Dear Lord; Happy Monday Father!

Well Father, it certainly was an eventful weekend once again in the Malmstrom home.  It seemed we were all running constantly, but in the end it was a wonderful time spent with those I love, and I have much to be thankful for.

Friday night, we began the evening by attending Jonathan’s music presentation at school.  He’s been learning to play the clarinet this year, and he did a fantastic job playing for the parents (no goose noises… yay!).  He may look like my little “clone” Father, but thank You so much for slipping his mother’s music DNA in there somewhere.  🙂  Following the short concert, we took the boys over to their Godparents’ house for an overnight visit and Shannon and I headed out to an 80’s party being thrown by some good friends of ours.  We had a grand time hanging out around a huge campfire, listening to 1980’s “hair band” music, having some food and a few drinks and laughing into the morning hours.  It was a lovely way to end a hectic week Lord, and I thank You for that stress relief.

After sleeping in a bit the next morning, we went and picked up the kids (who had a great night as well), and headed out to Port Mahon for some photo opportunities, and to scour the shoreline for bits of sea glass.  We were able to time it this trip so that we got there as the tide was beginning to go out, leaving fresh bounty upon the sands.  As you remake us each day Father, so do the tides remake the landscape revealing new wonders for us to find… Such a treasure hunt!

On the way back home, we stopped to handle the grocery shopping for the week, and then the boys and I crashed on the CuddleBags for the new Doctor Who episodes.  All in all, it was a wonderful day with the family Lord, and I thank You for that time together.

Sunday morning, Jonathan and I got up early and headed out to attend the Contemporary Worship Service at Ewell’s St. Paul’s UMC in nearby Clayton.  Through a friend of mine who’s heavily involved in the church there, I’d met with Pastor Kris for lunch a little over a week ago, and was invited to visit one of the services to see if Ewell’s might be a good fit for us.  The service was wonderful, the congregation was warm and friendly, and the message was delivered beautifully.

We’re planning to attend next Sunday as well.  🙂

As you know Father, we’ve been on the hunt for a spiritual home for some time now, and I think we may have found it there.  Thank You so much for leading us to this place, and to these people.

This service also marked something that brought tears to my eyes Lord… Jonathan’s first taking of Holy Communion.  It was a powerful moment, and as I knelt at the altar following the Sacrament I felt Your Presence wash over me, knowing somehow, that You were pleased.

Following the service, we headed home and after a hearty breakfast the boys and I headed out for a hike down some new trails in Blackbird State Forest.  We’d looked at some satellite maps and realized that the forest was cut through by a local railway line, so we decided our goal that day was to find those tracks.  After a mile or so, the forest opened out onto the railway we sought, and I was able to get this shot of my fellow adventurers:

I love this shot Lord, cheesy smiles and all.

The rest of the day was spent in catching up on housework that had piled up since the BBQ the previous weekend; laundry, dishes, cleaning, etc.  It was a wonderfully satisfying and productive Sunday Father, and one I won’t soon forget.

Did I remember to say thank You?  🙂

Heavenly Father, I thank You for all the Blessings You continue to bestow on us all.  In Your grace we are redeemed and made whole, and I praise You for that most wondrous of gifts we can never hope to repay.  Please guide us to decisions and actions that best glorify Your Will, and help us grow in Your Kingdom each day.  Amen.

~Phather Phil