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  The History of Thanksgiving Traditionally, and in the public mind, the first Thanksgiving Day occurred in 1621 when the Plymouth Pilgrim community joined in a feast with local Indians to celebrate the first harvest that the colonists had reaped on American soil. Indeed, 90 Indians and 53 Pilgrims feasted for three days at that event, and it was an official day of giving thanks to God for his blessings. However, the colonists were only carrying on the Calvinist Protestant tradition of designating special public days of thanksgiving for the blessings of the Almighty. It was really not something new in kind.   The feast probably did include turkey since William Bradford informs us in his Of Plymouth Plantation that the land had a "great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many." Incidentally, there is indication that the colonists were familiar with turkey from back in England, even though it was a native American bird. That is because the Spanish had brought back ...

  Benefits of Scripture Writing   “Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it.” Habakkuk 2:2   There are many benefits to adopting a scripture writing practice:   Spiritual Growth: Writing scripture daily helps deepen your understanding of the Bible.   Increased Focus: The act of writing engages your mind and heart in a more intentional way.   Encouragement in Difficult Times: Meditating on God’s promises brings comfort and peace.   Creative Expression: Journaling scripture can be a great way to express your creativity.   Deeper Relationship with God: Spending time in God’s Word fosters a stronger connection with your Heavenly Father. Incorporating Verse Mapping into Your Daily Devotional Routine    Make verse mapping a part of your daily devotional routine. It doesn’t have to be lengthy—even a few minutes daily ...

  2025 Amsterdam to the British Isles and Back Again            Summer 2025 Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ capital, known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the city’s 17th-century Golden Age. Its Museum District houses the Van Gogh Museum, works by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, and modern art at the Stedelijk. Cycling is key to the city’s character, and there are numerous bike paths. Some say there are more bikes than people in Amsterdam.   Bruges, the capital of West Flanders in northwest Belgium, is distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings. Its port, Zeebrugge, is an important center for fishing and European trade. In the city center’s Burg square, the 14th-century Stadhuis (City Hall) has an ornate carved ceiling. Nearby, Markt square features a 13th-century belfry with a 47-bell carillon and 83m tower with panoramic views. ...

  Independence Day, known colloquially as the Fourth of July or July 4th, is a federal holiday in the United States which commemorates the ratification of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America.   The Founding Father delegates of the Second Continental Congress declared that the Thirteen Colonies were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states. The Congress voted to approve independence by passing the Lee Resolution on July 2 and adopted the Declaration of Independence two days later, on July 4. Freedom isn’t Free… It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be f...

Memorial Day is more than a day off of work, cookouts, travel, sales (even though I love a good sale!), and the unofficial kickoff to summer. The federal holiday honors military personnel who lost their lives defending the country. It’s observed each year on the last Monday in May, this year it’s tomorrow May 26th. Memorial Day was originally called "Decoration Day" and was recognized as early as the 1860s after the Civil War. After World War I, the focus of the holiday shifted to honor American soldiers who died in any war, not only the Civil War. Since Memorial Day is a solemn day to remember the fallen, the Wounded Warrior Project advises people to say: "Have a meaningful Memorial Day," not "Happy Memorial Day."   However you spend the holiday, I hope it includes real rest—and a moment to remember the service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.   So, have a  ​M eaningful Memorial Day!   ​   Be Blessed!

  When God Gives You The Silent Treatment (Praying Through Unanswered Prayers) About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachtani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Matthew 27:46 As Jesus hung on the cross for our sins, darkness covered the land. John was the  only  disciple of the 11, along with four women, who risked everything to show up in the middle of Jesus’ suffering. The scene stood in stark contrast to the day Jesus’ earthly ministry had begun three years earlier. When Jesus was baptized, the heavens opened and the Spirit of God descended like a dove upon Him. God’s voice could be heard saying, “This is My beloved Son. I take delight in Him.” But on Good Friday, no one heard God’s voice. Jesus cried out from His cross, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Jesus was in the center of His purpose, fulfilling God’s perfect plan, when He felt the  most  forsaken and alone. Remember, Jesus did...