Happy Thanksgiving! Counting blessings : ) (Psalm 103)

A Doodle to say, "I'm thankful for you!"
Watercolor & Colored Pencil

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

I wanted to take a break from Revelation to just think about what I'm thankful for.  I honestly can't believe how well this blog has done.  I was reading my Bible one day and found so much encouragement.  Then the still small voice whispered, "Everyone should read this."

It's been a great experience trying to figure out how to make this inspiring and fun.  And a little intimidating.  There's times I sit and stare wondering if what I wrote makes any sense at all!  Was I too harsh?  Then I lift up my eyes and ask, "Are You pleased Father?"

Peace usually comes soon after.  And some edits now and then. 

Hahaha there's been bad days I've just sat and thought, "I'm thankful for: a car, a place to live, gifts and talents, blankets, the Bible, Church, paintbrushes, cameras, God's creation.  For my husband, my 2 cats, our beautiful state, sunshine, snow, flowers.  So much to shoot so little time : )"  It's amazing how I feel better when I count my blessings.

As we go through Revelation it's hard not to be a little scared about it all.  Especially because we know so much more about science.  We also know so much more now about the universe, sun, moon, and stars.  Ok I love astronomy!  I'm grateful for the constellations and every detail God put out in the night sky.  

So I got some turkey for my husband and I, some cranberries, and good stuff for tomorrow.  We're supposed to get some snow tonight.  Here's one of my favorite Thanksgiving Psalms. 

Psalm 103

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits: 
3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases, 
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 

6 The Lord executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed. 
7 He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the children of Israel. 
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 
9 He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever. 
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities. 

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
14 For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust. 
15 As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
And its place remembers it no more.
17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting
On those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children's children,
18 To such as keep His covenant,
And to those who remember His commandments to do them. 
19 The Lord has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all. 

20 Bless the Lord, you His angels,
Who excel in strength, who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word. 
21 Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,
You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. 
22 Bless the Lord, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul! 
NKJV

Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You for your patience with us and your never-ending love.  I pray You will bless us all with creative ways to serve You.  So much talent out there.  Please be present with those who don't have much this year.  I lift up Israel (peace in Jerusalem), Ukraine, and all those who need more.  You are God You know all and see all.  Thank You so very much for this wonderful life you've given me.
In Jesus Name, Amen.


My favorite Thanksgiving song-  Thanks Matt!
Matt Redman, 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) (link)