Here is a little something I have been meditating on lately. You could call it a litmus test for discerning the will of God. I think the will of God is two-fold. You need to feel called to something. That's the first fold. But you also need to feel released from where you are or what you're doing. That is the second fold.

Here's where it gets complicated. Feeling called to and released from don't always happen simultaneously. In fact, they rarely do! If you feel called to something, but don't feel released from where you are, then you need to stay put. And God will honor your faithfulness! Where it gets even tougher, emotionally and spiritually, is when you feel released from something, but you don't know what God wants you to do next. It's like spiritual no-man's land. And that is when you need the courage to take a step of faith.

I read a story about Peter Marshall, former chaplain to the U.S. Senate in the 1940's, before he moved to DC to assume the pastoral position of New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. He was approached by their search committee and asked to serve as their pastor. It was the opportunity of a lifetime. And he felt called. But he didn't feel released from where he was. So he said no.

This is an excerpt from the letter he sent to the chairman of the search committee.

While realizing that no man's work is ever finished, I am persuaded that there yet remains much work which I am to do at Westminster [the church he pastored in Atlanta]. I could not conscientiously say that I have done all that I could have done here.

I feel furthermore, that I am not yet ready for the responsibilities and the dignities which would be mine as minister of the New York Avenue Church. I am too young, too immature, too lacking in scholarship, experience, wisdom, and ability for such a high position.

God has not yet indicated that I am to leave here. I am aware, and keenly conscious of the call to Washington, but not, as yet, of any call away from Atlanta.

For the record, the search committee couldn't find a better candidate so they checked back in eleven months. At that time, Peter Marshall felt released from his current position. He not only served at New York Avenue, but it opened the door to become chaplain to the U.S. Senate.

Peter Marshall once said, "a call of God is a two-sided call--there is a call 'to' a work, and there is a call 'from' the present work."

I cant help but make this blog a little spiritual and share my thoughts every so often. So for those few who were hoping for a pic . . . oh well. go to www.facebook.com and check out my wifes page :)

its all how we look at it

Just recently, Sophie has been smiling in response to anyone who smiles at her. Shes not selective about it either. The person can be a complete stranger and when they give her a genuine smile she always smiles back with the cutest grin and often sticks her tongue out too! its so pure and cute. And for me, its amazing. Ive never felt anything quite like it . . . when im holding her, i love to look into her big brown eyes (that look just like Courtneys) and smile at her. Within seconds she begins grinning ear to ear uncontrollably and her head bobs side to side in excitement. She doesnt smile much on her own but she always responds to a smile with one of her own. Its an awesome thing that i often find myself thinking about all through the day longing to see her do it all over again when i come home.

Yesterday, Sophie and I were exchanging smiles when i realized that this must be how God feels. He is just waiting for us to take some time to look at Him, focus on Him, look deep into His eyes so we can see that He is smiling at us. And i thought - I wonder how many people dont realize how much God loves them. How much God would love us to spend some time realizing that He is smiling at us. I wonder if we would recognize this if we would smile more, if we would enjoy life more, if we would love others and love ourselves more? You know, the way Christians are suppose too. So I wonder if today, we spent more time thinking about much God loves us and is always smiling proudly upon us, and less time thinking about our shortcomings and failures, if we would have more of an impact on our world around us?

disappointing . . .

I just finished watching a very disappointing Eagles football game. 5 NFC championships in 8 years and only 1 of those trips converted in a super bowl appearance which ended up being a loss.

I have come to the healthy conclusion that sports are a lot like relationships. Sometimes they let you down but for a true sports fan and someone who understands the importance of great relationships, you realize that they are always worth it!

Now ill throw a pic in here because that's what you all really want to see -