Dear Lord; Happy Thankful Thursday Father!
You know Lord, as I look back over the “Emails to God” I’ve written to You over the past year, it amazes me how much we’ve discussed, how much ground we’ve covered, and most importantly how far I still have to go on my Walk to Your side.
The other thing I find fascinating Father, is to see how those who’ve come to share this journey have found us. Through the statistics engine in place “behind the scenes” here on phatherphil.org, I can drill down and get very detailed information as to what sites, searches and links were followed to land people on these posts and pages. It also allows me to see which of our conversations generated the most interest, and which posts led the most readers to comment as well.
It’s a fun look back over our year together Lord, and today I’d like to share those results.
Top 5 Search Terms Used
Google’s engine is some kind of mystery Father. While in some cases I understand completely how certain search phrases lead people to find this site, there are others that just leave me scratching my head. Nonetheless, the top five phrases that were used last year to find this site were:
1. my son’s birthday
2. come to me all you who are weary
3. being used
4. mercies in disguise
5. a beautiful prayer
Top 5 Posts by Views
It’s always interesting Lord, to see exactly which of our conversations were most sought out. Not only does it help to give me a better perspective on what topics are close to people’s hearts, but it also serves to help guide my prayers going forward. Funny enough, the top five posts for 2011 contains several of my personal favorites as well:
1. Jumping In
3. Come to me, all you who are weary
4. Really God??
Top 5 Commenters
One of the most profound Blessings that’s come from sharing our time each day Father, has been the wonderful people I’ve connected with. Through their emails, comments and fellowship, these beautiful souls have been an important part of our conversations Lord, and I am forever Blessed by their contribution. Everyone I’ve connected with has been a true gift Father, but in 2011 these ladies were a part of the most conversations:
1. Lisa from A Moment With God
2. Jenifer from ~Sweet Blessings~
3. Kandi from Get Out of the Boat
4. Jean from Healthy Spirituality
5. Martha from Martha’s Daily Devotions
All in all Lord, 2011 was an amazing year of spiritual discovery and growth here at PhatherPhil.org, and I’m very excited to see where You’ll take this journey in 2012.
And now Father, on to the Thankful Thursday list of Blessings! This past week has been an eventful one to be sure, yet through all the peaks and valleys Your Blessings have shone brightly. I’m truly thankful Lord, for all of the many gifts You surround our lives with, but this week I’m especially grateful for:
496. A fun “dinner and games” night with some wonderful friends last Saturday.
497. A powerful, inspiring final session of the “Plan B” group study this past Tuesday.
498. That You are a God of infinite contingencies.
499. The cleansed feeling the world gets following a morning rainstorm.
500. The difference in perspective I’ve received by listing these first 500 Blessings.
501. Fresh Draft Beer.
502. The outpouring of compassion and support we received upon the passing of our dog this past weekend.
503. That when I begin to doubt that I’m following Your desire, You find a way to send me reassurance.
504. Friends with beautiful hearts who share them willingly.
505. That even when I’m clumsy in my Walk to You Lord, You’re there to steady my footing.
506. New members to our Tuesday night small group.
507. Being given almost seventeen years with our little Pomeranian, Hunny.
508. A good friend who came to my aid last Saturday morning.
509. That following a week-long illness, Jonathan is back to his happy, obstinate self. 🙂
510. Situations that stretch my faith, and help me grow in my Walk.
Heavenly Father,
I thank You Lord, for the multitude of Blessings You grace our lives with each and every day; both those that reveal Your presence with splendor, and those that Bless us in the Stillness.
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. 
I have never met, in person ,some of my dearest friends. God has greatly blessed me with such wonderful bloggy friends.
Beautiful post and list this week, Phil.
So glad that your son is doing better. Wow, so much can happen in a year’s time. I have learned so much from you and been blessed here.
joy and blessings to you,
Alida
I’m so glad that God led me to your site, Phil. Your words continue to inspire and encourage me and I’m so blessed every time I visit. 🙂
I love your list of blessings – God is so good, so faithful, and He always provides just what we need, at exactly the right time.
Many blessings, dear friend!