thestream--2020-11-26--Thank God for Your Life, Even If It Sucks

“ I should thank God for my creation if I knew I was a lost soul , ” G. K. Chesterton ’ s grandfather once declared .
He tells the story in his Autobiography .
Chesterton quoted his grandfather with approval .
When I first read this , as someone fairly new to serious Christianity , I thought it was the craziest thing I ’ d ever heard .
It sounded like the pious stuff religious people said because it sounded good .
No one actually meant it .
My reaction was : Why thank God for a few years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to spend eternity in Hell ?
I wouldn ’ t .
I ’ d be hugely ticked off .
Only years later did I see the point .
Genesis tells us that God called the creation good .
That included man .
Good is good .
It ’ s not “ good unless ” or “ good if.
” When God Himself says it ’ s good , it ’ s good , period .
Having children helped me see this .
You can ’ t look at your newborn and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ created that child , and as the bumpersticker says , God doesn ’ t make junk .
So did living more years as a Christian .
You begin to see that God knows vastly more than you do .
What you thought crazy begins to make sense .
You learn to trust that what doesn ’ t make sense to you , makes sense to Him .
And so did experiencing God ’ s grace .
We are sinful , rebellious , ungrateful , selfish .
But the God who created us wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fix us , to the extent of sending His Son to die for us , tells us we ’ re worth fixing .
As the bumpersticker might say , God doesn ’ t fix junk .
Here ’ s what I think this means for us , especially on Thanksgiving .
When I thank God for everything He ’ s given me , I thank Him for specific gifts like my family and friends , having a home , being well-fed , getting modern medical care , having a job , those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m feeing that life ’ s unfair , I try to bring to mind all the gifts I don ’ t deserve and thank God for them .
Most of us do this , I think .
I rarely — actually , pretty much never — think of thanking Him simply for being alive .
That ’ s the first and basic gift .
But it ’ s the gift most of us don ’ t remember to thank God for , because we don ’ t realize it ’ s a gift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the academics call “ baseline data.
” We ’ re just here .
No reason to think twice about that .
Or maybe we think of our lives as a right .
We ’ re here because we should be .
In any case , we rarely think of ourselves being here because God gave us life .
We should .
As Chesterton said , “ When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time .
Why are we not grateful to God for filling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he also said , “ When it comes to life , the critical thing is whether you take things ” — including yourself — “ for granted or take them with gratitude.
” The Seemingly Lethal Way God Gives Still , it ’ s not always easy to be so thankful , because life can be unbelievably painful .
It helps to know that our life is a good thing , even when it doesn ’ t seem to be , to know when life goes bad that God created us , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We may not feel this , but it helps to know it .
The Catholic writer Andre Dubus lost his legs in a car accident and then his wife and children to divorce .
He writes about these losses in an essay called “ Broken Vessels.
” He stopped late one night to help a disabled couple whose car had broken down .
As he helped them to the side of the road , a car swerved and hit them , killing the brother and crippling Dubus .
The sister survived because he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took the impact himself .
For a couple of days he had wanted to die .
Two months later , he tells God how he feels .
Since those days , “ I have not wanted my life to end , not wanted to confront You with anger and despair , ” he says .
He goes to church every day and looks at Jesus on the cross .
“ But mostly I watch the priest , and the old deacon , a widower , who brings me the Eucharist ; and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; and I know they have all endured their own agony , and prevailed in their own way , though not alone in drawing their hope and strength from those they love , those who love them ; and from You , in the sometimes tactile , sometimes incomprehensible , sometimes seemingly lethal way that You give.
” Dubus knew that life itself came from God as a gift .
That led him to thank God for what he still had , even though he ’ d lost so much .
He writes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crippling is a daily and living sculpture of certain truths : we receive and we lose , and we must try to achieve gratitude , and with that gratitude to embrace with whole hearts whatever remains of life after the losses.
” One last blessing from knowing that God created us and saw that we were good .
The Christian giving thanks looks at his past and present , but he also looks forward .
Our Father created us for a reason .
The beginning of Genesis leads to the end of Revelation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and He will make those plans come true .
We thank God for our future .
Maybe especially when the present is so painful .
We thank God that we live in the hope that in the end , as Revelation tells us , He “ will wipe away every tear from our eyes ; and there will no longer be any death ; there will no longer be any mourning , or crying , or pain.
” David Mills is a senior editor of The Stream .
After teaching writing in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Touchstone and the executive editor of First Things .
He edits the site Hour of Our Death and writes the monthly “ Last Things ” column for the New Oxford Review .

“I should thank God for my creation if I knew I was a lost soul,” G. K. Chesterton’s grandfather once declared. He tells the story in his Autobiography. Chesterton quoted his grandfather with approval. When I first read this, as someone fairly new to serious Christianity, I thought it was the craziest thing I’d ever heard. It sounded like the pious stuff religious people said because it sounded good. No one actually meant it.
My reaction was: Why thank God for a few years on this earth if you’re going to spend eternity in Hell? I wouldn’t. I’d be hugely ticked off.
The Point
Only years later did I see the point. Genesis tells us that God called the creation good. That included man. Good is good. It’s not “good unless” or “good if.” When God Himself says it’s good, it’s good, period.
Having children helped me see this. You can’t look at your newborn and not see something essentially good. The Father created that child, and as the bumpersticker says, God doesn’t make junk.
So did living more years as a Christian. You begin to see that God knows vastly more than you do. What you thought crazy begins to make sense. You learn to trust that what doesn’t make sense to you, makes sense to Him.
And so did experiencing God’s grace. We are sinful, rebellious, ungrateful, selfish. But the God who created us wants to fix us. That He wants to fix us, to the extent of sending His Son to die for us, tells us we’re worth fixing. As the bumpersticker might say, God doesn’t fix junk.
What It Means
Here’s what I think this means for us, especially on Thanksgiving. When I thank God for everything He’s given me, I thank Him for specific gifts like my family and friends, having a home, being well-fed, getting modern medical care, having a job, those kind of things. When I’m feeing that life’s unfair, I try to bring to mind all the gifts I don’t deserve and thank God for them. Most of us do this, I think.
I rarely — actually, pretty much never — think of thanking Him simply for being alive. That’s the first and basic gift. But it’s the gift most of us don’t remember to thank God for, because we don’t realize it’s a gift.
We think of our lives as what the academics call “baseline data.” We’re just here. No reason to think twice about that. Or maybe we think of our lives as a right. We’re here because we should be. In any case, we rarely think of ourselves being here because God gave us life.
We should. As Chesterton said, “When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs?” As he also said, “When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things” — including yourself — “for granted or take them with gratitude.”
The Seemingly Lethal Way God Gives
Still, it’s not always easy to be so thankful, because life can be unbelievably painful. It helps to know that our life is a good thing, even when it doesn’t seem to be, to know when life goes bad that God created us, and He saw that it was good. We may not feel this, but it helps to know it.
The Catholic writer Andre Dubus lost his legs in a car accident and then his wife and children to divorce. He writes about these losses in an essay called “Broken Vessels.” He stopped late one night to help a disabled couple whose car had broken down. As he helped them to the side of the road, a car swerved and hit them, killing the brother and crippling Dubus. The sister survived because he pushed her out of the way and took the impact himself.
For a couple of days he had wanted to die. Two months later, he tells God how he feels. Since those days, “I have not wanted my life to end, not wanted to confront You with anger and despair,” he says. He goes to church every day and looks at Jesus on the cross. “But mostly I watch the priest, and the old deacon, a widower, who brings me the Eucharist; and the people who walk past me to receive; and I know they have all endured their own agony, and prevailed in their own way, though not alone in drawing their hope and strength from those they love, those who love them; and from You, in the sometimes tactile, sometimes incomprehensible, sometimes seemingly lethal way that You give.”
Dubus knew that life itself came from God as a gift. That led him to thank God for what he still had, even though he’d lost so much. He writes a few lines later: “My crippling is a daily and living sculpture of certain truths: we receive and we lose, and we must try to achieve gratitude, and with that gratitude to embrace with whole hearts whatever remains of life after the losses.”
One last blessing from knowing that God created us and saw that we were good. The Christian giving thanks looks at his past and present, but he also looks forward. Our Father created us for a reason. The beginning of Genesis leads to the end of Revelation. He has plans for us, and He will make those plans come true.
We thank God for our future. Maybe especially when the present is so painful. We thank God that we live in the hope that in the end, as Revelation tells us, He “will wipe away every tear from our eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain.”
David Mills is a senior editor of The Stream. After teaching writing in a seminary, he has been editor of Touchstone and the executive editor of First Things. He edits the site Hour of Our Death and writes the monthly “Last Things” column for the New Oxford Review.


