October 23: Boston Cream Pie Day

 

October 23:  Boston Cream Pie Day

The pie that is actually a cake was made in the Parker House Hotel in Boston by Chef M. Sanzian in 1856. Originally this American-French Chef called the cake the “Parker House Chocolate Cream Pie” and had taken the French Butter sponge cake and filled it with a delightful Crème pâtissière, an egg-thickened custard with a history going back at least as far as Ancient Rome, brushed it with rum syrup and topped with a chocolate fondant.

Please stop salivating on the page.  Although I’m not exactly sure what a pâtissière or a chocolate fondant are, I know I love to eat this cake/pie/doughnut.  So, what can we possibly take away from a crazy celebrations like this?

Several things come to mind.  The first is overwhelming gratitude at how God made us.  Think of it.  We could have been created to be sustained with a paste-like substance like cooked oatmeal or even baby food.  Why did God create us with noses and taste buds, and why did He create a world filled with so many delicious foods and potential delicacies?  Because He loves us.  More importantly, He wants us to desire things.  He wants us to pursue satisfaction.  He wants to awaken in us appetites and longings that will force us to dive into the world around us to find what we seek.  He created all those things to fall short and leave us wanting more.  It is all by design.  God’s desire for you is that you will “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4) 

Our sin-sick souls get lost in the maze of competing affections.  Apart from the eyes of faith, we eat and drink and love and spend and consume and accumulate, all in an effort to find satisfaction.  When the thrill wears off, we conclude that the problem is that we need more…and more, and more.  We take what was meant as a means to the end of finding real soul-satisfaction in God, as an end in itself.  Boston Crème Pie, sex, power, church, family, drugs…the list of potential God-substitutes is endless.  What means are you pursuing as an end in itself?  

Finally, don’t misunderstand that we should deny ourselves every earthly pleasure.  It’s a natural conclusion in light of what we’ve just said.  But an equally destructive tendency is to embrace a kind of self-centered asceticism that views all pleasure as inherently bad.  Paul has to remind his protégé Timothy of this very thing:  “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,  through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,  who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.” 

So today, eat some Boston Crème Pie, or some other yummy treat.  Sanctify the many good things God made through prayer and His word.  And never forget that more crème pie will never truly satisfy.  Only God can do that.

October 22: Cap Locks Day

 

October 22:  Caps Lock Day

OK.  Guilty as charged.  I OFTEN USE ALL CAPS TO MAKE A POINT!  Caps Lock Day first came to pass in the year 2000, when Derek Arnold of Iowa decided that he, like so many other internet users, had simply had enough of people using all caps to emphasize themselves on the web. So he created Caps Lock Day in the interest of poking fun at people who use this abomination of a typing style, and to finally bring some sanity to the net. 

Here is the question to consider today:  How can we cut through all the “points of emphasis” we encounter and stay focused on what really matters?  The flood of information we receive is daunting (See October 20 for a refresher).  Of all the things that could potentially be put in all caps, what truly deserves that distinction?  

The answer is quite simple.  God’s word, as always, makes it plain.  Writing to the church in Corinth, the Apostle Paul wrote in chapter 15 of 1 Corinthians, “3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures…”  Put it in all caps! 

There are so many important things to consider, things to be highlighted, issues that need bold type and all caps.  But there is one issue that towers above the rest.  Christ died, was raised up, and all this was foretold and corroborated in God’s Word.  I’d like you to make an “all caps” decision today. 

Determine that you will first of all study and understand what those verses mean.  Look at the words, and ask yourself, “what did Paul mean when he wrote this?”  Then, apply that meaning to your life.  What things are of “first importance” to you?  Does the gospel of Jesus Christ take front and center of your thinking, feeling, and acting?  Finally, ask yourself, how will my life be a living letter that puts that truth into all caps?  Start in your home.  Then in concentric circles, move outward—your work, your dorm, you neighborhood, your community, your church, your world.  How will your life become a living testimony of truly important things? 

