What Your Summer Needs Now

Curated Serenity for a Soul Thirsting for Stillness

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I am thrilled that you stopped by Serenity in Suffering! I hope you’ll stay awhile and find refreshment for your weary heart. My vision moved me to create a place where anyone could find Peace and Purpose in the Storms of life; a safe place to rest, find hope, encouragement, inspiration, and tools for personal growth in times of trial.

Facing the July 4th celebration, I am reflecting on all that speaks summer to me. Summer speaks a slower pace to me; a time of lingering, resting, and sampling the best the season has to offer.

Some of my favorite summer memories as a child reflect the simple pleasures of life; lying in the cool grass while finding pictures in the clouds, a warm summer breeze, juicy peaches and cold ice cream.

God whispers delight to our souls through the simple treasures wrapped in the sheer drapery of summer.

Sometimes as adults, we lose our fascination and wonder with creation’s seasonal offerings. Responsibilities, schedules, and life’s challenges numb us to the delights beckoning to us in the midst of a summer’s day.

And so, what your summer needs now, is a curated page of ideas, encouragement, and inspiration for soul serenity as you find God’s hidden treasures of summer.

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Looking back over previous posts, I compiled a lovely selection for you of ideas, inspiration, and summer serenity offering refreshment for body, soul and spirit.

Breathing Through the Psalms

A delightful way to spend a morning quiet time, afternoon rest break, or evening unwinding before bed. My special technique for breathing through the psalms, calms anxiety, stops racing thoughts, and centers your focus on God.

Set aside time to reconnect with God in this life-giving practice of Breathing Through the Psalms, HERE

The Art of Practicing Stillness

The art of practicing stillness often becomes lost in the rush of filling newly open schedules with summer endeavors. But circling back to this luxury of quiet rest teaches us abiding in Christ is actually the most refreshing thing our soul needs today. Return to the Art of Practicing Stillness HERE.

Summer Mindfulness with God’s Gift of Water

Do you know the Bible mentions “water” 722 times depending on which version you use? Yes, more often than the words, faith, hope, prayer, or worship! A truly fun post for fully embracing the uniqueness of God’s gift of water, I share great tips on enjoying this wonderful gift! Try Summer Mindfulness with God’s Gift of Water HERE.

Experiencing the Divine Fragrance of God

Summer provides one of the best times for delighting in creation’s fragrances. Walking through my garden on a warm day, gifts me with cascading fragrances; sweet, floral, citrusy, woodsy all at once. Another gift of God, we find specific instructions for the priests approaching him in the tabernacle, which included incense. Join me as I share easy ways of Experiencing the Divine Fragrance of God HERE.

The Voice of God in the Garden

Summers invites us outdoors, and while we enjoy creation in many ways, one of my favorite ways is to simply “listen”. You won’t want to miss this post learning wonderful ways of hearing The Voice of God in the Garden HERE.

Serenity Summer Encouragement

The luxury of extra reading time springs forth as a vivid recollection of childhood summers. Though I adore classic literature and the occasional well-written historical novel, I delight in Christian non-fiction.

Increase summer serenity by adding options of not only pleasure reads, but books inviting you deeper into the knowledge of the holy; enjoying extra time with the Lover of your soul.

Adding to my summer sampler for you, is my specially curated list of favorite books I return to again and again.

Kristen Hill’s “Finding Selah” crossed my path at a time when I felt God’s peace far from me. Kristen showed me just like in the psalms, between my cries for help and ability to praise God sat one little word, “Selah”. This book breathes life into parched places and fills you with the hope of knowing Christ is our Selah encounter.

While Cynthia Ruchti is better known for her works of fiction, this non-fiction gem, “Tattered and Mended” invites the reader to find beauty in the frayed, shattered and broken places of their lives. Ruchti uses her storytelling prowess to guide reader through a gallery of restored art and the unusual techniques used to restore even the most forlorn and damaged art pieces, interweaving the stories of broken and tattered lives restored by the Creator Himself.

In “A Day’s Journey”, Tim Keesee, Founder of Frontline Missions International, reported on the gospel’s advance in war ton and persecuted areas all over the world. After receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, he wrote from a smaller, more intimate place of what it might look like to simply live one day well. Enthralled with the simplicity, yet depth of his daily entries, this book still lingers in my mind long after finishing it.

“A Man Called Ove” is both charming and unforgettable. Though selective about fiction, this one drew me in for many reasons: Swedish author, set in Sweden, and a grumpy old man with a story under his harsh exterior. Ove’s story is one of grief, loss and regret, but it is also a story of one man’s profound impact on those around him. You will laugh, cry and in the end, view your own brokenness through new eyes.

Serenity Summer Nourishment

Though I mention them from time to time, posting about essential oils hasn’t been a top priority. But the value of these powerhouse gifts of God enhances my well-being in countless ways.

I invite you to enjoy reading my informative articles on essentials oils: (Just click on the name of the article to be redirected to it in a new window)

Essential Oils are More Than Aromatherapy

How to Use Essential Oils for Comfort and Healing

The 3 Most Versatile Essential Oils

Essential Oils for Mindfulness

One of my favorite ways of using essential oils is cooking with them. Enjoy two of my favorite recipes!

Lavender Shortbread

By far my favorite cookie, shortbread provides an easy treat for accompanying coffee, tea or ice cream! My lavender shortbread provides all the benefits of lavender essential oil in a delicious treat!

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling on cookies

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup cake flour

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh lavender

• 4 drops organic lavender essential oil

Method

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and salt until thoroughly combined, about 3 minutes. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose and cake flours. Mix the flour mixture into the butter mixture in 3 additions, scraping down the sides of the bowl in between each addition. Add the chopped fresh lavender, lavender essential oil, and mix to just combine.

Roll out the dough to a 1/2-inch-thick rectangle. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Cut the dough into 2 x 1-inch bars and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Or you can use biscuit cutters to make round shapes.

Bake the cookies until just golden at the edges, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with granulated sugar. Let cool completely before serving. Yields about 2 dozen cookies depending on the shape and size you choose.

Roasted Beet Salad with Orange Essential Oil

A delightful salad for the summer, as it is served room temperature or even chilled. I also love this salad in the autumn as the colors lend well to the season.

Ingredients

• 2 large red beets

• 2 large orange beets

• 1/4 tsp. pink Himalayan salt

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill

• 5 ounces arugula

• 4 ounces goat cheese (optional)

• 1/3 cup halved walnuts, sauteed

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar

• 5 drops organic orange essential oil

Method

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Wrap the beets individually in aluminum foil. Place in baking dish and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour. Pierce with a knife to check for doneness. Let cool. (I sometimes do this a day or two ahead while I am already roasting something else)

Once cool enough to handle, slice or cube as per your preference and place in clean bowl. Toss beets with salt and fresh dill.

Whisk together the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar and orange essential oil. Pour over beets and toss again.

Place walnuts in small sauté pan and sauté briefly for 2-3 minutes just until fragrant.

Arrange arugula on platter, drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread the beets over the arugula, sprinkle with goat cheese and garnish with walnuts. Can be served room temperature or chilled.

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As you embrace the coming summer months, may you truly find times of refreshing for body, soul and spirit!