Tribute to the Turkey

It's that time of year again when those of us preparing for our Thanksgiving feasts visit the grocery store to pick a plump, tender turkey to roast for our guests.  Ahh yes, the turkey. Most of us think of this bird simply as that partially frozen lump with which you have a kitchen wrestling match each November in attempt to get the bird to hand over its giblets. But how many creatures do you know that have both a snood and a wattle?



Dad at the Tremont Turkey Festival, c. 1970's
 

Growing up in the heart of turkey land where our school mascot was a muscular tom, (Lookout, Fisher Bunnies!) I could look out the window of our second story farmhouse and see the ripples of white meat sandwiched between hearty slices of cornfield. Daytime airwaves were filled with descending tones of corporate "blululululus" while nights contained the "BOOMS!" of the gas cannon set to scare off the yipyipyippicoyotes. On occasion there would be a poultry revolt, and we would find the white meat seeking refuge in our front yard, back yard, barn yard, garden, and pasture. Did I mention there were zillions of these birds? (Do you have any idea  the assault on the olfaction such a multitude of uncooked birds provide?)

Each November shortly before the feast, our kind turkey farmer neighbor would bring a megalicious gobbler in the coveted box (To this day, my mom thinks turkey boxes are the best containers ever constructed.) along with a bottle of Mogen David.

Now when I look out our second story window, if I'm lucky, I might see one of the wild turkeys that call our little plot home.   The turkey, more than just a bird, it's a sweet, sweet memory.

PS Although I did not reign as queen at the Tremont Turkey Festival, some of my friends told me I'd always be Queen Turkey to them.  I say that with pride. :) http://www.turkeyfestival.com/

This Sunday we will be sharing our thanks and praise acknowledging the many blessings we share. Brother Mick's message will be based on Hebrews 10:11-25. In his presermon notes Mick says, "...the writer to the Hebrews suggests we are to rather be about the tasking of provoking one another to good deeds and love and fellowship and encouragement." The title is "Practicing Provocation," not something we typically think as a positive thing! http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

Merv will be joining you in the Upper Room at 9am, and the worship service begins at 10:15am.

This past Wednesday evening we had a wonderful time of fellowship and worship with our neighbors from New Holland Spanish Mennonite Church.  I've really got to learn more Spanish!

Tony is coordinating a group to do Sandy clean up on the coast either Dec. 1 or 8th.  If you are 18 or older and would be interested in assisting this work with Mennonite Disaster Service, let me know as soon as possible. http://mds.mennonite.net/

Last week's poverty simulation was very meaningful.  Many of us were stretched out of our comfort zones as we faced not only challenging tasks for that hour and a half, but also the confrontation of our own preconceived notions. Keep working in us and through us, Jesus!

Prayer for today: Make a joyful noise to the Lord. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come into God's presence with singing.  Loving God, we thank you for your amazing grace and mercy.  Let us bring our thanks and praise to you today and always. Would we still be thankful, Lord, if we didn't have so much? I hope so, Lord!  Come and fill us with your Spirit that we might respond to others with your light and love.  Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. AMEN.

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!

Love and Light,
Carol

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend."