Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Count Your Many Blessings.



Welcome to Red Couch Recipes at this wonderful time of year when we take the time to take stock of all our many blessing.  There is a hymn in my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints,  that is called "Count Your Many Blessings."  I love hymns and this one is a great one to help you remember that even though things may be wrong in your life, there are still many things you can be grateful for.
 
"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 has 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. 
 
 
Count your many blessings; see what God hath done.
 
 
 
I have included the three other verses.
 
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 home 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 confort give you to your journey's end.
 
 
I hope that you will not think that I am trying to minimize others' struggles, but amid sorrow and trials, there is most likely a bright spot.
 
My turkey cake.
 
 
 
This is the first Thanksgiving I have spent without my husband in 26 years.  I will miss him, but I am thankful and blessed with  a husband who would sacrifice so much for our family, that he would take a job 2,000 miles away to support us.  The housing market and job opportunities in our area remain in a deep slump.  When he comes home for a visit in December it will have been 18 weeks since he left.  He was able to come for a visit in October. 
 
We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
 
 Table Information:
 
Myott Turkey Plates:  T. J. Maxx
White Dinner Plates:  Gibson
Bubble Glasses:  Tai Pan Trading
Flatware:  World Market
Placemat, Green Stemware, Napkins, and Napkin Rings:  Wal-Mart
 
 Posted with the following:  Let's Dish, Tablescape Thursday 


18 comments:

Bonnie said...

I love your table setting Joni, but love your thoughts even more. Count your blessings has always been one of my favorites too. I think of you often and hope your have a wonderful weekend with your family all together. I can't imagine how hard it is to be separated.

Dianne said...

Your post took me back to Vacation Bible School. I hate that you will be separated from your husband, but hopefully you will friends and family to celebrate with you. Dianne

Barbara F. said...

What you wrote here is so true, Joni. I do hope things come together very soon so you can join your husband in VA. The hymn you shared here is very beautiful, and you've set a lovely table. xo

Velva said...

Amen. Well said.

Velva

La Table De Nana said...

Gosh you must be going through so much..

What an attitude to post of gratitude..:)

Happy Thanksgiving to you..He will surely be there in spirit:)

Tricia said...

I love that hymn, too -- we sang it when I was growing up in the Baptist church. I still find myself singing it in the car as I drive to work some days! Great message! I can only imagine how hard it must be to live so far from your husband!

Alycia Nichols said...

Two thousand miles away?!??!!! OK, I'm going to stop bellyaching about my husband's 2-hour commute each day. At least he gets to come home at night. My goodness, Joni! I feel for you guys. I completely understand the reasoning, though. This economy has taken such a drastic downturn that it has forced many of us to resort to actions we would never have dreamed of just a few short years ago. Ramon spends crazy amounts of time on the highway, and with the winter cold & snow sure to plague us in the coming months, I am scared as heck for him! Ice storms are a just a little too common for my taste in these parts, and I worry every time he gets behind the wheel of the car. May God bless you and your family as you weather this storm. I wish you a blessed Thanksgiving. (And the turkey cake is cool!)

Jocelyn said...

Amen!! Great table, and great words :-)

Jocelyn @
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

SouthernGal said...

We sing that hymn at the Baptist church too. A wonderful reminder in these tumultuous times. Thanksgiving blessings!

Christi

Joani said...

Joni, love all the decorations and what an incredible post. Thank you for sharing. I'm so sorry that your husband will not be able to join us this time but I'm sure he will be there when it is possible. Prayers & hugs. Joani

Debbie said...

I love that hymn too, and I regularly find myself singing it to myself when I get a case of the blues.

I love your turkey cake, by the way! That is really cool, as is every lovely thing on your table. As usual!

Unknown said...

I grew up singing "Count Your Blessings" in the Baptist church as well! Thank you for reminding me of an old favorite with a beautiful message. I hope that Christmas finds your family together, but I admire your cheerful attitude despite a Thanksgiving apart.

Tea in Texas said...

That is an old Hymn, I have sung many times and brings back many memories for my Dad was the song leader in our church for many years and that was one he would choose for us to sing! The sentiment is wonderful. Your lovely table with the the turkey dishes are perfect for Thanksgiving Day! I hope you will be blessed with a future where you husband is home and with a job near you. My son is now just 6 hours from home rather than over 6 days of driving away and just recently was blessed this wonderful job! Have a blessed Thanksgiving and I hope you have skye for a visit with your husband.

Thanks, Pam

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Oh Joni, I am so sorry your hubby won't be there with you for Thanksgiving! I am TRULY grateful for my MANY blessings. I have never heard that hymm, it is beautiful. I love that turkey cake! That looks wonderful. Have a blessed Thanksgiving, I will be thinking of you. XO, Pinky

Marigene said...

Joni, I am sad that you, your family and husband will be spending the holidays 2000 miles apart...hope your house sells soon! Beautiful table.

Sue said...

Oh how hard it is to be separated, especially at Thanksgiving, but how thankful for his job you must all be...and for a hard-working husband! Hope you will all be together again permanently very soon! Happy Thanksgiving, and thanks for including a great gratitude reminder with a special hymn, Joni:)

Renée said...

Hi Joni,

I'm so glad you are counting your blessings, making cute turkey cakes, and humming through life! You are an example to us all as you look on the bright side of life. We can do hard things!

Sarah said...

You are a dear! And I count your friendship as one of my blessings. Wish you didn't have to be separated from your sweet husband. I know he misses his family as each of you miss him. ~ Sarah

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