A Review: We Gather Together – Sanity and Celebration At Thanksgiving

Samuel Eliot Morison, mid 20th century

"The Pilgrims: a simple people, inspired by an ardent faith in God, a dauntless courage in danger, a boundless resourcefulness in the face of difficulties, And an impregnable fortitude in adversity: thus they have in some measure become the spiritual ancestors of all Americans." - Resource

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays besides a couple more. I feel that this holiday prepares us for Christmas in the sense of why we celebrate this particular holiday and/or other events. In a sense, Thanksgiving Day has become known mostly as “Turkey Day” –a.k.a. – political correctness in today's world, but if you have ever read history and readings from literature of this time; it’s much more than a consumerism boost for the economy or even turkey. No, it’s about God and his blessings on this country of ours.

I especially loved reading this e-book, because they give the basis to why Thanksgiving came about, and the e-book helps take the stress of creating a menu/shopping list, and poems/songs available for personal use. We know why the Pilgrims came to the Americas'-for religious freedom, but they were ill-prepared for the environment and like a young adult going out into society as a free person…some guidelines and preparation are needed for success.

I am amazed at the kindness of the Indian people who came to their aid. It was probably more out of curiosity, maybe fear, trades, but I think it was more lack of the pilgrim’s knowledge and they felt sorry for them. I don’t know really, but I am trying to imagine from the tribe's view. I am sure it’s a lot more than that though. Maybe it’s the reality that we all share that inner most feeling of trying to be good to our neighbors. And more than anything, the Pilgrims needed their help to survive and I am sure they were very thankful for their neighbors and God's blessings... –hence, Thanksgiving.

As the pilgrims were God-fearing people, of course, they praised God for their good fortune to make it through another season. I like to read about their hardships, their struggles and how they kept their faith –if not made it stronger in their daily struggle to live there. This is why I am amazed at what God does for us and to make our lives better (sometimes not for ourselves, but for Him).

I find it fascinating that our first President (as well as others) made a proclamation in realizing the importance of Thanksgiving and honor to God. He got it right. To read the first president of the United States proclamation AND then view on YouTube our current president’s speech and the omittance of thanksgiving to God for Thanksgiving--it makes me upset at the comparsion. No mention of God whatsoever in his speech (current president).

THANKSGIVING DAY 1789
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - A PROCLAMATION (GEORGE WASHINGTON)

"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." -Resource

President George Washington’s proclamation goes on….but it shows that yes, the United States of America was founded by Christians and that we ARE a Christian nation still—at least for now.

The e-book was enjoyable to read… the Young’s tell their own story of struggle for a season, and how they understood, that even through a trial, God is still good and does provide for our needs. I couldn’t agree more. I would like to incorporate some of the songs and proclaimation for next year's Thanksgiving meal, but I just might have some of the Thanksgiving songs/poems placed around the home in a fashionable manner to always be reminded that Thanksgiving is an everyday part of living.

It then goes on to read;

Songs of Thanksgiving
The Thanksgiving Feast (recipes/ideas)
Cooking Schedule (nice menu planner/ready-made shopping list)
The Feast (plan of events)
Other Great Resources (great links)


Overall I enjoyed reading We Gather Together: Sanity and Celebration at Thanksgiving Time, by Hal and Melanie Young. We will go over this more in the coming weeks, when we go over this period in History. Right now we are just at the discovery of America (New World); Christopher Columbus, Ponce de Leon, Conquistadors, etc. --soon we will be looking at the first colonies.

This Thanksgiving holiday season we were fortunate enough to be invited to a friend’s home and had a wonderful time. Yes, we had most of the traditional food listed, but the friendship and gathering together to give thanks to God—is the most important part of the day. To me every day is Thanksgiving. I would recommend to never forgetting that…

Thanksgiving Day or not, we should always be thankful for our salvation, our lives, our family & friends and to remember that America – whether or not you agree - is a Christian nation.


For more detailed information please visit:

Feeling a Little Anxious About the Holidays? Hoping to Keep Christ in Thanksgiving?

A Review: We Gather Together: Sanity and Celebration at Thanksgiving Time, by Hal and Melanie Young

E-book of 66 Pages

Table of Contents:

Intro
Readings form History and Literature
Songs of Thanksgiving
The Thanksgiving Feast
Cooking Schedule
The Feast
Other Great Resources and Links
Acknowledgements

Copyright: 2011
Price: $15 USD, on sale now at $7.50
Scripture quotes are taken from ESV Bible
E-book version
Pages: 66
Publication: Great Water Press - www.greatwaterpress.com
Authors: Hal & Melanie Young
Blog: Raising Real Men

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