summer

April 17, 2023 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

10 Practical Tips to Cultivate a Happy Heart During Busy Summer Days

Need practical advice for cultivating a happy heart? Each day, I prioritize practicing prayer and Bible study, reminding myself that happy hearts come from within and that every small decision to tend to the soul can bring about positive change. Here are 10 tips to help you cultivate a happy heart this summer.

As summer approaches, I’m feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. I love the longer days, warmer weather, and the opportunity to spend more outdoors. But at the same time, I know that the busyness of summer can quickly take over and leave me feeling overwhelmed, out of sorts, and overloaded.

I’ve always rushed to please God. When I became a mom, Busyness became my banner, and I longed to make a difference. But I soon realized that my constant need to do more, to care for hurting kids and parents, only led to chaos … even in the summer months.

It’s taken me some time to learn that staying centered in God’s love through chaotic circumstances is the key to everything. If I’ve learned to cultivate a happy heart during the summer when everyone is out of schedule, you can too.

For me, heart happiness is rooted in understanding and embracing God’s love daily. The external should stem from the internal. Our outward actions should flow from the wellspring of joy from God’s love within us.

As an author of more than eighty books, a speaker, podcast host, and homeschooling mom of ten children (and caregiver to my grandma!), people often ask me how I keep up with it all. The answer is simple: I take time to nourish my soul. I get my heart happy and focused on God in numerous ways, and it’s from that filled-up heart that I pour out. I tend to myself so then I can care for others.

Most summer days are organized chaos at best. But during these crazy days, I’ve discovered that mess can be beautiful. The commotion, mayhem, and pandemonium have catapulted me straight into God’s embrace. There’s nothing more beguiling than resting there, soaking in His love, and feeling His approval as I focus on the beating of my Lord’s heart.

But it can be challenging. When I don’t connect with God to settle my heart, I feel it’s me against the world. Everything and everyone making demands of me, including my children, become hindrances and obstacles to the life I deserve. Is summer supposed to be about relaxing and having fun? That’s not always the case.

The good news is Jesus died so He could live a new life within us. We need to remember this. We need to access the life of faith we can experience from God-in-us. And we can access this even on summer days.

So if I’m going to live, I want to thrive. And if I have to face the mountains of “Rushmore” and “Do-more,” I want to be surefooted.

That’s why I’ve made soul care a priority in my life, especially during the summer months when life can feel even more hectic. I start each day with a few minutes of prayer and Bible study, turning my thoughts to God’s big plans for me, my family, and the world. And when my emotions get the better of me, I remind myself that they’re just signaling that something is going on in my heart and that I need to connect with God to settle myself.

Happy hearts aren’t dependent on what we have or do. Instead, it’s the inner workings that change outward attitudes. I’ve learned every small decision to tend my soul and turn my heart to God brings change. Who knows what kind of beauty and joy might flourish from a nourished soul this summer? It’s time to find out! Here are tips to help you do just that.

10 practical tips for tending to her soul and cultivating a happy heart:

1. Start each day with a few minutes of prayer and Bible study, turning your thoughts to God’s big plans for you and your family.

2. Take time to be still and reflect, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

3. Make self-care a priority, whether taking a bubble bath, walking in the sunshine, or digging in your flower bed.

4. Connect with other moms who share your faith and values. Meet up at the local lake or for a park date.

5. Practice gratitude by journaling about things you’re thankful for daily.

6. Set healthy boundaries to avoid feeling overwhelmed and overburdened. It’s okay to say no to summer activities, even if they sound fun.

7. Learn to say “no” to commitments that don’t align with your values or priorities.

8. Focus on the present moment and savor the little things, whether a snow cone or a quiet mom,ent with your child.

9. Make time for an arrest, whether taking a nap, reading a book, or meditating on a favorite Scripture verse.

10. Feel free to ask for help or support when you need it, whether from a spouse, family member, or friend. Remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup.

These tips for self-care during the summer season keep my soul strong. I hope your heart stays happy this summer like never before!

