A Plate of Grace ~

Come this Thanksgiving . . .
there’ll be no turkey with dressing
I’m only going to serve a plate
of gratitude for God’s blessings.

As a substitute for candied yams,
we’ll feast on His loving kindness
taste the sweetness of His favor
as we reflect on His righteousness.

There’ll be no rolls and butter,
instead, we’ll eat of the Bread of Life
with gratitude we’ll give our thanks
to Jesus for bearing our strife.

In place of mashed potatoes,
there’ll be praise piled just as high
we’ll sing our adoration
in place of having pumpkin pie.

The only beverage we will drink,
will be from the one True Vine
with humility on our lips
our thanks will be as sweet as wine.

Come this Thanksgiving . . .
there’ll be no traditional dinner
instead I’ll serve a plate of grace
to anyone who is a sinner!

~~~~~~~

Psalm 7:17

I will praise the Lord
according to his righteousness:
and will sing praise to the name
of the Lord most high.

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
Public Domain

Copyright 2012 Revised 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note From God ~11.12.19~

Father, How Can I Show My Gratitude ~

Father, how can I show my gratitude,
my gratefulness for all You’ve done
how can I show my thankfulness
for the eternal gift of Your Son?

What can I do to repay You,
for the kindness You’ve shown me
what can I give back to You
so my appreciation You can see?

How can I render my thanksgiving,
the sense of my true gratification
how can I ever prove to You
the full delight of my satisfaction?

Father, how can I show my gratitude,
my gratefulness for all You do
how can I show my thankfulness
if I am not always praising You?

~~~~~~~~

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 2013 Revised 2019
Deborah Ann Belka

Sticky Note to God ~11.09.19~

Sticky Note to God ~04.20.19~

Sticky Note to God ~04.19.19~

My Morning Song ~

Early in the morning,
before the sun is ablaze
I give a shout of joy
with a song of heartfelt praise.

I make a sweet melody,
to show God my gratitude
as I sing out my praises
with a joyful attitude.

Early in the morning,
before the sun begins to rise
I thank God for His kindness
under the darken skies.

I clap my hands together,
lift my arms up in praise
as I give my day to the Lord
I thank Him for His ways.

While the dew is still set,
on the morning lawn
while the house is dark
before there is a new dawn.

I show my thankfulness,
to the Lord up above
and lift up my heart-song
to honor His steadfast love.

When my day is over,
as the sun dims its blazing light
I thank God for His faithfulness
all though the starry night!

~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 92:1-2

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
and to sing praises to Your name, O Most
 High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the
morning, and Your faithfulness every night.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2012 Revised 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Grow Your Gratitude ~

Grow your gratitude,
it will increase your praise
then what comes your way
you will not be phased.

For God wants us to be,
for all things grateful
and then our praise to Him
will become a daily staple.

Grow your thankfulness,
it won’t disappoint you
then whatever God sends
you’ll be able to get through.

For God desires of us,
our earnest of devotions
not just the kind we give
when going through the motions.

Grow your thanksgiving,
gratefulness you will raise
so no matter what life brings
you’ll still offer God your praise!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 103:2

“Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits:”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

Singing In The Dark ~

It’s easy to sing,
when the day is trouble free
it’s easier to give accolades
to God, when full of glee.

It’s easy to sing,
when all is looking bright
it’s easier to praise God
when bathed in His light.

It’s easy to sing,
when all is going well
it’s easier to let our gratitude
for God, to grow and swell.

It’s easy to sing,
when  happy and content
it’s easier for us to God
our thanksgiving present.

But, they who still sing,
in the darkness of the night
are those who praise God . . .
no matter what’s in their sight!

~~~~~~~~~~

Job 35:10

“But none saith,
Where is God my maker,
who giveth songs
in the night;”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2018
Deborah Ann Belka

One Blessed, Single Plateful ~

On Thanksgiving day this year,
before the turkey starts roasting
my thanks, I will be singing
for the dinner I’ll be hosting.

I will set the dining table,
with the gratitude I feel
before anyone comes
to feast upon the meal.

I will spread the hope,
that I’m feeling inside
before I even serve . . .
the food that God supplied.

I will polish up on all,
the reasons I’m thankful
before I even dish up
one blessed, single plateful.

On Thanksgiving day this year,
before the food I present
I will let everyone know . . .
just why I am so content!

