You may not be having a Thanksgiving like this picture, but did you know Norman Rockwell painted this during World War II, when many sons and fathers were missing from that Thanksgiving table?
The Thanksgiving hymns we will review stressed the importance of giving thanks in times of pain and sorrow. So this week, no matter our circumstances, we will give thanks and pray for A Real Thanksgiving.
Let me tell you of a Thanksgiving day I’ll never forget.
It was 20 years ago. My parents were coming all the way from California. It is the only time I remember them coming to my home for Thanksgiving, and oh how I prayed. Neither were believers yet and I prayed for a “real Thanksgiving.” I prepared questions that my children were accustomed to, but I didn’t know how my parents would respond. Mother stayed for the sharing during the meal and then took a nap. But Dad stayed for hours as we kept sharing until the sun was sinking in the Nebraska sky, echoing the warmth in our hearts.
My dad stood, with tears in his eyes, and said,
“THAT WAS A REAL THANKSGIVING!”
I weep today to remember that benediction, that great answer from God who met the desire of my heart.
Four years later my dad came to Christ on his deathbed, and my mother, soon after, at the age of 93. Within six years my dad, then my husband, and finally my mother were safe in the arms of Jesus. Today I cherish the memory of that Thanksgiving day when the sun broke through the clouds.
How I pray God will meet you somehow this Thanksgiving and that we will have wonderful stories to share.
I know many of you will not host, but it is possible you could suggest one of these plans. I have three, and I’ll start with the the first two, which are short, easy, and fun, and should work with a group that has secular people in it as well. Then I’ll give you the longer plan, which was similar to what we did that day.
But even if you can’t do any of these on Thanksgiving, we will be sharing thanks together here this week. WE WILL HAVE A REAL THANKSGIVING! Keep going to your closet for confession, petition, and praise. But share your thanks here on the blog as we review the great Thanksgiving hymns we have meditated upon. I hope you are singing them all week.
Plan 1: Have everyone share something they are thankful for this year that they couldn’t have been thankful for last year.
Plan 2: (I stole this from a Hallmark Christmas movie called “A Very Merry Mix-up”) Give everyone index cards on which they write each person’s name along with one thing they are thankful for about him or her. Don’t sign the card you write on. Then each person reads their cards aloud and tries to guess who wrote each.
Plan 3. Click here: THANKSGIVING QUESTIONS
Sunday:
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
2. Might you try any of these plans with at least one other person? (Or if you are the hostess, you can e-mail the plan ahead so they can be thinking of what to say!)
Monday: For The Beauty of the Earth
Our own Sharon sent this — it moved me to tears. Watch, meditate on the lyrics, and share any way “the King kisses you” and makes you thankful.
3. What stood out to you and why? Give thanks!
Tuesday: We Gather Together
Listen to this meditatively.
4. Share what stands out to you. What do you remember about the history of the hymn?
5. Give thanks.
Wednesday: This is My Father’s World
Was excited to find this unusual rendition!
5. Share what the lyrics mean to you and give thanks!
Thanksgiving Day!
Love this from a choir in Capetown! Has the joyful solemnity appropriate for this great hymn.
77 comments
I love the story of your parents and the one Thanksgiving. I am thankful for you Dee. Thank you for your blog and hard work giving us a wonderful place to reflect on the most important thing; God.
Laura — I’m so very thankful for you — it’s been wonderful to be with you in person at retreats! You get to know people better in person and then that brings a richness to the blog.
Dee, I agree!
2. Might you try any of these plans with at least one other person? (Or if you are the hostess, you can e-mail the plan ahead so they can be thinking of what to say!)
I forgot to answer this question.
We are traveling to my sisters-in-laws. We will have probably 20 people at the dinner. I have tried each year to ask the family what they are thankful for and it is SO awkward. They aren’t a very touchy feely bunch. Sarah and her boyfriend will be there. I suppose if all the people she and he have the most to be thankful for because they are alive. I will try something though, again this year. Maybe the index cards, or again, what each person is thankful for (again). Or, I might just start it off by telling everyone what I am thankful for and see if I can get anyone to take the bait! Hahaha. Oh family! Oh “joy!” Lol. Dear Lord, I humbly ask that You show up at our Thanksgiving feast. So many around our table need You. Help me be bold and continue to try to make others aware of the many blessings we are given, beginning with each other. Amen.
