Abraham Lincoln’s Proclamation, in 1863

The words of Abraham Lincoln’s Proclamation, in 1863 and the first declaring Thanksgiving as a national holiday.

“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 . . . Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense, (sic) 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. . . 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 deliverance s 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, tranquility (sic) and Union.” Abraham Lincoln

These excerpts are taken from the collection of Lincoln's papers in the Library of America series, Vol II, pp. 520-521.

Sunrise - Sunset...Moonrise - Sunset...

Sunrise - East of Albuquerque, NM along I-40 Oct. 14th Taken by Hillenblog

Sunset - Isleta's Pueblo Indian Reservation (Just South of Albuquerque, NM) - Oct. 13th Taken by Hillenblog

Moonrise - Isletas Pueblo rising over the Sandia Mountains Oct. 13th Taken by Hillenblog
Sunset - Palmetto (just North of Rogersville, MO) Oct. 17th - Taken By HillenJr.

"Walk-a-Mile"...how about 2186 Miles in 3 days...

The Good News & The Bad News...

Well...A couple of days ago, I mentioned that we had experienced a huge blessing...by way of American Airlines Points...and that with the generosity of a couple of people putting us over the top (THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!) we had enough points to pay for Barrett & My Tickets to Guatemala for Operation Security Blanket this coming March.

Well as it turns out...with Points (as many of you may know) not so fast. Nothing is ever that easy. Actually it takes 70K points per person (not 30K as it first appeared) to meet the travel schedule with the rest of the group from HSBC...I had almost a total of 70K (I purchased the small balance that I was short) and was able to get a ticket on the same schedule as the rest of the group for me. That is still a blessing and counts for the "Good News" section of this post. One Down.

The Bad News. Looks like were looking for 70K points for Barrett. I know that this is a much bigger request then the first request...But our prayers were answered so quickly...that my faith has enlarged. SO...I'm just putting out here. If you know of anyone that has AA miles they would like to donate to a good cause...Send them this post. The Points remain anonymous when they are transferred into my account so the cool part is...your reward will be in heaven. Hillenblog.

Miles make a great gift.
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My AAdvantage^® Account Number: 5E17M64

Look who dropped by...

And mentioned that they had never "Officially" had their picture taken in the red chair as a "Couple" ...well here you go kids...

Matt & Crystal Flores

We enjoyed getting to know you guys better....Thanks for coming out.

T-Bone & Kristina

Thanks for dropping my the Hillens for some Soup..Football and the Red Chair.