How to Prepare for the Summer

Summertime Funtime!!!

As God’s appointed stewards, it is important we stay well equipped and prepared for each season. God mentions the great importance of being prepared in Matthew 24:44, which states: "Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." God's words go on to later state the great importance of being mentally prepared as well.  You see,1 Peter 1:13 states, “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." As summer begins to approach, there are a few things we should know on how to properly prepare for summer to stay mentally & physically healthy, equipped & rooted in Christ. Here are some steps to making sure you are well equipped for this new season of summer. 

        1.Set short-term goals this summer to keep you motivated and focused! 

For every small goal that is accomplished, a greater goal is being worked at! This Summer, get prepared by planning a few important goals. Ask yourself right now, what are my summer goals? What do you look forward to doing this summer?  Have you set any personal short-term goals yet? In order to truly prepare for summer, you have to set goals for yourself now. What are you working towards?  The Bible says in 2 Chronicles 15:7, “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”  You continue to grow through your continuation of creating goals. Begin now to set goals for yourself this summer. What do you want your summer to look like?  Now, make it happen!

2. Get rid of all old things that do not serve your purpose for this new season.  

This includes old clothes, old grudges, debt, or worldly perspectives. When you get rid of the old, you make room for God to do even more miraculous signs and wonders in your life! Joshua 7:13  says, “Get up! Command the people to purify themselves in preparation for tomorrow. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Hidden among you, O Israel, are things set apart for the Lord. You will never defeat your enemies until you remove these things from among you.”  You can never step into the newness of this season holding tightly onto the last season. God has so much more for you. Step out and let go.

3.   Stay mindful of keeping hydrated and eating healthy this summer.

When we sweat, we lose water and crucial vitamins and minerals. A mineral deficiency can lead to a chemical imbalance in our brains. It is even possible to develop poor seasonal eating habits due to the increase in heat. Practice mindfulness this summer, eating regularly, and staying extra hydrated! The Bible says in, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 

          4.Expand your faith-based book collection! 

Staying rooted in your word holds great importance all year round. A great way to spice it up this summer is to add an entertaining, revelation-filled, biblical-related book to your relaxing time, potentially one related to the goals you set for yourself. My favorite at the moment is; Jesus CEO: Using Ancient Wisdom for Visionary Leadership by Laurie Beth Jones. It is a good read for those looking to apply the same skills Jesus used to become a great leader. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is used for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

5.    Stay well-rested! 

Exposure to sunlight can affect hormone levels making it more difficult to feel sleepy during the summertime. Sleep deprivation can also lead to severe effects on our bodies. Maintaining a proper sleeping schedule is vital to our physical and mental health. Invest in black-out curtains, sleep masks, and photochromic sunglasses when going outside a few hours before your scheduled bedtime. Psalm 127:2 "It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones."Mark 6:31 “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”  Jesus cares about every single aspect of you, even your rest. Get some rest this season!

6. Hold yourself accountable! 

Everything we do has a positive or negative effect on ourselves and the people around us. We are living apostles for the world to see. Stay true to yourself and all your goals this summer and moving forward. Romans 14:12 “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Keep yourself accountable for every goal and everything you do this summer. Come out of this summer being the best you and come out in advancement. You will reap the benefits of your preparation this summer as you stay accountable.

Are You Ready For The Summer?

All throughout this summer, you can easily get busy trying to do stuff, but don't get so caught up in what you're doing that you forget why your doing it. Plan out what you want to do this summer and execute! This summer you can step into the new prepared. Are you ready for summer!