Dear Lord; Good afternoon Father!
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.
~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. 
I love how you talk about Shannon. It is evident that God has brought you together. God is our divine marriage counselor, isn’t He? What He has joined together let no man separate.
Thank you so much Lisa. Our road together certainly hasn’t always been a smooth one, but even through stressful times we’ve remained committed to each other and always came out the other side better for it. I am truly Blessed.
Have a Blessed Day!
Shhhhhhh…..you’re not supposed to tell everyone HOW LONG we’ve been married!!! I’m STILL 29, remember???
Actually, I think you’re far more lovely than you were at 29 Dear. 🙂 Love you!
16 years…Congrats! And Shannon you don’t look a day over 29 🙂
It’ll be 16 years in June Alida, and thank you! 🙂
I love hearing couples speak well of one another. Marriage is hard but God has given us His plan and if we follow it we won’t find ourselves is deep waters, not to say that we won’t have problems, no for every marriage has problems but at least one of the problems won’t be because we stepped out of God’s Divine Order.
I enjoy reading your blogs and I try to get here the day that they are posted but I guess because of our time zone I can’t get here till the next day so please forgive me for coming and commenting so late.
God bless and have a great night
I think the line from Andrew Peterson’s song “Dancing in the Minefields” says it beautifully Desiray : “This is harder than we dreamed, but I believe that’s what the Promise is for…”
Have a Blessed Day!
Love your comment Shannon! 🙂
I love hearing you talk about your marriage. You and Shannon are such a blessing! I love where you said Jesus is the marriage counselor!! So true!
Great post!
Thank you Jenifer! I never doubt that Jesus has had a firm hand in keeping us together over the years, and in helping our love deepen over time. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Love the post. Will check out the podcasts…
Thank you Rich, and welcome! I’ve very much enjoyed your blog postings since I found your site, and appreciate you coming to visit me as well!
Have a Blessed Day!
I will check out these podcasts. Thanks for sharing them and always lifting up Shannon in your prayers. I think that is beautiful
I really think you’d enjoy them Jean. And yes, my marriage is one of God’s most important Blessings in my life so I give thanks regularly to Him for us!
Have a Blessed Day!
When time allows, I’d like to check out the video podcasts from Pastor Pete. “Leftovers”, aye? Not having yet heard firsthand this series, I gauge by the title that he’s addressing the problem of giving our mates the scraps?
That’s the basic gist of it Debra, when we allow other parts of our lives to “take the front seat”, our marriage suffers from lack of proper attention and nurturing. If you get a chance, check out Pastor Pete’s podcast… I think you’d enjoy it.
Have a Blessed Day!