Heat Advisory!

Houston summers are hot… and God’s Word is raising the temperature inside, too!

Southeast Texas has been under a heat advisory for the past several days. Temperatures have been near 100 degrees, with a heat index that’s slightly higher. Thankfully, our air conditioner has functioned without flaw, but when I saw the meter-man moving between the houses I felt a muscle spasm run up my spine and rest across my shoulders: this month's electric bill is sure to be on par with a car payment, a trip to a luxury retreat... or even the current Federal Deficit!

The upside of the heat advisory is-- well, we're in. That is, on lock-down. No crazy errand-running. No trips to the park-splashpad-play dates-kung fu-library. Sandwiches and salad are fine summer cuisine, and clothing beyond pajamas is purely optional. Being over-extended and overly committed has come to a grinding halt.

It reminds me of my Michigan childhood, when the winter snow would drift as high as the back porch and block us in the house for weeks on end (it may have only been days, but as a kid it felt like years…). Little moved outside, and only the very brave and foolish ventured anywhere. We fell in love with our own toys, puzzles, games, books, basements and each other all over again. It was a simple time where we enjoyed the sanctuary of a warm cozy home.

It's been kinda like that here, with the exception of air conditioning and Popsicles in lieu of long underwear and hot chocolate. My four-year-old is playing with toys I haven't seen in years, the long departed afternoon nap is back, and he's into reading books in a way that makes this writer's heart leap! Only the occasional lawn mower moves outside, and a quiet simple joy prevails inside.

It's nice to have a break from the "what a crazy life" ride.

There is only one thing on the "to do" list that I miss: Bible Study. In the two years that I have been a stay-at-home Mom, The Father has given me an appetite for His Word that can plunge me into hours of revelry, study and classes! It's like I finally, truly understand what this life-gig is really all about! Jesus! So while I am committed to preventing heat-stroke for my child, I am equally committed to feeding my heart and soul with the fruit of the vine, and, instead of attending a formal Bible Study this summer, I will be creating my own study here on-line!

In addition to earning the title "The Summer of Pajamas," '09 will also be marked in my journal as "The Summer of the Minor Prophets." It is my hope that by summer’s end I will complete an in-depth study of the 12 minor prophets and share my thoughts and feelings here. I welcome any feedback you might have for me!

In the initial overview of these 12 books it seems fitting that God called me to this particular material during this season of extreme heat... I’m only a few chapters in, and there is a decided tension in the air... it is definitely getting hot in here!