Great prayer Laura. Praying for you.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why? The story of your parents’ very differing reaction to your thankful discussion. I cant see my dad participating for even one second.
2. Might you try any of these plans with at least one other person? (Or if you are the hostess, you can e-mail the plan ahead so they can be thinking of what to say!) I probably could with a couple of people, but we have quite a few people who would probably wander off during the sharing part. I’m expecting about 30 people.
30 people! Wow. May His presence be so real!
Sunday
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
Dee, I am learning from you to pray more specifically, just as you did when your parents came for Thanksgiving. When I went to help my sister (non-Christian) out with her hip surgery, I prayed specifically that my being with her would have an impact on her for the Lord. We never spoke of spiritual things but I just loved on her and helped in any way I could. She sent me a thank you card that said, “I can’t begin to tell you what your coming here to help me has meant…just brought tears to my eyes.” I just continue to pray that God will work in her tender heart and open her eyes to the truth.
2. Might you try any of these plans with at least one other person? (Or if you are the hostess, you can e-mail the plan ahead so they can be thinking of what to say!)
I would do the first one and maybe a few of the other questions from plan 3.
Wonderful story and answer to prayer, Sharon.
Sunday:
1. What stood out to you from the above and why? – I love the picture of Norman Rockwell and the thought of how it was done at a time when not everyone was around the table, but just looking at it reminded me of this time ten years ago when my older son was missing from the table with his first Thanksgiving away from us in Afghanistan. What a hard time it can be for some, not having all their loved ones around with them. Also, how God was in control of the Thanksgiving when your parents came. You could have easily buckled under the fear of what you thought they would think about it, but you stood strong and had the Thanksgiving that you had always had, and from that trust in God being in control, your parents found a relationship with the Lord and have eternal life now.
2. Might you try any of these plans with at least one other person? (Or if you are the hostess, you can e-mail the plan ahead so they can be thinking of what to say!) – I will have to do one of the plans with just a few people. I am not hosting Thanksgiving but can definitely try this with our Life Group next Sunday.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
Love the Norman Rockwell painting, yet I am very aware that for many, the holidays are a very sad time. Last evening, my husband and I were at a couple’s 30th anniversary celebration, and I was talking to an old friend. She’s never been married, and said to me that the holidays are very depressing for her, as her parents are no longer living. She does go to her brother and sister-in-law’s for the holiday, but still, it is not a happy time for her. She lives alone, and spent many years of her adult life helping to care for her parents when their health was failing. Love the story you shared, Dee, of your mom and dad at your home for Thanksgiving, and your dad’s reaction!
2. Might you try any of these plans with at least one other person?
We’ll be at my in-laws for Thanksgiving, along with two of our children and my husband’s brother and his girlfriend. I doubt my brother-in-law would go for any kind of “organized” plan, but perhaps my in-laws and my husband and I could; my daughter would likely participate.
Susan, I am thankful for you, for you are so other centered and can easily pick up on and feel another’s pain-you are sincerely that way. It is Him in you and I love that about you.
Should be a sweet time for you with your daughter!
3. What stood out to you and why? Give thanks!
Made me cry again….it so reminds me of my dad, the musician. I grew up in a home where the piano was played every day. We always had 3+ pianos in our home. My dad was our choir director at our local church. I remember feeling so in love with him. He gave me his musical “artist.” I love music. One time a friend asked me what would help me snap out of a blue spell. He asked what I really couldn’t live without. I said music. When I am down it pulls me up. I knew a lot of the words to this song because of our study! Thank you Dee! Thank You, Lord Jesus for the beauty of our earth. Thank You for its majesty. Thank You for reminding us each and every day that You are with us all the time. We just have to open our eyes and see. Amen.
Laura-love your sweet prayer, so encouraging.
Music! So true of you — and thanks for the encouragement!
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
The story of Dee’s parents and how their Thanksgiving together planted seeds of Jesus’ love. That both parents came to know Jesus, & those hard years losing three of the most important people in her life in such a short time span-oh. Thrilled that Dee will see them again.
2. Might you try any of these plans with at least one other person? (Or if you are the hostess, you can e-mail the plan ahead so they can be thinking of what to say!)
