A LITTLE "THANKSGIVING" HISTORY

Thought it might be good to be reminded of a little history as it pertains to our Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday.  We are a blessed people!  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

 

Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation



Washington, D.C.
October 3, 1863

By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD!

JUST a note to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving!! As blessed as we all are, my prayer is that we would offer our thanks to God not so much for what He has done for us and given us, but for who He is - the God who has seen fit to love us so much that He would give us His one and only Son, that whoever will believe in Him, will not perish, but have everlasting life. Now that's a reason to be thankful!

Bless you all. Have a great week!

SO MUCH, SO MUCH, SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR!

Once again we gather together this week as friends and family to celebrate the many blessings that have been bestowed upon us from our heavenly Father. So often we take for granted all that we have but it is my prayer this year that we will be intentional about offering our thanks to God for all His many provisions.


Personally I am so grateful for my family - my parents, ML's parents, my brothers and their families, ML's siblings and families, my wife (so very thankful), my boys and their wives (no, Kyle does not have a wife), and of course, the grandkids. What a blessing to have such a great family.

As I mentioned in church yesterday, I am so thankful for good friends, for this great country, and for the church (the body of Christ). I am thankful for the opportunities I've been given to minister in many areas of this state (as well as this country) and am so blessed to have met so many wonderful folks. I'm also so appreciative to be able to experience God's creation - in the flatlands of Kansas to the high mountains of Colorado to the humidity of Mulvane (trees grow where it's humid). The evidence of a Creator is all around us to be sure.

But most of all I'm thankful for Jesus who gave his life on the cross for me and for you that we might live in right relationship with our heavenly Father. I'm thankful that I don't have to earn God's love but by responding to his grace (his unconditional love) by faith, I am assured life, abundant life both now and for eternity.

And yes, for that my heart gives thanks.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

After coming back from Mexico I can't help but count my many blessings. In fact, they are too many to count. In reality, I have all I need (a big difference from want). I have food, shelter, clothing, a house to live in, a wonderful family who loves the Lord, great friends and a wonderful church in which I am called to serve. For some reason I have been the recipient of God's grace and mercy - neither of which I deserve. Out of gratitude I offer my thanks to the Lord. Praise Him from whom all blessings flow!

FAMILY FUN!!

Have you ever played Wii? It's an interactive video game and as you can see ML and her sister are boxing (on Thanksgiving day). I've never seen my wife get so excited about punching somebody's lights out. Loved every minute of it.

Here you see ML and little Brayden at Eric and Andrea's house in Topeka. He's really grown hasn't he? Grandma had a great time.

And here you see the little man sitting on Grandpa's lap. He's quite relaxed and at peace with the world. Sure enjoyed him. Hopefully it won't be so long before I see him the next time. Actually it will be at Christmas. He JUST might get a present or two.

Had a great time with all our family on both sides. I'm truly blessed.

BRAYDEN BOUND!!

Okay, here's the deal. We're heading out on Thursday to catch up with some family for Thanksgiving. First to Newton for a get-together with M.L.'s side of the family. Then that night we will stay at Todd and Melissa's in McPherson. The next morning we will go to my folks for a dinner around noon or so. That evening/night we will head to Topeka to see the little man (and Eric and Andrea). I've not seen him since August so we have a little grandpa/grandson time to take care of. Looking forward to it.

So, you all have a great Thanksgiving holiday. And be careful that you don't forget to offer thanks to the Lord in the midst of the busy weekend (see my Pastor's Corner in the Standard).

Blessings. P.R.