Thanksgiving is once again upon us, and in these trying economic times, perhaps we are returning to giving thanks for God's great gifts like family, friends, health, and faith. But along with our gratitude comes a somewhat intrusive alteration in lifestyle that can only be imposed upon us by the beginning of the holiday gift-giving season. It is time to start wondering when the supermarket will start looping Christmas carols through its P.A. system even as they are marking down leftover Halloween candy. It's time to start hiding the retail flyers in the Sunday newspaper from children keen on discovering ever-more-extravagant ideas for their Santa lists. And, it is time to take a moment or two to make sure we all keep ourselves safe from the pressures of the season's hustle and bustle.  Read More