Hello, July
Yes, July already! That means we’re beginning the second half of the year. Crazy!
And of course, July starts off with a big bang. Sparklers, fireworks, a slice of pie, and our beautiful flag fluttering in the breeze. However you celebrate, I hope it includes something good to eat and a little time to enjoy the freedoms we hold dear.
What are your plans for July?
A getaway? Spending time with grandkids? Keeping up with your garden? Or maybe just trying to stay cool as the temperatures rise.
July isn’t super busy here. Not like August when we have visits from out-of-state family and lots of birthdays.
But this month also brings some sweet opportunities.
We often eat dinner out back on the patio. It’s a covered patio (as you may remember from past posts), and the trees provide shade. Even on the hottest days, we’re usually comfortable out back.
In the garden, things are blooming and growing with all the enthusiasm of midsummer
Geraniums are bright and full
Cleome are standing tall and proud
Tomatoes are starting to plump
Basil is growing faster than we can use it
And the weeds… well, they’re having a great season too
Even with the heat and humidity, there’s something to enjoy each day, but we need to take a moment to notice.
I found a few quotes that feel just right for this time of year that I thought you might like…
Quotes and Bible Verses That Capture the Spirit of July
“Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.”
Sam Keen
“If I had my way, I’d remove January from the calendar altogether and
have July twice instead.”
Roald Dahl
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
Ecclesiastes 3:11
“The summer night is like a perfection of thought.”
Wallace Stevens
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
Isaiah 40:8
Lighthearted & Amusing Thoughts About July
July brings blossoms bold and bees that hum their summer song.
Each July morning opens like a flower, quiet, warm, and full of promise.
In the stillness of July, even the breeze feels like a blessing.
The garden never hurries, it just blooms, stretches, and soaks in the sun.
July invites us to linger, to savor the shade, and to gather joy like flowers.
This is the heart of summer, when petals spill over and peace grows quietly in the soil.
July: the month when your ice cream melts faster than your motivation.
July is when the garden throws a party and forgets to clean up.
It’s so hot in July, even the weeds look tired.
The only thing growing faster than the zucchini in July is my to-do list.
- July is when flip-flops become formal wear.
Things to Do in July
You probably have a never-ending to-do list like most of us. But this lighthearted checklist is just a few suggestions that are low-effort and up-lifting. Simple ideas to slow the pace and enjoy the moment.
Here are just a few to consider…
Eat dinner outside, even if it’s just sandwiches
Watch the fireworks or a thunderstorm (from a cozy spot)
Try a new summer salad or an old favorite dessert
Visit a local farm stand or pick-your-own berry patch
Bring a pitcher of something cold and refreshing to the table
Catch up with a friend you haven’t seen in a while
Declutter one small space, just a drawer or a shelf
Take a photo walk through your backyard or neighborhood
Put fresh flowers or herbs in a little vase by the sink
Revisit a book or devotional that brought you peace
Write down five things you’re thankful for this week
Clip garden herbs to dry for later use
Swap out a heavy dinner for something cool and light
Take a quiet moment on the porch in the early morning
Make something with peaches, cherries, or blueberries
Watch the birds, especially the determined little ones
Water your plants, then water your soul (with prayer or reflection)
Invite someone over, even if it’s just for iced tea
Keep a Bible or journal nearby and open
Add a patriotic touch to your home that makes you smile
Set the table nicely, even for an ordinary meal
Let yourself rest, even for 15 minutes
Listen to a favorite old song while folding laundry
Take a sunset drive
Celebrate a small win from your week
A Simple Poem for You
This is July
A porch light glow, a table set,
The clink of forks, the sun not set.
A garden blooming just in time,
With herbs and weeds in equal rhyme.
The hum of fans, the buzz of days,
A little sun, a little haze.
Not every moment is serene,
But here and there, a pause between.
We notice beauty, not too grand,
Just dinner shared or holding hands.
And in these days, both full and wide,
We find small joys we didn’t hide.
Lorraine @GPTHeart
Looking Ahead
Here’s to soaking up all the good stuff this month. The sunshine, simple meals, porch chats, and maybe even a moment of quiet before the ice maker starts making that noise again.
Wishing you a beautiful, meaningful, not-too-sweaty July!
You might also like…
5 Gentle Summer Habits to Feel Your Best
Each issue of our Newsletter is timely and helpful and jam-packed with food, crafts, occasional DIY, gardening and faith resources. Relevant and seasonal posts to inspire and guide you with current trends. Available only to those who request it, so please accept our invitation to stay connected and join the Grateful Prayer Thankful Heart community. Just click the subscribe button below.
Leave a Reply