Devotion to God is, in fact, a way for people to be very rich, but only if it makes them satisfied with what they have. When we came into the world, we brought nothing. And when we die, we can take nothing out. So, if we have food and clothes, we will be satisfied with that.

1 Timothy 6:6-8

This week’s “Photo Friday” isn’t the splashy travel edition readers have come to expect from these summer posts (that will be “August in Review” the middle of next week). But I am featuring some interesting photos that tell a handful of pretty good stories.

• First, I love this photograph of Max visiting my mother, next door. She especially likes it when he gets close and tucks himself under her feet. I can’t say enough about how beautifully Max is helping, and how his history as a trained therapy dog serves to contribute to everyone’s peace of mind.
• Then, down in Orlando, Naomi and Craig’s family are continuing to settle in. These two photos are from Naomi’s birthday. There is a lot in this world with the power to make me smile, but I can honestly say that seeing my children happy (Naomi and Craig in Florida, Andrew and Alicia in Bahrain) is as compelling as it gets. No matter what else is going on, these are the images that count.
• Next up, two shots from the Middle East. The moment Andrew’s crew landed in Manama they threw themselves into moving into their new townhouse. No longer an apartment on the 16th floor of a high rise, but now a real house in an actual neighborhood. Or, as Andrew put it, “The Bahrain Villa”. Casa di Pashby-Maul is shaping up nicely. The other shot is of Mr. T. enjoying water play at the Ritz-Carlton. Yes, I love me some happy grandchild pics!
• Also – a tasty pairing – it has been a good food week. The chocolate covered strawberry with gelato was an anniversary treat. The sea bass? Just another evening in my kitchen!
• Thursday, Rebekah and I got our second Covid-19 booster in prep for October travel. This time we added Moderna to the mix and – surprisingly after the ease of my two J&J’s – the shot hit me pretty hard! It feels good to be continuing the preventative interventions, however, knowing we are doing all we can to help keep things from getting out of hand again.
• My final photo is couple of pages from the book I’m currently reading to my dad. Pilgrim in Progress is a collection of essays I would highly recommend. It’s an easy read and a steal at $10. Check out the link here at Pilgrim-in-Progress.

Peace and blessings, always – DEREK