“in the seventh month”

Leviticus 23:41

Well what wasn’t to love about July?  And that’s saying something, coming from me.  I am not a fan of Summer, really, because I am not a fan of heat.  And generally speaking, July = heat.

But July had so many highlights this year.  So many reasons to celebrate.

July was Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park and Zion National Park ~ geysers and forests and canyons and meadows… mountains and rivers and lakes and snow {in July!}  And of course elk and deer and bison and even a bear.   It was a feast for the senses.  All of them.  July was appreciation for the beauty of the earth, and the country in which I live.

July was seeing both of my sisters in the same month, something that only happens every other Christmas, or for rare celebrations.  July was appreciation for the diversity within my family, and the love that’s there nonetheless.

July was our annual family reunion.  Siblings and parents and grandparents, cousins and second cousins and a coupla times removed.  It was familiarity and comfort and the celebration of generations.

July was a flat tire and engine trouble, and watching God work through skilled men doing more than just their jobs.  July was trusting God for our safety, and thanking Him afterward.

July was shaved ice and multiple fireworks shows and putting my feet in the pool while my kids swam.   It was patriotic music and driving at night with the sunroof open.  July was baseball and hockey, new horizons and old friends.

July was near-constant reminders that I am blessed.

~ “You are now the blessed of the Lord” ~

Genesis 26:29

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