Rebekah's Insights

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As part of our Worship time this morning, the children went through magazines to find photos of things for which they are thankful. With scissors, they cut out the items, then placed them in a cornucopia. What began as a ten-minute activity, grew into over an hour of Liam and Aine scouring every old magazine they could find and cutting "Thankful Pictures." :)

Aside from how amusing the items sometimes were to their Daddy and I, (i.e., Nutella and Pop Tarts--LOL) it was so interesting and touching to see how many little things for which our little loves are grateful. Equally interesting, was the fact that once they began to think about being thankful, they couldn't seem to stop thinking of things for which they are grateful.

Some time ago, I had intended to record my "Thankful Pictures" (in words) here on the blog, as a record to remember. As the "To Do" list became unwieldy and the hours of sleep became few, that intention slipped from my mind. It was good to be reminded of it again, as I often find that in my life, it can be so encouraging to recount the Lord's blessings--even in times of sadness or discouragement. So, I'll give it another try. :)

I am reminded also of an old hymn from my childhood...

Count Your Blessings by Johnson Oatman, Jr., 1897

"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.

* Refrain:
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.

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 keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high."

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1. Grandparents and the richness they bring to our lives, when they give of themselves and share in our lives. Particularly, thirty-five wonderful years of knowing my Gram and having the privilege of spending so much time with her.
2. The hope found in knowing I will see her again one day in heaven, through Jesus' sacrifice--though we are sinners, Christ died for us.
3. God's Word, from which all meaning and purpose and comfort come.
4. Family members and friends whose love is demonstrated in action, not merely in word.
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