WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023 - NOVEMBER IS HERE

NOVEMBER 1, 2023 - NOVEMBER IS HERE

Today’s blog might be somber after yesterday’s remembrance of Halloween and Oktoberfest. 

Four significant Dates in November: (in my viewpoint)

1. November 1st - All Saints Day (and November 2nd - All Souls Day)

2. Veterans Day - November 11

3. Thanksgiving - November 23

4. Black Friday - November 24 

November is like some of the lyrics from “California Dreaming” by the Mamas and Papas:

All the leaves are brown 

And the sky is gray 

I’ve been for a walk 

On a winter’s day 

I’d be safe and warm 

If I was in L.A. 

Yes - those pretty leaves have fallen off the (northern) trees - the sky is gray. You have raked up the leaves and put them in yard bags on the curb for the trash collection. (I remember raking the leaves to the curb and burning them with my Grandpa).

Humans love to complain about the weather - too hot, too cold, too dry, too rainy, too humid, too windy, too cloudy. 

Seasons are great. I’ve heard people talk about opposites. Some say, “War is good - because it helps us appreciate Peace”; “Hate is good - because it helps us appreciate Love.”

(While I understand the logic - I’d prefer not to have war or hate.).

So, gray skies for the next few months, snow, cool, long dark nights. Does that help me love and appreciate spring and fall more?  

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Back to November.

Religious groups (most notably Catholic) honor the Saints (capital “S”) on All Saints Day. In that tradition, an appropriate group carefully evaluates candidates for Sainthood. Is Karen a qualified candidate for Sainthood? Is Lynette, Paul, Bianca, Tom, or others? There are criteria (beyond the scope of this blog).  

Then, the next day, religious groups honor “All Soul’s Day” - all spiritual dead are remembered and prayed for. The concept is that our prayers can help some dead souls who are neither in heaven nor in hell. 

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Then, we have the opportunity to vote. Texas doesn’t have candidates this year, but a lot of ballot decisions (money for roads, schools, better communities)

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The following special day is Veterans Day. Veterans Day is observed on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour. That time comes from World War I - the “Great War to End all Wars” when a truce was agreed to at that particular time.  

Thank you, Veterans!!!

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The next to last significant day in November is on the fourth Thursday of the month. It is Thanksgiving. Originally from the Pilgrims gathering to thank God for a good harvest. Some Americans observe the traditional concept - of giving thanks and practicing gratitude. It is a significant feast in American life. It is probably the largest family meal of the year. Turkey, dressing, and many other dishes - and pumpkin pie to finish the feast.  

But Thanksgiving has grown and changed over the years as a big day for professional football. 

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The last day I highlighted is also changing. It is Black Friday. It was traditionally the biggest holiday shopping day. COVID did dent in Black Friday sales, as almost everything can be bought online and not necessarily on the day after Thanksgiving. I remember my wife highlighting shopping plans on Black Friday - which stores were open at 6:00 a.m. (or earlier) and which stores had the most significant sales and discounts.  

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HARKEN BACK TO A CONCEPT - MVV - MISSION, VISION, VALUE

In November 2023 - what is your mission? To survive? To eat the biggest Thanksgiving dinner ever? To watch the most football you have EVER watched?

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My mission is to spread LOVE WINS.

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How about your vision?

To share the message that AGAPE LOVE does exist and can exist for each and every one of us.

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And what are your values?

I take ownership in my work each and every day - to LOVE OTHERS and to LET LOVE WIN.

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We can live life to the fullest - we can LOVE despite the cost. Love cost my favorite first-century rabbi his life. Only some people want LOVE to flourish. Politicians want to spread hate and division, and arms dealers want to sell guns and ammunition.  

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But, here we are - the First of November, 2023 - let’s face this month with positive thoughts - and with thoughts of Thankfulness and Gratitude.

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

KAREN ANNE WHITE, ©, NOVEMBER 1ST, 2023