I Hate Thanksgiving...

There aren't too many things in life that I hate. In fact, when i hear the word "hate;" I usually tend to use the phrase "Don't hate... Appreciate!" You can always appreciate something or someone for their faults. Every year, i'm reminded after it's too late... and that is, I Hate Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time that we are thankful to God for everything that He has given us. Now, don't get me wrong. I thank God everyday for the many blessings that Has given to me. He deserves all the glory on this holiday... among everything else; even that gloriously tasty golden bird that we all eat. That is what Thanksgiving is supposed to be about.

Here's the problem. People ruin thanksgiving! When this time of the year rolls around, families come together, but if you have a family like mine (and most of you do), than you have a disfunctional family. They argue, fight, and worst of all, complain because someone burnt their favorite dish; the dumplings. Then, everyone in the family starts discussing what they want for Christmas and who is going to buy what for each person. After Thanksgiving festivities are over, retailers jump on the bandwagon against the point of the season and drag people out to line up at the doors at 5 A.M. The people go and buys gifts to give instead of being thankful for what they have. That is not what thanksgiving is supposed to be about.

This week, i am staying at my girlfriend's house ALONE with her dogs while she is with her family in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. I am currently working on two research papers that i have due after break because all of my professors think i have nothing to do this week. On Thanksgiving Day, i will be with my family in Mt. Vernon, Indiana. Then, on Friday and Saturday, i will be working my life away at Gordman's. I hope you will have a better Thanksgiving holiday than myself.

Whatever you do during the Thanksgiving season this week, don't forget to remember what it's all about. Be thankful for what you have, and don't worry about what your going to give for Christmas... Thank God for all the blessings that you have!

The Best of God's Angels

Tonight, i was thinking about people of whom i've known that have passed away unexpectedly. Just a few come to mind...

Gene Rice - Gene was an incredible man fulfilled with Christ's love and spirit. Gene was a funny guy... always had a genuine prank or a joke for you! He served on and also led several mission trips. He was one of the founders of a church mens group that cooked food for church events. Man, was Gene's food good too! Gene, most importantly though, was a man after God's own heart!

Cindy Zarazee - Well, what can i say... Cindy was like a mom to me. She loved God and she loved people. She loved teaching kids how to love and be like Jesus. She drove fast, and when she was home, never minded calling and asking someone to stop and get her a Polar Pop. Like Gene, Cindy also loved jokes and pulling pranks on others. She loved her dogs just as much as they loved her. Cindy loved her two daughters more than anything though. Her family was the reason she fought for her own life. Cindy, most importantly though, was a woman after God's own heart!

As i lay here and think, these were two of the most God-driven people that i've known in my life. I can only wonder why God took them so soon... Sometimes i wonder why God didn't keep them on earth longer so they could share the love of Jesus with more people? I know this for sure though. He had a greater purpose for their lives. It almost makes you wonder if (since God is all-knowning and all-powerful) God himself will be needing people who know and love him the most to help him come judgement day... when the book of Revelation begins. He will need some pretty incredible angels. I can't see through God's eyes... but through my eyes, these are two of the best candidates that i know of for ranking as top angels in the kingdom of God.