I have just begun a Blessings Album Project. To help me start off quickly, I asked Cherise Oleson to create some *ScrapSimple Digital Album Templates. She was so accommodating that she created both 12x12 and 4x6 versions of the album templates! Of course, they are available in the Scrap Girls Boutique.
The intent of my Blessings Album is to remember how much the Lord has given me and to do something that makes a statement that lets Him know I understand it. I also have a strong desire for my children (and grandchildren) to know that it is the simple things that make our lives full. What better way to do this than through digital scrapbooking? Through this medium, I am able to combine photographs and stories in an engaging way.
As I have been working on my Blessings Album, I’m discovering that I think about my blessings more each day. This is so much better than concentrating on the negative things that are happening in the world right now, don’t you think?
I would like to invite you to join me in creating your own Blessings Album. If you’d like to share your digital scrapbooking layouts with us, it would be great. We’re opening a special area of the Scrap Girls gallery just for this purpose.
*Note: If my blessings story continues on a second page, I am just creating my own coordinating page. As you can see, this is where most of the story is found.
larger view
larger view
Layout spread by Ro
larger view
Arguing about everything and nothing, my little brother and I battled and teased our way through childhood. We bothered each other by being. We annoyed each other by occupying the same room. We poked and prodded and said things that we knew would hit the mark.
On one occasion, when our argument raged in the dining room about the way one of us was sitting on a chair, we suddenly heard our mother’s voice coming from the kitchen. She was singing.
“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.”
My brother groaned. “There she goes again.” I rolled my eyes back at him. We should have known better. Singing was Mom’s way to restore balance in the home.
Mother continued, “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.”
“Mom!” I protested. “Can you stop now?”
She ignored me. “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.”
Mark sighed. “She won’t stop it, you know.” I nodded and plunked myself in a chair.
“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.”
Becoming resigned to our situation, we put our arms on the table and buried our heads to wait it out.
“When you look at others with their lands and gold,” Mom’s impassioned voice sang. “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.”
I began to hum along with her, the musical side of me unable to resist the chorus. Mark stared at me. “Why do you do that? Don’t encourage her.” I shrugged.
“Count your blessings; Name them one by one. Count your blessings, See what God hath done. Count your blessings,” Mom’s voice sang with growing passion. “Name them one by one. Count your many blessings; See what God hath done.”
“Just one more,” Mark sighed, unable to enjoy the performance. I looked at him and said nothing.
“So amid the conflict, whether great and small,” Mom strongly instructed.
I squirmed in my chair. There it was, the conflict part. My conscience filled with guilt. Why did it matter to us how we sat on the chairs?
“Do not be discouraged; God is over all.”
I liked that line. Maybe I’d be okay after all.
“Count your many blessings; angels will attend,” the singing educated.
“Angels? There are angels watching this?” I looked around, embarrassed that angels had seen the fight.
“Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.”
It sounded like they are nice angels.
“Count your blessings; Name them one by one. Count your blessings; See what God hath done. Count your blessings; Name them one by one.” Mom slowed down as she sang each note with emphasis. “Count your many blessings; See what God hath done.”
I never told my mother how much it meant to me that she sang hymns. I’m sure that they were partially responsible for my understanding that Heavenly Father is aware of me, helps me, and cares for me. My mind heard the words and my musical heart felt the spirit. They soothed me.
I am blessed to have a mother who understood that sometimes, the best way to end was through music. I am blessed to have a mother who sang to me. I am blessed that even today, when I experience rough patches in my life, the words of great hymns such as “Count Your Blessings” come tumbling into my mind.
Thanks, Mom.
- Rozanne
Muse: To be absorbed in one's thoughts; engage in meditation. Not intended to solve the world's problems, another person's problems, or to cover topics completely. One does not have to agree with musings to enjoy them, just as one does not have to be the same as someone else to appreciate who they are.
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