Was your Thanksgiving enjoyable? Did you appreciate the time you spent with family and friends, and reflect on all the blessings that we, as Americans possess?

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, as it allows me the opportunity to reflect upon all I have been given and be truly grateful for what the Lord has provided.

Then we immediately transition from the thankfulness for what we have to Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year. Do we really need to rush out and buy more? Running out to buy the latest gadget right after offering thanks for what we have seems incongruous. However, I do understand the desire to save money, as money is tight, especially at this time of year.

I have friends who braved Crestview Wal-Mart, which was so busy they parked on the grass back by the strip mall. They reported that the front part of Wal-Mart was quiet and serene, but once you walked back where the bargains were, there were lines of people waiting for their desired bargain. They are braver than I, and yes, they got the item they desired.

We have entered the season of Advent, which is a time of preparation for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. During this time of rushing around, we can use some quiet time to reflect on the greatest gift ever given to humankind, the birth of Jesus Christ. As the Christmas carol says, "Let every heart prepare Him room…."

Are our hearts open to the Lord this season, or just to the shopping bargains that can be had?

Some gift ideas that we, as caring Christians can give this year:

•buy groceries for a struggling family — enough to fill their cupboards

•pay one or more of their utility bills

•pay their car tags or car insurance

•buy gifts for them to give their children for Christmas

•adopt a family or children through your church

There are many ways to make the season brighter for those in need — be creative. Let's put actions to our words and share our Christian charity with one another and ease someone's burdens.

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: 5 Christmas gift ideas that show you care

This time of year, we give thanks for our abundant blessings. What are you giving thanks for this year?

Periodically, I have to examine myself and see if I have an attitude of gratitude. Am I grateful for what I have been given, or do I want more? It can be easy to overlook our blessings and concentrate on what may not be going well in our everyday lives.

We need to remember that we are very blessed to live in this country, the land of opportunity, one in which we are free to follow our dreams. A land in which we can worship God the way we see fit, not the way the government orders, and one in which we can still freely share Christ with our unsaved friends and family.

Here is a short list of things for which we can offer thanks:

• A loving Heavenly Father who provides for us

• Our family and church who love us — faults and all

• Our health

• Elections in which citizens may freely vote for candidates of their choice

• Jobs that provide for our financial responsibilities

• Police, firefighters and EMTs

• Our brave military and veterans

• Hospital staffers who work long hours, holidays and weekends

• Pets that love us unconditionally

Let's choose to be grateful for what we have and share with those who are less fortunate. Donate food to your church's food pantry, invite a struggling family to dinner in your home, take groceries to a shut-in, help in one of our local soup kitchens. There are many ways we can share our bounty with those in need. Be creative.

Several retailers are now opening on Thanksgiving Day to get an early start on Black Friday. Some of the culprits are: Bass Pro Shops, Bealls, Belk, Best Buy, Big Lots, CVS, JC Penney, Kohl's, Sears, Target, Walgreens and Wal-Mart.

If you are as dismayed as I am, take a moment to call their corporate headquarters or post a note on their Facebook page and let them know their employees deserve to be home on Thanksgiving — not working.

Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving full of the Lord's blessings!

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 9 things for which I'm thankful

CRESTVIEW — Numerous crestviewbulletin.com and Facebook readers shared their thoughts on the presidential election, a proposed Okaloosa County tax increase and sports jargon. Here are some of their comments.

WATCH 'ANIMAL FARM' 

Listening to Harry Reid, I realized the importance of term limits. What is happening to Democratic members of Congress is that they fear the Republican-controlled Congress will respond to victory in the same manner they did in 2009.

And that President Trump will follow President Obama's example and use executive orders when he wants to accomplish his own objectives.

I submit that every American member of Congress should be required to watch the movie “Animal Farm,” based on George Orwell's book, “Animal Farm,” every morning.

Bob Hollingshead

WASN’T ON THE BALLOT

They are proposing a full 1 cent increase (1/2 cent for the school and 1/2 cent for the county). If they wanted to put this up for a vote, it should have been on the November ballot. Now they are wanting to allow only five cities’ registered voters to decide.

