Kasey is an educator with a passion for equipping people for success. Whether she is teaching in a classroom or learning lessons from her own husband and children, Kasey is a life-long learner and enjoys sharing the insights God has impressed on her. Kasey’s first book, “7 Ways To Be a S.M.A.R.T.E.R Mom” is available in major bookstores and online. As founder and president of Smarter Moms LLC, Kasey has the opportunity to network with and speak to women’s and mom’s groups across the country. Kasey is married to Matt Johnson, and has three sons: Matthew (8), Tyler (6), James (3) and a puppy – Charlie. Kasey and Matt live in Olathe, KS.
Check out Kasey’s blog for moms at
http://smartermoms.wordpress.com.
Summer has officially begun. The daily grind of studying, reviewing, writing and preparing work for school is over. At least for the time being, that is. School might not be in session, but that doesn’t mean we should let our brain go on vacation too!
I love relaxing outside, but because of my fair skin I usually find myself under an umbrella peering out at others who worship the sun. This time also offers great moments to read a good book. Here are some ideas for making reading fun, fresh and fulfilling!
REVIEW a book that you’ve read before. I can remember books that I read in school that challenged me, changed me and truly brought the written word to life. I have specific titles of books from Junior High, High School and College that come to mind when I experience certain events and some of those titles are sitting on my bookshelf today. Reading a book a second time can be relaxing and revealing. You might find that you remembered a character or an ending in a different way than it was actually written. Your life view is different now and you will find that your interpretation has changed too. It’s fun to explore familiar material with a new perspective!
EXPOSE yourself to books that you will be required to read next year. Most districts and curriculum packets provide a list of books that are required reading for various grade levels. Look ahead and find a book that you know you’ll have to read and choose to enjoy it now – without the pressure of school.
ACTIVATE your imagination. As people get older, life becomes more focused, and often times, negative. Fictional novels bring drama, romance and suspense to our sometimes mundane summer days. Fiction can help our imagination flow. Fictional books transport us to another world and sometimes it’s really fun to visit these places and meet the people who live in that pretend world.
DISCOVER new promises found in scripture. Summer is the perfect time to follow the command found in Ephesians 6:11. Paul writes that we need to “put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes”. No matter what issues you dealt with during this past year, or no matter what fears you may have about next year, reading God’s word helps assist you in putting on his full armor against these.
R.E.A.D. and discover something new about the world, about yourself and most importantly about God. It’s a fantastic way to start and finish the summer!
So before you dive into your summer R.E.A.D.ing program, share some of your favorite books with all of us? Whether it’s a book of the Bible or a novel you’ve read – share the title and author with the rest of us so we can enjoy it too!
You are amazing! I can’t wait to hear your suggestions!
Kasey