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“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
-John 1:14
We live in an ever-changing world. Many times, change is good. In fact, I’m all for change whenever and wherever it is appropriate. There are those times in life, however, that are best served by tradition. Christmas is one of those times. Almost everyone you meet can tell you about a holiday tradition they have in their family. Our traditions are important to us because they say “Christmas” like nothing else does. But we must make sure our traditions are grounded in the holy occasion Christmas commemorates: God put on flesh and blood and lived among us.
In other words, the Word became a Voice! And how the world needs to hear that Voice! So let’s make sure to use our voices to proclaim the joy and Good News of Christmas in and through all of our traditions. The world is waiting to hear.
≈ Comments Off on Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789
On October 3, 1789, George Washington, as president of the United States of America, issued a “thanksgiving proclamation” designating November 26 as a day of “public thanksgiving.” The statement found its way into newspapers, as depicted in the image below. The text of Washington’s proclamation is typed out below as well.
(courtesy of Mount Vernon)
“By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor– and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.
Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be– That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks–for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation–for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war–for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed–for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted–for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions– to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually–to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed–to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord–To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us–and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789
≈ Comments Off on A day to pray, to rest and to be quiet…..
God, give me grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other.
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forevermore in the next.
In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring Thanksgiving as a day citizens should give thanks and praise to God and humble themselves and pray fervently for the return of the blessings of peace, union, and harmony.
This presidential proclamation echoes the promise of God found in our scripture. During this Thanksgiving season, let’s humble ourselves and pray not only for our land and nation, but for family, friends, and neighbors. We all need forgiveness and healing. So take time out to pray and seek His face. He promises that He will hear you from Heaven.
≈ Comments Off on Sunday Morning walk / a new path
A new 45 minute walking path today. Ran into Andy a former colleague and friend from Great Harvest. He looked great. Just got back from a one week Yosemite hiking trip with his “buds” from college. He gave good directions to a new trail. We liked it. Every day now. Love walking in the fall. Very invigorating. Need this kind of exercise. Gardening is great exercise, but there is something about WALKING. It clears your head. Time to think and “breath” the fresh air. Yup…it’s all good.
…..and we close our day with an early and cloudy sunset. It is 6 pm. We spent a lovely day cooking, mending, reading walking, creating and enjoying our own company. It was a lovely day We sang a little, prayed a little and we did some…..daydreaming Feeling calm and very blessed. How about you?
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