I need to be a little more disciplined in using all caps.  I probably do it too often.  But one thing always deserves all caps, and that is the gospel.  We have this one life.  God’s heart breaks for our fallen world and the desperate lives all around us.  Pray that your heart will break too, and that no one who ever spends any significant time with you will doubt what really matters.  Make it all caps day for the gospel.  What could be more important?

October 21: Global Dignity Day

October 21:  Global Dignity Day

Global Dignity Day is an initiative to educate and inspire young people and help them to understand their self-worth and goals. It was established in 2008 and continues to grow in popularity.  No surprise there.  As a culture and a world, we have become obsessed with self-worth.  We must learn to “love ourselves,” we are told, or all hope of loving others is lost.  Children must never be made to feel inferior to others, so “participation” awards are given rather than ribbons and medals.  Lest I sound to harsh, I affirm the sentiment behind this day, but I loath the outcomes of this push for self-worth. 

Days like this speak to a much deeper problem, one that we must understand and unapologetically counter.  The problem is this:  Is humanity basically good, needing some help in chipping off the rough edges and refining our better instincts, or is humanity basically evil, in need of radical transformation from the inside out?  Every worldview that opposes God starts here.  If I am basically good, in need of being cheered on in that belief, I don’t need to repent, and I certainly don’t need the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ.  

Look carefully at passages like Psalm 14, Isaiah 53, Isaiah 64, Job 14, and Romans 3.   There is no true dignity apart from the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Our hearts are desperately wicked, and only the work of God’s Spirit can change that. 2 things seem evident. 

First, start with yourself.  If you have never sought the true dignity and transformation that comes through receiving and believing in Jesus Christ, you need to do that, today.  Talk to a friend or pastor, or find a helpful resource like Spiritual But Not Religious at Amazon or Google. Find a Bible, and begin to prayerfully walk through Scripture in an effort to begin formulating a robust Christian worldview on the human condition.  I know.  Sounds daunting.  But it is critical that we as believers get this right.  No lasting human dignity will ever be possible if we don’t.

Second, be winsome but unflinching in your testimony to the Truth, God’s truth, found in His Word and in the person of Jesus Christ.  God’s people cannot afford to waffle on this.  We are sinners, with desperately evil hearts that will always turn from God unless He arrests us and turns us to Him.  Then, real self-worth can begin.  Real goal setting can begin.  Real dignity will come into focus.  On this day, purpose to be that kind of person.  Begin where you are.  Pray that the light of Christ will shine in your face, more and more each day.  What a perfect day to start. 

October 20: Information Overload Day

October 20:  Information Overload Day 

We have more access to more information than ever before, and we have gotten dumber and employed less common sense than ever before.  Information Overload Day was established by a group of companies looking to bring awareness to what happens when you overload your employees and customers with far too much information. Research has been showing that productivity is actually being hurt by the sheer amount of information flowing through our lives, with the average employee receiving no less than 93 emails a day. 

Can you relate?  The critical distinction we must make is between knowledge and wisdom.  With so much information at our fingertips, we have lost any sense of context.  In most cases, we have no idea where the information is coming from, who provided it, how much it has been edited, and so on.  What’s an information overloaded believer to do?

Fear.  That is where we must start.  The fear of God.  No less than 4 different times, God’s word assures us that wisdom is to be coveted, and the only place to start getting wisdom is with the fear of the Lord.  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)  The alternative?  Be a fool.  No, we are not talking about buffoonish behavior and silly antics.  A fool is among the worst things a person can be in scripture.  So what does it mean to fear the Lord? 

In an effort to defend God, many believers have tried to soften the notion of fear.  It means what it looks like it means!  God is terrifying when it comes to sin.  His just wrath is not something to be trifled with. Fearing that is good, and it is there that wisdom begins.  In other words, get this right and pursue God, and listen intently to His precepts.  There will be Hell to pay if you don’t! 
But this is not the end of the story.  Matthew 10 provides great insight here.  ²⁶ “So have no fear of them (those who persecute you), for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. ²⁷ What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. ²⁸ And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell ²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?^[i] And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. ³⁰ But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. ³² So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, ³³ but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. 

