Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Day Proclamation

Source

Proclamation Establishing Thanksgiving Day

October 3, 1863

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and 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, tranquillity and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.

A. Lincoln

Thanksgiving 2009

This year has gone by so fast.  I can't believe it almost over already.  I have blessed so much this year.  This has been a tough year for many with job cuts, layoffs and the downward economy. Steve and I were not even immune to it when our Sears closed.  We refused to participate in the Recession though.  We were not going to hang our heads and feel sorry for ourselves, as so many have.  We looked to the future.  Sears was supposed to help us pay off our car loan and it did just that. We are now debt free, except for our Student loans and the house. Not much longer after Sears closed, the YWCA decided to bring us both back up to 40 hours, so any income we lost from Sears we got got back from the YWCA.  Praise God!
There have been some tough times for us this year. It wasn't all roses, but everytime I felt discouraged I remember all the things that we do have.  We have so much.  We are so lucky.

For those that don't know, Steve and I back working at Sears again after taking the Summer off.  We are now just Christmas help, but they may keep us on afterwards. We will just have to wait and see.   If anyone is having out at the mall at Oh-dark Early, I will be at Sears from 3:45am to 4pm.  I'll be in the Hardware Department. Pray for me!  It will be a long day.
Thanksgiving is just a day to day eat way to much food and watch football. It's a day to think about what you are thankful for.  It's about family and friends.

1. First, I am thankful for a God that is patient. We serve an amazing God and I think sometimes I forget that. He has done so much for me that I know I will never be able to thank him enough. He blesses us at every turn. Even when I don't feel like He is there, He is.

2. Second, I am thankful for a husband that is patient. I have the greatest husband ever. He is such a hard-worker. He was even willing to work two jobs this year to help us reach our goal of car debt-freedom. I know some nights he was really tired, but he stuck to the schedule. On top of that, he did work on the house. We got new windows and they are gorgeous. Steve, with the help of friends (Thank you Dad and Bobby and Josh), they installed the windows themselves.

3. Third, I am thankful for my family. My parents are just great. They have been married for 29 years and after all these years they still love to hang out together. With so many marriages ended in Divorce, it is nice to have such a strong example to follow.

4. Fourth, I am thankful for my friends. I have the greatest friends anyone could ever ask for. Some of the best friends that I have right now have been my best friends since Elementary school. We have been through so much together. I truly am thankful for you guys. I hope you know that I would not be who am today without you. We have laughed together, prayed together, and cried together. I am thankful that my friends are forgiving and patient. Sometimes I don't I deserve to have as awesome friends as I do. I can count on them and I hope they can count on me.

5. I have a job that I absolutely love. How many people can say that they actually enjoy going to work everyday? Sometimes it's not all fun and games. It's a lot of work sometimes, but I believe in the mission of the YWCA. I don't see my job as just paperwork and data entry, I am helping victims of Domestic Violence by making sure we have the data for grant billings and reports. My bosses (yes I have two Supervisors now) are supportive, encouraging, and just great to work with.

6. I have a warm place to live. We bought our first house at the end of last year. Maintaining and fixing up a house is hard work, but it been a fun adventure.

It's Getting Cold Outside!

The YWCA is currently in need of winter coats, hats, gloves, scarves for both women and children.
Warm twin-sized blankets and comforters are also needed.

Any donations can be dropped off at the YWCA at 1102 S. Fellows, South Bend, Indiana, 46601.
You can also make monetary donations at http://www.ywcasjc.org/. Thank You!

TLC Cooking: 10 Meals That Are Proven to Make You Happier

Source
10 Meals That Are Proven to Make You Happier
by Alia Hoyt

• 1. Macaroni and Cheese
• The dairy products standard in this recipe (milk and cheese) contain high levels of vitamin B, which has been shown to heavily impact the brain.
• 2. Fish and Brown Rice
• Multiple studies have linked depression to imbalances in omega-3 fatty acids, found abundantly in fish [source: Melone].
• 3. Scrambled eggs and Oatmeal
• Remember those helpful B vitamins found in dairy products? Eggs are also rife with the critical substance.
• 4. Spaghetti with Meatballs
• We've already spelled out the benefits of whole-wheat pasta: It's high in folic acid and helps increase serotonin levels.
• 5. Mashed Potatoes and Turkey
• Turkey and mashed potatoes need not be reserved for Thanksgiving, thanks to the mood-boosting vitamins and minerals this main dish and savory starch contain.
• 6. Banana Split
• This is my favorite of the list. Yum! The two main components -- ice cream and bananas -- are both rich in B vitamins, which are effective depression-thwarters [source: Carper].
• 7. Chili and Cornbread
• Beans are a terrific vehicle for ingesting selenium and increasing levels of magnesium, a deficiency of which has been linked to depression [sources: Magee, Melone]. 
•   The perfect complement to this wintertime favorite is cornbread, which contains gluten, known for its ability to stimulate endorphin production [source: Cohen].
  
  
• 8. Sweet Potato
  
• Complex carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes, are packed full of energy and mood-boosting vitamins and minerals.
  
• 9. Beef Stew with Veggies and Potatoes
• Lean red meat is an excellent source of tryptophan and protein, both of which are critical to mood regulation. Dial down the unhealthiness quotient by trimming any excess fat before putting the meat in the Dutch oven or slow cooker.
• 10. Anything Chocolate
• Multiple studies have revealed that chocolate (gasp!) is actually healthy in moderation. Although it's still high in calories, chocolate contains a myriad of beneficial nutrients that help regulate mood. The sugar that gives chocolate its rich taste helps increase serotonin levels, while the fat content releases mood-elevating endorphins [source: Carper].

