Untitled Normal Page

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will
of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

When I was growing up, Thanksgiving was a very big deal in our home! Mother never cooked a turkey (
the first turkey I ever cooked was after I was married), but she always cooked a big fat hen, the best dressing
I've ever tasted, gravy, green beans, sweet potatoes, other veggies and dessert. This was definitely our
biggest holiday meal of the year, something we all looked forward to with special anticipation, and
many preparations were made. Usually we had other family members there, particularly after we kids
were older. There were five in our family ~ Mother, Daddy, my younger sister Pat, and my even-younger
brother David. After I married, I tried to carry on the same Thanksgiving tradition because of the
wonderful memories of those days !!

The wind rustled the tree limbs, which made a tapping noise on Annabelle Plattenburg's bedroom window. It was
much cooler than it usually was in November. A small tinge of light broke over the horizon. It was the day before
Thanksgiving and many things had to be done. Annabelle's momma was already in a bustle downstairs trying to get
the house looking proper for the family gathering.

Peek-a-boo, Annabelle's kitten, was walking around on her bed purring continuously. Annabelle decided it was time
to get up and, taking Peek-a-boo lovingly in her arms, headed down the stairs. After breakfast she was put to work
cleaning everything her momma directed her to clean. The home had toys strewn here and there. Will, her
5 year-year-old brother, decided that the whole house was his playpen. So, cleaning up after him and finding
a place to go with all his treasures took a while. Mr. Plattenburg was out tending to the horses and checking
on the other animals. By noonday the home was well-nigh back into order again.

When the evening time came they had most everything done, and the home was in satisfactory condition. The family,
very tired from a long day's work, retired to their beds. After Annabelle's prayer to her Lord Jesus, she fell
quickly asleep, with little Peek-a-boo at her side.

The guests arrived early in the afternoon bundled in their coats and carrying many different kinds of foods.
Mr. Plattenburg tended to the carriages and helped the men get their animals settled. Annabelle busily helped
her momma take the food dishes to the kitchen. All the family was there; it had been a long time since they all
had been together. The home was warm with the glow of the fireplace and the love of the family gathered
within the house. Away Annabelle went to the kitchen to get a drink requested by one of the guests.

As she was preparing the drink she noticed what looked like four people by the barn. She called her father,
who was in the parlor, and as they both peered out the window they noticed the family was looking in at the house.
Mr. Plattenburg and two of Annabelle's uncles went out to speak with the family. As the men approached, the stranger
pulled his wife and children close to his side. The newcomer's name was Amos Holmes. Mr. Plattenburg convinced
the tired family to come in the house. The children were dressed poorly, yet they were very clean. The mother's
clothing was tattered and worn. Mr. Holmes face had many wrinkles, his trench coat was somewhat too small
and his boots were well used. The children gazed longingly towards the Thanksgiving turkey and all the tasty foods.

Annabelle's momma invited them to the table. The unfamiliar visitors at first declined the invitation but when they
looked into their little one's eyes they could not help but accept. The children, who were named Elsie and Jonathan,
were so excited to sit at the large table and partake in the delectable feast. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes described
the hardships they had been through, as Annabelle's large family listened. Annabelle thought to herself as she
watched the little ones eat: She was always in such a hurry and she never stopped to realize she could be one
of those little children, if it were not for God's grace.

Sitting there she said a silent prayer to her Lord, "Oh Jesus," she said, "how unthankful I have been. Please forgive
my heart of committing the sin of unthankfulness. Thank you, Lord, for allowing this family to come to us and
for letting us be blessed by serving them. Lord please provide and protect them. And if they don't know You
as their Lord and Savior please make a way that we can lead them to You which would be the greatest gift
of Thanksgiving. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.''

Before the Holmes family went on their way that evening Annabelle's prayer was answered. As all of the guests
joined hands to pray for the Holmes family that night, Mr. Holmes asked how he may receive Christ in his life. So, as
they all prayed, Mr. Plattenburg led Mr. and Mrs. Holmes, as well as little Elsie and Jonathan, in the prayer of salvation.
When the family left the Plattenburg's home that evening, they had a new meaning to Thanksgiving Day.

T.....for time to be together, turkey, talk, and tangy weather.

H....for harvest stored away, home, and hearth, and holiday.

A.....for autumn's frosty art, and abundance in the heart.

N.....for neighbors, and November, nice things, new things to remember.

K.....for kitchen, kettles' croon, kith and kin expected soon.

S.....for sizzles, sights, and sounds, and something special that abounds.

The Pilgrims came across the sea,
And never thought of you and me;
And yet it's very strange the way
We think of them Thanksgiving day.

We tell their story, old and true
Of how they sailed across the blue,
And found a new land to be free
And built their homes quite near the sea.

Every child knows well the tale
Of how they bravely turned the sail
And journeyed many a day and night,
To worship God as they thought right.

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing,
He chastens and hastens His will to make known;
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing,
Sing praises to His name, He forgets not His own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine:
So from the beginning the fight we were winning,
Thou, Lord, wast at our side: the glory be Thine !

We all do extol Thee, Thou leader in battle,
And pray that Thou still our defender wilt be.
Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;
Thy name be ever praised: O Lord, make us free !