Thanksgiving Day 2014: The Quorum results

Hello,

Thanksgiving is upon us and I think about all the distractions of a good meal and the parade. So I took a survey of 50 people, random selected, and asked them, what's one of the largest distractions in Thanksgiving.

Out of 50 people, 21 people said that football on television has become a major distraction and takes away from the true spirit of Thanksgiving.

Personally, I agree with them. The NFL needs to allow players to take Thanksgiving off and have a meal with their families before they get right back to work. Some traditions have to end and personally, this is one of them. I feel as though football has really taken away from family and friends really gathering to just chat.

I understand the need for the NFL to make revenue, but people, you seriously need to shut your sets off during Thanksgiving. In my opinion, networks should cease all programming until the next day after the parade is over with. Thanksgiving is about family right? Well, let's make it so.

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One of the bigger shocks was the one person who said that family fights have turned into a huge issue. I read an article stating that fights within the family go up more than 26%.

The person who said it basically said that his daughter, wife, her mom, and sisters argue so badly on Thanksgiving, that he takes his laptop and headphones into the other room, puts them on, and shakes his head. The boys are pretty ignorant to whats going on until the "customary" breaking of the wine glass, then they get involved. Everyone at the meal table is silent.

One time, his daughter returned home from college for Thanksgiving with a boy that her mom did not approve of because he was verbally controlling and abusive. The father finally took action with that boy by kicking him out after he made a comment to the mother. He took his daughter out on a walk and had a very long talk with her about how a man needs to show a woman the right way to be treated. His daughter was crying and it was upsetting to see.

He told me how he finally lost his patience with his wife, daughter, and sisters and snapped at them berating them by telling them how the family lost the spirit of Thanksgiving and why family is such a big part of it.

He also emphasized the constant bickering that needed to end and the fighting needed to stop. The fighting did finally stop and I hope that his family finally sat down to a meal where there was laughing and talking.

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Some of the other things that people said were: Preparing the food beforehand, keeping the kids out of trouble... Just some of the things we see.

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Thanksgiving is a special time to get together and enjoy the fruits of our harvest. Do yourself a favor and take out the bible and read on the story of creation in the book of Genesis. You'll see why creation is such a big deal in our life and why we need to give thanks to the Almighty for HIS divine providence.

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~ Joshua

Questions to the Editor VIII: Thanksgiving Edition

Hello,

As usual with all interviews, the person interviewing, the identity is sealed.

Person: Before we get on to Thanksgiving Questionnaire... What's your take on the Ferguson end and ongoing situation

Me: Justice was served properly. Apparently the grand jury that attempted to indict him didn't find enough evidence. After such, looting and rioting began... Just like with the L.A. riots... We are the midst of a serious race relation crisis that's only gotten worse and it's getting worse as we go along. We don't have a white or black cop problem. We more or less have a problem with a message of hate being spread around.  I vehemently criticize Reverend Al Sharpton's record of being a follower of Christ. His message is plain hate, it's just plain hate. A real follower of Christ spreads his love, devotion, and divine care, not his father's wrath. Might I remind everyone about this: There have been a total of 105 officers were slain this year, where are the marches for them...? What about that 3 year old who was killed in Waverly, Maryland in August by a black male? Where's the march for her? INNOCENT PEOPLE ARE BEING SLAIN ALL OVER! WHERE ARE THE MARCHES FOR THEM!? Michael Brown gets special treatment because they are making him the martyr. People forget that Michael Brown was high as a kite when he robbed that store. He was a behemoth of a guy at 6' 5" 260lb and they said he was a gentle giant. If he was such a gentle giant, then why the hell was he trying to a store. Why the hell are they trying make him the martyr. Why are these people in 170 cities across the nation making him the martyr?

Person: You feel like we are in a society, and based on the way it sounds nonetheless, where race relations have just crumbled.

Me: Yes. In my opinion, these people who are marching with their hands up and saying "Don't shoot" are making cops look bad. They are out there doing their jobs. I have friends who are cops and I pray for them when their lives are on the line. See, I wouldn't want my friend Ben getting seriously wounded in a gunfight. I pray for his safety and security if he has to go out on the front line.

Person: Do you think the DOJ needs to lay off of this?

Me: They want to find someway to get Officer Darren Wilson in trouble SOMEHOW... to appease the community. Civil rights to me are a joke... there just doesn't seem to be any for anyone. In America, there is just CONSTANT SCRUTINY, every which way. This world is on fire and it's going to be on fire for a very long time. People can call me racist, I really don't give... But I believe in my opinion, JUSTICE WAS DONE. The weight of the evidence didn't carry enough for an indictment.

Person: Do you think there may have been some jury bias?

Me: Juries are always bias. Good lord, our way of picking a jury is by how smart they are. Ok, I'm picking you for the jury because.... You have a doctorate or a masters.... I'd like to serve on a grand jury or a death-qualified jury. I have no opposition whatsoever to the death penalty except in Maryland, we got rid of it because O'Malley said it was a lousy system and an unethical way of doing justice. Dude, you are making us pay for the prisoners...

Person: Anyway, On to Thanksgiving, You got a lot to be thankful right?

Me: I certainly do, plenty to be thankful for. Family, friends, a fiancee who's just absolutely incredible to me along with her family, a church to go to, a home...

Person: What else do you have to be thankful for.

Me: A nice warm blanket and pillows to sleep on.

Person: What's your favorite show to watch on Thanksgiving?

Me: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. I feel so bad for Charlie Brown in the beginning when Lucy pulls the football away. Could Lucy at least let him kick the ball? I mean, give him a chance.

Person: What's your favorite food on Thanksgiving?

Me: That'd be the Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. I will have my adjustable hot sauce on hand. I'm looking forward to that. When it comes to the meat of the turkey: I'm a white meat kind of person.

Person: Do you watch the parade on Thanksgiving?

Me: Not anymore. I mean, it's more a kids show and we all know the ending: SANTA CLAUS is coming. Santa Claus signifies the start of the holiday shopping season and personally, we're forgetting the true meaning of Christmas because it's certainly not Santa Claus.

Person: What do you mean?

Me: We have such a bad controversy in terms of Christmas. We've failed to realize that the true meaning of Christmas has to do with the birth of our savior, Jesus. We can thank the biblical magi for the present giving too. But Christmas has become so seriously over-commercialized and secularized to the point where Christ is X'ed out. We need to keep the CHRIST in Christmas. I don't understand why we keep X'ing him out of our lives. It doesn't make sense anymore. They say the X has been around longer than we realize.