Takeaways:

Staying centered on God’s love is the key to everything.
Heart happiness is rooted in understanding and embracing God’s love daily.
Our outward actions should flow from the wellspring of joy from God’s love within us.
Every small decision to tend to the soul and turn the heart to God brings change.
Happy hearts aren’t dependent on what we have or do.
The external should stem from the internal.
The mess can be beautiful.
It’s from a filled-up heart that we pour out.
Avoid feeling overwhelmed and overburdened by setting healthy boundaries.
You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Additional Resources:

Introducing Heart Happy by Tricia Goyer, the perfect guide to finding joy and peace amidst the chaos of life. As a busy mom of ten, author, speaker, and caregiver, Tricia knows firsthand the importance of soul care and finding happiness from within. In Heart Happy, she shares her journey to cultivating a happy heart rooted in God’s love and provides practical tips and encouragement for readers to do the same. Whether you’re overwhelmed or need inspiration, Heart Happy will help you find the peace and joy you deserve. Don’t miss out on this life-changing book. Get your copy of Heart Happy today!

June 1, 2017 by Tricia Goyer 2 Comments

4 Activities for Your Child’s Summer

For many children, summer is a time for travel, imagination, and time with siblings. Think back to when you were a kid. Which memories of summer activities are the strongest in your mind? Which memories do you want to give to your children too?

Which childhood summer memories are the strongest in your mind? @TriciaGoyer

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I found a few summer activities to share with you, beyond the tried and true list we are already familiar with. (Lawn sprinkler, beach, etc) Summer is just getting started, perhaps your kids can squeeze a few of these ideas into their memory banks for the summer of 2017.

1. Sponge Ball

Cut up a pack or two of sponges from a dollar store. Twine them up into a pom-pom (tutorial here) and soak them in a big bucket. These sponge bombs are great for target practice on the driveway, using chalk to create the bullseye or simply a good game of catch. Older kids can even use these with a baseball bat for an extra splashy time.

4 Activities for Your Child's Summer — [photo – itsoverflowing.com]

2. Life-size Board Game

I found this great house-wide board game from ToddlerApproved.com – They have one version of game board pieces with pre-printed activities already on them and another one that was blank so you can get creative with the game! (Maybe even sneak in a few house chores in there? eh? eh?)

4 Activities for Your Child's Summer - TriciaGoyer.com — [photo – ToddlerApproved.com]

3. Marshmallow Sculptures

A pack of mini marshmallows and a pile of toothpicks are a super versatile way to have some sit-down time. You can even use food coloring on the marshmallows to create a colorful tower or use the colored marshmallows to create a game with a little extra challenge.

4. Sea Shell Wind Chime

Gather up the sea shells you collected on your last trip to the beach. You can either drill holes in the shells and string them up or wrap them with wire. Add sea glass, beads, bells, or any other memory-inducing trinkets. You could even bring some plaster of paris to your next trip to the beach for some more sand memory-making.

Do you have any ideas for making new summer memories? Share them in the comments below—one commenter will win a copy of my book, Prayers that Changed History!

I hope your family’s summer is full of beautiful memories!

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May 24, 2016 by Tricia Goyer 1 Comment

30 Fun & FREE Summer Activities

School’s out for summer (or will be soon!) and so begins the frantic brainstorm of what to do with our kids without spending a fortune. With help from my Facebook followers and Pinterest, here are 30 fun and FREE things to do this summer with your kids:

“Little bit” party
Puzzles
Explore your neighborhood
Board games
Attend movies in the park—Paul B.
Take advantage of your local museums’ free days—Wendy H.
Weed a community flower bed—Susan K.
Take a factory tour—Laureen H.
Do a treasure hunt around your neighborhood—Nancy B.
Make a chalk mosaic on your sidewalk—Jennifer C.
Go camping . . . in your own backyard—Paul B.
Take advantage of summer programs at your library—Shelly D.
Visit your local fire department for a tour—Laureen H.
Let your kids bowl for free with this website—Karen I.
Visit a nursing home and play games with a resident—Lyn P.
Have a backyard picnic—Michelle S.
Decorate mugs with permanent markers, then bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees (Pin)
Make watermelon cookies (Pin)
Make balloon ninjas (Pin)
Craft some book-page envelopes (Pin)
Create cards to send to loved ones (Pin)
Try a fun science project (Pin)
Make colorful bathtub ice cubes (Pin)
Prepare for Christmas early and make these photo tags (Pin)
Paint old photo frames (Pin)
DIY magazine boxes that can be used to store magazines, kids’ books, and binders (Pin)
Have some fizzy fun with your kids from items already in your kitchen (Pin)
Make your own rubber stamps (Pin)
Play backyard Twister (Pin)
Take advantage of this wonderfully curated list (Pin)

Do you have a favorite activity to add to the list? Share in the comment section below!

