Last night Lord, I finally got a chance to sit down and watch the first in a series of video podcasts put out by Cross Point Church focusing on marriage. The series is entitled “5 Things”, and focuses on five areas which if not recognized and tended to carefully, could cause serious and possibly dangerous consequences to a marriage. The episode I watched last night was entitled “Leftovers”, and was taught by Pastor Pete Wilson.
Now, I’m not going to get into details about the content of the podcast as I think it’s very worthwhile for others reading this post to watch it for themselves, instead of simply gaining my take on it. Pastor Pete’s message is well thought out and delivered, and I’m looking forward to viewing the rest of the series. For those who are interested, the video podcasts from Cross Point Church are available here.
As You know Father, my marriage to Shannon is something that I spend quite a bit of time talking with You about. You’ve Blessed me beyond words with our life together, and I am truly thankful for having her as my wife. Watching the Cross Point video last night, I started thinking back over the trials we’ve experienced in our nearly 16 years together, and how You’ve used those times of struggle to highlight Your Gifts to us, and bring us closer in Your Love. Like any other couple we absolutely have our moments of discord Father, but funny enough love wins out every time. Thank You so much for being our marriage counselor over the years. 🙂
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
Having an instruction manual really is handy Lord.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for being a Guiding and Strengthening Presence in our marriage. I pray that You continue to Bless our union, and that we’re able to share Your message of Hope and Love with those around us. Amen.
Well Lord, it’s been a LONG day. Following an insomnia night, I was awakened this morning by an urgent message indicating that we had a server down in the hosting group. Out the door I ran, and the running didn’t stop until I sat down to dinner this evening at 7:15.
Whew.
Driving home from dinner tonight, I was going over the stresses of the day in my head trying to figure out how I was going to get everything I needed to do accomplished. I felt overwhelmed, and tired…
And then a song came on the radio:
I love it when Your Messages smack me in the head Father. 🙂
“When that muffled sigh
Says you’re barely getting by
Cut your burdens loose and just simplify
Simplify
This is not your floor
You’re going higher than before
Drop the weight now
Wait for the lookout guide
Look outside
As they all fall
Like a million raindrops
Falling from a blue sky
Kissing your cares goodbye
They all fall
Like a million pieces
A ticker tape parade high
Now you’re free to fly”
I think I’ll sleep better tonight Lord. Thank You.
And we come again Father, to another “Thankful Thursday” post at PhatherPhil.org. This is turning out to be one of my favorite weekly posts to write, but it’s usually difficult to pick just one thing to focus my thanks and praise on. Well Father, today wasn’t so hard, in fact it was staring me in my spiritual face. Today Father (and really every day), I’m most thankful for Your Faithfulness to me.
The last couple of years have seen drastic changes in my life, and in the lives of my family. We’ve had amazing highs, and desperate lows and yet through all of it… You were there:
When Shannon was injured and unable to move without pain… You emboldened and supported us, and sent her Your Healing Touch.
When my best friend passed away from cancer last year… You held me in Your Comforting Embrace and reminded me that he lived on in Your Kingdom.
Through all the economic turmoil and business nightmares of the last year… You encouraged me, and helped me to refocus on what was truly important in my life.
When Jonathan became part of the Kay’s Kamp Program and we watched his heart shine Your Light to so many others… You cried for joy along with us and cheered at each of his accomplishments.
When Shannon finally found a job that was the right fit, where she was welcomed and encouraged… You stood proudly beside her.
When I was Blessed to have the opportunity to join two friends in marriage last year… You filled the room with Your Presence, and Your Light was felt by everyone in attendance.
And the list could go on, and on, and on… 🙂
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
Heavenly Father, I thank You from the bottom of my heart for Your Faithfulness to Your Children. We are undeserving of such Grace, and yet You lift us up in Your Loving Hands and make us more than we could ever hope to be. Amen.
Today Lord, I’d like to start out with a quick prayer of support for my wife Shannon. Between being ill for the past week, a busy work schedule, college classes and symphony she’s been burning the candle at both ends, and has been feeling the results the last couple days. Please bring her Your Loving Comfort and grant her the rest she so dearly needs.
This morning Father I decided to get Jonathan and Aidan involved in our conversation. Therefore, on the way to school I asked them both if they had anything to tell You or ask of You. The responses I got were not exactly what I expected, but I felt good ones all the same:
Aidan (8) : “Is watching over everyone all the time hard?”
I don’t think Aidan realizes what a significant and deep question this is Father. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that while we don’t have a definitive answer that fits in our limited understanding, there are some scriptural passages which shine some light on this question.
First off, we refer to You as “Almighty God”, which implies the omnipotence of Your Power and that You are “All-ruling” (from the Greek word pantokrator used in the early Bible translations) over what You have created. Jesus summed it up quite clearly in Matthew 19:26:
“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”” (NIV)
You created us all, and have reign over all You have created; Your Word states this over and over quite distinctly. This tells me You have the power to watch over us all without question.
The other piece of this answer in my mind, would be the omnipresence of Your Spirit. Again, referencing scriptures for this I found Psalm 139:7-12:
“Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.” (NIV)
Through Your Spirit, You reach out and have complete access to the whole of Your Creation. Ok, so you have the Power, and the Presence. I realize that this doesn’t answer Aidan’s question specifically about whether or not it’s hard for You Lord, but Your Word clearly establishes the ability for You to do so, and the promise You gave us:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 (NIV) (one of my all-time favorite verses)
Great question Aidan! 🙂
Jonathan (11): “What does God have planned for the people of Japan now?”
Bless him Father, he worries about so much and so many people for an 11 year old.
I explained to him that in cases like this, we have to understand that we don’t truly have the “Big Picture” that You do, but that You were still there for those people, still loved them and were still in control.
I’m sure he’ll be talking with You directly later on about this Lord. Maybe You can give him a better answer than I was able to at 7:45 this morning. 🙂
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the lessons I learn each day through my children. I love seeing them growing in Your Kingdom and yearning to know You better. Please continue to guide them along the path You have chosen, and help me bring Your Love and Wisdom to their hearts and minds. Amen.
Well Lord, it’s certainly been an eventful week in the Malmstrom household. Between hectic work schedules, symphony and quartet performances for Shannon, schoolwork and associated activities and then on top of that Shannon and I both getting a respiratory bug yesterday afternoon, we’ve been running non-stop it seems. This illness nailed us both out of the blue and hit pretty hard, so this evening we’re finally settling down and trying to get some “quiet time”.
I was actually feeling a little down tonight Father. Being as tomorrow is my birthday, Shannon and I had been planning to go out Saturday evening for a “Date Night”, but with both of us catching this bug we ended up cancelling our plans. I’d been looking forward to our night out for a couple weeks, so it was a bit of a disappointment when I realized there was no way either of us was up to it.
Sitting around the dinner table this evening, it was a little on the subdued side; with both Shannon and I projecting raspy voices, conversation was somewhat limited. About half-way through the meal, Shannon gave me a thoughtful look, and handed me a gift bag from across the table. I protested slightly that my birthday was tomorrow and that I’d wait, but she was insistent so I gave in and took the bag. Inside was a beautifully romantic birthday card, a FastBreak candy bar, a bag of jelly beans, and this:
I have such an amazing wife Father… 🙂
Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your Constant Presence in our lives. Whether we’re healthy, sick, energetic, or tired You remain by our sides, ever-faithful. As my loving wife’s gift reminded me this evening, our disappointments pale in comparison to the Blessings You grant us each and every day when we choose to see them. Amen.
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. 
