Happy November! Today is November 1st! We awoke to find a light dusting of snow on the ground. Natures "Baby powder" for a new Month, I suppose. A lot will happen beside Thanksgiving, so take time and enjoy it all!
Today's "One Minute With God Devotional, for November 1, 2023: This ministry requires no special training. It simply requires a person to...well, be present. To show up. It's the kind of love that says, "Whatever you need, I am here for you." "I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." Romans 12:1
Pope Francis shares a moment of silence with members of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops as they pray for migrants and refugees in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Oct. 19, 2023. Behind the pope is “Angels Unawares,” a sculpture by Canadian Timothy Schmalz, depicting a boat with 140 figures of migrants from various historical periods and various nations. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez) "The Holy Father really does endeavour to put into practice what he preaches. There is no doubt that he has the “common touch” and is energised by his meetings with people. This is also quite remarkable given his health struggles and, at almost 87 years, advancing age." "He takes the trouble to go to the margins of society and the Church in search of the members of the Lord’s flock. His concern for refugees was underlined early in his pontificate when he visited the Italian island of Lampedusa, a hotspot for migration from Africa and the site of many tragedies. Recently, in September, the pope visited Mongolia, a place which many would struggle to find on a map." "What is interesting about this visit is that the number of Catholics in this vast territory is tiny, about 1500 people. Some might ask whether such a visit is worthwhile, but imagine the impact that such a visit will have on the Mongolian Church itself. Imagine being a Mongolian convert in a country in which you are in a microscopic minority, but the Holy Father comes to visit you anyway."
28 Fun Things to Do in November (Before It Gets Way Too Cold to Do Anything) Now is the time to do these end-of-fall activities and start gearing up for the holiday season.
November for me is the same old stuff that every November has brought for my 80 years. Cold, dreary days and fake enthusiasm for the coming holidays yada yada. When young you get into it but not anymore. Humbug!
Here in Georgia, November used to signal an abrupt change in weather from beautiful fall to cold winter. It would usually happen right around Thanksgiving week. Not the pattern lately. One year recently we had the first hard freeze in October. Next year, not until late December. Saturday after Thanksgiving is the Georgia/Georgia Tech football game. It alternates venue. This year it's in Atlanta.
Let's see, November is here and that means: First, a FREE buffet breakfast or dinner for wife and I at South Point Hotel/Casino Garden Buffet for Veterans Day. I'm the Veteran, but this time, my wife gets to eat for free as well. First time this has happened and........we LOVE IT!! Second, Thanksgiving Dinner, but not at home. Third, getting ready for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas next month/December. A major/"big time" highlight for us. My wife will even take off a couple of days (unfortunately, not paid) for it. Yes, Las Vegas turns "cowboy/cowgirl and Pro-Rodeo" with many events going on, including Cowboy Christmas Gift Show.