Our Nation's leadership in Washington D.C. is in a monumental ideological struggle.  Those of you paying attention to happenings there can plainly see this. It is a continuing (and even escalating) war of Progressive vs. Conservative - the Radical vs. Common Sense.  This struggle is inevitable and has been with us for a very long time.  I woke up this morning thinking about the effect the current heightened atmosphere of outright antagonism is having on "We The People." 

For those in families who are united as either Left-leaning or as Conservatives, there is a feeling of "us against them." But for many families there is most likely a mixture of the Progressive and the Conservative.  This obviously leads to conflict and even alienation or a complete avoidance of the issues facing us as a people.  

I'm not one to choose avoidance in most cases.  I, like many of you, keep in touch more and more through social networks such as FaceBook and Twitter.  How many times have you decided to post an article or news story that is polarizing in today's society? I like to share news and opinion pieces that reflect my values or illustrate what is happening in our Country.  These are meant to be informative or educational.  By my sharing on FB, I've sparked many heated discussions between family members and close friends.  Those the care about what's happening will join in the discussion. One could also say that we should all hold to the old unspoken guideline of "never talk about religion or politics" in social and/or family gatherings. 

My personal challenge is to maintain the bonds of family through loving communication.  However, I must let people know where I stand. 

What do you think about this issue? Is it even a problem in your circle of family and friends?  Where do we draw the line? Or should there be compromise? I see what is happening in Washington D.C. between those on the Right and those on the Left as having a direct impact right down to the family level.  

A final word here as I ramble to a conclusion: don't keep God out of the picture. Continually PRAY for our families AND our Nation.  

This year in particular God has been reminding me of what He has done in my life.  The giving of thanks to my God begins first by thanking Him for the gift of Salvation through His Son Jesus, the Christ, who is God incarnate!! When we think of Christmas we need to remember to not only think of the miracle of God being made flesh to "dwell among us," but of the reason that He came in the first place. God seeks to draw us to Himself in order to have fellowship with us.  We are His creation, His children.  Let's  be ever thankful for what God did to bring us back to Himself through the sacrifice of Jesus dying on the cross.  


Our Heavenly Father wants us to be thankful as well for things that we often take for granted.  As an OTR Truck Driver, I have learned there are simple things that I used to take for granted (i.e., fellowship with believers in my home church, spending time doing "nothing" at home with my spouse) I am so very thankful that by being away from my home for weeks at a time, God has shown me how to REALLY TREASURE the gifts He has blessed me with.  My wonderful and amazing wife is chief among His blessings in my life!! I thank Him for keeping me safe on the road and for watching over my wife and other loved ones while I am away from home.  What things do you take for granted in your life? Think about them and remember to count them as blessings and give thanks to God!


We are meant to be CONNECTED with other followers of Christ.  Even though I'm away from home on the road, God has enabled me, through social networking like twitter and Facebook to stay connected with other believers and meet new people.  I know it's not the same as meeting others face to face, but connections are made and God's name is magnified.  Praise be to God for giving us, in our varied experiences at work and at home a chance to have fellowship with one another.  


As we enter a new year in just a few short days, let's make it a time of THANKSGIVING as well as the usual "resolution" making.  Praise God for who He is and for what He has done and is continuing to do in our lives!