#Grateful

By Erika Rizkallah

What a difference a week makes! We've had sunny skies for almost a full six days and I am way less achy. I'm so grateful because I put myself on a mini-vacation before school started and I actually enjoyed myself for a sustained period.

Yesterday I spent hours in a few home stores, just pushing my cart through the aisles with about a million other Southern ladies trying to take advantage of Labor Day sales. It was funny just to listen to all the laughter and hootin' and hollering' - yes, that's actually a thing here.

The one thing I've learned since moving to the South, is that all true Southern ladies, value their families and homes. Decorating them is a favorite pastime. I get right in there with them.

Best of all, I enjoyed time with the ladies in my family on a cruise down the Cape Fear River.  I felt so blessed to be able to run errands and then relax myself on a sunset cruise.

I hope you're taking time out to enjoy these last few days of summer!

Blessings

Ah Monday! It's here again and even though I work at home, I kind of dread Mondays. I think I need to change my Sundays in order to feel better about the week ahead.

But, we can't go back again, we can only move forward. 

Here's a prayer I found while reading Numbers yesterday. It's called "The Priestly Blessing" and was given, by God, to Moses as a way to bless the Israelites.

The LORD bless you

   and keep you;

the LORD make his face shine on you

  and be gracious to you;

the LORD turn his face toward you

  and give you peace.

                                                                                                    Numbers 6:24-26

The next verse says, "So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them." (v 27)

That ancient blessing encompasses five areas: bless and keep you (favor and protection)
                                                                         face shine on you (be pleased)
                                                                         be gracious (merciful and compassionate)
                                                                         turn his face (give his approval)
                                                                         give peace (speaks for itself!)                                                                       
                                                                                                  Life Application Study Bible (NIV)

God loves us. He wants to bless us and put His name on us.

I hope the prayer blesses you as you start your week!

Blessed, Blessed, Blessed!

Yesterday morning I was leaving the downtown public library with my arms full of books. An older woman was walking toward the entrance and when she got about six feet away she said, "Good morning, how are you?"

"I'm fine. How are you?"

"I'm blessed child. Blessed, blessed, blessed. God is good!"

This was one of those walking conversations, where words flew quickly as our bodies glided by one another. I was surprised by her early morning exuberance with me, a total stranger, but I did manage to shout out, "That's wonderful!" before she got through the doors.

It was wonderful and still makes me smile.

...And daily He shall be praised.  Psalm 72:15