Hymn of Gratitude

I first posted this poem over a year ago but I needed to revisit it and I thought I would share it again.  While many things have changed in the last year my need to stay in gratitude has not.  Hope you all are blessed by it. 

When I express my gratitude
to God, I find my attitude
transforms from gloomy doom
to sunny smiles.

In giving thanks, my focus changes
as gratitude . . . it rearranges
the way I think and feel and speak
and live my life.

Counting all the ways He blesses
deepens joy, and my heart presses
in to know Him and enjoy Him
as He is.

"All is grace", the writer pens
Each day, each hour, each breath He sends
His gifts of grace and bids me
open more to Him.

The Ancient Words declare the way
into His presence everyday
is opened up by giving thanks
and so I say . . .

For sun and moon and stars that twinkle
eyes that see and lines that wrinkle
aging faces, waterfalls and baby's breath,
I thank You, Lord.

For bone on bone in knee unbending
ears to hear the never-ending 
speech, heaven's telling of Your glory,
Father, thank You.

For hope that flutters in my chest
and tiny eggs in robin's nest
just waiting to burst forth 
and sing your praises.

For full salvation, "it is finished"
healing virtue, undiminished
by years long past and 
morning mercies, ever new.

For children home, and far away, 
I give you thanks, my God, today
my heart is full and overflows 
with gratitude.

Thank You, thank You, Holy Father
Holy Spirit, Jesus, Author
of salvation and the Finisher
of my faith.

Amen.

©Andrea D. Olsen - 9 July 2011

Inspired by the book "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp.
Visit her website here  -  A Holy Experience

Source:  Image capture at http://www.aholyexperience.com/ 

Video trailer for Ann's book.

(The little bundle of pink joy at the beginning of the video is my granddaughter.)

Grace Notes - Counting the Gifts 838-864

All together now - applause for God!

Sing songs to the tune of His glory, set glory to the rhythms of His praise.

Say of God, "We've never seen anything like Him!"

When Your enemies see You in action, they slink off like scolded dogs.

The whole earth falls to its knees - it worships You, sings to You,

can't stop enjoying Your name and fame.

Take a good look at God's wonders - they'll take your breath away.

Psalm 55:1-5 (The Message)

838.  A project for a birthday girl

839.  A section of the parking lot roped off at senior's home because a mama duck had built her nest beneath a            rhododendron bush.  Do not disturb signs posted.

840.  Setting boundaries and standing firm
841.  A wallet found
842.  The sound it makes when you first cut into a watermelon . . . anticipation of juicy goodness
843.  Electricity . . . sewing by machine is something I enjoy tremendously
844.  Being patient with myself when I forget a step in my project
845.  My daughter - such a sweet demonstration of God's heart to so many

846.  God so loved the world that He gave . . . 
847.  More seed in the bird feeder
848.  A grandma getting stronger
849.  Smiles . . . they don't cost a cent and they brighten someone's day

850.  The bread and the wine . . . in remembrance of Him
851.  A call to the birthday girl . . . can she be 10 already?
852.  Regaled with tales of "high tea" and a daddy dressed up as the butler
853.  I am accepted in the Beloved
854.  Found something I thought was long gone
855.  Tendonitis less painful today
856.  Fresh mint to dry for tea
857.  A new birdie visitor . . .  male downy woodpecker

858.  Words of life that break off shame
859.  A new grandbaby for my cousin and his wife . . . such a cutie she is
860.  An eagle soaring circles overhead
861.  Sufficient grace to handle a difficult situation with patience and compassion
862.  Another blanket finished

863.  My Norwex dusting mitt that picks up everything so neatly
864.  Watermelon . . . I love watermelon . . . I could eat it everyday

Linking with Ann  . . .

Grace Notes - Counting the Gifts 813-837

I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear of it and be glad.

O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.

~   ~   ~   ~   ~

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

Psalm 34:1-3,8

Getting closer to 1000  . . . 

813.  A call from a friend
814.  Rejoicing with those who rejoice
815.  A great recycling program 
816.  Home made turkey/chicken broth . . . no artificial ingredients
817.  A new search engine that is non-profit . . . generates income that is 100% donated to worthy charities  

http://benelab.org/
 (image source: benelab homepage)

818.  Random things that make you smile . . . like a rubber ducky in the middle of the road

819.  An eagle soaring over the house

820.  Little neigbour girl learning English

821.  Her cheery greetings
822.  Three bags full from the farm market

823.  Increased energy
824.  Provision from unexpected places . . . not once, not twice but four times.  Somebody loves me.
825.  Hydrangeas that WILL blossom this year

826.  An icky job accomplished
827.  Tuna treats for kitties . . . lip-smacking good

828.  Sweet sale on lily bulbs . . . $1 per package (How could I resist "Sweet Surrender?)

829.  A fun garage sale fundraiser for orphans in Sierra Leone
830.  Wounding words, forgiveness,  a heart that stays open
831.   Surprised with a zoo day
832.  Spontaneous praise at the wonders of God's imagination

833.  Greater measure of healing in my knee that allowed me to enjoy the full extent of the zoo
834.  Restorative sleep
835.  Sweet dreams
836.  Creativity sparked
837.  Symphony of bird song that delights the heart

Joining the multitudes, giving thanks together at . . .