What does the (Greater Fort Walton Beach) Chamber of Commerce have to do with legislation? Why was this also not presented to all the cities’ councils to vote on?

I attend the meetings in Laurel Hill and it was not voted on.

Kathy Moneypenny         

NEW SPORTS JARGON          

I had to look up "libero" (a defensive player), which is a new word for this old volleyball player.

Jeffrey Smith

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Watch 'Animal Farm'; about that Okaloosa tax proposal

Another election season is over and, no matter which candidate you backed, I know there is one thing we can all agree upon, and that is this: Thank goodness all those political ads and phone calls are over! Finally, my telephone is silent.

I am saddened by some of the reactions in urban areas of our country, and so thankful that I live in Crestview. How does the destruction of property change the outcome of the election? It inconveniences the residents, who no longer have that store available in which to shop; it causes insurance rates to soar; and it hurts the finances of the store owner, but doesn't change the election.

My heart weeps at this violence, and I am sure that the Lord is saddened.

As far as I can recall, the past four presidential elections didn't see destruction and rioting. Even during the 2000 election, which was contested, I don't remember any rioting.

When John Kerry lost in 2004, John McCain in 2008 and Mitt Romney in 2012, there was no violence, so why now? Has our society become more violent or are we just more accepting of bad behavior?

It appears that we have lost our self-control.

What can we, as people of faith, do?

First, we can pray for our country and her leaders, both outgoing and incoming, that the Lord gives them wisdom and discernment; that there will be a serene transition of leadership.

Second, we can pray that peace and calm will come to our great nation, that we will come together as a country and work for the common good of all citizens.

Third, we can be kind to one another, and work toward reconciliation. To be reconciled, according to Webster's 1828 dictionary, means "to call back into union and friendship the affections which have been alienated."

Fourth, we need to pray that the Lord heals the hearts of those who are hurting and restores tranquility to our land. The Lord hears our prayers and He is gracious and answers them.

Certainly, these are worthwhile goals for our community and our country.

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Election rioting: Have we lost our self-control?

We asked Crestview News Bulletin readers how they feel about Donald Trump’s election as president of the United States. Here are some of their comments:

Optimism. We now have a president, House and Senate to get things accomplished and should move along quicker. At least for two years — so I hope they don't waste one day doing it!

Sue Ring

Indifferent. Had to deal with all the Hillary supporters’ hate for not supporting her and now I get to deal with the hate for her not winning. Different day, same — how does that saying go? "You made your bed, now lay in it?"

Brandi Fickling

Joy! It's time for a change. The people are tired of the way this country has been led for the past eight years! Also glad the election is over and we can move on!

Marianne Ponder Vicari

Disgusted. I understand that a change was wanted and needed. But Trump is not the person to do it. All Trump has been about is Trump. He is truly terrifying. I do not believe he can run this country intelligently or admirably.

Julie Wilczewski Jaworski

Disappointment. Disappointment that everything he has stood for all this time — the hate, bigotry, racism, sexism, heinous vulgarity, etc. — is agreed with by so much of America. It's not because he's a Republican. For one, because he's really not. But because of all the horrible things that he has stood for. And the rest of the world will judge us by that. They are sad for us. Sad we have no respectable person that will be taking over in January. Sad that we have tarnished the picture of what America has stood for. Just sad…

Melissa Willcut Woollums

Renewed hope for our great country! Just keep praying that we all come together to make America great again! God bless the USA and, God, please bless Trump!

Pam McCallum Pursley

Making sure I'm a positive role model for those that need positivity! No matter the outcome, I can trust in God.

Sarah Hawkins

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Readers weigh in on Trump's election

I was busy writing my weekly column and let the phone go to voicemail knowing I could return the call. After completing my article, I listened to our voicemail. Lo and behold, it was the credit card company letting me know that they suspected fraudulent activity on my credit card. Someone was having a great time charging on my card!

Lo and behold, it was the credit card company letting me know that they suspected fraudulent activity on my credit card. Someone was having a great time charging on my card!

