A blessed Thanksgiving to each and every one of you!

 

 

 Just a quick Thanksgiving post before I go prepare some side dishes and make some chocolate whipped cream to top my chocolate peanut butter pie!   Lord willing, we will be joining our daughter's family along with some friends from Vermont, and are so looking forward to the time.  (I say "Lord willing" because it's snowing here, with the potential to impact travel.  We frequently have snow on Thanksgiving, especially when the last Thursday falls late in November as it does this year.  But this prediction seems -- and may be -- a bit much.) 

I pray that each and every one of my readers will have a truly blessed Thanksgiving.  I know that some are grieving today.  Some are facing their first Thanksgiving without a beloved spouse, parent, or sibling.  Some are going through very, very difficult times.  Some are dealing with uncertainties concerning health issues, jobs, or a living situation.  There are personal friends of mine in all of these situations today.  Some of us are just feeling inconvenienced by the weather and hope our plans for a get-together will still work out and we'll get where we're going safely.  And yet, as believers, we still have so very much to thank God for.

Think of it!  We have a personal relationship with the God of the universe!  I believe it was Spurgeon who said that if we cannot think of anything else to thank God for, there is always this: He has saved us from hell.

  One thing I have come to realize is that even in the hardest things of life, I can be thankful that God is with me.  There are many other things to be thankful for as well: He loves me; He wants the best for me; He is good; He has a good purpose for all that He allows; He knows all about every situation; He is in control and sovereign over all things; He is all-powerful and able to change any situation.

We have been blessed in recent weeks to see Him do just that in relation to the leaders of our country, and pray that this change will indeed come to fruition.

On this Thanksgiving Day 2024, Mr. T and I pray that each of you will spend some time counting the blessings God has given you.  There are so many, starting with salvation!

"By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name."  (Hebrews 13:16)

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Sunday Scripture

 

Delightful graphic by Abby at Little Birdie Blessings

I've decided to take a break from the Psalms study to focus on Thanksgiving.  Again today, I'm sharing some insights from a Thanksgiving/fall study with Good Morning Girls that I did back in fall of 2013.  Sadly, it seems that this little but oh-so-meaningful 2-week study -- Focusing our Hearts on Gratitude -- is no longer available.  If anyone is interested in the Scripture verses to do your own little study, just let me know and I can send you the references.  

The verses I chose for today are from Day 4 of the study.  We were to read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18, and the verses to SOAP were 16-18.  ( Just a reminder that the S is for Scripture -- just write it out -- and the O is for Observation, the A is for Application and the P is for prayer -- concerning how you'll apply this verse or praise for what it means to you.  And if you've never tried this simple method, I hope that you will give it a try and see if you find it as helpful as I do.)

So without further ado, here is my very simple study of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:

S=  "Rejoice evermore.
"Pray without ceasing.
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

O= This letter was wrtiten by Paul to the believers at Thessalonica.  C.I. Scofield says, "Timothy's good report of the faith and love of the Thessalonians and their tender regard for Paul prompted the apostle to write this touching and intimate letter in which he commends them for their steadfastness, reminds them of truths he has taught, and clears up questions about the Lord's return."

The instructions Paul gives in this last chapter of 1 Thessalonians are brief and to the point.  The verses I am looking at give some pretty all-encompassing direction:

🍂 Rejoice evermore.

🍂 Pray without ceasing.

🍂 In everything give thanks.

I could summarize this as: "Never stop rejoicing; never stop praying; never stop thanking God."

Paul tells us too why we should thank God in every circumstance: this is His will concerning us.

A= The application to my life is pretty obvious.  

🍂 I'm to be continually rejoicing.  This isn't easy.  Life is tiring and some days and circumstances are hard.  Yet I'm commanded to rejoice evermore.

🍂 I'm to be continually in the attitude of prayer.  To me this implies staying "prayed up", keeping short accounts with God, confessing sin as I'm aware of it, so I may remain in constant communication with Him.

🍂 I'm to be thanking God in every circumstance of life, acknowledging that it's His will for me.  He allows these circumstances for my good and His glory.

P= "Lord, these are tall orders you have for me in this passage.  These "100% words" -- evermore; without ceasing; in everything -- are quite a challenge.  I can only rejoice continually and give thanks in everything in Your strength.  I praise You that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. 