thestream--2020-11-26--This Thanksgiving, Let Gratitude Motivate You to Serve

Editor ’ s Note : Matthew Barnett is the co-founder of the Los Angeles Dream Center and senior pastor of Angelus Temple .
The Los Angeles Dream Center is a faith-based non-profit dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals and families in Los Angeles through residential and outreach programs .
Despite 2020 feeling like one of the longest years we ’ ve ever endured , Thanksgiving has arrived .
For every new challenge we ’ ve faced this year , there ’ s been a new solution : virtual wedding guests , transparent plastic barriers between customers and clerks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , drive-in church services and more .
Whether they were simple solutions or highly debated ones , they were all born out of a desire to help us restore our lives in one way or another .
The LA Dream Center is Stepping Up Due to the recent announcement by the California Governor that requires 90 % of the state to adhere to strict curfew guidelines , we are going back into a higher level of relief services here at the LA Dream Center .
Because businesses will be forced to limit their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to completely shut down , more people will be out of work .
Our drive-thru food line will likely see an increase in demand , more school children will require our remote learning center , and there will likely be another spike in homelessness .
We ’ ve rallied through sudden changes , and this Thanksgiving will be no different .
While we might not be able to see as many family members and friends or take part in the same traditions this year , the meaning and spirit of Thanksgiving is perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the ways we ’ ve overcome hurdles this year should motivate us to serve others who still have hurdles to jump .
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic , I knew that this year would be our toughest year yet at the Dream Center and maybe even our last .
I was preparing to say goodbye to the home we ’ ve built over 26 years in Los Angeles .
As many businesses and nonprofits met with significant financial losses and were forced to close , one thought was top of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then we go down serving .
When our city ’ s lockdown took effect , our first response was to open a drive-thru for the hundreds of thousands of students and their families in the Los Angeles Unified School District who would no longer have access to free meals .
We planned to give all of our food and drinks away .
I assumed that after a month our supplies would dwindle and then completely run out .
But slowly , people in our community heard about what we were doing and wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Restaurants and business owners near us donated meals and boxes of food nearly every day of the week .
Our longtime friends were so generous that they paid for other restaurants to deliver food , and by doing so , helped those businesses as well .
Within three months , we had served more than 800,000 meals-a testament to the power of combined generosity .
In Proverbs 11:24-25 we ’ re told , “ There is one who scatters and yet increases more , and there is one who withholds more than is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The generous soul will be made rich , and he who waters will also be watered himself.
” We scattered all we had , and in return witnessed an abundance of provision .
I was reminded of the stories of Jesus feeding thousands of people with a couple of fish and some loaves of bread — we simply offered him what we had , and in his mercy , he multiplied it .
Despite what this year may have taken from us , we still have so much to be grateful for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to express gratitude is to give to others .
Jesus himself said , “ Freely you have received ; freely give ” ( Matthew 10:8 ) .
Generosity is a way of thinking , a way of seeing and a way of living .
This Thanksgiving , I encourage you to keep a generous heart — whether that may be raking leaves for your elderly neighbors , buying groceries for someone recently unemployed , putting your culinary skills to good use for first responders working long hours , or donating to a cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Those are just some of the myriad ways you can express gratitude .
Give more than you receive and serve the people around you because even in the simplest of ways you can be the biggest blessing to them .
Don ’ t be discouraged by the seemingly endless challenges and obstacles of this year .
Instead , focus on serving , one small step at a time .

Editor’s Note: Matthew Barnett is the co-founder of the Los Angeles Dream Center and senior pastor of Angelus Temple. The Los Angeles Dream Center is a faith-based non-profit dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals and families in Los Angeles through residential and outreach programs.
Despite 2020 feeling like one of the longest years we’ve ever endured, Thanksgiving has arrived.
For every new challenge we’ve faced this year, there’s been a new solution: virtual wedding guests, transparent plastic barriers between customers and clerks, mobile learning centers, fan-less football games, drive-in church services and more. Whether they were simple solutions or highly debated ones, they were all born out of a desire to help us restore our lives in one way or another.
The LA Dream Center is Stepping Up
Due to the recent announcement by the California Governor that requires 90% of the state to adhere to strict curfew guidelines, we are going back into a higher level of relief services here at the LA Dream Center. Because businesses will be forced to limit their hours, again, or will have to completely shut down, more people will be out of work. Our drive-thru food line will likely see an increase in demand, more school children will require our remote learning center, and there will likely be another spike in homelessness.
We’ve rallied through sudden changes, and this Thanksgiving will be no different. While we might not be able to see as many family members and friends or take part in the same traditions this year, the meaning and spirit of Thanksgiving is perhaps more important than ever.
Gratitude Should Motivate Us
Our gratitude for the ways we’ve overcome hurdles this year should motivate us to serve others who still have hurdles to jump.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, I knew that this year would be our toughest year yet at the Dream Center and maybe even our last. I was preparing to say goodbye to the home we’ve built over 26 years in Los Angeles. As many businesses and nonprofits met with significant financial losses and were forced to close, one thought was top of mind: If we go down, then we go down serving.
When our city’s lockdown took effect, our first response was to open a drive-thru for the hundreds of thousands of students and their families in the Los Angeles Unified School District who would no longer have access to free meals. We planned to give all of our food and drinks away. I assumed that after a month our supplies would dwindle and then completely run out.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
But slowly, people in our community heard about what we were doing and wanted to be a part of it. Restaurants and business owners near us donated meals and boxes of food nearly every day of the week. Our longtime friends were so generous that they paid for other restaurants to deliver food, and by doing so, helped those businesses as well. Within three months, we had served more than 800,000 meals-a testament to the power of combined generosity.
In Proverbs 11:24-25 we’re told, “There is one who scatters and yet increases more, and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.” We scattered all we had, and in return witnessed an abundance of provision. I was reminded of the stories of Jesus feeding thousands of people with a couple of fish and some loaves of bread — we simply offered him what we had, and in his mercy, he multiplied it.
Expressing Gratitude
Despite what this year may have taken from us, we still have so much to be grateful for. And I believe the greatest way to express gratitude is to give to others. Jesus himself said, “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8). Generosity is a way of thinking, a way of seeing and a way of living.
This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to keep a generous heart — whether that may be raking leaves for your elderly neighbors, buying groceries for someone recently unemployed, putting your culinary skills to good use for first responders working long hours, or donating to a cause that’s close to your heart. Those are just some of the myriad ways you can express gratitude.
Give more than you receive and serve the people around you because even in the simplest of ways you can be the biggest blessing to them. Don’t be discouraged by the seemingly endless challenges and obstacles of this year. Instead, focus on serving, one small step at a time.


thestream--2020-11-26--Military Photo of the Day: Thankful

Military Photo of the Day: Thankful

U.S. Army soldiers and their families eat an early Thanksgiving meal provided by the USO at Fort Stewart in Georgia @ @ @ @ @ .
Happy Thanksgiving to all of our nation ’ s troops , veterans and military @ @ @ @ @ and world .
We are eternally thankful for your dedicated service and extraordinary sacrifices .

U.S. Army soldiers and their families eat an early Thanksgiving meal provided by the USO at Fort Stewart in Georgia on November 18, 2020.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of our nation’s troops, veterans and military families stationed around the country and world. We are eternally thankful for your dedicated service and extraordinary sacrifices.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.


thestream--2020-11-26--Reading Cicero on Thanksgiving

Reading Cicero on Thanksgiving

It seems at best cliché to mention that 2020 has been an exceedingly nasty year : COVID , riots , arson , tyrannical governors , forest fires , news media failure and contentious , not-quite-decided elections .
Most of us hope that once 2020 is over , it will be over .
Except , of course , it won ’ t .
New problems always arise to replace the old worn out ones .
That ’ s life in a fallen world .
The solution is not fewer , less serious problems — something not possible .
The solution is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roman statesman and orator Marcus Tullius Cicero said , The ancients understood that virtuous living is what makes us happy .
Thus , said Cicero , gratitude is the gateway to all happiness .
But don ’ t take Cicero ’ s word for it : St. John Chrysostom : Happiness can only be achieved by looking inward and learning to enjoy whatever life has and this requires transforming greed into gratitude .
G.K. Chesterton : I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought , and that gratitude is happiness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The essence of theology is grace ; the essence of Christian ethics is gratitude .
We Owe Debts We Can Never Repay Why gratitude ?
Because as Cicero knew we owe debts we can never repay .
What is filial affection , but a grateful inclination towards one ’ s parents ?
Who are good citizens , who are they who deserve well of their country both in war and at home but they who recollect the kindness which they have received from their country ?
Who are pious men who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they who with proper honors and with a grateful memory acquit themselves to the immortal gods of the gratitude which they owe to them ?
For Cicero , gratitude was the heart of pietas the premier Roman virtue and source of happiness .
Pietas is the honor and thanks we owe to parents , to nation and to God .
Our parents — even if they were bad parents — gave us what G.K. Chesterton called “ the birthday present of birth.
” Without them , we have nothing .
If life is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least have our parents to thank for providing life .
And let ’ s be honest , most of us have far more than simply life for which we should be grateful to our parents and family .
Our nation — even with all its imperfections and flaws — has given us peace , prosperity , roads , schools , hospitals and the freedom to live , in large measure , as we choose — including the freedom to live out our Christian faith .
Even those who hate America can , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liberty to yell and scream and blog about what a wicked Hell-hole of a country it is without fear of secret police and gulags .
But isn ’ t our country in a final decline ?
I have no idea and , let me add , neither do you .
God ’ s plan for America is unknown .
What is known is that you can ’ t — probably because you won ’ t — fix something you do not receive with gratitude .
You can destroy it easily enough , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And as Christians , we are called to fix — or , a better word — heal the world .
( See Hebrews 12:12-13 ) .
That begins with gratitude .
Our God has given us all things including our parents , families , friends , life in this nation in this time of history and salvation in Christ .
God ’ s goodness to us means , in the words of St. Ambrose , “ No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.
” The great modern tragedy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the attending lack of gratitude .
We are discontented with and disconnected from parents and family .
We can ’ t or we won ’ t see the goodness of America despite her defects .
And actual atheism plus what has been called “ practical atheism ” seem to dominate the culture .
Bottom line : we are an ungrateful people , which does not bode well for the future .
Our nation urgently needs the witness of happy souls for whom pietas and gratitude have become second nature .
As We Gather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends and family on Thanksgiving Day , let me commend the rest of my quotation from Cicero : Which is to say that gratitude can lubricate the family friction that can ruin our holidays and the political friction that can ruin our lives .
It ’ s certainly worth a try , don ’ t you think ?
Why quote Cicero rather than St. Paul : “ Give thanks in all circumstances ” ( 1Thessalonians 5:18 ) ?
Because no one needs a special word from God to understand our debt to parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs special revelation to understand the duty to be grateful and the profound happiness gratitude brings to our lives and the lives of those around us .
Take an old pagan ’ s wisdom and put it to use : give thanks .
Dr. James Tonkowich , a senior contributor to The Stream , is a freelance writer , speaker and commentator on spirituality , religion and public life .
He is the author of The Liberty Threat : The Attack on Religious Freedom in America Today and Pears , Grapes , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jim serves as Director of Distance Learning at Wyoming Catholic College and is host of the college ’ s weekly podcast , “ The After Dinner Scholar .
”

It seems at best cliché to mention that 2020 has been an exceedingly nasty year: COVID, riots, arson, tyrannical governors, forest fires, news media failure and contentious, not-quite-decided elections. Most of us hope that once 2020 is over, it will be over.
Except, of course, it won’t. New problems always arise to replace the old worn out ones. That’s life in a fallen world.
The solution is not fewer, less serious problems — something not possible. The solution is greater, more serious gratitude.
Greater, More Serious Gratitude
The Roman statesman and orator Marcus Tullius Cicero said,
In truth … while I wish to be adorned with every virtue, yet there is nothing which I can esteem more highly than being and appearing grateful. For this one virtue is not only the greatest, but is also the parent of all the other virtues.
The ancients understood that virtuous living is what makes us happy. Thus, said Cicero, gratitude is the gateway to all happiness.
But don’t take Cicero’s word for it:
St. John Chrysostom: Happiness can only be achieved by looking inward and learning to enjoy whatever life has and this requires transforming greed into gratitude. G.K. Chesterton: I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. R.C. Sproul: The essence of theology is grace; the essence of Christian ethics is gratitude.
We Owe Debts We Can Never Repay
Why gratitude? Because as Cicero knew we owe debts we can never repay.
What is filial affection, but a grateful inclination towards one’s parents? Who are good citizens, who are they who deserve well of their country both in war and at home but they who recollect the kindness which they have received from their country? Who are pious men who are men attentive to religious obligations, but they who with proper honors and with a grateful memory acquit themselves to the immortal gods of the gratitude which they owe to them?
For Cicero, gratitude was the heart of pietas the premier Roman virtue and source of happiness. Pietas is the honor and thanks we owe to parents, to nation and to God.
Our parents — even if they were bad parents — gave us what G.K. Chesterton called “the birthday present of birth.” Without them, we have nothing. If life is at all worth living, we at least have our parents to thank for providing life. And let’s be honest, most of us have far more than simply life for which we should be grateful to our parents and family.
Our nation — even with all its imperfections and flaws — has given us peace, prosperity, roads, schools, hospitals and the freedom to live, in large measure, as we choose — including the freedom to live out our Christian faith. Even those who hate America can, at bare minimum, be grateful for the liberty to yell and scream and blog about what a wicked Hell-hole of a country it is without fear of secret police and gulags.
But isn’t our country in a final decline?
I have no idea and, let me add, neither do you. God’s plan for America is unknown.
It Begins With Gratitude
What is known is that you can’t — probably because you won’t — fix something you do not receive with gratitude. You can destroy it easily enough, but you can’t make it better. And as Christians, we are called to fix — or, a better word — heal the world. (See Hebrews 12:12-13). That begins with gratitude.
Our God has given us all things including our parents, families, friends, life in this nation in this time of history and salvation in Christ. God’s goodness to us means, in the words of St. Ambrose, “No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The great modern tragedy and danger is a lack of pietas and the attending lack of gratitude. We are discontented with and disconnected from parents and family. We can’t or we won’t see the goodness of America despite her defects. And actual atheism plus what has been called “practical atheism” seem to dominate the culture.
Bottom line: we are an ungrateful people, which does not bode well for the future.
Our nation urgently needs the witness of happy souls for whom pietas and gratitude have become second nature.
As We Gather For Thanksgiving …
As we gather with friends and family on Thanksgiving Day, let me commend the rest of my quotation from Cicero:
What pleasure can there be in life, if friendships be taken away? And, moreover, what friendship can exist between ungrateful people?
Which is to say that gratitude can lubricate the family friction that can ruin our holidays and the political friction that can ruin our lives. It’s certainly worth a try, don’t you think?
Why quote Cicero rather than St. Paul: “Give thanks in all circumstances” (1Thessalonians 5:18)?
Because no one needs a special word from God to understand our debt to parents, nation and God. No one needs special revelation to understand the duty to be grateful and the profound happiness gratitude brings to our lives and the lives of those around us.
Take an old pagan’s wisdom and put it to use: give thanks.
Dr. James Tonkowich, a senior contributor to The Stream, is a freelance writer, speaker and commentator on spirituality, religion and public life. He is the author of The Liberty Threat: The Attack on Religious Freedom in America Today and Pears, Grapes, and Dates: A Good Life After Mid-Life. Jim serves as Director of Distance Learning at Wyoming Catholic College and is host of the college’s weekly podcast, “The After Dinner Scholar.”


thestream--2020-11-27--A Thanksgiving Prayer Even God’s Unworthy Servants Can Pray (Every Day)

