Thanksgiving Greetings!!!

A group of voyagers come across the ocean and land in a strange new country. They have weathered the sea, the ship, illness and disease. They have built a colony, and lived off of the land. They got some help from the natives who where here, that we decided to call "indians." So, to celebrate their success and survival and community and fellowship, they gathered together to have a feast. The scene of their celebration has been depicted in many a book and school play.

Times have changed. The pace of life has gotten faster. We are now spread far and wide on this great continent, and we have been good stewards. We gather, just as they did, to celebrate our plenty, our provision, our relationships. In a day when there is so much wrong, we might forget or miss what we have, who we are, and what we are here for. The context of the celebration has changed; we aren't fighting against the elements for survival anymore. We are settled and productive, inventive and creative. But our context is of continuing the dream. They were celebrating starting it, we are celebrating continuing it. Many many people are still drawn to this land for what it stands for, because they can't get that where they come from. America is an idea, not a place, and although its home is on the North American continent, it can be created anywhere that people desire liberty, truth, and natural law.

I hope these words find you in good stead, with a view and a hope for the coming season that we celebrate this time of year. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, Ramadan and other faith celebrations, all the way through to New Years.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Veteran's Day

As I write this, I am remembering that I am able to do this because some wise men a long time ago decided it was important to protect our freedoms. Many many people after them, men and women, defended, watched over, fought for, suffered greatly, and some died, so that we can be and do what we want.
I did not serve in the military. They dropped the draft just before it was my turn. But many I know did. Robert K. Ruzicka Sr., Murray Kinnich, Uncle Paul, CJ Whitkop, and others, friends, children of friends.
Who do you know who served? Thank them, remember them, pray for them. Greet a soldier when you see one. Even if you don't know them. Pray for their families while they are away. Pray for the ones who have come home, missing something, even if what they are missing can't be seen.
From the first days of the revolution to now, there have been many who loved this country enough to lay it on the line for it, and for us. Most of them volunteered. All of them at considerable peril. Some lost their life for it.  Some continue to serve in private, using the skills and experience they learned while in uniform.
Fly a flag. Say a prayer. Think about what we have, and how we can best use it for the Good.
Thank you Veterans. Godspeed...

Veterans Day is Friday

Do you know a veteran? My Dad was in the Army in Germany. I was born there when he was still there. (Obviously Mom was there too) My Stepdad was in the Army in WWII. So was my wife's Uncle. Several people I know have served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere in uniform. Have you ever been to a military funeral? Greeted a fallen soldier on his final flight home? Start a tribute here in comments. Check back here for a perspective Thursday night. And fly your flag proudly. At the house, the office, on your car...

Local Farmers Market

We went to the local Sugar Land Farmers Market over the weekend. It's at the old Imperial Sugar Refinery on 90A. It's harvest time, so there are lots of fresh veggies, as well as bakery, canned goods, arts and crafts, and good food. Including my friend Jeff Brooks' Berryhill Baja Grill Sugar Land!

We only stayed for about an hour, but they also have music and cooking demos during the day as well. The market is scheduled to run every Saturday through the end of the year. Fun time for the fam!