"Help me, Lord, to keep short accounts with You so that I may be in constant fellowship with You throughout each day, maintaining an attitude of prayer.  I praise You for the privilege of prayer and for the clarity and practicality of Your Word!  In Jesus' name, Amen."

And there is our very simple study for today!  I know these are a good bit more basic than the Sunday Scriptures I've shared in recent months, but I do hope they'll be a blessing and an encouragement to someone. 

Sunday Scripture

 

For the next couple of Sundays, I've decided to take a break from the Psalms study to focus on Thanksgiving.  I'll be sharing some insights from a Thanksgiving/fall study with Good Morning Girls that I did back in fall of 2013.  Sadly, it seems that this little but oh-so-meaningful 2-week study -- Focusing our Hearts on Gratitude -- is no longer available.  If anyone is interested in the Scripture verses to do your own little study, just let me know and I can send you the references.  

The verses I chose for today are from Day 3 of the study.  We were to read Colossians 3:12-17, and the verses to SOAP were 15-17.  ( Just a reminder that the S is for Scripture -- just write it out -- and the O is for Observation, the A is for Application and the P is for prayer -- concerning how you'll apply this verse or praise for what it means to you.  And if you've never tried this simple method, I hope that you will give it a try and see if you find it as helpful as I do.)

So without further ado, here is my very simple study of Colossians 3:15-17:

S= "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
"And whatever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him."  (Colossians 3:15-17)

🍁

O= Paul wrote this letter (while imprisoned in Rome) to the Christians in the church at Colosse.  It was written "to the saints and faithful brethren' at Colosse, but clearly applies to all Christian believers.  

In these verses I see some repetitions (and it's always good to pay attention to those): "be ye thankful" in verse 15; and "giving thanks to God and the Father" in verse 17.

The commands seem to apply not only to individual believers but to the body of Christ as a whole.  We are to: 

🍁 Let the peace of God rule in our hearts (v.15)
🍁 Realize we are called to this peace as a church as well as individuals (v.15)
🍁 Be thankful (v.15)
🍁 Let God's Word dwell in us richly (v.16)
🍁 Teach and admonish other believers and expect them to do the same for us (v.16)
🍁 Sing with grace in our hearts to the Lord (v.16)
🍁 Whatever we do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father by Him.

A= I need to let God's peace rule in my heart.  (It seems to me that if individual believers have His peace ruling in their hearts, there will more likely be peace in the church.) 

Sometimes it is all too easy to let something else, like worry, fear, anxiety, or some other emotion rule in our hearts.  But we need to let God's peace rule there.  In addition, I am to be thankful.  And I am very thankful for God's peace!

I need to let God's Word dwell in me richly. To me this means not only memorizing God's Word, but allowing it to become an integral part of my life by applying it and making it real in my everyday life.  Letting God's Word settle in and be at home in every facet of my life.

I also should be teaching and admonishing other believers and to be singing with grace in my heart to the Lord.  

It's interesting that I am to let God's peace rule in my heart and I am to let His word dwell in me richly.  These are both things I need to allow.  

And whatever I do, whether it's word (something I say) or deed (something I do), it's to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as a thank-offering to Him.  It's an important question to ask ourselves about a proposed course of action: Can I do this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ? 

🍁

P= "Lord, I thank You this morning for the clear instruction from Your Word.  I pray that You will help me to daily apply all that I have learned.  

"Help me to allow Your peace to rule in my heart.  Help me to remember that I'm called to this.  I'm not to let anxiety, fear, worry, anger, frustration, or any other emotion rule in my heart -- only Your peace.  This seems like a tall assignment; yet, if I will only allow You to do the work in  my life, it is perfectly possible.

"Help me, too, to allow Your Word to dwell in me richly, to saturate my soul with it, so that when I am squeezed, it's Your Word that drips out.  Help me to daily memorize and meditate on Your Word, and to make it an integral part of my life.

And help me, Lord, to never forget that every bit of life is to be lived for Your glory, as a testimony to others and as a thank-offering to You for all You have done for me.

"I thank and praise You for how You will work, and for how you are working, in these areas!  I pray in Jesus' name, Amen."

And that's our very, very simple study for today.  I hope that someone has found it a blessing.

A blessed Thanksgiving to you!

