Dear Lord; Happy Thankful Thursday Father!<\/p>\n
Grumble, grumble, grumble\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n This Father, was the response (the nicer version of it anyways) that greeted me upon trying to wake my \u201cjust turned twelve\u201d<\/em> son Jonathan this morning.\u00a0 Now, he\u2019s always been a little sluggish getting moving in the morning, but last night he ended up staying awake far later than usual to try and finish some homework, and this morning when I tried to get him up for school…<\/p>\n Arguments\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Attitude\u2026<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n And Grumbling.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n After much cajoling, some veiled threats of consequences, and yes, some “raised voices”<\/em> (smiles), he finally got up and begrudgingly got ready for school.<\/p>\n Later in the day as I mulled over the morning\u2019s epic struggle, it dawned on me that I\u2019d been guilty of similar offenses this week as well\u2026<\/p>\n I\u2019ve grumbled to You Lord, more than once.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Money is exceptionally tight this year\u2026 grumble, grumble, grumble<\/em><\/p>\n I haven\u2019t had a full night\u2019s sleep in what seems like forever\u2026 grumble, grumble, grumble<\/em><\/p>\n The dogs just won\u2019t stop barking\u2026 grumble, grumble, grumble<\/em><\/p>\n I never seem to have time to do the things I want to do\u2026 grumble, grumble, grumble<\/em><\/p>\n And yet Father, in the midst of all my grumbling, You\u2019ve stayed by my side; encouraging me, comforting me, and faithfully guiding me through each and every storm.<\/p>\n And You\u2019ve never grumbled about it.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Thank you Lord, for setting that example.\u00a0 \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n Now Father, as opposed to grumbling (smiles again), I\u2019d like to present You with this week\u2019s Thankful Thursday<\/span><\/em> list!\u00a0 Even though this past week has certainly provided more than a few challenges for me Lord, I\u2019ve still found myself surrounded by signs of Your gracious love.\u00a0 And while I\u2019m thankful for all of the wonderful gifts You\u2019ve Blessed my life with Father, this week I\u2019m especially grateful for:<\/p>\n 436. A fun, silly dinner at Friendly\u2019s to celebrate Jonathan\u2019s birthday.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n 437. Those guiding whispers to my heart when I\u2019m about to say something I shouldn\u2019t.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n 438. That our Tuesday night Small Group has connected in such a powerful way that we all feel comfortable coming to one another in times of need.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n 439. Twelve years of having Jonathan in our lives.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n 440. That the new Ewell\u2019s \u2013 St. Paul UMC website<\/a> is nearly completed.\u00a0 \ud83d\ude42<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n 441. Chocolate and peanut butter oreo balls.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n 442. The divine gift of marriage<\/a>, and Blessing me with the call to join two people in Your love.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n 443. A significant savings on gasoline through a local grocery store discount program.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n 444. That when my limited understanding obscures my needs, Your Spirit knows all the same.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n 445. Christmas cookies.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n 446. That in my weakness, Your grace strengthens and emboldens me<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n 447. That one way or another Lord, You always deliver on Your promises.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n 448. An exceptional friend that knew I needed a break, and stepped in without asking to help.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n 449. Guiding messages from my Heavenly Father that help steer me through difficulties.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n 450. The \u201cRoad Signs\u201d in Your Word<\/a> that help to guide my life.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Heavenly Father,<\/p>\n We thank You Lord, for the multitude of Blessings You surround us with each day; both those that light up the sky with Your brilliance, and those gifts that grace our lives quietly from the shadows\u2026<\/p>\n Even when we grumble.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n In Jesus\u2019 Name we pray,<\/p>\n Amen.<\/p>\n ~Phather Phil<\/p>\nPin It<\/a>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
![Pin It<\/a>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Dear Lord; Happy Thankful Thursday Father! Grumble, grumble, grumble\u2026 This Father, was the response (the nicer version of it anyways) that greeted me upon trying to wake my \u201cjust turned twelve\u201d son Jonathan this morning.\u00a0 Now, he\u2019s always been a little sluggish getting moving in the morning, but last night he ended up staying awake […]<\/p>\nPin 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