Turkey and dressing are better the next day. Ham and beans are better the next day. But a movie, a movie must be extra special to want to watch it the next day – maybe years later when you don't remember. Watching Smokey and the Bandit today, I laughed again as it sparked my memory.
 
Right now I’m watching A Christmas Carol, the Musical staring Kelsey Grammer. I don’t remember seeing this version. Aha, now their singing.
 
Since the publication of Charles Dickens' 1843 Christmas Carol, the story has been out of print and has been adapted both for 22 stage productions, 2 operas, 4 recordings; at least 10 radio broadcasts, 49 loosely based TV show adaptations, and 20 film versions. Many were animated versions.
 
A Christmas Carol and black Friday make the Christmas season official.

When I pray, I thank God for his blessings, but I get specific the Tuesday before Thanksgiving service at church. We skip preaching, and each family goes to the front and tells what they're thankful for. I always think of something else afterwards.
 
Tonight was special. It was our first service as a church family at our new church. We met in the fellowship hall because the sanctuary was not ready. Thank You Lordand Amazing Gracenever sounded so good without the piano.
 
I can’t see God, but He has answered so many prayers this year -- in a personal way. I know He’s there. I feel him, and I’m thankful.

Goodness and mercy shall follow me. As we move from one pasture to another we will feel something at our heels. What follows sheep? Goodness and mercy, the sheep dogs. They are here to guide us to the next pasture. Goodness and mercy have our back. They hold us up because they love us. If we leave the fold and go astray, does God yell at us? No. He’s a good shepherd.
 
My Bible tells me he never leaves us or forsakes us. Goodness and mercy are on each side barking at us, getting us back on the right path. Do you really know the goodness of God?
 
One sheep dog is mercy. Mercy is not giving us what we deserve. Mercy is there when we stray to remind us that God loves us. With mercy we find forgiveness and grace. The Lord gives us the opposite of what we deserve.
 
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. They are always there. We won’t need goodness and mercy dogs in heaven. One day we get to live in the Master’s house forever.

Two hundred years ago it took longer to get things done. They were busy people. Today technology gives us more time, but distractions like TV, computers, books, sports or recreation steal our prayer time.
 
Jesus was busy healing, teaching, and casting out devils, but he got up before the markets opened down the street, slipped away and prayed. He needed time alone with His Father.
 
We need to find a solitary place to be alone with God – in a closet, Jesus said. He meant a quiet place with no distractions. He wants our full attention.
 
When was the last time you had that special time with God – just the two of you? If we are so busy that we don’t have time to pray every day, we are too busy. We will never achieve God’s purpose for us without consistent prayer. God will accommodate any prayer schedule, but mornings work well.
 
During prayer and bible study, be quiet and listen to what God wants to say. Sometimes words are inadequate, and I just want to hug God for being so good to me.
 
“And He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am his own…”