November 19, 2025 - Good Morning! It’s Wednesday, November 19.
We continue our Thanksgiving series, in an attempt to raise the importance of a holiday that often does not get its due. Unlike Christmas, the fourth Thursday in November, passes all too quickly, with little thought to its meaning or its message. But, just like Christmas, Thanksgiving has some great songs. Here’s the story behind one of them.
Johnson Oatman was born in 1856, in Lumberton, New Jersey. His father was known for his beautiful singing voice, the best singer in town. Johnson didn’t inherit his dad’s voice, but he longed to make his own mark in music. But duty called, and he had to join the family business, selling insurance. At 36, however, he fell ill and was forced to take early retirement. And that’s when Johnson found his true calling - writing gospel hymns. For the rest of his life he wrote every day, seven days a week, amassing over 7000 songs. These include favorites like “Higher Ground”, “No Not One”, and our Thanksgiving song focus this morning, “Count Your Blessings”.
I’m certain, that when Johnson Oatman found his true calling, he counted it a blessing, and thanked the Lord for it every day. On this day, take a moment to sing this old hymn - take a moment to be thankful.
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 hath done 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!
Meet you back here tomorrow,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com