Looking for FREE summer fun ideas for your family? Check out @TriciaGoyer’s list:

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Read full privacy policy here.

August 4, 2014 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Best Places to Spread Out a Summer Picnic

There is nothing more romantic than a summer picnic with the man I love. Maybe you feel the same?

Do you like the ocean or the mountains? Would you rather stretch out a blanket on a mountain meadow or on the sand?

Do you want to be in a locale where there’s lots of restaurants and shops to explore, or do you want to be in a small quaint town?

Dreaming about where you’d like to go is something you can do together. Dreaming is almost as fun as going—especially when you do it together. Take a little time this week to dream about where you’d like to go, then compare lists!

Consider these four locations as a starting point for finding your perfect picnic place!

Halstatt, Austria

I traveled to Halstatt with my husband, John, in 2002. It’s a picturesque village of less than 1,000 people in Austria. Halstatt is known for its salt mines, dating back to prehistoric times. John and I stayed in an old hotel overlooking the town square, and during our first moments we were able to watch a local celebration. The town square is a beautiful place to have your picnic, or there are numerous other places overlooking the lake. And after the picnic is done? Here are our top three things to do there:

Visit the salt caves. A wonderful gondola took us to the top of the mountain where we toured the caves. The tour was fantastic.
Visit the Beinhaus (bone house). Visiting a bone house might not be everyone’s idea of fun, but John and I love exploring local culture. There are more than 1,200 skulls in the bone house, 600+ which have been painted with designs. Since the cemetery is so small, without the possibility of expansion, and since cremations used to be forbidden, 10-15 years after a person’s death the skull and larger bones were removed to make room for the next occupants.
Museum Hallstatt. There are rooms filled with exhibits and information files in many languages, including English. The archeological displays were fascinating!

Crescent City, California

Growing up, one of our favorite things to do was “go to the coast.” Crescent City was about four hours away from our northern Californian home. There are wonderful beaches in Crescent City, and it’s not as crowded as many other places. Spread out your blanket to watch local surfers—and the seals that try to outdo them. Things you don’t want to miss:

The Redwoods. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State park is just one of the local places you can view these amazing redwood trees. There are wonderful hiking trails, and walking among the giants you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into another world.
Battery Point Lighthouse. To reach this lighthouse you have to go at low tide. The lighthouse itself is small and homey—it looks like something from a movie. This lighthouse is staffed by volunteers who stay in the lighthouse a month at a time. They keep the place tidy and conduct tours with the help of docents.
Beachfront Park. I have photos of myself playing here as a child. You can go from running in the grass to running on the beach in only a few steps. It’s a great place to collect sea shells!

Planning a last-minute vacation? Consider going to one of these locations (@TriciaGoyer):

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Lake Siskiyou, California

Lake Siskiyou is located in Mount Shasta, California, and I grew up just ten miles away. The best time to visit is for the 4th of July celebrate and parade in the town of Mt. Shasta. After the parade, go to the lake early to make sure you have a spot, because the beach gets crowded. The water from the lake is crystal clear, and the view of Mt. Shasta can’t be beat!

Other local places to visit:

Castle Crags State Park. The jagged peaks indeed look like a castle. There are 28 miles of hiking trails in a still wilderness area, not far from Lake Siskiyou.
Mt. Shasta City Park. Visit the city park and there you’ll find the headwaters to the Sacramento river. Mountain snow gushes from the ground and drops off small ledges. The park is a great place to run around and play like a kid.
McCloud Falls. The nearby town of McCloud hosts the Upper Falls, Middle Falls, and Lower Falls of the McCloud River. The road takes you to the Lower Falls and there you can climb up to the Middle and Upper Falls where you’ll also see a lovely view of Mount Shasta.

