Thanksgiving

I want to share a prayer and a poem, both realated to Thanksgiving.

Most Richly Blest
I asked You, GOD, for strength that I might achieve,
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey;
I asked for health that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity that I might do better things;
I asked for riches that I might be happy,
I was given poverty that I might be wise;
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of GOD;
I got nothing that I asked for,
But everything I hoped for;
I am among all men most ricly blest.
*found in the pocket of an unknown Confederate soldier after the battle of Gettysburg, from The Crossings Treasury of American Prayers

The New England Boy's Thanksgiving Song
Over the river, and through the wood,
To grandfather's house we go;
The horse knows the way,
To carry the sleigh,
Through the white and drifted snow.

Over the river, and through the wood--
Oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes,
And bites the nose,
As over the ground we go.

Over the river, and through the wood,
To have a first-rate play.
Hear the bells ring,
"Ting-a-ling-ding!"
Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river and through the wood
Trot fast, my dapple-gray!
Spring over the ground
Like a hunting hound!
For this is Thanksgiving Day.

Over the river and through the wood,
And straight through the barn-yard gate.
We seem to go
Extremely slow--
It is so hard to wait!

Over the river and through the wood--
Now grandmother's cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun!
Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

Lydia Maria Child (1802-1880)

veteran's day

let us all remember to pray for those men and women who have given their lives in service for our country, served our country in the past and are presently serving our country.

a good book

the last few days i've spent re-reading a very good book, one that my mother had in the house when i was a child. it's the story of corrie ten boom and it's called the hiding place by corrie ten boom with john and elizabeth sherrill. i was pleasantly surprised several years ago to discover she had written other books and devotionals, as i really enjoy all of ms. ten boom's writings. a passage from the preface especially resonnated with me during this reading:

"already we found ourselves actually putting into practice how-to's we learned from about her:
*handling separation
*getting along with less
*security in the midst of insecurity
*forgiveness
*how God can use weakness
*facing death
*dealing with difficult people
*how to love your enemies
*what to do when evil wins
we commented to her about the practicalness of everything she recalled, how her memories seemed to throw a spotlight on problems and decisions we faced here and now. 'but,' she said, 'this is what the past is for! every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.'" (p viii)

i, too, am enjoying learning from the wisdom of this godly woman (who is now gone to be with the LORD) and from her family memories and life experiences. i highly recommend this book, although parents will want to pre-read it for suitability for their children first.