Note: True Christians should be doing thanksgiving every day, but some nations have a

Thanksgiving Day. In Germany, many churches have a thanksgiving service in which food is
donated and thankfulness for the harvesting of the food crops and for God is done. But I
always enjoyed Thanksgiving Day in the USA. We remembered the Pilgrim origin of it too. I
liked it when relatives visited on that day. One time we even had a sing along when my uncle
came from New Jersey and my other uncle from Southern California. I loved eating turkey,
homemade rows, yams, peas, and lemon merainge pie. Sometimes I also enjoyed the Macy’s
parade, the football games, and the basketball games. But I grieved about the what is said in
this article. It is followed by two anagrams and a short devotion.

Taking the ‘Thanks’ Out of Thanksgiving

(by John W. Whitehead, Christian Post Contributor)

Some things have reached absurd proportions in this country. Increasingly, we are taking our
rich, diverse cultural heritage-- some of it dating back 300 years-- and slowly eradicating it, all
for the sake of not offending some individual or special-interest group. At no time is this more
evident than in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.

Examples abound. A concerned parent recently wrote that whereas a year or two ago teachers in
their school district were told not to mention Christmas, Easter or anything relating to God, they
cannot even mention the word “Thanksgiving” this year because “the pilgrims offended the
Indians” and “Thanksgiving was never intended to be thanks to God!”

Another parent with children in the public schools was upset and concerned when she received a
letter from school officials directing classroom mothers not to use plates and napkins with
Thanksgiving printed on them at their children’s fall parties. As she recounted, “It seems like
they are worried about offending just one person and are worried about law suits. In the past, this
school has gone from ‘winter’ parties that banned red and green cupcakes and napkins, to
banning any winter party in fear that it may be mistaken for Christmas.”

Several years ago, it was reported that Maryland public school students were free to thank
anyone they wanted while learning about the 17th century celebration of Thanksgiving.
However, they were not allowed to thank God. Instead, Maryland students read stories about the
Pilgrims and Native American Indians, simulated Mayflower voyages, held mock feasts and
learned about the famous meal that temporarily allied two very different groups. But teachers did
not mention that in addition to thanking the Native Americans for their peaceful three-day
indulgence, the Pilgrims repeatedly thanked God.

Clearly, those who founded our country recognized the importance of God in the life of our
nation. They also understood the rightness of thanking God for his blessings. For example, it was
George Washington who, on October 3, 1789, issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation. In
Washington’s words, Americans were to set aside “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be
observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God.”

So how did we get to the point where the mere mention of God is enough to send some of our
fellow citizens into a tailspin-- to such an extent that they are now trying to take the “thanks” out
of Thanksgiving?

Part of the answer lies in our politically correct society. We have allowed ourselves to become
controlled by our fears. Rather than risk offending someone, we would sooner toss our rich
history and traditions on the pyre of political correctness. But such an approach is destined for
failure. Indeed, even if you breathe, you are sure to offend someone. What is the result? We gain
nothing. We water down and suck the life out of what once gave meaning and direction to our
lives. In the end, our children will be the ones who lose out, left with little clue as to where they
came from or where they may be going in life.

We have also lost our sense of reverence. Too many Americans have little, if any, gratitude for
the liberty and material comforts we enjoy-- both of which were made possible through great
sacrifice. Heedless of our many blessings, as a nation, we are tempting fate.

Thanksgiving Anagram With Good Verses

(author unknown)

T - “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

“This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)

H - “Heaven and Earth praise Him, the seas, and everything that moves therein. (Psalm 69:34)
“He is good; His mercy endures for ever.” (1 Chronicles 16:34)

A - “All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.”
(John 1:3)

N - “Nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37)

“Nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19)

K - “Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (Matthew 7:7)

“I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have
committed unto Him.” (2 Timothy 1:12)

S - “Salvation belongs unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people.” (Psalm 3:8)
“Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be
added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

G - “Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17)

“God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in
Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

I - “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4)
“In Him we live, and move, and have our being.” (Acts 17:28)

V - “Verily I say unto you, all sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men.” (Mark 3:28)

I - “If I take the wings of morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall
Your hand lead me.” (Psalm 139: 9-10) “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I
not seen the righteous forsaken.” (Psalm 37:25

N - “Now abides faith, hope charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”
(1 Corinthians 13:13) “Night shall be light about me.” (Psalm 139:11)
G - “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. (Psalm 48:1) “In everything give thanks; for
this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Thanksgiving
T- is for the trials, God has brought me through.
H- is for Heaven, where I'll one day, walk with You
A- is for All the times I've fallen and You've picked me up.
N- is, No end to the times, You've filled my cup.
K- is for Keeping me safe and healthy, every day.
S- Is for Saving me and teaching me, to live Your way.
G- is for the Goodness and love, You've put in my heart.
I- is the glorious Idea, that You've set me apart.
V- is the Victory, in Jesus, that I hold within.
I- is the Invitation to tell all, to turn from their sin.
N- is Never going back to the sinful road I've trod.
G- is Giving thanks for all things, to our Living, Giving, Great, and Glorious God.

Our ancestors came to this country, many years ago,

They were defending their right to worship God their way.
But this.... ayou already know.
The trip across the ocean, was hard and long.
Many folks wondered, if their choice had been wrong.
They were sick and hungry and some even died....
The weather was cold, not fit for man nor beast.
Then God sent some Indians, to help them...
They brought all kinds of food, for a feast.
They worked together to prepare the food...all who were able.
When everything was ready...they gathered around the table.
The Indians had a different name for God....
But they thanked Him, just the same.
Then the Pilgrims prayed, thanking God for His loving care,
And for the food and the Indians, all in Jesus' name.
Now... If our country began with love and concern....
Being shown... from brother to brother....
Shouldn't we also, today, follow Gods' command....
And show Gods' love to one another?
This year, as you gather around the table....
Bow your heads and pray.
Thank God for His love and His many Blessings.....
To you,..... on this Thanksgiving Day.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving and
God Bless us, one and all.
© EMILY BOEVE