Thanksgiving 2011

Thanksgiving Day is an annual holiday celebrating the harvest and other blessings of the past year. Historically, thanks have been directed towards God. But what about today – do we still consider Thanksgiving as a time to thank God for all that he does?

For many years, it was common for retailers to open at 6:00am, but in the late 2000s, many started to open at 5:00 or 4:00. This was taken to the extreme in 2011, when several retailers opened at midnight. In 2010 Walmart opened at 10:00pm on Thanksgiving day and Toys 'R' Us at 9:00, Sears was open all day.

It’s a very noticeable trend that as time goes by we move farther and farther away from God. Businesses are requiring their employees to work on Thanksgiving. The media capitalizes on the shopping season working to distract us with materialistic things. The sports industry schedules back to back games on Thanksgiving. With all these distractions it can be very easy for people to forget or downplay the importance of Thanksgiving. The world is working so very hard to keep our mind and focus off God.

While everyday of our lives should be spent in giving thanks to God. Thanksgiving is a day that gives us the opportunity to join together with family and friends and share in that time of thankfulness. Thanksgiving comes but once a year and it should be cherished.

Maybe try and schedule other times during the year to fellowship and spend some time in thanksgiving. Whether its next year’s Thanksgiving or a time that you make your own. Tell your employer that you won’t be able to work. Turn off your TV that is so many times is the portal for distractions and sin.

I want to encourage you to spend time with your family and friends at every opportunity. I pray that you have a wonderful holiday season and Lord willing a fantastic New Year.

~Daniel

Below is a list of stores that were open on Thanksgiving Day 2011:

CVS - Open 24 hours
Rite Aid - Open 24 hours
Walgreens - Open 24 hours
Kmart - 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Meijer - Doorbuster specials start at 6:00 AM open until midnight
Raley's - 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Bass Pro Shops - 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Fred's - 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Target - 29 stores will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Gander Mountain - 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Gap - Open until 8:00 PM
Michael's Crafts - 4:00 PM
Safeway - Stores open at regular hours until 6:00 PM
Save Mart - Stores will open at the regular hours and be open until 5:00 PM
Toys 'R Us - Open 10:00 PM Thanksgiving Day through 11:00 PM Black Friday night
Wal-Mart - Open 10:00 PM Thanksgiving Day and will remain open continuously through Black Friday
Athleta - Store hours on Thanksgiving Day TBA
Banana Republic - Store hours on Thanksgiving Day TBA
Banana Republic Factory Stores - Store hours on Thanksgiving Day TBA
Express - Store hours on Thanksgiving Day TBA
Gap Outlet - Store hours on Thanksgiving Day TBA
Old Navy - Store hours on Thanksgiving Day TBA

In addition to shopping, it is estimated that 14 million consumers will be eating at major retail restaurant chains instead of eating dinner at home with their families this Thanksgiving 2011. Here are some that were open:

Boston Market
Buca di Beppo
Cracker Barrel
Denny's
Golden Corral
Legal Seafoods
Maggiano's Little Italy
McCormick and Schmick
Mimi's Cafe
Montana Mike's Steakhouse
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Shoney's
Ted’s Montana Grill
The Palm

Go to the Top

Were the Days Really Days? by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

The AP article from 1/1/2001 can be found here!

Go to the Top

Christmas and the New Year

Creation: The act of God speaking into existence all things out of nothing. This word refers to the work God completed in 6 creation days. The apostle Paul wrote that "by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth." Colossians 1:16

As Christmas and a New Years approaches many opportunities come our way. We have parties, or special events, or family reunions where we have the opportunity to fellowship with the ones we love. As we get ready for Christmas we have a great opportunity to talk to someone about what Christmas is and why we celebrate it.

We should celebrate Christmas as a fun time of fellowship with family and loved ones. Many people believe Christmas is a religious holiday, a time to celebrate the birth of Christ. But in truth, we should celebrate the life of Jesus every day. We are not sure when Jesus was born. And the scriptures certainly don’t instruct us to celebrate Christmas as the secular world does. So we need to be mindful to inform people that we do not celebrate Christmas as the birth of Christ. We must be careful to not associate the birth of Christ with receiving gifts, going to parties, or pleading for new toys.

As the year draws to a close I think back to all the past events and many questions begin to surface. What major thing happened this year? Who did I help? Who did I influence? Did I influence them in a positive way? Did I achieve a long term goal? Did I live as a Christian each day? Did I read my bible and pray every day?

Each year around the holiday’s people often set a resolution for the New Year. As Americans we’ve been trained to set our happiness on what we can gain. Our popularity or social status is based on what is new or expensive. We get fooled and focused into this way of thinking; it’s a compulsive and secular way of thinking. We work, we spend, we eat, we entertain, we travel, and we rush all the time. Worst of all we do these things without though or hesitation.

A recent example came to me when I was talking with a friend about saving money. He said "We all have about 200 dollars a month that we blow away that we could saved instead." When I heard him say this it really cut my heart. Are we as rich Americans really so self serving that we just blow 200 dollars a month? Is this really true? I know sometimes I spend money on things that are meaningless. Is this wrong? After all, I have earned that money; don't I have a right to spend it as I choose? This got me to thinking about all the people whose entire monthly income is only 200 dollars. What are they blowing away?

God has given us a mind of discernment for a reason. We have the ability to make decisions and judgments about things. The question, "Should we go see a movie tonight?" Your decisions or judgments about seeing a movie is based on something. What is that? Ask yourself this question. Take the time to make sure that your decisions are based in a way that pleases God. Learn to develop this kind on self responsibility.

When I was asked this past thanksgiving, “What are you thankful for?” my reply was, “Accountability”. Learn to be accountable to yourself. We all need help and guidance. If it’s hard for you to be accountable to yourself then find somebody who you can be accountable to.

My resolution for the New Year is to be as responsible as I can to those around me. I will stop and think about my decisions before I make them. I will ask myself, "What is the purpose of this decision?"

What will you're resolution be? What will you base your decisions on? Be thankful for another day to make those decisions. And always keep in mind how blessed you are, making good decisions then will become much easier.

I pray that you have a very Merry Christmas and an even better New Year,
Daniel~

Go to the Top

Thanksgiving

1 Chronicles 29:13 - Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

Observe all around you and be thankful for all that you have. We are fortunate, we have much more than what we need to be content. Enjoy life how it is and as it comes. There are many things in your life that will catch your eye but only a few will catch your heart. Pursue those.

Thanksgiving is a time when families come together and share in the warmth and care of their home. Thanksgiving is a time to see loved ones from long ago. Thanksgiving is a time to learn and laugh about the past. It is a time to feast, to enjoy a good meal. It can be a time of funny stories. For many Thanksgiving is a set tradition.

Whatever thanksgiving is too you, I pray that you are truly thankful for all that you have. Be thankful for the life God has given you. Take the time to realize how blessed you are. Take the time to extend a hand and share you’re blessing with someone less fortunate.

Be observant of those that are in need. There will be many who will spend Thanksgiving with one less person then they did last year. There will be many people who won’t have a good meal. There will be many people without a place to go. There are many people that live without the blessing of family. Do not feed this endless cycle of consumerism and immorality in which this world is growing. Don’t forget or ignore our brothers and sisters that are out in the world.

In you’re time of thanksgiving be thankful to have the opportunity to bless someone else and you to will be blessed in return.

Go to the Top

Should we be Fasting?

Fasting has been floating around in my head the past few days. I did some research and talked to a few people about fasting and this is what I’ve come up with.

The first thing that must be present is a “reason”. You must have a reason to fast. Whether you’re fasting for better health which is a good way to clean out your system, or for spiritual focus, there must be a reason why you are fasting. If there is not a reason then you are just hurting your body.

There are some cases where people cannot fast. They’re not able to because of a medical condition. So it’s fair to say that fasting can be directed towards many things and not just food. If you’re a golfer you could spend that time that you would normally spend golfing visiting people. Or if you watch a lot of TV you could study your bible instead.

I could not find a direct command in the Bible that tells us to fast. There are multiple examples in the New Testament where people were fasting and praying. The scriptures say “when you fast…” Matt 6:16. So I do think fasting is scriptural and is good for focus but again there must be a reason. In Matt 9:14 there is an example where the disciples were not fasting and others were, so it’s also ok not to fast

Second if you choose to fast, it should be handled in the same manner as prayer. The Bible also says fasting must be done in secret, Matt 6:18. Many examples in the New Testament say “as they were praying and fasting. In Matt 6 it talks about prayer for a few verses, then right after that it talks about fasting. If you are fasting for spiritual focus it is only between you and God and must be kept that way.

I think fasting can be very beneficial. I would encourage you to try it and see if it helps you direct your mind towards God and his word.

Go to the Top

The Lord Speaks

Published on Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 5:09 pm

"Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?

Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.

Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place, when I said, “This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt?”

Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place, that it might take the earth by the edges and shake the wicked out of it? The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its features stand out like those of a garment. The wicked are denied their light, and their upraised arm is broken.

Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea or walked in the recesses of the deep? Have the gates of death been shown to you? Have you seen the gates of the shadow of death? Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth? Tell me, if you know all this. What is the way to the abode of light? And where does darkness reside? Can you take them to their places? Do you know the paths to their dwellings?

Surely you know, for you were already born! You have lived so many years!

Have you entered the storehouses of the snow or seen the storehouses of the hail, which I reserve for times of trouble, for days of war and battle? What is the way to the place where the lightning is dispersed, or the place where the east winds are scattered over the earth? Who cuts a channel for the torrents of rain, and a path for the thunderstorm, to water a land where no man lives, a desert with no one in it, to satisfy a desolate wasteland and make it sprout with grass? Does the rain have a father? Who fathers the drops of dew? From whose womb comes the ice? Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens when the waters become hard as stone, when the surface of the deep is frozen? Can you bind the beautiful Pleiades? Can you loose the cords of Orion? Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons or lead out the Bear with its cubs? Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God's dominion over the earth? Can you raise your voice to the clouds and cover yourself with a flood of water? Do you send the lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you, 'Here we are'? Who endowed the heart with wisdom or gave understanding to the mind? Who has the wisdom to count the clouds? Who can tip over the water jars of the heavens when the dust becomes hard and the clods of earth stick together? Do you hunt the prey for the lioness and satisfy the hunger of the lions when they crouch in their dens or lie in wait in a thicket? Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God and wander about for lack of food?

