We’re getting married!

A couple of young, God-fearing kids grow up their whole lives with ambition to create joy. They had hobbies and found a passion for music. They made mistakes and learned to grow and strive to glorify their Heavenly Father. They went through hard seasons just like any other, but the Lord was sanctifying them and showing them how to become like Christ. They found incredible people who fixed their gaze on the cross and who became true friends in this passing life. So, when these two bumped into each other one sunny, spring afternoon, they quickly became friends. Sharing a love for music and their churches, as well as having many mutual friends, Joselyn and Stephen shared many thoughtful conversations. But as they got to know each other, joy and laughter filled the space between them. Before she knew it, Stephen was ready to pursue this friendship with a gentle longing to truly know her heart. After walking her to class, meeting her parents, playing the piano for her, and attending her singing performances, he had secretly won her over. And on the day that he finally told her that he was seeking a more devoted commitment, she also knew in her heart that she reciprocated that same desire. Since then, the Lord’s steady hand has been clear: Stephen Leatherman and Joselyn Funkhouser are meant to glorify Him with each other. There were so many occasions they could have met, but God saved it for this very season. A season in which each person knew what their goals for the future were. Meeting each other was not a great disruption in their plans, it was a revelation of God’s provisional love. Now, this happy couple is pursuing an education at Southern Seminary, where they hope to further grow in their knowledge of Scripture and Christ’s substitutionary atoning death on the cross. This life has been an incredible blessing to these young dreamers, and by the Holy Spirit’s mighty hand, they are joyfully being guided towards the praise of His glory and mercy and grace. As we celebrate this gift of marriage, we are reminded of God’s own covenant with us, as His Bride, that we are meant to glorify and enjoy Him forever. Amen. Ephesians 1:3-6 (English Standard Version) [3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, [4] even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love [5] he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, [6] to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.