Grateful Friday

I'm grateful for our time at the beach this week...real relaxing time.

When things are swirling around you, chaos and grief, it is next to impossible to relax. I can say that I am grateful to my very core than I was able to fully relax finally, as we strolled the beach and sat and had a wonderful visit with my Dad and Connie.

I'm grateful for warm sand and water to splash my feet in.

I'm grateful for itty-bitty rocks that look like watermelon seeds.

I'm grateful for my best friend.

I'm grateful for a wonderful hug from my Daddy.

I'm grateful for yummy hummus and flatbread leftovers.

I'm grateful for the wind in my hair and seagulls floating in the sky.

I'm grateful for the sound of crashing waves and far-off buoy bells.

I'm so very grateful that we were able to meet to lament the destruction of the Temple on Tisha b'Av...and that the LORD met us there.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve and facilitate service.

I'm grateful for the beautiful sunshine.

I'm grateful for Chinese take-out.

I'm grateful that the LORD hears my prayers.

I'm grateful for coolers, beach chairs and sunglasses.

I'm grateful for cool nights so everyone can sleep.

I'm grateful for other bloggers.

I'm grateful that a friend gets to go to Israel!

I'm oh-so grateful for the Chaverim.

I'm grateful we get to travel.

I'm grateful to be off duty for a few days.

I'm grateful for cheap hotels, Subway sandwiches and audio books.

I'm gratefully looking forward to studying the parashah on the road.

I'm grateful for our recorded liturgy.

I'm grateful for heart-to-heart talks with my boys.

I'm grateful for people with good character who are not afraid to do the right things.

I'm grateful for opportunities to model and teach love, acceptance and compassion.

I'm grateful for adoring looks from my cat.

I'm grateful for this poem written by Christian author, speaker and teacher Beth Moore.  It is so very good, I had to share it here:

My name is Pride. I am a cheater.
I cheat you of your God-given destiny…
because you demand your own way.
I cheat you of contentment…
because you “deserve better than this.”
I cheat you of knowledge…
because you already know it all.
I cheat you of healing…
because you are too full of you to forgive.
I cheat you of holiness…
because you refuse to admit when you are wrong.
I cheat you of vision…
because you’d rather look in the mirror than out a window.
I cheat you of genuine friendship…
because nobody’s going to know the real you.
I cheat you of love…
because real romance demands sacrifice.
I cheat you of greatness in heaven…
because you refuse to wash another’s feet on earth.
I cheat you of God’s glory…
because I convinced you to seek your own.
My name is Pride. I am a cheater.
You like me because you think I’m always looking out for you.
Untrue.
I’m looking to make a fool of you.
God has so much for you, I admit, but don’t worry…
If you stick with me you’ll never know.

What are you grateful for this week?