Over the River and through the Woods -- Thanksgivings with Family

I can hardly believe that it is only one day before Thanksgiving already! I remember thanksgivings with my grandmothers, although the location was the home of my aunts. My dad’s mother lived with my aunt and her family in Ohio. I remember a few different occasions going up there in the snow and enjoying Thanksgiving there with my grandmother, aunt, uncle and my cousins before they were married. Happy memories there!

Then, my other grandmother lived with my mother’s sister in Boise, Idaho. I spent a few Thanksgivings with them and other extended family members some of my other aunts, uncles and cousins as well as some of my cousins’ children! We all ate together, and then many of us played some card and dominoes games.

Now, both grandmothers are gone, and I am not as much of a traveller as I used to be. I would love to travel to be with some of my relatives, but I am looking forward to the dinner with my parents. Small celebrations are special just as larger ones are. Maybe we can call some of our family when I am at my parent’s house.

I thank God for family and extended family. Those who have passed on and those who are living mean so much and add so much to my life. Then, some friends have been like family and I am so thankful for them as well! I think of those who do not have any close family. For them and for myself, I look forward to when we are with our forever family when God takes us to our forever home! That will be a real Thanksgiving Day and celebration. Everyone will belong, never to be alone again!

Here is a great version with traditional pictures of "Over the River and through the Woods to Grandmother's House We Go!"

When Everyone Will Sing!

“Let all Things now Living” is one of my favourite Thanksgiving songs. It goes on and on about all God has done for us from creation to the present day. The song also calls on everyone to sing a song thanking God for His goodness to us! Can you imagine how wonderful it would sound if everyone in the world gathered and sang together this song!! Someday, everyone living will sing together and we will hear the glad sounds and words of praise from thousands of voices in unison! Let’s be there to help with that singing!!! Here is a great version of the song with pretty photography.

History, Faith and Hope

I am glad we have so much rich world history to which we can look back and see the leading of God in people’s lives! It encourages hope and faith for today! Happy Monday before Thanksgiving everyone!!! Here's a clip from Peanuts about the holiday!

Thankful for Hope and Freedom

I am so thankful for the hope that comes when thinking about God’s goodness as well about the great times we can have together thanking God! I have often felt uncomfortable with these words in the song, “let Thy congregation escape tribulation.” I know that Jesus promised that we would have trouble in this old world, but in His mercy He can “make us free.” There is hope in this thought!! Then, pilgrims escaped to a new world to worship God. . . . Here's a great version of the song, "We Gather Together," with fun Thanksgiving time pictures!

The song “We Gather Together” was written in the 1600s in the Netherlands and was widely sung among Christians. The pilgrims coming over from the Netherlands very likely knew the song and sung it. I love the words to this great song, and I may share links to a couple more versions of this it over the next few days.

Thinking about the Meaning

I’m suggesting this fabulous video on YouTube about the meaning of Thanksgiving. The piece is lovely, fabulous and well-done!! The holiday has been special through the years and it is special today. I am so thankful for a positive holiday that can help us draw together as family and friends before God. 

The Story of the Pilgrim's Day of Thanksgiving

Certainly the pilgrim's day of thanksgiving is a good story to remember when we are in the struggles of life. We see mercy showed by the Native Americans, the hope that only God and the care of others can give and the wisdom of taking time to celebrate with others the goodness of God! Here is a simple short story with fabulous pictures of the Pilgrim's day of thanksgiving.

The Pilgrim Thanksgiving

I love the story of the thanksgiving that William Bradford and the others had long ago after their months and months of hardship and death. The goodwill  and thanksgiving feast and games day with the Native Americans is such a highlight in the story. Here is a little clip of Peanuts reciting William Bradford's prayer of thanks.

A Taste of What Is to Come!

Every time we are able to come together with family and friends is a time to celebrate each other, the life we share and all the good things that God has given us! Life is precious and costly. I want to be so much more thankful for the people in my life and life itself.  The food might be so delicious, but the people gathered around the table are what the time together is all about. I love this Thanksgiving song that helps me remember that getting together is special, a taste of what we will have when we all gather around God's table in Heaven some day! Check out this Thanksgiving Song, the song and the Thanksgiving pictures are fabulous!