July often invites us to reflect—on home, on gratitude, and on what it means to belong. This July morning time plan is centered around themes of citizenship, both earthly and eternal, with a focus on poetry, art, scripture, and nature study that encourages thoughtful conversation and quiet reflection.

If you are looking for a simple way to bring beauty and structure to your days, you can explore the full Morning Time Library here: The Morning Time Library, or read more about creating a gentle weekly rhythm here: A Gentle Weekly Rhythm Planner for Life & Work.

A Simple Guide to Morning Time | July 2020

July often brings celebrations, gatherings, and a renewed sense of gratitude for the place we call home. It is a time when we reflect on what it means to belong—to a country, to a family, and ultimately, to something far greater.

This month’s morning time is centered around the idea of citizenship, though perhaps not in the way we typically consider it. While we will celebrate the United States, we will also spend time reflecting on our citizenship in Heaven.

As Christians, we have a home that is being prepared for us. That home is nothing like this one. All of the things we are experiencing now (sickness, disease, hate, conflict etc.) we will NEVER experience in our forever home. Yet, for some reason we insist on clinging to this one and the one we should be desiring takes the back seat. We set our desires on earthly things. Not only that, we place our hope in earthly things, too.

At times, life reminds us how fragile the things of this world can be.  No matter what this year has brought your way, I hope that the focus this month refreshes your spirit. We have a lot to be thankful for, but we must remember to keep our eyes focused on the eternal….everything else pales in comparison.

Please note: Some external links shared in this post may change or no longer be available over time. I encourage you to use them as a starting point for your own exploration.

Click Here to Download the July 2020 Morning Time Bundle

MUSIC

• Story of Symphonic America by Mark O’Connor on NPR
• Mark O’Connor Biography

POETRY

Abide with me! fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens: Lord, with me abide
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see:
O Thou who changest not, abide with me!

In seasons of difficulty it is beneficial to remind ourselves of these beautiful words written by Henry Francis Lyte.

Happy Hymnody  used this poem in its hymn form in October 2018 and it was my first exposure to this hymn. I remember distinctly the impression it made on our family as we learned to sing and memorize these words. It is very clear that these words speak of death and suffering. It is also clear that these words are a prayer asking the Lord to carry him through. The sweet ladies at Happy Hymnody addressed the solemn words of this poem and the importance of addressing these things with our children so perfectly.

You might be asking, is this really a suitable hymn for my children to spend the month memorizing? I would suggest, absolutely yes. Scripture is very clear about suffering. Those who love and follow Jesus will suffer. Giving our children tools and language to utilize in the midst of pain and difficulty is invaluable and will be a blessing to have stored in their hearts. – Happy Hymnody

If you would like to use the hymn to help you memorize the words to this poem this one is lovely.

• Public Domain Review – Abide With Me
• Hymnology Archive – Biography of Henry Francis Lyte
• Happy Hymnody

ART

This months art piece has a fascinating story behind it. The Fourth of July, 1916 (officially titled The Greatest Display of the American Flag Ever Seen in New York, Climax of the Preparedness Parade in May) depicts Fifth Avenue bedecked with dozens of American flags in celebration of Independence Day over 100 years ago. On this day New York was full of citizens rallying together, with patriotic fervor, to support the “Preparedness Movement” (a movement to strengthen the United States Military in anticipation of the nation’s entry into World War I). The presence of skyscrapers and a double-decker bus place the scene on Fifth Avenue; the exact location is left unknown, however, perhaps implying that the entire boulevard had been transformed into a glorious display of pageantry.

• FredrickHassam.org – this site has a biography of our artist as well as his complete works. Browse through it to find your favorite!

BIBLE STUDY

Recent events have shaken us: the frailty of our world has been exposed and shattered what we once thought was unbreakable. Perhaps you feel it too. Maybe, like us, you have realized that unknowingly you have placed this world in a position it should not have been. This month’s scripture prompts us to keep things in their proper place.

The Scripture we will be memorizing is I John 2:15-17

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Some other verses that echo this command:

• Romans 12:2 – And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
• Galatians  1:10 – For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
• Colossians 3:1-2 – If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
• Matthew 6:24 -No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

SCIENCE

This month the lightening bug and the moth will be the focus of our nature study. As usual, we will use The Handbook of Nature Study to help direct our learning.

Here are some additional resources you may enjoy:

• Firefly Facts – great educational video on the firefly.
• What’s the Difference Between Moths and Butterflies

CRAFT

We are going to put together some Kool-Aid Dip Dyed Tassels this month. This is an easy craft; I believe it will be one your family will enjoy doing together. The fun thing about this craft is that you can make these tassels as large as you want, you can dye them any color you want, and you can display them any way you want….it’s incredibly flexible.

We opted to make blue dip dyed tassels using 1 part Pink Lemonade Kool-Aid and 3 parts Berry Blue. If you want to have fun with your dye colors and create some of your own there are some really fun dye charts online. A quick google search of Kool Aid Dye Charts will give you a ton of options.

The supplies for this months craft are simple:

•  Yarn Bee in Ivory
• Kool Aid
• Cardboard
• Scissors

CHARACTER STUDY

This months study brings us to our nations 11th president, James K. Polk.

This month’s study brings us to our nation’s 11th president, James K. Polk.

Polk was considered a “dark horse” candidate, unexpectedly winning the presidency in 1844. During his time in office, the United States experienced significant growth, expanding its territory across the continent. His presidency offers an interesting look at leadership, decision-making, and the shaping of a young nation.

If you have been following along with these studies, this continues a meaningful thread of learning about the individuals who have influenced the history of our country.

• James K. Polk | The White House
• The Big Book of Presidents: From George Washington to Barack Obama by Nancy Hajeski
• The Ultimate Guide to the Presidents video series. We will watch only the portion for James K. Polk this month.
• President James K. Polk Home and Museum – Columbia, TN

RECIPE

July is a wonderful time to gather and share something simple and seasonal. This month’s recipe is a Summer Berry Slab Pie—a classic dessert that is both beautiful and practical, especially when serving a group.

Slab pies are easy to prepare and perfect for summer gatherings. The combination of fresh berries brings both sweetness and brightness, making it a natural fit for this season.

Some special tools I used for ours:

• Wilton 10″ X 15″ Baking Sheet
• Williams Sonoma Olivewood Fluted Pastry Cutter
• Williams Sonoma Olivewood Pastry Blender
• Wooden Rolling Pin

SOME BOOKS AND GOODIES FOR YOUR MORNING BASKET

Farm Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of Country Life by Julia Rothman

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World by Julia Rothman

SPECIAL NOTES AND RESOURCES

Poetry: Henry Francis Lyte – Abide With Me – Public Domain

Art: Childe Hassam – The Fourth of July, 1916

Click Here to Download the July 2020 Morning Time Bundle

Happy July friends! As we move through the heart of summer I pray God’s continued protection, guidance, and grace over your home. I know that so many of us are experiencing tough times: job loss, sickness, sadness, etc. If you are experiencing an especially tough time I would love to pray for you. Please reach out via email, instagram, facebook, etc.

**Please note: as an Amazon Associate I earn for qualifying purchases.**