The young men , G. K. Chesterton writes , were “ lightly tossing about that pessimism which is only possible in the happy time of youth.
” Life was bad , existence a burden , and so on .
Precisely the kind of thing you can say when you ’ re comfortable and happy and secure .
They “ were criticising the General Thanksgiving in the Prayer-Book , ” he explains , “ and remarking that a good many people have very little reason to be thankful for their creation.
” Notice that they thought other people had little reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they should enjoy life , but others , not so much .
Being affluent Englishmen of the 1890s , they would likely have meant the poor , and racial minorities , and people in other countries , especially brown and black-skinned ones .
And probably Americans too .
But Christianity tells us the opposite .
Everyone should be thankful for his creation .
In its classic Book of Common Prayer , the Church of England has supplied a very good prayer that begins with that very point — the prayer the young men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they thought ) unrealistic .
It ’ s a beautiful prayer .
It ’ s a prayer to be said by any Christian , rich or poor , black or white , English or other .
Here ’ s it is : Almighty God , Father of all mercies , we , thine unworthy servants , do give thee most humble and hearty thanks for all thy goodness and lovingkindness to us , and to all men ; We bless thee for our creation , preservation , and all the blessings of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ ; for the means of grace , and for the hope of glory .
And , we beseech thee , give us that due sense of all thy mercies that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful ; and that we show forth thy praise , not only with our lips , but in our lives , by giving up our selves to thy service , and by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days ; through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with thee and the Holy Ghost , be all honour and glory , world without end .
Amen .
It ’ s also rich in meaning and worth meditating on .
Notice how it begins , acknowledging that God is almighty and our Father and a merciful Father at that .
The God who can do anything wants to do us good .
It adds that we are his servants but aren ’ t worthy to be so .
But that ’ s good news .
Even being servants means we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially because we don ’ t deserve that much .
Serving a merciful Father means service , not servitude .
We ’ re servants learning to do with joy and freedom what we are created to do , not slaves .
His service is perfect freedom , as an ancient prayer puts it .
We then thank God for everything He ’ s done for us , and not just us , but everyone else .
As we might put it today , in four words the prayer expresses a deep sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re all this together , so much so that we can thank God for the good He does other people .
That ’ s not a little thing , in a world that tries to divide people and set us at each other ’ s throats .
The prayer then lists what He ’ s done .
First he created us , and preserves us .
We owe our lives to Him , and as I wrote earlier , that means He loves us and will do everything He can to help us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cross .
We owe our lives to him at every second .
Moment by moment He ’ s watching us , caring for us .
We ’ re in the palm of his hand , as the psalmist tells us .
That ’ s something we don ’ t always remember , at least I don ’ t .
While He ’ s keeping us alive He ’ s blessing us with all sorts of blessings .
Including the means of grace , primarily the Church , the Scriptures , the sacraments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fellowship of other believers .
This part of the prayer ends thanking God for the hope of glory .
It all points to Heaven .
We don ’ t live as those who no hope , as the Apostle Paul told the Thessalonian Christians .
Our lives move to a new world which makes everything right .
The prayer then turns — in only the second sentence !
— to describing what we thankful creatures want , or should want .
First , and foundationally , that we see God ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thankful .
We ’ ve just thanked Him , but our saying thanks doesn ’ t mean we ’ re really thankful , or that we see why we should be thankful .
We ask for his help in not holding anything back , not keeping any of the credit for ourselves .
That leads straight to living as people who know God ’ s mercy and praise Him for it .
In our words , yes , but even more importantly in the way we live .
This includes , I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as religious lives , but the way we treat others , especially the least of these .
We pray to serve Him all out , holding nothing back , giving up our selves .
Doing that means living holy lives and living righteously .
The General Thanksgiving ends with the traditional doxology .
Because everything begins in the Holy Trinity and ends with the Trinity .
But that ’ s a much more complex subject than we can get into here .
Here I ’ d commend the General Thanksgiving as a prayer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just on Thanksgiving but every day .
It ’ s a great reminder and a great encouragement , not only to thank God but to be His truly thankful people .

The young men, G. K. Chesterton writes, were “lightly tossing about that pessimism which is only possible in the happy time of youth.” Life was bad, existence a burden, and so on. Precisely the kind of thing you can say when you’re comfortable and happy and secure. They “were criticising the General Thanksgiving in the Prayer-Book,” he explains, “and remarking that a good many people have very little reason to be thankful for their creation.”
Notice that they thought other people had little reason to enjoy being alive. They knew they should enjoy life, but others, not so much. Being affluent Englishmen of the 1890s, they would likely have meant the poor, and racial minorities, and people in other countries, especially brown and black-skinned ones. And probably Americans too.
But Christianity tells us the opposite. Everyone should be thankful for his creation. In its classic Book of Common Prayer, the Church of England has supplied a very good prayer that begins with that very point — the prayer the young men were blowing off for being (as they thought) unrealistic.
A Prayer For All
It’s a beautiful prayer. It’s a prayer to be said by any Christian, rich or poor, black or white, English or other. Here’s it is:
Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we, thine unworthy servants, do give thee most humble and hearty thanks for all thy goodness and lovingkindness to us, and to all men; We bless thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all, for thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful; and that we show forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up our selves to thy service, and by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
Rich in Meaning
It’s also rich in meaning and worth meditating on. Notice how it begins, acknowledging that God is almighty and our Father and a merciful Father at that. The God who can do anything wants to do us good. It adds that we are his servants but aren’t worthy to be so. But that’s good news. Even being servants means we have been chosen and given a great honor, especially because we don’t deserve that much. Serving a merciful Father means service, not servitude. We’re servants learning to do with joy and freedom what we are created to do, not slaves. His service is perfect freedom, as an ancient prayer puts it.
We then thank God for everything He’s done for us, and not just us, but everyone else. As we might put it today, in four words the prayer expresses a deep sense of human solidarity, that we’re all this together, so much so that we can thank God for the good He does other people. That’s not a little thing, in a world that tries to divide people and set us at each other’s throats.
The prayer then lists what He’s done. First he created us, and preserves us. We owe our lives to Him, and as I wrote earlier, that means He loves us and will do everything He can to help us, including the death of Jesus on the Cross. We owe our lives to him at every second. Moment by moment He’s watching us, caring for us. We’re in the palm of his hand, as the psalmist tells us. That’s something we don’t always remember, at least I don’t.
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While He’s keeping us alive He’s blessing us with all sorts of blessings. Including the means of grace, primarily the Church, the Scriptures, the sacraments, but also blessings like the care and fellowship of other believers. This part of the prayer ends thanking God for the hope of glory. It all points to Heaven. We don’t live as those who no hope, as the Apostle Paul told the Thessalonian Christians. Our lives move to a new world which makes everything right.
The Prayer Turns
The prayer then turns — in only the second sentence! — to describing what we thankful creatures want, or should want. First, and foundationally, that we see God’s great mercy clearly enough to be completely thankful. We’ve just thanked Him, but our saying thanks doesn’t mean we’re really thankful, or that we see why we should be thankful. We ask for his help in not holding anything back, not keeping any of the credit for ourselves.
That leads straight to living as people who know God’s mercy and praise Him for it. In our words, yes, but even more importantly in the way we live. This includes, I think, not just what we think of as religious lives, but the way we treat others, especially the least of these. We pray to serve Him all out, holding nothing back, giving up our selves. Doing that means living holy lives and living righteously.
The General Thanksgiving ends with the traditional doxology. Because everything begins in the Holy Trinity and ends with the Trinity. But that’s a much more complex subject than we can get into here. Here I’d commend the General Thanksgiving as a prayer you may want to pray, not just on Thanksgiving but every day. It’s a great reminder and a great encouragement, not only to thank God but to be His truly thankful people.
David Mills is a senior editor of The Stream. After teaching writing in a seminary, he has been editor of Touchstone and the executive editor of First Things. He edits the site Hour of Our Death and writes the monthly “Last Things” column for the New Oxford Review.


thestream--2020-11-26--The Kraken Is Here. But What’s the Nature of the Beast?

