Welcome to my eclectic journey of my life and delights. This year my theme is surrendering my writing pen to the true author, Jesus Christ, while looking forward to the future, reflecting on the past and dancing through my journey.




Monday, November 21, 2011

Still Amazes Me




Each year as I recount with my children the story of God's providence over the sojourners of the Mayflower, I am amazed.  The story never grows old.  The story inspires me through my struggles and once again reminds me God has a plan.  It truly is His Story.

How can you not have tears come to your eyes when you step back and look at the sovereignty of God over the Settlers of Plymouth Plantation? Amazing examples of God's sovereignty:

  • the main beam of the ship broke...which should have led to the sinking of the vessel...instead there was a screw brought with the passengers for home building that repaired the mast
  • 66 days at sea
  • not one person lost on the voyage
  • boys set off firecrackers and yet they didn't catch the gunpowder on fire that would have led to a total explosion of the ship
  • a compact made between all travelers before leaving the ship
  • corn found in baskets that provided food through the first winter
  • over half of the Pilgrims died during the first winter...none were children
  • usually only 6 adults were well enough at a time to build the settlement
  • peaceful Indians....they also spoke English - Massasoit, Samoset, Squanto
  • A clearing in the land for the settlement
  • Squanto taught them how to survive while he lived his remaining days with them
  • A peace treaty with the Indians that lasted over 50 years
  • A three-day celebration after the first hard winter - more Indians in attendance than settlers
  • No one turned back to go home
As I recall the story once again, I stand amazed.  God touches my heart, reminding me of His plans in each of our lives.  He is our strength.  To Him we owe all our Thanks.  He is Sovereign.


Happy Thanksgiving

Last years post on how we celebrate Thanksgiving - click on Thanksgiving.
Happy Birthday to my oldest...he turns 28 today...now how can I be old enough to have a child that age?

37 Joining in with more words:

Rebecca said...

I sure enjoyed "eating at your table" of information! You've obviously studied and/or remembered a lot more than me! It really IS amazing, Janette.

Debbie said...

I haven't studied any of this in years. How interesting it all is, and your right, TOTALLY amazing! Have a wonderful, wonderful Thanksgiving Janette, and Happy birthday to your son!....28 sounds pretty young to me btw, try 39!!! HUGS

Kathleen said...

This year the Mayflower's voyage is more personal to me than ever before. I've been researching ancestry, and find that I am a direct descendant of both William Brewster & Richard Warren. In recent days I've been reading anything I could get my hands on about that courageous band. Oh that we'd hear it told more often!

Mary said...

This is amazing to me. Thanks for sharing. People were tougher back then; didn't expect things to be easy. Our founders, and the pioneers. I believe God supernaturally empowered them, too, emotionally as well as in other ways. Amazing that they didn't turn back. That is amazing. I have not studied about this either in many years.

Debbie said...

I couldn't agree more! If one has any doubts as to God's hand in the colonization of this land, he doesn't know the story.

And happy birthday to your son! Was it difficult giving birth at age 2? winky winky wink wink

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

Such a good story to remember this week. And yes, the bottom line, as it was for them and is for us... GOD is sovereign.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family and a special Happy Birthday to your 28 year old!! Wow... I remember 28, it was a good year! :)

xo

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

I miss the days of celebrating with young kids . . . although I cherish holidays with adult kids.

Fondly,
Glenda

Vee said...

Oh I enjoyed the review. It's good to be reminded! God certainly prepared the way. The story of Squanto in and of itself proves that.

Happy birthday to that boy of yours. Twenty-eight you say? =D

Farm Girl said...

I am amazed too and my kids never seem to catch the huge amount of miracles. I love reading it over and over and every time I glean something else that just takes my breath away.
I still laugh at how the women washed clothes first when they first landed.
I love the stories but I also love just how human they were and yet they persevered. In spite of the odds.
I also cry every time I read the things so maybe that is why they don't like it.
Have a great week!

Amy said...

Thanks for the info and story. Look for us at the Texas/A&M game. I will look for your son! :)
I will be in a half Aggie half Longhorn tshirt! Really don't care for this game much. Case may be starting though so have to have some Longhorn spirit too! Blessings and have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Amy

Karen said...

Wow! I can't say I remembered all those details. But, when you list them like that it certainly does point to God's sovreign hand.

Shanda said...

I feel tired when I read blogs like this. The reason: if I had to home school right now I would crawl in a hole. I don't have near the energy or concentration anymore. So, Kudos to you. Keep up the good work.
(How is that for a comment that doesn't really apply to your post!!"

Theresa said...

Hi Janette! What a great reminder you have shared today! Happy Birthday to your eldest :) Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Alice said...

Thanksgiving is my hubby's favorite holiday.

We truly have so much to be thankful for!

camp and cottage living said...

It sounds like a good read. I'll have to find it for my g'children.
So many blessings!

NanaNor's said...

Hi Janette, Love your post but I'm not familiar with the book so have to check out your other post. Blessings to you and yours this week and Happy Thanksgiving.
Hugs, Noreen

Sandy said...

It really is His story and it is pretty amazing! It's all about Him! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Janette.
Blessings!

