Dear Lord; Happy Thankful Thursday Father!
Today Father, we come to the final Thankful Thursday edition of PhatherPhil.org for this calendar year. When I began this recurring post 31 weeks ago (whew!), I honestly never expected the profound impact it would have on me, or that it would draw me so much closer to You in the process.
As I sit down each week to write out my list Lord, my mind drifts back over the past seven days; revisiting those moments that left their marks on my heart. What I’ve found in doing so Father, is that even in those situations where things don’t seem to go my way, when I look closely enough, Your Blessings pour out nonetheless. That little shift in vision Lord, has been a major Blessing all by itself. I still have struggles and times that tax my strength, but when I look through my “Thankful Thursday Goggles”, I’m much more able to place those moments in their proper light. It’s been an eye-opening experience so far Lord, and I can’t wait to see what Blessings You’ll reveal to me in the coming year.
Therefore Father, to close out the year on a joyful note, this past week I’ve been especially grateful for:
466. Time spent alone with Shannon last Friday afternoon and evening.
467. Google Music which allows me to listen to my music on all my devices, anywhere, at any time.
468. The pain relief provided by our heating pad last night.
469. Hickory Farms New York Cheddar Spread (Used to be called Chutter).
470. That when my stubbornness blinds me to common sense, my wonderful wife Shannon “nudges” me back on track.
471. The Living Water that satisfies my spiritual thirst.
472. Having three days off over Christmas spent with those I love.
473. A beautiful candlelight Christmas Eve service at Ewell’s-St. Paul UMC.
474. Andes Mint Cookies.
475. Sharing the celebration of Jesus’ birth with friends.
476. An inspiring guest post on Tuesday by Jean Wise from Healthy Spirituality.
477. That the stabbing pains I had in my lower back yesterday have settled down today.
478. Seeing the expressions of wonder and joy on my children’s faces Christmas morning.
479. The opportunity to support other local ministries.
480. The trust of a good friend.
Heavenly Father,
We thank You Lord, for gracing us with such a multitude of Blessings this past year. As we start anew in 2012, please clear our eyes to reveal Your gifts in all circumstances; both those that lift our hearts in song, and those in which Your Blessings may be masked within our trials.
In Jesus’ Name we pray,
Amen.
~Phather Phil
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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. 
Wonderful list as always, Phil. I especially love #474. 😉
It is right to give Him thanks and praise at all times and in every circumstance. So glad your weekly routine of thankfulness has brought you closer in your walk with Him.
Beautiful post, Phil! Thanks for the inspiration today!
Blessings!
What a great idea, recounting one’s blessings for the New Year and expressing gratitude to God. Blessings, Reverend Deborah Gilbreath
Counting our blessings does have a way of shifting our vision, doesn’t it? I love your list this week. Time spent with those we love is always a good thing. 🙂
Many blessings, Phil!
Great list, Phil. I love Hickory Farms!
Beautiful prayer. I so love spending time with MyHoney of 27 yrs – our 28th Christmas. God Bless you abundantly in the new year 🙂
As a fellow Andes Mint lover I have to tell you I am grateful for the wonderful mint brownies I made this year sprinkled with Andes Mints. mmmmmm good.
Thanks of including me on this list. I feel blessed to know you!
Happy about #477. Praying that you feel alot better.
Phil,
It is so smazing that when we sit down and look at our blessings we realize the magnitude of how blessed we really are, and I love Andes candies.
Blessings to you Phil.
Wonderful idea.
Great list, Phil. Like you, I’m especially thankful for my heating pad, that the physical pain from yesterday is not so bad today, and for biofreeze.
Blessings!