Its the day after Christmas Day, Dec. 26. I've been unable to log into this blog lately, due to confusing changes they made to it. Oh well, it works now...
We got back today from Christmas with Lisa's side of the family down in Fayetteville, and we're all just winding down & relaxing. Christmas was real special this year, all month long. Its really been a month of giving, more than about just getting. At Hebron, we did "Gift of Hope" projects all month for families and groups around Dacula & Lawrenceville, and we've had so many opportunities to give Christ's love & Christmas cheer to others. We participated in cookie box deliveries to local hospital staffs, collected & delivered Christmas gifts to local needy families through Christmas Wish Fund, and brought gifts to the families of Ga. prison inmates through Angel Tree Ministries. With the economy in the state it is, and people losing jobs, families losing homes, etc., I am thankful to have a job, have a home, and though money is tight, to have at least a little ability to give to others.
Giving.
To me, that's really what Christmas is all about. "In the fullness of time, God sent forth His Son..." Galatians 4:4. He gave His Son Jesus Christ, born secretly into this world, ultimately to die publicly for our sin. The supreme gift, the supreme sacrifice. And those of us who name His name are called to give of ourselves in His name. This is what we should be known for- love and giving. "It is more blessed to give than to receive" Acts 20:35.
What better time of the year to be reminded of our mission, than at Christmas.

I just finished reading a column by Charles Lowery, a noted speaker and author, about "The Main Event" of Christmas. It was a timely article for me, as I've been thinking about these things myself lately, the closer we get to Christmas.
He tells a story about a young boy who wanted to see the circus that was coming to town, but his poor family couldn't afford the ticket price. His father had told the boy if he could earn half, the father would cover the other half. Over the next couple of weeks, the boy earned his half, and good to his word, the father spotted him the rest.
Elated, the boy purchased his ticket on opening day, then ran down to Main Street in time for the Circus Parade. He was mesmerized by the lions, elephants, acrobats, clowns, etc., as they all pranced down the street. As the last clown danced by, the boy handed him his ticket, then ran back home.
Later, when his dad came home, he asked, "You're home from the circus a lot earlier than I expected. How was it?". The boy excitedly described all the sights, sounds, smells- the whole thrilling spectacle. Then he told about giving his ticket to the last clown. The father sadly picked his son up, set him on his lap, and said, "Son, I have some bad news. Today, you missed the main event, the circus. You only saw the parade."
I think so many people rush around during this season, shopping, eating, attending Christmas parades and spectacles, some maybe even enthusiastically. Yet this is also the time of the year with the most cases of depression and suicide. People are missing the Main Event.
To me, I can see why people can get down this time of year. It seems pointless to do the same thing, year after year- rush, shop, eat, repeat. The same Santa stuff, the same parties, the same gifts, the same tv specials, etc.
What makes Christmas really Christmas is Christ! We commemorate and celebrate the coming of the Savior, the long-awaited hope of mankind, the One who has come to save us from sin, despair, and separation. Its not fairy tale or traditions. He is the Main Event, the reason for the season. Every year, I want to experience, not the fluff of the stuff of "the holidays", but the Christ of Christmas.
This Christmas, I don't want to miss Jesus.

Its been an interesting week. I got sick early in the week, a cold that ran through the family over the weekend, then got me on Monday. It knocked me down most of the week.
While I was home sick, one of my girls got a flat tire. While trying to change it at home, I was cranking up the car jack when the lug wrench popped off and swung up and hit me right below the eye. It hurt like crazy, then bled like crazy. Now, several days later, its really blackened up nice. Plus, where it hit me will most certainly leave a nice scar.
So here I sit, finally over my killer cold, and the pain leaving my face, but my eye seems to be getting darker daily. It might take another week before the color is back to normal, but hey, its been a conversation starter everwhere I go, for sure.
God's good, another 1/3 inch higher and I could have lost my eye.
I've spent a lot of time reading while sick and hurt this week, trying to focus again on knowing and growing in Christ. So I guess its been time well spent. And I have a mark to show for it.

