Category Archives: It is NOT about Real Estate :0)

Nashville New Homes: Please pass the turkey.

Remember back in nursery school when we all all either wore funny black  hats, or a headband of feathers?  Yep, the days of the pilgrims and the indians celebrating their first Thanksgiving.  They got along beautifully, and we pretended to be them, thankful to find a new home and plenty to eat.

Then, as we get older, and much fatter, we forget about the black hats and feathers and concentrate on a day for families to gather and enjoy each other’s company, and get fatter too.

Regardless of the real origin of Thanksgiving Day, we all really do need to take the time to give thanks to God for our families, our friends, and the life we enjoy.  That is the whole point and lets take time to do just that.

But what is a national holiday without a bit of controversy?   Rather than embrace the emotion, many want to argue facts.  Personally, I would rather eat turkey and also give thanks for my family and life.

We all have problems, but can always find someone with larger problems.  We do have a lot to be thankful for.  So, give thanks, be a glutten, and watch the parades!  In the meantime, here is discussion about Thanksgiving, according to history.com.  All those years of silly hats were wasted.  But the turkey won’t be!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Thanksgiving Controversies

For some scholars, the jury is still out on whether the feast at Plymouth really constituted the first Thanksgiving in the United States. Indeed, historians have recorded other ceremonies of thanks among European settlers in North America that predate the Pilgrims’ celebration. In 1565, for instance, the Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilé invited members of the local Timucua tribe to a dinner in St. Augustine, Florida, after holding a mass to thank God for his crew’s safe arrival. On December 4, 1619, when 38 British settlers reached a site known as Berkeley Hundred on the banks of Virginia’s James River, they read a proclamation designating the date as “a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God.”

Some Native Americans and others take issue with how the Thanksgiving story is presented to the American public, and especially to schoolchildren. In their view, the traditional narrative paints a deceptively sunny portrait of relations between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people, masking the long and bloody history of conflict between Native Americans and European settlers that resulted in the deaths of millions. Since 1970, protesters have gathered on the day designated as Thanksgiving at the top of Cole’s Hill, which overlooks Plymouth Rock, to commemorate a “National Day of Mourning.” Similar events are held in other parts of the country.

Thanksgiving’s Ancient Origins

le the American concept of Thanksgiving developed in the colonies of New England, its roots can be traced back to the other side of the Atlantic. Both the Separatists who came over on the Mayflower and the Puritans who arrived soon after brought with them a tradition of providential holidays—days of fasting during difficult or pivotal moments and days of feasting and celebration to thank God in times of plenty.

As an annual celebration of the harvest and its bounty, moreover, Thanksgiving falls under a category of festivals that spans cultures, continents and millennia. In ancient times, the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans feasted and paid tribute to their gods after the fall harvest. Thanksgiving also bears a resemblance to the ancient Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot. Finally, historians have noted that Native Americans had a rich tradition of commemorating the fall harvest with feasting and merrymaking long before Europeans set foot

Nashville New Homes: Everything’s gonna be all right.

Every day, our troops in Afghanistan put themselves in harm’s way in order to spread, protect, and preserve Democracy.   Many Tennesseans are on the ground in Afghanistan in this fight.  With God’s help, just like the song says, “everything’s gonna be all right.”   I can say this with confidence knowing that one fellow Middle Tennessee Rotarian, Neal Beard from Lawrenceburg,  is there leading the way.

In years past, Neal has been responsible for the planning and coordination of annual mission trips to the Choluteca region of Honduras, on behalf of his Lawrenceburg Rotary Club and other Rotary Clubs throughout Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama.   Having participated in these missions, which provided fresh water wells and electricity to impoverished villages throughout Honduras, I can tell you first hand that with Neal Beard in Afghanistan, everything really is going to be all right.

Here is a Veterans Day message written by Neal:

November 03, 2010

U S Navy Seabees, Kandahar, Afghanistan

By CMDCM Neal Beard, 3rd Naval Construction Regiment

On November the 11th we will observe Veteran’s Day and recognize the contributions of America’s heroes who have served and continue to serve our nation.  Our nation exists today because of the sacrifices of the brave men and women who have gone before us.  Our way of life, and the freedoms we share, is so important that we, as a nation and as individuals, are willing to risk our lives and expend valuable resources to ensure that innocent men, women and children all over the world have that same right to live free from oppression and abject poverty.

That is why my grandfather and his generation deployed to Europe in 1918 to shiver in the cold trenches along the Western Front while massive artillery rounds exploded all around them.  Because of their commitment and courage, they were able to slowly push back the conquering armies of Germany in what was then the most devastating war in the history of the world.

 It is why our “greatest generation”  (as Tom Brokaw accurately called them) boarded troop transport ships bound for places like El Alamein,  along the African Front; Normandy,  Anzio, and Dunkirk along the European Front; and distant battle fields in the Pacific like Guam, Saipan, and Iwo Jima.

 It’s why my father’s generation served in the cruel cold climes of Korea and my uncle and cousins sweltered in the hot humid jungles of Vietnam.

 It is why we massed armies across the dry desert dunes of Saudi Arabia to free Kuwait from the clutches of a sadistic despot in Iraq; and again when we massed against the same despot when he threatened the lives of peoples within the borders of Iraq who desired to follow an opposing view of the Islamic faith. His hatred for America led him to support and provide a safe haven to the same terrorist responsible for the murder of thousands during the attack on the World Trade Center.

 It is why we are here today in the remote mountains and deserts of Afghanistan carrying that same fight for freedom to the extremist of Al Qaida and their Taliban supporters; extremist who are not only committed to the subjugation of the nation of Afghanistan, but who’s hatred for America continues to smolder as they plan and plot ways to harm, if not destroy our way of life.

