Squanto

    

O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. ~Psalms 105:1

You know the picture in our minds we all get of the Indian brave who walked into the Pilgrim village in the spring of 1621 to show the Pilgrims how to plant corn, beans, and pumpkins? Wasn’t his name Squanto? Or didn’t anyone ever tell you about Squanto?

We Gather Together

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. 

~Psalms 69:30

As a child, one of my favorite things about Thanksgiving was the song we sang at school; We Gather Together.  We weren't told very much of it's background just that it points us to God and his provision for us. That's a big deal, but as an adult, I wanted to know more. Was this a song sung by the Pilgrims? When was it written and by whom? What was its purpose? 

Here's the song we sang at school. We must have sung it repeatedly because I still remember most of the words 60-plus years later. 

Theodore Baker, 1894

Verse 1:
We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing;
He chastens and hastens His will to make known.
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.
Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.

Verse: 2
Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, were at our side, all glory be Thine!

Verse 3:
We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,
And pray that Thou still our Defender will be.
Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;
Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

The verses seem to fit perfectly with all the Pilgrims faced - persecution in England, flight to Holland, and then feeling the necessity of going to America because their children were becoming too Dutch. So what is the background of this beautiful Thanksgiving hymn? 

The Dutch were at war with the Spanish in 1597 when an unknown author penned the words, which are not exactly the same as the English. Be that as it may, Adrianus Valerius collected Dutch folk songs and put them to music. His son published the collection in 1626, the year after Valerius's death. Though the Pilgrims may have known the song, they would have associated it with the war with Spain. It was in Dutch, not English. They were separatists seeking freedom of worship, not war. 

That leads us to the next question: How did the song get here, and in English? More research led me to the New Amsterdam colony in New York. These Dutch colonists brought the song early in the 17th Century. It wasn't until 1894 that Theodore Baker translated it into English and Latin. It then began to be published in American hymnals in the early 20th Century. 

Regardless of the song's origins, I still think it's an appropriate song with which to praise the name of God and magnify Him with thanksgiving.

Heavenly Father, thank you for creating songs. They are so easy to remember. Thank you, that you have allowed men to write songs that praise you and magnify your name because there is no other name above You. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Hey Kids:

Research often seems so boring but when we are researching things we really want to know the task is not so tedious.

Do you have a favorite song? 

Maybe you're already singing Christmas songs.

Why did someone write your favorite song? 

When did they write it?

Is it still serving the same purpose or like We Gather Together, has it taken on a new meaning?

 

If My People

 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land. ~II Chronicles 7:14 KJV

Many people have prayed, I among them, and agonized over the condition of our country, especially over the last few months. Many breathed a sigh of relief and felt the answer to those prayers, but friends prayer warriors should not let down their guard and say,"Oh, the battle is over. We can relax now." On the contrary, there is yet much work to do and prayers to be prayed. 

One of the things the Lord has laid on my heart is a return to reading God's word—not just reading but studying it so that we know how to humble ourselves and pray for God's forgiveness and direction for our nation.

This week I offer a short reading on which you can easily expand, a thought and a prayer for each day. This, the week before our Thanksgiving, is a great time to start reading and studying our Bibles in preparation of humbling ourselves to give true Thanksgiving for all God's blessings on our families and our nation. 

Monday Reading:
      Exodus 36:5,6 The people were so excited about the work of the Tabernacle that they brought more than was needed. Moses had to give a command to stop bringing things for the Tabernacle.

What a wonderful situation to find ourselves in. When has the offering ever been too much? When has a congregation been so excited about God's work that they had to be told their gifts were enough?

Heavenly Father, at this season of Thanksgiving, may our thankfulness for all you have done be demonstrated in the enthusiasm we show in working for Your kingdom. May Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Tuesday Reading
       Exodus 37:1, 10, 25, 29 These verses demonstrate the responsibilities of Bezaleel. God chose him to do a mighty work but he is actually an unknown figure. His faithfulness to his calling has affected the understanding and worship of God for millions of people for thousands of years.

Can others look at my work and see my faithfulness to God's calling? Is my faithfulness or lack thereof affecting others? Surely everything we do affects others.

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me a work to do. Help me to be faithful to Your calling regardless of how much or how little credit I receive. You must increase and I must decrease. Be glorified, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Wednesday Reading:
      Exodus 38:8 The women brought their brass mirrors to make the brass laver, a place for the priests to wash their hands. Have you ever noticed women when they pass a mirror, even in a store? We have to stop and check ourselves.  Beautiful hair, clothes, and make-up can all be a mess if a woman doesn't have a mirror to check herself. The women of Israel gave their most prized possession. They humbled themselves before God, putting aside their vanity for the building of the place of worship.