Did you see it there?  We are to fear God precisely so that we do not have to fear Him!  Covered in the blood of Christ, the full wrath of God has been poured out on Him.  Fear the one who can destroy you, and let that fear drive you to Him.  Then, you have nothing to fear.  Now, wisdom can begin.  On this information overload day, take some time to study “fearing God.”  Let wisdom reign! 

Voter Guide: 2020

 

How Should I Vote On November 3?

 

“Great minds focus on ideas, average minds focus on events,

and small minds focus on people.”

Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of then President Franklin D. Roosevelt

 

This document will NOT tell you who to vote for.  It will tell you how to approach the upcoming election. 

Step 1:  Check your emotions at the door. 

ANY decision that is made primarily out of emotion, is almost always a bad decision.  Remember, emotions are great servants, they are lousy masters.

Step 2:  Pray…for wisdom, revelation, and a transformed mind (Romans 12:1-2).

Step 3:  Think!  DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Our most fundamental right is the right to vote.  Unfortunately, we are flooded with information.  It is critical that you go into the voting booth or fill out your ballot with a clear head and an informed mind.  That means:

A.      Review the ballot before you vote.  https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/PublicBallot.  If you do not know your location information, go to https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-5647_12539_29836-182651--,00.html 

B.      CAREFULLY READ THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY PLATFORM.  These are the ideas that will inform and drive the decisions, policies, and legislation that follows. 

For the Democratic Party, go to:  https://democrats.org/where-we-stand/party-platform/

For the Republican Party, go to:  https://ballotpedia.org/The_Republican_Party_Platform,_2020 

C.      Review where each party stands on the issues:  https://ivoterguide.com/news/Political-Parties.

The above link will provide you with unlimited resources on virtually every issue.  Most of the content is taken directly from each party’s political platforms.

Step 4:  If you want to drill down further, look for information from the various candidates on their respective websites.  For those of us who live in Ottawa County, the following candidates are on the ballot:

CONGRESSIONAL

UNITED STATES SENATOR

Vote for not more than 1

Gary Peters

Democratic

John James

Republican

Valerie L. Willis

U.S. Taxpayers

Marcia Squier

Green

Doug Dern

Natural Law

REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS

2nd DISTRICT

Vote for not more than 1

Bryan Berghoef

Democratic

Bill Huizenga

Republican

Max Riekse

Libertarian

Gerald T. Van Sickle

U.S. Taxpayers

Jean-Michel Creviere

Green

LEGISLATIVE

REPRESENTATIVE IN STATE LEGISLATURE

90th DISTRICT

Vote for not more than 1

Christopher P. Banks

Democratic

Bradley Slagh

Republican

STATE BOARD

MEMBER OF THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Vote for not more than 2

Ellen Cogen Lipton

Democratic

Jason Strayhorn

Democratic

Tami Carlone

Republican

Michelle A. Frederick

Republican

Bill Hall

Libertarian

Richard A. Hewer

Libertarian

Karen Adams

U.S. Taxpayers

Douglas Levesque

U.S. Taxpayers

Mary Anne Hering

Working Class

Hali McEachern

Working Class

Tom Mair

Green

REGENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

Vote for not more than 2

Mark Bernstein

Democratic

Shauna Ryder Diggs

Democratic

Sarah Hubbard

Republican

Carl Meyers

Republican

James L. Hudler

Libertarian

Eric Larson

Libertarian

Ronald E. Graeser

U.S. Taxpayers

Crystal Van Sickle

U.S. Taxpayers

Michael Mawilai

Green

Keith Butkovich

Natural Law

STATE BOARD - Continued

TRUSTEE OF MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Vote for not more than 2

