As a child, I loved Thanksgiving!  

First of all, it meant "no school"---that alone was enough to be thankful for!  The night before, I loved watching my mother prepared the 20-25 pound turkey.  I was always amazed how she could "throw stuff together".  The kitchen became alive with the aroma of pumplin pies baking in the oven.  We'd tidy the house, bring out the good china that we reserved only for "special holidays".  Carefully I would help Mom wash and dry them all and set the table the night before to we could have a head start on the big day!

There was nothing like waking up during the night and smelling the turkey baking.  It made my taste buds dance with anticipation!  Morning always came early with Mom and I bustling around with preparations.  By midmorning, the kitchen was full of the savory aromas of turkey, squash and yummy pies.  The table was loaded with goodies---what a sight for hungry eyes!

Close to noon, the excitement 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 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 an all-out charge on the turkey, trimmings and fun.

As I reflect back over the past Thanksgivings I have been privileged to be  a part of, I ask myself, "What is it I like about Thanksgiving?"  Here are the resolutions to those ponderings:

• 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/spending money on gifts.  The focus it giving thanks.
• It's a day set aside for families and friends coming together.  It still revolves around the home.  It's a carefree day to unwind and relax however you desire---while indulging in turkey, trimings, pie, indigestion, games, reminiscing family photos/videos, football gmes on TV, etc.
• It's a time to "BE STILL & KNOW THAT HE IS GOD", along with a special day set aside to thank God for family, provision, protections, and guidance.  A time to even thank Him for the trials and struggles we've gone through that has drawn or driven us closer to Him and His Word.  I am not thankful for the struggles I've gone through, but I am thankful for the growth in my life as a result of going through them, and that no matter what He walks with me through my darkest hours of hurt and disappointments.
• It's a day of reflection on what our forefathers when through to ensure the freedom we enjoy in America.  May we never take for granted our rich heritage for America for it truly is the land of blessings and freedom.

What does Thanksgiving mean to you?   It is my prayer that you take some time to reflect, ponder and truly give thanks for the abundant blessings---big and small--that the Lord has given.

"Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ".  Ephesians 5:18-20

Gloria

RECIPE

Butternut Squash Soup

2 cups carrots, peeled and sliced (about 1 cup)

1 cup onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

2 Tbsp butter or margarine

1 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced

2 tsp curry powder

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

2 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into chunks

3 cups apple juice

In large saucepan over medium heat, cook the carrots, onion, and garlic in butter/margarine until tender (approx. 5 minutes).  Add ginger, curry, cinnamon and nutmeg, cook for 1 minute.  Then add squash and apple juice.  Bring the mixture to a boil.  Cover and then reduce heat to a simmer for about 15 minutes or until the squash is tender.  In a food processor or blender, puree the soup mixture by batches until smooth.  Return to saucepan and heat through.  Serve either chilled or heated.  Note--for thinner soup, add water to desired consistency.