Anything Under The Sun

Question: What are you and your family most grateful for this holiday season? Let me share this in three aspects. As my family and I are devout Christians, our shared convictions give rise to gratitude during this festive time. Firstly, JOY: We relish the moments spent together as a family. The sight of everyone reveling in happiness and laughter is truly overwhelming. I cherish the warmth, love, giving, and joy that permeate the season. In our family, this joy is intricately connected with the two subsequent elements I'm about to mention. Next is LOVE: It's not merely about enemies reconciling or temporary ceasefires in various conflicts. Nor is it solely about heightened romanticism during this season. While giving may seem like a traditional gesture, it embodies one of the profound expressions of love. It extends beyond material gifts to include acts of service and the sharing of one's life with others. Our family's love for each other transcends the holiday season, and what underscores this love is the divine example found in John 3:16, depicting God the Father's demonstration of love by giving us His Son. And then, there's Christmas. Lastly, HOPE: I intentionally reserve this for the final part, as I believe in saving the best for last. Although we may not know the exact birthdate of our Lord, this season serves as a poignant reminder of the arrival of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Without Him, our family, along with each one of us, would face a bleak fate. His birth not only marks the beginning but also ensures our redemption through the cross. It instills in us a profound sense of hope. In conclusion, what truly engenders gratitude in my family and me this holiday season is the essence of the season—JESUS CHRIST. It is through Him that we experience joy, love, and hope, each element contributing uniquely to our sense of gratitude (in no particular order).

The Thanksgiving holiday, celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November, is eagerly anticipated each year, ranking alongside Christmas and New Year as one of the most awaited holidays. Its roots trace back to an annual tradition initiated by President Abraham Lincoln, who declared the national event to be celebrated on Thursday, November 26, in the year 1863. Despite the excitement surrounding this holiday, it is not without its share of controversies. For some, Thanksgiving Day is perceived as commemorating the conquest of Native Americans by European colonists. A professor from UC Berkeley criticizes what he calls the "cultural and political amnesia" among Americans, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the historical event, not necessarily to instill guilt, but to elicit a thoughtful response. Another professor from the University of Texas at Austin suggests that "One indication of moral progress in the United States would be the replacement of Thanksgiving Day and its self-indulgent family feasting with a National Day of Atonement accompanied by a self-reflective collective fasting." Controversy also arose during an event when hundreds of supporters visited Alcatraz on Thanksgiving Day to commemorate the Occupation of Alcatraz by Indians of All Tribes. However, it's important not to solely focus on the skepticism surrounding Thanksgiving. Beyond the preparation of traditional turkeys, this holiday offers an opportunity to explore trending recipes such as Pecan Pie, Green Bean Casserole, and Sweet Potato dishes. Those interested in mastering these sumptuous meals can find guidance on the web or seek advice from experienced cooks, such as seasoned grandmothers who excel in preparing classic and splendid feasts. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!

The recent incident of Michelle Obama being booed at a NASCAR event has become a prominent topic of discussion. Notably, it wasn't just the First Lady who faced disapproval; Jill Biden, the wife of the U.S. Vice President, also encountered taunts during NASCAR's season finale at the Homestead-Miami Speedway last Sunday. Both Michelle Obama and Jill Biden served as grand marshals for the race, extending support to the event. Accompanying them was Sergeant Andrew Berry, a courageous individual who had endured two bullets and eight bomb blasts in Afghanistan and Iraq. However, the moment the announcer introduced Michelle Obama and the Second Lady, the crowd responded with a mix of cheers and boos, particularly directed at Michelle Obama. In response to the incident, Kristina Schake, the communications director for the First Lady, released a statement, saying, "Mrs. Obama was proud to join NASCAR in recognizing our nation's veterans and military families to raise awareness of this important issue for all Americans. As she has always said, she will proudly stand with anyone making a major commitment to serve and honor our military community, and yesterday NASCAR did just that. They paid special tribute to our veterans and military families at the championship race by donating over 5,000 tickets to military families and by honoring Sergeant Berry and his family, true American heroes. Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden enjoyed their visit to the speedway, and are looking forward to working across the country to honor America's veterans and military families." It's worth noting that, before the incident, both the First Lady and the Second Lady received a standing ovation at a pre-race drivers meeting. During this meeting, Michelle Obama expressed her appreciation for NASCAR's consistent support, stating that the organization has been "amazing in terms of its support, not just today but every day, for military families."