Person: X marks the spot huh?

Me: Seems that way.

Person: Now tomorrow you are going to release the results of your quorum. Explain such.

Me: It's a survey I took of the many problems of Thanksgiving and how disjointed it really has become when it comes to being a holiday. I mean, in terms of the holiday, we forgot what it's all about. Canadians have a better idea than us. In term, I also can't understand how people can be such ingrates when it comes to Thanksgiving.

Person: What do you mean?

Me: My previous blog: "America's 251st Thanksgiving" basically busted people's butts about how badly we've lost our ways in terms of the tradition. I've also noticed how secular Thanksgiving has become. Thanksgiving was founded on religious principles, giving thanks to the "Almighty Author" and his "DIVINE PROVIDENCE." For the bountiful harvests and world we live in. "Give thanks to the ALMIGHTY."

Person: It doesn't make sense does it.

Me: Nope, not even close.

Person: What was the most famous Thanksgiving you've been apart of.

Me; That would be last years, I handled two dinners and I got to spend a lot of time with Joanna's family. They were a lot of fun to hang around. I also knew that it was more than likely Nansy's last Thanksgiving, so that in itself was kind of bittersweet as well. Being apart of that was so much fun. There was not a moment where weren't laughing, carrying on, enjoying the good life as it is. Nansy, we knew her time was very limited but it was nice to spend Thanksgiving with Nansy that one and only time. I also spent time with my family as well and that was great too. Brought back a lot of memories from year's past.

Person: How about the infamous Thanksgiving of 2011.

Me: I really don't want to delve into that. Let's just say I said something and it was taken out of proportion... End of story. Someone got really mad and jumped all over me. You know, I was also mad that I had to work all day

Person: Didn't you get injured severely in 1995? Or is that all beer and skittles?

Me; It was an accident. Crap happens, ya know?

Person: I understand you picked up a Wii U.

Me: Yes, I made a really good investment for it and the games as well. The Wii U is mostly for the easy-riding, laid-back, I want to have fun gamer.

Person: What is your favorite game thus far?

Me: Mario Kart 8 has been a great game. Very deep and very well done. I can't wait until Ferrari gets put into the game. That will be awesome. Mario 3D World is extremely well done and very deep in terms of the play. Had they just put Yoshi in it, it would've been perfect. Super Smash Brothers U, the soundtrack is well prepared, the fighting is tough, more ways to fight as well, it's a you can't put it down kind of game. Nintendo Land, I really haven't played that much because it's more a group game than anything.

Person: Sounds like a good investment. Would you like to send a message out to everyone for Thanksgiving?

Me: Yes I would.

--- My Message of Thanksgiving and it's importance to us all ---

Ladies and Gentlemen, while you are sitting at the table tomorrow, make sure you join hands and tell the almighty above what you are truly thankful for... Are you thankful for the food? life? your job? anything... God will hear you. We are all thankful for something in our lives and it sure makes us feel good to gather around the turkey, mashed potato, corn, everything... Thanksgiving is not a story about genocide, conquest of the Native Americans, or anything of that stuff. This is not a holiday of negatives, it's about the positives. When Washington made the first National Thanksgiving Proclamation, Abraham Lincoln took it one step further by making it a permanent place in our nation's history. Tomorrow, when the parade is over, shut your television off, unplug your electronics, ignore the negativity, and just gather and talk with family and friends. Enjoy the spirit of Thanksgiving. This is the one of the important holidays that marks time with family.

-- A message to my family members --

To my family, we may be going our separate ways for Thanksgiving, but rest assure I love you all. We will be adding new members to our family too with Kira's having another child and Joanna and I getting married next year.  Mom, Dad, Matt, Kira, Steph, Brian, Mom Mom, Pop Pop, Me Mom, Grandpop, Uncle Steve, Leanna, Chris, Stew... This is what family is all about. We may be screwed up and dysfunctional at times but in the long run, we're all going to be here for each other. Remember what Mrs. Doubtfire said: Families may grow apart but love maintains that bond. All of us have to do our best to help each other and that's what makes family so integral to Thanksgiving.

-- A message to Joanna's family --

To the Frazier family and the outer bands, in a matter of a year, you will be gaining another family member. On August 16, 2013, you guys immediately saw that I fit perfectly. I remember that day very clearly and believe me, there was no nerves, just ice water. I can honestly say I've never met someone so special like Joanna and also a family that has embraced me for the long term. When I made that promise on the afternoon I proposed to Joanna, it is a promise that will be fulfilled. It makes me very happy that I am going to be joining this family. I can't wait for Nov. 7, 2015, because... it's going to be a great time for all of us.

-- A message to my friends, colleagues, workmates, and everyone I've missed --

I hope all you all have a wonderful thanksgiving and enjoy the time off with family and friends. If you don't have to go out on Friday? PLEASE DON'T. Stay indoors, have some leftovers... Leftovers are just as good as second day. I don't want to single out anyone. I just want thank everyone who's anyone who has been nothing but a great friend to me in terms of just when I need to comfort or them words of wisdom.

And that's all I have to say... Thank you everyone... Enjoy your thanksgivings. Many blessings to you and yours as we approach or next holiday.

Person: Well, I guess I won't be hearing from you in awhile.

Me: Not until Christmas.

The Deterioration of Social Justice

Hello,

As Thanksgiving approaches, let me just say, we are in sad state of affairs in this here United States of America.

The Ferguson riots have sparked massive protests across the nation. While peaceful, I STILL don't understand what the protests are trying to accomplish... Nothing's going to change at all. I'm not going to take sides either.

What are these people protesting? They are protesting that Office Wilson got off easy and should've been indicted. I'm seeing posters like: "Michael Brown is my son", "Don't Shoot", "Michael Brown is one of my people."

Can I ask you a question: How is Michael Brown: "Your son?", How is Michael Brown: "Your People?" YOU DIDN'T KNOW HIM! YOU NEVER KNEW HIM!

This stems just like the Trayvon Martin case when Obama said: "If I had a son, he'd be like Trayvon" and then you hear this "My Brother Trayvon..." and you know what I say to that: "YOU DIDN'T EVER KNOW HIM!"

