Thankful Thursday

I read the words of two of the most influential men in the history of our country. 

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General Thanksgiving

By the PRESIDENT of the United States Of America
A PROCLAMATION

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 favour;…George Washington, 1789

by the President of the United States of America

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.…Abraham Lincoln, 1863

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I am grateful for their wisdom.  I am grateful for men and women of God who risked everything leaving all behind and journeyed to an unknown land.  I am grateful that many of our past leaders have acknowledged God and sought His will for their lives and our nation.  I am grateful to live in a nation where I can freely proclaim that Jesus is Lord and King of the Universe.

I am grateful that Father God still rules in the affairs of men.  I am grateful that His hand holds the universe and everything is under his control.  I need never fear the future for He goes before me and prepares the way. 

I am grateful for the faith God instills in men who still seek His face.  I am grateful God gives hope for the future.  I am grateful God sheds His love daily by His mercy and grace. 

Father – Thank you that in times past and in the present you instilled in men the wisdom and knowledge to fear you and look to you for guidance.  God, help me to honor you in all I say and all I do.  Father, bless those who look to you, who acknowledge you, who obey you.  May your presence surround them and carry them wherever they go.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Thankful List #811-820

Check out Ann’s inspiring blog to learn more about 1000 gifts and The Gratitude Community.