Thankful

Pastor's sermon at church today was focused on being Thankful. It was such a treat to hear all the things that members of our church are most thankful for.

Going into the Thanksgiving holiday, followed by the biggest Christmas shopping day (Black Friday), I admit that my heart has not been focusing on being thankful. I have been focusing on being busy, and financially depleted. As we read through Psalm 100, I realized that this is one I need to memorize, to keep my attitude in check.

Just to drive the point home, we also sang "Count Your Blessings" as one of the service hymns. Yes, God, I am listening. Let my grumpy heart be changed, and a new attitude emerge.

Psalm 100

¹Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

²Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

³Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

⁴Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

⁵For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Count Your Blessings

Words by Johnson Oatman, Jr., 1856-1922
Music by Edwin O. Excell, 1851-1921

Verse 1

When upon life's billows You are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged Thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings Name them one by one,
And it will surprise you What the Lord hath done.

Chorus:

Count your blessings Name them one by one.
Count your blessings See what God hath done.
Count your blessings Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings See what God hath done.

Verse 2

Are you ever burdened With a load of care,
Does the cross seem heavy You are called to bear.
Count your many blessings Every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing As the days go by.

Verse 3

When you look at others With their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised You His wealth untold.
Count your many blessings Money cannot buy,
Your reward in heaven Nor your home on high.

Verse 4

So amid the conflict Whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged God is over all.
Count your many blessings Angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you To your journey's end