We are in the worst state of affairs of race relations in the United States. How can a person who gets killed automatically spark someone to say he or she was like family when he or she NEVER was.

To the protesters: I remind you this: You didn't KNOW Michael Brown and he is NOT YOUR FAMILY. He is NOT YOUR PEOPLE.

To all of you who think this is a racism rant: I want to remind everyone (AND A CERTAIN FEW) that I am not a racist AT ALL! In fact, I'll give you some food for thought, my only friend in middle school was black. I had black friends in high school. I have black friends today. Not one time have a made a racist remark about them.

Everyone, give it a rest. Get ready for Thanksgiving, enjoy FAMILY and FRIENDS, be thankful for them, America, and the house over your head.

This is how bad race relations are right now. Racism is going to be there wherever we go.

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There has been thousands of years of social injustice throughout our time. Top case on this list is Jesus Christ. For example, was done a major injustice when he was crucified on the cross. He was betrayed by his own disciple, Judas. They arrested him for NO APPARENT REASON. It started with Caiaphas... Went to Herod Antipas... then Pilate... back to Herod... and then back to Pilate again.

Many stories have been made out about how Pontius Pilate REALLY was

1. Weak and harried bureaucrat
2. Hard governor
3. Oblivious of how Jesus's death will affect human history
4. Uncaring

Pontius Pilate was trying his very best to save Jesus but he gave into the people's demands. His wife even told him: "HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS RIGHTEOUS MAN!"

Pilate gave into the peoples demands and I am sure he definitely regretted it.

Jesus didn't mount a defense or say much of anything. When Caiaphas asked him, "are you the king of the jews." and Jesus said: "You have sayeth so."

Jesus was probably done the most heinous social injustice in the world. But was obedient to death. He died to set us free.

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Racism is going to be everywhere you go. God is looking down on us and shaking his head saying: "What has happened to the world I created... It's falling to pieces."

I ask the protesters to please disband orderly and go home... It's over and there's nothing you can do about it. Just please go home. Let's all have a happy thanksgiving together in our homes.

~ Joshua

Thanksgiving Buckets of Gratitude III

Hello Everyone,

It's time to thank those of the abysmal, the stupid, the downright foolish, and ungrateful

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Thank you Martin O'Malley for being such an ungrateful and unforgiving governor. Let's see, you taxed us to death with more than $10,000,000,000 in new taxes, increased spending, put up speeding cameras, and more.. All of this while running a deficit of more than $600,000,000 which our new governor, Larry Hogan, has to deal with. You may be laughing all the way to the bank but you know you wrecked this state badly. I've never seen such a classless governor in my time. You made Napoleon Bonaparte look like a savior to France. You were an extremely greedy governor and couldn't cut your spending. It's like: "Gotta have more... Gotta have more... Gotta have more..."

So to you, I bestow a bucket of gratitude. Thanks for being a heartless governor and showing all of us the reason why your buddy lost.

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Thank you Roger Goodell for being an idiotic, dumb, foolish, and arrogant commissioner of football. Your legacy as the commissioner of the NFL will be tarnished forever with the handling of the Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson situations. Not to mention the fact that you are not paying attention at all to the needs of the game. It has become quite a boring league with all these rules in place. Defenders can't hit hard anymore, defensive backs can't defend no more without giving them 5-10 yards of space, and you are taking the action of the game. Contracts in the league need to be amended with a "play at your own risk" clause that states that if the player gets hurt, it's the OWN FAULT. You need to bring back hard nosed football because I'm ready to leave the National Football League for the Canadian League and you certainly don't want that.

So to you, I bestow a bucket of gratitude. Thanks for being a really dumb commissioner who can't take care of the game's problems and just wants to throw it at something else. You're REALLY "protecting the shield" wrong.

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Thank you President Obama and congressional leaders... Once again, you fail to recognize America's issues. Obama, you sir, don't know it but you just let 5 million illegal immigrants who are LAWBREAKERS off the hook with a general amnesty. Is this what you want? More illegals coming across the border? Why aren't you securing the border with some sort of minutemen group, not to mention, building a better border. Oh that's right, WE'RE BROKE! Obama, how did you get this job anyway? You got voted in, yes... however, you were only 3 years in politics as a senator and you took the most powerful job in the world and now you are running it like an emperor. Congress should also take fault as well for the government shutdown in the coming days and how we as a people have been silenced. Balance in our check right now reads: $0 with our national debt SPIRALING out of control

So to you all, I bestow a bucket of gratitude. Thanks for taking America on a tailspin. 2016 can't come fast enough.

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Thank you to the American Atheists Group and FFRF... Again, you are taking secularism to a whole new level. The Christian voices are being suppressed and holidays involving God and Jesus Christ are being denounced. Christmas is being suppressed... Thanksgiving is being suppressed... WHAT'S NEXT!? EASTER!? Let's also remember about what you did to that woman's private establishment by threatening a lawsuit because she's allowing anyone who says a prayer to get a 15% discount and you know, it's good for business... BUT NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Once again, you go: "WAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!" and you use your threatening ways to prevent any sort of godly presence in the world. You all have the world's smallest hearts! What's wrong with a little prayer before meal time. I don't understand how it's ILLEGAL... Where does it say in the constitution or any sort of establishment that I cannot pray in a public establishment. Stop using the civil rights crap as a way to get your own way. If someone comes up and says: "That offends me", I'm going to say: "Yeah? So what." Also, you are having the IRS monitor sermons? Oh yeah, and please don't use: "PRAISE BE..." You aren't praising anyone but yourselves.

So to you all, I bestow a bucket of gratitude. Get it through your head that Christianity will never fall to the whines and whims of your rear ending policies.

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Thank you to Anthony Brown... Yep, you thought you had just a "little bit of a molehill to climb" in the election but.. that molehill was a LOT LARGER than you expected. Karma bit you right in the butt and now you paid for it with a loss in the general election. Hogan did things the right way and ran a clean campaign that basically told Maryland: "Give me your hard working, overtaxed human beings." You ran on this campaign that basically said Hogan was going to take Maryland back to the 50s. I had a great feeling that Maryland would tire of the same tax and spend politics that you so righteously claimed you wouldn't do.

So to you, I bestow a bucket of gratitude. Sorry Brown, but Maryland fired you and your looney soon to be former governor.

