An Offering of Thanks

October 3, 1863

By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

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. [...]

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 one 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. [...]


THAT is the precedent Abe Lincoln intended to set for Thanksgiving 146 years ago, and that is what the Holiday ought to still be about! As elements of self-indulgence and materialism continue to encroach upon this original and upright intent for Thanksgiving Day, may we solidly stand and offer this day as an offering of Thanksgiving and Praise to the Great Creator and Provider.

The Lord has indeed been merciful to me in that He does not deal me the full consequences my sins deserve; He has indeed been gracious in that He deals me many good things that I by no means deserve; He has indeed been generous in that He has blessed me abundantly with far more than I need. Indeed, I have much to be thankful for!

Lord, I praise you and thank you:

• that "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of the Son He loves". (Colossians 1:13)

• for putting Mom, Dad, Butterfly, Aweba, Fredman, Bug, and all my extended family and friends in my life.

• for a bountiful and exciting place to live! Even when I was living in a shed it was plenty, but You have blessed me with abundantly more!

• that You know all things and lovingly direct our path in life toward the route that is ultimately the best... even when that means we don't get our way which we desire so strongly.

God, you are good! I praise you and thank you for the many blessings You have poured on us! This Day is Yours.

On my heart

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

The plan

"It's been 6 months since the last real blog... have you lost interest?"

No. Simply put, there are so many historically significant events occurring now, many of my previous pursuits/hobbies like "shedding" seem frivolous in light of current circumstances.

For example:

• The largest "transfer" of private debt to public debt in the history of mankind (so far...) is taking place right now. Capitalism is either being redefined or reconsidered.

• The U.S. Government is openly warning about significant budget shortfalls, including that of social security, which is on course to be officially bankrupt by 2038. These types of shortfalls that are more than just cyclical downturns have necessitated the government to change it's shape dramatically within this generation simply to be able to continue to govern.

• The birth rate of many "foundational" countries of our time including France, England, Germany, and Spain (in fact, most of Europe) has fallen below 1.9... a rate below which no civilization has ever reversed. The birth rate in America is around 1.6, if we include Latino immigration, it jumps to 2.11. At the same time, Muslim immigration to these countries has soared. This suggests there is great opportunity for a drastic world change in the near future.

• ...and the list goes on!

We are living in historic times. Decisions of tremendous consequence are being made right now which I believe will forge the tracks upon which many future generations will hinge upon, for better or worse. The world is changing fast in nearly every aspect; intellectually, politically, economically, and spiritually (the former 3 will swing and sway throughout all human existence; it's only the latter that I am truly concerned about.)

Regardless of what happens though, we can be encouraged that Christ's return is that much nearer! (And you've got to admit, this is a downright exciting time to be alive!)

A plan, a purpose, a dream...

As the melting pot has churned, an extremely prudent opportunity (seemingly) has arisen. Obviously, I will not talk about it online, but if you know me well you probably know a little about it. In a way, I am starting a (small) business. I am saving everything I can, liquidating my securities, reducing withholdings (in anticipation of future tax benefits), even weighing the possibility of selling my car and biking for 3 months... anything I can to ensure the capital is there when it's time to strike!

...all of this takes time. And knowledge, the acquisition of which takes even more time. And that's why there's not much left for shedding and blogging. :)

God bless America.

Daniel Knueppel and Amy Thompson. God bless them now and forever.