HOLIDAYS AND CELEBRATIONS

Halloween is almost over. Many communities postponed trick or treating because of the weather which means those little ones will be knocking on doors tonight.

Don't ya love this cartoon? Out with the pumpkin and get ready for the turkey.

This time of year seems hectic because one shelf has candy left from Halloween and across the aisle the Santa hats are already out. Each year the turkey and Thanksgiving receive less and less shelf space. A few napkins, a stack of paper tablecloths and a fall candle for the table are sitting in boxes, in the middle of the aisle, so they can quickly be stashed away on November 29. So much for Thanksgiving.

When did celebrating Thanksgiving shrink? Yes, we still get together and expect a huge meal of turkey, dressing, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy and all that topped off with pumpkin pie, but then it quickly falls apart. That big meal, which took hours to prepare, has to be consumed between the parades and the ball games. Of course, the family no longer sits around, letting their turkey digest and telling stories on this crazy aunt or that unique cousin, because the stores are open.

What does Thanksgiving mean today? It means CHRISTMAS SHOPPING BEGINS!

SCRIPTURES

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God, acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:28

AND NOW

The pumpkin is right. The turkey is next. Thanksgiving is next. As you plan holidays and celebrations, don't forget Thanksgiving. Why not start a list now. Each day list something you are thankful for. Come Thanksgiving you will realize just how blessed you are and you will be excited to celebrate.

LET US PRAY (Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.)

My God, with reverence and awe, I say, "Thank you." Amen