☀️ Perspective: Peace in God's Presence.

Summer Playlist, Prayers, and Prompts for This Week and Beyond

After this week’s news cycle, I think we could all use a little sunshine.

It’s important to stay awake to the world and its messy, complicated, sometimes infuriating humanity. What are we doing if we’re not doing our broken best to embody the love of God, neighbor, and self? If we’re not showing our kids how to live out our values in everyday life?

Being an informed citizen of our communities and world is part of this journey, to be sure. And while I’m not burying my head in the backyard sandbox, I’m also craving the perspective and presence that summer offers.

I have terrible eyesight. Without my glasses or contacts, I see vague shapes. With my astigmatism, ordinary lights look like fireworks. But if I squint just so, what’s right in front of me becomes much clearer.

We might not see it right away; we might have to squint or change our perspective, but summer beckons us to unfurl our fists and open our hands to embrace to the Spirit of God right where we are.

Even amidst the harsh realities of life, there is beauty in the now.

When I say “Every Season Sacred,” I don't mean each season is perfect or even good, but that God is present in every season of our lives.

Sometimes we just have to see things in a new light. Sometimes, we have to kneel down and bring the dandelion close to our eyes to bring beauty into focus.

Where might God’s peace be lingering this summer…and how might fresh perspective and intentional presence help you to see the goodness that has been in front of you all along?

Summer Playlist

My new book, Every Season Sacred, is split into four seasons, and I’ve had so much fun curating playlists to go with each season.

We started with fall…and now, it’s time for our final playlist!

Chill out with more than seven hours of feel-good, summery vibes in the Summer Every Season Sacred playlist, your go-to soundtrack for pool days and backyard BBQs.

I handpicked this playlist to be the background music at the beach, the pool, or your own backyard. With more than 130 songs, press shuffle to hear some favorites and find some new-to-you tunes you can feel okay about blasting with your kids around.

While winter can be a bit broody, the summer playlist is decidedly full of sunshine. Save it for when you need a boost!

If you’ve liked these large, themed playlists, keep in mind that I send out small weekly versions for the Year of Breath newsletter subscribers. Consider them your weekly soundtracks to bring a little peace to the chaos of life. (If you subscribe, you gain access to all of them.)

I’ve also made playlists for each section of my first book, To Light Their Way.

Find all the Every Season Sacred and To Light Their Way playlists here.

Year of Breath Summer Discount

ICYMI: Year of Breath is part of the Liturgies for Parents newsletter that’s private and part of our paid community.

Each week, I send a care package of intentional breath prayers, Scripture, playlists, guided reflection prompts, and wallpaper/lockscreens.

Members are also helping shape my next book and have access to giveaways.

I’m a working writer, mom to four kids, and married to a pastor. Year of Breath membership helps me keep the lights on and continue to write/edit/design/create liturgies and prayers at Liturgies for Parents and make sure they’re accessible to everyone.

Thank you so much to the members who make this larger newsletter and community possible.

If you or a friend would like to join, we’re offering a summer special of 40 percent off Year of Breath if you sign up by July 4.

If you are dealing with tough financial circumstances, please reach out. I don’t ever want this to be cost-prohibitive to anyone!

Keep reading for breath prayers, a playlist to guide you in prayer, reflection prompts, and weekly wallpaper.

Breath Prayer

As you breathe, become aware of your surroundings. Let your feet be flat on the floor. Release your shoulders. Consider what you feel, hear, see, smell, and taste.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

Ask the One who gives each breath to help you be present.

Even here.

Even now.