Do you know when the mountain goats give birth? Do you watch when the doe bears her fawn? Do you count the months till they bear? Do you know the time they give birth? They crouch down and bring forth their young; their labor pains are ended. Their young thrive and grow strong in the wilds; they leave and do not return. Who let the wild donkey go free? Who untied his ropes? I gave him the wasteland as his home, the salt flats as his habitat. He laughs at the commotion in the town; he does not hear a driver's shout. He ranges the hills for his pasture and searches for any green thing. Will the wild ox consent to serve you? Will he stay by your manger at night? Can you hold him to the furrow with a harness? Will he till the valleys behind you? Will you rely on him for his great strength? Will you leave your heavy work to him? Can you trust him to bring in your grain and gather it to your threshing floor? The wings of the ostrich flap joyfully, but they cannot compare with the pinions and feathers of the stork. She lays her eggs on the ground and lets them warm in the sand, unmindful that a foot may crush them, that some wild animal may trample them. She treats her young harshly, as if they were not hers; she cares not that her labor was in vain, for God did not endow her with wisdom or give her a share of good sense. Yet when she spreads her feathers to run, she laughs at horse and rider. Do you give the horse his strength or clothe his neck with a flowing mane? Do you make him leap like a locust, striking terror with his proud snorting? He paws fiercely, rejoicing in his strength, and charges into the fray. He laughs at fear, afraid of nothing; he does not shy away from the sword. The quiver rattles against his side, along with the flashing spear and lance. In frenzied excitement he eats up the ground; he cannot stand still when the trumpet sounds. At the blast of the trumpet he snorts, 'Aha!' He catches the scent of battle from afar, the shout of commanders and the battle cry. Does the hawk take flight by your wisdom and spread his wings toward the south? Does the eagle soar at your command and build his nest on high? He dwells on a cliff and stays there at night; a rocky crag is his stronghold. From there he seeks out his food; his eyes detect it from afar. His young ones feast on blood, and where the slain are, there is he.

Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.

Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself? Do you have an arm like God's, and can your voice thunder like his? Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor, and clothe yourself in honor and majesty. Unleash the fury of your wrath, look at every proud man and bring him low, look at every proud man and humble him, crush the wicked where they stand. Bury them all in the dust together; shroud their faces in the grave. Then I myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you.

Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!"

Go to the Top

The Room By Joshua Harris

Published on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 9:23 pm

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with small index-card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I Have Liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.

And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match.

A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed."

The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I Have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed At." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've Yelled at My Brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger," "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped.

I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my 20 years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I Have Listened To," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.

An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.

Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.

And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key.

But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus.

I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one?

Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me.

Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card.

"No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood.

He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished."

I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

By Joshua Harris. Originally published in New Attitude Magazine © Copyright New Attitude 1995

Go to the Top

Samurai & The Monk

December 13, 2008 at 10:47 pm

A big, tough samurai once went to see a little monk. “monk,” he said, in a voice accustomed to instant obedience, “Teach me about heaven and hell!”

The monk looked up at this mighty warrior and replied with utter disdain, “Teach you about heaven and hell? I couldn’t teach you about anything. You’re dirty. You smell. Your blade is rusty. You’re a disgrace, an embarrassment to the samurai class. Get out of my sight. I can’t stand you.”

The samurai was furious. He shook, got all red in the face, was speechless with rage. he pulled out his sword and raised it above him, preparing to slay the monk.

“That’s hell,” said the monk softly.

The samurai was overwhelmed. The compassion and surrender of this little man who had offered his life to give this teaching to show him hell! he slowly put down his sword, filled with gratitude, and suddenly peaceful.

“And that’s heaven,” said the monk softly.

Go to the Top

The good guy.

November 20, 2008 at 7:32 pm

Everybody knows a few squares. I know one.

He’s a strong, polite, God-fearing guy who freely admits that he prays, weeps for joy, plays with little kids, kisses his mother, goes to his dad for advice and thinks old folks are great. He wears clothes that fit him, puts savings in the bank, has his hair neatly groomed, likes school, doesn’t use bad language, avoids dirty discussions about sex-he even blushes. He goes to church, drinks milk, drives within the speed limit, is in bed by 10 pm, and expects purity in girls.

As a result of his unusual behavior, he sufferers the loss of popularity, but he gains the gratitude and admiration of his parents, family, teachers, has an insatiable imagination, and enjoys spiritual perception.

To some he may seem strange, but I like him.

-Anonymous