Easing the shock of yet another month all but concluded, I rejoice in a glance back at my November News joining Heather Gerwing as she hosts a monthly feature called, Share Four Somethings, where writers share the fourth Saturday of each month something in each of four categories from the previous month.
The four categories remain the same, something loved, something read or heard, something treasured, and something ahead. The premise delights me, falling right in line with my one word 2021 journey with joy; especially my recent joy lesson learned. Looking back over the previous month through these four categories helps me linger with joy, and ignites my gratitude.
Something loved
The vivid and intense colors of the foliage this autumn truly takes my breath away. This year the gorgeous fall foliage display lingered a bit longer than recent years. In fact, many of the trees in my neighborhood still display their brilliant colors.
Adding to the magnificent pallette of autumn beauty this year, we enjoyed a touch of Indian summer just two weeks ago, blessing us with temperatures in the high 70’s. I can think of nothing more fabulous than a long walk in the sun while enjoying God’s glorious autumn painting, except of course a barefoot scamper through the cool leaves!
something read
My November News Share Four Somethings favorite read is a book I stumbled over while looking for something else by the same author. A friend recommended a new Advent devotional by Sinclair Ferguson; my search led me not only to the book I wanted and purchased, but another one which peaked my interest on the spot.
In “Lessons From the Upper Room”, Sinclair Ferguson invites you to spend an evening with Jesus for His last night with His disciples in “the upper room” before His death. Based on the Gospel of John, chapters 13-17, Ferguson takes the reader deep into the heart of Jesus as He seeks to prepare those closest to Him for His death, speak peace to their troubled hearts and intercede for them in prayer.
My favorite among the gospels, the exposition on these chapters in John’s gospel truly took me deeper into the heart of Jesus in ways I never experienced before. I encountered a truth long missed in Jesus’ washing of the disciples feet that kept me meditating on that passage for days.
something treasured
A visit to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania for the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg address on November 19, 1863 at the dedication of the soldiers’ National cemetery, truly moved my heart for this month’s something treasured.
His visit there on that day was little more than an after thought, with Edward Everett as the keynote speaker. Prominent Gettysburg lawyer, David Wills invited President Lincoln simply to share a “few appropriate remarks” on the heels of Everett’s oration which lasted two full hours.
Though Lincoln only spoke for two minutes, the now beloved speech known as the Gettysburg Address is the most memorized speech in the world and the only speech remembered from that historical day.
The most famous words from his speech remain as poignant today as they did then, spoken in the midst of the greatest Civil War this country has ever seen:
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
President Abraham Lincoln
Walking the steps Lincoln walked upon his arrival through Gettysburg, listening to the rich story of the origin of these “few appropriate remarks” overwhelmed my heart with awe for the brave, yet humble man whose quiet manner spoke some of the most powerful words ever spoken regarding the value of all human life.
something ahead
Concluding my November News Share Four Somethings brings me to looking ahead into December. Christmas of course beckons in just over a month with all of the hustle, bustle and special events. I do enjoy the tree lightings, carol sings, lights, decorations and other local events each year. Not to mention my little granddaughter Grace opening her gifts under the tree.
But the one thing I look forward to the most is celebrating Advent. I truly covet my time each week lighting the Advent candle, reding the scripture and pondering Christ’s coming that first Christmas. Lingering with the Lord, preparing my heart and communing in His Presence breathes life into a weary heart.
November news: share four somethings
Thank you for taking a walk back through my November News with me! I am grateful to Heather for creating such a creative way to review the moments of our days which often slip by so quickly. Sharing Four Somethings is a way to savor one more time those things we love, read, treasure and anticipate!
But you don’t have to be a writer or blogger to enjoy this practice. Why not take a few moments and think back over YOUR November News and share four somethings with me in the comments! Meet me back here at the end of December for more joyful somethings
Lovely post, beautiful writing about Lincoln. I’m ashamed to say I don’t know the Gettysburg Address (my excuse is that I’m a Brit).
David, thank you for your kind words. No need to be ashamed about not knowing the Gettysburg address, even if you are a Brit!! As I wrote about, “back in the day” Lincoln’s 272 words, were not even considered more than “appropriate remarks” for the occasion, and the duties of the keynote address were given to another. But who knew it would become the most memorized speech in the world! Take a peek at the words, truly remarkable! Gettysburg Address
What a cool experience at Gettsburgh. I want to take my kids there soon.
Heather it was truly awesome! Great place for a homeschool trip!!
Lessons from the Upper Room sounds like a wonderful book. John is my favorite among the gospels too. It’s been awhile since we visited Gettysburg, but it definitely left an impression on me too. I love seeing everyone’s Four Somethings!