I was thankful that the credit card company found the fraud, but I felt so violated. We still don't have all of the charges reversed, one more thing I need to work on. I have no idea how thieves got my account number, as the card was in my wallet and it was a "chip" card.

I called our accountant to discuss this with her and learned that she and her husband recently experienced fraud. She found unauthorized charges on her statement; someone purchased entertainment items. Her credit card company first accused her of making the purchases, but finally refunded the unauthorized charges.

This can happen to anyone, even those of us who are vigilant. 

Please be careful with your information. Credit card and identity theft are on the rise at this time of year. 

Here are some tips to stay safe:

•Carry a minimum of credit and debit cards with you when you shop and never carry your Social Security card.

•Always keep your eye on your credit card. This is sometimes difficult in a restaurant, so be aware of how long the person that has your card is gone and make sure you check your statement or bank promptly.

•Check your bank and credit card statement on a regular basis. I monitor our checking account online several times a week.

•Save all of your receipts so that you can verify the charges against your statements.

•If you find a discrepancy, call your bank or credit card company immediately.

•Be "stingy" giving out your Social Security number. Ask exactly why it is needed, as most times it isn't truly required.

•Be as careful with your medical insurance card as you are with a credit card. Medical fraud is becoming big business.

Stay vigilant and don't leave yourself vulnerable. Christmas is on the horizon and thieves are looking for easy money.

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 7 tips to safeguard personal and financial information

It is heartbreaking to any family to lose a loved one of any age. It is more heart wrenching when the loved one is an infant, child or young adult.

We don't know why the Lord allows some to live and others to go home to heaven. We may never understand His purpose here on this earth, but we have the assurance that He loves us. Our comfort is that those who knew Christ as their Savior will be united with Christ in heaven and that we will see them again one day.

Neighbors who lived in Crestview for several years lost their beloved 21-year-old daughter last week. No one expects a healthy 21-year-old wife, mother and daughter to die. That is not the way we would ordain it.

Who can understand or fathom God's purpose in all of this? We will probably never know the "why" until we are in heaven, but if we are true believers in Christ Jesus, then we trust Him.

Isaiah 55:8-9 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Many of us prayed mightily on behalf of this young lady, and the Lord chose to say no. While we are brokenhearted, our faith is what sees us through during these difficult times. Our faith clings to John 11:25, which states, "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."

The lesson is that none of us knows what tomorrow may bring. Tell your loved ones how much you love them, spend time with your relatives and friends. Make time to visit that person you haven't seen in months or years.

We never know when the Lord may choose to call them, or us, home. Don't be full of regrets; pick up the phone or a pen today and follow though, don't put it off.

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Make the most of today

CRESTVIEW — Numerous crestviewbulletin.com and Facebook readers shared their thoughts on the presidential candidates and Golden Buffet’s latest closure after failing health inspections.

Here are some of their comments.

HILLARY CLINTON’S ACTIONS ‘TERRIBLE’

Donald Trump — He said Hillary should be in jail for her handling of top-secret materials. She has been in government (for) 30 years and hasn't stopped our country from sinking deeper into debt; no jobs for our people; and her giving favors to people who gave to The Clinton Foundation — even for people /countries who discriminate against women — is terrible. Let's not forget she is OK with aborting almost full-term pregnancies.

Deanne Vaughn

RE-EXAMINING A TRUMP ACCUSER

It's funny; one of the accusers up to a few years ago loved (Donald Trump) and requested her job back with him after he helped her get into law school!

She praised him in her book on how great of a person and boss he was!

He put her in charge of building a skyscraper and she was the first woman to be in charge of doing so!

So now he did not have a position for her and she has decided to accuse him of sexually assaulting her!

You can't say this is not … a false accusation!

Rob Jackson Nicole Walters

ABOUT GOLDEN BUFFET

I thought they just reopened after renovations?! Good thing I wasn't planning on going back ever! Tear it down, clear the land and make way for a worthwhile business, please!