The Kraken is real .
It ’ s deadly .
And it promises to crush some of the nation ’ s wealthiest and most influential figures .
This “ Kraken , ” which Sidney Powell has released as promised , isn ’ t a gigantic sea monster .
It ’ s a program the CIA and Defense Department use to get information about the nation ’ s enemies by hacking computers and cellphones .
It ’ s also going to provide much of the evidence for Powell ’ s assertions of “ absolutely frightening ” vote fraud in the Presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kinds of malware , and even was used against another member of NATO .
In 2017 , WikiLeaks released numerous CIA documents detailing “ Kraken.
” They included orders to spy on all major candidates in France ’ s 2012 presidential election , including the incumbent that year , Nicholas Sarkozy .
“ Kraken ” provided information on each party ’ s election strategy and each candidate ’ s private conferences and ability to influence political decisions .
The CIA uses another program in conjunction with “ Kraken , ” called “ Hammer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the files WikiLeaks released ) , which Powell referenced .
“ Hamr ” spies on protected networks without being detected .
Numerous plugins accompany “ Hamr ” to enhance its effectiveness .
One , “ AngerManagement , ” targets Android devices .
Another , “ WildTurkey , ” tests and refines its capabilities .
One Wikileaks release ’ s description of “ WildTurkey ” is humorously powerful : If WikiLeaks made CIA documents available to the public , Powell certainly could access them and use specialists to translate the code and jargon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ circulated about an American military force seizing servers in Germany .
Many thought the servers belonged to two election technology firms , Dominion and Scytl .
Dominion manufactured the questionable voting machines used in the recent general election .
But those servers apparently belong to the CIA , which has a field office in Frankfurt .
The State Department also operates a consulate in that city .
Trump Going Around the Deep State “ The U.S. military has full authority to do this because any CIA activity in the European theater is being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson told The Gateway Pundit .
Johnson is a counter-terrorism specialist who spent four years in the State Department and 22 years devising anti-terrorism exercises for military special operations .
“ In other words , CIA officers would be identified to the German government ( and anyone else asking ) as military employees or consultants , ” Johnson continued .
“ Such an operation would have been carried out with U.S. law enforcement present to take custody of the evidence , ” he said .
“ That means that the evidence will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice through U.S .
Attorneys and can be used in court or other judicial proceedings.
” Neither CIA Director Gina Haspel nor FBI Director Christopher Wray knew about the operation , Johnson added .
How the Steal Might Have Worked Since Dominion ’ s servers in Germany and Scytl ’ s in Spain received raw election data , “ Kraken ” could be used to manipulate that data .
“ Kraken ” also could show whether other nations interfered .
Now Powell does not represent President Donald Trump directly , as she stated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his lawyers .
If so , Trump would have the authority to declassify any information Powell could use .
Such a scenario would explain these assertions Powell made to Howie Carr , a conservative radio host in Boston , and Newsmax : — Machines gave former Vice President Joe Biden an extra .25 of a vote for each one he received and subtracted .25 of a vote from each one for Trump .
“ You can see the reports of fractional numbers for the votes.
” Powell said .
“ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ machines after deadlines for doing so .
— Every Democratic candidate in one state received 35,000 extra votes .
“ I would be willing to bet it happened everywhere , ” Powell said .
— Hillary Clinton used fraud to steal California ’ s Democratic Presidential primary four years ago from Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders .
“ When people told him about it , ” Powell said , “ instead of exposing it , he sold out.
” — A Defense Department employee , in a conference call that included Sanders and New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials how to commit sabotage in their respective offices .
“ There were a couple of hundred people on that call , ” Powell said .
— China , Iran , Serbia and Liechtenstein played key roles in interfering with the election .
For Powell , the implications are obvious .
“ I think the fraud in the election goes much farther than the President , ” she said .
“ I think they did it to any particularly strong Republican candidate this time around .
“ You have to realize how many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — have benefited from this system .
They knew it worked the way it worked , and they used it to install the people they wanted to install in particular offices.
” In other words , not only is the “ Kraken ” real .
So is the widespread corruption that extends far beyond Washington , D.C. Joseph D ’ Hippolito has written commentaries for such outlets as the Jerusalem Post , the American Thinker and Front Page Magazine .
He works as a free-lance writer .

The Kraken is real. It’s deadly. And it promises to crush some of the nation’s wealthiest and most influential figures.
This “Kraken,” which Sidney Powell has released as promised, isn’t a gigantic sea monster. It’s a program the CIA and Defense Department use to get information about the nation’s enemies by hacking computers and cellphones.
It’s also going to provide much of the evidence for Powell’s assertions of “absolutely frightening” vote fraud in the Presidential election.
A Tech Monster We Made
“Kraken” operates various kinds of malware, and even was used against another member of NATO.
In 2017, WikiLeaks released numerous CIA documents detailing “Kraken.” They included orders to spy on all major candidates in France’s 2012 presidential election, including the incumbent that year, Nicholas Sarkozy. “Kraken” provided information on each party’s election strategy and each candidate’s private conferences and ability to influence political decisions.
The “Kraken” is a program the CIA and Defense Department use to get information about the nation’s enemies by hacking computers and cellphones.
The CIA uses another program in conjunction with “Kraken,” called “Hammer” (or “Hamr” in the files WikiLeaks released), which Powell referenced. “Hamr” spies on protected networks without being detected.
Numerous plugins accompany “Hamr” to enhance its effectiveness. One, “AngerManagement,” targets Android devices. Another, “WildTurkey,” tests and refines its capabilities.
One Wikileaks release’s description of “WildTurkey” is humorously powerful:
‘WildTurkey (n.) A animal of the avian variety that has not been domesticated. Also a type of alcohol with a high proof (151). It get’s you HAMR’D’
If WikiLeaks made CIA documents available to the public, Powell certainly could access them and use specialists to translate the code and jargon.
Capturing the Creature
After Powell made her promise, reports circulated about an American military force seizing servers in Germany. Many thought the servers belonged to two election technology firms, Dominion and Scytl. Dominion manufactured the questionable voting machines used in the recent general election.
But those servers apparently belong to the CIA, which has a field office in Frankfurt. The State Department also operates a consulate in that city.
Trump Going Around the Deep State
“The U.S. military has full authority to do this because any CIA activity in the European theater is being conducted using military cover,” Larry Johnson told The Gateway Pundit. Johnson is a counter-terrorism specialist who spent four years in the State Department and 22 years devising anti-terrorism exercises for military special operations.
“In other words, CIA officers would be identified to the German government (and anyone else asking) as military employees or consultants,” Johnson continued.
“Such an operation would have been carried out with U.S. law enforcement present to take custody of the evidence,” he said. “That means that the evidence will be under the control of the Department of Justice through U.S. Attorneys and can be used in court or other judicial proceedings.”
Neither CIA Director Gina Haspel nor FBI Director Christopher Wray knew about the operation, Johnson added.
How the Steal Might Have Worked
Since Dominion’s servers in Germany and Scytl’s in Spain received raw election data, “Kraken” could be used to manipulate that data. “Kraken” also could show whether other nations interfered.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Now Powell does not represent President Donald Trump directly, as she stated. But she certainly works in tandem with his lawyers. If so, Trump would have the authority to declassify any information Powell could use.
Exposing the Guts
Such a scenario would explain these assertions Powell made to Howie Carr, a conservative radio host in Boston, and Newsmax:
— Machines gave former Vice President Joe Biden an extra .25 of a vote for each one he received and subtracted .25 of a vote from each one for Trump. “You can see the reports of fractional numbers for the votes.” Powell said. “It’s nuts.” — States recalibrated voting machines after deadlines for doing so. — Every Democratic candidate in one state received 35,000 extra votes. “I would be willing to bet it happened everywhere,” Powell said. — Hillary Clinton used fraud to steal California’s Democratic Presidential primary four years ago from Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. “When people told him about it,” Powell said, “instead of exposing it, he sold out.” — A Defense Department employee, in a conference call that included Sanders and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, told government officials how to commit sabotage in their respective offices. “There were a couple of hundred people on that call,” Powell said. — China, Iran, Serbia and Liechtenstein played key roles in interfering with the election.
A Conspiracy So Vast
For Powell, the implications are obvious.
“I think the fraud in the election goes much farther than the President,” she said. “I think they did it to any particularly strong Republican candidate this time around.
“You have to realize how many forces — including many in the government — have benefited from this system. They knew it worked the way it worked, and they used it to install the people they wanted to install in particular offices.”
In other words, not only is the “Kraken” real. So is the widespread corruption that extends far beyond Washington, D.C.
Joseph D’Hippolito has written commentaries for such outlets as the Jerusalem Post, the American Thinker and Front Page Magazine. He works as a free-lance writer.


thestream--2020-11-26--Trump Grants Michael Flynn A ‘Full Pardon’

President Donald Trump on Wednesday pardoned former national security adviser Michael Flynn , bringing to an end a nearly three-year @ @ @ @ @ the retired general ’ s guilty plea as part of the special counsel ’ s @ @ @ @ @ my Great Honor to announce that General Michael T. Flynn has been granted a Full @ @ @ @ @ .
Flynn pleaded guilty on Dec. 1 , 2017 to making false statements to the @ @ @ @ @ phone conversations he had with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak .
Flynn reiterated his guilty plea @ @ @ @ @ December 2018 , but he began angling to withdraw from the agreement months later .
@ @ @ @ @ motion on May 7 to drop charges against Flynn , citing evidence that the FBI @ @ @ @ @ s legal team .
Judge Emmet Sullivan , who presided over Flynn ’ s case @ @ @ @ @ request .