Heavenly Father, please open my eyes to the things I put before worship, before praise, before witnessing. Help me to humble myself for Your work. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Thursday Reading:
       Exodus 39: 18. The names of the tribes of Israel covered the priest's heart and his shoulders bore the weight.

Are God's people on my heart? Are the lost on my heart? Do I have a burden for people or do I just complain about the situation?

Heavenly Father help me carry a burden for repentance among Your people and a burden to see the lost saved. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Friday Reading:
      Exodus 40:34. The people had followed God's directions. They had set up the tabernacle in God's order and He had descended on it. He guided their way day and night.

When our lives are clean God abides and directs our way. When we allow sin to enter in the Spirit departs until our lives are clean-forgiven. I John 1:9. We cannot do a work for God if we harbor sin .

Heavenly Father, direct my path that I might walk in Your way. May my life be pleasing unto You. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Hey Kids:

 This week join your parents in the study of the Tabernacle.

There are online kits to build replicas that give you a better idea of how things looked and worked. 

If you aren't able to order a kit check out the pictures on line. Ask questions. Consider what you could have given in building the tabernacle. 

Consider what you can do today to help build God's kingdom. 

Prayer for the Millions

 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. 

~Mark 14:38 NIV 

A friend reminded me that 2000 years ago, the same moon that shines down tonight, shined down on a garden called Gethsemane near Jerusalem. Twelve men, Jesus and eleven of His disciples came there after the Passover supper to pray. Jesus asked His disciples to watch and pray that they not enter into temptation.  Jesus went a little farther, about a stone's throw away, and began to pray. 

As Jesus prayed, He began to sweat great drops of blood, so much so that it ran down and fell on the ground. He prayed for the death sentence upon Him to be removed, but only if it were the Father's will. No one wants to die, but no doubt Jesus had seen the agony and torture of a crucifixion. Even more than the crucifixion was the burden of the punishment for our sins that was upon him. He loved the Father and He loved us. He was willing to die that death if there was no other way to save us. You see, Jesus has also seen the torture and agony in the pits of hell that lasts far longer than a crucifixion. Hell lasts for all eternity.  

When Jesus returned to His disciples, they were asleep. He woke them up and asked again that they pray. The second time He found them asleep and woke them. The third time, He let them sleep. He knew the men and officers from the chief priests were on their way with Judas. The agony was just beginning. 

At this Thanksgiving season, have we taken the time to ponder what really happened over 2000 years ago? We're busy cooking, visiting, and eating Grandma's special dishes; stuffing ourselves into sleepy obliviousness. Have we allowed ourselves to be lulled to sleep while Jesus agonizes over souls that daily are going into the pits of hell? When is the last time we have agonized over lost friends and loved ones, over countries and nations, peoples and races? Jesus asks us to stay awake and pray so we don't enter into temptation, the temptation to just let life go on as normal. 

Heavenly Father, help us not forget the millions who are lost, who are fighting for their survival, who have never heard the gospel. Help us not forget You have commanded us to go into all the world and preach the gospel. We know you do not intend for us to leave anyone out, friend or enemy, Jew or Gentile. Help us remember the Pilgrims came here to freely worship the Lord. They reached out to Native Americans and later to others who settled here, both Jew and Gentile, black and white, all with whom they came in contact. Help us Lord to look around us and share the Gospel with all those You put in our path. In Jesus's name. Amen.

 

Give thanks to the Lord of lords, For His lovingkindness endures forever. Psalms 136:3 (AMP)

I want to share a beautiful children's book I received the other day. Before I even opened it I was impressed with the artwork, at how well Olya Bodulina, who lives in Russia, knew our animals and our scenes. 

There is lots to share with your child. Author Jean Matthew Hall's child-friendly rhythmic language invites the reader/listener to share in God's blessings. The words and pictures are well matched to invite children 4-8 years old into the world of fall.

The blessings God has provided for the animals and us will help open children's eyes to the happenings around them. Some of the scenes are familiar, others will be new but intriguing to young minds. Parents can use the story and pictures to help children notice the animals and the changes in their own backyard or on trips to apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and leaf-peeping adventures. As a parent, I would love to make a checklist or a bingo game for my children to look for the animals and the blessings God has provided for them and for us. 

