Count Your Blessings

So this song went through my head one of the days last week. More like, just the refrain was running through my head. Tonight, we sang it and there was a near constant rhythmic poking in my back as a friend lovingly showed me all the parts that applied to me and what we had talked about that day. It was so encouraging.  

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 be 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, money cannot buy

Your reward in heaven, nor your Lord on high.

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.

Thankful for this reminder tonight, people who care and for good friendships. 

Solo Adventure

Yesterday, I drove. No true destination. GPS-less. Spontaneous. For those who do not know me well, that is a rarity. I am a planner. I plan routes based on left hand turns and not taking the same road a lot. But not yesterday. I was in need of peace, a time to recharge my introverted side after a social weekend. I was in need of finding nature and painting inspirations.

Through forests, up hills, with sun in my eyes and windows rolled down, I drove. I fell in love with the mountains, the leaf-less trees mixed with evergreens, the lakes and rives, even the pot-hole filled roads. I enjoyed the challenge of not getting lost, of trying new roads and finding new places.

While in Tennessee, I would purposely leave the house in search of nature, since it was so different from here and yesterday I realized that I need to keep doing that. There is so much of Washington that I can explore.

I can't wait for the roadside stands to open up, until the tulips and daffodils bloom and when watching the sunset doesn't freeze me completely. 

I highly recommend adventuring. Both solo AND with friends. It was such a refreshing time. A thoughtful time. A quiet time... It's what we all need sometimes. 

Poetry Day

I picked up a poetry book while I was at Half-Price Books a couple days ago. I haven't read a lot of poetry before, but several of the verses caught my eye and made my heart happy. Carleton Briggs is now among my favorite poets. :-)

Down Through the Hours of this Day

Down through the hours of this day

I want to walk with open eyes;

To see the good along the way, 

And glimpse the rainbow in the skies. 

I want to hear soft voices speak

Their healing words to those in pain;

To hear the songs of those who seek

To scatter sunshine in the rain. 

I want to feel the touch of hands, --

To press my shoulder to the load

Besides someone who understands, 

And walks with me along the road.

I want to be alert to do

The works that's waiting to be done;

I would sincerely carry through

Each honest task in faith begun.

The many deep resolves I made

As I awoke refreshed at dawn;

I would complete them unafraid

Ere each short hour is quickly gone.

Down through the hours of this day

I march,-- and pray ere this sun sets,

I'll store each precious hour away

To treasure it, without regrets.