President Donald Trump on Wednesday pardoned former national security adviser Michael Flynn, bringing to an end a nearly three-year legal battle that began with the retired general’s guilty plea as part of the special counsel’s probe.
“It is my Great Honor to announce that General Michael T. Flynn has been granted a Full Pardon,” Trump tweeted.
It is my Great Honor to announce that General Michael T. Flynn has been granted a Full Pardon. Congratulations to @GenFlynn and his wonderful family, I know you will now have a truly fantastic Thanksgiving! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 25, 2020
Flynn pleaded guilty on Dec. 1, 2017 to making false statements to the FBI in January 2017 regarding phone conversations he had with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak.
Flynn reiterated his guilty plea during a court hearing in December 2018, but he began angling to withdraw from the agreement months later.
The Justice Department filed a motion on May 7 to drop charges against Flynn, citing evidence that the FBI had withheld from Flynn’s legal team.
Judge Emmet Sullivan, who presided over Flynn’s case, opposed the Justice Department request.
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thestream--2020-11-26--The LA Dream Center Holds Turkey Drive Thru, Gives Away Free Meals to 10,000 People in Need

Matthew Barnett , the co-founder of the Los Angeles Dream Center , recently spoke with The Stream about his organization ’ s turkey giveaway and the importance of helping those in need .
“ I think people in the city need a shot in the arm , ” said Matthew Barnett .
His organization , in partnership with other organizations , gave away 1500 turkeys and all the trimmings Monday at the Los Angeles Dream Center .
The turkey drive through giveaway helped feed over 10,000 people in need .
“ I think it ’ s been a real big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it ’ s really helped meet the need as well.
” In addition to the turkey giveaway , the LA Dream Center also fed hot meals to those who walked up to the center .
Between the giveaway and the hot meals , Matthew estimates that the LA Dream Center fed about 15,000 people .
The food giveaway wasn ’ t a one-time event .
The LA Dream Center gives away food all year long .
“ We have had 264 straight days of feeding people nonstop every day through our drive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The LA Dream Center isn ’ t just a soup kitchen .
They also serve the homeless , those addicted to drugs or alcohol , victims of human trafficking and homeless veterans .
The Center is located in a historic building in Los Angeles just off the 101 freeway .
They offer programs that will help the down and out become productive in society .
Along with the Dream Center , Wal-Mart , the Justin Turner Foundation , Anthem Blue Cross and AM570 contributed to the event .
It was a success .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ We had the whole police department show up .
We had 50 police officers who did the whole thing with us.
” There was also a LAPD helicopter flying over the event as a thank you to those who contributed and showed their commitment to the community .
Dodgers player Justin Turner came and donated 500 turkeys .
All day long , participants would make runs to get more turkeys .
At the end they had only five turkeys left .
“ I think there ’ s some multiplication going on there , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
[ But ] I feel it !
” The LA Dream Center isn ’ t done giving away food for Thanksgiving .
On Thanksgiving Day , the organization will be serving hot meals to an additional 10,000 people .
The Los Angeles Dream Center is a faith-based non-profit dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals and families in Los Angeles through residential and outreach programs .
Co-founder Matthew Barnett is also the senior pastor of Angelus Temple .
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream .
You can follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stream @ Streamdotorg .

Matthew Barnett, the co-founder of the Los Angeles Dream Center, recently spoke with The Stream about his organization’s turkey giveaway and the importance of helping those in need.
The Los Angeles Dream Center
“I think people in the city need a shot in the arm,” said Matthew Barnett. His organization, in partnership with other organizations, gave away 1500 turkeys and all the trimmings Monday at the Los Angeles Dream Center. The turkey drive through giveaway helped feed over 10,000 people in need. “I think it’s been a real big emotional lift to the community as much as it’s really helped meet the need as well.”
In addition to the turkey giveaway, the LA Dream Center also fed hot meals to those who walked up to the center. Between the giveaway and the hot meals, Matthew estimates that the LA Dream Center fed about 15,000 people.
Helping the Poor Every Day
The food giveaway wasn’t a one-time event. The LA Dream Center gives away food all year long. “We have had 264 straight days of feeding people nonstop every day through our drive through and our walk up line.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
The LA Dream Center isn’t just a soup kitchen. They also serve the homeless, those addicted to drugs or alcohol, victims of human trafficking and homeless veterans. The Center is located in a historic building in Los Angeles just off the 101 freeway. They offer programs that will help the down and out become productive in society.
Others Who Helped
Along with the Dream Center, Wal-Mart, the Justin Turner Foundation, Anthem Blue Cross and AM570 contributed to the event. It was a success. “It was an amazing success. We had the whole police department show up. We had 50 police officers who did the whole thing with us.” There was also a LAPD helicopter flying over the event as a thank you to those who contributed and showed their commitment to the community. Dodgers player Justin Turner came and donated 500 turkeys. All day long, participants would make runs to get more turkeys. At the end they had only five turkeys left. “I think there’s some multiplication going on there, but I can’t really prove it. [But] I feel it!”
The LA Dream Center isn’t done giving away food for Thanksgiving. On Thanksgiving Day, the organization will be serving hot meals to an additional 10,000 people.
The Los Angeles Dream Center is a faith-based non-profit dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals and families in Los Angeles through residential and outreach programs. Co-founder Matthew Barnett is also the senior pastor of Angelus Temple.
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-11-26--The Antidote to Despair is Gratitude, and Prayers of Thanksgiving

We live in twilight times .
It ’ s impossible to tell , just by looking around , what hour of day it is for our country , our civilization , even our churches .
Is that the sun about to break on the horizon ?
Or did it just sink beneath it , leaving us on the verge of a long , long dark age ?
I don ’ t have the answer .
But I do know that even if dark times lie ahead , they need not mean disappearance .
We are still called to tend the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can .
And who knows , we may be about to witness instead a dawn , that awakens the sleepers around us and warms our own frosty hearts .
The Icy Voice in Your Ear The one thing needed to face either time of day is the same , and that is hope .
And one response would spoil things , which is despair .
Yet for those of us who follow and comment on current events , the demon that haunted Judas to suicide is never far away .
I ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrat party not only engaged in a massive vote fraud , but might well get away with it , I feel a cold mouth near my ear .
It whispers things to me .
It reminds me of all the worst , most bloodthirsty things our enemies have promised .
It draws on my reading of evil , tyrannical governments over the centuries .
It brings up the names and stories of martyrs and heroes — but only to scornfully tell me : “ You ’ re not made of stuff like them.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with quick whispered prayers .
Or sometimes I just drown them in blasting music or TV programs .
But they will not always be silenced .
They draw on legitimate fears , and genuine zeal , and a fact-based love for the Good and the True .
Like all evil , they are parasites that feed on what God has made .
The Strength We Need I think we need something more .
For instance , the stories and words of those who went before us , who faced down evil and won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then in the next .
We must recall that Christ will give us the strength we need in each situation .
If in temporal terms , we lose , He will help us to soldier on , and welcome us at battle ’ s end with crowns and garlands .
If we win , He will grant us the grace to be at once firm and magnanimous .
Or so we must believe , leaving the rest to God .
The best way to do that , a wise priest once said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to despair with prayers of gratitude for all that God has already given , which reminds us of His goodness and that He is worthy of trust .
One piece of art that helps me remember all this is a poem , that turned into a song , and then a Christmas Carol .
It ’ s not one of the better-known , perhaps because it ’ s so bittersweet .
Let me tell you its story and share it with you .
In our time of civil unrest with rumors of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a poem composed during our country ’ s Civil War .
The author ?
One of America ’ s first great poets , Henry Wadsworth Longfellow .
While he was admired and famous , when he wrote this poem his life was falling apart .
His beloved wife had burned to death in a fire at his home two years before .
In 1863 , his eldest son , Charles , had run away from home to enlist in the Union Army .
And gotten wounded in battle .
He faced the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who lost as many patients as they saved .
And Longfellow faced despair .
He faced it like a fighter in a bare-knuckle boxing ring .
And fought it with all the weapons his talent offered him .
He wrote the poem below , on Christmas Day 1863 , as his son fought for his life .
I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old , familiar carols play , and wild and sweet The words repeat Of peace on earth , good-will to men !
And thought how , as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all Christendom Had rolled along The unbroken song Of peace on earth , good-will to men !
Till ringing , singing on its way , The world revolved from night to day , A voice , a chime , A chant sublime Of peace on earth , good-will to men !
Then from each black , accursed mouth The cannon thundered in the South , And with the sound The carols drowned Of peace on earth , good-will to men !
It was as if an earthquake rent The hearth-stones of a continent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Of peace on earth , good-will to men !
And in despair I bowed my head ; “ There is no peace on earth , ” I said ; “ For hate is strong , And mocks the song Of peace on earth , good-will to men !
” Then pealed the bells more loud and deep : “ God is not dead , nor doth He sleep ; The Wrong shall fail , The Right prevail , With peace on earth , good-will to men.
” Hope Returns , as it Must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t go back to war .
The Union was saved , and the slaves set free .
That poem was adapted into a beloved Christmas carol , made famous by Bing Crosby .
But instead let me share this version , enriched by images from the Civil War that inspired it .
A blessed and happy Thanksgiving to you all .
John Zmirak is a senior editor at The Stream , and author or co-author of ten books , including The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration and The Politically Incorrect Guide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jason Jones of “ God , Guns , & the Government .
”

