Songs of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the time to look back, reflect and give thanks for all the blessings we have received throughout the year. God 's blessings come to us in many different forms. Each of the songs that I have chosen reflects on a gift that I have received from God. The words and meanings behind each of these songs express my gratitude to God for his love and generosity in my life

We Gather Together - this was originally a Dutch Prayer of Thanksgiving from the early 1600s. It was translated by Theodore Baker, who lived from 1851 to 1934. This song expresses the thanks I have for being able to gather with friends and family to give thanks for all those people who share our lives. (www.thanksgivingnovember.com).

All Things Bright and Beautiful - this song is an English melody written by Cecil Francis Alexander (1818-1895). It is based on the bible verse from Genesis 1:31. This song reminds me to be thankful for this beautiful earth that God has graced us with and to take care of her for future generations (www.timelesstruths.org).

Now Thank We All Our God - This song comes from 2 Corinthians 2:14. Martin Rinkart wrote this song in 1636 and it was translated by Catherine Winkworth in 1856. This song really says it all. When I hear this I am reminded that without God I could not have experienced all the love that I have received in my lifetime (www.timelesstruths.org).

Take Me Home Country Roads - John Denver, Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert wrote this song and in 1971 it was recorded by John Denver. This is the theme song of West Virginia University and has been performed at every home game since 1972. I love this song because it tells of going home (anywhere USA) to where I grew up and to the place that helped to mold me into who I am today (www.wikipedia.org).

Count Your Blessings - I love the version sung by Bing Crosby in the movie "White Christmas." What a wonderful way to fall asleep...counting my blessings.

Thank You For Being a Friend - Andrew Gold wrote this song and released it on his album "All This and Heaven Too" in 1978. This was the theme song to the TV show "Golden Girls." One of the greatest gifts that God has given me is the gift of friendship. What is more rewarding than a friend who is there for you during both the bad times and the good times (www.songfacts.com).

Over the River and Through The Woods - Originally this song was a poem written by Lydia Maria Child. The poem was in her book "Flowers for Children" Volume 2 in 1844. The original name of the poem was "A Boy's Thanksgiving Day." I would love to go back to a time when we traveled through God's beautiful countryside, enjoying all that nature has to offer, from a horse drawn sleigh and at the end of that ride I end up at my grandparents' house to share the holiday with all my family gathered together (www.wikipedia.org).

Saved - This song by Bob Dylan is from 1980. It expresses a time in Bob Dylan's life when he was celebrating his religious conversion. It is a time when he was realizing that he was lower than low until he was saved by the blood of the lamb. This song helps me to remember that I should be thankful that when I ask, God will save (www.sing365.com and www.top40.about.com)

Thanks for the Memories - The lyrics are by Leo Robin and Ralph Rainger. It was first heard in the film "Big Broadcast of 1938" and Bob Hope sung it many, many times throughout his lifetime. Bob and his writers were known to change the lyrics to fit whatever the occasion. This song is the sum of it all. Throughout my life and especially when my life has come to an end, I want to thank God for all the memories with which I have been blessed (www.cfhf.net/lyrics/bobhope.htm).

Thank You For the Music - A song by the group ABBA from 1978. What would this world be without the wonderful talent that God has given to so many people and how wonderful that all of us can enjoy this gift in some way every day. There is a song out there for every emotion that we experience. Whether we have the talent to perform or just enjoy listening to others perform, it is definitely a wondrous gift from God (www.top40.about.com).