Letter 51: Giving Thanks

“Furthermore, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are worthy love, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, or if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8 (Geneva)

Heavenly Father-

I am thankful that this year the whole family was able to gather under one roof to celebrate for the first time in several years.  The food was good, too.  Thank you.

For the joy of curling up on the couch with our dog snuggled next to me.  Thank you.

For the infectious joy my wife exudes whenever she gets an idea.  It gives me a taste of what Creation must have been like.  Thank you.

For the blue of the sky against the golds, reds, oranges, greens and purples of the trees that makes autumn in the part of the world so special.  You go for the big box of crayons!  Thank you.

For the smell of fresh baked bread, or the aroma of something wonderful wafting from the kitchen after a hard day at the office.  Thank you.

For cheese, and bacon, and that through Christ, we needn’t keep kosher.  Thank you.

For the thrill of voices blending together.  Thank you.

For mercies new every morning, for all gentle thoughts and mild.  Thank you.

For Thyself best gift divine, to our race so freely given.  Thank you.

“O Give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious, and his mercy endureth forever.” Psalm 107:1 (Coverdale)

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Letter 24: Why I Post Pictures of My Dog and Food on Facebook

Most people perusing my Facebook posts will note that by and large, I confine myself to post about food and our dog. This is intentional. For starters, our dog is cute, and with all the ugliness in this world, we could all use some cuteness. I post about food because nearly everyone I know eats. It’s the rare person who does not eat. As my wife happens to be a very good cook, it also affords me an opportunity to praise her publicly. I like doing that.

Too much of my feed seems to be designed to make me feel guilty or angry. See injured animals or starving children, or perhaps what the stars are doing now. Shouldn’t you be doing more? Then there is the parade, both left and right, of stupid statements or actions by political leaders. Or perhaps it is the revelation of something monstrous about some organization or other. Either way, we are supposed become angry, or fearful, or both.

I figure we get enough of that, and I have no wish to add to these fires of passion. So dogs and food it is. Besides, our dog is really cute.

Gunner Puppy