“We Give THANKS on THIS Thanksgiving DAY”

“5 Creative Ways to Pray on Thanksgiving”

5 Creative Ways to Pray on Thanksgiving

How to go beyond just saying what you’re thankful for.

Bob Hostetler's Tips for One-Word Prayers - YouTube

by Posted in 

How do most Americans celebrate Thanksgiving? Many furnish a lengthy table with an abundance of sumptuous foods, a la Norman Rockwell. That means turkey and dressing, potatoes and cranberries, pumpkin pie, apple pie, blackberry pie, rhubarb pie (are you hungry yet?) followed by a lazy afternoon watching football with a belly so full it feels like it’s going to burst!

Oh, and we give thanks. For some, that means going around the table taking turns saying one thing we’re thankful for. For others it means a few moments of “grace” before the meal—maybe a little longer than our usual “grace,” because after all, it’s Thanksgiving.

But if you’re looking for something a little more creative, a little more, well, thankful this year, why not try one of the following ways not to talk about being thankful, but of actually praying your thanks on Thanksgiving:

 

1)  Fill in the blank.
Once everyone is seated for the meal, instead of each person saying one thing for which they are grateful, ask each person to complete the following sentence as a prayer: “Thank you, God, for _______________.” Or, for a little variety, suggest alternatives: “Thank you that ____________” and “Thank you for not ____________.”

2)  Take a photo.
If everyone at your gathering has a smart phone or tablet, make an announcement an hour or so before the main meal. Ask everyone to take a photo on their device of something for which they’re grateful. Then, before eating, ask everyone to bow their heads. . . and pass their photo to the right, in silence, as a visual prayer, until all the photos have been shared.

 

3) Have a Thanksgiving tree.
If your Christmas tree is already up, tie prayers of thanks written on paper to some of the tree limbs and then read them aloud during your celebration (you can also make a cardboard tree or simply place a written prayer at each table setting).

4) Create a gratitude garland.
Cut brightly colored construction paper into strips. Well before your meal, ask participants to write a prayer of thanksgiving on at least one strip and place it in a jar or bowl. Then, with a roll of tape handy, invite everyone to take a strip out, read it, and then form it into a paper chain, one strip at a time until all the prayers have been prayed. The gratitude garland can then be hung somewhere or even saved for the Christmas tree.

 

5)  Plan a Thanksgiving communion.
It doesn’t have to be fancy. Simply provide a cup and piece of bread to everyone. Then read Psalm 116:12-19 and “lift the cup of salvation together,” giving thanks for Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.

Of course, you may have a far better idea. Or you may choose to combine two or more of these Thanksgiving prayer exercises. Whatever you do, don’t just talk about your gratitude, direct your thanksgiving toward God.


Posted in Family, Grandma, Today and tagged , with no comments yet.

“We have a “KING” in the Family”

“Research and research until Photos were found”

When one first starts a new project… there is no  real thought … as to how long this project will last… so…will I enjoy doing what I am starting… can I give at least one full hour and… or much  more time if it is necessary to do an adequate job… will I always find the necessary materials to make this project interesting to others… and  also to fully enjoy that which I have started? 

“Preparation is the name of the game… as one does always… want to put their best foot forward… especially when…  Photos of chidden are involved and  requiring lots of good  information… just so that the whole and correct… a most beautiful story is told!”

So referring back to the post… “We have a KING in the Family” …I did some research and did find those PHOTOS that I had …  and finally able to now decide on those that I will add to our day in the “FENTON  PARK” showing just exactly how our “Little Billy” looked as he gave the JUDGES a big smile and a wave of his right arm… as I had inspired him to do!

 

and…  “This is our…  little Billy with his Mother Mary… and he is raising his  right hand and arm… as I did show him … so that…  he would know what to do while standing in front of the “JUDGES” …  giving  to them… a big “WAVE”  as he is talking  to  them, the “JUDGES” …  and saying… “MY name is BILLY…” … and as you can see him… with a very big and HAPPY  smile!

and… This is our   “little BILLY”…  when he was called up as today’s  “WINNER”… to be crown the  “KING” and reign for a year!  As you can see… “Little Billy” is a very HAPPY child … and is still sharing smiles with everyone!

 

and… This is “Baby Alan” with his Mother…and “Alan”  and younger brother to “BILLY”   get to be in the PHOTTO taking for maybe a chance at being selected  “KING” that day  and…  I am now  guessing…  maybe only six weeks… as his birthday was  on “July 1st…”  and was a very good baby… considering the crowd, and having to wait for your turn to be brought to…  and presented to the JUDGES’ desk.

 

and… This is the baby that Won…I think because the Mother is holding the baby in a position…so as to see more of the baby… and the MOTHER is so full of smiles!

If you take a look at the people to the right of this photo… that LADY dress in a black shirt and white pants… so tall and good looking… I hate to say…that is ME!

and… Just another of the small children hoping to be selected for KING … but since they gave this photo to me…

I am sitting on that picnic table and holding little Billy… either he has already been up and did his thing or is still waiting…it was a long day for the children that were there… as you can see they did have a very good crowd of people.

