FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
Community Thanksgiving messages given

This week's column is a collection of messages from community leaders

Rick Waller, Whitehouse Police Chief:

"As we move into the beginning of the holidays by celebrating Thanksgiving, lets not forget what the season is really about. As our forefathers did years ago, we are supposed to join in together to give thanks for what we have accomplished, friendships we enjoy, and the love of God family, and country.Especially this year, please take a moment during the festivities to give thanks for our men and women serving in the military, as most of them cannot be with their families for the season. I join with all the members of the Whitehouse Police Department in wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving and a safe and happy holiday season."

Pastor Duane Dougherty, Concord Cumberland Presbyterian Church:

"I am truly thankful to be here! I just arrived at the Concord Cumberland Presbyterian Church on Nov. 1 with another opportunity to do God's work and I have been supported and befriended by lots of great people. The air is clean, the scenery is beautiful and there is no bumper to bumper traffic

(unless you have to go to Tyler around 5 p.m.) If you can't tell that I'm excited to be here, then you're not reading between the lines hard enough. I'm reminded of someone else who moved about this time of year - Jesus. However, there was at least one major difference; He was moving away from Heaven. This may not be heaven, but it's close enough for me (for the time being). When Christ came there was rejoicing and I, too, rejoice for God's good gifts. A wonderful family. A purpose for my life. Hope for the future. An opportunity to share God's love. I am blessed and I am very thankful."

Jake Jacobson, City of Whitehouse Mayor:

"At this time of Thanksgiving I'm most thankful for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and a country that allows the freedom to worship as we wish. I'm thankful for the foresight of our forefathers who designed a system of government for individual rights that give us our freedom. I'm thankful for our soldiers who volunteer to fight and die protecting those rights. Lastly I'm thankful for family, friends and the people of theworld who share the joy of all the blessings around us. Let's remember to give thanks everyday for the opportunity to pursue our dreams."

Pat Hendrix, Troup police chief:

"First and foremost, Thanksgiving is an opportunity to give thanks to our Lord, Jesus Christ for all the blessings bestowed upon us throughout the year. Thanksgiving also allows us to come together with family and friends. It gives us the opportunity to reminisce on old times, share and create family memories. It is not often that you are given the opportunity to spend time with the family as a whole, so Thanksgiving is a holiday not to be taken for granted. And last but certainly not least Thanksgiving is a time to pig out and watch the Dallas Cowboys play ball!"