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Thank you to Corporate America... Ok, why in God's beloved name are you OPENING ON THANKSGIVING NIGHT!? Can't you let your workers rest and enjoy the holiday with their families or is it because you want money money money! Christmas has become so badly over-commercialized and greedy that my wallet is already empty just thinking about these things. I would like to single out a special bucket to Galleria Mall in New York who will threaten to fine store owners if they don't open up on Thanksgiving Night. American greed is coming at it's absolute finest with more stores planning on opening on thanksgiving evening rather than enjoying the time with friends and family. The spirit of Thanksgiving has been absolutely quashed by this hub-bub. Keep your doors closed and allow your workers to rest!

So to you greedy pigs of bosses, I bestow a bucket of gratitude. You are ungrateful, heartless, demeaning, and absolutely OUTRAGEOUS for even opening up on the holiday.

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Thank you to Ferguson... Like rioting is going to help fix the problem. Officer Wilson was not indicted and you guys took to the streets because you feel your civil rights were violated. Last time I checked, I didn't see people rioting after OJ was deemed innocent even though the evidence was tainted. There was NOT ENOUGH evidence to indict Office Darren Wilson for anything. This is reality folks, you need to get over it. Rioting is not going to fix the problem. Finding ways to keep the peace is the best way, but instead, you go half-cock rioting like something's going to change. IT'S NOT GOING TO CHANGE.

So to you protesters, I bestow a bucket of gratitude. You don't seem to care that you are only harming yourselves.

~ Joshua

My statement on the Ferguson situation

Ladies and Gentlemen,

What is transpiring in Ferguson, Missouri is of absolutely no business to us. Our cities had nothing to do with it and everyone comes out a loser in this situation. We really need to have a look at how bad race relations have deteriorated in this day in age, it's really very scary to say the least. What I am saying here is this: The holidays are coming and we should be worried about our own families and prepping for Thanksgiving and His Divine Care and Providence.

What is going on in Ferguson is of NO BUSINESS TO US. Race relations may never improve in this day in age or this century as it just continues to falter. We all have friends of different races, creeds, religions, and backgrounds.

This is a losing situation for everyone. The Michael Brown incident mimics that of Trayvon Martin, it's the same thing.

What we are seeing in Ferguson is a complete disregard for life, people, and property. Everyone's a target now with this going on and it certainly irks me to no end that the liberal media continues to egg this on.

Now we are seeing athletes state how they feel:

Magic Johnson says young colored men are being unnecessarily targeted. I ask Magic Johnson to put away the race card about targeting.

Chad Johnson says: It's not designed for us...

What do you mean it's not DESIGNED FOR YOU! The Justice System? The Justice System has failed on every race and gender in some way shame or form. It has a long list of losing records.

People, this is NONE of our business, not one bit. We need to stay out of it. If Ferguson, Missouri burns up tonight and smolders into tomorrow? We can be thankful that we are not there and that we are here in our homes sheltered from what's to come.

No matter what happened tonight... no one was going to win... hands down... Please don't call these people your people because you don't know them and they don't know you.

Thank you,
~ Joshua

America's 251st Thanksgiving: Are we seriously on thin ice?

Hello,

America is celebrating it's 251st Thanksgiving on Thursday thanks to Abraham Lincoln and Sarah Josepha Hale. American Thanksgivings carry traditions and with such, we also proclaim God's divine providence for the bountiful harvest bestowed upon us by giving thanks in our own way.

Traditions as stated in custom:

1. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade which is going to turn 90 this year
2. American Football (Detroit and Dallas always have guaranteed games on Thanksgiving)
3. Stuffing a turkey with just that "STUFFING"
4. Giving Thanks
5. Breaking The Wishbone
6. College Basketball Games (Been traditional since 1991)
7. More than 90 million will take to the road and air
8. Food Drives and Charity
9. Church Services on the night prior or on the day.
10. A large family meal

A lot of traditions and great things but it seems more and more like America is treading on thin ice with these customs. How are we treading on thin ice? Well folks, it's coming from our own people

Some Native American indians and college professors say: "You're doing it wrong!"

There has been some what of a movement with a "unthanksgiving day" held out Alcatraz Island for the last 40 years as Native Americans believe that Thanksgiving Day is a custom associated with the genocide of Native Americans by European Settlers.

One college professor, Robert Jensen, states that: "One indication of moral progress in America is the replacement of a holiday that promotes self-indulgent family feasting with a night of collective fasting and reflection." (His belief is in this hyperlink: Why we shouldn't celebrate Thanksgiving)

My answer: You basically want us to go hungry. We reflect in church, how about that?

Another states: "We don't have to feel guilty but we must have to feel something."

My answer: I don't know, I feel pretty good right now. I don't feel guilty about sharing my time with friends and family. We pray at the table, that's how we feel something. We pray for those who don't have food to eat, our soldiers who aren't home... We feel for them.

An unknown professor at MIT states: "Thanksgiving is one day that Americans pretty much piss on the ashes of those who were here first. It is a holiday that we must terminate."

My answer: Now you're just being a bit extreme.

Those are the negative remarks. Sure, there's going to be a cast of many who basically say: "Hey, this is wrong. We shouldn't do this."

Another huge controversy is the removal of God from Thanksgiving as the secular movement continues to ride high in America. The National Thanksgiving Proclamation made by George Washington in 1789 said this and I QUOTE: "To give thanks to the ALMIGHTY for HIS divine providence" and "be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that GREAT AND GLORIOUS BEING, who is the beneficent author of the good that was, that is, or will be."

God is being removed from pretty much everything so why stop there. We as Americans are forgetting that Thanksgiving was founded under the principles of "HIS DIVINE PROVIDENCE" and "GIVING THANKS TO THE ALMIGHTY."

Now come on folks, you know better than this. Read the proclamation again.

BUT... there are some positive remarks to Thanksgiving and it's not all universally negative by the Native Americans.

One person, Tim Giago of the NAJA states that Thanksgiving traditions that Americans carry are perfectly aligned with the Native American tradition. He compared the American Thanksgiving to "wopila", a Thanksgiving tradition carried by the Native Americans of the Great Plains.

Ok, wopila it is! Sounds reasonable and most acceptable.

The Oneida Indian Nation (who's against the Redskins name) states that Thanksgiving is a spirited time to gather and share the bounty of the harvest. They even have a float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade called the "True Spirit of Thanksgiving." At least they don't have a problem with it.