Brian Mosallam

Democratic

Rema Ella Vassar

Democratic

Pat O'Keefe

Republican

Tonya Schuitmaker

Republican

Will Tyler White

Libertarian

Janet M. Sanger

U.S. Taxpayers

John Paul Sanger

U.S. Taxpayers

Brandon Hu

Green

Robin Lea Laurain

Green

Bridgette Abraham-Guzman

Natural Law

GOVERNOR OF WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY

Vote for not more than 2

Eva Garza Dewaelsche

Democratic

Shirley Stancato

Democratic

Don Gates

Republican

Terri Lynn Land

Republican

Jon Elgas

Libertarian

Christine C. Schwartz

U.S. Taxpayers

Susan Odgers

Green

Step 5:  Familiarize yourself with the non-partisan section of the ballot.  A brief civics lesson:  The USA is NOT a democracy!  A pure democracy functions on the basis of a simple majority (anything over 50%).  We do not function that way.  We are a Constitutional Republic.  Our government functions as per the dictates of our constitution, which includes things like a Senate and the Electoral College, neither of which would be found in a pure democracy. 

This is why each state and our federal government must follow the mandates of constitutions.  Who determines if the laws that are passed are in keeping with those constitutions?  The judicial branch of government.  Our constitution has designated the legislative branch of government (The House of Representatives and the Senate) to make laws.  The Executive branch (Presidents and Governors) ensure that those laws are carried out.  The Judicial branch (The Supreme Court of the US and each state supreme court) ensures that those laws are consistent with our constitutions(s).  All judges tend to be either more “Originalist” or “Non-Originalist.”

In the context of United States law, originalism is an approach regarding the interpretation of the Constitution that asserts that all statements in the constitution must be interpreted based on the original understanding "at the time it was adopted". This concept views the Constitution as stable from the time of enactment and that the meaning of its contents can be changed only by amendments enacted by the legislature.  In this view, interpretation of a written constitution or law should be based on what reasonable persons living at the time of its adoption would have understood the ordinary meaning of the text to be.  Originalist judges are less likely to try and make laws, and more likely to interpret laws.

Other judges, non-originalists, view the constitution as a “living document” that we can reinterpret based on political expediency or the political position of the judges themselves.  Rather than asking, “what did the framers of the constitution mean when they wrote it,” they ask, “what do we think they meant based on our own personal convictions and the times in which we live?”  Therefore, we can change the meaning of the constitution without including the legislative or executive branches of government.  Non-Originalists are more likely to try and make laws, a function reserved for our legislative branch of government.

In the following chart, “NA” indicates “Does Not Apply”

NONPARTISAN SECTION

JUDICIAL

JUSTICE OF SUPREME COURT

8 Year Term

Vote for not more than 2

Susan L. Hubbard

 Non-Originalist

Mary Kelly

 Originalist

Bridget Mary McCormack
Justice of Supreme Court

  Non-Originalist

Kerry Lee Morgan

 Non-Originalist 

Katherine Mary Nepton

  Non-Originalist

Brock Swartzle

 Originalist 

Elizabeth M. Welch

  Non-Originalist

 

JUDGE OF COURT OF APPEALS

COURT OF APPEALS DISTRICT 3

Incumbent Position

6 Year Term

Vote for not more than 2

Mark Thomas Boonstra
Judge of Court of Appeals

  Originalist 

Jane E. Markey
Judge of Court of Appeals

  Originalist 

JUDGE OF COURT OF APPEALS

COURT OF APPEALS DISTRICT 3

Incumbent Position

Partial Term Ending 01/01/2023

Vote for not more than 1

James Robert Redford
Judge of Court of Appeals

 NA

JUDGE OF CIRCUIT COURT

20TH CIRCUIT COURT

Incumbent Position

6 Year Term

Vote for not more than 1

Jon H. Hulsing
Judge of Circuit Court

  NA

 

JUDGE OF DISTRICT COURT

58TH DISTRICT COURT

Incumbent Position

6 Year Term

Vote for not more than 1

Bradley S. Knoll
Judge of District Court

  NA

 

JUDGE OF DISTRICT COURT

58TH DISTRICT COURT

Non-Incumbent Position

6 Year Term

Vote for not more than 1

Juanita F. Bocanegra

  Originalist  

Vernon D. Helder

   Originalist 

LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER

ZEELAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS

6 Year Term

Vote for not more than 3

Todd Brennan

 NA

Chad Creevy

 NA

Tom DenHerder

NA

Step 6:  Look at the ballot proposals.

