All Good Gifts

The squash harvest didn't last while we had no chance to process them in November and December. But the pumpkins were still beautiful for baking in January!

48 cups of cooked pumpkin are now stashed in our freezer,

minus what went into a fresh pumpkin pie, much to Dad's delight!

Somehow these photos reminded me of a hymn we found and learned back in our childhood singing around the piano with Mom. I wish you could sing it with us with all it's marching unisons and stirring harmonies!

We plough the fields, and scatter

the good seed on the land,

but it is fed and watered

by God's almighty hand:

He sends the snow in winter,

the warmth to swell the grain,

the breezes, and the sunshine,

and soft, refreshing rain.

Refrain:

All good gifts around us

are sent from heaven above;

then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord,

for all His love.

He only is the Maker

of all things near and far;

He paints the wayside flower,

He lights the evening star;

the winds and waves obey Him,

by Him the birds are fed;

much more to us, His children,

He gives our daily bread. [Refrain]

We thank Thee then, O Father,

for all things bright and good,

the seed-time and the harvest,

our life, our health, our food.

Accept the gifts we offer

for all Thy love imparts,

and, what Thou most desirest,

our humble, thankful hearts. [Refrain]

Author: Matthias Claudius (1782), Translator: Jane M. Campbell

Tune: WIR PFLÜGEN