Michelle Koralewski

JUST WONDERING

After being shut down multiple times, and several health violations, how are the owners allowed to continue to operate a food business in Florida?

Allie Rodela Portán

THERE'S A CYCLE

It shuts down, it reopens, it shuts back down, it reopens. It stays in business because the cheap people of Crestview like to eat $50 worth of food for $10 and then tip (little)!

Michelle Snavely

Join the conversation on crestviewbulletin.com — and your comment could be featured. >>

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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Election comments; restaurant closure

Here are featured comments from discussions on www.srpressgazette.com:

LEAVE JEWELRY AT HOME

Can you believe the Kardashians went all of the way to France and someone (stole their) diamonds or whatever the jewelry was worth — so much money.

When you go to the airport, any airport in the world and they check you in, you are not allowed to take a lot of stuff. I don’t believe it, and she is going to say that to France, with all they have had to deal with; all of the bombs and everything.

I don’t believe it, with all of the places in the world; we are the most safe, like America. I tell these people all of the time, ‘Don’t leave the country.’ I have friends who went to Mexico and ended up dead. I have friends who go to India and end up dead.

Stay home.

They don’t have show up with their jewelry. Please don’t let these people go farther than the airport with their jewelry. If they want some money, they should go to the bank.

Maria Lyon

PAY YOUR FAIR SHARE OF TAXES

I was reading the article in Saturday’s paper about the budget director and how the ad valorem tax has not gone up and they need more money.

Well, if people would look on their ballots for this year, they got two amendments which exempt people from paying ad valorem taxes. I am not saying they should or shouldn’t, but every time a group gets exempt that means the group that is left has to pay more; and if everyone pays a little bit, it’s better than a few having to pay a bunch.

Just think about it. Thank you.

Bobby Andrews 

GOOD LUCK, PACE FIRE DISTRICT

I see Pace is not on the ballot to be like surcharge taxes. I think that would be a great deal because right now with your MSBU money going all over the county and not staying in Pace.

Once you go MSBU or state MSBU, or whatever they want to call it, all of that money will be earmarked for the Pace district. That way, these little stations that have been taking $100,000 or more from Pace every year won’t be able to do that anymore … If you vote ‘yes,’ it will stay in Pace. If you vote ‘no,’ then it will be shared with all of the other smaller departments. Ya’ll know who you are.

So, I think it’s going to be a good bill for Pace. Navarre is there; Avalon is there; Pace is big enough now where they can support their own fire department. Pace is so big that they can support everyone else in the entire county.

Good luck, Pace, in getting the state recognition there. Good luck.

Tony Broxson

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SPEAK OUT: Pay your fair share of Taxes, Santa Rosa

Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary defines "friend" as "One who is attached to another by affection; one who entertains for another sentiments of esteem, respect and affection, which lead him to desire his company, and to seek to promote his happiness and prosperity; opposed to foe or enemy."

This may be a different definition from what many of us would give. We all have more acquaintances than true friends in our lives. A true friend will be there when you need them and will walk alongside you when you experience a tragedy or critical illness. There is a bond with a true friend that one doesn't have with an acquaintance. Each friend I have has added enjoyment to my life.

In the Crestview area, it is common for our friends to move away due to military reassignment.

This may be a joyous occasion for them — a new rank, new duties, a new home, a new adventure — but it is sad for us, and difficult to say goodbye and watch them leave. Jim and I have seen many of our friends leave Crestview since we moved here over 10 years ago. No matter how wonderful the reason for the move, it hurts to lose a friend to distance.

The flip side to that is how many of our friends have had to say goodbye to us. We have moved extensively and had to leave our families, church families, and our close friends. We stay in touch with cards, emails and the phone, but it isn't the same as being able to run out for a cup of coffee or lunch. In most instances, distance seems to change the dynamic of the friendship.

I am fortunate that I still have my best friend from childhood in California. She and I have been through many things and we are still very close.

Treasure your friends and the time you have to spend with them. Pick up the phone and tell them you are happy for their friendship; make time to go out for that cup of coffee. One never knows when they may have to move.

Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Handling friendships and goodbyes