I love #3 and someday I am hoping to be able to do that one. The hostess and I wanted to do #3 last year but felt that the disdain some in their family have for Christianity might be too much so we had people Draw a name and stand up and give thanks for that person and tell why they are thankful. That was with around 20 people. This year we will have 33 people and some who don’t know one another so I will try to come up with something with the hostess.
That’s a cool idea about drawing a name and giving thanks for that person!
33 people, wow! I like your idea of drawing a name and giving thanks for that person.
3. What stood out to you and why? Give thanks!
That version of “For the Beauty of the Earth” is wonderful. I am thinking of you my U.S. friends this week as you celebrate Thanksgiving. We here in Canada celebrated it in October. As I write this, I am looking out on freshly fallen snow on the trees of my own new little yard. We moved in on Saturday into our own little place and are still surrounded by boxes and I still can’t find some of the essentials. I am thankful for our own place – the first house that we own, having lived all my life in apartments or houses owned by others as we worked in Christian ministry all our lives. It is a wonderful but also overwhelming process to prepare to retire.
I am also grateful for Dee’s faithfulness on this blog for so many years. It is a real ministry that has ministered to so many over the years and I do appreciate that there is a faithful voice for the Lord teaching Bible study online. Though I have not participated much for a while now, I still am thankful for the ties that bind our hearts in Christian love.
And I am so thankful for you Diane — and for your new little house — your first — what a life of sacrificial giving. May you be truly blessed in it.
Diane, I hope this new season of your lives will be a very blessed time and that you enjoy your own little place!
Life is full of change and may you continue to blossum as you pour your lives into this new chapter.
The new house! So exciting! I know it will be sweet Diane. I am thankful for your friendship. I hope you enjoy every moment of the move in. Let the process be a balm that soothes the retirement process.
Thanks so much, ladies. Moving in is fun but a lot of work. I need to continue the work of downsizing and sorting to find a place for each item. I appreciate your prayers.
I agree with Dee…you’ve lived your life sacrificially giving to others. May you be blessed richly in your new home and with many enjoyable years!
Monday
3. What stood out you and why? Give thanks!
I had never heard this version until you introduced it in your blog and I love the piano and harmonizing of this.
I praise God for His beautiful creation, seeing the changing of the seasons…love when fall shows off in all its color. It reminds me that I’m surrounded by His love. Thank You Lord for my precious family and being all together this Thanksgiving. But most of all I’m thankful for Your Son Who sacrificed His life for me…now I have abundant life, eternally.
1. What stood out to you from the above and why? What stands out to me is Dee’s willingness to try something different to bring God to the forefront and asking God to be with her and the people in the response. 2. Might you try any of these plans with at least one other person? I am working this holiday and I was thinking of posting of posting the questions for people to write responses to in the break room . Usually we are so busy we don’t get lunch except on the run. But I don’t know if someone has already planned something or not … we may do early thanksgiving with my in-laws but they are not usually inclined toward conversation other than local news and weather.
Bless you for working on Thanksgiving. I know medical people works so many holidays –and am thankful for you.
I like the idea of posting a paper in the break room! People could just write what they are thankful for and not put their names! I may do this for our gathering too! I could print a paper with a turkey in it and have colorful markers to write our thankfulness on. I bet I will get better “takers” in our family with this 🙂
3. What stood out to you and why? Give thanks! – What talent. I love listening to a great choir. I miss the choir we had at church, but the music is still bringing us closer to the Lord by worshipping him. Lord thank you for the gift of music, the talent that these women have. Thank you that we can freely sing to you praises from our hearts without having to hide it. You deserve all our praises that we sing to. Thank you Lord for being you.
What stands out to me especially is your time with your Dad sharing after your Thanksgiving meal. And his comment, Now that was a real Thanksgiving!
When time with family is special, I am really thankful.
We had 4 family members together yesterday for a thanksgiving meal. It was enjoyable, but went way too quickly before they had to leave for a 2 hour travel home. Since there is a 1 year old there was not much time for indepth conversation as she is always on the move! However the joy was that our 21 year old granddaughter who we had not seen for about 2 years was with us! I have her on my special prayer list to draw close to Jesus because she has been wandering away. It was a special time having her with us.
