In just a few weeks many of us in the good old US of A will be sitting down at our dinner tables to enjoy a wonderful meal that has been prepared by loving hands. Favorite family recipes prepared to our liking and the table will be full. Turkey, ham or both with green beans, rice and gravy, cranberry sauce and of course the best cornbread stuffing ever, my bellies a growling already. Mashed potatoes, cornbread and the good old southern standard, iced tea, to wash all of these tasty vittles down. Pumpkin pies,sweeet potatoe souffles, and a freshly baked black walnut cake for dessert. Boy, what a feast awaits.

Family and friends will gather for an afternoon of fun. The kids will have an old football tossing it around the back yard or maybe a basketball shooting a few hoops arguing who fouled who or what letter in the game of horse they really did have before they missed that last shot. while the grownups will be sitting around sipping some good coffee and enjoying some warm fellowship and friendly conversation. Maybe the TV will be tuned in to a good football game. The ladies will be busily chatting and talking about the dishes each has prepared and maybe even sharing some local gossip. Who is having a new baby? Who run off with who;'s wiife? Did you hear about..? Are you going to any Christmas sales later this evening or on Froiday morning, you know the mall is opening at 5 AM?

As I pondered all the wonderful things that occur on Thanksgiving day, I suddenly became so aware of how we are blessed above and beyond measure here in our great country while so many of the world's population will go hungry while we are indulging in our festivities.I thought about the Pilgrims and that first meal shared with the Native Americans and how we here in America can draw a parallel with the nation of Israel. From Egypts bondage they wondered in the wilderness for 40 years finally arriving in Canann, to a land that flowed with milk and honey. Homes they did not build and blessings just for the taking. Our forebears came across the big pond to a similar land. A large land they did not own but took away from the American Indians. I feel it was all in the Priovidence of God.

We have been a great nation with His blessings upon our land. We produce much of the worlds food supply and when any country suffers a Tsunami, earthquake, or some other major catatrophic event, we are the first to lend a hand. I believe this pleases God and one of the reasons he still allows us to be a great country. Sadly in spite of our good will and peacefull gestures, the world at large hates us, many would like to annihilate us.I just hope this Thanksgiveing Day, we will all pause to be truly Thankfull and realize afresh where the bounty comes .