We sometimes focus too much on what we don't have (e.g. dis-abilities) and not what we already have (e.g. abilities-gifts, talents, skills, etc..) or blessed with. Do you "count your blessings" before you go to bed? I challenge you to share what are you thankful during this Holiday weekend and start doing this daily! Have a blessed thanksgiving...
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us "American's" can think about turkey and the food we'll be eating. We can also reflect the many blessings we can thank God of with the love ones we'll be with on Thanksgiving Day. Sadly, there will be others out there who don't have love ones to spend this Holiday with-love one died this past year or they don't have anyone in their lives at all.
This year in 2005, God has touched my heart to remember those overseas (e.g. U.S. Soldiers, missionaries, etc...) and those who are being persecuted for their faith (November is known to be the month to remember Christians being persecuted)or or suffering (e.g. hurricaine, financially, cancer, etc...) in our very own backyards.
You want joy?
J-Jesus
O-Others
Y-Yourself
*put these priorities in order from top to bottom, which will help you get JOY everyday!
"I'm thankful for Jesus, who has been my personal savior since I acknowledge him as my Lord of my life torwards the end of my first year in college (UMM).
Then, I'm thankful of my family (church family included), friends, and the rest of my love ones/Others that God has put in my life.
Lastly, I'm thankful for the many blessings God has given me (Yourself) in so many ways (e.g. able to walk, graduate from college, having a job, and the little to big things we sometimes take for granted daily)"
Blessed Others
*Note: Below was written in 2004
If you are by yourself this Thanksgiving Day, find someone else who is looking for that special someone to spend this special day with. The past 4 years living in Morris after graduation, I had to work at the group home in the afternoons (@2-10p). I spend the lunch/dinner hour at the local Assumption Catholic Church, where they do an annual Thanksgiving Dinner for people who don't have someone to spend this time with. The first 2 years, I helped volunteer serving, and then would eat. The third year, I brought a friend, who didn't have a family to spend this Holiday with. God blessed him and I with the leftovers to bring back home-praise God! Last year, I brought a single parent with 3 kids, who didn't want to cook.
A Family in Morris
Being a single guy not being able to go home and spending this holiday here, I've grown to find a bigger family here. Working at the group home is like family already for me. This year (2004), I plan to spend Thanksgiving with a family that I've grown with these past couple years with. In fact, this same family invited me over after I took another family to the Thanksgiving Lunch/Dinner at the Assumption Catholic Church.
Below are some stories I've collected in a disk that I started doing when I was looking for "good news" via the internet:
BreakPoint Commentary #91125 - 11/25/1999
"God's Instrument": The Story of Squanto
by Charles Colson
" Most of us know the story of the first Thanksgiving-at least, we know the Pilgrim version. But how many of us know the Indian viewpoint?
No, I'm not talking about some revisionist, p.c. version of history. I'm talking about the amazing story of the way God used an Indian named Squanto as a special instrument of His providence.
Historical accounts of Squanto's life vary, but historians believe that around 1608--more than a decade before the Pilgrims landed in the New World--a group of English traders sailed to what is today Plymouth, Massachusetts. When the trusting Wampanoag Indians came out to trade, the traders took them prisoner, transported them to Spain, and sold them into slavery.
It was an unimaginable horror--but God had an amazing plan for one of the captured Indians--a boy named Squanto.
Squanto was bought by a well-meaning Spanish monk, who treated him well and taught him the Christian faith. Squanto eventually made his way to England and worked in the stables of a man named John Slaney. Slaney sympathized with Squanto's desire to return home, and he promised to put the Indian on the first vessel bound for America.
It wasn't until 1618--ten years after Squanto was first kidnapped--that a ship was found. Finally, after a decade of exile and heartbreak, Squanto was on his way home.
But when he arrived in Massachusetts, more heartbreak awaited him. An epidemic had wiped out Squanto's entire village.
