Dear Lord; Happy Thankful Thursday Father!
Ok Lord, yes I do know it’s actually Friday but as the day got away from me yesterday and I didn’t have the opportunity to post my Thankful Thursday article, I decided to do so this morning instead. 🙂
It’s been a wonderful, Blessed week away with my family Father. Our visits to the mountains are something that we all look forward to eagerly each year, and it’s been a joyous, relaxing time once again. Today is our last full day here, and although we’ll be headed home tomorrow the memories of this past week will stay with us for a long time to come.
So, without further ado Lord, this week I’d like to give special thanks for…
136. 78 degree days, and 52 degree nights with low humidity.
137. A sky so clear that at night with a full moon, the clouds light up like it was dusk.
138. Playing an evening game of Bocce with Jonathan.
139. A caring, thoughtful friend who cleaned our house for us while we’re away.
140. Getting the opportunity to attend church services with old friends.
141. Quiet time fishing.
142. Being surrounded by the abundant beauty of Your Creation.
143. An office staff who keeps the world at bay for me while I’m away.
144. Another wonderful visit to Claws ‘N’ Paws Zoo.
145. Seeing the joy on Jonathan’s face as he won the archery competition.
146. Children who continue to have a sense of whimsy and wonder.
147. Sitting on the back porch of the cabin late at night with good friends, good bourbon and a light breeze.
148. Having no signal on my mobile phone for most of the week. 🙂
149. The management and staff at Chestnut Grove Resort who always make our visit feel like coming home.
150. Reservations to come back here next year.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for a restful, rejuvenating and happy week away. In these beautiful and peaceful surroundings I can truly feel Your Presence in abundance, and will be taking home with me a deeper sense of Your Wondrous Gifts to us. 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. 
Great gratitude list! I love the giraffe picture. I can’t speak for everyone else…but I missed your posts! Glad you are back 🙂
Thank you Eileen! That’s one of my favorites as well. I’ve published a more properly adjusted version to my Flickr.com account if you’d like to check it out. 🙂 And thank you, I’ve missed all of your daily posts as well!
Have a Blessed Day!
Sounds like you had a wonderful week and have much to be thankful for. Be safe on your trip home.
I did indeed Jenifer! Thank you!
Have a Blessed Day!
Glad you made it back safely and it looks like ya’ll had an awesome trip!!
It truly was an awesome, relaxing and refreshing trip Allison… Thank you!
Have a Blessed Day!
What lovely pictures! Your posts are always an inspiration. May guardian angels surround you as you travel home!
Thank you so much Maureen! We loved our time away, but it’s nice to get back as well. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Phil, #136 sounds like Heaven to me. In fact, it all sounds sound good. Glad you all have had a great time. Many blessings!
It was amazing weather Lisa… Simply perfect. Thank you!
Have a Blessed Day!
The thought of knowing you had the opportunity to enjoy peace I know you and your family needed to recharge was worth every moment of the trusted task you asked me to complete. May your journey home be safe. See ya soon.
Thank you so much for Blessing us with your help and care Dy. I think our puppies are even more spoiled now! 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Sounds like a vacation full of blessings. How awesome! It will be good to have you posting again but I am glad you had a relaxing and fun time. Isn’t the quietness with the Lord out of this world?
Blessings to you and your family.
Thank you Deane, it was absolutely wonderful! The peace and serenity I find in the mountains does wonders for opening myself to God’s Presence… Such a lovely respite!
Have a Blessed Day!
Great list and welcome home. Love the last photo and the idea of having reservations already for next year. That will lift your spirits during a dreary winter.
Thank you Jean! We’ve offered the kids quite a few options for vacations each year (including Disney), but without exception they always want to go back to Chestnut Grove. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Oh, I love your list Phil, looks like you had a marvelous vacation! I’m so glad and the pictures are so great. We’ve been fishing here to and I think those pictures of the kids fishing are some of the sweetest! I hope your Monday back is going smoothly 🙂 Blessings!
Thank you Heidi! Jonathan loves to fish, but wasn’t tickled about dad taking his picture when he wasn’t looking… lol
Have a Blessed Day!