Most people talk about seasonal depression in the winter. When the days are shorter and the sun is often hidden in the sky. In some parts of the world, it gets too cold to be outside for more than a few minutes, creating a sense of isolation. In Texas, it has been way too hot to be outside for more than a few minutes. My seasonal depression comes in the summer. I get up in the morning with a spring in my step (okay that may be an exaggeration) and feel productive and active during the first couple of hours. By lunch time, I am cranky and disheveled. All I want is my recliner and a fan for the rest of the day. So here’s what we’ve been doing (mostly indoors) this month.
The month started with a visit from my best friend, who lives in Alabama, and her son. If there is a cure for my seasonal depression, friend time is it! Another friend from college came over for dinner and games the first night they were in town. The next day we took in a Texas Rangers game. My daughter Shelby is a huge fan so it’s always fun to witness her joy and delight. The Rangers didn’t win, but they are having a great season. 
Monday the 3rd we ventured to the golf course. My friend’s son is quite the golfer so she and I rode around in a cart and watched him school 3 grown men. On the 4th of July, we toured the Frisco Star, home and practice facility for the Dallas Cowboys. They are America’s team! I had taken the tour before and knew my Cowboys loving friend and her sports enthusiast kid would dig it.
What Else Can You Do in a Seasonal Depression?
After bidding my friends farewell, Allie and I went to her future roommate’s home to talk all things dorm room. So exciting to plan for the next phase for my girl. And speaking of the next phase, the hubs and I took Allie down to Waco for her college orientation. Shelby stayed with my parents, who we met for dinner on the way. In our spare time we drove Allie all over Waco to show her some of my memorable haunts – including the run-down apartment I lived in on the back side of campus. Still standing and advertising a move-in special! 
The driving around in our air conditioned car was much more pleasant than hot footing it (I mean that literally) all over campus during a heat advisory. But if you look miserable enough, the university president’s husband and dog will pick you up in his golf cart and escort you to your next location. Baylor does a great job of making new students and family feel welcome and I’m excited for our girl to embed herself on campus. 
We left her in Waco for a few more days for what is called “Line Camp”. She had a blast and met lots of new friends. When her group ventured down to Independence, Texas to see the original location of the University, she was issued her Baylor Line Jersey and greeted with “Welcome home.” She said she got a little choked up and I admit, I did too in the telling!
A dear friend’s 50th surprise party was a social butterfly’s highlight, and a long talkative lunch with a new church friend filled my soul. What an embarrassment of riches for me!
Thanks to the generosity of Chuck’s parents, Shelby got to go to Camp Blessing for a second week this summer. This camp is such a special place for both of my girls. Shelby had a rough start but a good time overall, and Chuck and I got some much needed respite from constant caregiving.
Entertainment to Help With the Seasonal Depression
The cinema beckoned for the new Indiana Jones movie. I loved the nostalgia, but thought it could easily have been 30 minutes shorter. We also took in The Sound of Freedom – a very sobering but important movie. “God’s children are not for sale!”
We watched Jury Duty on Amazon Prime. Some bad language but a very original premise and laugh out loud awkward funny. A similar humor to The Office or Parks and Recreation. Our guilty pleasure? A documentary on the pop music duo Wham!. Kinda sad but also fun filled with all the music of my youth.
I listened to Cherished: Shattered Innocence, Restored Hope by Polly Wright. I can’t say I would recommend this memoir from a former stripper who started a ministry for strippers. Some parts are pretty graphic and could trigger people, plus I know too much about the post-book story. On the recommendation of my twin sister, I read Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools by Tyler Staton. Since it was her copy and I couldn’t highlight, I took pages of notes. Highly recommend.
And now I must get ready for 2 of my grandkids to visit for a week, followed by the other two for a week. We have some fun things planned including a drive through animal park and a live production of SpongeBob Squarepants. I’m sure they will enjoy the later more than me. Pray for my stamina. Also, I love you, I thank you, and I hope August is a lot cooler!
And now for this week’s featured post from the link up!
Donna Reiland gives a good word pertinent to every follower of Jesus today in Serving God in an Anti-Christian Culture.
The Link Up
1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.
2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.
3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).
We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.
MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
LAUREN SPARKS
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
TAMMY KENNINGTON – Restoring hope. Pursuing peace.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Now Let’s Link Up!
If you liked this post, do me the huge honor of using the buttons below to share it to your favorite social media accounts. And if you want to get these essays emailed to you once a week, subscribe! Lastly, my posts may contain affiliate links and I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy anything from one of these links, I will receive a few pennies to help offset the cost of this website at no additional charge to you. Thank you in advance for your help.
I can certainly see how seasonal depression could be the reverse for someone who lives in a hot climate. When your grandchildren show up, they’ll snap you out of it for sure. :). We enjoyed the Indiana Jones movie but we haven’t seen Sound of Freedom yet. I don’t know if I could handle it. Thanks for the party.
Sound of Freedom is sobering, but also inspiring.
Lauren, thanks so much for the feature. I’m with you on the heat! It does drain the energy from you. We are on day 46 I believe of over 100.
Oh no! That sounds worse than our temps, Donna!
I read an article recently about how the heat can make us grouchy, which isn’t exactly what you are saying, but somewhat related. I enjoyed reading about all the things you have been doing. I’m glad you have found ways to discover pleasure in the month even with the intense heat. I don’t have hopes that August will be cooler, but September is on the way. 🙂
Oh it makes me so grouchy. And I don’t sleep as well when it’s this hot. But I’ll stop complaining now. Ha!
Catch-up time with loved ones, a movie in an air-conditioned theater with comfy seats, cool breezes, and a few surprises.
Ice cream, too. A good book, a quiet afternoon. Knowing our kids are happy. These get us through the summer blues, don’t they …
I hope this week is finding you doing well.
I love this. Thank you for the reminders of what I need to be more thankful for this summer.