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Thanksgiving is also getting real bad in terms of early holiday shopping. It is the one day where commerce must cease to allow those to spend time with family and friends and rest up for "Black Friday," which is the TRUE day for shopping.

Many malls are stepping up their game to get people to shop early. For instance, a mall in New York states: "You better be open by 6pm or pay a penalty."

(Record rips)

A PENALTY?! Can't we celebrate the holiday WITHOUT having to open up early? Nope, Corporate America's greedy hand is taking away from those traditions. Picture this: You sit down, about to enjoy a meal, you hear your phone ring, and your boss says: WHERE ARE YOU!!!!! WE'RE OPEN ON THANKSGIVING. You get up and leave without even having a bite of the great meal your mom and grandmother fixed up...

This is one tradition that needs to cease: OPENING UP ON THANKSGIVING NIGHT! Let people enjoy their holiday rest and let them SLEEP IN! Are we this greedy in America???

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Tomorrow, I'll be sending out my greasy buckets of Thanksgiving gratitude for a 3rd time. Thanking those of the stupid, abysmal, and completely ungrateful people of the year.

Wednesday, the ever famous Questions to the Editor heads to the VIIIth edition with talking about famed Thanksgivings (1995, 2011, and 2013), why we need to keep God in Thanksgiving, and other assortments.

On Thursday, I'll be releasing the results of what has been such a big issue in America for Thanksgiving and also polls from other magazines and outlets...

On Friday, The Red-Blacks of Commerce talks about the hellish time that comes around with "Black Friday" and why corporate greed just overshadows the true meaning of Christmas. Also why it's time to make the Friday after Thanksgiving a holiday as well even though there's so much objection to it because it's too expensive.

On Saturday, Promoting small businesses the right way.

On Sunday, each Advent sermon will start with a paragraph from an anonymous person who wrote me last year and why Christmas Eve's blog will be very important to us all.

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Traditional foods you will typically see

If you a German, Jewish, or someone living in Baltimore: You will typically see a helping of sauerkraut on the table. The sauerkraut dates back to the times of the "Rye Bread" streets of Baltimore.

If you are Italian: Lasagna is usually on the table. The significance of the Lasagna dates back to the times of King Victor Emmanuel. Victor Emmanuel was very fond of the American Thanksgiving.

If you are French: French old world bread, clotted butter, honey biscuits, and pot roast.

If you are on the West Coast: Dungeness Crab is a huge staple along the coastal cities of California and Washington.

If you live on the Gulf Coast: Pineapple Salad, "Burnt" Red Gravy, and clams.

But in every aspect, there's always the turkey. Whether roasted, smoked, fried... you name it... It's the main staple.

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That's that... Keep with the traditions but... on Thursday, you'll see why some Thanksgiving Traditions have become a problem with others (and not extreme views like some Native American Tribes have had). I'm talking about "Being on the inside of Thanksgiving Traditions."

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~ Joshua

Sunday Sermon: Christ the King Sunday

1 Timothy 6:15 - "Which He will bring about at the proper time--He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords."

"With every ending, there's always a new beginning." - Unknown.

Hello,

The liturgical year is officially in the books and now we are starting all over again... Advent-Christmas-Epiphany-Lent-Easter-Pentecost... and we do it all over again...

It's much like the common year... we start from January and go to December... and we do it all over again, just adding another year.

I call this the "Church's offseason" due to it being the fact that attendance usually drops. Brent Carroll got a hearty laugh out of it when I said: "End of the Church offseason, Brent!"

Today's service was definitely well endowed with "endings" and it was most appropriate. Way back before I became a member, Our administrative councilman of the church told us that CUMC entered into a $1.2 million loan agreement to have the elevator tower and after many years, the loan is finally paid off, 8 years ahead of schedule. There's an ending right but it was also the birth of a new notion that the councilman said that we have some problems that need to be addressed within the church itself now that the loan is paid off. The church is 90 years old and many things need repair like the roof, the AC/Heat system, power and water bills.

And I said Ok, fair enough, how can I help?

The 2015 Green Envelopes will now be used as pledge cards to help: "Keep the lights on" and for repair. I said: I might just put $10 aside for the church every Sunday. To date, it just doesn't feel like I am giving enough to the church... I'd say I've given around $250. I give to a WORTHY cause.

Catonsville UMC is in INCREDIBLE fiscal shape for the years ahead. He also established that our church family has grown more than 200% ever since Pastor Mark took over and that right there is just astounding. Attending a church service takes 75 minutes out of your day but it improves your spiritual health and you find your place with god with Prayers of Thanksgiving.

Pastor Mark's sermon on "Dollars and Sense" was definitely one of his masterful speeches. Entitled "Don't ask" was strictly about our finances and why it's not appropriate to ask about them. Should we have been told about the sound fiscal condition of our church? No... but we did anyway because the church is a people.

It really was a moving sermon for us to be a bit more "Fiscally Sound" with ourselves, loved ones, and with our churches. Our church realizes that their money is going to good use by keeping the lights on, water flowing, and smiles on children's faces when they see Sunday School supplies.

As it is the week of Thanksgiving and our foundations of "divine providence" to God and thanks to the Almighty for the bounty of the harvest: we sang "For the Beauty of the Earth." It was probably one of our strongest performances yet. Everyone gave us a round of applause after we sang.

This week: I will be writing entry after entry talking about Thanksgiving and what's to come in the future with Christmas coming.

With Advent approaching, we are encouraged to be in more of a giving mood. Of course, charities see boosts in giving and so do churches. Did you know that the average take for the Advent/Christmas season is more than $12,000 alone? Christmas will usually bring in large numbers of money as well. I usually will contribute a decent sum.

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A bit of background on Christ the King Sunday:

Christ the King Sunday is a fairly new festival to the church calendar. Established by Pius XI in 1925 by Quas Primas letter that a feast should be established as a day to celebrate Jesus's kingly power in heaven. At first there was a lot of misunderstanding about the date and time. Pius XI established that it should always be the final Sunday in November before Advent begins.

This was a huge response to the ever growing secularism and nationalization against the churches and so far, the response has been absolutely astounding.

Pius XI quoted this:

"While nations insult the beloved name of our redeemer by suppressing all mention of it in their conferences and parliaments, we must all loudly proclaim his kingly dignity and power, all the more universally affirm his rights."

By the 1970s, the churches have formally adopted this last Sunday in the church to say good bye the old and welcome the new.

