A lifestyle magazine recently published a Q&A session that explored a day in the life of a successful mommy blogger. Readers gathered tips on how she tackles homework, runs a business, fits in workouts, preps for meals, and romances her husband (Tuesday nights, 9:30 sharp!), doing all-the-things without ever skipping a beat, coming up for air, or losing control.

But when the magazine asked, “What is your one weakness?” she said, “I lack warmth. Friends and family say I’m distant.” How could this be? Here she keeps her life humming like a well-oiled machine, yet struggles to maintain healthy rhythms and meaningful connections.

Jesus understands more than anybody how quickly our efficiently-run lives—no matter how heroic, noble, and virtuous—can rob us of the one thing our soul craves: intimacy with others, but more importantly, intimacy with Him.

Yes in Mark 6:30-31, the apostles excitedly gathered around Jesus to fill Him in on all they’ve accomplished. Incredible things too, like healing sick people and casting out demons. And instead of replying, “Well done! Do more! Start again!” Jesus said, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place . . .”

You see, Jesus was far more interested in redirecting their focus on Him, not on the day’s successes. He was far more concerned about setting into motion rhythms of intimacy with Him, affection for Him, total dependence on Him, and restoration only found in Him—not on what they could do for Him.

So as summer turns into fall and our Anchored Press Devotional Planners overflow with appointments and activities, let’s pause at the turn of each page and be women who fall into a daily rhythm of warming ourselves in the presence of Jesus. Then we’ll reflect His heart more effectively to the world around us and hear Him say, “Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway” (Proverbs 8:34).

What will your rhythm look like this season?

Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.
MARK 6:31B NIV

We love summertime around here! Our schedules become less regimented, sleeping-in becomes a thing again (well, let’s be honest, for the kiddos!), and the sun is always shining! Our days get longer—days that show the glory of a God who is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.

But summer’s less-structured vibe often gets paired with less-structured quiet times, where our carefree moments in the sun turn into fewer moments in the Son and in His Word. Could this be a nudge from God to switch things up? Just as He orchestrates the changing of the seasons, perhaps He also enjoys seeing change in the way we approach our time with Him. Let’s dive into some new ways we can make time with God doable in the midst of all the sun and fun!

Moments with God on vacation. Nothing renews our perspective and awakens our sense of self—more importantly, our sense of God—like a change of scenery. Romans 1:20 NLT says, “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.”

So whether you have your toes in the sand at the beach, you’re in a canoe rowing across a crystal clear lake, or exploring a culturally-diverse city filled with all things new, may it all point to God. And may these extra still moments be an opportunity to open your Bible moving you toward knowing Him more deeply—right we you are.

Moments with God at home. During the school year, we often commit to Bible studies that send us deep into Scripture, exploring Old Testament prophecies or what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. So what better time than summer to sit on the patio (or crank-up the air indoors) with our old marked-up, tear-stained study books in hand, reviewing all that God had taught us in the previous season?

You can also soak in your Anchored Press planner! Not only does it keep you plugged-in on the daily, but Summer is a great time to meander through its pages—January through May—reflecting on the Scriptures you’ve highlighted, prayers you’ve jotted down, and devotions you’ve underlined thus far. And as you reflect on God’s mighty works and wonderful deeds, you’ll be moved to worship Him deeply.

Moments with God with friends. Make time with God a priority this Summer with a little help from your friends. Commit daily to texting each other Bible verses you’ve memorized over the years or from your daily or weekly Anchored Press Devotional Planner. Reading Scripture texts that pop-up throughout the day will keep you connected to the body of Christ and lead you to Jesus in the most unlikely of places: at the pool with the kids, at the dentist getting caught-up on cleanings, or at an amusement park in line for the ferris wheel.

Wherever your summer schedule (or lack thereof) leads you, let it draw you closer—not away from—Jesus. Don’t wait until Fall to fall back into a quiet time routine. And don’t let spontaneous trips for ice cream or a trip to the beach to catch the sunset keep you from connecting with your Savior. Instead, meet with Him in those very places and embrace the unique change summer brings to your quiet times with Him, for there isn’t a single spot on earth He hasn’t already gone before—and not a single spot He isn’t right behind. (Psalm 139:5)

Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.
MATTHEW 13:43