The Voice of Thanksgiving ~

May the voice of thanksgiving,
be heard joyfully today . . .
may words of gratefulness
be sung heartily as we pray.

May our heartfelt thoughts,
offer God His due praise
may we be grateful
as our thanks to Him we raise.

May the voice of gratitude,
be heard loud and clear
may our humble thanks
be detected by every ear.

May our praises be told,
at our dinner tables today
may our thanks transcend
beyond Thanksgiving Day.

May the voice of thanksgiving,
be our joyful noise today . . .
may our words of gratitude
be heard by God everyday!

~~~~~~~

Psalm 66:1

“Make a joyful noise unto God,
all ye lands:”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

~ Have a very Blessed Thanksgiving ~

Give A Joyful Shout ~

May you give a joyful shout,
on this Thanksgiving Day
may your elation be seen
as you go about your way.

May gladness fill your heart,
for all God has given
may you remind yourself
just why you are forgiven.

May your thankfulness flow,
in a chorus of gratitude
may the joy of your salvation
reflect in your attitude.

May your praise be heard,
across Thanksgiving’s table
may you proclaim to all
God supplies our every staple.

May you give a joyful shout,
one filled with gratefulness
may you give God due thanks
for His loving graciousness!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 32.11

“Be glad in the Lord,
and rejoice, ye righteous:
and shout for joy,
all ye that are upright
in heart.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

Grateful Every Day ~

We don’t need a special day,
to show we are thankful
for every day to God . . .
we need to be grateful.

We can come together,
any day of the year
and share the cause behind
our joy and good cheer.

We can give our thanks,
no matter the season
a special holiday
needn’t be our only reason.

We can enter into,
the gates of thanksgiving
anytime, anywhere
without a single misgiving.

For, God doesn’t care,
when or how we show
our thankfulness to Him
He just wants to know!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 100:4

“Enter into his gates
with thanksgiving,
and into his courts
with praise:
be thankful unto him,
and bless his name.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

Singing My Praise ~

Heavenly Father,
I sing You this song
with the faith of one
who is meek yet strong.

With a grateful heart,
I sing You my praise
and my humble gratitude
to You, I fearfully raise.

Your Spirit inside me,
has set my soul aflame
igniting me to sing
and praise Your holy name.

My song of thankfulness,
to You I raise high
the gratitude I have
flow in these tears I cry.

Heavenly Father,
here is my song to You
thanking You for blessing me
in all for me that You do!

~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 146:2

“While I live will I praise the Lord:
I will sing praises unto my God
while I have any being.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

The Bread, Way, Truth and Life ~

As we gather,
on Thanksgiving Day
lets not make light
when our thanks we pray.

We need to be,
genuinely grateful
for all things
we must be truly thankful.

We need to express,
our thanksgiving
with praise and joy
sans any misgiving.

We need to thank,
our Father above
for sending His Son
out His pure love.

We need to express,
our joy and elation
for the freedoms
of our salvation.

We need to convey,
to God each day
our thanks for the Bread
the Truth, Life and Way!

~~~~~~~

John 6:35

“And Jesus said unto them,
I am the bread of life:
he that cometh to me shall
never hunger; and he that
believeth on me shall
never thirst.”

John 14:6

“Jesus saith unto him,
I am the way, the truth,
and the life: no man cometh
unto the Father, but by me.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

My Thank You Note To God ~

Dear Father  . . .

Thank You for forming me,
in my mother’s womb
thank You for being
my future Bridegroom.

Thank You for comforting me,
for always being near
thank You for calming
my deepest, darkest fear.

Thank You for being my song,
my strength and my salvation
thank You for saving me
from everlasting damnation.

Thank You for giving me,
Your Word to live by
thank You for collecting
all the tears that I cry.

Thank You for satisfying,
my hunger and thirst
thank You for leading me
to seek Your kingdom first.

Thank You for loving me,
for Your mercy and favor
thank You for the gift of grace
through Your Son, my Savior.

