During the hot summer months, families are always looking for ways to cool off. Some head to the ocean to enjoy the salty waves. Others find relief indoors—at a play place, a movie theater, or even in their living room. For my family, summer in Branson often means time at White Water, staying cool in the water.

If you’ve been to White Water, you know there’s something for everyone: Coconut Cove for the little ones, Kalani Towers Drop Slide or KaPau Plummet for the thrill seekers, and the relaxing Aloha River (also known as the Lazy River) for those who want to simply float and take it easy. One of our favorite spots is Splashaway Cay, complete with slides, aqua shooters, splash geysers, and the famous dumping bucket—a massive container that releases hundreds of gallons of water every 90 seconds, soaking anyone standing below!

That moment when the bucket tips and all that water comes crashing down reminds me of our theme verse for the upcoming school year:

“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!” (Psalm 98:4)

Psalm 98 overflows with exuberant joy. The psalmist celebrates who God is: a God who has done marvelous things, who saves His people, and who keeps His promises with steadfast love. That joy is so overwhelming it can’t be contained—not just by people, but by creation itself, which also joins in praise.

God’s grace and love are like that dumping bucket at Splashaway Cay. They fill us to overflowing—so much that we can’t keep it inside. And just like the water from that bucket soaks everyone nearby, our joy in the Lord naturally spills over into our families, our school, our neighborhoods, and our communities.

Friends, God has poured out His love and generosity beyond what we deserve. How can we not respond with praise? I look forward to sharing that joy with you in the year ahead.