how blessed i am (that i have more than i need)

on the 23rd day of november and knowing that christmas is just around the corner, i always think about all the children who do not have a home or a warm cooked meal.  i wish i could take them all in for the day and feed them or take them to walmart or target and buy them all a little something so they have a little something to open and get that toy that they wish they could have had all year. 

i am so thankful that God has provided for me, and i try not to take it for granted.  there are so many people who are unemployed and can't afford the necessities, so i am thankful for everything that i have been blessed with.  this thanksgiving/christmas season i want to focus on relationships, helping others, and sharing the true meaning of christmas instead of focusing on all the stuff. 

don't get me wrong... i will always be a kid at heart (and my mother knows this), so on christmas morning i still want my stocking and at least one or two little things to unwrap:)

i think back to the old hymn we used to sing (i grew up southern baptist) Count Your Blessings, so i posted the lyrics below:

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.

Count your blessings, 
name them one by one, Count your blessings, 
see what God hath done! Count your 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 keep singing as the days go by.
Count your blessings, 
name them one by one, Count your blessings, 
see what God hath done! Count your blessings, 
name them one by one, 
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.


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.
Count your blessings, 
name them one by one, Count your blessings, 
see what God hath done! Count your blessings, 
name them one by one, 
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.


So, amid the conflict whether great or small, 
Do not be disheartened, 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, 
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.