 

A favorite Thanksgiving graphic from Abby at Little Birdie Blessings

 Just a quick Thanksgiving post before I go whip some cream and prepare some side dishes!  We will be joining our daughter's family along with some friends from church, and are so looking forward to the time.

I pray that each and every one of my readers will have a truly blessed Thanksgiving.  I know that some are grieving today.  Some are facing their first Thanksgiving without a beloved spouse, parent, or sibling.  Some are going through some very, very difficult times.  Some are dealing with uncertainties concerning health issues or a living situation.  There are personal friends of mine in all of these situations today.  And yet, as believers, we still have so very much to thank God for.

Think of it!  We have a personal relationship with the God of the universe!

  One thing I have come to realize is that even in the hardest things of life, I can be thankful that God is with me.  There are many other things to be thankful for as well: He loves me; He wants the best for me; He is good; He has a good purpose for all that He allows; He knows all about every situation; He is in control and sovereign over all things; He is all-powerful and able to change any situation.

And so today, Mr. T and I pray that each of you will spend some time counting the blessings God has given you.  There are so many, starting with salvation.  My daughter was remembering the other day how years ago, whenever a certain man in our church prayed publicly, he began by thanking God for his salvation.  I have no doubt that he began each of his private prayers the same way!

The hymn "Thanks to God" is one of my very favorites at Thanksgiving time and always.  Here are the words:

 Thanks to God for my Redeemer,
Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a mem’ry,
Thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,
Thanks for dark and stormy fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten,
Thanks for peace within my soul!

 Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered,
Thanks for what Thou dost deny!
Thanks for storms that I have weathered,
Thanks for all Thou dost supply!
Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure,
Thanks for comfort in despair!
Thanks for grace that none can measure,
Thanks for love beyond compare!

 Thanks for roses by the wayside,
Thanks for thorns their stems contain!
Thanks for home and thanks for fireside,
Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!
Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow,
Thanks for heav’nly peace with Thee!
Thanks for hope in the tomorrow,
Thanks through all eternity!

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name." 

(Psalm 100:4)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Cruising into Thanksgiving with the Hodgepodge

 

 It's Wednesday again, so time for the Hodgepodge -- the linkup where Joyce, at  From This Side of the Pond, asks the questions and bloggers provide the answers on their own blogs.  This week's Hodgepodge questions involve Thanksgiving, Christmas plans and much more.   Here goes!

1. Have you ever been on a cruise? If so where did you go and how did you like it? If not, do you have any desire to take a cruise someday? 

Nope, no desire for a cruise.  If I was ever to take one,  I would want it to be either a cruise down the Mississippi or possibly an Alaskan cruise.

A lake cruise is a lot more my speed and I've been on a number of those on large lakes.  Below are a couple of scenes from the M/S Mount Washington on Lake Winnipesaukee. 

 

2. Tell us about your Thanksgiving plans...are you hosting? cooking? eating out? turkey or some other main? is it stuffing or dressing in your house? homemade cranberries or cranberries in a can? are pies on the dessert menu? what kind? what are your 'must have' sides? Tell us one thing you're especially grateful for this year.

Not hosting, but I am helping with food.  Turkey, cooked by my daughter using Deanna's method, will be the main event.  It's stuffing in our family, but not everyone likes it so I'm making stuffing separately and bringing it in a crockpot.  Homemade cranberry sauce is my preference, but the grandkids all like the canned jellied kind.  Only thing is, it must be the Woodstock organic kind as one of my grands cannot tolerate high fructose corn syrup.  Woodstock is the only brand I've seen without it.  Pies are definitely on the dessert menu -- an apple cranberry, two pumpkin, and a pecan so far.  Must-have sides include Carrie's make-ahead mashed potatoes and honey rolls, and broccoli casserole from my sister-in-law Dawn's recipe.

One thing I'm especially grateful for this year is the opportunity to know God through His Word.  Knowing Him and learning about His character makes it more possible to see His sovereignty over all things and to rest securely in His care regardless of all that is going on in our world.  It helps us too to understand that He has the power and wisdom to do what's best and to change things as He chooses.

