We Gather Together

Growing up, I remember the public school plays we did to celebrate various holidays. For Thanksgiving, we dressed as Pilgrims and Indians and sang songs like, "We Gather Together."  The Word of God was honored and kids grew up knowing right from wrong.

My late husband went into the Navy during the Vietnam era. He recalled the teachers having a Bible on their desk, as well as prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance being a normal start to the day. Even though he wasn't a believer back then, he was shocked at how things had changed when he returned years later. The Bible and prayer had been kicked out of the public schools. He couldn't comprehend how Christians had allowed such a thing to happen.

Today, there's a ray of hope. The Sleeping Giant (believers in Jesus) is finally waking up. They're no longer silent in the public square and exercising their right to vote.

It's time to return to God - each individual and ultimately our nation. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.

May you have a blessed Thanksgiving.

https://youtu.be/857F4ngV8TY

Writers and Readers: Do you set aside part of your Thanksgiving celebration to express your gratitude to the Lord? Please share.

Photo Credit: David Sinofksy

FB Groups/Pantsers/Christian Athlete/Devo/Thanksgiving Crafts

1.  Book promotion is a tough job for most authors. If you're about to launch your book, whether traditionally published or self-published, Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, has some tips on using Facebook groups.

2. As a "pantser" myself, this article caught my eye. Donna LH Smith posts on, "Plotting 4 Pantsers-Part II."

3. Christian Headlines highlights Clemson quarterback, Trevor Lawrence. It's refreshing to see a young man open about his faith.

4.  Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation,  posts on "The Truth About the Size of Our Prayer Requests."

5.  I found some unique and fun ideas on Martha Stewart's website for Thanksgiving. Check out the clip art and templates for place cards, etc.

Writers and Readers:  What do you think of Facebook groups for readers and writers? Are they interesting, helpful? Have they influenced your purchasing decisions?

Photo Credit: monmart

Some Thanksgiving Facts

The first Thanksgiving celebrated by the Pilgrims and Native Americans lasted for three days. Gratitude to God for their survival through a brutal winter and a great harvest made it a particularly joyful time. (See https://www.reference.com/holidays-celebrations/did-thankstiving-start-325864902047eae)

Thanksgiving did not become an annual event until President Lincoln made it official. Like so many of our holidays, the meaning has degenerated to food, football, parades, and long weekends. Let's not forget the freedom and abundance we enjoy come from honoring God in our daily lives.

This Thanksgiving, let's remember to thank God for His many blessings.

Writers:  Do you incorporate holidays into your writing? Please share.

Readers:  How do you celebrate Thanksgiving? 

The First Thanksgiving

https://youtu.be/-BQSOkkoDjc

I found this well-made video on YouTube about the first Thanksgiving. We're almost at the end of another year, and I'm thankful for God's protection and grace. He brought me through five months of recovering from a broken wrist, provided help through that time, and met our every need.

It's easy to focus on the difficulties of life. Yet, when we count our blessings, we realize that the good far outweighs the bad. 

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He cause His face to shine upon you and give you peace.

The Women of the Mayflower

While researching Thanksgiving for this post, my interest was piqued by a note on Wikipedia that four women were present, Eleanor Billington, Elizabeth Hopkins, Mary Brewster, and Susanna White.

What were these women and the others who came over on the Mayflower like? I decided to focus my exploration on learning more about them. I found an excellent website by Caleb Johnson.

Some fascinating facts:

1.  18 women came over on the Mayflower, three of them in their third trimester of pregnancy.

2.  All of them were married.

3.  Of the 18 onboard, only the four named above survived through the first Thanksgiving celebration.

4.  Susanna White came over with her husband, John, and son, Resolved. She was pregnant and gave birth to a son, Peregrine, while the Mayflower was anchored outside of Cape Cod. John died that winter, and she remarried Edward Winslow, a fellow passenger whose wife also died. They were the first couple married at Plymouth.

5.  Mary Brewster was born about 1569 because she stated she was 40 years old in an affidavit filed in Leiden, Holland on 25 June 1609. She and her husband, William, had six children, one of which died right after birth. She lived to about age 60. Her husband lived another 17 years before he passed on.

I hope this tiny sample will encourage you to visit this website. Whether you're interested in history or a homeschooling parent, it's a great resource.

May you not only enjoy food and fellowship this Thanksgiving, but also give thanks to God for His many blessings in your life.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Writers and Readers:  What are you thankful for this year?

Photo Credit:  Nat Arnett

Give Thanks

In 1620, the Pilgrims landed in what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts. They'd left behind religious persecution for a wild, untamed land. With the help of local Indians, they planted crops and gathered a bountiful harvest. A three-day feast was held in 1621 to thank God for His provision.

Today, Americans gather for a traditional meal with family and friends. Yet the focus has been turned around. How many times do we hear, "Happy Turkey Day?" Instead of thanking the One who provided the blessings we enjoy, the attention centers on the food and fellowship.

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, let's remember to thank the Giver of every good and perfect gift.

Writers and Readers:  What are you thankful for today? I'll go first. I'm grateful I was born in a country where I can worship God freely.


Photo Credit:  abcdz2000