Dear Lord; As you know Lord, today is an extremely special day for my Wife and I. 11 Years ago today, You Blessed us with our first son Jonathan. I remember his first year quite vividly Father. It was a complicated, and terrifying, and wondrous time. As I’ve mentioned before Lord, I consider that period to be the turning point to finding my path to You, and to some extent that’s made my bond to Jonathan even stronger. I see Your Light in him on a regular basis, and I can’t thank You enough for Blessing us by keeping him in our lives.
He’s a very special child in many ways Father, and while I know I’m biased I can honestly say that he’s been one of the most obvious examples to me that You have a Plan for all of us. He’s touched so many lives, and has an amazing inner light that seems to shine on those around him. For example, due to his medical history and some remaining “hardware” in his body, he’s been unable to go to camp with his friends during the summers. By Your Guidance, we were connected with an amazing organization called Kay’s Kamp which was setting up the first Oncology Camp in Delaware for kids a couple years back. We signed him up, and it’s been the most incredible experience for him. What was most remarkable for me though Father, was the comments I kept getting from the staff at the camp. Many of the other children are still on active treatment, or in serious condition with their futures very much in doubt. Over and over again, I was told how much Jonathan worked to raise them up, and make them feel like they were normal, and special. This year, it became even more obvious to me when one of the Kay’s Kamp kids from the first year was in the hospital, and we found out that there was nothing else they could do for her. We visited her in the hospital, and Jonathan went to her bedside and talked with her for a little bit. We didn’t hear what was said, but she and he both had smiles on their faces afterwards and when I asked him why he said “It’s ok… She’s going to be with God and won’t hurt any more.” As I said Lord, I see Your Light in him regularly and learn so much about You through him.
Heavenly Father, thank You so very much for bringing me this little miracle, and for using him to help me see Your Wonder and Your Love more completely. I lift my prayers to You for this incredible Blessing, and ask for Your Continued Guidance in nurturing him as he grows. 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. 
The faith of a child, right? Happy Birthday, Jonathan! May God continue to bless you and use you in mighty ways! I know He has a plan for your life.
Many Blessings!
Thank you so much Lisa! He actually reads my blog (he loves the idea that his father emails God every day), and I’m sure he’ll appreciate your well-wishes!
Happy birthday Jonathan!
Our children are such a blessing. Each birthday is a wonderful gift, though later in life we don’t see it that way. Jonathan has a special reason for being here. All he has been through is for God’s purpose. My daughter sings this song, “God has a plan for my life, God has a plan for my life. I just can’t wait to see what God does with me, God has a plan for little ole me.” God has a special plan for Jonathan.
Have a blessed day ~Jenifer
Thank you Jenifer! Our children certainly are wonderful examples of God’s Light in our lives. I have no question in my mind that Jonathan has a special plan laid out for him, and I thank God to no end for letting us be a part of it. I’ve read some of your postings about your daughter as well, so I know you know what I mean! Have a Blessed Day!
I’m trying to type through blurry, teary eyes. What an amazing gift to see Christ alive in your son. Praying Jonathan’s day is blessed in every way!
Thank you so much Heidi. If it makes you feel any better, I had a tear in my eye when I wrote it. It truly has been a wondrous gift to see Christ’s Love in him, and I Praise God daily for bringing him to us. Thank you for the visit, and the prayer!
What a beautiful young man! I don’t know Jonathan’s story, but it’s obvious that he is a great comfort to many… a tender-hearted, Jesus-lovin’ kind of guy,and I’d love to meet him someday. I bet I could learn a lot from him.
You’re doing a good job; I pray your family the richest blessings of Jesus this Christmas. Keep investing God’s truth into the soil of your every day. May your Bethlehem walk be filled with pure moments of worship and celebration!
peace~elaine
Welcome Elaine! Thank you so much… I know I’m biased, but I think he’s a pretty amazing little boy and I’m very proud of him. If you have interest, I covered a little about his medical issues at https://www.phatherphil.org/?p=328, although the story goes much deeper than a blog post. And yes, I’ve learned more from him, and through him than I ever expected to from a child. Thank you so much for the visit, and for your prayers!
Our ‘special’ children are special in so many ways, aren’t they? Celebrating with you and Jonathan today!
They are indeed Allison. It’s amazing how much we learn about God from them when we see through unclouded eyes. Have a Blessed Day!