Celebrate sensibly this summer

" … to celebrate joyfully the dedication."

- Nehemiah 12:27 (NIV)

The months of May and June are packed with birthdays for our family. I know many of you have loved ones with birthdays clumped together, too.

Today, we are celebrating our youngest grandchild's birthday; a few days later, it's another grandson's birthday; then there's a few more before June. Mine is at the end of the string.

All of these birthdays are sandwiched in a two-week time frame. You can imagine what a huge celebration that is for 14 days.

If you're like me, you love celebrations. We don't have any of the following kinds this year, but I know many of you are enjoying parties for graduates and weddings.

The summer holidays have started. They are always cause for barbecues, campouts and vacation celebrations.

I believe God loves parties and family festivities. The Old Testament in the Bible was full of many feasts.

When we celebrate, we need to remember God is an important part of our family structure and maintain a focus that we are there to celebrate a guest of honor or a special cause and not be foolish at our festivities.

Some of the ways we can celebrate sensibly is to remember we are not there to bring up family grievances, belittle others, or fan the flame of an old family feud. It's also not appropriate to get intoxicated or lose our temper.

Celebrations are to be a time of joy. Staying levelheaded while engaging in fun with family and friends can ensure a good time for all and show we have included the Lord in our celebration.

I'm off to get ready for a birthday party. I wish you all a safe and happy holiday celebrations.

• Annettee Budzban is an author, speaker, life coach and nurse. Annettee is speaking on Dream Big! at Our Redeemer's United Methodist Church in Schaumburg, Monday, June 11. Call the church at (847) 882-6116 for details. Contact her at Annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.