Yum. I think I'm going to be putting these foods in my menus.

America Again by Carmen Written in 1993

American Again by Carmen

Listen to the song here

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson
Samuel Adams, First Chief Justice John Jay
Names synonymous with the spirit of our country
Founding fathers of the U.S.A.

Over 200 years ago they shook off the chains of tyranny from Great Britain
By divine call
Citing 27 biblical violations they wrote the Declaration of Independence With liberty and justice for all

But something happened since Jefferson called the Bible the cornerstone
For American liberty then put it in our schools as a light
Or since "Give me liberty, or give me death," Patrick Henry said
Our country was founded on the Gospel of Jesus Christ

We eliminated God from the equation of American life
Thus eliminating the reason this nation first began
From beyond the grave I hear the voices of our founding fathers plead
You need God in America again

Of the 55 men who formed the Constitution
Fifty-two were active members of their church
Founding fathers like Noah Webster who wrote the first dictionary
Could literally quote the Bible chapter and verse

James Madison said, "We've staked our future on our ability to follow
The Ten Commandments with all our heart"
These men believed you couldn't even call yourself an American
If you subvert the Word of God

In his farewell address, Washington said, "You can't have national morality apart from religious principle," and it's true
'Cause right now we have nearly 150,000 kids carrying guns
To these war zones we call public schools

In the '40's and '50's student problems were chewing gum and talking
In the '90's, rape and murder are the trend
The only way this nation can even hope to last this decade
Is put God in America again

The only hope for America is Jesus
The only hope for our country is Him
If we repent of our ways stand firm and say
We need God in America again

Abe Lincoln said, "The philosophy of the classroom in one generation
Will be the philosophy of government of the next"
So when you eliminate the Word of God from the classroom and politics
You eliminate the nation that Word protects

America is now number one in teen pregnancy and violent crime
Number one in illiteracy, drug use, and divorce
Everyday a new holocaust of 5,000 unborn die
While pornography floods our streets like open sewers

America's dead and dying hand is on the threshold of the Church
While the spirit of Sodom and Gomorrah vex us all
When it gets to the point where people would rather
Come out of the closet than clean it
It's a sign that the judgment of God is gonna fall

If there's ever been a time to rise up Church, it's now
And as the blood bought saints of the living God proclaim
That it's time to sound the alarm from the Church house to the White House
And say, "We want God in America again"

I believe it's time for America to stand up and proclaim
That one nation under God is our demand
And send this evil lifestyle back to Satan where it came from
And let the Word of God revive our dying land

For Jesus Christ is coming back again in all His glory
And every eye shall see Him on that day
That's why a new anointing of God's power's coming on us
To boldly tell the world you must be saved

Because astrology won't save you, your horoscope won't save you
The Bible says these things are all a farce
If you're born again, you don't need to look to the stars for your answers
'Cause you can look to the very One who made those stars

History tells us time and time again
To live like there's no God makes you a fool
If you want to see kids live right
Stop handing out condoms and start handing out the Word of God in schools

The only hope for America is Jesus
The only hope for our country is Him
If we repent of our ways
Stand firm and say
We need God in America again

Guess Who's DEBT FREE!!!

If you guessed the YWCA, you would be right!!! I love my job. I sent this email to the Dave Ramsey Show and he actually read it on the air.

Hi Dave,


I work for the YWCA of St. Joe County in South Bend, Indiana. We are a non-profit organization that serves about 1300 women and children every year escaping Domestic Violence and going through Chemical Dependency Treatment. We are one of only a few organizations in Indiana that allow women to bring their children with them during Residential Chemical Dependency Treatment. We also have Transitional Housing for women and children and Permanent Housing for women with disabilities. WE ARE DEBT FREE!!! Even on the building. I love my job and I’m so proud.


My husband and I have been working your plan and we are credit debt free. All we have left is student loans and our house. Thank you for all you do.

Go to this link to listen to the call.  Listen to the November 4th show. You will have to listen to about 20 - 25 minutes of the show before he reads the email on the air.

YWCA Christmas Wish List 2009

YWCA Holiday Wish List 2009

For Children
Toys for all ages

Teenagers

Watches, hand held videogames, batteries for toys if required, young ladies toiletry items, hats and scarves, hair accessories, age appropriate art supplies, portable CD players, MP3 players, gift cards, books.

Children Ages 4 – 12

Legos and other building sets, cars and trucks, dolls and accessories, inexpensive handheld video games, art kits, educational games, board games, puzzles.
School uniforms in all sizes always needed.

Infants and young toddlers

Baby action toys, stuffed animals, baby CD’s, early age videos, hats, mittens, and scarves.Diapers, cribs, pack & plays always needed

For Adults

Robes, slippers, pajamas, throws, alarm clocks, portable cd players, CDs-variety of music, cameras, watches, costume jewelry, calendars, organizers/day planners, hoodies, perfume, bath/body lotions, hair accessories, hat/gloves and scarves.

Note: It will be most appreciated if all gifts are non-violent in nature and, if possible, delivered to the YWCA by December 14th.
If you have any questions please call Peggy King at 574-233-9491 or email her at pking@ywcasjc.org.

If you want to give a monetary donation go to: ywcasjc.org
Thank you in advance you for your generosity.