Counting...Counting...Counting

Ahhh... the smell of fresh brewed chocolate coffee wafting in from the kitchen all the way to the bedroom, the 1954 Jimmy Stewart/June Allyson movie The Glenn Miller Story is playing quietly in the background and my Chihuahua, Isabella is snuggled deep under the covers next to me, with Yorkie, Lilly sprawled out on top of the quilts.  I could lay here all day but the new week has begun!

The house has been filled with the boys all weekend!  It was the first day of duck hunting season here in Arkansas and I guess it is still deer season as well. It is not uncommon this time of year to be awakened by the sound of laughter, the smell of bacon cooking, and a house full of guys getting ready for the hunt. It amazes me that they can get up so early, hunt a little while, get ready and go to church, then hunt some more. Seems like this weekend they ended up with more stories than game and it puts a smile on my face.

Thanksgiving is just a couple of days away and this year we are taking our festivities on the road.  Now that Jake and his wife are getting divorced he is staying with some friends and Jimmy and I are taking his best friend, all the trimmings and heading north. I am not sure exactly how many soldiers and/or their families will show up but I am prepared to share with them all our holiday tradition of scripture, prayer, food, football and napping!

I have about six different lists going right now.  It is so easy to get bogged down in the details of making all the arrangements, especially when there is only one woman, one mom... menu planning, what to cook ahead and take, what to make there, what time we will arrive at the hotel, what time do we need to arrive at the house in order to get the turkey done at a reasonable time.   All the while encroaching on this planning session is the fact that Christmas is right around the corner and there is shopping to be done, decorations to be displayed, lights to be hung and another feast to be prepared.  Ugh... I think I might just turn over and go back to sleep!

I must admit here that I am one of those people who get a bit melancholy during the season of  thanksgiving and cheer... even when there is no added stress factors... I'm not sure why, but it happens.  It is then that I start making a list of a different kind... my blessings list, my list of what I am thankful for, my list of people who have impacted my life.... changed my life... and then I go out and do something for someone else.  A simple gesture to a stranger, a surprise for family or a friend. It makes all the difference in the world, lightens the mood, puts a bounce in my step and a smile on my face!

Yep, this time of year I spend a bit more time in prayer than usual... and to quote an over-used expression, it keeps me focused on "the reason for the season"... while the details take care of themselves.  Think I'll turn the television off, pop in a CD, and get to cleaning this house.

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 suprise you
What the Lord has done.

Chorus
Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your blessings,
See what God has done
Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings,
See what God has done.

Are you ever burdened
With a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy
You are called to bear?
Count your many blessings,
Ev'ry doubt will fly
And you will be singing
As the days go by.
Chorus
Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your blessings,
See what God has done
Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings,
See what God has done.

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.
Chorus
Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your blessings,
See what God has done
Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings,
See what God has done.

So, amid the conflict,
Whether great or small
Do not be discouraged,
Godis over all
Count your many blessings,
Angels will attend
Help and comfort give you
To your journey's end.

Chorus
Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your blessings,
See what God has done
Count your blessings,
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings,
See what God has done.