Some days you just don't feel like singing. Though they are especially rare for me, today was one of those days.

I had no intention to sing in the choir during the service tonight. I wasn't feeling it and I certainly didn't want to fake it. Well, tonight our choir--small on a good day--was sparse. Reluctantly, I marched up there in submission, late, and a second alto in tow.

Certainly the same songs were on the schedule regardless of if I'd been in the choir loft or the pew--but it's just especially ironic that the encouragement I needed for today--a day when even a joyful whistle would have had to pry its way out of my lips--came from a song.

Our second song, "Count Your Blessings", was a hymn I'd heard and sung dozens of times before. I'd never really noticed the words before, especially those within the verses. As I was looking at the lyrics on the screen in the back, the words seemingly flew out and smacked me on the face.

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.

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.

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.

Those verses pegged my feelings today pretty well... discouraged, burdened, feeling overwhelmed with my load and what God calls me to do at times, disheartened, in need of comfort... So count my blessings, huh? I could do that. By God's grace I've never really been one to allow myself to stay down in the dumps for too long. I'm always anxious to look at the bright side of things. I resolved that as my own therapy for the load I felt today--and one that's likely to stay on me for a time--I would count my blessings, going so far as to write down several (and even share them with you!). So here goes (in no particular order)...

Blessing #1: I have a family who loves me. That real, rare, unconditional kind of love.

Blessings #2-5: I have a roof over my head, food on the table, and a warm bed to sleep in. More than that, I have learned not to take any of those things for granted--as I've met people along my journey who have lacked all three.

Blessing #6: I have a number of friends who I can call on for encouragement, a laugh, a hug, PRAYER... I even have a friend I called on when my mom's co-workers forgot her birthday, I was 600 miles away, and this friend gladly delivered her a bouquet of flowers and a card!

Blessing #7-8: I have a church I can worship in freely with no threat of authorities coming in the doors and arresting, beating, or even killing us. Furthermore, my church is an enclosed building with A/C in the summer and heat in the winter--not that those are needed to "have church", but I've worshiped in places where the congregation would have appreciated those luxuries... especially on these cold and rainy days.

Blessing #9: I have had the opportunity to travel to some incredible places! Many times, more or all of the trip was paid for by people who love me... even better! :)

Blessing #10: God has given me talents as well as wonderful and rewarding opportunities to use them (i.e. writing, singing, photography, jewelry making, and more).

Blessing #11: God has used me for the most amazing opportunity a person could ever experience--leading a lost soul to Christ!

Blessing #12: I am blessed daily by the variety of ways God is continually providing me with the support I need for my upcoming work in Africa.

Blessing #13-14: I have a personal relationship with a God (THE God) who loves me, listens to me, cares for my needs great and small, and desires to give me a full and abundant life. And when the bumps come, He will never leave me. He is my comfort.

Blessing #15: I have money in the bank, in savings, in investments, even in a piggy bank or two!

Blessing #16-17: I have a closet full of clothes for every season. I have extra blankets for those cold wintry nights like tonight.

Blessing #18: I have a car that runs and gets me comfortably from point A to point B. The story of how that car was acquired is definitely a special one.

Blessing #19-20: I have good health and LIFE!

And if I'm granted the blessing of tomorrow, I can revel in all of these blessings and more once again! :) Feel free to share your own with me. I'm happy to praise God with you for all that He's given and done in your life. It is my prayer that even when the storms come, we can still see His loving hand guiding and protecting us. And even if any of these physical blessings in my life get stripped away, I know He will always provide exactly what I need. That realization is one of the greatest blessings of all...