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What a performance:

I would also like to congratulate Institute of Notre Dame on their well-done product of "Auntie Mame," you couldn't have asked for a better play! Joanna's niece Emma did a FANTASTIC job as both Patrick and Michael. Although I did quip to her father Rob after, "now that she said that bad word, you're going to have to wash her mouth out with soap." He laughed it off. It's apart of the play. I'm kind of shocked to even hear that they allowed that kind of a play in a catholic church with nuns watching. But nonetheless, a wonderful performance.

She got a lot of flowers after her performance. I hope her mom had enough vases to get all those flowers in.

I gave her a pat on the back and said: "Great job, Squirt."

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With all that being said: I leave you tonight with some food for thought. Remember to keep yourself in sound condition with everything around you. Life gives you but one chance to live, go out there and live. Enjoy it to maximum intent.

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And now I leave you with this benediction:

"May LORD bless you, keep within you and your family this day and forever. The LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you his everlasting and enduring peace, Amen."

~ Joshua

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THANKSGIVING ENTRIES UPCOMING:

Monday, 11/24: America's 251st Thanksgiving: Traditions fail me

How badly are we Americans treading on thin ice when it comes to Thanksgiving? What some journalists say we should really do? Why do the Native Americans believe that we doing the wrong thing? Also, we dive into Thanksgiving foods and dishes common in other parts of the United States.

Tuesday, 11/25: Thanksgiving Buckets of Gratitude III

We send a bucket of gratitude to those of the stupid, ungrateful, and the flat out abysmal. This is my third bucket of gratitude entry.

Wednesday, 11/26: Questions to the Editor VIII: Thanksgiving Edition

I reflect on Thanksgivings of the past which include The Infamous Thanksgiving (1995), The Worst Thanksgiving Ever (2011), and The Best Thanksgiving ever (2013)

Thursday, 11/27: A Happy Thanksgiving: Now why is your TV on?

I release the results of the quorum and survey I took of 50 people. What's the number 1 thing that we take away from Thanksgiving that has become a problem.

Friday, 11/28: The Reds and Blacks of Commerce

I dive into why Black Friday is just such a troubling time for families and why the gift card is a very powerful item nowadays.

Saturday, 11/29: The Storm

Why we need to put a bit more emphasis on small businesses and give them the rightful attention they deserve.

Sunday Sermon: December 16th, 2012

(Courtesy: Journal Times)

Prelude: What if I told you that on one special day in December, One church's choir accomplished what one person considered the most unthinkable song. Sung completely in Latin, and not only that, a band to boot, and also to honor the victims of Sandy Hook... This was DECEMBER 16TH, 2012...

Nearly 2 years ago, I remember when September came around and the choir was being welcomed back to singing by Pastor Mark. When he was doing a complete rundown of what was to come during the first half of the choir's schedule. When he said the words: "I certainly cannot wait for this one: Rutter's Gloria. This one I can't wait to hear!"

I was like: Huh? Rutter's Gloria? What's the big deal?

As I was continuing to think about it and first heard the song, I knew right then and there it was going to be the most difficult piece ever imagined by my own standards. The song was completely done in latin. At least we had a director who knew the language well.

When I first read the music. I was pretty mortified at how incredibly difficult the tenor part was...

Not only that... It was THREE PARTS TO THE SONG (Allegro Vivace, Andante, Vivace e ritmico). It was a nearly 17 minute song. Now don't get me wrong, I wasn't complaining... I was shocked.

As the choir prepared for their retreat to practice everything from Advent I to Christmas Eve, I decided to take a copy of the tenor position in the song.

On December 13th, we took to the altar for one last practice before we sang the song. We all had it nailed down to a near science since we spent a lot of time dealing with it during the retreat. My goal was to copy off of my choirmate Phil J. who was pretty much a trained musician.

The day after, I was trying to round up everyone to come see me sing... However, everyone was again too busy for Jesus and to hear me sing. 

But then, we had a bigger issue... On December 14th, Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut was shot up by a 20-year old which just scared us to death. Many children were killed and we were stunned to think what heaven looked like that day with all those children meeting their creator.

I decided that it was best if we dedicate the song to the Newtown victims. Everyone was in agreement with the gesture.

They were going to save us for the end of the service and I knew had to sing both services so... I was set.

Again, no one was there supporting me. It was time to go down and sing. Nerves? In check... Music? Yep... Ready? I'll be ready.

We had a delay though to start because the Organist who was filling in while our director directed was having trouble with the mirror. Pastor Mark did warn against applause until the song was over... Remember, it is a 17-minute song

The music began... The trumpets blared, the horns sounded, and the tympani was pounded... Then the organ at max volume just unleashed the sounds of the music.

MAN! This was going to be great. I was at full capacity on my singing. I did a heck of a lot of markings on my booklet. from FF to P to EXPLOSION... to... Arrows.... to... whatever... I wanted myself to be perfect for this.

And with all the practice on part I, it paid off, the sounds were great. Everyone was enjoying themselves. Heck, even Pastor Mark put in the translations of the Latin in the bulletin so people could follow along.

Then we hit some parts which I kind of drew off. I was really disappointed there...

As part I continued, the song got a bit faster and more exciting. The song was just going in virtual waves of sound... I was definitely in perpetual focus mode. I've never sung that great in my lifetime, but this was quite possibly the best song I've ever sang.

Trouble was... it wasn't over... we still had two more parts left.

Part I done... Pastor Mark said: Do not applaud... but... they did..

Part II was next and that was the slow and near silent part. The music began and it felt like everything was just a blue photography image. This part lasted nearly 7 minutes.

We had to wait about 45 seconds until we started singing. I was definitely hitting the Tenor/Baritone high parts pretty well.

After the sopranos sung: "Jesu Christe." We had to go through a 90 second interlude.

As the song picked up, it got louder... and louder... I said in the back of my head: Please hit 11 on the volume meter.

Then I just went off... the back of my head just said: WOW! How did you do that!?

It got silent... Very silent... I saw PPP on the first part of the silent part...

Heather did the soprano solo and she was pretty amazing doing that. Heather and Jan (who are probably the captains of the choir) probably have the best voices on the team. The Phils are the captains on the men's side.

My goal? Just keep my ear open to listen to what Phil is doing... See, I cannot read music whatsoever.

