Yep, it’s ALREADY just around the corner … but we’re in this together!
Happy Mother’s Day! If you’re like me, you’re cherishing this holiday, but you’ve also got an eye on the calendar because you know what’s next…. Summer! Whether you’ll be knee-deep in diaper changes or racing from the office to the splash pad as the days get warmer, one question’s bound to keep popping up: How do we make summer count—for our kids and for Jesus? I’m with you, friend. With four kids of my own from 10 down to 4 … I’m asking myself the very same thing.
Let’s dive in together!
Like any season, summer can be a mix of excitement and high expectations, but it can also bring its share of disappointments. The key is where we place our hope and how we shape our perspective. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Summer is a gift from God—a time to nurture faith, family, and fun. If we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, it will be a blessing, no matter what the season brings.
The heart of summer: Connecting through faith
But how do we stay focused in a season defined by its fast pace? How do we find stillness when we’re busy planning vacations, scheduling playdates, and keeping up with laundry or work?
I don’t have all the answers, and I’ll be the first to admit that I struggle with these things. But God’s promises are clear: “Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). With that in mind, here are some guidelines I plan to live by so I can keep Him first this summer:
1. Start with prayer
Before your day begins, invite God into your morning. Pray together at breakfast—ask for patience, joy, and opportunities to share His love.
Tip: Keep a small notebook for quick family prayers or gratitude moments (e.g., “Thank you, Lord, for this beautiful sunny day.”). Be sure to date each entry so you can look back and see the blessings God has provided throughout the summer.
2. Weave Scripture into daily life
Choose a simple summer verse like Psalm 118:24 to memorize as a family: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Tip: Turn your summer verse into an art project or a song to help internalize the scripture in a fun and creative way.
3. Serve together
Set aside a day this summer to serve your city and community. Serving others is a powerful way to fix your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). It shifts our focus away from ourselves while making a positive impact on those around us.
Tip: Volunteer as a family at a local Omaha ministry like Open Door Mission. Learn more at opendoormission.org.
4. Plan a memorable road trip and choose a new podcast or audiobook for the drive (and don’t forget the FREE Life 100.7 app for sing-a-longs!)
Some of my favorite summer memories come from road trips and all the music and stories along the way! Within a few hours of Omaha, there are plenty of great destinations perfect for making memories along the way. Our personal favorite is Yankton, South Dakota, but cities like Kansas City, Des Moines, and many other fun-to-visit spots are just a drive away!
Tip: Some of our favorite audiobooks include The Chronicles of Narnia series and the classic Adventures in Odyssey series from Focus on the Family.
For stay-at-home moms: Embracing the everyday sacred
As a stay-at-home mom, I often get trapped in the feeling that summer is just more of the same—only hotter! Can you relate? But I’ve been encouraged by the older women in my life to find joy in the little moments, and I’ve learned that purpose can be found in the simplest of things. Here are a few practical ways to make that happen:
- Host a “creation walk” – Take a stroll in your backyard or a nearby park and point out God’s handiwork in nature.
- Go on a family scavenger hunt – Explore the beauty of God’s creation at Fontenelle Forest (fontenelleforest.org) or a nearby trail. Search for flowers, birds, and unique leaves while talking about God as the Creator. The nature play areas at Fontenelle are perfect for younger kids. And don’t forget the essentials—water bottles, Goldfish, and sunscreen!
- Have a “faithful fort night” – Build a cozy blanket fort, read a Bible story (like Noah’s Ark), and talk about trusting God. You could even start a weekly family worship night—sing a song, pray together, and share one way you saw God at work that week. Consider taking it outside for a change of scenery! Our family loves incorporating music into our devotion nights by choosing a new song to learn each month.
For working moms: Maximizing quality time
When you’re working full-time, balancing work and family isn’t just challenging—it can feel downright impossible at times. But Ephesians 5:16 reminds us to “make the most of every opportunity,” even when energy is running low. Here are some simple ways to be intentional with the time you have:
- Turn commutes and evenings into connection time – Ask meaningful questions like, “What’s one thing you’re thankful for today?” or “Where did you see God at work?”
- Make the most of weekends – Marvel at God’s creativity at the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium and pair it with a conversation about Genesis 1. Or spend time at The RiverFront, enjoying the playground and splash pads.
- Incorporate dinner devotionals – Share a short devotion over a meal using resources like Indescribable: 100 Devotions for Kids by Louie Giglio—one of our family’s favorites! Right now, our kids are obsessed with it and will sit for hours admiring the illustrations. 10/10 recommend!
No matter what stage of life you’re in, summer is definitely coming way too soon. But, it’s also a chance to slow down, connect with your kids, and point them to Jesus—whether you’re home all day or squeezing in moments after work and on the weekends.
OH, and if you ever feel like raising kids is more than you can handle—you’re right! You can’t do it on your own! But the good news? God promises to be with you every step of the way (Isaiah 41:10) and will provide exactly what you need through Him (Philippians 4:13).
So, I invite you to try one of these ideas this summer and get ready to see how God works in your family’s summer story! Need more resources? Here ya go…
Mom resources, blogs, & digital devotionals
- Risen Motherhood – Gospel-centered resources for moms seeking to apply biblical truth to motherhood.
- The Better Mom – Encouraging moms to grow in Christ with practical tips for family life.
- Club 31 Women – Focuses on biblical womanhood, homemaking, and faith-filled encouragement.
- A Mother Far From Home – Practical parenting advice through a Christian lens.
Omaha activities for families & kids
- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium – One of the world’s top zoos, featuring the Desert Dome, Lied Jungle, and the Alaskan Adventure splash pad—perfect for summer fun.
- Lauritzen Gardens – Stroll through stunning gardens, visit the model railroad, and enjoy family-friendly events like nature workshops. A peaceful way to reflect on God’s creation.
- Fun-Plex – Enjoy water slides, a lazy river, and kid-friendly amusement rides.
- Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge – Walk or bike across this scenic bridge connecting Nebraska and Iowa, then cool off at the nearby splash pad. A great spot for family bonding and photos.
- Eugene T. Mahoney State Park – Just outside Omaha, this park offers hiking, an aquatic center, mini golf, and an indoor activity center—a family favorite for summer adventures.
- The RiverFront Omaha – Enjoy giant slides, splash fountains, and relaxing lake views in downtown Omaha’s revitalized riverfront parks.
- Fontenelle Forest – Hike scenic trails, explore the nature center, or challenge yourself on the TreeRush ropes course. A great place to marvel at God’s creation while staying active.
- Omaha Children’s Museum – Beat the heat indoors with interactive exhibits, hands-on science experiments, and summer camps that spark creativity and learning.
- Omaha Public Library – The library offers a variety of engaging summer activities for families, including its annual summer reading program and special events.
Books for Christian moms
- Raising Worry-Free Girls: Helping Your Daughter Feel Braver, Stronger, and Smarter in an Anxious World – Sissy Goff
- The Lifegiving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming – Sally Clarkson
- Adorned: Living Out the Beauty of the Gospel Together – Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth
- Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys – Stephen James & David Thomas (A practical and encouraging guide to Christian parenting)