Some songs express the changes God has made in their life and the thanks for the many blessings that God has provided. So many of these blessings are often taken for granted.
This song is written by James Easter with the help of his two brothers, Russell Lee Easter and Edward Franklin Easter. James Madison Easter was born April 24 1933 in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Growing up in North Carolina they were influenced by bluegrass music. Russell, James oldest brother taught him how to play the guitar when he was only eight years old. However, just a couple of years later these three brothers were playing in beer joints and wouldn't be long before they were not just playing in them.
They became alcoholics before they could legally drive. Russell's life was almost taken when he got ahold of some bad whiskey, but he was spared and met a young women from Danville VA who went to church and helped change Russell's life. Russell and Ed moved to Danville VA to work at a cotton mill where they formed a band first called, "The Green Valley Quartet" but would later change it to "The Easters" to avoid confusion with another local band.
Meanwhile, James was still back in Mount Airy where he got mixed up with the wrong crowd and soon found himself in prison for stealing cars and taking them for joyrides. The judge not taking light of the him "borrowing cars" sentenced him to a ten year sentence for a felony theft charge. James had no idea who God was as he had never been to church, heard a sermon, or even knew that Jesus loved him. A few months after being in prison he went to a church service held in the mess hall and sat next to one of his buddies in the back to avoid the preacher looking at them. However, this didn't work as the Rev C.S. Grogan looked back at him with tears in his eyes, pointed his finger and told him that someone loved him. James punched his friend teasing saying he must have been talking to his mama. James said that he didn't ask Jesus into his heart that day, but he wanted to.
James was released for good behavior after serving 5 years and returned back to Mount Airy. His brother Russell came to him and convinced him to move to Danville VA. While there he couldn't get the words of Rev Grogan out of his mind and found himself wandering into a little church where he gave his heart to God.
James, a convicted felon and recovering alcoholic was fresh out of prison. He only had a job that paid very little. He had no wealth, but he had a wife, and a young child. They lived in a tiny 2 room house that they rented for $10 a month. He felt he was right at the bottom, but he also knew being a young Christian that he had something in his life that made him happy. He sat down and wrote the words to "Thank you Lord for your Blessings on Me" which became one of the most beloved gospel songs. This song has been chosen as the "Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year" in 2002. It has also won a Dove Award.
These brothers started off by singing other groups songs, but their popularity really took off when they started writing their own songs. Which they did for more than four decades. They wrote over 400 songs and had over 150 recordings with numerous awards. They were recognized as one of the legendary groups and were inducted into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame.
Their heart still energetically beat for their mission of sharing the love of God through their music. Their life testimony is a powerful example of how God changes people, no matter who they were.
Take time to thank God for the many blessings he daily provides for you.
Listen to the song here. BLESSINGS
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