Oh the Lessons to be Learned....

It's amazing when you have a clear life calling how every instance and occurence molds and shapes you to better equip and prepare you!

Over the past almost two years, and more specifically the last 6 months, we've been given a number of situations where my first thought was, "Why, God?"  But through bold prayers that perspective has changed to, "Help me to learn the lessons I need to quickly, God, so I don't remain here and so I am more like You."  This has been instrumental in me letting go and trusting that even in the pain there is a clear and intentional lesson for me.

We are needing to make decisions that look so foreign and awkward to the world, but it's the Lord leading us and not the world.  We are learning to trust in Him, listen for Him and look to Him as He imparts more and more wisdom along the journey.  I think the lessons most recently have been trust me AND be bold and courageous!  That sounds pretty simple, but all together that's A LOT!!  It reminds me of two awesome stories in the Bible...that of Joshua who trusted in the Lord when the multitudes were telling him otherwise, and the story of Ruth (one of my most favorite people in the WHOLE Bible) who trusted in the Lord and courageously followed Naomi to then be richly blessed by the Lord!

It is even more beautiful to watch this heart/life lesson play out in the life of our Graham.  He has begun to memorize scriptures specifically with the theme of courage and do not fear.  I love to see him writing those promises on his heart because he will most definitely need them...and they will bring him comfort in those uncomfortable unknowns.

I love to see how the different circumstances are intertwined and all the dots begin to connect!  As I trust God more He stretches the parameters and requires me to have deeper faith a little bit at a time.  One "right now" area this has been manifested in me is trusting my husband to a whole new level as the Lord directs him...to lead our family.  For a recovering control addict, this has proven to be a huge growth opportunity for me!!  It is incredible to watch the Father preparing my husband for the plans He has for him...and US as a family unit.

So, as the lessons seem to continue to come, with a very consistent theme, I want to leave you with the verse Graham and I are memorizing...hopefully to encourage and strengthen your heart as it has ours:

Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. ~Deuteronomy 31:6



Boldly and with love~

Doug and Noelle