Thank You God
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For, after all, put it as we may to ourselves, we are all of us from birth to death guests at a table which we did not spread. The sun, the earth, love, friends, our very breath are parts of the banquet… Shall we think of the day as a chance to come nearer to our Host, and to find out something of Him who has fed us so long?
Rebecca Harding Davis
http://quotations.about.com/od/specialdays/a/thanksgiving9.htm
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Thanksgiving Day. The unofficial start of the Christmas holiday season. The day we fill our bellies near to bursting with turkey and dressing and cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Yes, here in the United States and increasingly throughout the rest of the world, we have adopted the custom of celebrating the fourth Thursday of every November with football games and visits to family and friends. We share with those we love the special moments that warms the spirit even as apple cider laced with cinnamon sticks warms the body. Yes indeed it is a custom that has become much-loved. However, if a much-loved custom is all you see in the significance of the day, then you are missing out on the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Indeed, there is no other holiday I can think of which celebrates the blessings God has bestowed on man than the one that unites us today. So as you enjoy that turkey and dressing and cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie and apple cider and football games and the love of family and friends, don’t forget to say Thank You to the one who has given this day to you!
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TEN THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR
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God
God is the reason that we draw breath and are able to enjoy the fruits of the day.
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Family
They are the tie that unites our hearts and ensures that we have a legacy to pass on to mankind’s tomorrows
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Friends
Friends who love us and stand beside us, not because they have to but because they choose to.
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Home
A sanctuary where we can retreat and be safe from the elements that are a part of our world.
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Love
It is the one gift that we have been given that offers proof of our humanity and our character….all of the best things that mark the heart of man!
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Things
Whether we want to admit it or not, we need some of life’s tangibles, such as clothes and food and while we may not have all we want, most of us have the things we must!
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Peace
While we are not yet able to bear witness to this blessing worldwide, being able to find it within our own hearts is indeed a great blessing.
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Health
The ongoing battle against the woes of illness affect many, but as long as we can feel, see, smell, taste, walk and talk, we are blessed, indeed!
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Country
Few people in the world can celebrate the many things that we who live in more industrialized nations are able to enjoy, and for that we must say thank you!
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Freedom
This last blessing is the foundation upon which the country I live in was built but whether you live within our borders or not, it is most likely the freedom you celebrate that is allowing you to share in today’s post. And when you think about it, freedom is the heart and soul of Thanksgiving.
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Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT
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Please remember the millions of our brothers and sisters as well as furry companions today who are suffering from the effects of Superstorm Sandy. Give as much as you can, as often as you can to the following organizations or groups.
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The American Red Cross
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Copyright © 2011-2012 “MandysPath” Ministry
MandysPath 
Hi Mandy: I just wanted to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for my healthy family. Watching Tabitha grow up and seeing the look of pure love on Meg’s face has really helped us all heal. Tabby has healed this Nanas heart and for that I am most thankful. Have a great day and I hope you can spend some time with that precious grandson of yours. Take care. Love and Peace Leah, Tabby and Rachels Nana
I know how very much you are have to be thankful for and it makes my heart just sing to see all of the wonderful pictures of of Tabby and Rachel. The miracle of life has the capacity to heal old wounds and while Leah will always be so very special, now those memories are comforting instead of aching, and this is as it should be. Enjoy every magical moment of this holiday season with your 2 beautiful little ones and keep all of those pictures coming! {{{{{Hugs}}}}}