What’s your favorite smell: Fresh brewed coffee? New car or new carpet smell? Or baby fresh?

Did you ever think about it – you know when you are near the source. Roasted garlic on a pizza greets you the minute you walk in the restaurant! Walking the halls of your old school brings back a flood of memories. And, OK I’ll say it, pumpkin spice hugs you like an old friend!

Is that what your relationship with the Lord feels like? Can you sense that He is near? What kind of aroma of Christ do you display?

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” Ephesians 5:8

Diet, decluttering or downsizing….Which mood or season of life are you in?

Minimalism is trending. Clean out the stuff, visually, physically, digitally, etc and make some breathing room so that you can more fully experience life.

In God’s economy, He wants less, too.

Less of us.

More of Him.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.” I Peter 5:6

No, I’m not talking about the freezing temperatures at the restaurant or in your office. I’m talking about freezing time! This is it! The lazy days of summer are here and clingggggging on by a thread: Long days at the pool or the beach, bountiful gardens and beautiful bouquets, sleeping in or sleeping out, a week away or a day away and much much more!

And don’t forget each and every bug or drop of humidity or thunderstorm!

We are so blessed to live in an area where we can experience all the seasons – but we can’t contain them! Let’s savor them while we have them!

And let’s thank and praise God for being the Creator of them all!

What is one of your favorite moments of summer?

“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it” Psalm 24:1

What is your current internet speed?
What is your current productivity speed?
What is your current trust in the Lord speed?

Which is better in our walk with the Lord? Fast or slow? I think both!

The word “quick” is used over 75 times in the Bible. First use: Genesis and last use: Revelation. We must be quick to follow Jesus, quick to forgive and quick to listen.

On the other hand, the word “wait” or “slow” or “dwell” is used over 600 times! God dwells with us, He promises us to dwell in a peaceful place and He is slow to anger.

Reset your operating system and wait for the Lord’s speed.

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14

Even after all I have done, God still smiles at me?

Take a little journey through Zephaniah 3 in this intriguing summer series:
Season Opener – Judgment:
Woe to the rebellious! Roaring lions, evening wolves, unprincipled treacherous people, profanity and violence!

Next episode – More Bad News:
Unrepentance, destruction, demolition and desertion!
Wrath, anger and fire!

And the beautiful sequel – Restoration:
Purity, worship and offerings. Meekness, humility, trust.
Singing, gladness, rescue, gathering, praise and worship!

And finally, the breathtaking conclusion:

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.

He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

After all the consequences.

God doesn’t merely forgive.

He delights in His people. He rejoices over them with singing.

God smiles.

Ahhhh….summertime at the lake! Sailboats, kayaks and motorboats guiding their participants in rest and fun!

Until….a storm rolls in! Panic hits! People and life jackets and picnic baskets go flying!

And then a Man on one of the boats stands up and tells the wind and the waves to “Be still!” 

And there was a great calm.

Jesus did it! And His disciples were overwhelmed! They saw a miracle with their own eyes and were filled with awe and fear of the Lord! (Mark 4:35-41)

What about the people in the other boats? Did they see it? Hear it? Believe it?

What is God doing around you? Do you see it? Hear it? Believe it?

“Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren.” Deuteronomy 4:9

As the FIFA World Cup final games approach, I can’t help but think of the huge celebrations that are to come!
I also consider a teenager receiving the quiet nod of an examiner affirming a new driver’s license!
And I give great honor to those who ring the bell after their final treatment at the hospital. What a celebration!

Each celebration is monumental to each participant. And to their families. And to their friends. The object is not always the focus. The people are!

Who and what are you celebrating this summer?

“And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’” Luke 15:9

When was the last time you used the word Abundant? There was an abundant number of french fries in my cup…? The abundant number of people at the pool made it difficult to swim laps…? The fireworks will be abundant this weekend….?  Not a typical vocabulary word for most.
Well, on June 8, 2026 I couldn’t stop saying it! Our 4th grandchild was born! Clay Andrew Jucewicz  What an ABUNDANT blessing! I never imagined being a grandmother! And I really never imagined the exponential love affair that is created by being able to love your child’s child! 
Thank You God!

“Now to Him who is able to do abundantly more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!” Ephesians 3:20-21

Do a quick search of the names of amusement parks. The theme of many is Adventure, but the theme of the BIG ones is Kingdom. This is eye opening to me. Yes, I am all for Adventure! Fun! Excitement! Joy! To the point of exhaustion!

But Kingdom? This begins a slippery slope right down to my heart. Who is the King of my heart? Who is the Ruler of the details of my life? Who reigns in my thoughts?

We all wear a wristband for one kind of Kingdom: Which roller coaster of life are you willing to ride?

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33