“Tine cool”

As I watch my little two year old grandson learning thankfulness, he is being taught to say thank you whenever he is given something or helped in some way. His little thank you sounds more like “tine cool” but he is quickly picking up on the expected response he is to have to someone else’s kindness. As we grow older, it is good that the learned response of saying “thank you” not take on an obligatory mindless habit form, but that it comes from the heart. Most generally, true and heartfelt thankfulness

comes from the experiences of life. From a child’s eyes food, clothing, and needs “magically” appear. Stuff happens. They even have nerve enough to assume ownership of stuff they didn’t have any part of bringing into being. As we get older and learn this stuff has to be appropriated or negotiated for, and we gain a little more appreciation for it.

I guess I’m most thankful for grace which inspires me to not take anything for granted. I hear many ask why, if there is a God, would he allow wars, murders and any of the numerous atrocities reported in the daily media. We forget this is not the world that God meant for His children to live in. God has a beautiful garden He intended for us. We are here due to the sin of man and therefore subject to any type and level of malady. The truth is that if Satan would have had his way, without God, mankind would not have made it to day two outside of the garden.

So, yes I am very thankful for the protection and provision that has been “magically” provided for my benefit. I even have nerve enough to call some of it mine, even though I didn’t have any part in bringing it into being. The trees, iron ore, water, and each breath of life are just some of the things we shouldn’t take for granted. So from the bottom of my heart and in my simplest form, Lord, I say “tine cool.”

Kenneth Ford

Kansas City

Lincoln quote

Obama is a product of a postmodern secular culture, as FDR was a wealthy product of an unprecedented and since unknown society of responsibility and character.  Obama is no FDR, whose reforms were only meant as temporary, during a time of hardship that today's society and culture cannot comprehend nor could likely withstand.  Obama is also hardly a Lincoln, whose courageous sacrifice for our nation and people overcame and defeated the erroneous force of popular culture and politics.

I have never seriously wanted for anything in my life, and have worked for and earned the rest.  And, sans its unethical/immoral abuse, I would never criticize, revise, or undermine the family, country, or system that provided it all.  I will likewise do what I'm able in my power and world to help others to the same, while exposing those at any level and in any form who verifiably, legitimately threaten us all.

"To sin with silence when they should protest, makes cowards of men." --Abraham Lincoln

Griff Argo   

Topeka