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  Thanksgiving has been held on the fourth Thursday in November since 1941, which means that the date of the holiday shifts each year. The earliest Thanksgiving can occur is November 22; the latest is November 28. President Roosevelt changed Thanksgiving from the fourth Thursday to the third Thursday in November in 1939. However, this was not a very popular move. Native Americans in North America celebrated harvest festivals for centuries before a Thanksgiving federal holiday was formally established in the United States. Colonial services for these festivals date back to the late 16th century. The autumnal feasts celebrated the harvest of crops after a season of bountiful growth. The first national Thanksgiving celebration was observed in  honor of the creation of the new United States Constitution ! In 1789, President George Washington  issued a proclamation  designating November 26 of that year as a “Day of Public Thanksgiving” to re...

  Veterans Day is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served. For one day, we stand united in respect for you, our veterans. This holiday started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country's service and was originally called  Armistice Day . It fell on Nov. 11 because that is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. However, in 1954, the holiday was changed to "Veterans Day" in order to account for all veterans in  all wars . We celebrate and honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. What do you need to know about celebrating Veterans Day? Veterans Day, a U.S. federal holiday, is a time to honor and thank those who are serving or have served in the military and are still with us. On Veterans Day, think about how you can show a veteran extra appreciation. Attend a Veterans Day parade or event in ...

  Happy Labor Day! Hello September! It’s a new day and a new month! Let us rejoice and give God thanks!!! Praise His Name     “For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:12 ESV   This is the greatest blessing of all – the  favor  of God. Knowing that God looks on us with favor and pleasure is the greatest knowledge in the world. This is our standing in  grace .   Read the scripture 2-3 times slowly and out low. Pay attention to the word or phrase that stands out to you.   What does this verse show you about God’s nature?   Share with God any praise that comes to mind.    Questions to Ponder - What stands out to you in this passage? What does this question teach me about God? What does this passage tell me about how to live and what action do I need to take?    Why you don’t wear white after Labor Day Some historians say brighter clothing was worn ...

 Do Not Grow Weary or Tired “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 NKJV   Notice the order, because it seems strange. First, we mount up with wings like eagles . Then we run . Finally, we walk . Does it seem out of order? Not at all. First, we recognize that we soar up into heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Then we set ourselves on the course to run the race. Then we are in a good place to walk the walk.   They shall mount up with wings like eagles : This is the measure of strength the LORD gives us – strength to soar above everything else.   They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint : This is the purpose of the strength the LORD gives us – strength to move forward and progress for Him. It isn’t strength to show off, but strength to go forward in.   “For I know the thoughts that I thi...

  Memorial Day   “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:9 NIV   Memorial Day  commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. In other words, the purpose of Memorial Day is to memorialize the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.  We spend time remembering those who lost their lives and could not come home, reflecting on their service and why we have the luxury and freedom that we enjoy today. We might consider how we can support and safeguard their grieving families and loved ones who are left behind.   Memorial Day itself is about so much more than grilling recipes, corn on the cob, and delicious desserts. It's a sacred day of observance, centere...

  The History of Mother's Day: A day to honor mothers has existed for as long as, well, there have been mothers. Festivals honoring mothers in ancient times were often tied to gods and goddesses and maternal symbols of fertility, birth, creativity, and growth cycles. The mother is the protector and nourisher of children and, by extension, of all humanity. The Phrygians held a festival for Cybele, the Great Mother of the Gods. The Greeks and Romans also honored the mother figure of their gods. Even today, an important festival in India, Durga-puja, honors the goddess Durga. In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated annually on the second Sunday in May; therefore, the date changes yearly. Although Mother’s Day is a national holiday widely observed in the U.S., it is not a federal or public holiday (when businesses are closed). Three women were most instrumental in establishing the tradition of Mother’s Day: Ann Reeves Jarvis, Julia Ward Howe, and Ann’s daughter,...