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
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?
Happy Birthday to my oldest...he turns 28 today...now how can I be old enough to have a child that age?
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteThis 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!
ReplyDeleteThis 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteAnd happy birthday to your son! Was it difficult giving birth at age 2? winky winky wink wink
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.
ReplyDeleteHappy 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
I miss the days of celebrating with young kids . . . although I cherish holidays with adult kids.
ReplyDeleteFondly,
Glenda
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.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to that boy of yours. Twenty-eight you say? =D
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
Thanks for the info and story. Look for us at the Texas/A&M game. I will look for your son! :)
ReplyDeleteI 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
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDelete(How is that for a comment that doesn't really apply to your post!!"
Hi Janette! What a great reminder you have shared today! Happy Birthday to your eldest :) Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteThanksgiving is my hubby's favorite holiday.
ReplyDeleteWe truly have so much to be thankful for!
It sounds like a good read. I'll have to find it for my g'children.
ReplyDeleteSo many blessings!
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.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Noreen
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.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I totally agree; God's sovereignty and providence are utterly amazing! Thank you for the encouraging reminder!
ReplyDeleteHappy 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!
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!
ReplyDeletePS Are you doing all the cookin'?
PS#2 We are NOT that old. I didn't get any sense 'til I was 40.:)
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!
ReplyDeleteThis was such an interesting post for me. I've forgotten more than I remember about the Pilgrims. Shame on me!
ReplyDeleteWait until your son turns 35 and then you really will wonder how you can be that old. :o)
Blessings!
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!
ReplyDeletexo
Leslie
Happy Birthday to your son, Janette!! I don't know how they grow up so fast!
ReplyDeleteLOVED the post about the early settlers. AMAZING! Hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! blessings ~ tanna
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.
ReplyDeleteLana
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!
ReplyDeleteI love this holiday! God is so good and I love that this holiday is
ReplyDeletespecifically 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
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.
ReplyDeleteHappy 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.
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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
Janette,
ReplyDeleteThis 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
Yes, it's an amazing story! When I first moved to the US, I was delighted to learn this tale of God's provision.
ReplyDelete(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!
You have inspired me to look deeper into Thanksgiving. The history of our country has been blessed by God.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding us all.
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!
ReplyDeleteYes, I also continue to be amazed at the fortitude of the pilgrims, and the faithful Providence of our Lord!
ReplyDeleteGod 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!
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 . . .
ReplyDeleteJoy!
KAthy
So amazing! Yes, HIS story!
ReplyDeleteThanks 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
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
ReplyDeleteWhat 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.
ReplyDeleteAs always I am so blessed.
Wishing you and your family a most blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.
Love,
Sue