Dear Lord; Well Father, I want to start today by thanking You for Your Healing Light; Shannon and I are both feeling much better today. And more importantly Lord, I got Your point from our illness. Through all the stresses, difficulties and worries in our lives we are absolutely Loved and Blessed. What an amazing feeling! We had such an exceptional outpouring of love and concern that both of us could feel Your Presence in abundance, and we’re very grateful.
Today however, I’ll admit to be feeling a little overwhelmed with my earthly realities. Between the demands at work and Christmas being only four short days away, Shannon and I are struggling to not allow our time and money constraints to overshadow the amazing Blessing this Season of Celebration brings to us all. As You know, one of the things I use to keep my spirit focused on what’s truly important Lord, is music. Today, You kept bringing one specific Artist to my mind; Kathy Mattea. Her “Good News” Christmas Album has long been one of my favorites, and today this song just spoke to me :
Thank You Father, for all the Miracles You bring us each day. Help us all lay our worries and burdens at Your Feet and go forward in Love to Celebrate the coming of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. ~Phather Phil
Dear Lord; Whew… What a crazy morning it’s been Father. In addition to the normal first-thing rushing around to get everyone ready for work and school, today we had to contend with a grumpy almost-11-year-old who apparently was still disgruntled from an argument over homework with his mother the night before. His mood of course, did nothing to expedite all of us getting out of the house on time, and we found ourselves running to get out the door. In the car on the way to school, I got the chance to try and talk with him about his behavior and when that was met with resistance, I hit him with the bomb; “Jonathan, if Jesus was standing next to you right now, how do you think he’d feel about your behavior?” That got his attention. He looked down at his lap and mumbled something about how he knew Jesus wouldn’t approve, and his demeanor seemed to lighten a bit. I challenged him to think about that question more over the course of the day, and told him we’d talk more when I got home.
After dropping the kids off at school, I started playing things back in my head and thinking about the question I asked him in a larger context. It dawned on me that this was really an inquiry that we should all ask ourselves on a more regular basis. Yes, I do try to make decisions based on what my beliefs say are correct and I do try to listen for Your Guidance over the course of my day, but I certainly know I’m imperfect and don’t always make the right calls for every situation. Therefore Father, over this Season of Celebration I’m going to try to spend more time putting my actions and judgment to the same litmus test I asked of my son this morning. My hope is that by putting myself under the proverbial “Holy Microscope” more often I can gain further understanding of Your Will, and be a better husband, father, businessman, and Child of God. Amen. ~Phather Phil
Dear Lord; Wow… This week is certainly off to a bumpy start. Between several insane situations at work, and some friends going through horrendous personal turmoil, I’m feeling drained and it’s only Tuesday. However, instead of focusing on the craziness, I’m spending a few minutes to take a step back and thank You for Blessing me so very much. You’ve Graced me with a wonderful Wife, remarkable children and good friends that I love and value deeply. I have a profession that while it can drive me crazy sometimes, I can honestly say I’m very happy going to work each day. We live in a lovely home, are able to put nourishing food in our stomachs and have enjoyed overall good health as of late. And on top of it all Father, I feel my relationship with You has never been stronger. I am indeed Blessed. Thank You. Amen. ~Phather Phil
Dear Lord; Well Father, I hate to say it but I think you may have left the faucet on over Delaware this morning. 🙂 Funny enough though, as dreary and wet as it is outside today and as daunting the pile of work and projects on my list is, I have an odd feeling of contentment today. I know in my heart that one way or another, what’s important will get done and what doesn’t get accomplished will be there another day. I feel You on my shoulder, and know that it’s all well. 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.
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. 