Thank You for making,
my paths straight
thank You for showing me
to the narrow gate.

Thank You for Your Spirit,
who lives inside of me
thank You for the trust
I have placed in Thee.

Thank you for making me,
a child of Your own
thank You for allowing me
to come to Your throne.

Thank you for the trials,
that come my way
thank You for the promise
of a more peaceful day.

Thank You for forming me,
in my mother’ womb . . .
thank You in Your mansion
for reserving me a room!

~~~~~~~

Psalm 126:3

“The Lord hath done
great things for us;
whereof we are glad.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

The Language of Gratitude ~

I’m learning a new language,
its called gratitude . . .
and it begins with having
a thankful attitude.

Its vocabulary,
is easy to understand
for gratitude is as simple as
offering a helping hand.

I don’t have to say any words,
or even write them down
for gratitude can be heard
without making a single sound.

There isn’t a special course,
to study or memorize
for gratitude can be picked up
by hearing others cries.

This dialect is universal,
anyone can speak it
for it is the language
of the Holy Spirit!

~~~~~~

Colossians 3:17

“And whatsoever ye do
in word or deed, do all
in the name of the
Lord Jesus, giving
thanks to God and
the Father by him.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

The Merry Heart ~

The merry heart,
in God has peace
its full of joy
that does not cease.

It wears a smile,
even when its sad
for the joyful heart
is always glad.

The merry heart,
exudes cheerfulness
its full of delight
imparts happiness.

It trusts in God,
in and for all things
for it is thankful
for whatever He brings.

The merry heart,
has a living hope
its full of joy . . .
it refuses to mope!

~~~~~~~~

Proverbs 17:22

“A merry heart doeth good
like a medicine:
but a broken spirit
drieth the bones.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

New Songs of Joy ~

New songs of joy,
to You, Lord I raise
songs of thanksgiving
worship and praise.

New songs of hope,
afresh and anew
songs of the love
I have Lord, for You.

New songs of faith,
dance in my head
whether I be up
or still in my bed.

New songs of trust,
to You, Lord I sing
gleefully I proclaim
You as my King.

New songs of joy,
Lord, to You I raise
for You are worthy
of my jubilant praise!

~~~~~~

Psalm 149. 1-5

” Praise ye the Lord.
Sing unto the Lord
a new song, and his
praise in the
congregation of saints.

Let Israel rejoice in him
that made him: let the
children of Zion be
joyful in their King.

Let them praise his name
in the dance: let them
sing praises unto him
with the timbrel and harp.

For the Lord taketh
pleasure in his people:
he will beautify
the meek with salvation.

Let the saints be joyful
in glory: let them
sing aloud upon their beds.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

Blissfulness ~

There is a place of calm,
a spot where all can find
peace and tranquility
to fill the heart and mind.

You won’t have to travel,
for it isn’t very far
in fact you can reach it
from right where you are.

Just close off the world,
shut down its inference
then open up yourself
to the Spirit’s influence.

Let Him flood your soul,
with His peacefulness
so He can fill your mind
with joy and gratefulness.

Once you feel it flow,
your heart will begin to sing
of the future blissfulness
Jesus, is going to bring!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Romans 14:17

“For the kingdom of God
is not meat and drink;
but righteousness,
and peace, and joy
in the Holy Ghost.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2016
Deborah Ann Belka

Forget the Turkey ~

Forget about the turkey,
the dressing and the sides
forget about the pumpkin
pecan or chocolate pies.

Instead lift up your voice,
with shouts of joy and praise
to God your loving Father
let your thanksgiving raise.

Forget about the cleaning,
the flowers and table setting
forget about all the stuff . . .
over which you’re sweating.

Instead show the Lord,
your genuine gratitude
give your thanks to Jesus
for His gracious servitude.

Forget about the dinner,
and cooking that big bird . . .
instead let your song of praise
to God,  be forever heard!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 95:1-2

O come, let us sing unto the Lord:
 let us make a joyful noise to the
rock of our salvation.