Above is my Caramel Pecan Pie:

CARAMEL PECAN PIE

36 caramels, unwrapped
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup pecan halves
1 9-inch unbaked pie crust

Combine the caramels, butter and milk in a heavy saucepan; heat until the mixture is creamy and caramels are melted, stirring often. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, vanilla and salt with an electric mixer; gradually blend in the caramel mixture. Fold in the pecans and pour the mixture into the pie crust. Bake at 350º for 45 to 50 minutes or until set. Cool pie until firm before cutting or serving. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

And I'll add my pumpkin pie recipe too:

EASY PUMPKIN PIE

1 9-inch unbaked pie crust
1 15-ounce can pumpkin
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
2 eggs
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 425º. Combine all ingredients except pie crust in a large bowl and beat with electric mixer until well combined. Pour into crust.

Bake 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350º. Bake pie for 35 to 40 minutes longer or until knife inserted 1 inch from crust comes out clean. Cool pie before cutting or serving. Refrigerate leftovers.
 

On a more temporal note, I'm super thankful to have sold the last piece of property for my dad's trust.

3. If someone approaches you and asks for money do you give it to them? Do you drop money 'in a tin cup' that belongs to a person on the street? Do you have a specific charity you support during the holiday season and/or year round?

No to all.   I will put money in a Salvation Army kettle if I encounter a bell ringer at Christmas time.  

And of course we give to our local church all year round.  We also have some missionary friends we have personally helped to support for years.

4. Have you started decorating for Christmas? Is your tree up? Shopping done? Wrapped? 

No to all.  I have started my shopping and making, but nothing is wrapped.  My tree is not up and my decorating not started.  My hubby has, however, started baking Christmas cookies and has gone through two batches of fudge already giving it out for various occasions.

 He has baked a batch of Whipped Shortbread (above);

 a double batch of Secret Spice Cookies (above);

and two batches of Heavenly Delight fudge (below).

He's also baked a double batch of Chocolate Mint Crisps.  And he's talking about baking more cookies today.

5. Create your own acrostic using the word THANKS. 

Trustworthy God

Home (heavenly as well as earthly)

Abundant blessings

Nearby family and friends

Knowing God through His word

Salvation in Christ

(I borrowed part of this from last year's "Thankful" acrostic.)

6.  Insert your own random thought here. 

So looking forward to Thanksgiving!  My favorite holiday, though I love Christmas dearly as well.  If you've never read my Thanksgiving memories, you might enjoy them here.

There's the Hodgepodge for today.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, everyone!

Sunday Scripture

As promised, I'm back with a Sunday Scripture post focusing on thanksgiving.  I mentioned Wednesday that that post, and this one, are from a Thanksgiving/fall study from Good Morning Girls that I did back in fall of 2013.  Sadly, it seems that this little 2-week study -- Focusing our Hearts on Gratitude -- is no longer available.  If anyone is interested in the Scripture verses to do your own little study, just let me know and I can send you the references.

 The verses I chose for today are from Day 6 of the study.  We were to read 1 Chronicles 29:1-20, and the verses to SOAP were 11-13.  ( Just a reminder that the S is for Scripture -- just write it out -- and the O is for Observation, the A is for Application and the P is for prayer -- concerning how you'll apply this verse or praise for what it means to you.  And if you've never tried this simple method, I hope that you will give it a try and see if you find it as helpful as I do.)

So without further ado, here is my simple study of 1 Chronicles 29:11-13:

S= "Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory; and the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heaven and earth is Thine.  Thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and Thou art exalted as head above all.
"Both riches and honor come of Thee; and Thou reignest over all; and in Thine hand is power and might; and in Thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
"Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name." (1Chronicles 29:11-13)

O= These verses are part of David's prayer of thanksgiving on the occasion of the people willingly giving gold, silver, precious stones, and more to be used in Solomon's Temple.

One repetition that stands out to me is David's references to God as King:
"Thine is the kingdom, O LORD";
"Thine, O LORD, is the majesty";
"Thou art exalted as head above all";
"Thou reignest over all".

"Power" is another repeated word:
"Thine, O LORD, is the power";
"In Thine hand is power and might".

"Glory" is another repeated theme:
"Thine, O LORD, is the glory";
"We praise Thy glorious name".

