James MilamNovember 6, 2013

As we enter the month of November, the trees have already peaked in vibrant color and the brisk temperatures are turning much colder, reminding us to take a break from the stresses of everyday life to acknowledge and give thanks for the many blessings in our lives.The Thanksgiving season is about gratitude for traditions, sharing, and sacrifice. Tradition is the bridge that brings us all together. It serves as a topic that we all find peace. The thoughts of families gathering around a delicious meal celebrating the unity between new life and the wisdom of old life is a solemn reminder of the important things to be thankful for. This season is a time of sharing new milestones of life, and to reignite our spiritual lives by exchanging stories of blessings with those closest to us. It is in these stories of witness that we may know the blessings of our Lord and find the very foundation of life, liberty, and happiness.I am thankful for the many blessings of: life, a loving family, meaningful friendships, education, opportunity, and spirituality. Above all I am thankful for the sacrifice made by God our father for sending his son Jesus Christ to die for our sins so that we may be forgiven and have eternal life. I hope that this can assist each and every one of you to answer the question, “What are you thankful for?” in a much deeper, personal, and meaningful way.In the coming days on November 11, we, the United States of America celebrate Veterans’ Day. On this day, we are reminded to be thankful for sacrifice. It is the sacrifices of the brave men and women who have defended and are defending this country, that we may have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Some of our nations military members sacrificed seeing their children grow up, their health, or physical limbs. However, we must never forget those who paid the ultimate price. John 15:13 states, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” The American Veteran is forever a symbol of heroism, sacrifice, loyalty, and freedom.On November 11, 1918, the fighting in World War I stopped when an armistice, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” President Wilson proclaimed Veterans day November 11, 1919 with these words, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride for the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of all nations…”