Part 2 was done... The next part was when we really head into the excitement. The 3rd part was pretty self explanatory.

As we sang our way to the end... I was personally glad the song was nearly over with.

We came up to the amen, it required a near extreme blastissimo (3+ F's). But the song's conclusion was the most exciting ever. The sounds of the brass really got to the congregation.

GLORIA... IN EXCELSIS DEO...! Wow!

The congregation was going to love the ending...

Full blast....

AND THAT WAS IT!!! WE CONQUERED...!!!!!

The congregation got up and just applauded like crazy, they were incredibly impressed with the hard work and dedication we put into the song... We just stood there and that was it... We were proud of ourselves.. We conquered.

Only one 1 problem... we had to do it again at 11.

Both crowds enjoyed the song. I personally myself enjoyed it as well. All it needed was some bells at the end and the song would've been even more perfect.

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That was it. I made it through 2 services of singing a very difficult song. As I got in my car, I had found a sense of fulfillment but also a sense of disbelief.

No one was there on my behalf to see me sing. That's all I really wanted.

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Epilogue:

Rutter's Gloria was quite possibly one of the most difficult, harsh, and loudest hymns I've ever had to sing. Again, there was disbelief, but also there was the sense of fulfillment. Do I have any regrets of joining the choir? Nah, I really don't. I faced my demons, tried out, and did it. To conclude, that was probably the best advent ever. I wonder if 2014 will top it.

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~ Joshua

Questions to the Editor VII: The Weekend Edition

(Courtesy: Peanuts Inc. - Credit: Charles Schulz)

Good Day, and as per the usual rules, the person interviewing me... The name will not be revealed.

Person: Josh, been a while...

Me: Yep, sure has.

Person: So how's work been going

Me: Getting slower as the time rolls along.

Person: You got a big week next week with Thanksgiving rolling in. You have a development of a week's worth of blogs coming up don't you?

Me: Yeah, I'm definitely looking forward to writing about these things. We got another Sunday Sermon where we talk about Christ the King Sunday and the approach of Thanksgiving, America's 251st Thanksgiving and how we forget the meaning of it, another Question and Answer session with you...

Person: Oh yeah, that's the day I ask about you about Thanksgiving memories. The famed Thanksgiving of 1995..

Me: Yep.

Person: The infamous Thanksgiving of the New Millennium...

Me: Oh yeah that one... one of the worst.

Person: Oh and the first Thanksgiving with your NOW fiancee...

Me: Yep, one of the best!

Person: The quorum results preview.

Me: Sure do

Person: We also have a few others as well right on the week of blogs. Oh yes, that's also when you reveal the results of your quorum about Thanksgiving disillusionment.

Me: That's also the day I shut off Facebook for the day as well. I'm not going to be on Facebook at all that day.

Person: Next Friday, you also do your Reds and Blacks of Commerce talking about how bad Christmas has become over-commercialized and how the true meaning of Christmas just seems to have been quashed in favor of money and whiny children.

Me: Yep. It's definitely turned into an over-commercialized nightmare

Person: On Saturday, you talk about how despite Black Friday... and all it's misgivings... you say the storm never calms but you also promote small businesses.

Me: That's right. I also talk about the power of gift cards and why it's just more important to allow people to buy what they want.

Person: Then to conclude your long vacation, you write about the beginning of Advent. You'll be "blue-writing" for the period of time.

Me: That's right. Advent is definitely my favorite time of the year. We commence on the journey to our savior's birth. It's amazing how the nativity story reaches out to so many. I also go into some of the court cases that have ruined Christmas and why everyone needs to cut that crap out.

Person: Did you ever tell these guys about your new blog?

Me: Actually no I didn't. I totally forgot that was yesterday. But no problem, I'll talk about it today.

Person: Your time off is coming up REAL soon. You have nearly a month off from work. You really fixed up your leave nice so that you could just take a lot of time off.

Me: It's called maximizing your minimums. I had 76 hours to take in terms of my use or lose leave. I found 9 more because I knew I was going to be in class for a few days when I come back from leave.

Person: So tell me why do you have Peanuts character Marcie as your picture.

Me: Marcie is the one person from the Peanuts universe I can relate to. She's smart but sort of dimwitted at the same time. Sometimes I wonder if she really needs to dump Peppermint Patty as her best friend. I do think she likes Charlie Brown too.

Person: What are you most looking forward to in terms of being off for 4 days next week.

Me: Let's leave that to Wednesday's blog next week.

Person: Ok, I guess you're going to the gym today? There's no football though.

Me: Still have to. Gotta get in shape.

Person: Until next Wednesday.

One year to go: The Challenges

Hello,

Well Joanna and I are just 1 year away from saying "I do." We are looking forward to our wedding. I've learned that wedding planning can be excruciating but fun. A number of aspects have been taken care of.

We got a venue, DJ, photographer, a "mon-you... mon-you... mon-you" THE MENU! So I'm pretty content. At least this hasn't been a George Banks like episode where my fiance's dad acts like a total nut over the cost. It's actually been quite fun. Joanna's been having me as a part of the planning. I pretty much just "kibbitz." Our guest lists are finished too, so we don't have to worry about that.

I've learned that being our relationship isn't perfect, it does have it's bumps and bruises, but overall it's been a lot of fun.

I'm really excited about the prospect of marrying my best friend. Marriage will be a mountain to climb however, it's a challenge I am willing to undertake. I'm ready to be a good husband, loving father, and in the end, walk my daughter down the aisle, and give her away.

Oh trust me, as the dad and when I have a daughter who wants to get married. I'm going to have nice stringent rules he's going to have to follow.

1. You make her cry? I'll make you cry.

2. You want my permission to marry her? You better have a good explanation why.

3. You better have all your ducks in a row.

4. You will get married in a church.

5. You test me, I do have a cattle prod.

6. Jealousy in a relationship will get you nowhere with me. I hear anything about you not allowing her to talk to her guy or girl friends. Gimme your car keys and SIT DOWN... because I'm going to put the fear of god in you.

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Yeah, I'll be tough, but I know that I have to be good father. Bill Engvall stated it best: "If you have any plans about huggin' or kissin', word of warning? I have no problems going back to prison."

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Marriage is very difficult. It's a team effort. Sure there will be fun spots in our relationship and times where we get to take our kids out to eat to celebrate an A on a report card or an A on a test. It's work you know.