Verse 11 begins with one-word descriptions of some of God's characteristics:
*  Greatness
*  Power
*  Glory
*  Victory
*  Majesty

Verses 11-12 continue on with some complete statements about who God is:
*  All that is in heaven and earth is His.
*  His is the kingdom.
*  He is exalted as Head above all.
*  Both riches and honor come from Him.
*  He reigns over all.
*  In His hand are power and might.
*  In His hand it is to make great.
*  His hand gives strength unto all.

Verse 13 notes that therefore -- because of all that is true about God as stated in 11-12 -- we thank Him, and praise His glorious name.  

A=  Because God is Head above all, I must always acknowledge Him as King and as sovereign over my life. 
I must never forget that everything I have is a gift from His hand.
I must always look to Him for strength, as He is the only true source of strength.

God is always deserving of my thanks and praise for all that He has done and for everything that He is!

P= "Lord,  I praise You for all that You are!  Yours is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty!  All that is in heaven and on earth belongs to You!  Yours is the kingdom, and You are rightly exalted as Head above all things!
"All that I have -- all that anyone has -- is from Your hand.  You are the Source of every good thing and of any strength that we have.
"Therefore, I thank and praise You, not only for all that You are, but for all that You have done and for all that You continue to do.  You are most worthy of praise!  In Jesus' name, Amen."

I hope that this fresh look at 1 Chronicles 29 was a blessing to you in this Thanksgiving season!  It certainly was to me -- and what a great reminder in these uncertain times that this Almighty God has all things under His sovereign control.

Thanksgiving Eve Scriptures ...

 Here's what I hope will be a special treat for some of my readers who have been enjoying the Sunday Scripture posts and hated to see them end.  I've put some thought and prayer into this and decided that my last Sunday post for November will be based on a passage I worked through during a Thanksgiving study in 2013.  Then, in thinking a bit more, I decided to choose a second passage from the study and use it for a special Thanksgiving Eve post.

This Thanksgiving study is an older, two-week one from Good Morning Girls.  I did a little research but, sadly, it seems to be no longer available.  I keep getting a "Page Not Found" message.  I'm so thankful that I was able to find the notebook in which I recorded my study, so I can share it with you all.

Although I love working on more in-depth Bible studies, these simpler ones are also a blessing to do, and I was very encouraged by this special Thanksgiving study.  Even though I can't give you the link, I hope that you will be blessed by what is shared here.  Maybe you would even like to start with the same Scripture, or even choose another passage on thanksgiving or thankfulness and SOAP it for yourself.

 I enjoy this SOAP method of Bible study, and the GMG studies use a very similar method.  I find this method a real blessing whether I am studying shorter passages or longer ones, so I hope you'll give it a try if you haven't ever done so. Just a reminder that the S is for Scripture -- just write it out -- and the O is for Observation, the A is for Application and the P is for prayer -- concerning how you'll apply this verse or praise for what it means to you.

Today's study is from Psalm 100,  verses 4 and 5.  We were to read the whole psalm (easy enough since it's just 5 verses) but to focus on the last two verses.

S=  "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.
"For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endureth to all generations."  (Psalm 100:4-5)

O= The psalm is titled "A psalm of praise."  The author is not named.  The psalm appears to be addressed to "all ye lands" (verse 1), but in reading on, it seems more as if it is addressing God's people (verse 3 -- "we are His people").  

I notice that verse 4 contains four commands:
* Enter into His gates with thanksgiving
* Enter His courts with praise
* Be thankful to Him
* Bless His name.

Then verse 5 alludes to three or perhaps four attributes of God:
* The LORD is good
* His mercy is everlasting
* His truth endures to all generations
(In the last one I see both His truth and His covenant-keeping faithfulness to His people.)

A=  I need to offer thanksgiving to God.  I am to praise Him, to be thankful to Him, and to speak well of His matchless name.

God is worthy of my praise for many reasons, but here I specifically see that I need to praise and thank Him because He is good, because His mercy is everlasting, because His truth is enduring and because His faithfulness is great.

P=  "Lord, my heart is overflowing with thanksgiving as I praise You for all that You are, and as I thank You for all that you have done in my life.
"Lord, You are good -- all the time -- and I praise You for Your goodness.  Your mercy is everlasting, and You have been abundantly merciful to me and to all of Your people.  Your truth is enduring and will never, ever change.
"Help me, Lord, to continue to encourage my friends to get to know You better.  And help my life to speak well of You and to live out thanksgiving daily, so that my friends who don't yet know You will see an accurate picture of You at work in my life. 
"Truly, You are worthy to be praised!  In Jesus' name, Amen."