 I have the distinct pleasure to be serving in this war as the Command Master Chief (Senior Enlisted Leader) for Task Force Keystone under the command of THIRD Naval Construction Regiment (Seabees). 

 Task Force Keystone is made up of over 5,300 Air Force, Marine, Army, and Navy engineers spread across Afghanistan.  Our engineers are clearing routes by locating and destroying Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).  They are building remote command outposts (COPs) and forward operating bases (FOBs).  They’re erecting watchtowers and observation post along major roadways and supply routes.  They’re building roads into insurgent dominated regions that allow our war fighters to engage the enemy and either destroy, capture, incapacitate, or restrict their ability to wage war and inflict terror. 

 Our engineers are erecting buildings and constructing utility infrastructures like electrical generation facilities and distribution lines.  They are drilling water wells and repairing or constructing roadways and bridges that improve this nation’s quality of life.  Their efforts provide critical resources for growth and development and ensure safety and freedom of movement for the local populace and coalition forces.

 We are making a difference in the lives of innocent Afghanis today, tomorrow and for generations to come. The work we are doing here, at least for most of us, is the most important thing we have ever done in our lives.  The same has probably been said by every veteran who has ever served in any war.  It is an honor for us to lift up the torch of freedom, which has been passed to us from the tired trembling hands of all of those veterans (heroes) from past wars, and carry it forward into today’s battle. 

 It Has Always Been The Soldier:

 
It is the soldier,
not the President who gives us democracy.
It is the soldier,
not the Congress who takes care of us.
It is the soldier,
not the Reporter who has given us Freedom of Press.
It is the soldier,
not the Poet who has given us Freedom of Speech.
It is the soldier,
not the campus Organizer who has given us the
Freedom to Demonstrate.
It is the soldier,
who salutes the flag;
who serves beneath the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag
that allows the protester to burn the flag.

(Father Dennis O’Brien, US Marine Corp. Chaplain)

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Nashville Homes Blog: Let’s Pause. Let’s Remember. Don’t Forget.

Today in the Christian year is known as “All Saints Sunday,” which is always the first Sunday of November.   When I was growing up, I always referred to it as “Halloween Sunday.”   But its not really, that was last Sunday!

Who really knows exactly how Halloween evolved to be the debacle that it is, but the evening before All Saints Day,  “All Hallows Eve” was definitely its origin.  Who knows, or really cares, just how that evening became one where we are encouraged to scare the doo-doo out of people and dress up like fools.  It is what it is.  And it also can be fun.  You can’t beat fun, right?

Now back to the topic…   “All Saints Day” is always falls on November 1st and today, churches all over the world are celebrating “All Saints Sunday” to honor those that have lived and died in faith.

We are fortunate to have had all those departed souls that came before us.  They made a difference in our lives.  Without their presence here on planet earth, we would not be who we are today.   Whether a parent, a sibling, family member, friend, or acquaintance, or a total stranger, many people have played a part in shaping our lives.

So, let’s pause a few moments today.  Let’s remember everyone we miss, their presence and the difference they made while they were here.  

And don’t forget, we’re still here on planet earth, which gives us all the perfect opportunity to influence and shape the lives of others. 

Peace.

P.S.  After you have paused and reflected, this is a perfect afternoon to search for a new home!

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Nashville New Homes: Man in the Mirror

What a beautiful day it is here in Nashville, Tennessee!  Not a cloud in the sky, and the chilled morning air will soon turn into a near-summertime afternoon.  Today would be a great day to purchase a new home, wouldn’t it?

Earlier this morning, I checked my e-mails on the droid-phone thingy and found the usual “chain-forwards” from friends.  You know, the e-mails that you really want to delete but you are afraid you may be asked about it later?  Yes, those kind.

One such e-mail grabbed my attention.  It said:

10-10-10  – This day will not happen again for another 1000 years.  You will not be here for it.  Make this day count.

Ok, so today is a special day.  Shall we plan now for next year’s 11-11-11 special day?   Surely there is something we can do.  Anyway, it is Sunday and I am running late for church.

While driving, I was thinking through everything that I simply have to get done this week.  The list keeps growing and I am avoiding admitting that there simply will not be enough days in the week to accomplish everything.  Some things simply won’t get done.  Its that simple.  I’m doing all I can do, right?  Or wrong?   

In many churches, the time of year is now focused on Stewardship.  You know, where you are asked to search far and wide within your soul and give everything you are capable of  – and then just a little-bit more.  (If you don’t feel you are doing your part in your church, these are great Sundays to miss.)  :0)

A friend at church shared a poem.   It applies to women too, but was written before “gender-neutral” verbage became the norm.  You can change the reference to “woman” or “person”  if it makes you feel better.

Allow me to share it with you because it was just what I needed to hear today:

The Man In The Glass

When you get what you want in your struggle for self

And the world makes you king for a day

Just go to the mirror and look at yourself

And see what that man has to say.

For it isn’t your father, or mother, or wife 

Whose judgment upon you must pass

The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life

Is the one staring back from the glass.

He’s the fellow to please ‘ never mind all the rest

For he’s with you, clear to the end

And you’ve passed your most difficult, dangerous test

If the man in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years

And get pats on the back as you pass

But your final reward will be heartache and tears

If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.

 

Then I got in my car and turned on the radio only to hear Michael Jackson singing “Man in the Mirror.” 

Yes, this really is a special day. 

(It will be even more special when someone buys a new home!)

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.