We can only imagine what must have gone through Squanto's mind. Why had God allowed him to return home, against all odds, only to find his loved ones dead?
A year later, the answer came. A shipload of English families arrived and settled on the very land once occupied by Squanto's people. Squanto went to meet them, greeting the startled Pilgrims in English.
According to the diary of Pilgrim Governor William Bradford, Squanto "became a special instrument sent of God for [our] good . . . He showed [us] how to plant [our] corn, where to take fish and to procure other commodities." He "was also [our] pilot to bring [us] to unknown places for [our] profit, and never left [us] till he died."
When Squanto lay dying of a fever, Bradford wrote that their Indian friend "desir[ed] the Governor to pray for him, that he might go to the Englishmen's God in heaven." Squanto bequeathed his possessions to the Pilgrims "as remembrances of his love."
Who but God could so miraculously weave together the lives of a lonely Indian and a struggling band of Englishmen? It's hard not to make comparisons with the biblical story of Joseph, who was also sold into slavery--and whom God likewise used as a special instrument for good.
Squanto's life story is remarkable, and we ought to make sure our children learn about it. Sadly, most books about Squanto omit his Christian faith. I'm delighted to say my former associate Eric Metaxas has just written a children's book called "Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving." I highly recommend it.
It will teach your kids about the "special instrument sent of God"-who changed the course of American history.
Copyright (c) 1999 Prison Fellowship Ministries
Related Sites:
Pilgrims-Wikepedia
"The people who would come to be known as the Pilgrims (known as the Pilgrim Fathers in the UK) were brought together by a common belief in the ideas promoted by Richard Clyfton, parson at All Saints' Parish Church in Babworth, East Retford, Nottinghamshire, between 1586 and 1605. This congregation held Separatist beliefs comparable to nonconforming movements (i.e., groups not in communion with the Church of England) led by Henry Barrowe, John Greenwood and Robert Browne. Unlike conforming Puritan groups who maintained their membership in and allegiance to the Church of England, Separatists held that their differences with the Church of England were irreconcilable and that their worship should be organized independently of the trappings, traditions and organization of a central state church.[1]"
Squanto-Wikipedia
"He returned once more to his homeland in 1619, making his way with an exploratory expedition along the New England coast. He was soon to discover that his tribe, as well as a majority of coastal New England tribes, had been decimated the year before by a plague. This had been thought to be flu or smallpox, but more recently historians believe French fishermen carried Bubonic Plague to what is now Maine. Much of the aboriginal population of the northeast is now thought to have fallen to the plague around 1617. [citation needed].
Tisquantum finally settled with the Pilgrims and helped them recover from their first difficult winter by teaching them how and when to plant corn, to increase their food production by fertilizing their crops, and by directing them to the best places to catch fish and eels."
History Channel presents: Desperate Crossing 5 mins
"It's a story familiar to most of us from school. And in many ways, the story of the passengers on the Mayflower is like that of every immigrant who has come to America to start a new life. Yet the true story of the Pilgrims is far more complex than the one most of us learned as children -- and also more intriguing. This is a decades-long epic tale, filled with real drama, tragedy, and inspiration, revealed in the three-hour special DESPERATE CROSSING: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE MAYFLOWER, a World Premiere on The History Channel on Sunday, November 19 at 8pm ET/PT" (2006)
2006 Thanksgiving Reflection
*below is a sample of one of my different e-mails I sent to different folks
"Hi/Hola/Shalom,
This is probably going to be the warmest Thanksgiving Holiday that I can remember. The year is coming to an end-no matter what circumstances, trials, or challenges you faced this past year so far; I hope and pray that you can find peace ahead. Have a blessed holidays and here is just a challenge or something to think about-let's all gather at the table wherever we are at and share how thankful/bless you are; save the family troubles...
Marriage
http://www.angelfire.com/mn2/goodnewsumm/issues.marriage.html
Financial
http://www.angelfire.com/mn2/goodnewsumm/life.financial.html
Miscellaneous
http://www.angelfire.com/mn2/goodnewsumm/issues.html
or fights (I've been hearing too many of them lately) and give it personally to God (don't do it in front of the "little ones"). Remember you are not alone on this! In fact, lets do this everyday...
http://www.angelfire.com/mn2/goodnewsumm/bless.thanksgiving.html
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus".-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Caring in love,
Sal:)
2007 Reflections
I'm very much thankful again this year for many what I wrote last year (above). I'm thankful to God for each one of you out there that He has put in my life (past, present, and continue to do so in the future). Each of you has contributed to my life in various ways. This year, I would like to really remember other of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in other parts of the world-particularly those being persecuted for their faith.
E-mail Replies to What are you thankful for?
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2007 23:24:04 -0800 (PST)
Today (Wednesday, December 5th of 2007) I wanted to write a follow-up on what God did during my Thanksgiving weekend while in the cities (St. Paul) visiting family. I had the opportunity to lead a group prayer of thanks and blessing at my younger brother's house twice! First was on Thanksgiving Day/Hmong New Year and second was during another house-gathering party for Ceo and Khua's friends and family (bro, sis, and aunt). On Saturday, November 24th-my mom's washing machine broke down....
I feel this negative/bad circumstance turned out to be positive/good situation, which we need to look in every part of our daily life (e.g. accidents). I pray and hope this would be a reminder for all of us.
2009 Reflection
Today (Monday, November 23rd 09'), I wanted to share my "early" 2009 Thanksgiving Reflection. I just came home from my job and had a reflection talk with a co-worker about being thankful to just having a job! I hear many stories of folks losing jobs due to the current economic situation, which some are going into poverty or homelessness. One must not take for granted with what they have as you hear/read about these unfortunate stories in our current day. After being "laid" off 2 years ago today at my current job, I feel more compassionate for folks that have lost their jobs as I can "somewhat" relate. I want to do everything that God has blessed me (e.g. education to "teach" others to get their GED through my weekly volunteering with others at the Morris Literacy Project) with to help those in these circumstances. I pray and hope that you can take some time during these "busy" holidays to reflect God's goodness. Also, to not just reflect on this for one day, the holidays, or whenever you feel "blessed" (e.g. your sports team won, saved money from coupons, won something, etc..) ; but show your gratitude (e.g. family, friends, food, clothing, shelter, etc...) "everyday" no matter what circumstances you are in. This can be easily done by helping (e.g. using your "God-given" gifts) others "less fortunate"-whatever God shows you individually! From a recent theme message at my local church the past two weeks, I'm learning from the ones "before us" in the Bible made many mistakes (e.g. jealousy, envy, covet, comparing oneself to others, etc...) we do today. Lastly, I'm very thankful for God giving (through the CROSS His Son-Jesus Christ that we may have life "abundantly" and "eternally". Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day, season, "everyday"!
Q: What are your 2009 Thanksgiving thoughts...
Meal Thanksgiving
"Bless us, O Lord, and these
"Come, Lord Jesus, be our Guest,
Miscellaneous:
Accidents
-Car '
Event
-Food
Articles
E-Cards
Events
Movies
-Cartoons
Music
-Worship
Kari Jobe - I'm Singing (With Youtube user testimonies) {HD}
Parades
Testimonies
God Answered Georgia Rain Prayers! 8 hours ago , from megite.com
Thanksgiving and Our National Purpose - Part 1 of 3
Languages
Its Just God Trying to Get Your Attention 00:59
FWD: VOTED THE BEST EMAIL OF THIS YEAR
--- Brought to you by your Global Funny Folder ---
If you think you are unhappy, look at them
If you think your salary is low, how about her?
If you think you don�t have many friends�
If you think study is a burden, how about her?
When you feel like giving up, think of this man
If you think you suffer in life, do you suffer as much as he does?
If you complain about your transport system, how about them?
If your society is unfair to you, how about her?
Enjoy life how it is and as it comes
Things are worse for others and is a lot better for us J
There are many things in your life that will catch your eye
but only a few will catch your heart....pursue those�
From: "Shannon F
Subject: Re: Sal-have a blessed thanksgiving...
To: "Sal Monteagudo"
"Sal,
Here are some things that I'm thankful for: Loving friends and family, Being an American citizen, my job, my apartment, being a Christian, the American Armed forces, and so many more blessings. Have a blessed thanksgiving."
Pax Christi,
Shannon
...more....
God was sure watching us because any of us would get disappointed when their washing machine breaks down in the middle of a wash. We (sister and I) immediately looked at the ads during this "hottest" sale of the Christmas season. After searching (via internet and newspaper ads), we found a good deal at Sears for only $200 (s/h-recycling old washer and taxes =$300)-Halleluah!
Goodnewseverybodycom from blogspot.com
thy gifts which we are about
to receive from thy bounty,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
-from Meal Prayers wf-f.org
And bless what you have bestowed."
-from The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
*see Bible
Recommended Resources:
"People often don't appreciate the simple things in life, tasks such as being able to walk to the grocery store or drive a car.
But there are many people who do not have the luxury of taking everyday life for granted. They spend much of their time attempting to do these simple tasks once more.
Chris Carlson is one of them.
On Aug. 24 2007, Carlson was left with partial paralysis of all four limbs after a auto racing accident in a Late Model Street Stock race in South Dakota.
�My main goal is just to live as freely as I can, and with as little help as I possibly can,� Carlson said. �It just takes time everything just takes time.�
The accident occured on a dirt race track at the Interstate I-90 Speedway in South Dakota. Carlson was trying to avoid another car's spin out but he over-corrected. The car dove over the berm surrounding the track and and rolled nine times with Carlson still inside.
Clint Anderson, the owner of the car and Chris's employer, first thought was that he was dead.
�That accident was terrible, and I was hoping that he was going to walk out of there just fine,� Anderson said. �But it was a pretty bad accident. The car just flew apart and disintegrated.�
Carlson had shattered his C5 and C6 vertebrae, and his right wrist. He remained conscious as the crash unfolded.
Anderson rushed to the crash site and Carlson and said the first words that Chris spoke when he got out of the car were to call his parents to let them know what had happened, and that he was afraid that he was never going to be able to hold is daughter, Courtney, again.
Though Carlson has not fully recovered from the accident, he has made significant progress in the last year.
After the accident Carlson could not move his limbs for almost three weeks. According to his mother, Kate, the doctors told him that he would never be able to move again. However, with physical therapy, Carlson slowly began to gain back motor function in his limbs. Gradually, he gained the use of his legs more and more. Two days before Thanksgiving, Carlson was able to walk two or three feet with a walker. Later, he walked 30 feet with a cane.
On May 3, Carlson felt good enough that he walked unassisted down the aisle at his brother�s wedding. He�s looking forward to his upcoming driving test to see if he is able to drive with certain car modifications.
�(Chris�) ultimate goal is to be able to drive again, to just get back to his job and be able to live with a limited amount of personal care assistance,� said Tammy Vig, Carlson�s Occupational Therapist. They have been working for Carlson �to be able to go back to life,� she said.
Carlson said that a contributing factor to his recovery are those who love and support him and give him the motivation to continue progressing.
�My family has been there since day one,� Carlson said. �That has been a big help, because if I need anything they are always there.�
Carlson said his daughter is �always a good booster.�
�To see her always running around, smiling, and laughing, is always helpful,� he said.
Though Carlson said his back has �healed as well as it is going to heal,� he hopes to gain more movement in his limbs through more intensive physical therapy.
He hopes to be able to improve his basic motor functions and his walking. He aspires to be able to switch from an automatic wheel chair to a manual one and eventually to a �quad cane� permanently.
He eventually hopes to gain enough function in his limbs to do things around the house without his wheel chair.
Though the racing accident left Carlson partially paralyzed, Carlson said he still would like nothing more than to race again.
�I have no regrets about what I did,� he said. �It is something I love to do so I would rather get hurt doing something I love to do than just get in a car crash going down the highway. At least I did it doing something I love to do.�"
"The 10th annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner is Thursday, Nov. 26, at the Assumption Church Parish Hall.
The dinner is open to the public and will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Delivery service will be available to the elderly and shut-ins, but people who are able are encouraged to come to the church for the meal and conversation.
With influenza of greater concern this year, organizers ask that those who are sick stay home. To arrange a meal delivery, contact Kayla at the Morris Evangelical Free Church at (320) 589-2808.
Volunteers are welcome but should call in advance to offer their services. Showing up to volunteer on the day of the dinner creates organizational problems. To volunteer, call Theresa Fults at (320) 589-4499 no later than Monday, Nov. 23.
Last year, 407 people attended the dinner and $493 was raised for the Stevens County Food Shelf.
This year, the turkeys will be provided by the Stevens County Gobbler Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.
The dinner is sponsored by Assumption Church, Faith Lutheran Church, Federated Church, First Lutheran Church, Morris Evangelical Free Church and Zion Lutheran Church."
"
CHARLES CITY, Va. (AP) - President Bush says Americans should thank God this Thanksgiving.
Speaking at Berkeley Plantation in Virginia, which bills itself as the site of America's first official Thanksgiving, the president said, "We give thanks to the author of life, who granted our forefathers safe passage to this land. "
Bush noted that in 1619, two years before the Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving in Massachusetts, Virginia settlers declared that the day of their ship's arrival should be "yearly and perpetually kept holy as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God. "
Bush said Americans today should be thankful for public servants, "good Samaritans" and clergy, and should pray for the families of U. S. troops who are far from home this Thanksgiving.
The president also worked briefly alongside a minister loading crates at a Richmond food bank. "
" Jonas Brothers performing "Year 3000" at the 80th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Parade - 11/23/06
Copyrighted to NBC "
Thanksgiving around a ping-pong table
DON MOEN - Thank You Lord
"DON MOEN (Thank You Lord/Album) Recorded at Regent University with a packed house of energetic worshipers. "
Gratitude-Thank You Lord..week reflection-Saturday, October 24th of 2009, from Goodnewseverybodycom (blogspot.com)
"Kari Jobe sent a message asking people to give short testimonies of why they are "singing"! The awesome response messages that were received are the basis of this clip.
Hope you are blessed and encouraged!"
"No seriously, he did . A day after Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue led prayers for rain, there were huge storms in Northern Georgia that dumped an inch of rain. Perdue declared: "We're thankful for the rain and hopefully it's the beginning of more. ... Frankly, it's great affirmation of what we asked for."
*see Prayer
"Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done..."-1 Chronicles 16:8-9
"http://tomorrowsworld.org/index.shtml
On Thanksgiving weekend millions gather with their families and friends. They enjoy good food and fellowship and the blessings of living in a prosperous nation. They enjoy the blessings of freedom and opportunity. But do they thank God for their blessings? Are you thankful for your blessings? Do we in the english-speaking nations really understand why our nations have been blessed? Do we understand our nation's purpose?
A presentation of the truth by Richard F. Ames and the Living Church of God.
As seen throughout the entire world on Tomorrow's World Program. "
*see GoodnewsEverybody.com Issues: Greed, Greedy, Rich, Wealthy, etc... & GoodnewsEverybody.com Ministry: End Times, Prophecy, Prophetic, Rapture, Tribulation, etc...
"God brings beautiful days and good things into our life so we will be filled with gratitude and be thankful to Him, and love Him."
*see Hope2CuSunday
(see original pics)
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