~~~~~~~~~

1 Timothy 6:8

“And having food and raiment
let us be therewith content.”

King James Version
Public Domain

Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka

Hallelujah Journey ~

I’m transforming this valley,
by changing my attitude
I’m going to go through it
with praise and gratitude.

I’m not letting this challenge,
get the better part of me
I’m going to trust it’s where
for now, God wants me to be.

I’m transforming this valley,
by altering my thinking
I’m coming out of it strong
not lifeless and limping.

I’m not letting this trial,
take control of my life
I’m going to conquer it
no matter what the strife.

I’m transforming this valley,
it’ll be my hallelujah journey
for I know in all things . . .
my God, is truly praiseworthy!

~~~~~~~~

1 Thessalonians 5:18

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

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2015
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

Thankfulness ~

This year I am thankful,
for so many things . . .
but mostly for my faith
the peace that it brings.

I am forever indebted,
for the gift of salvation
how by the grace of Jesus
I’ve eternal redemption.

I am thankful for the truth,
setting me free from sin
I am ever appreciative
for the power I’ve within.

I am full of thankfulness,
for the Life and the Way
I am grateful for the Word
shedding Light on my day.

This year I am thankful.
for so many things . . .
but most of all I’m grateful
for the hope Jesus brings!

~~~~~~~

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

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

Not Just on Thanksgiving Day ~

It’s not just on Thanksgiving,
that we’re to be thankful . . .
it’s not only on this one day
that we’re to be grateful.

It’s about being appreciative,
every day in every way
it’s all about our attitude
in the things we do and say.

It’s not about the tasty food,
on today’s white linen table
it’s not about the fine dining
on Thanksgiving Day staples.

It’s about the provisions,
God gives us all year through
it’s about how we receive them
what with them we opt to do.

It’s not about what we have,
and all our many blessings
it’s not about the pumpkin pie
or the turkey’s oyster dressing.

It’s all about us sharing,
with those who have not
it’s all about loving others
in deed, not just in thought!

~~~~~~~~~~

2 Thessalonians 1:3

“We are bound to thank God always for you,
 brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith
 groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every
 one of you all toward each other aboundeth;”

King James Version
by Public Domain

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

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

You Are A Blessing to Me ~

Have I told you lately,
you are a blessing to me
have I expressed how much
in you, God’s grace I can see.

Have I let you know recently,
how much I appreciate you
have I conveyed in actual words
my gratitude for all you do.

Have I voiced my pleasure,
of just having you around
have I said, you lift me up
whenever I’m feeling down.

Have I uttered my thanks,
for your kindness and love
have I spoken I believe . . .
you’re my angel from above.

Have I told you lately,
what a blessing you are to me
have I expressed just how much
of Jesus ~ in you, I do see!

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

Colossians 3:10
King James Version

“And have put on the new man,
which is renewed in knowledge
after the image of him that created him:”

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

A Shout of Joy~

Early in the morning,
before the sun is ablaze
give a shout of pure joy
a song of heartfelt praise.

Make a sweet melody,
and show your gratitude
sing out your praises
with a joyful attitude.

Early in the morning,
before the sun begins to rise
remember His loving-kindness
under the darken skies.

Clap your hands together,
lift your arms up in praise
give your day to the Lord
thank Him for His ways.

While the dew is still set,
on the morning lawn
while the house is dark
before there is a new dawn.

Show your thankfulness,
to the Lord up above
lift up your heart-song
and praise Him for His love.

When your day is finally over,
and the sun dims its blazing light
thank God for His faithfulness
all though the starry night!

~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 92:1-2
King James Version

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
and to sing praises to Your name, O Most
High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the
morning, and Your faithfulness every night.”

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

A Heart Full of Grace ~

When a heart is full of grace,
it is a heart that is kind
compassion for others
it always tries to find.

It puts on humility,
wears the cloak of patience
it dresses itself with modesty
wears the robe of justice.

It is wrapped in peace,
It’s covered in forgiveness
drapes itself with love
it’s swathed in gentleness.

When a heart is full of grace,
gratitude is its garment
the Word of God . . .
is its wardrobe requirement!