This type of event taking place with children… does take hours… and all children do tend to get tired and on the cranky side… so,  just be prepared for that … and have some  of their favorite treats…  and or something to keep the children happy… if you want them to WIN!

 


Posted in Family, Grand-Children, Grandma, Today and tagged , with no comments yet.

“LEX wave your Hand to say HI!”

Just so very HAPPY to see you all gather together!

Looks like our little LEX was outside all by himself… and it seem to me… that he must have been looking for me… as he was just so HAPPY to see me, and was just so full of smiles and “HUGGS” for me … when, I bent over to pick him up!

 

It sure has been a long while… since I got to hold our little LEX in my arms… and I just love to be the one, that will be looking out for our little LEX… just to make sure…  that he is always where he wants to be…  and that he is always HAPPY with everyone … when he goes out doors to play with his little friends.

Some times when we are here… we are assigned certain tasks to do… and to do them as pre-assigned  and with due diligence  as sometimes…  they include certain people that are very special to me… and  also … to so many others…  that I also know and will care for.

So for me,  to achieve my goals…all time and place  and circumstances that  will require some extra  special attention… that I can help you with just have to be done in a way that  you will not recognize  me… as we work on different plane  of  existence know to man.

There are so many things that we just never talk about… that would make sense to those not on the same plane of time and place… but in my books… I have some information that would really be of a help to those… that would like to know more about that which I am speaking.

When you stop to think about a thing or two… that through out the day … we see and hear things that are so different from the normal… or that which … most motels would call normal… we could get in to a quandary of  just guessing what another is talking about… and in the end… no one knows what they are talking about and in the end… some talking about pure nonsense… if  they will ….. at all  be talking to anyone ever again?

Just so glad that our very special  “KING AL”  himself… the writer of many very good books … still decides when and where… that he will  be seeing each and everyone of us… as we all just LOVE to hear from him …  and just as often… as he has that extra special  time and will pick the place.


Posted in Family, Grandma, Today and tagged , with no comments yet.

“What Are YOU Thankful FOR”

“WOW” … “What a Question?”

But… since today is the twenty first of November and a MONDAY… and this Thursday is  “Thanksgiving Day”… makes for one to start thinking of all of the most wonderful things… “one” does have to give “THANKS” for!

Today… I just have to give THANKS for being born in America and being a natural born citizen of America.

On the “TV”… we see so many young children born in Countries … where one Country is bombing the Country next to them… and so many young children are dying … due to starvation and the bombs  dropping on them… so much malnutrition going on throughout those parts of the world.

In America during those WWII years… I remember  other children my age and older collecting  newspapers and magazines and all usable metal for the WAR effort and our families had to use “ration coupons”… as we all did learn to use a lot less of everything and make due and not complain… as our AMERICAN Soldiers needed everything and even more… to win the WAR!

My father was in the Army and as so many others from our family, also enlisted to do their small part in securing “Freedom” for all AMERICANS.

As one grows up in America we do have the choice of Schools to attend and as I did…I even  went to Summer School… just so that… I could get a job and help the family out. As most first children in the family generally plan on helping their family with what ever they can do… mostly to give back a portion of the best of times with the family… having been that  first child!

So now we find just the best job and working place… something that we like doing and also…  somewhere  you will be making good pay checks… as having some money to spend sure does help AMERICA  as the worker plans… for their future.

All of these young years you are going up that ladder… you do see an extra special someone … that would be just so right… and just  for you. It just does not take too long, for you to find that one, and only one… that extra special person… that you will marry and  see even more wonderous things taking place in your lives.

You are starting off on that same road in LIFE… that your parents took… and are now looking for that extra special HOME for you and your family’s castle among  the new subdivisions and as new homes… that are now  being built… in neighborhoods so much better…  than those that your parents had… as that is what is expected today… for each child to do… and to find and pass that same information on… forever down that road of LIFE!

A real good LIFE is what we all are looking for … and also for each and every child in our family. We as parents want for our child … all of that which…  we did not get, and or receive… even though we did try … to do and to give each child, the very best of what was on that table… to offer to them.

With the HELP of our CREATOR …. the FATHER of all of us… and the giver of all the best of gifts … we ask and pray… that we do that which we were taught… and give unto our children…  all that HEAVEN above allows us to … TODAY!


Posted in Family, Grandma, Today and tagged , with no comments yet.

“Getting ready for the biggest TURKEY DAY”

“After Thanksgiving …What To do” “Start Walking”

“3 Cheers – for the COOKS!”

img148

 

“HIP- HIP!  HOORAY!”  “3 CHEERS  – for the COOKS!”

Sure hope that you remembered to say  “THANKS” for whoever made the best of meals this year, and that  you were there to enjoy all of those special selected   and only once a year foods that always put a hundred extra pounds of muscle on … since you will be sitting and sitting … since all of the food did  taste so good, you just… can not move yourself, away from the table…and  join others who have more sense …  as they are having  lots of “FUN” mingling  around the  great outdoors with others… and…… making room…… for some great desserts!

