Music Video: “Thanks Be to God” and Restarting Youtube Channel

Happy Thanksgiving!

The song Thanks Be to God has been part of a Thanksgiving tradition in my life. The familiar lyrics, rich in gratitude and reflection, have been a source of comfort and strength. As I reminisce about singing this song of gratitude with my choir during Thanksgiving morning services, I am reminded of the sense of community and togetherness that music brings. This music video is a testament to the trials we faced this year.

And we know we are not the only ones who struggled this year.

I know even some of the most financially stable people who began to struggle financially during inflation and even friends who were laid off from jobs. It reminds me that this song never gets old, and it has even more meaning in my life now.

Thanks be to God for roses rare

For skies of blue and sunshine fair;

For every gift I raise a prayer

Thanks be to God!

Thanks be to God for lovely night,

For mystic fields with stars be dight,

For hours of dream and deep delight

Thanks be to God!

Thanks be to God for love divine

The hopes that round my heart entwine;

For all the joy that now is mine,

Thanks be to God!

This year tested my family in ways we never anticipated. We welcomed a newborn in December last year, and it was a difficult first few months. Life threw us curveballs that we never saw coming. My husband's company went under, resulting in job loss and financial strain. I also lost my job.

While we bounced back quickly as my husband found a new job and I decided to go freelance, we still had to be grateful for what we had. We had each other, Daniel, a roof over our heads, food to eat, a great church, family and friends, and the Lord. That is really what mattered. My husband and I grew even closer during that time.

Going freelance has led to a lot of opportunities for my family. Not only did it lead to more work flexibility, but it gave me more opportunities to make a difference through policy in my community. It has also enabled me to sing and perform more, leading to many new music projects. I also have many new projects in policy I am excited about!

My Sweet Little Family in our New Home

I love Thanksgiving so much, and it truly is a start to the holidays. I wish it got as much attention as Christmas, and I am saying this as someone who is a HUGE Christmas aficionado and enthusiast. You will see many Instagram-worthy images and videos over the next month, celebrating the season, especially the birth of Christ.

In addition to releasing this music video, I also decided to restart my Youtube channel under Frances Floresca Studios. This channel was originally called Blossom Studios for several years. It included videos I made in high school, some church projects, short videos, and a cheesy music video of me singing Once Upon a December from Anastasia (in Russian). GO SUBSCRIBE!

Composer: Stanley Dickson

Lyrics: P. J. O'Reilly

Singer: Frances Floresca Baldwin

Pianist: Medeon E. Maraon (Medeon Maraon Music - Transposed): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rWO0kXjA8E

Videographer: Alec Nathaniel Baldwin (Husband) and Frances Floresca Baldwin

Editor: Frances Floresca Baldwin

Filming Location: Augusta, Georgia Area

Recording and Sound Mixing: Frances Floresca Baldwin