Blessings are all around us this fall. Taking time to notice brings joy in the midst of our craziness. I want to encourage my family and others to give prayers of thanksgiving for all the blessings of the fall. 

God's Blessings of Fall is available on Amazon and other booksellers. Be sure to watch for more of Jean's books to come in the Blessings series. 

I give God's Blessings of Fall 5 stars! 

Heavenly Father, thank you for all your blessings of a beautiful fall, food on our table, and warm homes with family we love. May we honor and thank you not just at Thanksgiving but all year long. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Hey Kids:

I'd like to share a few books about family get-togethers as we celebrate Thanksgiving this week. They are not about Thanksgiving but about family visits, some in the mountains, some at the beach, and some may just be next door. Look for things the families have in common as well as their differences. 

The Pink House by Sally Kate Palmer

The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant

She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain by Chris Demarest

Grandma's Feather Bed by John Denver

How is your family like the families in the books? How are they different? What sounded like fun? What new celebrations would you like to add to your family gatherings? 

The Thanksgiving Miracle

  

O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. ~Psalms 105:1

You know the picture in our minds we all get of the Indian brave who walks into the Pilgrim village in the spring of 1621 to show the Pilgrims how to plant corn, and beans, and pumpkin? Wasn’t his name Squanto? Or didn’t anyone ever tell you about Squanto?

  

Give thanks to the Lord of lords, For His lovingkindness endures forever. Psalms 136:3 (AMP)

I want to share a beautiful children's book I received the other day. Before I even opened it I was impressed with the artwork, at how well Olya Bodulina, who lives in Russia, knew our animals and our scenes. 

There is lots to share with your child. Author Jean Matthew Hall's child-friendly rhythmic language invites the reader/listener to share in God's blessings. The words and pictures are well matched to invite children 4-8 years old into the world of fall.

The blessings God has provided for the animals and us will help open children's eyes to the happenings around them. Some of the scenes are familiar, others will be new but intriguing to young minds. Parents can use the story and pictures to help children notice the animals and the changes in their own backyard or on trips to apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and leaf-peeping adventures. As a parent, I would love to make a checklist or a bingo game for my children to look for the animals and the blessings God has provided for them and for us. 

Blessings are all around us this fall. Taking time to notice brings joy in the midst of our craziness. I want to encourage my family and others to give prayers of thanksgiving for all the blessings of the fall. 

God's Blessings of Fall is available on Amazon and other booksellers. Be sure to watch for more of Jean's books to come in the Blessings series. 

I give God's Blessings of Fall 5 stars! 

Heavenly Father, thank you for all your blessings of a beautiful fall, food on our table, and warm homes with family we love. May we honor and thank you not just at Thanksgiving but all year long. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Hey Kids:

I'd like to share a few books about family get-togethers as we celebrate Thanksgiving this week. They are not about Thanksgiving but about family visits, some in the mountains, some at the beach, some may just be next door. Look for things the families have in common as well as their differences. 

The Pink House by Sally Kate Palmer

The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant

She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain by Chris Demarest

Grandma's Feather Bed by John Denver

How is your family like the families in the books? How are they different? What sounded like fun? What new celebrations would you like to add to your family gatherings? 

In God We Trust

 

O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. ~Psalms 105:1

You know the picture in our minds we all get of the Indian brave who walks into the Pilgrim village in the spring of 1621 to show the Pilgrims how to plant corn, and beans, and pumpkin? Wasn’t his name Squanto? Or didn’t anyone ever tell you about Squanto?

Blessings in Disguise

 

O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. 
Psalms 105:1

You know that picture in our minds we all get of the Indian brave who walks into the Pilgrim village in the spring of 1621 to show the Pilgrims how to plant corn, and beans, and pumpkin? Wasn’t his name Squanto? Or didn’t anyone ever tell you about Squanto?

It's Not Christmas Yet!

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. Psalms 26:7

Is your tree up? As I left school on Monday, I saw someone had pulled out the decorations. A huge tree with a few sparse balls was already going up in the lobby. Ughhh, yes, I knew there were only a few weeks left until Christmas break and we had Art Night this week, but really? Did we really have to skip Thanksgiving? 

As we entered the building on Tuesday morning, a spectacular tree greeted us with fall leaves, pumpkins, and scarecrows. A Tree of Thanksgiving, what a wonderful idea! We delighted in the tree all week as it reminded us to be thankful for all God has given us. It's given us time to teach the children about the Pilgrim's desire to freely worship, their struggles coming to and living in a new land. It reminded us to teach about Squanto, a man God prepared to help the Pilgrims survive. It reminded us of the freedom we have to live and worship because of the sacrifices of others.