This picture was taken several years ago and this senior chef with her very  young and helpful assistant, Alyssa  is  also  my Granddaughter of two very loving children…my  extra special great-grandchildren… so,  the two of us pulled off another big feast   for all of those up at the Airport  and for everyone  just flying in …to enjoy???

In this picture you can see,  that it does not  pay to wear  something   “all white” and then have the nerve to stand near the refrigerator… which is  also…the very same color… “white”???  

This  is not  the best of pictures, since it is also a copy  and … I will have to locate the original…  just to see who’s… who and what’s… what???  

Also a word or two about being at the AIRPORT.

We did have Fun sharing our Turkey Dinners by having two Turkeys during the week… just so that all of those pilots and friends… that were stopping by would at least celebrate some kind of a “Thanksgiving”  meal… while doing their traveling … and so while having to  stay at the AirPort for a few extra hours… as they waited for those friends and family… that were going to be there… to pick them up… to also do…  a little more HOLIDAY celebrating… on the go!

Since the Airport is open  twenty four hours a day … and seven days a week…  and as we all work and travel in todays’ world  going to places,  that have many different working hours… so also  we have found that… for our own and also for  all of the  those little personal things… that  all must be done… we just have to  always be ready.

It just takes lots of time…making ready around the clock… as schedules will change and then…there always has to be  a  very nice place to take a rest… while those that have some very different  time schedules to follow…  will also be able to find their  way to the AIRPORT… we  will also try to accommodate all those that  stop in at our AIRPORT and they find that they had a nice time  and a place near by…  to be helped… as we are there for you!

 This is a quick item… since we are still doing things with the very last of  just one of the  biggest old turkeys!

Sometimes “Turkeys” can last longer…  than you want…  but… they do make…  very good sandwiches, when we are all  in a hurry!

 Hope that you will … be enjoying … some real good “Turkey! …     …. TOO???    …    ….


Posted in Family, Grandma, Today and tagged , with 4 comments.

“Let’s Start Preparing for our Thanksgiving Day”

“Have the very BEST of Thanksgiving DAYS”

                    “We are getting ready!”

img138

Of all the places to  WORK… the above photo shows a small area of the BAKERY… and that is Sister Augustella…one NUN…  who…  everyone enjoyed working for… and would WORK …24/7… if that was  ever a choice.

This photo is from the … Anniversary Edition …I would have  to check the correct year … where I have an old copy –  and I am so glad to have  this… once in a LIFE-TIME  EDITION… all of the old photos,  from those years … when I was there… just to show… how things were…way back and when!

Sister Augustella would have a large “laundry  size” basket  – just full of those treats… that we would get at our  “RECESS TIME” – – in the morning and afternoon… RECESS times –  and that would be a basket for the GIRL’s side… and also a basket for the BOY”s side –  and that was a real treat, for each of us… to be able to get something  “HOME MADE”… and extra sweet!

We did not go in to the “BAKERY”… as you see in the above photo… as Sister Augustella and her workers were  always busy “baking” and there really was no room for interruptions.

During a particular time of the day… there would an older girl assigned to work in the Bakery … she would be using the Bread cutter to prepare the slices of bread for the dining rooms …  and so… just for this PHOTO… and  for all to see something good coming from the Bakery… a PHOTO  of those many loaves of Bread   has  been taken… just for you to see all those loaves of bread… and wish you could have “HOME MADE Bread” everyday of your LIFE!

Back then… when I was the size of some of those girls in that photo line…

I would work in the BAKERY –  and one of the jobs that I had… was putting those loaves of bread in the bread slicer.

Then …one or two girls would spread each  slice of bread  with “HOME-made  grape jam”… which was also made  from the grape vineyard on the Orphanage grounds –  and we also had “HOME-made Apple-butter” – from the green apple trees… also growing on the Orphanage grounds.

When you think back… these jobs that we had when we were very young…were very  good training for all of the things that you may consider doing when you are older and would have left the Orphanage.

As … we all need to work at some point in LIFE –  and what better way is there …than for young children to learn how to develop skills in a variety of   occupations…

So as to get an idea of the  type of work –  which  would be of a benefit in more ways than… one can think of –  the motivation factor in determining  –  what are our  natural talents  –  will they maybe provide the exact “road” in our LIFE… to pursue!

When it comes to this time of the year… Thanksgiving TIME…

Just having had the chance to work in the BAKERY, with and for Sister Augustella,  has been of a great benefit to me.

As now, that I  am thinking back…  I have such good memories of getting ready for these  extra special HOLIDAYS… and I sure do enjoy telling everyone, the  how and why, of all that,  I do…  and what I do –  since everyday of my LIFE… just seems… that each  and every day, and going  all the way back  to then… was a real good  learning lesson… just  preparing  me… for each and every next day to follow and the very next “NEW” year!

 

… Remember to have the very best “Thanksgiving  DAY, this  year”…

For  our World…  as we know it TODAY…

Has the habit  of  always changing !   

We just never know … what  each of our tomorrows… 

Will  bring  to each and everyone of us? 

Blessings  and with Good Wishes

To Each and Everyone!


Posted in Childhood, Family, Grandma, Today and tagged , with no comments yet.