 Let us come before his presence
with thanksgiving, and make a joyful
 noise unto him with psalms.

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2015
Deborah Ann Belka

Heartfelt Gratitude

Lord, may I always have,
an appreciative attitude
one filled with adoration
thanksgiving and gratitude.

May I always be grateful,
whether sick or healthy
may I always be thankful
be I penniless or wealthy.

Lord, may I be thankful,
to You, for all things
happy with the provision
Your daily grace brings.

May I always be glad,
to receive Your benefits
may my praise to You
to the world be evident.

Lord, may I always have,
a heartfelt gratitude . . .
coursing through my life
gushing out in my attitude!

~~~~~~~

Ephesians 5:20

“Giving thanks always for all things
unto God and the Father in the
name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2015
Deborah Ann Belka

Thank You God ~

Thank you God,
for all You’ve done
for the gift of salvation
through Your only Son.

For the grace,
You knew I’d need
for Your Spirit
who’s here to lead.

Thank You God,
for Your mercy tender
for being my soul
and heart mender.

For Your love,
which brings me peace
for Your compassion
that does not cease.

Thank You God,
for all You are doing
that my life to You . . .
was worth pursuing!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 118:1

“O give thanks unto the Lord;
for he is good: because his mercy
 endureth for ever.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2015
Deborah Ann Belka

A Symphony of Praise ~

Lord, may I be ever thankful,
today and all year though
may praise and thanksgiving
come daily, from me to You.

May I always be made aware,
of all You have done for me
may I never lose my gratitude
or the love I have for Thee.

May I sing each morning,
a symphony of song and praise
may I lift up my whole heart
as my gratitude, to You I raise.

May I always remember,
the blessings, You have given
may I forever be mindful
You’re the reason, I’m forgiven.

Lord, may I be ever thankful,
to You in every single way
may praise be on my lips . . .
every moment of my day!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 9:1

” I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God 11.20.14

Thankful 8766/365

Why we Give Thanks . . .

Because His mercy endures for ever
To Pay our vows to the most High
In remembrance of His holiness
To make known His deeds
It is good to give thanks
It is the fruit of our lips
To declare His works
To magnify Him
For He is good
For His glory
To Bless Him

 
We are thankful for . . .

Being partakers of the inheritance of the saints
The grace of God we have though Jesus Christ
The victory through our Lord Jesus Christ
The peace of God ruling in your hearts
God causes us to triumph in Christ
For salvation that is in the Lord
His wisdom and might
His wondrous works
All things

Who is to give thanks . . .

All the people
and sheep
of His pasture

How are we to give thanks . . .

With joy and gladness and the voice of melody
With cymbals, psalteries, and with harps
Making a joyful noise unto Him
Singing praise unto His name
In the great congregation
Publish with our voice
In the house of God
In the morning
At midnight
In prayer
In song
Forever

~~

Psalm 100:4

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
and into his courts with praise:
be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

~~~~~~~~~~~

There are so many reasons to be thankful.
There are  8766 hours a year ~ how many of them
do we spend in praise and thanksgiving for all that our
heavenly Father has done for us and all He will be doing for us?

Sadly, too few on my part!

Every Day Thanks ~

Thanksgiving Day is upon us,
soon we’ll gather at the table
with family and close friends
to feast on our favorite staples.

We’ll set aside our complaints,
in exchange for gratitude
for everyone, on this one day . . .
puts on a Thanksgiving attitude.

To God we’ll give our thanks,
for family, food and friends
but once the day is over . . .
sadly, our gratitude ends.

We’ll go back to complaining,
to our own self-sufficient way
any gratefulness that we felt . . .
will begin to wither and decay.

Thanksgiving Day is upon us,
soon we’ll gather at the table
and this year I will be praying. . .
gratitude ~ will be a daily staple!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ephesians 5:20

“Giving thanks always for all things
unto God and the Father in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ;”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Daily Praise ~

Each new day I begin,
I start it off with praise
to the Lord my God . . .
my gratitude I raise.

