Thankful Thursday: The Right Perspective

Dear Lord; Happy Thankful Thursday Father!

You know Father, as I’ve mentioned before I really LOVE Thankful Thursday posts.  While I try to give thanks each day for the abundance of Blessings You grace me with, having a weekly post that leads me to recollect all the little things that bring a smile to my heart puts me in exactly the right perspective:

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

I ran across a blog posting today at stevenfurtick.com that said it beautifully:

“With God, ‘thank you’ should always come before ‘please.’ The first thing that needs to come out of my mouth in prayer and worship needs to be praise for who God is and what He has done. Not just instructions for what I want or even need Him to do.”

So true.

Therefore Father, with that perspective firmly embedded in my heart, this week I’ve been thankful for:

196. A silly, giggly, tasty dinner with Shannon and the kids at a new Mexican Restaurant.

197. Getting some “one-on-one” time with Aidan while Jonathan was away at Kay’s Kamp.

198. For a sweet Bloggy Friend who reminded me to look at flowering weeds as flowers, and not weeds (Thank you Jean!).

199. Cool, clear mornings which let me leave my windows down in the truck on the way to work.

200. A fun night out with my lovely Wife last Friday night.

201. Getting the opportunity to attend “Media Day” at Kay’s Kamp, and seeing the Blessed work they do for the children.

202. Inspiring testimonies from courageous people.

203. Getting well over 50,000 miles on my truck tires before having to replace them.

204. Free lifetime map and software updates available for my GPS.

205. Finding new school uniform clothing for the boys at Goodwill dirt cheap.

206. Jonathan having another wonderful week away at Kay’s Kamp.

207. Having inexpensive generic versions available for the medications we take.

208. Tootsie Fruit Rolls.

209. My portable digital voice recorder that allows me to note things I’m thankful for at the time they come to me.

210. Waking up next to the lady I love each and every day.

Heavenly Father, once again I thank You for all the Blessings You grace our lives with each day; both those that shine brilliantly with Your Light, and those that Bless us quietly, without fanfare.  I pray that You will continue to open my eyes wider to Your gifts, that I may appreciate them to the full.

In Jesus’ Name we pray,

Amen.

~Phather Phil

The Power of a Dream

Dear Lord; Happy Wednesday Father!

Today Father, my heart is virtually overflowing from this morning’s experience.

As I mentioned last week, through the kindness of the Kaylyn Elaine Warren Foundation I had made arrangements to attend “Media Day” at Kay’s Kamp today, so I could see first-hand what this unique camp is all about.

Kay’s Kamp is currently the only pediatric oncology camp in Delaware.  It’s the realization of a vision held by Kaylyn Elaine Warren, who left this earth to join You in March of 2007 at the tender age of 18.  While going through treatment for leukemia herself, she learned first-hand the effects that battling a life-threatening illness can have on the world of a child.  With that thought in mind, she envisioned a way for other children in that situation to have a place to revel in their childhood; to spend time not focusing on survival, but on being a child and living.  When Kaylyn left to be with You Father, the torch was taken up by her family and close friends who formed the Kaylyn Elaine Warren Foundation in her loving memory, and began the long journey of making Kaylyn’s dream a reality.

Kay’s Kamp opened for the first time on August 8, 2009, and has been an amazing Blessing for the children they’ve hosted each year.  Since Jonathan attended that first year, we’ve come to think of these people as family Lord, and I thank You from the bottom of my heart for bringing us together.  It’s a testament to Your love that the selfless vision of one sick young girl could bring such light, laughter and hope to so many others.

And today, I got a wonderful opportunity to see the love they bring to these children.  🙂

As Jonathan had attended Kamp for two years already, I thought I had some concept of what was involved… I wasn’t even close.

As I drove onto the beautiful grounds of Saint Andrew’s School where Kamp is currently being held, I was immediately overwhelmed by the sight I beheld.  The main field was full of blue-shirted Kampers and staff, all standing around a huge multi-colored hot air balloon.

As a surprise for the children, the Kamp planners had arranged for hot air balloon rides and they were in the process of rotating the kids through their turns.  When the breeze kicked up making further rides impossible, the Kampers paused for some quick photos and then were whisked off to the main building for the rest of the day’s activities.

In the watchful company of one of the Kamp’s wonderful staff, I spent the rest of the morning going between buildings, and experiencing some of the myriad of well-coordinated activities they filled the children’s days with.  From arts and crafts projects, to a brainstorming session for the Kamp’s daily newsletter, to splashing around in the beautiful indoor pool, the Kampers were kept well entertained and cared for by the tireless and devoted Kamp Staff.

On every Kamper’s face I saw nothing but smiles, reflecting joyful memories that I know they’ll take with them when Kamp ends this Saturday.

On the way out, I got the opportunity to stop by “The Zoo” (the Kamp Medical facility), and spoke with Mary Ellen McKnight who heads and coordinates the medical staff that resides there throughout the week.  Although certainly tired from the week’s activities, like every other staff member I encountered today she was positively beaming about the experience and couldn’t say enough about how thankful she felt to be involved with such a worthwhile endeavor, and such wonderful people.

All in all Father, it was a joyous and humbling visit.  I was absolutely Blessed by the experience.

