Proclaiming Thanksgiving ~ 1777

Saturday, November 1, 1777

The committee appointed to prepare a recommendation to the several states, to set apart a day of public thanksgiving, brought in a report; which was taken into consideration, and agreed to as follows:

Forasmuch 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 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 18th day of December next, for solemn thanksgiving and praise; that with one heart and 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 blessings 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 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.

Where was the ACLU?!

Apple Rice Pudding

Here is an easy, healthy, frugal and delicious recipe. I make it whenever I have leftover rice and my family loves it. I found it in Wholesome Sugarfree Cooking, an Amish cookbook that uses all natural sweeteners. It is one of my favorite cookbooks.

1/4-1/3 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
2 apples, chopped
2 cups cooked brown rice
2 cups milk
2/3 cup raisins
1/3 cup coconut, wheat germ, or sunflower seed, optional

In a medium saucepan, heat maple syrup, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples until hot and bubbly. Add the cooked rice, milk, and raisins. Heat until mixture begins to bubble, but has not reached a full boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pudding thickens, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with topping and serve. This is also delicious without the toppings.

A Wonderful Thanksgiving

Wow, what a wonderful Thanksgiving I had! This year we invited all the people at our church that didn't have anywhere to go to spend Thanksgiving with us. We had 15 people in our dining room yesterday, laughing and fellowshipping (oh, did I mention feasting?). After our meal we gathered (or should I say crowded) into the living room and sang a few hymns and read the two accounts of the first Thanksgiving by Edward Winslow and William Bradford. We also sang Psalm 100 as the Seperatist had it.

Truly we have sooooooooooooooooo much to be thankful for. God is SO GOOD! Time and time again He blesses this little wretch and I only wish I was more grateful to Him.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

May the Lord be with you and yours!

Verse of the Day

Know ye that the LORD He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be THANKFUL unto Him, and BLESS His name.

Psalm 100:3-4

Fall Cards

I love to correspond with old friends now many miles away and making pretty cards to send those often very long letters in is a real delight. My friends in Texas really inspired me last year when they gave me a set of nine beautiful homemade cards for my birthday. After that I started looking for new ideas for card making and was able to find some great magazines on the subject at our local library. Also there are some neat websites (card maps here) and blogs out there that I have found inspiration on.


Last week my friend at A Heart for Praise did a great post on leaf stamping. I had just been wishing I had a leaf stamp to make cards for the fall . Now I know I have a whole yard full of "leaf stamps". So I tried her idea with various leaves and colors and was able to make this card with them. I will add one more tip to using many colors, use a different leaf for each color or you will have a nice dark leaf print on your light colored ink pad, as I now have! Oh well, live and learn.

Have a great Fall!!!