Count your blessings

The secret to happiness is prayerfully counting your blessings, while offering thanks to God. Did you know that?

Count Your Blessings

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.

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.

So, amid the conflicts, 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.

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.

I only knew this song as a children's song - playing it in the car for the kids. But apparently, this is an old hymn, written by 'one of the prolific gospel song writers of the past century, a Methodist lay preacher named Johnson Oatman', and published by Mr. Excell in 1897.

So if you ever have trouble focusing on the Lord, or focusing on the good things in your life, make a list of your blessings. I assure you that will quickly change your mind of 'how bad you have it'. It's way too easy to linger on the problems we have.
It is good for us to review. Never get too busy that you forget what God has done for you! Take time to count your blessings.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

I encourage you to count your blessings, specifically, one by one. You'll see that the good points will totally outweigh the bad ones! If I made a list, it will start with the broad points of life, shelter, food, and clothes. We have lots of material things, like cars and TVs, books and toys, all things that we probably don't even need. But really think about everything. I mean a good childhood, carefree teenager years, a mother and a father, and even a brother. I am an educated woman that has seen quite a bit from this world, met amazing people that have help shape the Me today. I have my very own family now that I love completely, and we love each other. I have true friends that are so very dear to me. I am a cancer survivor. And still I can claim that I am a pretty healthy human being. I am able to go running, or walking with my children. I can appreciate the beauty of nature - something that God has created. I live in a land of freedom where I don't have to be afraid to cross the street or go to the store.A land where I can thank my God and praise Him.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning.” (James 1:17).

So trust God more, be happier, and rejoice in the Lord!

"Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." (Psalm 55:22) - my favorite verse!!!