thoughts on christmas

Some Sunday sermons break me down. Today was one of those instances. We work hard to instill the true spirit of Christmas in our children, and the gentle reminders of songs like "Silent Night" coupled with "How Great is Our God" are reinforcements that bring me to tears. Our culture has broken so far away from the real Christmas story that it's a wonder any child is able to receive His message.

This is a particularly trying time for us, financially, as it is for many families, and so discussing a Christmas "wish list" with our daughter was a little tough. In the end, it was she who reminded us, "Christmas isn't about presents, it's about Jesus." Bless that child and her teacher who reinforces His message daily.

We wish God's blessings on you and yours this Christmas.
-Casey

plymouth? please. virginia was first.

Where was the first Thanksgiving really held? We were taught in school that the Pilgrims landed and had a happy ol' feast with the Native Americans in Massachusetts. Um, that's not really correct. You see, the first Thanksgiving was not so much a feast, but an actual prayer of thanks to God for a safe voyage from England and landing at Berkeley Plantation in Virginia on December 4, 1619 - one year and then some ahead of the pilgrims at Massachusetts.

I'm personally a little annoyed that the teaching of Thanksgiving in our schools (public, private and Christian schools) maintain the Massachusetts version when relaying it to our children. Rally the troops and let's tell the real story. Perhaps you can then follow it up with the prettier, food-laden one.

Related articles:
~ http://www.berkeleyplantation.com
~ http://www.virginia.org/site/features.asp?featureid=50
~ http://www.nick.com/all_nick/tv_supersites/nick_news/stories_weekly.jhtml?pollId=470422263&wstory=0
~ http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=minisite_generic&content_type_id=872&display_order=1&mini_id=1083

PHOTO: Casey Higgins, Berkeley Plantation, Spring 2008

broken records

I think I've said it before. Maybe not here, but definitely in real conversation. P-Whitey's the man. Dude broke two records yesterday in WVU's winning tussle against Louisville. Pat White is the new NCAA record holder for the most career yards rushed by a quarterback - 4,292 is this week's number. The season isn't over yet, boys ...

It wasn't enough to break just one record yesterday. White went ahead and broke another. Donovan McNabb was the previous holder of the most career touchdowns accounted for. Pat White now wears that crown, too. The magic number is 98 for this week.