I thank my God daily,
for all He has supplied
I can’t tell Him enough
how much I am obliged.

My gratitude is ongoing,
as I go about my day
I thank Him for the blessings
He showers on my way.

I’m grateful for His mercy,
His every good, perfect gift
unto my Lord and Savior
my thankfulness I lift.

As I thank God for being,
the powerful, wise creator
my gratefulness to Him . . .
grows ever-more greater!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 35:28

“And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness
and of thy praise all the day long.”

King James Version
by Public Domain

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Eternally Grateful ~

Oh, Lord when I mediate,
on Your tender mercy . . .
my heart for You becomes
ever-more thirsty.

I want to drink in,
all of Your compassion . . .
I want to bottle up
each drop of Your passion.

Oh, Lord when I ponder,
on Your abundant grace . . .
I cannot, but help to fall
down on my thankful face.

Not out of shame,
but, out of respect and fear
for, Your eternal love for me
makes my eyes well and tear.

Oh, Lord when I concentrate,
on Your faithfulness . . .
my hearts swells for you
with eternal gratefulness!

~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 100:4-5

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
and into his courts with praise:
be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting;
 and his truth endureth to all generations.

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

Joy in Suffering?

How could there be joy in suffering,
what good can come from pain?
How can there be rejoicing,
when there’s only loss, and not gain?

How could there be thanksgiving,
what good can come from tribulation?
How can there be gratefulness,
when there’s only deep affliction?

How could there be praise,
what good can come from misery?
How can there be worship,
when there’s no longer liberty?

How could there be gladness,
what good can come from persecution?
How can there be happiness,
when there’s some facing execution?

How could there be joy in suffering,
what good can come from all this pain?
Ah, is it because we believe . . .
one day, Jesus will come to reign?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1 Peter 1:6-7

“Wherein ye greatly rejoice,
though now for a season,
if need be, ye are in heaviness
through manifold temptations:

That the trial of your faith,
being much more precious
 than of gold that perisheth,
though it be tried with fire,
might be found unto praise
and honour and glory at the
appearing of Jesus Christ:”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Gracious Gratitude ~

Not just on Thanksgiving,
but every day of the year
give God your heartfelt praise
and it will bring you cheer.

For when we are thankful,
the entire year through
joy will flood our hearts
spilling over in all we do.

Every minute of the day,
thank God for His grace
every second you’re alive
praise His holy face.

Give Him your thanksgiving,
with a heart that’s forthright
and in the eyes of the Lord
you’ll be a pleasure and delight.

So, everyone let’s show Him,
our gracious gratitude . . .
today and all year through
with a thankful attitude!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1 Thessalonians 5:18
King James Version

“In every thing give thanks:
for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

The Fruit of My Lips ~

May the fruit of my lips,
produce many a praise
to God for His faithfulness
and His wondrous ways.

May my lips create music,
generate songs to sing
making a joyful noise
honoring my eternal King.

May the fruit of my lips,
deliver my thankfulness
with hearty hallelujahs
showing my gratefulness.

May my lips dance about,
jump with joy and delight
expressing to the world
hope found in His light.

May the fruit of my lips,
produce many a praise
may my gratitude to God
I forever raise!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 51:15
King James Version

“O Lord, open thou my lips;
and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise.”

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

Strength of Character ~

It’s easy to be appreciative,
when all is going well
when there is no conflict
upon which to dwell.

But, when times get tough,
we often aren’t thankful
our attitudes don’t reflect
the reasons we are grateful.

It’s in the storms of life,
where we can learn to start
how to grow and develop
gratefulness in our heart.

So when taken off course,
don’t think of it as a detour
be thankful God is creating
in you, strength of character!

~~~~~~~~

James 1:2-3
King James Version

“My brethren, count it all joy
when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your
faith worketh patience.”

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka