Proclamation of Thanksgiving 1777~In God We Trust

In one week, we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving, gathering with family, feasting on turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie.

This year the holiday takes on a meaning that reaches deep in my heart, to the beginning...
In these troubled times, let's look back two hundred thirty-five years ago, to our young nation.

These are our roots.
This is our history.


The First National Proclamation of Thanksgiving was given by the Continental Congress in 1777 from its temporary location in York, Pennsylvania, while the British occupied the national capital at Philadelphia. Delegate Samuel Adams created the first draft. Congress then adapted the final version:

FOR AS MUCH as it is the indispensable Duty of all Men to adore the superintending Providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with Gratitude their Obligation to him for Benefits received, and to implore such farther Blessings as they stand in Need of: And it having pleased him in his abundant Mercy, not only to continue to us the innumerable Bounties of his common Providence; but also to smile upon us in the Prosecution of a just and necessary War, for the Defense and Establishment of our unalienable Rights and Liberties; particularly in that he hath been pleased, in so great a Measure, to prosper the Means used for the Support of our Troops, and to crown our Arms with most signal success:
It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive Powers of these UNITED STATES to set apart THURSDAY, the eighteenth Day of December next, for SOLEMN THANKSGIVING and PRAISE: That at one Time and with one Voice, the good People may express the grateful Feelings of their Hearts, and consecrate themselves to the Service of their Divine Benefactor; and that, together with their sincere Acknowledgments and Offerings, they may join the penitent Confession of their manifold Sins, whereby they had forfeited every Favor; and their humble and earnest Supplication that it may please GOD through the Merits of JESUS CHRIST, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of Remembrance; That it may please him graciously to afford his Blessing on the Governments of these States respectively, and prosper the public Council of the whole: To inspire our Commanders, both by Land and Sea, and all under them, with that Wisdom and Fortitude which may render them fit Instruments, under the Providence of Almighty GOD, to secure for these United States, the greatest of all human Blessings, INDEPENDENCE and PEACE: That it may please him, to prosper the Trade and Manufactures of the People, and the Labor of the Husbandman, that our Land may yield its Increase: To take Schools and Seminaries of Education, so necessary for cultivating the Principles of true Liberty, Virtue and Piety, under his nurturing Hand; and to prosper the Means of Religion, for the promotion and enlargement of that Kingdom, which consisteth "in Righteousness, Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost.
And it is further recommended, That servile Labor, and such Recreation, as, though at other Times innocent, may be unbecoming the Purpose of this Appointment, be omitted on so solemn an Occasion.

An Extra Hour To Share/Just Taking The Time

Ah! Time change.

What to do with that extra hour!
I decided it should be an adventure.

A walk with my dog, Griz would be nice. Nothing abnormal about that, except that today, I decided it would be a take-your-time walk.
The air was cool, and fresh.
The sky was spread with a layer of white creamy frosting that covered the blue sky.
The sun peeked through the clouds, like a flashlight glowing under the sheets.
Hope for another day.
A quiet, lazy Sunday....

Sparrows balanced on power lines, reminding me - my God cares about the sparrows. How much more does he care for his children.

Yards were filled with colorful leaves begging to be shuffled through, piled up and jumped in. Flowers were missing,but stems and green leaves remained...it was not quite winter yet.

We stopped and visited with my special friend, Delores. She always brings a ray of sunshine to any day. Through all the hardships she has experienced in her life, she has been an inspiration to me. ...the most amazing woman of faith I know.

The town seemed to be slow in waking today. Hardly any traffic, as stoplights changed in sync, waiting for the busyness of the day to begin.

We walked to the park.
We were the only ones there.
What a treat to watch Griz run around. His ears flopped up and down as he galloped across the wide open space, his jowls pulled back in a smile.
I had no choice, but to laugh. You'd have to have been there.

We passed the football field, where my five children spent ample time...playing football, playing in the band, running track, (cheerleading - that would be my daughter). . . such important times. Memories made, character formed, victories and losses - samples of life's ups and downs.

We walked down gravel roads, and I sang and danced to the music. It was my adventure, my extra time.

It's a small town where I live.
The adventures have been many.
I looked at things I see everyday, appreciating anew, where I live.

I could've been busy doing other things with that extra hour, but I'm glad I took the time to slow down.

~

I sit in my backyard in my quiet place.
I'll need to clean my Kaylee garden soon.
But right now I enjoy sitting here.
A cluster of daisies remain in the garden.
Some lamb's ears, or Stachys byzantina (Latin name,) continue to thrive.
A gentle breeze rustles the leaves, and Griz meanders through the yard, sniffing and peeking through the bushes.

I am thankful.

Thankful for the adventure of everyday life.
Thankful for the people who cross my path.
Thankful for the beauty I see when I take the time.


And later - - I think I'll have some chicken tortilla soup, warm up some cider and watch the Broncos with my family.

It's a good day to share the time.

Just Hit The Key

I'm not as brave as I seem - not in myself, anyway.

I thought back to all the years I'd sung and spoke at different events.
Yes, I went through this every time.
Butterflies.
But, butterflies are ok.
Another artist told me a long time ago, if you lose the butterflies then you've lost the quality of excellence, and the passion.


There were times when it was more than butterflies.


When I first started playing the piano in public, there were times my fingers would freeze, and I couldn't play. I'd sit there trying to get my fingers to hit familiar keys, panic setting in.
Or, I'd start to sing, and my throat would close and nothing would come out.

Those were not fun times.
I did overcome.
I spent time in prayer and had to tell the old nemesis he had no power over me.
I could do all things through Christ who strengthened me.

That was many years ago.

Then, yesterday came.
I was fine.
I was ready.
But, when people started coming in and taking their seats, I felt the old nemesis poking at my ribs.

"You're going to freeze up. Your fingers aren't going to move. You're going to hit all the wrong keys. You're not going to be able to sing. You're not going to hit those high notes -
you're going to fail,
fail,
fail,
fail."

My chest started to feel tight.
My hands started to sweat.
No.
It couldn't happen.

So, I prayed, taking the authority that belonged to me in Christ.
I was free from torment.
No, it wouldn't have control of me.
I could do all things through Christ who strengthens me.


Maybe there is some invisible enemy tormenting you,
trying to stop you from doing what you know in your heart to do.
Trying to stop you from pursuing the dream you hold dear.

You have authority over the enemy of your soul.
There is One bigger, who is always there to encourage you, to strengthen you.
He joys over you with singing
He loves you.

You belong to Him
I do, too.

Yesterday went well.
I played and sang.
I thanked Him for the gift, for the ability, for the grace.

I had to hit the first key, and he was there.

Remember,
You can do all things through Christ who is your strength.  Philippians 4:13


Think about it.
What are your goals, dreams?
Take the risk.
He is faithful.

Just A Kid ~ To My Neighborhood Friend Wade ~ Remember When

Pine needles pricked my back, my face.
My hands were sticky from tree sap.
My toes tingled as I crouched down as far as I could.
I tried to steady my breathing so I could hear any approaching footsteps.
I blinked.
Darkness surrounded me.

Off in the distance I heard a faint warning.
"Ready or not, here I come!"

I smiled. He'd never find me.

Remember those days?
Summer nights under the stars,
we giggled and talked in loud whispers.
"No, not there. He'll find you!"
"Over here! Come on, hurry!"
"Shhhh."

I lived in a neighborhood filled with kids.
After we all had supper, we'd gather in my yard, or in the middle of the street (back then, there were only a few houses past where I lived, and the paved street ended at the last house, so hardly anyone drove down the street.)
We played kick the can, or hide-n-seek.
We'd start at dusk, then the street lights would go on.
There was something about playing at night under the street lights.
There was enough light to see, yet it was dark enough to imagine we were brave.
The nights were cool. It was great being a kid.
Not a care in the world.
Enjoying the moment.
Enjoying life.

The other night my husband and I watched "The Middle" on TV. The mom, Frankie Heck (Patricia Heaton) tried to encourage her family to enjoy the things she enjoyed as a girl - she ran through the sprinkler to show them how fun it could be. Of course, they didn't get it. They rolled their eyes.
But, she had fun.
That episode brought back memories.
I thought about that neighborhood, and all the fun we had.
It was a long time ago.
But,
she reminded me of me.

I decided a long time ago, I just wasn't going to grow up.
Ok, wait a minute.
I know I'm an adult and have been for a long time now.
I've been a responsible parent, and citizen.
I'm even Grandma age.
But!
No matter our age,
we can still have fun.
We can enjoy the little things.
Yes, that's what I'm talking about.

There is still a kid in all of us.
Do we ever let him/her out?

I hope so.

Early in the morning when Griz and I take a walk, I look at the brand new day as it approaches.
Sometimes the sun is a bright red ball that bounces up in the sky before my eyes.
I want to clap and and jump up and down like a child at my Father's ability to know how to make me smile.

Sometimes I watch birds with wide wingspans soar as the breeze carries them effortlessly, high above the trees.
It takes my breath away, and I ooh and aaah.

I love those times when I'm alone with my dog and my Father....He takes me by the hand and leads me, his child, and shows me things I may miss during a busy day.


I'm a child at heart.
You are too....or you can be.
Sing a song (I do that, too - listening to Pandora on my iphone...I just sing along. So, if you're out and about early in the morning and it looks like I'm talking to myself....I'm probably singing to the Beach Boys, some other oldies songs, or Keith Green.)

Have some fun today.


How about you let me know what brought a smile, a memory, a giggle to your day?

A Rainbow of Hope~My Short Story

Today was not the best of days.
In fact, the past few weeks have been difficult.
Nothing major, just things.
I've shut myself away at times just to be alone with God.
Still, the clouds seemed to hover over.
Situations that hurt, and left me feeling discouraged, kept me on my knees
You know how it is...
Sometimes the sun is there, but it's hidden behind clouds.


