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#61
11-07-2005, 03:26 PM
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November is our month of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving means many things to people; family, food, football, being thankful. To me it's about generosity. This past year with such public tragedies as tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes and then the on-going tragedies of homelessness and poverty, we've had many opportunities to be generous with not only with our money but also with ourselves.
I love the Thanksgiving holiday, but it is has become bittersweet for me. I love the traditions of food and getting together with all my family and sharing in the feast we've all helped prepare. But sitting around the large table looking at the faces of my loved ones who don't want for any basic necessity and never have, and looking at the massive amounts of food we're about to eat, I can't help think that we've got the ideal of the holiday all wrong. Not just my family, but our culture as a whole. Wouldn't a greater way to show our thanks for all the good things in our lives is to give to those who aren't as fortunate as us? Instead of devouring that large turkey that cost $75, wouldn't a greater show of gratitude for all we have would be to give that $75 to a family that may not eat at all on Thanksgiving? I know I won't change my family's idea of the traditions and ideals of Thanksgiving. But maybe I can get some to think about more than turkey and football on that day. I love this quote by Emerson: There is no beautifier of complexion, or form, or behavior, like the wish to scatter joy and not pain around us. 'Tis good to give a stranger a meal, or a night's lodging. 'Tis better to be hospitable to his good meaning and thought, and give courage to a companion. We must be as courteous to a man as we are to a picture, which we are willing to give the advantage of a good light.
__________________
Matthew 7:12, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" 
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#62
11-07-2005, 05:47 PM
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What is the best way to help those who are hungry? Volunteering at a foodbank?
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#63
11-08-2005, 10:37 AM
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Quote:
Yes, that would be good. Probably many other ways as well.
__________________
Matthew 7:12, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"
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#64
11-09-2005, 03:14 PM
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I have been thinking on similar lines with regard to Christmas, my sister's other half will not buy Christmas presents and donates the money he would have spent to a hospice; he asks people not to buy presents for him but to make a donation to a charity of their choice. But after being stuck at work for most weeks in the year, I have to admit that I like to relax for a few days over Yule and pamper myself, giving presents, receiving them, spending money. I think that it's important to show compassion and support to other people, but I also have to be honest and admit my own indulgences.
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#65
11-28-2005, 07:17 AM
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So how did everyone's turkey day go? Did you have fun? Did you travel or stick around home?
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#66
11-28-2005, 09:10 AM
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Sandy and I, with us both in school, have been pulled in so many different directions this past few months.
So, we each turned down all our Thanksgiving invitations, and spent the day together. We had a private thanksgiving meal and watched a few DVD's together. I could not have asked for a better thanksgiving. Yours in faith, David
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#67
11-28-2005, 10:41 AM
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#68
11-28-2005, 06:17 PM
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Finding Sandy's is a very difficult thing... It took me 12 years and alot of trial and error...
And even after you find a "Sandy" you are not even home free then... It took me 5 years after I found her to convince her to put up with me!  Yours in Faith, David
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#69
01-15-2006, 05:36 PM
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My church is going through many changes right now. While it's a very exciting time, it's also a little scary. But in the end I think it will all be for the best and we will be a better church because of the changes that are happening.
Please keep us in your thoughts during this time of transition.
__________________
Matthew 7:12, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"
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