I have copied the Thanksgiving questions and hope there is opportunity to discuss some of them.
I like the idea of a “special prayer list.’
The Wheaton college girls’ choir rendition is lovely. It is a new tune to me, but so pretty and I love each girl putting so much talent into the piece, as well as the accompanist! it gives glory to God to sing in the classical tradition. Love it!
I am so thankful for God guiding me, loving me and putting special people into my life. I am thankful for my small Bible study group, and I am thankful for this blog. I appreciate Dee’s challenge to help us share our thankfulness with others. I want to have boldness and kindness to cause others to want Jesus in their lives. Now yesterday God blessed me in a surprising way… a woman who caused me hurt and sadness in my church greeted me warmly and gave me a hug. this qualifies as a “kiss from the king!” Thank you, Jesus. May your Spirit bless this woman and draw her closer to you. ( I had been praying to forgive her and never expected an answer so promptly!)
Shirley! That is awesome that the woman greeted you that way! A sure KFTK!
4. Share what stands out to you. What do you remember about the history of the hymn?
Wow, so many questions…it makes me think, “Was it really that way?” “Did the people know how to communicate with each other?” “Were the Indians meat eaters?” “Were the women scared?” It also made me think how the Pilgrims were certainly showing God’s love to the Indians. It was the first example (here) of different groups learning to get along.
Sad to say I have already forgotten the hymn we studied just a few weeks ago. I had to go back and look 🙁
Apparently there was a terrible turmoil during the reformation (1600’s) where many were killed because of their Protestantism. It happened in Holland where the king there killed thousands, hoping to cleanse the country. After that there was a period of calm in Holland because their ally, Spain, was weakened. This hymn was written during that time. It’s purpose was to reflect on the past and the future.
5. I am thankful for the blessings God has given me. My husband, our home, our clothing, our church family, the food we have, the money we have to buy many things that others can’t. Thank You Lord for always being there for us, with us through the life trials we experience daily, and for helping us to remember to be slow to anger and to be kind no matter the circumstance. I pray in Your Holy Name. Amen.
3. What stood out to you and why? Give thanks!
I noticed that although the singers are to stand with arms unmoving at their sides, one young woman couldn’t help but express her emotion by moving hers! I am thankful, truly, for the beauty of the earth. It ministers to me like nothing else. I happened to be driving yesterday at the time of sunset, towards the west. Right where I live we have a wide-open expansive view of the sky in that direction and I was thankful to be treated to the amazing colors in the sky. And yesterday I drove past a cornfield and wondered about some very dark colored cut down stalks, until I realized the black stalks were about a hundred geese lying down in the cornfield! They blended right in. God made such an amazing world. I’m also thankful for the love that has been over and around us from our birth, and for the love my grown children have for each other.
Susan, so cool that God gave you that glimpse of the geese in the dead cornstalks…God did make an amazing world!!
I noticed that too Susan and it made me smile!!!
Tuesday
4. Share what stands out to you. What do you remember about the history of the hymn?
What stood out to me was the visual of weapons carried. I saw only one Indian with a gun laid down behind him (was it his?) but you see a few pilgrims with their weapons on them or carrying them. That’s not to say the Indians didn’t have any. It looks like a very friendly gathering but how much trust was there?
I did not remember the history of this hymn so I went back and read it. The Duke of Alba tried to rid the Netherlands of Protestants, and with the help of Spain, burned Antwerp, martyring 8,000 believers in 1576. Spain was weakened in a war against England that next year, so this led to a period of relative peace in Holland. Out of that horrible time Richard Niell Donovan wrote this hymn.
5. Give thanks.
I thank the Lord for His faithfulness in my life, no matter the circumstances, that His peace transcends all understanding, He is near the broken-hearted and is my comfort in all my troubles.
4. Share what stands out to you. What do you remember about the history of the hymn? – What stood out to me is that they are all gathered together as one. Though they are different, and from different nations possibly they are together and getting along and sharing what each other has to offer. I also loved how it showed them all praying and being Thanksgiving, I’m guessing they were giving thanks to God for all that they had to share. Is this the hymn that was written for Easter and the words changed to fit for giving thanks to the Lord at Thanksgiving?
5. Give thanks. – Lord, though we sit and wait for news on my husband’s scans, I’m thankful for those who give me encouragement and new ways to look at what I think are struggles or concerns. An outlook that maybe Joe is not hiding things from me but just needing to vent to someone who knows what he is going through and for me to not have to worry. Thank you Lord for the technology that will help the doctors be able see how to help Joe in the most effective way and most of all Lord, thank you for being in the middle of this situation we are in. I know you are the God of all peace, comfort and strength and I thank you for being with us. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
I agree with your prayer. Hard to wait!
Sunday:
1. What stood out to you from the above and why? I love the REAL Thanksgiving
2. Might you try any of these plans with at least one other person? (Or if you are the hostess, you can e-mail the plan ahead so they can be thinking of what to say!) I’m going to try plan 3! I plan to send the questions in our family group text tomorrow and see who participates. Love this and can’t wait for the advent study.
Glad you are here Chris. Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you, Laura. Happy thanksgiving to you too.
My report isn’t as glowing as Dee’s experience, but it was sweet just the same. Kind words were said and great sharing of thanksgiving. I’m glad we did it. Thank you for the ideas Dee. I’m so thankful for this blog. The Lord is using it to draw us close to Him.
I’ll be excited for the report!
5. Share what the lyrics mean to you and give thanks!
Oh Dee! This is a wonderful rendition of the song! I loved it!
It amazes me that God was so thoughtful in His giving of each thing He made. Have you ever noticed there is a little star on the top of each blueberry? In childbirth there is this moment when you have absolutely no control over the progress of what is happening; it’s as if something has taken over your body and is making it perform (happens with food poisoning too…haha). Yesterday a hawk who lives near our school, landed on a lamppost with his dinner (a mouse). He sat and ate the mouse meticulously in front of us! It was crazy. Although I was kind of disgusted, I also thought how each thing in the world is connected (the circle of life) and how it amazes me. This is my Fathers World indeed, but He made it for us. He loves us. What a gift it is. Thank You Lord, for the rocks to climb, for the water to refresh us, for the animals to nourish us, for the water cycle (and all those cycles, carbon, nitrogen, etc.) to provide life for us. Thank You Lord for caring about what You made. Amen.
From blueberries to hawks…love your post Laura!
I too love your sweet post, Laura.
Beautiful
I decided to use Jill’s idea and make a Thankful “sign” that I will hang up and get people to write on during the day. I’m hoping that works better than talking 🙂
5. Share what the lyrics mean to you and give thanks!
My Father’s World means so much to me and I absolutely love this rendition! Whether things are going well or not so good in life to meditate on the fact that He made everything and holds it together. He isn’t aloof like satan wants us to believe. He is in control and as the song says-it brings me comfort. This makes my heart well up with thanks!
For the Beauty of the Earth. His Love-His Grace, and for the beauty of human love stood out. It is a picture of His love when humans love one another for real love requires much Grace and sacrifice.
A motto for tomorrow: Real love involves much grace and sacrifice.
4. Share what stands out to you. What do you remember about the history of this hymn?
I had to google to refresh my memory. One source said the song celebrates the end of Spanish oppression in Holland, and also the end of Catholic oppression of the Protestants. We gather together may signify their new freedom to meet together and worship following the reformed way.
5. Give thanks.
I don’t give much thought to be thankful that we have freedom of religion in our country. We are free to attend the church of our own choosing and we are not compelled by anyone to practice a religion we don’t want to. I need this reminder.
5. Share what the lyrics mean to you and give thanks! – the lyrics to This is My Father’s World says it all. Along with the narrative of the beginning of His World. It was nicely put together and sums it up that no one else, or no other ‘thing’ created this world. God created the world and everything in it and the lyrics explain that and that we cry out to him, the creator. I don’t understand how some think that it just evolved. The beauty of all he created is way beyond it just becoming. Thank you Lord for giving us the world we live in. Thank you for the beauty around us that was created by you and only you. We have something marvelous to receive from you and no one can say otherwise. Thank you for creating us and choosing us to be yours so we can enjoy the beauty that is here on earth and the beauty that is yet to come.
