Dear Lord; Happy Monday Father!
First off Father, I want to thank You for another enjoyable weekend. I was Blessed to spend quite a bit of quality time with my wife and children, Shannon and I got out for a “date night” on Saturday, I managed to catch up on some laundry, dishes and housework, and the boys and I even went on an outing to walk the trails at Blackbird State Forest on Sunday afternoon. All in all, it was a restful and satisfying couple of days and I thank You so much for that respite.
As I’ve mentioned to you before Lord, Blackbird Forest is one of those places where I feel most connected to Your Presence. It was a lovely day here on Sunday, and our time spent trekking through the majesty of Your Creation was wonderful as always. I’m extremely pleased that Jonathan and Aidan have developed such a love of nature, and that they eagerly look forward to our exploration time together. We’re already planning some longer day trips together as the weather improves, so we can hike some of the more lengthy trails. Either way, I look forward to spending lots of communal time with You on those paths in the upcoming seasons. 🙂
Today Father, while doing some reading I ran across a passage in Romans that loudly spoke to me and I’d like to share it:
“ I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.” – Romans 8:18-19 (NIV)
Wow Lord, what a powerful statement the Apostle Paul makes here! Not only is he reminding us that the trials and tribulations we go through in this lifetime are insignificant when compared to the glory we will receive in Your Kingdom, but also that creation itself is anxiously awaiting what’s coming as well! From walking through the forest yesterday and feeling Your Presence in such magnitude, these verses just reached out to me today when I came across them.
Heavenly Father, thank You once again for a lovely weekend and for continuing to bless us with Your Presence. I pray that we all may see past the daily burdens we encounter, secure in the knowledge that these trials are temporary and that Your Glory to come far outweighs any suffering we endure here on Earth. 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. 
Powerful! Nothing compares to the wonders of God. Great message Phil!
His Majesty never ceases to fill me with awe Jenifer. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Just another reminder that we need to keep our eyes fixed on Him. I know the day to day trials can rip our site from Him that’s why we must remain in Him at all times. I needed to be reminded of this today 🙂 Thank you!
Absolutely Heidi! I hope your healing is going well, and that God fills you with the encouragement and motivation you’re seeking.
Have a Blessed Day!
Amen! All of creation is groaning in expectation. It’s all gonna be worth it. Glad you had a relaxing weekend. 🙂
It surely is Lisa. Thank you!
Have a Blessed Day!
Lovely post Phil..seems like many people these days are talking about His Creation..The bible says that His creation will cry out and speak of Him.
Thank you Desiray. I can’t spend time in a place like Blackbird Forest and not feel His Presence in abundance!
Have a Blessed Day!
I’ve always loved that verse. It promises so much hope. That picture is just beautiful too!
Thank you Eileen! It really is such a wonderful source of hope for eternity, and puts things we’re going through now in perspective.
Have a Blessed Day!
When I come to your blog, I relax back in my chair and read your conversation with God, peace descends upon my heart. Your writing is so refreshing. Thank you Phil!
Jean, I can’t tell you how much that comment meant to me. Thank you so much for the kind words! Your postings bring a similar reaction when I read them. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day Dear Lady!