Dear Lord; Happy Thankful Thursday Father!
Father, I’ll be honest; it’s been a rough time writing this post today. I usually look forward to composing the “Thankful Thursday” edition, but the last couple of days have been filled with nearly-paralyzing stress and anxiety, and I’ve been having a very difficult time focusing on the many Blessings You’ve bestowed on me. I know in my heart that You’re here with me, and have never stopped hearing my pleas but the voices of fear and doubt have been quite loud and insistent. Either way Lord, I thank You for being ever-faithful and ask that You forgive me this weakness. Our trials temper us, and I continue to cling to Your Strength secure in the knowledge that You will guide me down the proper path as always.
Therefore Father, for today’s “Thankful Thursday” post instead of focusing on some of the more “major” Gifts in my life, I’d like to run down a few simple, little things I’ve been thankful for this week instead:
This Blog. Not only does writing these daily chats with You help me solidify my thoughts and prayers, but I’ve been Blessed to meet some truly wonderful people through doing it as well.
Warmer Weather. I truly enjoy grilling Father, and for the last couple of weeks the weather has allowed me to do quite a bit of it. Milder temperatures have also allowed the boys to get outside for some much-needed recreation and for us to start our pilgrimages to Blackbird State Forest.
Simple Acts of Kindness. During this current period of fear and uncertainty, I’ve been uplifted by the kind actions of a number of people around me. Little signs of caring can speak volumes to a troubled spirit and have helped me immensely.
Hugs from my Kids. While I work diligently not to let my concerns and burdens be visible around the boys, they’re amazingly empathetic children and have spent a great deal of effort to show me extra signs of their affection this past couple weeks. 🙂
Heavenly Father, I thank You for all the Blessings You bring to my life each day. Please forgive my human frailties, and help me to cast my burdens at Your feet so I may find that Peace in Your Embrace. In Your Holy Name Lord, 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. 
This seems to be the theme of the day. I just left a comment on another blog asking why it seems to be so much easier for us to notice the negatives, than focus on God’s blessings. While there have been needs that have not been met this week, God has still provided. I’m thankful for His gentle voice reminding me that I don’t have to have all the answers. I don’t have to be in control and that I’m safe in His arms. That makes this a very Thankful Thursday.
It’s always amazing to me Lisa, how loud those voices of fear and doubt can get inside us. Thankfully, God’s always there whispering His Words of encouragement and comfort to us. We don’t have all the answers, and it’s wondrous that the One who does Loves us so much!
Have a Blessed Day!
I enjoyed reading the honesty in your post today. It is the little things we need to remember and appreciate when life seems to be turned upside down. These little blessing are actually big things. You’re in my thoughts and prayers tonight 🙂
Thank you so much Eileen. When we’re feeling very overwhelmed it’s difficult sometimes to see past those emotions to the true Blessings in our lives. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers! 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Those in life run the circle of always running an seeing the large picture of great things.
Those of us blessed with little things in life do not always get to see what we are looking at for the human demands take their tolls.
I have learned through many things the simplest gifts are the best. A glance of a loved one, the touch of a cheek, the knowledge I am still breathing.
I have been the path of pain on the physical levels, I have walked the emotional roller coaster, I have and am carried everyday by his arms. I can ask for no more from Him above. My blessings are clearer by the day.
To understand the frustration of a friend, and give a simple ear is always the least one can do. My blessing is I am there for the ear to hear, support, and love.
Thank to you for your support and friendship. Nothing can replace that.
Thank you Dyanne… You’ve been an amazing friend and a true Blessing to both Shannon and I. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
It’s not about not getting stressed, it’s about what you do with it when it happens and you always seem to handle it well. No doubt He is pleased! Thanks for always being so open and honest with us 🙂
Thank you Heidi, but I certainly don’t feel like I handle things well sometimes! I want so much to please God, and be the man He wants me to be that when I feel as though I’ve mis-stepped along the way it hits me very hard. Thank you so much for all your kind words and encouragement!
Have a Blessed Day!
I’m so thankful for your blog Phil. It’s a refreshing place where I find soul nourishment. These chats with God are inspiring and uplifting.
The simple things in life… grilling, warm weather, hugs from our children… are all sweet gifts from Him. On this often difficult and stressful journey, these blessings encourage our hearts most.
~ Love and prayers
Thank you Debra… I gain similar Blessings when reading your words as well. 🙂 God’s “little” gifts to us truly are wondrous, and I’m working on spending more energy to recognize those Blessings throughout my day.
Have a Blessed Day!
Truly indeed it is the little things which mean so much, so often in our business we take them for granted. We at times complain about the weather and we just aren’t thankful for what we have. I guess the best way to look at is this way, when we think we have it so bad remember someone else is much worse then you are. Sorry to of taken this in another direction but I get stirred up about matters like these. God bless you and happy belated Thursday to you.
Excellent point Desiray. We are all truly Blessed, it’s just a matter of focusing on those Gifts and shutting out Satan’s voice of dissent.
Have a Blessed Day!
This was how my week was also. Just tired, stressed and weary. But God reminded me to cast my burdens on Him. I need to focus on God and His blessings not on the problems.
I got a similar reminder Jenifer, and am very thankful for it! 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Hi Phil!
You are always so honest and sincere beforethe Lord and all of us who have the joy of reading your posts. I believe God is so proud of you, for your ability to ask for help in the times when life seems overwhelming and for your willingness to keep looking for Him when His presence isn’t as obvious.
I pray that He continues to send you waves of refreshing in the little things and that Ge will honor you with the desires of your heart being fulfilled.
Bless you, my friend… for just continuing to praise as you press through :0)
Thank you very much Tracye! I try to keep myself focused on His Voice, but the “noise” of life’s stresses can be so loud upon occasion! Thankfully, He’s always there with me, reminding me of His Presence and guiding me back to His Path when I stray.
Have a Blessed Day Dear Lady!