Wednesday
5. Share what the lyrics mean to you and give thanks.
This is definitely my favorite hymn of all we did. We had a sunset tonight that just took my breath away…it did declare the Maker’s praise. I’m thankful that He is King and reigns over all…why should my heart be sad? I have found that when I purposely give thanks to Him no matter my circumstances each and every day…my heart is full. Full of joy, peace, humility, love and His presence.
I really enjoyed this rendition…thanks for sharing.
I do love that lyric: “Why should my heart be sad?”
Happy Thanksgiving to all — I’m thankful for each of you and the richness you bring!
We Gather Together is a very old hymn from the Netherlands! I never knew that they had been under control of Spain; At this time they were being driven out so victory was in sight. The wicked oppressing refers to this suffering they had been under. They were giving God the glory for this freedom.
The scene of the Pilgrims is a very lovely scene, making the impression that all was harmonious in this new land. And indeed that may have had moments, yet the reality was probably very different. I grew up thinking this was true, but in retrospect it was more likely to have been different. Native Americans would most likely not appreciate the artwork. I do know that these settlers were very thankful for their making it through the first hard year in New England. And they were helped by some kind natives!
The rendition of This is My Father’s World certainly reminds us of the amazing work of our Creator, God! I do love listening to the birds in the morning, and seeing the sunrise and enjoying every delight of nature. Every part of this nation has astounding sights, growing up in Vermont I loved the rural areas, with herds of dairy cows and Morgan horses and sheep occasionally! Then I was overwhelmed with the beauty of Niagara Falls, the Rocky Mountains, the Outer Banks of North Carolina and the rolling hills of Pennsylvania. (Just to name a few) So I love the lyrics, “I rest me in the thought Of rocks and trees , of skies and seas His hands the wonders wrought!”
May you all enjoy family and friends this Thanksgiving Day!
Happy Thanksgiving, Blog Sisters. I give thanks For each one of you and the special, quiet, holy place to come seek the Lord. Blessings to each of you as you serve and love today!
(Laura, I can’t wait to hear how the paper thanks goes…I am doing it as well.)
Sunday:
1. What stood out to you from the above and why?
“…Giving thanks in times of pain and sorrow.” The summer and early fall was a definite lesson of this with my Mom’s health. It was hard to see her on video being so frail and failing. Yet, the knowledge that she loves the Lord and she had experiences of talking with Him during her hospitalization and eventual going back home in her own house was so comforting to me.
Dee, your parents’ salvation towards the end of their lives is such a tender reminder of the love of God for them and for you.
2. Might you try any of these plans with at least one other person? (Or if you are the hostess, you can e-mail the plan ahead so they can be thinking of what to say!)
I did not do any of the plans you suggested but had a “Thanksgiving Journal” for my students that we finished on Tuesday. It was heartwarming to read of the things that they are thankful for although there was not any mention of anything spiritual. Such a need for Christ to enter the lives of my students! Lord, help me be sensitive to your leading on how to share my faith with my students.
Monday: For The Beauty of the Earth
Our own Sharon sent this — it moved me to tears. Watch, meditate on the lyrics, and share any way “the King kisses you” and makes you thankful.
“For the joy of human love, brother, sister, parent, child…”
Maybe because my own immediate family is so “far away” from me, this was a special kiss from the King. I am thankful for my brother, Ernesto, my sister, Grace (in heaven), my Dad, Ernesto Sr., (in heaven also), my daughter, Ruth.
4. Share what stands out to you. What do you remember about the history of the hymn?
I did not grow up here so I had to Google the history of this song.
5. Give thanks.
I am thankful for all the beauty that I see around me. We had sleet and rain and colder weather but He gives these all to us. When I look around with thanksgiving, my eyes see Him and that gives me a “whole new world”.
Wednesday: This is My Father’s World
Was excited to find this unusual rendition!
5. Share what the lyrics mean to you and give thanks!
“In Him all things hold together”
Everything declares His praise; His hands the wonders wrought
His glory we declare.
“And God saw everything He has made and He said it was very good.”
Praise God that this world is our Father’s and I shouldn’t be sad amidst personal, country, and world’s situations. The Lord is King and He reigns.
Thanksgiving Day!
Love this from a choir in Capetown! Has the joyful solemnity appropriate for this great hymn.