Grace Notes - Counting the Gifts 797-812

I am thankful for a pair of shoes that feel really good on my feet.  I like my shoes.

 I am thankful for the birds; I feel like they are singing just for me when I get up in the morning, saying 'Good morning, John, you made it, John'. 

I am thankful for the sea breeze that feels so good right now, and the scent of jasmine when the sun starts going down.

~ Johnny Cash

Whether you are famous or unknown, young or old, rich or poor, gratitude is an attitude that can be cultivated by all and it bears a rich harvest of joy, peace and perspective. Carrying on with the counting . . . 

797.  Bullfrogs croaking in the cool morning air
798.  Rain pelting loudly on skylight windows . . . being safely tucked inside
799.  A big sleepy dog that sticks close to me all evening and night

800.  A trip to the garden centre for spring colour

801.  Help overcoming a "ticked-off" attitude . . . poor customer service really gets me going
802.  The park in spring . . . thousands of bulbs arrayed in glorious garb

803.  Nature's wonders . . . a faithful mate.  This fellow stuck with his lady love when all the other ducks in the 
         pond went off on a grand adventure

804.  Happenings in bunches that remind me who I am to Him and this song on youtube . . .

Remind Me Who I Am by  Jason Gray

805.  Things that just make you smile . . . a young lady crossing the street on a shiny, girly scooter, wearing  
         tights with slashes in them and carrying a pink and silver purse.
806. Snuggly kittens lapping up the love . . . the lessons they teach you.
807. Checking the mail and finding this . . .

808. When I can't go I can give, when I can't give I can pray.  There is always a way to be involved in the work 
         of the kingdom.
809.  Singing in the car at the top of my lungs
810.  Bags of "Free Kale"  at church . . . making some kale chips tonight

811.  What is impossible for man is possible for God
812.  Teenage girls standing in the rain, face up and arms outstretched

Grace Notes - Counting the Gifts 770-796

We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks!  For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.

~ Psalm 75:1

Time got away on me last week and I didn't make a Grace Notes post even though I had recorded them in my Gratitude Journal.  Playing catch up as I continue counting . . . 

770.  Seeing the moon and stars when I took out the recycling.  The rain clouds had sailed away to water other
         places.
771.  The way stars remind me of "this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine".
772.   Grace that carried me through a busy day after a poor night's sleep.
773.  Opportunities to show kindness to strangers
774.  Pistachios

775.  Talking to the grandgirlies
776.  Hearing Ema say "hi da".
777.  Pockets of sunshine
778.  Extra laps in the pool
779.  Following the prompting of the spirit and finding provision
780.  Fresh juice from fruits and veggies
781.  A moving Good Friday service
782.  First beach day . . . sunny but still cool by the water

783.  Fish & chips

784.  The sun, the breeze, the salty air . . . peace that washes over me at the ocean's edge.
785.  Faithful pups waiting for their master to finish lunch

786.  Treasures of the sea revealed at low tide
787.  A furry friend that wanted lots of attention
788.  Cross-centred hymns and worship songs . . . He is Risen, indeed!
789.  First BBQ of the year
790.  Tulips busting out all over

791.  Seeing "91" in so many places . . . getting the message (Psalm 91) . . . even the number of this counted gift
         (totally not planned).
792.  Safe am I . . . in the hollow of His hand
793.  Big girls that can still call their daddy's for help
794.  Both Shan's dad and Alison's dad came over this week and took care of some 'manly' chores . . . power 
         washing and chopping down a tree.
795.  A finished project . . . soft and snuggly recycled flannel

796.  Forgetting my cane on numerous occasions . . . needing it less often


Linking with the grateful ones at . . .

Grace Notes - Counting the Gifts 651-666

The unthankful heart . . . discovers no mercies;

but let the thankful heart sweep through the day

and as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find

in every hour, some heavenly blessings!

~ Henry Ward Beecher

651.  Snow . . . not my favourite but so many of my dear ones have been longing for it

652.  Stephanie's prayer, my daughter's friend with cerebral palsy asking if she could say grace, naming me as a new friend
653.  Trying a new recipe, Parsnip Ginger Leek Soup . . . healthy and delicious
654.  An obedient kitten
655.  Rallying around a blogging friend as she walks a hard road
656.  Remembering Your faithfulness in the past
657.  Trusting You for the future
658.  Lost things found . . . my Daily Light devotional

659.  Gracie snuggling on my tummy as I elevate my leg
660.  One soft brown paw reaching up to touch my hand
661.  A healing prayer from ages past
662.  Pippa and Leighton's christening, my great niece and nephew
663.  Taking pictures for their grandma in Montreal

 

664.  First time to church since my surgery
665.  Standing longer, getting stronger
666.  You delight in mercy . . .

          "Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity 

           and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage?

           He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy.  

           He will again have compassion on us and will subdue our iniquities.

           You will cast all our sins into the depth of the sea.

           You will give truth to Jacob and mercy to Abraham,

           Which You have sworn to our fathers from days of old.

Micah 7:18-20

Linking with . . .