BLESSINGS

We pray for blessings...

We pray for peace...

Comfort for family, protection while we sleep...

We pray for healing, for prosperity...

We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering...

We pray for wisdom...

"Blessings" is a song by American contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter Laura Story from her 2011 album Blessings. It was released on February 21, 2011, as the lead single. The song became Story's first Hot Christian Songs No. 1, staying there for four weeks. It lasted 34 weeks on the overall chart.

Laura Story married her partner Martin; two years later he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Story learned that despite his life-threatening illness, they saw how God never intended for people to provide for themselves and that instead of walking alone they would need to rely on Jesus's help. Blessings was written to describe how God will allow things that are not immediately understood to happen, but from a different perspective they are a means of spiritual growth. The song is also about how sometimes material possessions are not what God wants for believers, and it lends the idea about how character, along with what is in someone's heart, is ultimately more important.

The song inspired me to write this column. At my age I think about all my blessings. Blessings are really not only money... .

Blessings in the Bible suggest an intimate relationship between the blesser and the blessed. A blessing from God marks an intimate relationship between God and man, serving as proof that he finds himself in God's favor.

The phrase 'blessings be upon you' is correct and usable in written English. It is a traditional phrase often used in religious texts, and can also be used as a standard blessing phrase in casual conversations. For example, you might say, "May blessings be upon you and your family" when wishing a friend well.

Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.

The wonderful gift that Christ gave us is too wonderful to keep to ourselves. We can touch the lives of others this Thanksgiving by sharing the love of Jesus through a meal, a place at our table, and giving selflessly.

I am blessed because I am living in the Philippines together with my family. No doubts. No fears!