Joy

If you know me very well then you know that joy is my favorite word and Nehemiah 8:10 is my favorite verse: "The joy of the Lord is my strength".
Joy is different than happiness. You see, happiness is based off of my circumstances. Joy is based off of my security in Christ. Joy is not limited or subdued by what is going on around me or even to me. It is a gladness of heart that exists because I know I am a child of God and no one can snatch me from His hands.

Meet Laura

laura circle rev

Laura likes to describe herself as a joy-filled woman.
In fact, joy is her favorite word!
She finds joy in loving life, people, and her little dog, Snickers.
Read More

Be Courageous

As Joshua was about to move into new territory, God spoke to him and said, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

WHEREVER you go, God is with you. Because God is with us, we can be strong and courageous.

This past year has been full of changes and unknowns. We've been moving into new territory...a place we've never been before. For many this has been unsettling, frightful, discouraging, or challenging.

Apparently that's the same way Joshua was feeling when he was about to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land because God repeatedly told Joshua to be strong and courageous as he moved forward and reminded him that He was right there with him.

To be strong, according to the dictionary, is to be able to withstand great pressure...to be resilient and secure. To be courageous is to not allow danger or pain to deter you. Joshua was to find his security in the Lord and keep moving forward, despite the danger or pain.

I believe these words from God to Joshua are just as relevant for us today.God wants His people to live life strong and courageous...knowing He's walking right beside us all the way.