Beech Tree News Network

Webster’s New World Dictionary of the American Language, Second College Edition, defines Thanksgiving as “ a formal, often public thanks to God in form of prayer; an annual U.S. holiday observed on the 4th Thursday in November.  It commemorates the Pilgrim’s celebration of the good harvest in 1621.

Historically, Thanksgiving began as a tradition of celebrating the harvest of the year. It is currently celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. This holiday is a time for family gatherings, hearty meals and counting life’s blessings.

Throughout history, in order to be elected politicians have appealed to man’s baser, lustful side.  I’m not talking here of skirt-chasing, or drunkenness, and /or debauchery, but just the promise of “things and stuff”.  Things that people want and do not have--- a “chicken in every pot, and two cars in every garage.” ---trips, cruises, fine cars and houses… more and more.  And we know that all these things are not bad within themselves.  The Apostle Paul though admonishes in Romans 13: “Do not always think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”

Renegade:Up until the 2006 election for governor of Texas, I had never stolen anything in my life.  The silhouette of a Jewish cowboy on a gold pink and green campaign poster would prove to be the temptation beyond that which I was able to bear.  

Have you ever had one of those moments when you hear you child say the darndest thing? Only to realize that they heard it from you?  I've often said that if you wonder what really comes out of your mouth, just listen to your children. Of course, some of those moments are quite hilarious. Yet some of those moments aren't funny at all. Seems like we can always count on our children to be the ones to put us in our place. It is said that children are like sponges, and how true that is. They learn many things from us, good and bad.

Now would be a good time for those charged with educating and leading our nation’s young people to take a good, long look in the mirror and reevaluate their priorities and practices.

It’s not enough for leaders in our educational system – whether iconic coaches of powerhouse football programs or local superintendents and the school boards who employ them – to barely do what’s legally required. They have a moral mandate, too.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!  Can you believe it's that time already? Thanksgiving is by far my favorite holiday, always has been. I actually met my husband a year ago, so this will be our first Thanksgiving as a married couple :-)  We usually have anywhere from 15-25 people at our house for Thanksgiving and I cook a huge meal. There's nothing that makes me happier than to be surrounded my family and friends. We eat until we can't eat anymore and lay around and be miserable together and just count our blessings.
 

My family enjoys a good road trip. For us, a road trip is any journey that’s taken in an automobile covering long distances. These trips usually have some plan and include food.

Wednesday, November 9 was the 45th annual CMA Awards in Nashville.  There were funny moments such as hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood playing onstage with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Barbie’s. There were surprising performances, such as Zac Brown Band as they performed the late Ray Charles’ “Georgia on My Mind”, and Lionel Ritchie teaming with Rascal Flatts and Darius Rucker. Also, Faith Hill made her triumphant return by performing her first new song in 4 years called “Come Home”.

 “Now Cloudy, didn’t you in fact say at the scene of the accident, ‘You never felt better in your life?”