We live in twilight times. It’s impossible to tell, just by looking around, what hour of day it is for our country, our civilization, even our churches. Is that the sun about to break on the horizon? Or did it just sink beneath it, leaving us on the verge of a long, long dark age?
I don’t have the answer. But I do know that even if dark times lie ahead, they need not mean disappearance. We are still called to tend the fire, and shed what light we can. And who knows, we may be about to witness instead a dawn, that awakens the sleepers around us and warms our own frosty hearts.
The Icy Voice in Your Ear
The one thing needed to face either time of day is the same, and that is hope. And one response would spoil things, which is despair. Yet for those of us who follow and comment on current events, the demon that haunted Judas to suicide is never far away.
I’ll admit that with each sign that the Democrat party not only engaged in a massive vote fraud, but might well get away with it, I feel a cold mouth near my ear. It whispers things to me. It reminds me of all the worst, most bloodthirsty things our enemies have promised. It draws on my reading of evil, tyrannical governments over the centuries. It brings up the names and stories of martyrs and heroes — but only to scornfully tell me: “You’re not made of stuff like them.”
I try to rebuke such voices with quick whispered prayers. Or sometimes I just drown them in blasting music or TV programs. But they will not always be silenced. They draw on legitimate fears, and genuine zeal, and a fact-based love for the Good and the True. Like all evil, they are parasites that feed on what God has made.
The Strength We Need
I think we need something more. For instance, the stories and words of those who went before us, who faced down evil and won — if not in this life, then in the next. We must recall that Christ will give us the strength we need in each situation. If in temporal terms, we lose, He will help us to soldier on, and welcome us at battle’s end with crowns and garlands. If we win, He will grant us the grace to be at once firm and magnanimous.
Or so we must believe, leaving the rest to God. The best way to do that, a wise priest once said, is to answer the Accuser who prods you to despair with prayers of gratitude for all that God has already given, which reminds us of His goodness and that He is worthy of trust.
One piece of art that helps me remember all this is a poem, that turned into a song, and then a Christmas Carol. It’s not one of the better-known, perhaps because it’s so bittersweet. Let me tell you its story and share it with you.
A Poet on the Brink
In our time of civil unrest with rumors of civil conflict, we might well profit from a poem composed during our country’s Civil War. The author? One of America’s first great poets, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. While he was admired and famous, when he wrote this poem his life was falling apart. His beloved wife had burned to death in a fire at his home two years before. In 1863, his eldest son, Charles, had run away from home to enlist in the Union Army. And gotten wounded in battle. He faced the uncertain skills of overworked Army doctors, who lost as many patients as they saved. And Longfellow faced despair.
He faced it like a fighter in a bare-knuckle boxing ring. And fought it with all the weapons his talent offered him. He wrote the poem below, on Christmas Day 1863, as his son fought for his life.
“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
and wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
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It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”
Hope Returns, as it Must
Longfellow’s son recovered, but didn’t go back to war. The Union was saved, and the slaves set free. That poem was adapted into a beloved Christmas carol, made famous by Bing Crosby. But instead let me share this version, enriched by images from the Civil War that inspired it.
A blessed and happy Thanksgiving to you all.
John Zmirak is a senior editor at The Stream, and author or co-author of ten books, including The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration and The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism. He is co-author with Jason Jones of “God, Guns, & the Government.”


A Grateful Heart

In this time of uncertainty , it ’ s more important than ever to remember the goodness of our Lord .
Whether we stay apart because of COVID or cautiously gather together , let ’ s remember those who have suffered and pray that a perfect cure is available soon .
May we have a “ sound mind , ” as Paul said to Timothy , and not a “ spirit of fear ” ( 2 Timothy 1:7 ) .
The Lord invites us to “ enter His courts with thanksgiving.
” We ’ re to “ come into His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Paul challenges the New Testament believers in Philippi , “ Be anxious for nothing , but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God ” ( Philippians 4:6 , NASB ) .
We live in His presence , and we enjoy prayerful intercession with a spirit of gratitude .
As I think about all the things for which to be grateful and give God praise , I find myself saying , “ God , you ’ ve been so good to me .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m so thankful — I just want to do a lot of things for You !
” It was as if He answered in that very high-impact , but still-small voice , “ I don ’ t accept payback !
I am a God of grace and blessings .
I love to bless in order that you may be a blessing.
” I find myself overwhelmed by the greatness of God ’ s grace .
I don ’ t owe Him anything — He just loves to bless those who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said to me , I know , of course , the blessings of God can not be measured with any material standard , although we may experience great monetary gain or extreme challenges .
As Paul shared , “ I know how to get along with humble means , and I also know how to live in prosperity ; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry , both of having abundance and suffering need .
I can do all things through Him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , NASB ) .
I ’ ve made it a habit to carry some cash to help anyone God impresses me to share it with .
Once when I was shopping in a home improvement store , I sensed God asking me to give a large bill to a sweet family .
I said , “ You ’ re a beautiful family doing things together .
I just felt led by God to give you this .
I love to bless families , and perhaps you have a need for it .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know someone who does and you will have the joy of sharing it.
” In amazement , they expressed sincere gratitude .
There are no words to describe the joy that flows so freely in my heart when I simply seek to release all God has entrusted to my watch-care .
I am thankful for every friend of LIFE Outreach .
I am thankful for every missionary and relief worker who sacrifices so unselfishly and yet tell us every time we comment on it , “ We ’ re not making a sacrifice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the center of God ’ s will—alleviating the suffering Christ died to make possible.
” To all of you who are reading , I ’ m grateful for the opportunity to say , “ Thank you for taking the time to read the words I share and for any prayer you have lifted before God in our behalf .
Thank you from the bottom of our heart.
” May We Seek to Bless Others Don ’ t we have a lot to be grateful for ?
Aren ’ t you glad we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t you consider doing what one of my friends did recently after blessing a large group of men .
He said , “ I know you will want to say thanks by writing a note or sending an email , but I am asking you to take the same time and write a note or email expressing appreciation to someone other than me who has blessed your life.
” I think this is a good idea !
So often we hear our leaders say , “ God bless America.
” I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dear Lord , please help America to bless You by blessing others.
” I am also praying that the freedom God has given us not be foolishly cast aside by refusing to apply the clear principles in God ’ s Word .
Our founders understood them , but our nation has forgotten .
May God enlighten our hearts and minds with His light , no matter the darkness .
With all the turmoil and unrest , there is such a great need for grateful and compassionate hearts , along with caring and sharing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has done for us , how can we not seek to bless others ?
James Robison is The Stream ’ s founder and publisher .
He is co-founder of LIFE Outreach International and co-host of LIFE Today .
He ’ s the author of many books , including Indivisible ( with Jay Richards ) and Living Amazed .

