Patriotic Hodgepodge

Woohoo, it's Wednesday and that means it's time for Wednesday Hodgepodge from Joyce over at "From This Side of the Pond". Check out my answers and then head over to her blog for a lot more fun.

1. In two or three sentences tell us what Veteran's Day means to you?
It means remembering my grandfather and grandmother who both served in WWII (and met while in the service). It means taking a moment, or two, and thanking God for those who were willing to give up the comforts of home to protect our borders or help another nation protect theirs. 

2. What's your favorite film with a patriotic theme woven into the storyline?

EASY. White Christmas. Sigh. Now I need to pull this movie out tonight and watch it.

3. Flu shot-yes or no? If you answered no, do you plan to get a flu shot? If not, why not? Have you ever had the flu?

No. I do not plan on getting the shot. We don't get it. We use natural methods for protecting ourselves from the flu virus. Yes, I had the flu once. I still don't get the shot anymore. 

4. I've seen lots of people posting pictures of their Christmas trees up and decorated. Many stores have had Christmas on display since well before Halloween. Red cups are back at Starbucks, sans the holiday decor, and that has some people up in arms. What are your thoughts on all the holiday ruckus this second week of November?

I don't get it. I just don't get it. Hello, um, Thanksgiving!! Now that's a beautiful holiday. 

And, I guess I will take this opportunity to share something we have changed in our home this year. We are not doing Christmas in our family.

It's OK, I will wait until the gasps and fainting spells are over.

Feel better. OK. Let me quickly explain.

We needed to research the origins of Halloween for our boys. They asked us why we celebrated it. We didn't know other than candy. So, we researched it. They both looked at me afterwards and said, "I don't think that's a very good idea for us as Christians, do you". How could I argue?

That lead us on a search for better alternatives and so on. We learned a lot in that journey and we have decided to celebrate Hanukkah instead. Yes, we are very much still Christians. Yes, we still love Jesus and know salvation comes from Him and only Him. But, when you have a moment, study about Hanukkah and see the beautiful pointing to Christ that it has strung throughout. Look in the NT to see Christ, Himself, celebrating it.

So, we will not have a tree this year, but a Menorah. And we can't wait to share the love of Christ with family and friends as they gather around the light to hear about the one true Light that came to this earth so long ago.

As for the cup issue (rolling eyes here), I posted about that yesterday on this post, "The Cup Doesn't Matter"

5. What 'critter' are you most afraid of encountering unexpectedly? Why that one?

In my home? A mouse. I hate mice. I mean, really, because they are mice. 
In our pasture? A snake. Some snakes will chase you. We have means snakes around here. We have been chased a few times. Most just slither on by and don't care about you. Some are snotty.

6. Do you like building things? What's the last thing you 'built'?

Not really. I like working with my hands but not building. The last thing built for us was our wheelchair ramp. My husband and kids are about to build a club house. I build sandwiches. LOL. 

7. In keeping with this month's theme of gratitude...what are you most grateful for that brings beauty to your daily life?

I am most grateful for my God who provided such a beautiful and sacrificial way for us to live with Him for eternity. Without that I would literally be lost. My life wouldn't have a whole lot of purpose since the second it ended it would all be dust. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I am excited about Hanukkah coming up. We picked out a simple but pretty menorah. We chose simple candles. I invited family and friends over for the last night's big celebration. I am planning the 8 days of meals. We have some fun traditional games to play (yes, we will have a dreidel) . Our whole family is excited.