Do I feel ready to take on the challenge of being married?

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Still thinking about it, so hold on...

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I'm done thinking (LOL. That was just to tease you all. LOL.) and the answer is definitely yes. I found the woman in my life I really want. I'm very excited that I have a great wedding party selected. Basically, it's a solid A-team.

Anyway folks, I'm getting married soon. I know that all marriages are challenges and mountains to climb. But once you summit that mountain knowing that you are doing the right things in life, it makes your life that much easier.

I'm very proud to be marrying Joanna. I couldn't ask for anyone more special in my life.

Thank you and God bless,

Joshua

Post Election Day: The Red Tidal Wave

Hello,

Well, Election Day is over everyone. The political ads will cease and the mudslinging will end. Actually none of that will end once the new congressional term begins.

Yesterday, the state of Maryland showed it's anger by not giving Anthony Brown a promotion by voting in a businessman, Larry Hogan, who isn't at all a career politician.

As I watched the returns yesterday. A lot of my republican/conservative democrat friends were actually quite worried over the first returns. I said: I'm not worried at all. It's very early in the election and we haven't gotten started yet with the actual returns.

Around 9:30pm with about 46% of the precincts reporting, I noticed Hogan had a 10 point lead and said: Ah well, it's early. Still too early.

I figured at around 55-60% of the precincts... Hogan's lead would start to dwindle, instead, it got larger, I showed my father who dismissed it as still too early.

Around 85% of the precincts covered and Hogan's lead was still quite strong. I was saying: Something's not right here... Hogan's looking very good.

Then Brown made his concession speech around 12:05am and in the end, I said finally, the end of "politics as usual" here in Maryland. I also kept watch on the statehouse as republicans made huge gains in the senate and house of delegates.

I'm also very happy to see that the senate was won by republicans. Now some items of note CAN BE REPEALED

O'Malley will walk away with a very unpopular governor's rating among voters

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Mr. Hogan,

You have clearly won the vote of the people. They used their noggins and voted right. Maryland rode voter anger and disbelief to the polls and you not only won convincingly but decisively. Not only that, it is very important that you LISTEN to the people whom elected you to the highest and powerful office of the state.

~ Joshua

Election Day

Hello,

A short few sentences about Election Day.

Election Day is here and now we can finally end all the negative political ads, mudslinging, and the bs that continues to run Maryland.

I hope Maryland finds it in their brains to select the right candidate.

Thank you,
~ Joshua

Tis the 100th post: A letter to my subscribers and readers

Hello Subscribers and Readers,

100 posts, it didn't take long, but we are finally here. I just want to thank everyone who's made this possible for me. I have a lot of people read my entries because I post some of the most odd stuff or if I have something to say or write, yeah, I'm going to write it. But this is a short little letter to just tell you that I am going to keep blogging on with more interesting posts. My next milestone is 250 posts, which may not take long to get to with the newest entries coming in the next few weeks.

Take it from me folks, this is what I like to do with my life. I like to type type type. It used to be that you grab a spiral notepad, a composition notebook, or something like so to doodle my entries in. Remember the famed typewriters of the time? Yeah, they are still in use today. But I really wish they'd get rid of comic sans, that's a terrible font.

Anyway, thanks, we've made it to 100 posts and there's still more to come. I got a whole charade of blog entries to come. 29 in the next few weeks. I really can't wait to start my Advent sermons as it is one of my favorite times of the year. The countdown to Christmas and the journey to Jesus's birth.

So thank you all for 100 posts and here's to many more,
Joshua

Sunday Sermon: DST, All Saints Day, and November

Hello,

Time continues to fly by and so does the end of Daylight Savings Time. It began in 1895 by George Hudson in 1895. Germany and Austro-Hungary continued it with the first organization of it.

Today at 2am, we carried on with the tradition of getting that extra hour of sleep and it certainly felt like you slept longer, didn't it? I was more than pleased to pick up the extra hour. I was definitely tired from getting up at 3:45am. I came home, leaped into bed, and that was it.

I continue to say that DST will carry on and on. Enjoy that extra hour of sleep everyone, but come March, you'll lose it.

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Today in church, we commemorate All Saints Day and we say a prayer to those we lost over the year 2014. We know that they will dwell in the house of the LORD always.

I personally would like to say a special commemoration to Audrey Maggio. I knew her for just 10 months, but in those 10 months, I felt like I had made a new friend and I knew I was going to be a part of the family really really soon. Well, on June 12, we lost Audrey. It was definitely tough to lose her and me, only knowing her for short time period. But we know just as well as everyone that she has a spot with her husband up in heaven enjoying new home.

When it was time to call out names, I called out Audrey's name and I said to myself: "That was for you, Fraziers and Maggios."

Today we dedicated Johannes Brahms "How lovely is thy dwelling place", a German Requiem, to our lost members of the church and others. The song premiered in 1868 in Zurich and is considered Brahms most difficult song.

In the Methodist persuasion, anyone who goes to heaven is a saint. In Catholicism, it takes centuries and possibly even a millennium to be declared a saint. Lutheranism only follows the 12 apostles. Baptists and Anabaptists only hold certain saints in regard.

It's the one day that's very solemn in ordinary time in the church. We say a prayer for all the saints that are in heaven along with angels, archangels, and the glory of the LORD.

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November is finally here after a very long wait. So much will be happening in the month.

November 4 - Election Day: GET OUT AND VOTE!
November 7 - The St. Agnes vendor show. ONE YEAR TO GO!!!!!!
November 9 - CUMC Youth Sunday
November 15 - A new blog is revealed. Engagement photos.
November 16 - No Football Sunday, The Final Sunday in Kingdomtide
November 23 - Christ the King Sunday - The Final Sunday of the Liturgical Year
November 23 - 29: A full week of THANKSGIVING ENTRIES
November 27 - Thanksgiving 2014
November 30 - Advent begins

Boy, November is chock full of things to do.

Today marks 40 days remaining until I am done with work for nearly a full month as I am taking a ton of leave and resting my bones for a very long winter's break.

Well folks, I know this is one messy entry, but you know what... I'm always improving my entries when I can.

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That's it for entry 99, post number 100... coming your way next time... It will be a letter to my subscribers and readers.

"And now, may the peace of the LORD, which surpasses all understanding, keep your hearts in mind through faith in our LORD, Jesus Christ. One God, now and forever... Amen."

~ Joshua