HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
I can hardly believe it is almost Thanksgiving again. Time sure flies!
As a child, I loved Thanksgiving! First of all, it meant we didn’t have to go to school and that alone was enough to be thankful for! The night before I loved watching my mother prepare the 20-25 pound turkey. I was always amazed how she could “throw stuff together” without a recipe and it always turned out delicious! The kitchen became alive with the aroma of pumpkin pies baking in the oven. We would tidy the house, bring out the good china that we used only for SPECIAL HOLIDAYS. Carefully I’d help Mom wash and dry them all set the table to get a head start on the big day.
There was nothing like waking up during the night and smelling that turkey baking. It made my taste buds dance with anticipation. Morning always came early with Mom and I bustling around. By midmorning the kitchen was full of aromas of turkey, squash and pies. The table was loaded with goodies---what a sight for hungry eyes!
As noon approached, the anticipation of our entire family coming home along with our aunts, uncles and cousins was almost more than I could contain! With great expectation and hunger pains, about 25-30 of us would gather around the big table for prayer. That moment was always emotional for me. Even as a child, my heart was overwhelmed and choked up by the “coming together” and “oneness” I felt. After a prayer of Thanksgiving and gratitude, it was time to dig into the turkey, trimmings and fun!
As I reflect back over the past Thanksgivings, I ponder, “What is it that I like about Thanksgiving?”
Here’s what I discovered:
1) It is a special holiday we can enjoy without the peer pressure of gifts and giving! It hasn’t (as of yet) been commercialized by buying and spending money on gifts.
2) It is a day set aside for families to come together. It still revolves around the home! It is a carefree day to unwind and relax however you want-indulging in a turkey, trimmings , pie, indigestion, games, football games on TV or many other “together activities”.
3) It’s a time to “BE STILL AND KNOW THAT HE IS GOD.” It is a day set aside to thank God for family, provision, protection, and guidance. A time even to thank Him for the trials and struggles we’ve gone through, but I’m thankful for growth and that He walks with me through my darkest hours of hurt and disappointments.
4) It’s a day of reflection of what our forefather traversed to ensure the freedom we enjoy in America. May we never take for granted our rich heritage and America for it truly is the land of blessings and freedom.
As you have read some of my remembrances, I pray it spurs in your heart a reminder of how special Thanksgiving is. From the bottom of our hearts, Larry and I pray for you a very blessed Thanksgiving!
We thought you might enjoy this oldie but goodie, "I'm Thankful, Lord" from the Lowell Lundstrom Team. Blessings!
GLORIA
KIDS KORNER
We have enjoyed some birthdays of our great grandkids! Tarran turned seven and Nova turned four! We love having them around! We are so thankful for every moment and their life, energy and that they love to come to Papa and Gigi's house!
RECIPE
This is a great recipe to use up some leftover turkey!
TURKEY ALMOND CASSEROLE
2 cups cooked turkey, cut up
2 cans cream of mushroom or chicken soup
2 cups celery, diced
2 Tbsp minced onion
1 cup slivered almonds
Dash of salt and pepper
3 cups of cracker crumbs (can use crushed Ritz/butter crackers or bread crumbs)
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix chicken soup, celery, onion, nuts, salt and pepper. In a 2 quart casserole, place layers---mixture, crumbs, mixture, crumbs, etc---make sure to end with crumbs. Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes.