower, fuller, and often sweeter than I expected.
A few years ago, I started using a simple framework to give shape and purpose to our summer days. These are four simple ‘goals’ we try to accomplish each day to nourish us in some way, however great or small. It’s not about perfection or rigid schedules — just intentional rhythms that help keep our hearts, minds, bodies, and home healthy during the summer months.
We aim to begin and end each day with God. That usually includes prayer and some kind of Bible reading, but it can also look like worship music in the kitchen or conversations about faith throughout the day.
The goal is not simply checking a box — it’s helping our children, especially our older ones, understand that meeting with God is part of everyday life, even in summer.
How will you encourage your children to meet with God this summer?
Summer is a wonderful time to keep learning alive.
In our home, that means regular library visits and a daily reading rhythm. After lunch, we usually have a designated reading hour (and often more, as the kids desire). The children log the books they read, and yes — we absolutely offer rewards for reaching reading goals. A little motivation never hurt anybody.
We also read chapter books aloud together several evenings a week. We just finished the original collection of The Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh, and right now we’re working through The Railway Children — timeless stories that stir both imagination and character.
How can you encourage curiosity, learning, and a love of reading in your home this summer?
Summer gives us extra opportunities to enjoy and care for the bodies God has given us.
Some of our favorite summer rhythms are simple ones: morning walks, scooter rides through the neighborhood, soccer games at the park, swimming, or simply getting outside before the heat fully settles in.
Children were made to move. Honestly, so were we.
How can your family nourish your physical health and enjoy God’s creation this summer?
We also want to make space for creativity.
Because we are made in the image of a Creator God, creativity is part of how we reflect Him. In our home, this looks like making cards for others, building forts, creating Lego masterpieces, baking, painting, Play-Doh creations, and all kinds of wonderfully messy crafts.
We were made to co-create with God — to bring beauty, goodness, and imagination into the world around us.
It is amazing what can come from the hearts of God’s children where His Spirit dwells.
How can you encourage a culture of creativity in your home this summer?
These four simple goals have helped bring both structure and life to our summer days — whether at home or traveling.
What has worked well for your family? What is something new you could try this summer? Invite your children into the conversation and see what ideas emerge together.
Happy summer, everyone. Wherever this season finds you — traveling, transitioning, or staying put — may it be full of joy, growth, rest, and the nearness of God.
From My Heart and Home to Yours,
Ali
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Homes of Glory provides biblical encouragement & practical tips to help families stay grounded and growing in Jesus Christ.
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