Dear Lord; Happy Thankful Thursday Father!
Well Lord, once again we arrive at the Thankful Thursday edition of PhatherPhil.org. In addition to posting my usual list of 15 things I’m particularly grateful for this week, I also want to pay special notice to one in particular.
Last night was not one of my more restful evenings Father. Yesterday afternoon, I started feeling the tell-tale signs of increased sinus pressure and drainage, and some accompanying stomach discomfort. I increased my fluids and tried to push through it, but as of 3:30 this morning my head felt like it was in a vice and my whole body ached. I was awake, and uncomfortable, and exhausted, and grumpy… Not a good combination. I tried lying quietly in the bed, focusing on the stillness around me, but the thumping in my head readily thwarted my efforts. By that point, my frustration level was elevated and I resigned myself to the thought that I’d had all the sleep I was getting for the night.
“Rest in God’s Word.” drifted through my mind.
I’ll be honest Father, in the shape I was in at that wee hour of the morning the thought of focusing on Scripture (or on anything else for that matter) wasn’t particularly appealing. Nonetheless, I decided to trust the “urgings” and do some reading. I grabbed my Nook Color off the nightstand, fired up YouVersion and picked up where I’d left off earlier in the day in 1st Kings. I’d read three chapters or so when I realized…
The thumping in my head had stopped…
My nerves had quieted…
And I was feeling tired again.
I shut of the Nook, and lay back down. I’m not sure exactly how quickly I fell asleep Father, but it certainly didn’t take long. And while I didn’t have long before the morning alarm broke the silence and jolted me into the day, it was sleep I would not have had otherwise. Therefore Father, I want to give special thanks for #265 on today’s list. 🙂
Continuing from where I left off last week Lord, this week I’m especially grateful for:
256. Our cat curled up on my chest, purring softly.
257. A strong cold front coming through bringing with it mid-60s temps for the weekend.
258. Allergy medication.
259. Unexpected opportunities.
260. Discerning Your whispers in the noise.
261. Courteous, responsive customer service at the online pharmacy I use.
262. The opportunity to host an upcoming Small Group Bible Study in our home.
263. Free stock photo sites from which I can pull images for my blogs.
264. Finding three pairs of jeans in my size at the local JC Penney, and on sale.
265. That on those nights when I can’t sleep, I have Your Word to bring my spirit rest.
266. The opportunity to read the Old Testament Scripture at church last Sunday.
267. Pizza nights with the kids.
268. Inexpensive, reasonably reliable high-speed Internet at my home.
269. Key Lime Pie.
270. The daily devotions found in Stand Firm Magazine which start my days off in the proper frame-of-mind.
My life is truly “chock-full” of Blessings Lord…
Heavenly Father,
I thank and praise You for the multitude of Blessings You bestow on us each day; both those that light up the Heavens in glory, and those which grace us in relative silence. We are truly Blessed!
In Jesus’ Name we pray,
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. 
Great list Phil! Praying you are feeling better and are able to rest well tonight.
Thank you Jenifer! Rest has been tough the past few days, but I’m trying. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Sorry you aren’t feeling 100% but how wonderful to be comforted by God…especially in the middle of the night. God’s Word is healing for our soul.:) Hope you sleep better tonight!
Thank you so much Kelli… It’s amazing what presence God’s word has.
Have a Blessed Day!
Another fabulous thankful list. Praise Jesus, He gives us rest when we are tired, comfort when we are upset, peace when we are afraid He is all we will ever need.
Blessings to you and your family.
Thank you Kandi!! He is all that, and much more. We are truly Blessed!
Have a Blessed Day!
I can relate to #256 🙂 God’s ways may sometimes seem counterproductive, like reading when you need to be sleeping, but God has a plan and a purpose. So glad you were able to get some rest – both spiritually and physically. Praying you sleep better tonight. Many blessings!
Thank you Lisa. This infection is beating me up a bit, but my spirit is well so life is good!
Have a Blessed Day!
Loving the list….I’ve got the sinus/cold thing going on too!
Sorry to hear that Allison! Praying for you to feel better very soon!
Have a Blessed Day!
Hi Phil,
I’m so glad I stopped by your blog today. I feel your steadfast spirit in every word and it gives me strength. I only have one complaint. Why did you have to mention key lime pie, when it is something I love, but I haven’t seen it on sale locally and probably out of deference to my blood sugar shouldn’t really be eating it anyway. Blessings to you and sleep well tonight.
🙂 Thank you as always my friend, for the kind words and the smile. I’m afraid I’ve progressed into a full-blown upper-respiratory infection and it’s thrown me for a loop, but I’m hoping to shake it soon.
Have a Blessed Day!
I hope you are feeling better. And thank you for the reminder that in those restless moments I can grab his word and I will most certainly find comfort. Definitely need to add fix the bed side lamp so I can grab my bible on the next sleepless night.