In this time of uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to remember the goodness of our Lord. Whether we stay apart because of COVID or cautiously gather together, let’s remember those who have suffered and pray that a perfect cure is available soon. May we have a “sound mind,” as Paul said to Timothy, and not a “spirit of fear” (2 Timothy 1:7).
The Lord invites us to “enter His courts with thanksgiving.” We’re to “come into His presence with praise” (Psalm 100:4). Paul challenges the New Testament believers in Philippi, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6, NASB). We live in His presence, and we enjoy prayerful intercession with a spirit of gratitude.
A God of Grace and Blessings
As I think about all the things for which to be grateful and give God praise, I find myself saying, “God, you’ve been so good to me. You’ve done so much! I’m so thankful — I just want to do a lot of things for You!” It was as if He answered in that very high-impact, but still-small voice, “I don’t accept payback! I am a God of grace and blessings. I love to bless in order that you may be a blessing.”
I find myself overwhelmed by the greatness of God’s grace. I don’t owe Him anything — He just loves to bless those who are yielded and committed to His kingdom purpose. He said to me,
Awaken every day with thanksgiving and praise on your lips! Live with your eyes wide open, looking for opportunities to be a blessing; to notice a need, a heavy heart, a sad countenance. Put My arms of comfort around those who suffer. For all of those who have found it is more blessed to give than to receive, they will continually experience My bountiful blessings in their lives.
Blessed to be a Blessing
I know, of course, the blessings of God cannot be measured with any material standard, although we may experience great monetary gain or extreme challenges. As Paul shared, “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:12-13, NASB).
I’ve made it a habit to carry some cash to help anyone God impresses me to share it with. Once when I was shopping in a home improvement store, I sensed God asking me to give a large bill to a sweet family. I said, “You’re a beautiful family doing things together. I just felt led by God to give you this. I love to bless families, and perhaps you have a need for it. If not, it’s possible you know someone who does and you will have the joy of sharing it.” In amazement, they expressed sincere gratitude.
In response to what Christ has done for us, how can we not seek to bless others?
There are no words to describe the joy that flows so freely in my heart when I simply seek to release all God has entrusted to my watch-care. I am thankful for every friend of LIFE Outreach. I am thankful for every missionary and relief worker who sacrifices so unselfishly and yet tell us every time we comment on it, “We’re not making a sacrifice. We’re living joyfully in the center of God’s will—alleviating the suffering Christ died to make possible.”
To all of you who are reading, I’m grateful for the opportunity to say, “Thank you for taking the time to read the words I share and for any prayer you have lifted before God in our behalf. Thank you from the bottom of our heart.”
May We Seek to Bless Others
Don’t we have a lot to be grateful for? Aren’t you glad we have the privilege of blessing others? Why don’t you consider doing what one of my friends did recently after blessing a large group of men. He said, “I know you will want to say thanks by writing a note or sending an email, but I am asking you to take the same time and write a note or email expressing appreciation to someone other than me who has blessed your life.” I think this is a good idea!
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
So often we hear our leaders say, “God bless America.” I find myself responding every time, “Dear Lord, please help America to bless You by blessing others.” I am also praying that the freedom God has given us not be foolishly cast aside by refusing to apply the clear principles in God’s Word. Our founders understood them, but our nation has forgotten. May God enlighten our hearts and minds with His light, no matter the darkness.
With all the turmoil and unrest, there is such a great need for grateful and compassionate hearts, along with caring and sharing hands. In response to what Christ has done for us, how can we not seek to bless others?
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
James Robison is The Stream’s founder and publisher. He is co-founder of LIFE Outreach International and co-host of LIFE Today. He’s the author of many books, including Indivisible (with Jay Richards) and Living Amazed.


thestream--2020-11-26--To Give Thanks: Report From Campaign for Working Families

Today the nation pauses as we spend time in a day of thanksgiving for the tremendous blessings of this land .
Some years , when things are going well and life glides along smoothly , celebrating is easy .
This Thanksgiving , however , may be tough for some .
Our country faces difficult times , economically and politically , and we are facing tremendous threats to our national security from rogue regimes like China and Iran .
But giving thanks is especially important in tough times as it helps to focus our hearts and minds on the important things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter — faith , family and freedom .
Thanksgiving traces its origins back to the Pilgrims — those hardy pioneers who arrived on the shores of North America and , against all odds , carved a nation out of the wilderness .
They came to the New World not seeking fortune , but in search of freedom , and , more specifically , the freedom to worship God as they wished .
Testifying to the strong religious foundation of this country , thanking God for His blessings was a routine experience in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Proclamation of Thanksgiving was issued by the Continental Congress on November 1 , 1777 , in celebration of the victory against the British at the Battle of Saratoga .
In 1941 , as America confronted a world at war , Congress voted to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday .
In spite of the challenges we face today , I believe all of us can be thankful to be Americans .
We are the descendants of the patriots who declared that “ All men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are life , liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
” As Carol and I reflect on what we are thankful for , we thank God for our children and grandchildren .
We are especially thankful for the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and for the sacrifices of their families .
We are grateful that America still produces patriots who are willing to “ give up their todays for our tomorrows.
” And we are so very thankful for each of you .
Our partnership has created bonds deeper and closer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond what we ever can express .
We wish for you and your family all of God ’ s blessings at this special time of year .
And we thank you for the continued friendship and support that make possible my work in defense of our values .
I ’ d like to leave you with a prayer written by my daughter Sarah Bauer Anderson .
It ’ s from her latest book and is entitled , “ A Liturgy for the Space Between Us.
” A Liturgy for the Space Between Us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we give thanks .
For family far and conflicted , Lord , we give thanks .
For the ones easy to love , Lord , we give thanks .
For the ones we fight to love , Lord , we give thanks .
For people who see as we see , Lord , we give thanks .
For people we don ’ t understand , Lord , we give thanks .
For people who don ’ t understand us , Lord , we give thanks .
For easy conversation and expressed affection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For gentle discord within our discourse , Lord , we give thanks .
For unity , not sameness , Lord , we give thanks .
For charity in all things , Lord , we give thanks .
For a world that reflects your goodness , Lord , we give thanks .
For humankind that bears your image , Lord , we give thanks .
For a day when we ’ ll delight in our differences and not just tolerate them , for a gathering of every tribe and every tongue , for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the one we ’ ll enjoy with You someday , Lord , we give thanks .
Gary Bauer served in President Reagan ’ s administration as Under Secretary of Education and Chief Domestic Policy Advisor .
He ’ s the former President of Family Research Council and former Senior Vice President of Focus on the Family .
Bauer is currently the President of American Values and leads the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom , appointed by President Trump .
Copyright © 2020 Campaign for Working Families .
All rights reserved .
Reprinted @ @ @ @ @ @

Today the nation pauses as we spend time in a day of thanksgiving for the tremendous blessings of this land. Some years, when things are going well and life glides along smoothly, celebrating is easy.
This Thanksgiving, however, may be tough for some. Our country faces difficult times, economically and politically, and we are facing tremendous threats to our national security from rogue regimes like China and Iran.
But giving thanks is especially important in tough times as it helps to focus our hearts and minds on the important things in life, the things that truly matter — faith, family and freedom.
Religious Freedom
Thanksgiving traces its origins back to the Pilgrims — those hardy pioneers who arrived on the shores of North America and, against all odds, carved a nation out of the wilderness. They came to the New World not seeking fortune, but in search of freedom, and, more specifically, the freedom to worship God as they wished.
Testifying to the strong religious foundation of this country, thanking God for His blessings was a routine experience in our early years.
The first official National Proclamation of Thanksgiving was issued by the Continental Congress on November 1, 1777, in celebration of the victory against the British at the Battle of Saratoga. In 1941, as America confronted a world at war, Congress voted to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday.
Thankful to be Americans
In spite of the challenges we face today, I believe all of us can be thankful to be Americans. We are the descendants of the patriots who declared that “All men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
As Carol and I reflect on what we are thankful for, we thank God for our children and grandchildren. We are especially thankful for the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and for the sacrifices of their families. We are grateful that America still produces patriots who are willing to “give up their todays for our tomorrows.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
And we are so very thankful for each of you. Our partnership has created bonds deeper and closer than we ever expected and blessings far beyond what we ever can express.
We wish for you and your family all of God’s blessings at this special time of year. And we thank you for the continued friendship and support that make possible my work in defense of our values.
I’d like to leave you with a prayer written by my daughter Sarah Bauer Anderson. It’s from her latest book and is entitled, “A Liturgy for the Space Between Us.”
A Liturgy for the Space Between Us
For family near and peaceable, Lord, we give thanks. For family far and conflicted, Lord, we give thanks. For the ones easy to love, Lord, we give thanks. For the ones we fight to love, Lord, we give thanks. For people who see as we see, Lord, we give thanks. For people we don’t understand, Lord, we give thanks. For people who don’t understand us, Lord, we give thanks. For easy conversation and expressed affection, Lord, we give thanks. For gentle discord within our discourse, Lord, we give thanks. For unity, not sameness, Lord, we give thanks. For charity in all things, Lord, we give thanks. For a world that reflects your goodness, Lord, we give thanks. For humankind that bears your image, Lord, we give thanks. For a day when we’ll delight in our differences and not just tolerate them, for a gathering of every tribe and every tongue, for a table and a feast today, anticipating the one we’ll enjoy with You someday, Lord, we give thanks. Amen.
Gary Bauer served in President Reagan’s administration as Under Secretary of Education and Chief Domestic Policy Advisor. He’s the former President of Family Research Council and former Senior Vice President of Focus on the Family. Bauer is currently the President of American Values and leads the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, appointed by President Trump.
Copyright © 2020 Campaign for Working Families. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission of the author.