The real Austin comes out. Be warned MKat!

Victories and Doubts

Did you ever think about the fact:

David slew Goliath in the Valley of Elah when he was around 12 years old? One of the most significant victories ever for Israel since the whole Philistine army was outfitted with the newest and most highly protected technnology of their time:The technology of iron. They all had suits of armor, swords, shields and spears. The nation of Israel had two suits of armor and two swords, a lot of shepherds' staffs and a twelve year old who believed in God.

That Goliath stood about 9 feet tall, weighed around 400 lbs (a doctor told me that would be a reasonable weight for a man that size), and whose armor weighed as much as David did (125 lbs)?

That only a short time later David was hiding from King Saul, whose nation he had saved, in the Cave of Adullam in the very same valley he had killed Goliath?

Hal and Ashley Robbins. Had the distinct privilege of performing their wedding on 10 Sept. Hal is wearing his high heels to make him look a little taller in this shot. They're really about the same height ;).

For Parents and In-Laws

Collected ideas from some young couples about things that their parents and in-laws could do to affirm them as couples. Thought they were insightful and hope others will add ideas as they come to mind. I'll gladly begin a parents forum of thoughts for their married children if any of you parents will send some in...

For Parents/In laws
+You did an amazing job raising us.
+We have learned and are learning from both your strengths and weaknesses.
+We love you and want a relationship with you.
+You are important to us.
+We need you to know that our relationship is the most important to us. That's biblical.
+We are united in our decisions.
+That you would learn to know us as the men/women we have become rather than the child you raised.
+It's ok to call and see how WE are doing.
+If we decide to do things differently than our parents, that we do not think badly of them for the decsions they made.
+We want to feel like adults in your eyes.
+We love you, but we also have a life we are building together.
+We need your wisdom and encouragement, but we don't need you to dominate our lives and choices.
+Trust your children-know that they still love you and because they may not call daily or come back to visit regularly, that doesn't mean you've done something wrong.
+Don't worry.
+Give space to newly weds, but still keep in touch. There is a fine line-we know it's hard.
+Be understanding and supportive when the couple makes a united decision.
+SOUND PROOF THE GUEST BEDROOM :)
+Be flexible with us
+Be interested in our life, but not overbearing
+No guilt trips
+No comparison to spouse's family
+Really listen
+Communicate plans and expectations when you are visiting in our home
+Don't divide couple.

A Word on the Tension of being a Believer

"Christians are no different from the rest in their nationality, language or customs....They live in their own countries, but as sojourners. They fulfill all their duties as citizens, but they suffer as foreigners. They find their homeland wherever they are, but their homeland is not in any one place...They are in the flesh, but do not live according to the flesh. They live on earth, but are citizens of heaven. They obey all laws, but they live at a level higher than that required by law. They love all, but all persecute them." To Diognetus 5.-11