This is the Way....

When it comes to following God there are times when God speaks clearly and times when things seem foggier. One of the clearest examples of this is when Jesus began his public ministry. Jesus walks by two guys, Simon Peter and Andrew, and says a very simple but life altering command: "Follow me...." When Jesus says, "Follow me," any disciple of his must listen. Not only is "Follow me" what brings people into life with Christ, that same phrase IS what it means to live with Christ. Patrick and I have recently experienced a "Follow me" moment.

After much prayer, tears, and listening, we feel called by God to take on a new ministry and new challenge in the St. Louis area. The lead pastor of the church is the husband of Marie, who has been my mentor for over 10 years. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to join them again in ministry. Throughout the process we committed to sitting still and allowing God to move in whatever way He chose. We watched Him orchestrate every detail and keep doors opened that should have closed. We did not make this decision in haste or make it lightly. The call to "Follow me" is so strong and clear that to not go, we feel, would be disobedient.

We have been truly touched by the response of all of our dear friends here in California. The student leaders, students and all of our friends have been supportive and loving. Thank you all for that. Although the decision has been difficult, we can rest in the knowledge that God has clearly said to us, "This is the way. Walk in it." As we tie up loose ends over the next few weeks, please pray. Pray for the hearts of everyone here and for the transition of the college ministry. Pray for the details that God is still working out, one being a teaching job for me. Pray for the hearts of those at our new church home in St. Louis. We are thrilled to join them and humbled by the opportunity.

Home Sweet Home

Before I do a recap of my trip home a couple weeks ago, I have to congratulate one of my best friends, Kathryn, for winning her first blog award. She has an amazing ability to make any story worth reading. You can actually see her version of this recap on her award-winning blog.

I went back to Savannah for a wedding of a childhood friend. Since plane tickets cost an arm these days, we opted to leave Patrick behind and call Kathryn to see if she wanted a good reason to go home too. She did! So, she flew in from D.C. and I flew in from L.A. and we spent a short weekend doing all things southern.

I got in on Friday morning (P.S.: I loathe red-eye flights) and started going non-stop. Quick adjustment at the chiropractor, coffee with my mom, lunch with Natalie, spray tan for the wedding (I couldn't show up from California without a tan), and dinner with the fam. The next morning Kathryn and I planned on running a 5k on the beach and spending the rest of the day in the sun, but we ended up


running the race in the drizzle,


eating at the Breakfast Club (grits....mmmmm),




and stopping at Davis Produce for the best boiled peanuts in town. Add a little shopping, more eating, and a little napping and you get the picture.

The wedding was....Southern. Full of bow ties, seafood and manners. Kathryn was such a trooper hanging out in a room full of people she didn't know. I can't imagine having gone alone!


Kathryn got this dress for $8 when she visited us a couple of months ago. We spent a day in San Diego and found this cute place that was going out of business. Too cute!


Me and the two guys I grew up with, Charlie and Stephen. We all grew up on the same street and I don't have many childhood memories that don't include them. We are still waiting on Charlie to get married....ahem....


This beautiful girl to the left is Charlie's girlfriend.....ahem.

The rest of the trip was full of family time, more shopping and a hair cut before heading back to L.A. Loving the adventures in California, but there's no place like home....