I had entered a short story in a contest, about a month ago.
I'd check my emails everyday to see if I was in the contest.
Nothing.
The end of the first cut and voting ends the first of October.
I figured I hadn't made it, but kept checking.

Today, I checked.
Nothing.
I went online to the contest, figuring I would look at the list, and read some of the stories others had sent in.
I scrolled down page one, and went to page two.
Fourth story down was "A Love Like Ours."
It sounded familiar.
It was my story!

It may have seemed small, but it was a big thing to me.
A rainbow.
A blessing.
It made my day.

This is just the beginning!
Now I need your votes to continue in the contest.
Please go to the following link, read my story, "A Love Like Ours," and cast your vote for it.
 http://www.familyfiction.com/short-stories/create-romance-2012/page-2/

God knows when we need a rainbow in our days.
I am grateful.

Thank you for your support!

Sometimes You Just Have To Run

 

 

Run Forrest! Run!

Life can be a bully. Throwing knock-out punches, hitting us left and right.
We can stand and take the hits for so long.
Forrest Gump did.
He stood, trying to shield himself from bullies calling him names, pelting him with rocks.
But, when Jenny yelled, "Run Forrest. Run!"
He did.
He ran till the braces fell off his legs, and he kept on running.


Situations can be so overwhelming
we don't know what to do,
and we want to run, and run, and run. 
Run and hide.
Run and get away from it all.
Run and make it all go away.

But, we know we can't.
Like Forrest, we feel crippled with the braces of defeat, loss, or discouragement.

What to do?

I say do it!
RUN!
Run as fast as you can.

I have.
Ok, sometimes I haven't run right away.
Like Forrest - I've stood there, and tried to shield myself from the shock of sudden attack.
Then,
I hear a  small still voice saying, "Run! Run!"

So I do.
I may hobble at first.
It may be painful, and hard not to focus on the bullies who are after me.
But, I keep on going.
Eventually, the braces fall off. 
The  tormenters plaguing me fade farther, and farther away.
I run...
right into my Father's arms.
Abba, Daddy.

He's always there, ready to catch me in His arms.
He holds me in His secure love.


Psalm 91:1 says, "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High,
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
(2) I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God in whom I trust.
(4)...He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge,
his faithfulness will be your shield and buckler..."

Matthew 11:28 says, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens,
and I will give you rest."
              
Psalm 50:10 says, "Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you..."

His Word is true.
                         
Abba Father. Almighty God.
He is enough.

Yes,
we can run to our Father anytime.
We will find rest, comfort, and peace beyond our understanding.
In His presence we will find strength, overcoming courage.

When the battle is on, it's ok to run and hide in him.
Go ahead.
Run.
Now.
Run into his arms.

 

9-11 We Said We'd Never Forget

Tuesday
September 11, 2001

We will never forget.

Today is
Tuesday
September 11.

I get goosebumps thinking about it.

Eleven years have passed since
the curtain of protection over our country was attacked.
Evil whipped it's destructive finger at us.
We were no longer secure in the United States.
Life as we knew it changed
forever.

Days following 9-11, when the air space was silent, I stood on our patio, looking up at Colorado's clear blue sky, a sight I usually enjoy.
That day it was eerie.
No planes, no jet stream.
Just a hush.

My thoughts:
Life will never be the same.
Never.
The innocence of living in safety are gone.
The world my children knew is gone.

A few months following 9-11 my daughter and I flew to Florida.
Security had changed immensely.
People wondered, weren't we afraid to fly?
No, but the events of September were fresh in our minds.
We weren't naive anymore.

That's it.
We aren't naive anymore.
None of us.

"We will never forget."
It's what we said.
"We won't back down."
"We will be strong."
"This evil will not threaten our nation, our world."
There was an urgency.
We needed to pray.
We needed the hope of a living God.

Here we are, eleven years later.
9-11 was significant to our future.
It's up to us...
We aren't naive.
We have a responsiblity.
There is still an urgency.

II Chronicles 7 :14 says, "If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves,
and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

There is hope for our nation.
There is time.
It is now.
We said we'd never forget.
We've heard the saying
time heals all wounds.
... If the wounds are treated effectively.
If not, they are left to fester.
They can become infected and can end up worse than they were initially.
The wounds in our land can be healed.
There is a God who cares.
He loves us.
He knows the plans He has for us and for our children.
Plans for a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
But we can't slumber.
We can't sit back and wait

9-11-2012
I stop and remember all those who lost their lives, those who gave their lives to save others.
I think of those whose loved ones whose remains were never found.
Those who are now single parents, raising little children.
Those who were in relationships, just married. Those looking forward to their futures.
I stop and remember those who survived, and who see Ground Zero every day.

Lord, help us not to forget.
Help us not to be complacent or deceived into a sense of false security.
Help us remember our true security is in You.
Every humble heart, every heartfelt prayer that is spoken reaches the heart of God.

Let us not forget.

As we pray, may we be encouraged.
The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16).
Selah.