The Beginning

These are quotes for Abraham Lincoln's address that made Thanksgiving a National Holiday in 1863.

"The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God."

"They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens."

So as one of those "sojourning in foreign lands", let me say to each of you, Happy Thanksgiving. I will be remembering you before the throne, especially tomorrow. Each of you are blessings from my Lord. You have blessed our family this year especially, with prayers, calls, cards, packages, and blog comments. I pray I always remember the One who stirred your heart to these actions. Thank you.