Petra said...

I totally agree; God's sovereignty and providence are utterly amazing! Thank you for the encouraging reminder!

Happy Birthday to your 'boy'. I actually have one older than that (but don't tell anyone, it makes me look rather old!:-)

Wishing you a most blessed Thanksgiving with lots of love and good food!

Lisa said...

It is a beautiful story about our faithful God. I know your little one loves all the adventure that goes along with this remarkable voyage!
PS Are you doing all the cookin'?
PS#2 We are NOT that old. I didn't get any sense 'til I was 40.:)

Cecilia Marie Pulliam said...

That was an amazing list of miracles. It has been so long since I studied this part of our history, I had forgotten most of it, and may not have known quite all of the things you mentioned. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

This was such an interesting post for me. I've forgotten more than I remember about the Pilgrims. Shame on me!

Wait until your son turns 35 and then you really will wonder how you can be that old. :o)

Blessings!

Leslie @ Farm Fresh Fun said...

Great reminder. I love the story and miracles. Thanks for stoppin in to visit! Did you see I'd been here earlier to catch up but had run outta time to leave a note?! I am thankful for you, friend!
xo
Leslie

Tanna said...

Happy Birthday to your son, Janette!! I don't know how they grow up so fast!

LOVED the post about the early settlers. AMAZING! Hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! blessings ~ tanna

www,FarmLifeLessons.blogspot.com said...

I feel the same way, in awe at all they had endured and triumphed over...without the luxuries we enjoy today. What I think about most is the quality if relationships during those times...how people knew each other, helped each other, talked face-to-face...such a beautiful time to study and respect.

Lana

susanwalkergirl said...

Thank you for sharing some of those amazing facts about the Pilgrims. You can't help but see God's hand of providence. Happy Thanksgiving!

no spring chicken said...

I love this holiday! God is so good and I love that this holiday is
specifically for exploring His providential favor... and a time of thanking Him for His blessings in our lives.

You're not old enough to have a child who is 28, he's too old to have a mother who is 39!

~~Debbie

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing this, Janette. Now I can share some more facts with my own. I especially loved reading how they did not turn back regardless of the hardships.
Happy birthday to your son and to you (it's always mama's birthday on our chickadees' birthdays, after all, we were giving birth to them that day). ;)
Have a very blessed Thanksgiving, Janette. Blessings to you and your loved ones.

Debbie Petras said...

It is amazing to recount their journey and how God's hand was on them. Every year I read a book called "Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember" by Barbara Rainey. It goes through the history of the pilgrims and God's providential hand. I never tire of reading it.

I just noticed Sassy Granny's comment and will have to 'talk' to her. How cool is that?

Happy birthday to your son!

Much love to you and happy Thanksgiving!

Love you,
Debbie

Marsha Young said...

Janette,
This is a wonderful post! And I love that you concluded with
"He is Sovereign."

Now THAT is something to be thankful for. Blessings to you - Marsha

Susannah said...

Yes, it's an amazing story! When I first moved to the US, I was delighted to learn this tale of God's provision.

(We celebrate a near-identical Thanksgiving holiday in Canada in October--without the U.S. history.)

Happy birthday to your oldest! My oldest is very similar in age to yours. Don't fret... we are still young Janette!

Happy Thanksgiving, friend!

Christine said...

You have inspired me to look deeper into Thanksgiving. The history of our country has been blessed by God.

Thank you for reminding us all.

Sally said...

That is a great review. I'm excited, Logan will be home tonight, first time since school started! I'll be praying the travelers in. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Blessings!

Sharon said...

Yes, I also continue to be amazed at the fortitude of the pilgrims, and the faithful Providence of our Lord!

God does have a purpose in each one of our lives. And though I often fight against His control, I find great peace in His unshakeable Sovereignty.

Something you said reminded me of a great truth. You said, "No one turned back to go home." My son and I were talking the other day about some of the difficulties of walking the *narrow way* - but then we both agreed, there truly is no turning back. A convoluted way with God is INFINITELY better than one single step without Him.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

GOD BLESS!

Anonymous said...

Still amazes me, too, Jeanette - which is why I had to do a story series this year. I'm working in a public school where the kids are only learning that Thanksgiving is about sharing and friendship. Really? Oh - if Christ be not at the foundation of our teaching and learning - there is no hope . . .

Joy!
KAthy

A multi-dimensional life said...

So amazing! Yes, HIS story!
Thanks for sharing this beautiful story with us. What a great post.
Janette, you are one of the many blessings I'm grateful for, sweet sister! I hope your Thanksgiving is abundandly blessed and joyful!
xoxo

Nikki (Sarah) said...

I didn't know any of this Jeanette. It was interesting to read and the best....your words..."To Him we owe all our Thanks." Yep....I totally agree. Happy Thanksgiving

Sue said...

What a joy to read this today janette, how quickly we forget the sacrifices that were made and are still being made for us to enjoy the freedoms we have here in the USA. I have always been amazed at how much hardships the pilgrims endured, and still had so much determination,God does have His hand in all matters then and now. What an Awesome God we serve.
As always I am so blessed.
Wishing you and your family a most blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.
Love,
Sue

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