Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Starving Time

In our pre Bible study time this morning we learned a little bit of history that I didn't know about.  
During the winter of 1621-22 the Pilgrims entered a "starving time".  At one point, a daily ration of food for a Pilgrim was 5 kernels of corn. With a simple faith that God would sustain them, no matter what, and they pulled through. History records that not a one of them died from starvation that winter. Not one.
Not only that, the harvest of 1623 brought a surplus of corn, so much that the pilgrims even had extra corn to trade.
Now here is where the neat practice some families have made a tradition each year at Thanksgiving. Beside each place at the Thanksgiving table are five kernels of dried corn. During the meal,a special cup is passed around the table. Each member of the family drops a kernel into the cup while sharing something for which he is grateful. The cup goes around until all the kernels are used and all the thanks are said. Another variation is to place the 5 kernels of corn on the table at the left side of each plate. As you go around the table during the meal, each person moves one kernel from the left to the to the right side of their plate as they share something they are thankful for. Continue around 5 times until all the corn has been moved.
 God has two dwellings: one in heaven, and the other in a meek and thankful heart.
                                         ~Izaak Walton
Happy Thanksgiving to all!!!!

8 comments:

Mari said...

I've heard of the tradition of the kernals of corn, but never knew where it came from. Very interesting!

Connie said...

Interesting blog. I learn something new every day.

Fitter After 50 said...

Very interesting and news to me. I enjoyed your post today and especially last sentence. So true!

Anonymous said...

Now that's quite different, never heard of that:) Glad we are still learning and growing. . .
Blessings;
Deb

Shelly said...

I have never heard that story before. Thanks for sharing! It is always good to know a little bit of history. Plus, the fact that God does provide all our needs!

Pearl said...

I used to have a boyfriend whose family did that very thing. Thanks for a great memory.

And thanks for the Izaak Walton quote! There is an Izaak Walton Inn in Glacier National Park that my husband and I stayed in a couple years ago and I guess I didn't tie the two names together...

Pearl

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Cathy said...

That is so neat. I was visiting you on FV, and you have advanced to such a high level?!