Dear Lord; Happy Friday Father!
Well Father, we come again to the end of yet another work-week and I’ll admit to being excited this time. Tomorrow morning, my family and I leave for a week’s vacation at Chestnut Grove Resort in the Pocono Mountains. The kids love it there Lord, and I’ve found that it’s someplace that I can truly relax and spend quiet, meditative time in Your Presence. As Internet connectivity is quite limited, I don’t expect to be able to post our conversations every day, but hope to be able to at least a couple times over the course of the week. Funny enough, it makes perfect sense that in places where my connections to the world are more limited, my connection to You opens up wider. 🙂
In preparation for our time away, I spent some time yesterday picking out new books to read, and music to travel by. For reading material (other than my trusty YouVersion.com Bible App on my Android tablet), I have “Heaven is Real” written by Don Piper, and “Just Too Busy: Taking your Family on a Radical Sabbatical” by Joanne Kraft (Thanks so much Elaine!). As for music, while my iPod is already quite loaded with inspiring songs, I just had to add the albums “Blessings” by Laura Story, and “On Fire” from Peter Furler to the mix. Peter’s song “Reach” has been running through my head a lot the last couple weeks, so I’m excited to have the rest of his solo premier album to enjoy as well…
While we’re up there, we’ve also been invited by friends of ours to attend services at Pocono Community Church. From what they tell us, it’s a wonderful House of Worship and we’re very much looking forward to hearing the Pastor’s message on Sunday morning.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for all the Blessings You’ve bestowed on us this week, and for Your abundant Presence in our lives each day. I look forward with anticipation to spending communal time with You this coming week, and pray that You’ll keep us in Your Loving Embrace as we venture away from home. Amen.
~Phather Phil
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
We are going for our family reunion out in the country in a couple of weeks then to the beach in September. I am so excited, for obvious reasons, but I am also excited because like you said, out there in the wide open, our connection to God seems stronger somehow.
Have a wonderful time Phil. I am praying for a safe trip, many memories and divine appointments. Blessings to you, Shannon and the boys.
Enjoy your time away, Phil! I hear the the Poconos are beautiful.
Praying for a wonderful vacation for you and your family and also a safe one. Our time with the Lord always seems to be a really great one when we are away from all the things that distract us.
Blessings to you and your family.
Have a great vacay Phil. Praying that you and your family have a safe trip and make many wonderful memories.
Blessings to you.
Have a wonderful refreshing time, Phil. I giggle when I read your opening: Happy Friday, Lord – just makes me smile.
Phil, I love what you said – when our connection with the world is limited, our connection to God is made stronger. What truth! Have a wonderful time relaxing with your family!
We need to take an intentional break in our busy lives.
Enjoy your down time with the family. Traveling mercies!
We do indeed… I’ve been reworking quite a few things in my life to allow for more of them. Thank you!
Have a Blessed Day!
Have an absolutely wonderful vacation… can’t wait to hear all about it!
Thank you Heidi!! We had a wonderful time!
Have a Blessed Day!
Enjoy your time away! I pray God’s revealing to you in abundant measure.
peace~elaine
Thank you so much Elaine! While I feel truly Blessed by the Lord’s presence each day, up in that serene setting I truly feel connected to Him in a way I don’t in other places.
Have a Blessed Day!