Jess,

>>Secondly, as I had mentioned before, mostly now Thanksgiving is a crass commercialization and has little or no relation to its original Christian-based meaning. I personally think this is a shame but it is what it is.
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>So the thanksgiving is a traditional Christian-based practice. I just remember a

Yes, the roots of Thanksgiving go right back to the first 40 settlers (in Virginia if I remember correctly).


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>>Thirdly, the United States now is MUCH more materialistic than it used to be, with the corresponding decline in many of its traditional spiritual underpinnings.
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>Your opinion seems the same with John C. Maxwell - a great American Christian leader I've ever known. I have his books discussing the downfall of America's spiritual standing. But overall, a lot of Christians Leaders in the Body of Christ were Americans - Benny Hinn, Pat Robertson to name a few. And we Filipinos are just thankful for Gods' using U.S. to spread the gospel here in the Philippines.

Right. the group I've been associated with is at www.calvarychapel.org in Southern California.

>>If you are going to visit the US that would certainly be a great excuse! *g* Over here we call that a tax deduction. *g* That would also give you an opportunity to get to know those you have met online. We're a pretty friendly bunch actually.
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>It is a part of my dream to land U.S. territory and meet professional people like you - no flattering here. Ofcourse a lot here in the UT community a professional alike, but some are just ego-centric.

Well, we'd love to meet you as well.

Best,

DD