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the wondrous gifts You bestow on these children through the selfless efforts of the Kaylyn Elaine Warren Foundation.  Please continue to Bless them on this inspired mission, and allow the light You shine through their efforts to be sent out to the world through the children they serve.

In Jesus’ Name we pray,

Amen.

~Phather Phil

Pray for Them

Dear Lord; Happy Tuesday Father!

You know Father, You’ve been quite “chatty” with me as of late.  I mean, I “hear” from you rather often in general; through quiet whispers on my heart, subtle “out of track” thoughts crossing my mind, and by recognizing Your guidance in the Blessings around me.  Lately however, Your “nudges” have become more and more regular and in many cases, the message has been the same…

“Pray for them.”

Now Lord, when I see someone obviously in need of Your help, I always try to lift them up in prayer.  Lately however, You’ve been telling me to pray for people in situations where my first inclination on how to react is certainly not prayer…

A client who my staff and I bent over backwards to help is complaining and arguing about the bill…

“Pray for them” You told me.

In the midst of some marital turmoil, the wife of someone I care about is saying and doing spiteful and selfish things to her spouse and family…

“Pray for them” You told me.

An employee of a close friend of mine’s business is feeling “put-upon”, and is saying and doing sneaky and hateful things to him and his company…

“Pray for them” You told me.

A lady that my wife used to consider a friend has begun lashing out at her and others with petty, demeaning and insulting exchanges and actions…

“Pray for them” You told me.

Ok Father… Message received.

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. – Matthew 5:44-45 (NIV)

While I never really considered these people “enemies” per-se, apparently my heart had passed judgment all the same, making my perspective the same nonetheless.  Lifting these situations and those involved to Your mercy places them into Hands that can truly mend lives, and fulfills Your Will for my role as well.

Thank You so much for these convicting reminders Father, and for all of Your guidance in my life.  I’m most certainly a work in progress, but I pray that through Your direction I continue to emerge from my broken shell into Your Light.

Amen.

~Phather Phil

Meditations Monday: Building Others Up

Dear Lord; Happy Meditations Monday Father!

First off Lord, I want to begin the week by thanking You for all the Blessings You granted us this past weekend.  The medication the veterinarian put Merlin on seems to have abated the seizures, and although the effects are still taking their toll, he’s made a marked improvement.  Saturday night Shannon got to go out with her mother and uncle to see a musical production of “Kiss Me Kate” held at Longwood Gardens, and the boys and I got some time to “hang out” and do some fun cooking with friends.  And Sunday after church we delivered Jonathan to Kay’s Kamp for his week away, and then spent the rest of the day relaxing together at home.  All in all Father, it was a wonderful weekend’s respite and I thank You for that time!

Today’s Meditations Monday Scripture comes from Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians, Chapter 4:

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. – Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

You got me this morning on this one Lord.  Driving into work I was running a little behind and the car in front of me was crawling along a bit under the speed limit…

“I wish these people would learn how to drive!” I exclaimed.

“Phil… You know better.” You whispered back.

Busted.

You’ve actually been correcting me along these lines quite a bit lately Father, and it’s been humbling as to how often I find myself saying or thinking unkind or unflattering things about other people.  I allow personal frustrations such as being a little late for work to set the tone in my head, and like a weed in a flower bed the negative feelings spread to the rest of my thoughts.  Little moments like this morning’s outburst, although no one was there to hear it (except You of course…), still serve to poison our spirit and can further affect other parts of our lives.

Thankfully, Your gentle reminders to keep my mood in check have helped me to make a positive change in that respect.  There is however, certainly still room for improvement, as this morning’s experience displayed.  🙂

Heavenly Father, as we begin this new week please help us to shine Your Light to those around us, not mire them in the grey clouds of our own inner conflicts.  Our words are powerful influencers Lord, and I pray that You guide our usage of them to best encourage and support Your Children.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. – James 1:19-20 (NIV)

Amen.

~Phather Phil

Meditations Monday: Like a Little Child

Dear Lord; Happy Meditations Monday Father!

You know Father, sometimes I think that I go to work each week to get some rest after the weekends.  🙂

Once again Lord, You Blessed us with a busy but joyful weekend.  From the “Breakfast for Dinner” Friday night get-together we hosted, to hiking and taking photos with the boys and Shannon’s mother during the day on Saturday, to attending the big yearly party at my father’s home on Sunday after church, it was a wonderful couple days spent in the company of family and good friends.  Thank You for that time together Father!

This week’s Meditations Monday Scripture selection comes from the 10^th chapter of the Gospel of Mark:

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.  When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. – Mark 10:13-16 (NIV)

Such a powerful image of tenderness and affection this brings to mind Father, and with it some excellent lessons for us as well.

First off, Jesus’ response to His disciples’ attempt to “head off” the children from coming to Him clearly demonstrates His view that all Your Children are precious; none are too insignificant to seek Christ’s Presence.  As many of us suffer from feelings of being unworthy of Your Love, this is a powerful truth to remember.

And then Father, Jesus makes a statement that I’ll be meditating and praying on this week;

I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.

“Like a little child”;

Humble…

Trusting…

Accepting…

Obedient…

Faithful…

Heavenly Father, as adults we allow so many things in our lives to obscure our hearts from You.  Please open us to experience Your Glory with the wonder, acceptance and understanding that only a truly unencumbered spirit can.  Amen.

~Phather Phil