Enjoying the Gift of Summer
The Craze of Summer
The month of July is special for many reasons. Summer is in full swing, children are home from school, and at the start of the month, we celebrate the 4th of July. Though we have many reasons for excitement and joy, summer can often become a time of stress rather than relaxation. In the midst of travel, events, and activities, we can easily lose sight of the blessings that summer brings. However, especially in the month of Independence Day, it is important to take time from our busy schedules to refocus on the beautiful gifts of our lives, our families, our country, and our freedom.
Thanking God for Our Blessings
Let us thank God for these blessings each and every day, even when it might be difficult. St. Josemaria Escriva once wrote, “Thank him for everything, because everything is good.” When we feel like complaining about the heat, let us thank God for the sun. When we feel stressed juggling our children’s many activities, let us thank God for their health and their ability to participate in those activities. And when we feel anxiety about travel or events, let us thank God for the beautiful places of this world and the opportunity to share special moments with our loved ones, both near and far.
5 Tips on Celebrating Summer Well
Spend time outside: go swimming, hiking, or walking
Make a fresh, summery meal
Host a gathering for family and friends
Schedule affordable family outings to the library, the zoo, the park, etc.
Do a gratitude exercise (journaling, doing a craft with children centered on things they are grateful for)
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
- John F. Kennedy
Watermelon Sorbet
This easy Watermelon Sorbet is quick to make and perfect for summer. With natural ingredients that are both delicious and healthy, this is a great go-to recipe for an afternoon or after dinner treat!
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
4 cups frozen watermelon
About 1 cup lemon or lime juice
Honey (to taste)
Instructions
1. Cube watermelon and freeze overnight.
2. Juice lemons or limes depending on your preference.
3. Add frozen watermelon and about ¼ cup juice to a blender or food processor. If desired, add honey for additional sweetness, to taste. Continue adding juice and blending until reaching the desired consistency.
4. Serve and enjoy!
Creative Cooperation in the Home Seminar in Downers Grove, IL
This month, The Art of Living for Women is highlighting another session in our Creative Cooperation in the Home Series that focuses on the importance of the home as both a physical space and spiritual reality and how to incorporate elements in home life needed for the family to truly develop and thrive.
This session of the series, which will be held at The Grove Cultural Center in Downers Grove, Illinois, will feature talks and activities centered around aspects of play, a critical element in a child’s development. The session is entitled, “The Power of Home-Based Play: Leading Your Child to Experience Joy in Goodness.” The featured speaker is a homeschooling mother of nine, Magdalena Hudson. Magdalena will share her insights regarding the importance of home-based play in our current environment where more and more of children’s time is spent outside the home. Magdalena has self-studied philosophical aspects of life that can enable children to recognize truth, goodness, and beauty as they mature. We will have Q&A with Magdalena, a hands-on activity, and lunch to close out the event.
This event will be held Saturday, July 29, from 10:30 – 1:00. Space is limited and we encourage you to register by Monday, July 24th to reserve your spot! If you are not living near this location, click on Art of Living for Women events to keep your eye out for events near you.
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