Beautifully written article using simple words.. You have painted very correctly the current world status. Kindness is missing everywhere & only this must be the resolution for 2025. Wishing you too a very happy new year 2025 & have a great time during Christmas festival..
Some great thoughts, as usual, Steve. Yes, as you get older and your kids grow up and leave home, Christmas starts looking very different to how it used to be in your childhood memories. In a funny kind of way I kind of miss that magic.
Indeed, the world is in a state of unrest with multiple bloody conflicts, and here in New Zealand we have divisiveness over racial and social issues. While people like to consider themselves tolerant, it can be difficult to find a balance between tolerance and the need to defend justice. The way I personally deal with that is to separate the person from the behaviour. You can be tolerant of a person and their right to hold certain views, but intolerant of that person's behaviour if it causes harm. Being tolerant doesn't mean you have to subscribe to or play along with their deluded fantasies.
For example, if a man wants to dress up as a woman and pretend to be one, then go for it - knock your socks off. But don't you dare think that gives you the right to use women's and girls' toilets and changing rooms, or compete against other women in sports. And don't you dare tell a girl who feels like doing boyish stuff that she's "born in the wrong body" and needs to start "transitioning" with dangerous puberty-blocker drugs and hormone treatment! Some behaviours demand intolerance and strong opposition. Even Jesus became intolerant of the desecration of the temple by rip-off merchants and money-changers - and took action! He also spoke out publicly about the hypocritical and pious attitude and behaviour of the Pharisees.
Ahakoa, Meri Kirihimete ki a koe e Steve, hoki tō whānau. Nga mea pai katoa mo te 2025!
I agree with much of your post today, although our preferences of food are definitely different😄. Since I live in a very northern area (Alaska), our idea up here of Christmas is more compatible with Santa Claus and his sleigh. Regardless, I'm wishing you a pleasant holiday season.
Beautifully written article using simple words.. You have painted very correctly the current world status. Kindness is missing everywhere & only this must be the resolution for 2025. Wishing you too a very happy new year 2025 & have a great time during Christmas festival..
Some great thoughts, as usual, Steve. Yes, as you get older and your kids grow up and leave home, Christmas starts looking very different to how it used to be in your childhood memories. In a funny kind of way I kind of miss that magic.
Indeed, the world is in a state of unrest with multiple bloody conflicts, and here in New Zealand we have divisiveness over racial and social issues. While people like to consider themselves tolerant, it can be difficult to find a balance between tolerance and the need to defend justice. The way I personally deal with that is to separate the person from the behaviour. You can be tolerant of a person and their right to hold certain views, but intolerant of that person's behaviour if it causes harm. Being tolerant doesn't mean you have to subscribe to or play along with their deluded fantasies.
For example, if a man wants to dress up as a woman and pretend to be one, then go for it - knock your socks off. But don't you dare think that gives you the right to use women's and girls' toilets and changing rooms, or compete against other women in sports. And don't you dare tell a girl who feels like doing boyish stuff that she's "born in the wrong body" and needs to start "transitioning" with dangerous puberty-blocker drugs and hormone treatment! Some behaviours demand intolerance and strong opposition. Even Jesus became intolerant of the desecration of the temple by rip-off merchants and money-changers - and took action! He also spoke out publicly about the hypocritical and pious attitude and behaviour of the Pharisees.
Ahakoa, Meri Kirihimete ki a koe e Steve, hoki tō whānau. Nga mea pai katoa mo te 2025!
A man after my own heart Steve, we tried (in vain) to make Christmas a BBQ 30 years ago but got over ruled by the older generation in our family.
I'm not sure why we hang up snowflake decorations in Australia when it can be up to 40 deg on Xmas day, it just seems stupid.
And as for the Sunday Christians as I call them, they sit in church, all pious, but would cut your throat on monday for a dollar.
Regardless, have a happy and safe festive season for you and your family.
I agree with much of your post today, although our preferences of food are definitely different😄. Since I live in a very northern area (Alaska), our idea up here of Christmas is more compatible with Santa Claus and his sleigh. Regardless, I'm wishing you a pleasant holiday season.
Merry Christmas to you and yours too. I hope it’s a happy time for you. 🎄🌴