(Recipe: Turkey Tetrazzini - using leftovers)

When you think of the word "Thanksgiving", what comes to mind? Do you gravitate toward the day itself, thinking of all the feasting you will be doing? All the "yummy" food you will be eating. Family and friends who will be present?

Does the story of the Pilgrims celebrating that first Thanksgiving in 1621 come to mind? Do you think of the first national day of Thanksgiving held in 1789 when President George Washington proclaimed Thursday, November 26 to be a "day of public thanksgiving and prayer?" Do you even care about the history of this day and how we came to celebrate it?

I have to admit, I do not usually think about the history of the day. I simply know it is a day to celebrate with my family, a day to enjoy some special foods, and a day to give thanks and praise to God for his many blessings bestowed upon me and my family this past year.

With this thought in mind, and as we celebrate this Thanksgiving Day, let's do so in the context of what God says in his Word. Meditate on the following Scripture verses, and perhaps share one during your time of celebration.

Psalm 27:6b, 7 - "I come to your altar, O Lord, singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders." Share the many wonders God has shown you this year.

Psalm 28:7 - "The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." Sing a song of thanksgiving together as you gather around the dinner table.

Psalm 100:4-5 - "Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation." Share some of the "good" things God has brought your way.

Psalm 95:2-3 - "Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods." Rejoice in the greatness of God.

2 Corinthians 9:15 - "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" Thank God for Jesus.

No matter what you may be going through. No matter what heartache you may be experiencing. No matter what disappointment you may be feeling or what change of plans you may be experiencing, in all these - and more - we can thank God that he has his best plans in mind for us.

The Message states it well: Jeremiah 29:11 - "I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out — plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."

As you celebrate your Thanksgiving Day, take some time to give thanks to God.


Leftover Turkey Recipe - Turkey Tetrazzini

1 8-oz. package cooked egg noodles
2 T. butter
1 small can sliced mushrooms
1 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 cups chopped turkey
1 can condensed cream of celery soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta 8 minutes. Drain. Preheat oven to 375.

Melt butter in large skillet. Saute mushrooms for 1 minute. Season with S & P. Stir in turkey, soup, and sour cream. Pour into 9 x 13 pan. Pour sauce over all. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 20-25 minutes or till bubbly.

If choose, can add crushed Ritz cracker crumbs over top before baking.