On this Thankful Thursday I am grateful for the presence of Pat and Bud Brown in my life. Pat and Bud are the co-hosts of Baptist House at the Chautauqua Institution in western New York State. They have made the beautiful old denominational house a place of thoughtful conversation, relaxation and mental and spiritual stimulation. They have welcomed and encouraged me in the promotion of Christian Civility. Bud is a Baylor graduate. He received a Master’s degree from Simmons College and the Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He is a pianist, organist, and music director. Pat had a great teaching career and is a wonderful hostess. On this Thankful Thursday, I am grateful for the gifts that Pat and Bud Brown bring to my life.

Thankful Thursday is a day set aside to recognize the importance of someone to our lives and to let her or him know of our gratitude. Develop an attitude of gratitude. Say Something Nice; Be a Lifter. You will be glad that you did.