Ballot proposals:

Proposal 20-1

A proposed constitutional amendment to allow money from oil and gas mining on state-owned lands to continue to be collected in state funds for land protection and creation and maintenance of parks, nature areas, and public recreation facilities; and to describe how money in those state funds can be spent.

This proposed constitutional amendment would:

Allow the State Parks Endowment Fund to continue receiving money from sales of oil and gas from state-owned lands to improve, maintain and purchase land for State parks, and for Fund administration, until its balance reaches $800,000,000.

Require subsequent oil and gas revenue from state-owned lands to go into the Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Require at least 20% of Endowment Fund annual spending go toward State park improvement.

Require at least 25% of Trust Fund annual spending go toward parks and public recreation areas and at least 25% toward land conservation.

Should this proposal be adopted?

FYI:  Groups and individuals who are more liberal are urging voters to vote NO on this proposal, while conservative are urging voters to vote YES on this proposal. 

Proposal 20-2

A proposed constitutional amendment to require a search warrant in order to access a person’s electronic data or electronic communications.

This proposed constitutional amendment would:

Prohibit unreasonable searches or seizures of a person’s electronic data and electronic communications.

Require a search warrant to access a person’s electronic data or electronic communications, under the same conditions currently required for the government to obtain a search warrant to search a person’s house or seize a person’s things.

Should this proposal be adopted? 

FYI:  No groups or individuals on either side of the political spectrum have put forward a coherent argument for voting either way.  Here are things to consider as you vote.

If Proposal 2 is Adopted The Michigan Constitution would provide specific protections to electronic data and communications. Law enforcement would be required to obtain warrants to access information stored in these formats.

If Proposal 2 is Rejected Law enforcement would continue the current practice of seeking warrants to access electronic data and communications based on interpretation of the “Searches and Seizures” provision of the Michigan Constitution and the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution.

Major Issues to Consider: Article I of the Michigan Constitution contains many of the personal protections found in the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution. While neither constitution explicitly protects electronic data and communications, Michigan law enforcement agencies mostly treat this information the same as the protections for “persons, houses, papers, and effects/possessions” found in the U.S. and state constitutions. Proposal 2 attempts to remove any ambiguity.

Step 7:  Pray.  Again.  For our nation and the integrity of the election.

Step 8:  Vote.  Encourage others to do the same. 

October 19: Evaluate Your Life Day

 

October 19:  Evaluate Your Life Day 

Yup, believe it or not, a day has actually been set aside to do just that.  Evaluate Your Life Day was created by the people at Wellcat.com to encourage people to check out what’s going on in their lives, and to set things on the proper course. The folks at Well Cat notwithstanding, God’s word beat them to the punch by a few thousand years.

Passage after passage entreats God’s people to engage in regular and fearless self-examination.  From Lamentations to James, from the Psalms to Philippians, we are urged to “test” ourselves, to “examine” ourselves, and to “search” ourselves.  Why? 

Because the condition of the heart is notoriously hard to assess, and because the stakes could not be higher.  2 Corinthians 13:5 is a classic example:  “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!”  We need to be regularly reminded that Jesus is IN us, and we need to regularly search our hearts to confirm that He is actually there.  There is an obvious danger here.  Self-absorption is not recommended.  Constant worry about the state of our souls is not good.  But regular time spent with God’s Spirit, studying His word to reflect on the state of our lives is always time well spent. 

Psalm 119:59 provides wise and pithy counsel:  “When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies…”  And there is the key.  Our self-evaluation must always be rooted in God’s word.  The only standard to which we must compare ourselves is the perfection of Christ, not our friends or our world.  Least of all, ourselves.  This is why we are regularly cautioned not to think to little or too much of ourselves.  Jesus is the standard, and God’s Word is the guide. 

So today, take a moment, and reflect.  How is your soul?  What is your spiritual appetite like?  Are you getting enough rest and exercise?  What relationship needs extra attention?  Start today to make a regular habit of self-examination, looking only to Jesus and His Word as your help.  Only good will come of it.

October 18: No Beard Day

 

October 18:  No Beard Day 

There is perhaps one strong argument for No Beard Day, and that’s its placement some time before the beginning of “Movember” and No Shave November, where men are encouraged to grow some killer facial hair. Perhaps this holiday was brought into existence for no other purpose than to give the ‘contestants’ of Movember and No Shave November a way to get a fresh start.  Would you believe that the laws of God included a no beard day? 

How many laws did God give Moses?  While there is still some debate, the total number hovers somewhere around 613.  For most Protestants, we tend to think in terms of the big 10, the 10 commandments. One group of those 613 have to do with ceremonial cleansing.  Leviticus 14 provides a classic example.  What should a leper do if he is healed and desires re-entry into the community?  Among the many rituals, one includes shaving off all his facial hair, including beards and eyebrows.  I’m certain that October 18’s No Beard Day has no connection to ceremonial cleansing.  But it should give us pause.  Why this emphasis on being “clean?” 

The answer is not hard to imagine.  Clean things and holy things have much in common.  Unclean things or impure things have no place in the presence of God.  Invariably, ceremonies making unclean things clean again involved the sacrifice of animals, and the shedding of blood.  The leper was required to make several sacrifices before re-entering the camp.  All of these practices served one primary purpose, and that was to point us to Jesus.  

None of us can make ourselves clean.  We are all unholy and impure.  Beards notwithstanding, we desperately need to be made clean.  For centuries, God painted a picture for us of how that would happen.  Bloodletting, coupled with acts of faith were the only way.  They remain so today.  On this No Beard Day, take some time to review the practices described in the OT for becoming clean.  As you do, think of Jesus.  Be clean.  Be holy, as He is holy.  And the next time you see a beard, think of Jesus.

October 17: Sweetest Day

 

October 17:  Sweetest Day 

On October 8, 1921, Cleveland Confectioners came together to create a new day to celebrate people’s love of candy and each other. On the first celebration of this day 20,000 boxes of candy were distributed throughout the city--everyone from newsboys, old folks, the poor, and orphans were gifted with delicious treats to help make it the “Sweetest Day” of the year for them.  Officially celebrated on the 17^th, confectioners and greeting card companies have been running with it ever since.

A custom, which originated in Jewish German schools in the 12^th century, is germane to this day.  New students were brought to school and seated on the rabbi’s lap.  A slate was produced upon which the Jewish alphabet was written.  The rabbi and then the child would recite the alphabet, in anticipation of learning how to read the Torah.  Then the rabbi would take a drop of honey and drop it on the slate.  The child would then lick the honey from the slate.  Then a honey cake was produced, which the child and the rabbi then shared.

Imagine a custom like that on your first day of school!  But the point was this.  The word of God is sweet.  Learning about God through His Word is sweet.  “the words of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.  More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.” (Psalm 19:9b-10) 

On this Sweetest Day, turn your attention from your significant other, to your Significant Other.  Rekindle your love for God’s word.  Take a big, toothsome bite of God again in His word, and taste how sweet.  You will never be more satisfied or more blessed.  Just for fun, grab your Bible and take a drop of honey and drop it…Ok.  Maybe not, but at least in your mind, do it.  Renew your commitment to His Word, and make it the sweetest day ever.