Glacier Park, Montana

I lived near Glacier Park for fifteen years, and even though I’ve traveled the world there was nothing more amazing that visiting this national park. Top three places you won’t want to miss:

Going-to-the-Sun-Road. I’ve driven this road dozens and dozens of times, and each time I’m awed by the beauty. It opens around June 21 . . . because it takes so long to clear the snow off these high mountain peaks! The road travels into the high mountains and has expansive vistas that will take your breath away. At the top is a visitor center where it’s common to be greeted by rams and mountain goats!
Lake McDonald Lodge. This beautiful mountain lodge is one of the finest Swiss Chalet hotels in the United States. The front of the hotel actually faces the lake because steamboats used to bring tourists over the water before the roads were built. Inside the lodge, balconies face toward the three-story lobby. If you know how to play, a piano in the lobby is open to talented guests.
Avalanche Lake Trail. This two-mile hike takes you to one of the most beautiful mountain lakes you’ve ever seen. If hiking isn’t your thing, stay on the cedar walking path below, which will take you to Avalanche Gorge. This walking path is perfect for children and is wheelchair accessible.

So how about it? Which location would interest you (and your man) most?

Where is your favorite place to spread out a blanket with the man you love?

Where is your favorite place to spread out a blanket with the man you love? @TriciaGoyer

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[This post was written for www.HappyWivesClub.com – Original post found here.]

Let’s play a game!

My book The Kissing Bridge is a featured item in Barnes & Noble through August 18th! Next time you’re at Barnes & Noble, snap a photo of the book and post it on social media with the hashtag #iSpyTriciaG – You’ll be entered to win a $25 Starbucks gift-card and 5-book prize pack!

Only those in the US are eligible to win. Keep your eyes peeled for the winner announcement on August 19th!

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May 2, 2014 by Tricia Goyer Leave a Comment

Best Places to Spread Out a Spring or Summer Picnic

I don’t know about you, but about this time of year, I am ready for summer. I’m ready for flowers to bloom, leaves on the trees, stepping outside and feeling the warm sun on my skin, wearing shorts and sundresses.

Do you feel the same way?

What’s my other favorite part of summer? Spending time outside, whether it’s a family vacation, a barbecue with my kids and neighbors in our cul-de-sac, or a date with my husband.

There is nothing more romantic than a summer picnic with the man I love. Maybe you feel the same?

One way to get past the winter blahs is to start planning for a summer picnic . . . today!

Even though the cold wind still blows outside, you can start planning the perfect summer getaway. Spend time with your spouse considering the perfect spot to get away.

Do you like the ocean or the mountains? Would you rather stretch out a blanket on a mountain meadow or on the sand?

Do you want to be in a locale where there’s lots of restaurants and shops to explore, or do you want to be in a small quaint town?

Consider these four locations as a starting point for finding your perfect picnic place!

Halstatt, Austria

Visit the salt caves. A wonderful gondola took us to the top of the mountain where we toured the caves. The tour was fantastic.
Visit the Beinhaus (bone house). Visiting a bone house might not be everyone’s idea of fun, but John and I love exploring local culture. There are more than 1,200 skulls in the bone house, 600+ which have been painted with designs. Since the cemetery is so small, without the possibility of expansion, and since cremations used to be forbidden, 10-15 years after a person’s death the skull and larger bones were removed to make room for the next occupants.
Museum Hallstatt. There are rooms filled with exhibits and information files in many languages, including English. The archeological displays were fascinating!

Crescent City, California

The Redwoods. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State park is just one of the local places you can view these amazing redwood trees. There are wonderful hiking trails, and walking among the giants you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into another world.
Battery Point Lighthouse. To reach this lighthouse you have to go at low tide. The lighthouse itself is small and homey—it looks like something from a movie. This lighthouse is staffed by volunteers who stay in the lighthouse a month at a time. They keep the place tidy and conduct tours with the help of docents.
Beachfront Park. I have photos of myself playing here as a child. You can go from running in the grass to running on the beach in only a few steps. It’s a great place to collect sea shells!