Lisa, I believe you would thoroughly enjoy Sinclair Ferguson’s book, it really transformed my thinking on those chapters in John! I am still savoring by reading it through again! Gettysburg is one of our favorite places to visit, and so close to where we live. I am always impacted by the history there and our recent visit was very special.
I enjoyed reading your four somethings. Thanks for sharing that information on Lincoln. Interesting that his “few appropriate remarks” is still being read, quoted and recited as one of the greatest words ever spoken. It speaks to me that what I might deem as insignificant acts, or words may still be impactful or perhaps remembered way after my death.
Calvonia! Thank you for reading my post, and leaving your kind comment. I was so stunned by the letter I read by David Wills stating the invitation in light of how well remembered the Gettysburg address really is. I am blessed to hear your perspective on that, who knows what actions or words we may not see as significant may live on after we’re gone!
Pennsylvania is so rich in history and culture! We have loved every opportunity to visit, and I agree that autumn colors are a reason for praise!
Michele, you know sometimes because we live in Pennsylvania, we forget just how rich the history is here! Thank goodness my husband is a history buff and nudges me towards visiting places like Gettysburg!
How blessesd to still have fall foliage! Ours got beautiful and then fell off the trees in less than a week!
I have been drawn to John 13-17 especially in the last year. Sounds like Sinclair Ferguson’s book needs to be in my library!
Jerralea, believe it or not we STILL have fall foliage!! It seems so strange amid the Christmas lights! I know you will enjoy Sinclair Ferguson’s book, it truly has transformed my thinking on those chapters in John!
Donna, I loved reading your Four Somethings. I learned new things about the Gettysburg Address (and what a great picture of your with President Lincoln), and am looking forward to all things holiday as well. Our church is doing an Advent sermon series highlighting several names of God and it has been wonderful so far (today’s was Lord of Hosts). Hugs, friend.
Lois, thank you for your kind words! I love when we visit places and the Lord opens my mind and heart to new learning. I truly treasure Advent, and look forward to meditating on what God has for me each year. It sounds absolutely lovely to be highlighting the names of Christ during Advent! I can imagine how that helps move you closer to Him. Hugs to YOU, dear friend!
Lovely post Donna, as you know I’m Australian & don’t share your history but it was interesting to read your experience above.
I’m enjoying the beautiful colours of Spring here.
The book by Sinclair Ferguson sounds worth a read. Do you think it would be one for a ladies book club?
Blessings,
Jennifer
Jennifer, thank you for reading my November Blessings! How lovely it must be welcoming spring there in Australia! I would heartily recommend Sinclair Ferguson’s book for a book club, excellent study of John 13-17 from an often overlooked perspective. Let me know how it goes!
I have been enjoying this fall too. So pretty and warm. There is something so wonderful when history comes alive. My son and I memorized Lincoln’s speech and then not a year or so latter visited Gettysburg. It was pretty special. I recognized your picture of the hotel.
Theresa, how wonderful that you are so familiar with Lincoln’s speech and that you have visited Gettysburg before! Do you live on the east coast?
Your trip to Gettysburg, PA sounds like a wonderful experience. Rejoicing with you!
Lisa it was truly a beautiful day in Gettysburg, and I was amazed at how God poke to me through history!
Donna, I enjoyed reading about your November. Both of our boys memorized the Gettysburg Address when they were in elementary school. I didn’t realize it was the most-memorized speech in the world! I’m glad you had beauty and traveling opportunities last month!
Thank you Jeanne for your kind words! God blesses me each month with rich experiences!
You enjoyed a lovely November. What is your Advent study?
Susan, my November was lovely! I’m actually reading another book by Sinclair Ferguson for Advent called, “Love Came Down”. It takes a slight twist away from the usual advent devotionals and instead focuses on 1 Corinthians 13. Relating all of the attributes about love to the person and ministry of Christ. It’s a totally fascinating perspective!
Donna, thank you for sharing these ‘four somethings.’ I love reading Sinclair Ferguson. I do not know that book so will place it on my TBR list. Thanks. I love reading about Gettysburg and want to share a PBS/Ken Burns film I just watched this past weekend. It is called “The Address” and is so powerful. It is a bit about the Gettysburg Cemetery and PA and the history of the Civil War there. But it is mostly about The Greenwood School for boys and is just powerfully beautiful. I highly recommend watching it if you can. I will never again visit Gettysburg without thinking about these boys. Have a sweet week.
Linda, so good to see you here again, dear friend! I know you will enjoy “Lessons from the Upper Room”! Thank you for sharing the PBS film with me, I will certainly view it. My husband loves all things Gettysburg and will enjoy it too. We were able to purchase two books while there signed by the local authors It was an amazing experience!