~~~~~~~~~~

Colossians 3:12
King James Version

Put on therefore, as the elect of God,
holy and beloved, bowels of mercies,
kindness, humbleness of mind,
meekness, longsuffering;”

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

The Path of Praise ~

The path of praise is paved,
with songs of joyousness
glorious hallelujahs
sung with thankfulness.

Praise fills the hearts,
of those who seek the Lord
they sing salvation’s song
with gratitude in each chord.

Trusting voices raise offerings,
of praise and adoration
to their almighty God
they sing their admiration.

Faithful lips sing the words,
of devotion to their Savior
praising and thanking Him
for His grace and favor.

The path of praise is paved,
with hallelujahs galore
filled with joyous thankfulness
to the One who they adore!

~~~~~~~~

Psalm 135:1
King James Version

“Praise ye the Lord.
Praise ye the name of the Lord;
praise him, O ye servants of the Lord.”

Copyright 2014
Deborah Ann Belka

The Believer in You ~

Praising God in our trials,
turns burdens into blessings
giving thanks for everything
makes life, less depressing.

Holding on to our hope,
turns our sorrows into joy
being grateful for our woes
is misery’s best decoy.

Praying for our enemies,
turns angry hearts around
forgiving one another
helps our faith to abound.

Offering the other check,
turns pride into meekness
following the golden rule
shows our own weakness.

Thanking God in all things,
is not an easy thing to do
but when we put our trust in Him
it’ll make a believer out of you!

~~~~~~~~~~~

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

A Joyful, Thankful Heart ~

Lord, a joyful, thankful heart,
I bring to Thanksgiving’s table
a soul forever grateful
for all that You are able.

You make my plate complete,
when from Your Word I reap
the full bounty of Your grace
in Your kindness I do steep.

You fill me with such peace,
Your tender mercies overflow
Your love fills me to the brim
Your compassion in me grows.

You supply all my needs,
bless me with even more
You fulfill my every dream
with promises of life ~ evermore.

Lord, a joyful, thankful heart,
I bring to You not just on today
a soul full of hope and gratitude
for all You’ve done along the way!

~~~~~~

Colossians 3:15
King James Version

 “And let the peace
of God rule in your hearts,
to the which also ye are
called in one body;
and be ye
thankful.”

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

Our Plate of Goodness ~

I love this time of year,
with Thanksgiving just ahead
it reminds me of some facts
in the Bible I have read . . .

In all things be grateful,
let joy and praise flow out of you
for everything be thankful
give God the glory He is due.

Make peacefulness your habitation,
let your gentleness be known
be kind, tender-hearted and forgiving
never be the first to cast a stone.

Extend a hand to the needy,
let charity be your perfect gift
help all those who have not
bring back to God those adrift.

Show others your appreciation,
let them see your gratitude
bless them for their helpfulness
be not selfish in your attitude.

Reach out to the sick and hurting,
let them see Jesus’ true compassion
show all acts of grace and mercy
let not the sun go down on your passion.

Be content with all that you have,
rejoice in whatever is your state
be satisfied with all of the goodness
God places each day on your plate.

In everything be thankful,
let your praise be heard by all
in everything be grateful
let your joy be seen by all!

~~~~~~~~

Ephesians 5:20
King James Version

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

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

Thankful for What ~

It’s easy to be thankful,
when things are going well
when we are trouble-free
no fears on which to dwell.

But, when burdens become,
crushing and all-consuming
it’s hard to show gratitude
when stress is ever-looming.

It’s difficult to say thank you,
in the middle of our strife
it’s not easy to be grateful
for the trials in this life.

How can we be thankful,
in every single thing
rejoicing in the hardships
that living often brings?