I am thankful for so many things this year and I'm thankful for an assistant principal who created our Thanksgiving tree!

Blessings,

Gail

Hey Kids:

Did you know Squanto spoke English? How did that happen?

Did you know the support of the main mast of the Mayflower broke in a storm? How did they repair it? 

Let's not rush Christmas. How can you show reminders of your gratitude?

You can make a simple tree of thanksgiving with a few green sticky notes and colored pens.

At each meal, you and your family can write one thing on a sticky note for which you are thankful. 

Place the notes in the shape of a tree on a prominent wall or window. 

Watch the tree grow and take shape this week as you and your family express your gratitude for all God has given you.

 

Squanto, Part of God's Good Plan

O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. 
Psalms 105:1

You know that picture in our minds we all get of the Indian brave who walks into the Pilgrim village in the spring of 1621 to show the Pilgrims how to plant corn, and beans and pumpkin? Wasn’t his name Squanto? Or didn’t anyone ever tell you about Squanto?

This Thanksgiving tale of the Indian who greeted the Pilgrims with an English “Welcome” and then taught them to plant corn and fish, always seemed to me to be just that – a tale, until I learned how God brought it all about - A slave ship sailing along a shore, kidnapping young boys and taking them back to Spain; an entire tribe wiped out by disease; a lone man given his freedom returning from Europe to find no one left. There’s far more to the truth than meets the eye here. God is always taking the evil man devises and turning it into good for those that love him. The slave traders of Europe had meant it for evil against the Indians. They cared only for their pocketbooks but God used it for good. The people who came seeking to worship Him in a new land were starving and fearful of the Indians surrounding them. They needed someone who could help and someone they could understand. God placed Squanto, the  Indian once captured and sold for a slave there to willingly help the starving Pilgrims. 

In the Bible Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. They thought he probably died in Egypt until they went there to buy food. Who should they find to provide for them, but their own brother, in control of all the food of Egypt? Joseph’s brothers meant it for evil against Joseph, but God had used it for good.

Tragedy seems to surround us on every hand, but God has not left us alone. He is working all things for our good. Pray for those involved in all the tragedies. Help wherever you can. Do not be afraid, because God is with us through every circumstance working all things for our good.

Blessings,

Gail

Who is Squanto?

O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. 
Psalms 105:1

You know that picture in our minds we all get of the Indian brave who walks into the Pilgrim village in the spring of 1621 to show the Pilgrims how to plant corn, and beans and pumpkin? Wasn’t his name Squanto? Or didn’t any one ever tell you about Squanto?

This Thanksgiving tale of the Indian who greeted the Pilgrims with an English “Welcome” and then taught them to plant corn and fish, always seemed to me to be just that – a tale, until I learned how God brought it all about - A slave ship sailing along a shore, kidnapping young boys and taking them back to Spain; an entire tribe wiped out by disease; a lone man returning from Europe to find no one left. There’s far more to the truth than meets the eye here. God is always taking the evil man devises and turning it into good for those that love him. The slave traders of Europe had meant it for evil against the Indians but God used it for good for the people who came seeking to worship him in a new land.

In the Bible Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. They thought he probably died in Egypt until they went there to buy food. Who should they find to provide for them, but their own brother, in control of all the food of Egypt. Joseph’s brothers meant it for evil against Joseph, but God had used it for good.

Tragedy seems to surround us on every hand, but God has not left us alone. He is working all things for our good. Pray for those involved in all the tragedies. Help wherever you can. Do not be afraid, because God is with us through every circumstance.

Blessings,

Gail

Hey Kids:

I remember one Thanksgiving writing a skit with my little brother of the first Thanksgiving. I'm not sure how accurate the skit was, but we had a lot of fun and the grownups thought we were the best.

After we wrote down a few speaking parts we looked for patterns for pilgrim hats and Indian head bands and vests.

Directions weren't as easy to find as they are today. We had to search actual books. No internet in our day much less Pintrest. 

Researching, planning and writing are all fun when we use them for authentic writing. All that means is writing for a real audience for real reasons. Our reason was to share a historical event by performing for the grown-ups at our Thanksgiving dinner.  

I chickened out until my little brother complained that we had already planned the performance and he wanted to do it. I couldn't let little brother show me up.

Have fun sharing your knowledge of God's blessings on our country. I few feathers and a little face paint can make the fun go a long way. 

