In the summer of 2021, Lorenz Online editor, Tracey Craig McKibben asked me if I would be interested in creating an arrangement of “Count Your Blessings” for the November release in time for Thanksgiving. My gut reaction was to turn down the offer because, to put it nicely, this is not one of my favorite songs in the hymnal. Instead, I took the challenge, deciding to approach it from a new angle and seeking to create something fresh and unexpected. I attempted to remove any “hoky-ness” and draw the listener in through contemplative moments and text painting. My hope is that anyone who might reject this song after a lifetime of redundant performances will find a new appreciation through this arrangement.

— Shelton