A Call From and a Call To

Most of us may not know what we want to be when we grow up but we at least know what we're passionate about and therefore what it is we're good at and how we spend our time, energy and efforts to be the best we can. Mark Batterson calls them your 'God-ordained passions.' For me, I know my God-ordained passions are within music ministry - leading worship for whoever would gather seeking to connect with the living God.

Those passions became a reality about four years ago with an opportunity to lead each week for my church. For two great years, I worshipped with incredible friends and family members at Victory Life in Lubbock while attending Texas Tech University. I then had a call from and a call to moment, allowing me to move back home and help develop the contemporary worship ministry at my home church, FBC Lewisville. For the past two years, I've been able to not only lead on the weekends at First Lewisville but also travel and lead for different churches, mid-week services, camps, festivals, etc...

Just recently I had another call from and call to moment and have joined staff at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship here in Carrollton as their Students Worship Coordinator leading all worship efforts for junior high and senior high ministries full-time! It's been neat seeing how God's prepared me for this new journey in full-time vocational ministry. I've enjoyed itinerant ministry - and still pursue as many opportunities to lead whenever and whenever I can - but I'm stoked to finally be on staff at a church and really help develop an atmosphere of understanding worship.

One of the things God's taught me through this whole process is the idea of a 'call from and call to' that can take place in your life. There are things that God may be calling you from - a time when you need to withdraw your energy, efforts and resources from a certain opportunity - and things God may be calling you to - a simultaneous give and take based on God-ordained passions within you. In situations like this, it can be hard decisions but as Charles Stanley said, "God takes full responsibility for a life wholly devoted to Him."

We're excited for this new journey and expectant for the things to come!

Engaged Fall Retreat contd.

They don't call it a retreat for nothing. It was great getting out of the city and being reminded of some great truths. I often leave events like this past weekend feeling rejuvenated and more in tune with God and what He would have for me. Sunday morning, the Don talked about what happens when we return to 'the City' - back to the grind of work, school, family/friends and other everyday things. I loved what he said, that our walk of faith won't always have the feeling of being at a retreat - when things are good and we're really in-tune with God.

We've all been there where we've had a 'spiritual high' and then a couple weeks later that high has diminished. That's because being in a relationship with God is real. It's not a fairy-tale love story all the time. There are times when our hearts seem to beat right along with the very rhythm of His heart. Then there are times where we feel distant and out of touch. The beautiful truth that Don talked about this weekend is that we're the ones that have gone out on a walk but God's always waiting at home. Paralleling with the theme of this blog, our relationship with God is more than the moment. It's not a feeling but a commitment.

With that commitment comes hard work to keep the relationship alive and healthy. If I can be open and honest I'd tell ya there's no way my relationship with my wife would survive if I treated her the same way I treat God. Even when my walk of faith seems to be really good - when I'm spending at least an hour a day really diving into scripture and praying - could you imagine me only giving Lindsey an hour of my day? Wouldn't last...I have to be creative and let her know how much I love her - not just by telling her but by showing her. My love for her is proved in my actions.

It's good to have a plan - to be creative and have certain things you do in order to strengthen your spiritual life. Sure there are always your 'quiet times' for scripture and prayer but one of the ways I strive to keep my relationship with God healthy and alive is simple things like this blog. For me, this blog is accountability. I want to be able to share what God's doing in my life on a continuous basis - so I'm constantly looking for God in everyday things. Perhaps in a song, a conversation or a Texas sunset. I find Him there and ask Him to teach me or reveal a new side of Him I didn't know existed. For you, it might be journaling or writing a song or going through a book with a friend - an accountability partner if you will. Something that keeps you accountable to continue to live life intentionally and with purpose in your pursuit of God and what he would have for you.

Sometimes it's rather easy and beautiful and other times it's hard and mundane. But stay committed knowing what He has is best. In Mark Batterson's book, Wild Goose Chase, he mentions we should 'pray like it depends on God and work like it depends on us.' I love that - stay in tune with God by continually being honest and open with Him and then work as hard as you can to live on mission and in-line with our beautiful Love and His teachings.

Engage Fall Retreat

This past weekend, the guys and I loaded up the van and headed down to Camp Cho-Yeh in Livingston, TX - about an hour north of Houston - to lead worship for UBC Houston's fall retreat. Don Vanderslice from Mosaic Austin was there to bring it each session and brought-it he did! Though it was my first out-of-town gig since baby Beckham arrived, we had a great time and thank Big Kyle and the UBC students for a great weekend of worship, growth and hanging out.
On Saturday, we had a TOMS 'Style Your Sole' Party where each student (about 125 students) got to style their own pair of white TOMS. If you haven't checked out the TOMS movement yet, head over to www.tomsshoes.com and read all about it - maybe even order your own pair. They're pretty sweet kicks and with every purchase, TOMS donates a pair of shoes to a kid in need. Pretty sweet that around 125 needy kids will get a pair of shoes from our weekend together.

Below are some images from the weekend thanks to the ever-ready iPhone and the super talented Daniel Wang. Check 'em out and more at www.danielwangphotography.com

The Don

Beckham Law Wilson

It is the pleasure of my life to introduce you to Mr. Beckham Law Wilson. Born Monday, August 31st 2009 at 6:10pm weighing a healthy 7 lbs. 5 ounces and standing 21.5 inches tall. He and mom are both beautiful and feeling great. Below is a video, documenting the events of Beckham's birthday...enjoy!

Beckham Law Wilson from Rob Wilson on Vimeo.

If you're a parent, then you know - the birth of your child is the most humbling and awe-inspiring event of your life. It is a side of God's love that I didn't even know existed. It gives a whole new perspective to God the Father, our Creator and leaves me standing still with the thought of how much He loves us. I pray you know His love...