There's our simple Thanksgiving study for today ... Look for another on Sunday.  

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

An encouraging pre-Thanksgiving read

 

 Just sneaking in on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to encourage my readers to celebrate the upcoming holiday with joy and gratitude.  It is so easy, in light of all of the difficulties folks are dealing with these days, to want to bypass this wonderful family holiday.  Last evening I read an article so encouraging that I wanted to share it with all of you.  Here is the link: Let's Make It Happen: Saving Thanksgiving from the Grinch.  The author is Jeff Minick.  

Whenever I'm browsing through the latest Epoch Times newspaper, I'm nearly always drawn to articles by Jeff Minick.  I so enjoy his writing.  He often expresses just what I would like to say if I were more eloquent. (If you wish to read more of his writing, you can check out his blog, Learning As I Go.  You can also look up his articles in The Epoch Times archives here.  I don't have time to read as many blogs as I would like, so I usually just read his newspaper articles.)

I hope you enjoyed this article as much as I did, and that you will make plans for a grateful celebration in some fashion or other.  Ours will include food, family, friends, music, games, and no doubt lots of laughter -- and for that (among many, many other things) I am very thankful.  Let's be sure we are not letting the Grinch steal Thanksgiving, but that we are celebrating with gratefulness and joy!

No place like harvest home

 

 Just a little post today to link up with Sandi's No Place Like Home party.  It's been a busy week and weekend, but I wanted to share a little something anyway.  I thought I would share some of the pretty autumn and Thanksgiving decor from around our home, since I haven't really posted about that this fall.

I've noticed around the the net (Instagram in particular, but some blogs too) that people are decorating for Christmas already.  In fact, I visited a friend yesterday who has all of her Christmas decorations up.  She has a small place so has not overdone the decorating, and it does look lovely, but that is just not me.  I begin decorating for fall in September, then in November I add a few more Thanksgiving type things.  I tend to do more Thanksgiving decorating if we are having folks in for dinner on that day.  This year we are going to our daughter's, so I have not done as much Thanksgiving decor as I otherwise might.

Does it seem to you, as it does to me, that Thanksgiving as a holiday tends to get overlooked?  That's really a shame, because it is one of my favorite holidays and I feel that it's one of our most meaningful holidays as Americans.  (Although this year is different -- Thanksgiving is being somewhat overshadowed by election drama, yet it's also in the forefront of our thinking since our officials keep telling us all to stay home.) Really, though, we have much to praise and thank God for even in the midst of all the craziness, and those fundamental blessings do not change regardless of our circumstances.  

 One of the very biggest blessings that my hubby and I remind one another of every day is the sovereignty of God.  Nothing about our current situation is a surprise to Him, and He is in full control of every aspect of it.  I sincerely hope that we all are praising and thanking God each day for the liberties we have enjoyed in our country up to now, and that we are faithfully praying for our nation.

Thankful .. that says it all!

Some vintage autumn goodness. 

Clay wall pocket on our porch

Pumpkin candle and holder -- a sweet gift from my sister-in-law

Vintage toy truck and jadeite mug from my childhood home!

 Sweet Thanksgiving card from our faraway daughter.

And there is my simple No Place Like Home for this week. Let's cultivate the Gratitude Attitude!

A blessed Thanksgiving to you!

This is one of my favorite Thanksgiving graphics by Abby at Little Birdie Blessings

Just a quick Thanksgiving post before I go whip some cream and prepare some side dishes!

I pray that each and every one of my readers will have a truly blessed Thanksgiving.  I know that some are grieving today.  Some are going through some very, very difficult times.  There are personal friends of mine in both of these situations today.  And yet, as believers, we still have so very much to thank God for.

Think of it!  We have a personal relationship with the God of the universe!

  One thing I have come to realize is that even in the hardest things of life, I can be thankful that God is with me.  There are many other things to be thankful for as well: He loves me; He wants the best for me; He is good; He has a good purpose for all that He allows; He knows all about every situation; He is in control and sovereign over all things; He is all-powerful and able to change any situation.

