Comments on: On Thanksgivings and Givings Thanks

By: Melissa

Melissa — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 22:41:59 +0000

In reply to Pamela Haskell. What beautiful memories, Pam. Truly God gave you a voice that you have used for His glory and the good of many, many others! Thank you for sharing.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 22:40:52 +0000

In reply to Linda Moore.

Linda, I am so encouraged that it lifted your spirits. Your favorite part is also my favorite part, and why did I not think of “Come and Dine?” Yes, it fits perfectly – “Come and dine,” the Master calleth, “Come and dine”;You may feast at Jesus’ table all the time;He Who fed the multitude, turned the water into wine,To the hungry calleth now, “Come and dine.” (Charles B. Widmeyer, 1907).

By: Linda Moore

Linda Moore — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 14:22:07 +0000

Melissa, what a beautiful post. I loved this part
In sorrow, we see how He weeps with us. In amazement, we see how His sacrifice lifts our guilt and shame. In desperation and fear, we see how He gave everything He had to meet our deepest needs. In fear, we see His courage, love, and ultimate power.

And I really enjoyed the pictures! I’ll show them to Dennis later.
And the part about the Thanksgiving meal with Him! Brought to mind the song “Come and Dine.”

By: Pamela Haskell

Pamela Haskell — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 11:43:15 +0000

I remember when I had just returned to NYC for my second year of teaching at a Christian school, when my brother called to tell me Gwen had passed. I was heartbroken. My father put me on the first plane back to MI. I remember my first night back home, heavily walking up the steps leading into the funeral home, dreading every steps closer to Gwen’s casket. Then you caught eye of me and took me to her lifeless side, Melissa. It was so hard to see our precious friend, encourager she always was, now with the Lord. We hugged and cried as those still left behind.. Then as I turned around I heard and saw your Dad. He welcomed me with such kindness as he always did, and asked if I would sing at Gwen’s funeral. Without hesitation, I said yes. It was an honor. The gym at Faithway was filled with hundreds of people. I sang, “I wonder have I done my best for Jesus” as I was told that was Gwen’s favorite song. It was no doubt she had given 100% for her Savior, and now she was home. As I traveled back to NYC, still trying to absorb her loss, It wasn’t long beforeI heard of your Dad’s diagnosis of cancer. He was your Dad, but he was also a Dad to many of us, so the shock was enormous for me. I had spent many precious times at the Phillips’s home around the family and Dr. Phillips. But I saw that crazy side of him as wetraveled for the college trio. Dr. Phillips was quite humorous and a joy to be around. Obviously, we were all praying that Dr. Phillips would be healed, but it was soon clear the Lord would take him home, just like Gwen. I received a call from your Mom to come to the house after I had been home that summer from NYC. Your Dad wanted to see me. He loved the song, “More love to thee, Oh Christ”. As I approached his bedside, this giant of a man, friend, asked if I would sing him this song and all the verses. Balled up in pain, he listened as I sang. It was a day I realized God had given me my ability to sing for His glory for both Gwen and Dr. Phillips. I learned later from Chuck, that last song was the meat of his last sermon. Chuck had just come to Faithway College and was privileged to have Gwen for his speech teacher, and one year under Dr.. Phillips preaching before coming ill. He had the blessing of hearing Dr. Phillips last sermon which he said to his congregation,” If I could do anything over again, I would have loved you more.” Dr. Phillips did love us. His words of love and sound advice still speak to me, despite many years of his passing. .The Lord gave me so much to be Thankful for in those 8 almost 9 years I knew your father.. What an impact he made on my life and my husband’s, and thousands of others. For that many of us are forever grateful . Thank you, Melissa, for reminding us of your wonderful father, our pastor and friend, so deeply missed in our hearts, whom I so look forward to seeing in heaven one day.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 01:06:34 +0000

In reply to Maggie Eddie. My sweet friend, isn't that the truth? Thanksgiving with our heavenly Father will truly be the sweetest time ever! I'm so glad my post gave you that hope and reminder!

By: Maggie Eddie

Maggie Eddie — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 04:35:28 +0000

What a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing some painful memories all the while offering hope to your readers. Hope of that final Thanksgiving…the one with our Heavenly Father. What a day that will be! Happy Thanksgiving, my friend!