Now thank we all our God
With hearts and hands and voices
Who wondrous things hath done
In whom His world rejoices
Who from our mother’s arms, hath blest us on our way
With countless gifts of love and still is ours today.
Friday
6. Would love to hear any way the Lord met you this Thanksgiving.
I couldn’t help but share this before tomorrow!
A very pleasant surprise at our Thanksgiving Day get together awaited us at my sister-in-law’s. I get to meet for the first time, our nephew’s and his wife’s adopted son. Malachi (Kai) is black and his birth mother is a very young unmarried woman who was on drugs for a time. We had to wait to share about his adoption as the lawyer advised them to not say anything until the adoption was final. Kai is a very happy 8-month-old boy and his parents are obviously in love with him. We are thankful for this gift of adoption.
God has given us a miracle in my Mom. She is off medications, has been eating well and slowly gaining strength. I praise God for the healing that He has given her. Whatever time He has left for her is a gift to all of us.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow for sure!
Sweet surprise, Bing!
The Lord blessed me on Thanksgiving — invited as only guest into lovely family that shares deeply, contemplatively, passing around questions. When young daughter was asked her favorite Bible verse she said: “Psalm 4:8 — In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Such a sweet fun and godly home.
Dee, I want to especially thank you this week of Thanksgiving for extending your love to many of us through your leadership and exhortation. I know you have invested time, effort, prayers, and resources to give us such a quality time in the Word and with one another.
I have been thinking of our family newsletter that I send out annually. Often, a word or a quote has served as a springboard to pull my thoughts together. I was clearing my desk earlier (thank you, Lord, for a break from school) and a piece of paper fell to the floor. I picked it up and read my short scribble of the Polish word, “Bogumiwa” which Sally said meant “the kindness of God”. That’s it! Indeed, 2019 has been a year of the kindness of God to my family-Richard’s emergency, my Mom’s health and healing, my daughter’s settling into a job she loves after a few years of disappointment and hardships, my own struggles with my job. I wouldn’t have this word to use if it were not for this blog and its timely encouragement.
I thank God for you and for all the ladies here who have been faithful in reaching out to me, loving me, and praying me through the trials of life. Salamat gid! (thank you in my Ilonggo dialect)
Bing, I am encouraged by your post explaining how you’ve experienced the kindness of God.
Thank you, Susan. Many times I have been so tired when I come here but the Lord often prompts me to do so. And I am so glad! He uses His Word and yours and those of others to remind me of my desperate need for Him and for the Christian community.
Thank you, Bing. You are an encourager.
🙂 (Smiley face in case it does not translate)
Well, I did get some people to participate in expressing their thanks for things in writing. One person muttered, “I hate these things” then said they would say why they were thankful. Hahaha. I suppose that is good. Our daughter and her boyfriend showed up (late) and then left after about an hour for no apparent reason (?!). No explanation. Food was awesome and we had a great time talking with friends and family. My mother in law is in the hospital though so we will be visiting her with the babies this afternoon. I hope everyone had a nice day.
Sounds like a Laura Thanksgiving — and you are full of grace and humor.
Praise God! My mother in law is being discharged today. Doing better 🙂
We had a good Thanksgiving…everyone shared what they were thankful for this year that they couldn’t be last year. I guess my expectations were too high but at least we shared and we were all together, and in that God did answer my prayer!
Good attitude!
Saturday
7. What hymn do you think became more meaningful to you this month and why?
“This is my Father’s World” because of the last verse where it says, Why should my heart be sad?
Indeed, I have a Father who owns this world and He will make all things work out together for good. In the midst of so much heartache, pain, and suffering that I hear about, God rules and He reigns. One of these days, there will be a new earth and a new Heaven and this stanza of the song will not be sung anymore!
I found another rendition of “This is my Father’s World” by the Wheaton Academy Concert Choir. Beautiful especially the ending though I very much love the one that Dee shared here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLA81gIsS1Q
That choir is amazing!!!
I love the slow contemplative tempo. Thank you. I believe I will share this at our junior high youth group tomorrow when we have our Christmas party. This will be a great spring board for spiritual conversation with the kids.
What a beautiful version of My Father’s World, Bing. The echo and acoustic are amazing. Thank you for sharing. It reminded me “that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.”