SUMMERTIME

As we enjoy ourselves, let us remember that there's one out there who could care less about you having a good time. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).

I included Wait on Him, because this summer will be the first summer that some families will be spending apart. Visitation will need to be worked out and court proceedings attended, but I wanted to offer a word of encouragement and hope for any married couple who has recently separated, divorced or who is thinking about either. Remember that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).

Lastly, you may be familiar with the NEWSTART Principles. I've modified them. If you WANT a FRESH start, check out the tips for a healty summer.

“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart;
wait, I say on the Lord,” (Psalms 27: 14)

Year 1 of marriage was, or seemed rather, like the biggest mistake of my life. Year 2, a trial, but on the heels of year 3, I saw the hand of the Lord moving upon our hearts and minds.

I see why the divorce rate is so high among people who love each other; who care for each other and who are attracted to each other enough to have children together. The trials of this life beat us down enough, but when our sins and true selves begin to surface, fierce conflict ensues. Lovers begin to despise each other and friends become bitter enemies. It’s a bad state of affairs and much prayer is needed.

My heart is especially pained for the young people who marry with little, incompetent or no counseling. We are not prepared for the changes that will take place and feel betrayed by those who walked this road before us. There is a deception by the enemy to hide the rough roads that inevitably will come, so many suffer in silence. But Praise God, I see hope.

Prayer and information and sometimes pure willpower can save many marriages and restore some that have even ended. It cannot be done in our own strength, or with our own knowledge. We need to be open to the wisdom of the elders (1 Pet. 5:5). We need to pray (1 Thes. 5:17), we need to exercise sheer will (Phil. 2:13; Matt. 26:41) and we need God’s strength (2 Cor. 12:10).

Marriage is a blessing from God and a great privilege. Let us enjoy His gift and seek to bring Him glory in it.

W-A-N-T a F-R-E-S-H start?

• Water – Especially essential during the hot, humid months
• Air – A little fresh air does the lungs and the temperament well
• Nutrition – with “umpteen” barbeques, picnics or cookouts, gluttony is prevalent (Don't let your belly become your god)
• Temperance - "Enough is as good as a feast" (This doesn't just apply to food)
• Faith – Trust that God is working everything out for your good and his glory
• Rest – Longer days and shorter nights means less sleep, try to get some rest during the day
• Exercise – In some form or other, keep those muscles moving, especially the ones in your face (smile more)
• Sunshine – From Vitamin D to battling jet leg, the sun can be of great benefit in healthy amounts (For the entire article, go to http://www.amazingfacts.org/; click on Inside Report Magazine and scross to the newsletter titled, "The Power of Plodding" in PDF format)
• Hygiene – Shower with slightly warm water (this keeps you cool during the hot days); wash hands and face after coming in from outdoors; brush regularly