Thanks!

First of all, I'm thankful for enough time to write a blog post!

I'm thankful for these developments in the world.

As Taboos Ease, Saudi Girl Group Dares to Rock - Robert F. Worth

18 female suicide bombers turn themselves in to U.S. troops - China View

and bittersweetly, I'm very thankful the main troubles in Mumbai came to an end.

A Day of Reckoning as India Toll Tops 170 - Somini Sangupta and Keith Bradsher

I'm thankful for happy news.

Even in tough times, blessings abound - Jay Bookman

Atlanta Institutions Come Together to Honor Human Rights Efforts - Center for Civil and Human Rights

Here's some good news -- for a change - Robert L. Jamieson Jr.

I'm thankful for people working together.

Thanksgiving Together - Christina Kremer

And creatively using talents (and technology) to help people.

Peace in our time? Turning virtual swords into ploughshares - Cara Bonnett

Whether one is religious or not, finding things one is thankful for can provide the basis for making the day the best it can be. Every day, no matter what, no matter the situation, I look for 5 things for which I am thankful. Not just around Thanksgiving, but every day. It has given me much comfort in very dark times.

I can always be thankful for my belief that God provides in good times and in not so good times.
I am thankful for family and friends.
I am thankful for waking up every day.
I am thankful for the beauty and love I can find everywhere in the world.
I am thankful for the ability to constantly find something to learn.

I leave today with this thought from Abraham Lincoln.

"And in the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."

~~~~~~

Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com

My "Hair-Raising" Halloween Tradition

One of our family traditions is to get together on Halloween and spend time with each other. My grandmother, mother, sisters, husband and I all gathered to eat pizza and hand out candy to the neighborhood kids. My husband surprised me by decorating the front lawn. I hadn't expected it because we had decided to limit our spending to candy this year because of finances. He had gone to the store before I got home and found several great deals on simple decorations. It was something little, but meaningful.

It may seem strange to some to have a family party on Halloween, but it has been a part of our family for my whole life. It started with my grandmother. Halloween was another time to gather with family and friends and to help neighbors. She would not only give candy, but little things, like school supplies, that neighborhood children might need.

We carry on this tradition at my home now. We hand out candy, but still give some basic school supplies. This year we gave out erasers. The kids loved the decorations and were so excited about the erasers that some of them came near the end of the night to politely ask if they could have some more. It was fantastic. I never thought about erasers being so valuable, but it put a smile on the kids' faces. My grandmother and mother got excited with seeing all the costumes and some, who for various reasons, did not dress up and just came to get candy.

It is possible my family started this to make sure we stayed home with them on Halloween instead of going out to party with our friends and to save us from the potential trouble kids get into sometimes on such a night, but I don't mind. I have such fun hanging with them that I never thought I was missing anything by being with my family. I hope I can carry on this tradition with my own children and impress on them the reasons why it is so worthwhile.

I know some people focus on the negative aspects of certain holidays, but when a holiday brings together family, helps people, and puts a smile on someone's face, I believe there is nothing better.

~~~~~~

Kelly
American Islamic Fellowship
blog@americanislamicfellowship.com