It takes a heart of faith,
an unwavering trust
it take a soul that knows
being prayerful is a must!

~~~~~~~~~

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
King James Version

“Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks:
for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

Alone With Jesus ~

Alone with Jesus,
quiet solitude
alone with love
praiseful gratitude.

Alone with Jesus,
peaceful and still
alone with hope
blissfully tranquil.

Alone with Jesus,
inner reflection
alone with grace
heartfelt affection.

Alone with Jesus,
silent meditation
alone with forgiveness
joyful resignation.

Alone with Jesus,
down on my knees
alone with Jesus
just Him and me!

~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 62:5
King James Version

“My soul, wait thou only upon God;
for my expectation is from him.”

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

How Can I Show My Gratitude?

Father, how can I show my gratitude,
my gratefulness for all You’ve done
how can I show my thankfulness
for the eternal gift of Your Son?

What can I do to repay You,
for the kindness You’ve given me
what can I give back to You
so my appreciation You can see?

How can I render my thanksgiving,
the sense of my true gratification
how can I ever prove to You
the full delight of my satisfaction?

Father, how can I show my gratitude,
my gratefulness for all You do
how can I show my thankfulness
if I am not always praising You?

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

Psalm 42:4
King James Version

“When I remember these things, I pour out my
soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude,
I went with them to the house of God, with
the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude
that kept holyday.”

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

God ~ I Give You All the Glory

Father, how shall I show my appreciation,
for all You have done for me?
Should I kneel in this space of time,
unmoving on bended knee?

Shall I lift my arms to the heavens,
never to let them fall to my side?
Should I raise my hands up even higher,
and never allow them to subside?

Shall I shout from my rooftop,
about Your mercies I have seen?
Should I scream over the oceans roar,
of how much to me, You mean?

Shall I praise Your Holy name,
from the highest mountain top?
Should I exalt You night and day,
and never for a moment stop?

God, I will give You all the glory,
for the miracles You have done
for You’ve given me the gift of hope
through the healing touch of Your Son.

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

Psalm 104:33
King James Version

“I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live:
I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.”

Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

A Plate of Grace ~

Come this Thanksgiving . . .
there will be no turkey with dressing
there will only be a plate of gratitude
served with God’s many blessings.

As a substitute for candied yams,
we are going to feast on His kindness
and taste the sweetness of His favor
as we reflect on His loving guidance.

There will be no rolls and butter,
instead, we’ll eat of the Bread of Life
and with gratitude we’ll give our thanks
that we no longer live in hopeless strife.

In the place of creamy mashed potatoes,
there will be praise piled just as high
and we will sing to Him our adoration
instead of eating pumpkin pie.

The only beverage we will drink,
will be from the one True Vine
and with sanctification on our lips
Jesus’ sacrifice will be as sweet as wine.

Come this Thanksgiving . . .
I’m not making a traditional dinner
I’ll only be serving the grace of God . . .
to those I know ~ who are still a sinner!

~~~~~~~

2 Corinthians 12:9
King James Version

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient
for thee: for my strength is made perfect in
weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather
glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ
may rest upon me.”

Copyright 2012
Deborah Ann Belka

Morning Song of Praise ~

Early in the morning,
before the sun is ablaze
give a shout of pure joy
a song of heartfelt praise.

Make a sweet melody,
and show your gratitude
sing out your praises
with a joyful attitude.

Early in the morning,
before the sun begins to rise
remember His loving-kindness
under the darken skies.

Clap your hands together,
lift your arms up in praise
give your day to the Lord
and thank Him for His ways.

While the dew is still set,
on the morning lawn
while the house is dark
before there is a new dawn.

Show your thankfulness,
to the Lord up above
lift up your heart-song
and praise Him for His love.

When your day is finally over,
and the sun dims its blazing light
thank God for His faithfulness
all though the starry night!

~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 92:1-2
King James Version

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
and to sing praises to Your name, O Most
 High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the
morning, and Your faithfulness every night.”

Copyright 2012
Deborah Ann Belka