the book of Joshua

The book of Joshua is a perfect example of living fearlessly, based on the knowledge that God is with you and behind you in everything we encounter. In Joshua1:6-9 the words "courage" or "courageous" appear three times, each as part of God's command to be strong and take courage. Jason and I have been finding over the last 43 days or so, that in every new experience, situation, confrontation we encounter as a married couple that there is nothing to fear. God is with us, He is among us, He is directing and protecting us.

With this confidence in mind, we are currently discussing short and long term goals for our marriage, our life as a whole actually. Decisions such as which small groups to be a part of this summer; whether we should be in one as a couple or each individually become part of a gender-specific small group. We're praying for freedom from debt by Christmas of this year, and outlining a strict budget to help us achieve that goal. We are beginning to ask God where He would have us live once our lease is up next February: whether we should move closer to the church we're committing to, or we should stay where we are. The long term goals of owning a home and expanding our family with children have also been topics we've touched on. So with all these big decisions and the pressure that comes from having another's life to consider, we are apprehensive. Mmm... cautious is a better way of describing our attitudes I think, because we are confident in the Lord's protection and His strength behind us.

Say it. Pray it. Display it. - A good way to know and live God's calling for us. So we're saying it here and now: We will be strong and courageous, we will not be terrified for we know our God is with us. We are praying through these things regularly, seeking the Lord Himself; as well as seeking sound and godly council. Now all that's left for us to do is to act! To display our faith in Him and act according to what we feel led to by His will. God is so wonderful to have set up such easy-to-follow guidelines for us to be prosperous and successful (v. 9). Praise Him for His goodness and grace! Hallelujah!

Other than these bigger discussions and the obvious difficulty of setting (and sticking to!) a pretty strict budget, Jason and I are as happy as clams :) We've each adapted to the adjustment of being married and having a permanent roommate who we do everything with. Now the 'honeymoon stage' has finally begun to sink in. We are so content and so incredibly grateful to God for blessing us with this life together! Last night on our family walk (yes, Jason, Michelle, and Autumn take family walks fairly regularly) we were just smiling like school kids, talking about nothing, and praising Him for how far he has taken us in the last two years! It's a good life friends, and we owe it all to Jesus!