And so today, Mr. T and I pray that each of you will spend some time counting the blessings God has given you.  There are so many, starting with salvation.

The hymn "Thanks to God" is one of my very favorites at Thanksgiving time and always.  Here are the words:

 Thanks to God for my Redeemer,
Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a mem’ry,
Thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,
Thanks for dark and stormy fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten,
Thanks for peace within my soul!

 Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered,
Thanks for what Thou dost deny!
Thanks for storms that I have weathered,
Thanks for all Thou dost supply!
Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure,
Thanks for comfort in despair!
Thanks for grace that none can measure,
Thanks for love beyond compare!

 Thanks for roses by the wayside,
Thanks for thorns their stems contain!
Thanks for home and thanks for fireside,
Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!
Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow,
Thanks for heav’nly peace with Thee!
Thanks for hope in the tomorrow,
Thanks through all eternity!

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name." 

(Psalm 100:4)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday five for November 22

Let's see, can I squeeze in time for a quick Friday five?  The weekend looks pretty crazy, so I will try to do this now.

1.  I know I'm strange in thinking this, but I'm really enjoying that Thanksgiving is later than usual this year.  It's going to make Christmas decorating a little bit off schedule, I guess, but I must say I have truly enjoyed what has felt like more month to focus on thankfulness and gratitude.

2.  Getting out for a nice long walk yesterday!  A combination of inclement weather and different things going on in both of our lives has kept my friend and I from walking as much as we'd like the past couple weeks.  So good to get out yesterday for almost an hour.

3. Having time to list some items on Etsy --  and the fun of having sold several listings in the past few days.  The vintage Hallmark Treasures booklet below is one of my newer listings.

4.  Doing a little decluttering.  I've been taking some inspiration from Becki, over at Field Lilies, who is doing a "Less is More" decluttering post every day this month.  I haven't done that well, but I am finding myself very inspired just by seeing what she's doing.  This week I cleaned out the kitchen drawer where my kitchen towels, dish cloths and pot holders reside, and I did get rid of quite a few items.  I didn't take photos (though I should have) or count what I got rid of, but many things went straight to the trash and a few others are going to the thrift store.    I'm going to do my candle drawer next!

This one did  not go anywhere,  however.

5.  Time to write and schedule a few December posts in both blogs.  Looking forward to posting in both every day, Lord willing!

Okay, that is it for today.  Lots to do ... company's coming for supper!

More randomness

Here we go with another random November post.  Seems that's life around here lately.

Let's see, what to share? 

🍁  The card at top was from our daughter Joanna last Thanksgiving.  The message says:

 "No matter how many miles are between us,

you're always close at heart this time of year."

She wrote in part:

"While I was shopping for groceries last week, I spotted this card and it just 'jumped out at me'! 😀  I think it must have been because it reminded me of our old mailbox ...".

This card is so cute!  Everything except the cornstalks is three-dimensional, and the mailbox appears to be actually made out of a thin metal.  The letters are actually tucked inside it.  Adorable!

But even sweeter is the heart behind it that made a busy mom of six, while shopping for groceries, pull it from the card rack, write a note inside, and send it East.  Love that girl!

🍁   Back in September, I think, I'd included a package of the classic maple leaf sandwich cookies in a birthday package sent to Nevada.  These were a cookie from my childhood, and I when I saw some of these at Ocean State Job Lot, I took the opportunity to pass on a memory.  Yesterday I got photos that told me the cookies had been opened and enjoyed.

🍁  Snow has been in the air here most of the day, but nothing is sticking, thankfully.  Although it isn't that cold out ( mid-30s), it just feels raw and damp.  I'm thankful that the snow we had previously has mostly melted.  I know winter is coming, but I'm not ready for it just yet.

🍁  Today I had the opportunity to attend a really neat concert that three of our local grandkids were in.  This semester they have been part of a homeschool choral lab at the local university.  Today was the concert: five songs, each directed by a different university student.  It was a great experience for the kids (some university students sang with them as well) and so much fun for them!  My daughter got this photo after the concert.

🍁  Last week our oldest grand, Sarah, was in her high school's musical Beauty and the Beast.  I didn't get any photos (still no camera) but it was a great show.  We were happy we were able to see it!  Sarah is at right in the photo below, taken in Nevada in summer 2017.

