Happy Thanksgiving message

I hope that everyone has an enjoyable day. I have been very fond of this day. It has the potential to be just about a perfect day, doesn't it? Family, friends, food, sports, time off from work, decorating and the anticipation of Christmas shopping. And while enjoying these things, the gratitude that comes with knowing there is much to be thankful for in one's life.

We live in terrible times and many do not realize it because they are too young to remember more stable moral times, when families were intact and depravity was rare, and for others the change has crept up to overwhelm them so that normal is a distant memory.

I suggest that as a first step out of this mess that parents take a little extra time out of the day today to discuss the reality of God and his love with your children, from the youngest to teenagers. Do more than a perfunctory saying of grace before dinner (though that is, of course, a great thing to do). What I am urging is for those of you who may never have even discussed God with your child, do so today. It may be as simple as "I believe and I would love for you to believe too." Babies need to be brought up at the earliest opportunity in the knowledge of God existing and to be able to call on him, and know he loves them. Christians have it easy in this regard because even the youngest child can be taught to kiss a picture of Jesus, or say "Good night" or "Good morning" to a picture of Jesus. Not informing your children at their earliest age about God and his love is not only irresponsible, it's like sending them into battle with no armor and no letters from home.

It's never too late by the way. Even if you have a cynical teenager (ESPECIALLY if you have a cynical teenager!) it will help if you say something as simple as, "I've come to realize that God is more important in our lives than I've ever admitted to anyone, and I'd like to tell you how I feel." Then tell your teenager about your love of and belief in God. That's all that's needed to start to get off the "no outlet" road and back on the good road of life. Parents must influence their children and form their faith from the earliest age and if you missed out, it's even more urgent to at least profess your faith to them as soon as possible.

God Bless and have a great day.