Welcome to week 3 of Joy to the Soul Summer! I’m pleased to have blogger Felicia Livingston join us with her beautiful words celebrating God’s creation. As I read her post, I’m moved to go outside and behold His handiwork. As you read Felicia’s insights, you may spend more time outside this summer too!

Have you ever stopped for a moment when the night is cool? The kids are asleep, and you sit on the patio observing how each star shines so brightly yet they are independent of each other. Although the sun and moon are rarely out at the same time, you can always depend on them to be in position daily.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalms 19:1 NIV). As we reflect or engage with nature, we are getting a first-hand account of the mind, capability, and heart of God. Nature is God’s creativity on display. In Genesis, after making the animals, the sun, the stars, establishing water bodies and more, God had one comment: It was good. (Genesis 1:31)

Nature is a stark reminder to us that He cares about us and intends to satisfy our every need. Every move God makes is intentional.

Every tree ever created was to feed someone or provide a home. Every element of creation balances the ecosystem. We can know the character and goodness of God as we take in His creation. Hillsong put it this way in one of their songs, saying “I can see Your heart in everything You’ve made, every burning star, a signal fire of grace. If creation sings Your praises, so will I.”

An important aspect of nature is the seasons. God’s character never changes. But His way of doing things is reflected through the changes of spring, summer, fall, and winter.

Which season do you love the most? My favorite season is summer. The joy in the summer season is where everything comes alive. The days are longer, and school is out of session. Outdoor activities are at their peak. Family vacations and traveling are on the rise. Beach trips and pool parties are prevalent. There is a sense of freedom and newness flowing in the air.

We can also enjoy the “summer” season in our spiritual lives. It’s that point where everything feels in sync. The blessings of the Lord are overflowing, and breakthroughs are happening at rapid speed.

It’s the season when your prayer life is at its peak and you say to yourself, it can’t get any better than this! Likewise, summer is a reminder; not only to do a lot of outdoor walks, hikes, water sports and spend time at the beach, but to celebrate our inner fire and passion for God.

I’m amazed by how splendiferous God is. When I’ve reached the top of a mountain or vast landform, I am taken aback by the scenery. Everything was intentionally placed in position. The next time you attempt a hike, take a breath for a moment and take it all in.

“Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy” (Psalm 96:11-12 NIV).

In conclusion, let’s do more of what makes our souls happy. We’ve had a rough couple of years. We deserve to have some fun while enjoying the beautiful weather. Let’s make time to enjoy nature, reflect on God and connect with the people we love this summer.

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” -Maya Angelou

Felicia Livingston wears many hats. She is a wife, mom, minister, blogger and entrepreneur. She says, “It’s not easy juggling everything but with the grace of God, I can do all things. My plate is full but my cup runneth over!” She serves as a minister at World Harvest Community Center in Brooklyn, NY.

You can connect with Felicia on her blog Chosen by His Grace, or on Instagram and Facebook.

Congratulations to Kathy F., the winner of the drawing for Dr. Kathy-Ann C. Hernandez’s, book Waiting by the Brook: Seven Steps to Deeper Intimacy with God!