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“When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know.  But if you listen, you may learn something new. ”

Dalai Lama 

“Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” – Psalm 95:2    

Once a year we make a huge effort to make sure everyone has a good Thanksgiving.

And while there’s nothing wrong with that – we definitely need to be thankful for what our forefathers did for us, as well as for the many blessings we have as Americans…blessings that I’m afraid we’ve all taken for granted and can be lost in the blink of an eye.  

But I digress.

Let me suggest something to you this Thanksgiving.  

Take time to make a list of the 10 things you are most thankful for.

Now, don’t be surprised if you have more than 10 – thankfulness has a way of building momentum, once you get started!

Use this Thanksgiving to say thanks to the people you love and those who make your day run smoothly.

Pray for those who have trouble finding things for which to be thankful.

Maybe they’re alone this year, or homeless. Perhaps they’re having financial difficulties or even facing death or tremendous illness.

While you’re at it, thank God for all His blessings in your life. I promise if you’ll do this, Thanksgiving will take on new meaning.

“He is a shield to those who walk in integrity.” – Proverbs 2:7

Lying has become a pervasive problem.

It seems that today’s “me-first” mindset places very little value on honesty and personal integrity. Truth is sacrificed on the altar of self-advancement.

The two main reasons we lie are usually rooted in either fear or pride.

Fear is the first reason. We are afraid of the consequences if we tell the truth. Yielding to fear shows a lack of trust in God to take care of the situation. If we yield to God and do it His way He will usually give us favor with those that we fear.

The other reason is pride. We are prideful and concerned about what others will think of us (desiring their approval instead of God’s.)

At the time, you may think that lying will make life easier, but one lie almost always requires another and another and another. You have to remember everything you said to keep from confusing your lies.

When you start with the truth, you don’t have to remember all the specific details. The truth makes life a lot less complicated.

Take a look at your life. Where do you fall on the spectrum of honest living?

There’s only one way to break the bondage of a lie, and that’s with truth. Seek to live with integrity and honesty and you’ll find new freedom for living.

How?

The truth is found in Jesus Christ. Find Him, and find the truth, the power, and strength to become a person of integrity.

There is a glory and beauty of the sun, another glory of the moon, and yet another glory of the stars, and one star differs from another in glory and brilliance. (1 Corinthians 15:41)

God created us all uniquely different. Like the sun, the moon, and the stars, God made us to be different, and He has done it on purpose. Each of us has an individual destiny, and we are all part of God’s overall plan.

Be secure in your uniqueness, knowing that God loves you and took great care in creating you. We never have to be threatened by the abilities of others. We can be free to love and accept ourselves and one another without feeling pressure to compare or compete.

If we attempt to be just like someone else, not only do we lose ourselves, but we question God’s plan. God wants you to joyfully run your race; He doesn’t want you feeling pressured to run someone else’s race or fit into everyone else’s plans. Different is more than okay; it is God’s purpose for your life.

You were fearfully and wonderfully made by the Creator of the universe. Never question your worth. You are special and unique in his sight.

1-tablespoon olive oil

1-cup finely chopped onion

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

1-pound lean ground beef

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

2 cups tomato sauce

1 tablespoon sugar

1 pound cooked fettucine (or your choice of pasta)

Shredded or grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Heat the oil in a large saucepan or stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the beef and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess fat, if necessary.

Add the Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 black pepper and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute, until the dried herbs are fragrant.

Add the tomato sauce and sugar and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and partially cover. Simmer for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.

When ready to serve, adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer the pasta or other starch to individual plates and top with the Bolognese sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of cheese, fresh herbs, and crushed red pepper flakes.