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More important than the turkey~

This week, I have been posting recipes and talking about Thanksgiving and all the EATING that goes on! But, besides the food, the smells and family surrounding me. This is also a time to "reflect" on the blessings and the freedoms that I have at this moment.

Thanksgiving is one holiday that I tried hard not to skip over or rush through. Even though at times it is tempting to put up the tree or hang the Christmas wreath or sip on Peppermint mocha dreaming of sugar plums! This is a holiday that gives me an opportunity to talk with my children about their "freedoms" and "blessings".

A time to reflect on the pilgrims and what they sacrificed to find "freedom" and "liberty". They left their comforts, their family and "life to step on a ship where sickness and danger was all around them". They started a life with the "pure" sweat of their brow in order to worship their God freely and come out from the burdensome government across the sea.

They did not search for a government or place to take care of them...they sought for freedom. Sometimes, I wonder if the pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock right now, would they turn that "sail" around and go right back?

Before our very eyes, our freedoms are slowing slipping away. In the name of political correctness or "hate" crimes, social programs, environment/global warming or anything else that Washington labels it...our voice is being silented. If you don't see it, my dear reader, you better wake up!

So in our intent to celebrate Thanksgiving, we acknowledge with our children that our God moves in a mighty way through history and our Lord is ever-continuing and never ceasing in action in time and place. He directs this earth moment by moment to His glorious purposes. Also, God moves in his people through history and one ship began the start of great nation and a reason to give thanks~

Together we read God's Word and reflect on the His blessings...

A wonderful scripture to read at Thanksgiving in Psalm 104~

Bless the Lord, O my soul.

O Lord my God , thou art very great

Thou art clothed with honour and majesty....He sendedth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills.

They give drink to every beast of the field; The wild asses quench their thirst.

By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches.

He watereth the hills from his chambers; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and the herb for the service of the man; that he may bring forth food out of the arth.

And wine that maketh glad the heart of man and oil to make his face to shine and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.

So I encourage you that before you take that bite of turkey or put that dollop of cool whip on the pumpkin pie...reflect on the "reason" and "history" of this wonderful, American holiday~

13 comments:

Busy Bee Suz said...

Beautifully put and timeless. Thanks Sandy!

Anonymous said...

I have been reading your blog for a while and have never commented, but I love this post and couldn't just read it and walk away. I love that you try not to skip over Thanksgiving! So important to spend time reflecting on what we are thankful for and to think what if it is taken away. I love your political comments and I do believe the freedoms the pilgrims came here for are slipping away ever so slowly and so many don't see it coming. Thank you for your honesty and heart felt beliefs and your willingness to post them. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

PS Thanks for the recipies, too. I plan to put some into action this year! :)

Organized Chaos said...

Since I copied some of your meal ideas...maybe I'll have to read this passage from Psalms, too!

Jeni said...

I have always loved Thanksgiving but each year is means more and more to me. I am going to enjoy my next few days thinking about so many things I am thankful for. This year my family tops the list. I have overwhelming feelings with my husband coming home at this time of year.

KK said...

Happy Thanksgiving. I just wish it wasn't always on a Thursday!

Jo said...

So beautifully put ~ I couldn't agree with you more!

Enjoy your week ahead ~
Jo

The Quintessential Magpie said...

We should never EVER take out freedoms for granted. They were won with the price of patriot blood.

Sandy, if you get a chance, google and read the story of the Rev. James Caldwell. The story will show you just how much the church played a role in the American Revolution. He and his wife both died at the hands of the enemy. Their nine children were orphaned.

Sometimes I wish there was a clause in the elections' requirements that requires that either the candidate or someone from whom they descend have fought for this country. Quite possibly it would mean that those elected would have more of a vested interest in its well being.

XO,

Sheila

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Take "our" freedoms. Typo.

vicki said...

YES .. THE PILGRAMS WOULD HAVE JUMPED OFF THE BOAT TO PEE ON THAT ROCK AND TURNED RIGHT AROUND ...

I find it funny how none of your liberal friends comment on days when you are so right ...

Ruth said...

Great post!! A great reminder of our country's history and God's hand throughout it. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. No Christmas things around here until it is over. I love that this holiday is about being thankful and considering our blessings and not about "things."

Thank you for posting this excellent post and sharing your heart.

Ruth

Ruby Red Slippers said...

This was a great post, and so needed! Thank you for this reminder of what it is all about...

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! You are so right!

Can I be honest and say that I "cringe" everytime I hear someone is decorating for Christmas before Thanksgiving. It kind of makes Thanksgiving seem a little less important. Just my opinion.

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Thanks