Thanksgiving 2012

Let us give thanks for what the Lord has done and for those blessings He has not given yet. Things are not going well in this great land of ours, and some are struggling through the darkest days of their lives. But there is still much to be thankful for. One thing is sure; in a world where so many impulsively see only the darkness and make sure we all know it’s dark, those that are singing the song of giving thanks will stick out like a sore thumb. Let us sing and give thanks to the Lord to the top of our lungs!

But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them (Acts 16:25)

A Pastor’s Commentary on Psalm 26 and Thanksgiving

I shall wash my hands in innocence, and I will go about Your altar (come to church!), O Lord, that I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving (come to church and sing praises!) and declare all Your wonders. O Lord, I love the habitation of Your house (so come to church this Sunday!) and the place where Your glory dwells. (again with the church thing) Psalm 26:6-8

Some Thanksgiving Quotes

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor– and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness. (Opening quote from the Thanksgiving Proclamation signed by George Washington, President of the United States of America, October 3, 1789)

We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown. ~ Abraham Lincoln, at Thanksgiving time during the Civil War, 1863

Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds. ~ Theodore Roosevelt, 1901

Thanksgiving is an emotional holiday. People travel thousands of miles to be with people they only see once a year. And then discover once a year is way too often. ~ Johnny Carson

What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving? ~ Erma Bombeck

Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence. ~Erma Bombeck

 
Some Personal Thanks
I wonder what pumpkin pie tastes like when I’m not already full?
I’m thankful for elastic waistbands in pants
I’m thankful for the hugs of a grandchild
I’m thankful for the giggling of little girls
I’m thankful for a long hike on a well-worn trail with a warm sun at my back
I’m thankful for the sound of singing when it’s not expected
I’m thankful for people who aren’t afraid to let out a good belly-laugh
I’m thankful for those that don’t get offended when someone says something funny about them
I’m thankful for good food and good company
I’m thankful for my son and daughter who keep giving me beautiful grandchildren
I’m thankful for the view from the top of the trail, knowing that the path back to the car is all downhill
I’m thankful for a fresh-painted room where nothing further needs to be done to it
I’m thankful for the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of these United States; long may they be the principles for the governance of this land
I’m thankful for my beautiful wife who puts up with my little irritating habits (I would list them all out here but space does not permit)
You can make your own list of little and great things to be thankful for this year