It must be summer! Fresh tomatoes and cantaloupes, barbecues, swimming, weeding, weeding, weeding! Brilliant sunshine and sultry afternoons. The change in routine which felt so good in June is starting to drag a little.

Let’s take a step back and evaluate our plans for the summer: June, July and August – resolve, reflect, revive...

In our June Treasures of Encouragement e-magazine, we resolved to be intentional about how we spend this special time of year with our children. We resolved to rest, relax, reflect... It’s July, so it’s time to reflect.

Reflect

Resolve: I will reflect on all that God has blessed in my life. Jot this on a 3 x 5 card. Add a verse: If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. -John 8:36. Tape this card to your bathroom mirror where you will see it every morning. (Bonus: By the end of July, you will have memorized John 8:36!)

In your journal, start a Blessings Page and list blessings in your life. Start with the freedom you enjoy living in America.

Help your child celebrate our freedom: Buy inexpensive T-shirts for the holiday. Old Navy is my favorite spot. Even babies – they may not understand right now, but someday when they look through pictures and see that they always wore a patriotic T-shirts they will reflect on the celebration of our freedom. Help older children understand about our county and our freedom to worship. Take this opportunity to reflect on God's Story – the Bible. Look up these verses in the book of Romans.

Share Favorite Childhood Pastimes with Your Children: Look back and reflect on things you have enjoyed in the past. Play hop scotch with your children. Use chalk on the driveway. Talk about things you played when you were younger.

Make colored ice cubes with food coloring. When you serve drinks, use the colored cubes. Red and blue are great as you celebrate the fourth of July.

Celebrate Your Husband with your children: Involve the children with plans for a special dinner, completion of a chore that is usually his, preparation of a special dessert that you usually only have on holidays. Play it up as a big surprise and enjoy watching Dad’s face – and gratitude.

Stay up late one night and lay on the grass outside looking at the stars. If your children are too young to enjoy this with you – just do it with your husband. Remind him how much you appreciate all he does for you and the family – be specific. Let him know that you don't take for granted that he goes to work every day to provide for his family, especially if it is a job he doesn't like.

Set yourself up for success as you make plans to make memories and intentionally reflect on God's blessings. Don't plan too much for one day. And focus just on your children during these activities, i.e., resist the temptation to answer the phone, check your email, finish another task. Include your children in as much as possible. Record in your journal these special times and when life doesn't go the way you expect, review your list and reflect on all the blessings God has given you.