A Tree of Thanksgiving

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. Psalms 26:7

Is your tree up? As I left school on Monday, I saw someone had pulled out the decorations. A huge tree with a few sparse balls was already going up in the lobby. Ughhh, yes, I knew there were only a few weeks left until Christmas break and we had Art Night this week, but really? Did we really have to skip Thanksgiving? 

As we entered the building Tuesday morning, a spectacular tree greeted us with fall leaves, pumpkins, and scarecrows. A Tree of Thanksgiving, what a wonderful idea! We delighted in the tree all week as it reminded us to be thankful for all God has given us. It's given us time to teach the children about the Pilgrim's desire to freely worship, their struggles coming to and living in a new land. It reminded us to teach about Squanto, a man God prepared to help the Pilgrims survive. It reminded us of the freedom we have to live and worship because of the sacrifices of others.

I am thankful for so many things this year and I'm thankful for an assistant principal who created our Thanksgiving tree!

Blessings,

Gail

Hey Kids:

Did you know Squanto spoke English? How did that happen?

Did you know the support of the main mast of the Mayflower broke in a storm? How did they repair it? 

Let's not rush Christmas. How can you show reminders of your gratitude?

You can make a simple tree of thanksgiving with a few green sticky notes and colored pens.

At each meal, you and your family can write one thing on a sticky note for which you are thankful. 

Place the notes in the shape of a tree on a prominent wall or window. 

Watch the tree grow and take shape this week as you and your family express your  gratitude of all God has given you.

 

A Tree of Thanksgiving

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. Psalms 26:7

Is your tree up? As I left school on Monday, I saw someone had pulled out the decorations. A huge tree with a few sparse balls was already going up in the lobby. Ughhh, yes, I knew there were only a few weeks left until Christmas break and we had Art Night this week, but really? Did we really have to skip Thanksgiving? 

As we entered the building Tuesday morning, a spectacular tree greeted us with fall leaves, pumpkins, and scarecrows. A Tree of Thanksgiving, what a wonderful idea! We delighted in the tree all week as it reminded us to be thankful for all God has given us. It's given us time to teach the children about the Pilgrim's desire to freely worship, their struggles coming to and living in a new land. It reminded us to teach about Squanto, a man God prepared to help the Pilgrims survive. It reminded us of the freedom we have to live and worship because of the sacrifices of others.

I am thankful for so many things this year and I'm thankful for an assistant principal who created our Thanksgiving tree!

Blessings,

Gail

Hey Kids:

Did you know Squanto spoke English? How did that happen?

Did you know the support of the main mast of the Mayflower broke in a storm? How did they repair it? 

Let's not rush Christmas. How can you show reminders of your gratitude?

You can make a simple tree of thanksgiving with a few green sticky notes and colored pens.

At each meal, you and your family can write one thing on a sticky note for which you are thankful. 

Place the notes in the shape of a tree on a prominent wall or window. 

Watch the tree grow and take shape this week as you and your family express your  gratitude of all God has given you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Give Thanks

O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. 
Psalms 105:1

You know that picture in our minds we all get of the Indian brave who walks into the Pilgrim village in the spring of 1621 to show the Pilgrims how to plant corn? Wasn’t his name Squanto? Or didn’t any one ever tell you about Squanto?

This Thanksgiving tale of the Indian who greeted the Pilgrims with an English “Welcome” and then taught them to plant corn and fish, always seemed to me to be just that – a tale, until I learned how God had brought it all about - A slave ship sailing along a shore, kidnapping young boys and taking them back to Spain; an entire tribe wiped out by disease; a lone man returning from Europe to find no one left. There’s far more to the truth than meets the eye here. God is always taking the evil man devises and turning it into good for those that love him. The slave traders of Europe had meant it for evil against the Indians but God used it for good for the people who came seeking to worship him in a new land.

In the Bible Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. They thought he probably died in Egypt until they went there to buy food. Who should they find to provide for them, but their own brother, in control of all the food of Egypt. Joseph’s brothers meant it for evil against Joseph, but God had used it for good.

Tragedy seems to surround us on every hand, but God has not left us alone. He is working all things for our good. Pray for those involved in all the tragedies. Help wherever you can. Do not be afraid, because God is with us through every circumstance.

Blessings,

Gail

Hey Kids!

What can you find out about the first Thanksgiving? About Squanto? What can you tell this Thanksgiving about God’s goodness to you and to God’s people? Won’t you share God’s blessings with us, so that we too might rejoice with you?