🍁  Thanksgiving plans are firming up a bit.  We'll be going to our daughter Carrie's for the day ... looking forward to that a lot!  Still deciding who is going to bring what, though we do know Carrie is doing the turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy.  I'll be making some sides and desserts.  Photo below is from last Thanksgiving.

🍁   Speaking of Thanksgiving, if you need any recipe inspiration, just click "Thanksgiving" in the label cloud at right and you'll see many posts featuring my tried-and-true Thanksgiving tips and recipes.  I've done so many of these posts over the years, and my recipes haven't really changed a whole lot, so I don't think I'll do one this year.

🍁   I've been working on some handmade Christmas gifts and thinking about Christmas in general.  Pulling out my Gooseberry Patch Christmas books for some fresh inspiration.  I'll likely start cookie baking this week or next.

And, for December, I'll be posting every day in my Christmas blog, Mrs. T's Christmas Kitchen.  Maybe  here at this blog as well; we will see.

🍁  Oh, and I've been listing some fun pre-owned Christmas cards in my Etsy shop, too.  Aren't these the cutest?  More to come ...

Hope you are all having a great week!

A delicious winter side dish

Photo is from Taste of Home

 I was going to wait and share this recipe in November or December, because it would make a perfect festive side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.  But then I realized that Brussels sprouts are fresh in produce departments right now, and so any time in winter might be a good time to try this way of preparing them.

In keeping with my habit of reading through my past issues of Country Woman and Taste of Home during the appropriate months, I was glancing through the December/January 2011 issue of Country Woman last month and came upon this interesting-sounding recipe: Maple Bacon Glazed Brussels Sprouts. 

I had everything on hand that I needed to try making them, including a bag of fresh Brussels sprouts that really needed to be used up.  (Well, I didn't have bacon, but I did have real bacon bits, so just sprinkled some of those on at the end.)  The only thing I would do differently another time would be to use less maple syrup.  I think 2 or 3 tablespoons would be plenty.  It was just a little sweeter than I felt necessary.

One reviewer said that she simply roasted the Brussels sprouts with a little olive oil, salt and pepper -- and that when they were tender she just drizzled some maple syrup on them and sprinkled on some bacon.  I think I might try that next time, as it would be less work at the last minute.

Mr. T is not a Brussels sprouts fan, so he looked at them warily but was game to taste them.  He was very pleasantly surprised and said that he actually likes Brussels sprouts when prepared this way.  I do like Brussels sprouts as a rule, and this is a fabulous way to prepare and serve them.  Maybe you would like to try this, too!

Friday five for November 23

(The above graphic is another wonderful freebie from Baptist Bible Hour.)

 Yes, somehow it's Friday again -- even though, after having yesterday off for Thanksgiving,  today feels like Monday to me!  Time for Friday five for this week!

1.  A wonderful praise and Thanksgiving service on Wednesday evening at church.  Our numbers may be small, but along with college students and visitors we were blessed with great music and meaningful testimonies.  To God be the glory!  We also enjoyed a fantastic harvest dinner together as a church last Sunday.  When you are a small church, without a pastor, and with some folks away for the holiday, it can be very tempting to just skip special occasions like this.  But we persevered and are so thankful that we did.

2.  A lovely Thanksgiving dinner with our daughter and family.  Carrie and I cleaned up the kitchen and chatted while the men and kids enjoyed a relaxing time playing games.  Afterward we all enjoyed pie -- four kinds! -- and several episodes of I Love Lucy.   I neglected to take photos so I borrowed this from Carrie's Instagram.

3.  My wonderful husband, who so willingly helped with kitchen prep as I put together the dishes I was bringing to Thanksgiving dinner.  He tried a recipe for Jellied Cranberry Sauce -- and oh, my,  did that ever turn out well.  He got rave reviews from the kids!

Photo from Chowhound

4. Breakfast out last Saturday with good friends.  We love going out to breakfast -- and if we can enjoy sweet Christian fellowship at the same time, it is even nicer!

5.  Getting out for a walk even on some chilly days this past week.  I have noticed that I have so much more energy and get so much more accomplished on days when I walk.  It's going to be challenging this winter, but we plan to go out whenever possible.

Winterberries -- photo taken on our walking route last November

And there's my Friday five for this Thanksgiving week!