Food for thought....

During their first year in the new world, the pilgrims experienced great hardships.  Living in crudely built shelters made of mud and daub the icy New England weather was brutal to them.  Because they were not familiar with their new environment, planting gardens proved to be virtually fruitless.  Nearly half of them had succumbed to illness and died.  

Despite their tribulations, the pilgrims thanked the Lord every day, petitioning him for help.  Their prayers were answered through the native american indians who taught them how to hunt game, trap beavers and plant Indian corn.  

Although the autumn harvest was plentiful, it was followed by a particularly treacherous winter.  In November, another ship dropped anchor in their harbor.  Aboard the ship were 35 more colonists who brought with them no provisions--no food, no extra clothing, no equipment for survival.  The colony's food supply was meager.  They were reduced to a daily ration of 5 kernels of corn apeice.  In utter desperation they fell to their knees and prayed.

Again, God heard their supplications; 14 days of rain followed.  A day of thanks giving was declared.  The neighboring indian chief was their honored guest.  The pilgrims feasted on game and turkey, the indians taught the women to make pudding, maple syrup and an indian delicacy--roasted pop corn.  Sustenance was plentiful once more, but the first course, served on an empty plate in front of each person, consisted of 5 kernels of corn.  A gentle reminder of God's faithful provision for them.

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"  (1 Thes. 5:16-18)