Stay in the Word!

As I have mentioned before, I am home on summer break from college. I am blessed to come home to a supportive group of friends and church that many of my friends do not have in their hometowns.

However, it is still a struggle to stay in the word! I mean, come on, it's summer!!! Psht, who wants to sit buried in the Bible taking notes or even just reading a book with such flimsy pages on a beautiful, breezing day? (Not that those have happened yet...grrr...) I know I don't. And even on a gross, windy, rainy day like today I still don't want to sit and read my Bible. Too many video games to play.

So I have decided to make a list of fun things to do to still stay in touch with God throughout the day, even during the busy summer. No telling how long this list will be. I'm just winging it here.

1. Listen to Jesus music!
Seriously, how much time do you spend driving in your car, tanning, sitting on a boat, or just relaxing outside. Or for some of you really crazy people - exercising? All these things you can do with some ear buds in! Instead of putting on the latest Usher or Beyonce, put on some good ole Hillsong or Chris Tomlin. The Christian music community has pretty much got everything covered as far as genres go, so you're sure to find something you like.

2. Watch a Christian movie!
I know one of my friends' and I's favorite thing to do is watch movies late at night. I've done a blog on this subject before, so click here to read the whole thing! But here's a quick sum up - yes, Christian movies can be low budget and sometimes have some terrible acting, but the message is always supreme! Not like some of the porno movies that are considered mainstream. If you want a good, wholesome movie, pop in some of these favorites:
- Facing the Giants
- Soul Surfer
- Fireproof
- Left Behind
- Book of Eli
- Faith Like Potatoes
- The Passion of the Christ
- and a whole lot more!

3. Do a Bible study with friends!
I love getting together with my friends over the summer, but I live in boon dock Iowa so many times we struggle with finding things to do that don't require paying a whole lot for gas. Even just taking a half hour to an hour of your hang out time to go over some Bible material is highly beneficial. And if you don't know what to do or where to start for material and learning, ask your pastor, buy a guide book, or even just share favorite verses with one another or discuss a topic like dating, marriage, or controversial subjects by finding verses from the Bible to back up your point of view. (Google is your best friend.)

4. Read a Christian book!
Sometimes that Bible can be overwhelming, can't it? Many translations still have that old English feel to them, and much of it is confusing without study Bibles or reference books to accompany your reading. Another thing to do is read a book that has Christian themes in it. There are many Christian fiction writers out there with genres to cover every topic imaginable. And I'm sure some are even available on tape to listen to in your car. (Once again, Google is your best friend. And Amazon. You're welcome for the free advertising, by the way.)

5. Volunteer!
Probably most of you cringed at reading this word. That's okay, I did while writing it. I don't know what it is about human nature, but we love to be selfish. We hate donating, especially things like time and money. But there are so many ways to volunteer! You can make food for a church potluck if you like cooking, be a nursery helper if you love little children, serve food at a soup kitchen if you like socializing, visit those in the hospital or nursing homes by talking to them and reading them Bible verses if you like helping the elderly, donate money to shelters, Red Cross, or Christian organizations if that is what the Lord is putting on your heart or donate clothes to Goodwill, church auctions, or missions groups. These are just a few ideas, and I'm sure you have some of your own.

6. Mission trip!!
Many of you might consider this the same thing as volunteering, but I feel it is not. It is similar, but so much more. And yes, I realize most mission trips require some planning (and unfortunately, money) so start planning for next year! Even just planning for something like the can get you psyched to stay in the Word. You can even make it into a family vacation. Frankly, I can't think of a better thing to teach my kids while on vacation. Well, future kids I guess. You can go anywhere you want!! Exotic locations, poverty-stricken locations, or even at home in the heartlands of America. Talk to your pastor about perhaps a church group all going together for support. I know most people feel that the people you set out to serve end up teaching you more than you ever thought you could teach them.

So I think six things are plenty to think about when plotting out your summer. Just keep God at the center of your heart and actions, and you're sure to have fun with Him!

God Bless!
ChristianKid

This post linked to:
Debbiedoo's Newbie Party
Spiritual Sundays