Looking to #travel this summer? Here are @TriciaGoyer’s must-see places:

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Keep reading to find out the other two must-see places!

I have a few books on sale right now! Generation NeXt Marriage is $2.99. You can also get my four World War II novels in the Liberators Series for $13.99.

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August 16, 2013 by Tricia Goyer 2 Comments

Best Places to Spread Out a Summer Picnic

There is nothing more romantic than a summer picnic with the man you love. It’s a beautiful outdoor date. Here are four wonderful places to have one! {Hurry, though, you only have a few weeks of summer left! Or use these ideas to plan next summer’s vacation!}

Halstatt, Austria

And after the picnic is done? Here are our top three things to do there:

Visit the salt caves. A wonderful gondola took us to the top of the mountain where we toured the caves. The tour was fantastic.
Visit the Beinhaus (bone house). Visiting a bone house might not be everyone’s idea of fun, but John and I love exploring local culture. There are more than 1,200 skulls in the bone house, 600+ which have been painted with designs. Since the cemetery is so small, without the possibility of expansion, and since cremations used to be forbidden, 10-15 years after a person’s death the skull and larger bones were removed to make room for the next occupants.
Museum Hallstatt. There are rooms filled with exhibits and information files in many languages, including English. The archeological displays were fascinating!

Crescent City, California

Things you don’t want to miss:

The Redwoods. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State park is just one of the local places you can view these amazing redwood trees. There are wonderful hiking trails, and walking among the giants you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into another world.
Battery Point Lighthouse. To reach this lighthouse you have to go at low tide. The lighthouse itself is small and homey—it looks like something from a movie. This lighthouse is staffed by volunteers who stay in the lighthouse a month at a time. They keep the place tidy and conduct tours with the help of docents.
Beachfront Park. I have photos of myself playing here as a child. You can go from running in the grass to running on the beach in only a few steps. It’s a great place to collect sea shells!

Planning a last-minute vacation? Consider going to one of these locations (@TriciaGoyer):

Click To Tweet

Lake Siskiyou, California

Other local places to visit:

Castle Crags State Park. The jagged peaks indeed look like a castle. There are 28 miles of hiking trails in a still wilderness area, not far from Lake Siskiyou.
Mt. Shasta City Park. Visit the city park and there you’ll find the headwaters to the Sacramento river. Mountain snow gushes from the ground and drops off small ledges. The park is a great place to run around and play like a kid.
McCloud Falls. The nearby town of McCloud hosts the Upper Falls, Middle Falls, and Lower Falls of the McCloud River. The road takes you to the Lower Falls and there you can climb up to the Middle and Upper Falls where you’ll also see a lovely view of Mount Shasta.

Glacier Park, Montana

I lived near Glacier Park for fifteen years, and even though I’ve traveled the world there was nothing more amazing that visiting this national park. Top three places you won’t want to miss:

Going-to-the-Sun-Road. I’ve driven this road dozens and dozens of times, and each time I’m awed by the beauty. It opens around June 21 . . . because it takes so long to clear the snow off these high mountain peaks! The road travels into the high mountains and has expansive vistas that will take your breath away. At the top is a visitor center where it’s common to be greeted by rams and mountain goats!
Lake McDonald Lodge. This beautiful mountain lodge is one of the finest Swiss Chalet hotels in the United States. The front of the hotel actually faces the lake because steamboats used to bring tourists over the water before the roads were built. Inside the lodge, balconies face toward the three-story lobby. If you know how to play, a piano in the lobby is open to talented guests.
Avalanche Lake Trail. This two-mile hike takes you to one of the most beautiful mountain lakes you’ve ever seen. If hiking isn’t your thing, stay on the cedar walking path below, which will take you to Avalanche Gorge. This walking path is perfect for children and is wheelchair accessible.

So how about it? Which location would interest you (and your man) most? Where is your favorite place to spread out a blanket with the man you love?

Need to plan next summer’s vacation? Try one of the spots @TriciaGoyer recommends:

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Are you new here? You might want to subscribe to my email updates, or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, or Instagram.

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