I've been feeling so distracted lately. I can't seem to stay concentrated on one thing for very long. My mind wanders to a dozen different things, constantly. I'll start reading something, only to get a phone call, overhear a conversation, remember something else I needed to do, etc. There are so many things grabbing for our attention these days- hundreds of channels on TV, in every room; music on the radio, on our mp3 players, on our computers, also our TV; cell phones with way more features than we need, constantly going off with calls or messages; more books & magazines than we can possible ever get to; endless surfing that can be done on the Internet, and so on. My attention span feels about as long as a 5 year old!
I recently joined a funny group on Facebook called, "I Have ADD And Wanted To Start A Group So That...Hey! Let's Go Ride Bikes!" for those of us easily distracted. Seemed an appropriate group to join! Does this come with age, have I been ingesting too much caffeine, am I trying to juggle too much in my life, or is something else at work? Maybe all of the above...
I have also felt disconnected spiritually lately, not as in tune with God's Spirit as I like to be. My prayer has become random and scatterbrained, and less frequent. I went for my nightly jog the other night, under the bright moon, and when I finished, I just sat down at the end of the driveway for a while, to try to talk to God some. I asked Him, "Father, what's wrong with me? What does my heart need from you?" Rather quickly, He spoke to my heart, "Focus." Yes, I certainly need that. I asked, "What do I do?" He said, "Stay with Me, linger here." I did linger there, for about another 30 minutes. Nothing majestic happened, the skies didn't open up and angels didn't sing, but I just sat in His presence, enjoyed the beautiful moon-lit night, and felt His presence and pleasure, like sitting in my dad's lap as a kid, just enjoying being outside together.
I need to "FOCUS"- be more intentional about my morning prayer and reading time with Him, and meet Him our here every night I can, to commune with Him. I want Him to again be "My One Thing" like Rich Mullins used to sing about. That way, He'll come back into focus in my life.
"Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." John 17:3
Rob

I've come back to a story in the Gospels that grips my heart every time I read it. It is the story of the woman caught in adultery, found in John 8. Jesus is teaching in the Temple courtyard, with a large crowd gathered to hear Him. Suddenly, the Pharisees & other religious leaders burst through the crowd, dragging a woman caught in the act of adultery, and throw her down in front of Jesus & everyone. They boldly assert that Moses' law says they can stone her to death right on the spot, but ask Jesus, "What do you say?"
Now, as I try to imagine this whole scene, the shock and drama of it become clear. Wherever & however they found this woman, they must have burst in on her and her lover, caught them in the act (which was a terrible sin, no doubt), dragged her out and down the street with probably little if anything on, kicking & screaming, all the while spitting on her, kicking & hitting her, taunting & verbally abusing her, all the way to the Temple. By the time they arrived with her, I imagine she was bloodied & dirty, sobbing uncontrollably, rightly fearing for her life. Then she was dumped unceremoniously at Jesus' feet.
With the crowd in shocked silence, the self-righteous Pharisees demanding an answer, Jesus mysteriously stooped & wrote in the dust. No one knows what He wrote, but He suddenly stood up, looked these men in the face, and demanded, "All right, but whichever one of you has had no sin in his own life, you throw the first stone!"
He then stooped to write in the dust again, the sobbing woman in a huddled heap beside Him. Whatever He wrote, coupled with what He had just said, one-by-one the accusers all turned to leave. Standing up, Jesus leaned over her and said, "Lady, where are your accusers?" Through her disheveled hair and sob-swollen eyes, she replied, "They're not here, Lord." And I imagine Jesus throwing a robe around her and helping her up as He said, "I don't accuse you either. But now go and leave your life of sin."
What an amazing scene this is! The cold cruelty of the religious leaders, who just wanted to use the occasion to try to trap Jesus in some way- contrasted with the uncompromising compassion of Jesus for this woman, is astounding to me. Many believe this woman was the same one who sometime later burst in on a dinner Jesus was attending, and anointed His head and feet with perfume, out of love and gratitude. Could this be Mary Magdalene, one of the most passionate and devoted followers of Jesus? I know this- Jesus once said, "He who has been forgiven much loves much, and he who has been forgiven little loves little."
May I always love much, realizing I have been loved and forgiven much.
May I always see people through the eyes of Jesus- not excusing their sin, but loving them with His love, which alone has the power to forgive and restore.
Rob

This past week I had the privilege of leading a sacred event I've participated in and helped with many times over the years, but never led. I administered the Lord's Supper to a Bible study group in a home. I've done weddings, funerals, baby dedications, wedding vow renewals, and hundreds of baptisms, but this was a new first for me.
The mother of a young marine killed in Iraq 2 years ago, whose family attends Hebron and I've grown close to, asked if I'd conduct this for their women's study group, as part of a commissioning for a group member traveling to India on a mission trip. I said I'd be honored.
There were about 15 ladies, all seated in the living room. I shared some words from Charles Spurgeon about the sacredness of the Communion, then read the Last Supper account in Matthew 26:26-30. I led it very traditionally- we had a loaf of Jewish challa bread which I broke, prayed over, then brought around to each lady there, who broke off a piece. Then I prayed over a chalice of grape juice, and brought it around as well, with each one dipping their bread in it. We then ate the bread/juice, and spent time in quiet prayer, while Rich Mullin's song, "Peace" played low. We next brought up the lady going on the mission trip, knelt and laid hands on her, and committed her life & work to God. We closed with a hymn, just like Jesus' followers did. We then shared lunch together, which was delicious.
It was a great honor to guide this special event, and we surely felt the presence of God's Spirit there. It really reminded me of how intimate the first Supper was with our Lord & His disciples, and how this not only commemorates the death of Christ for our sins, it also was meant to bind our hearts to each other as His beloved children. I think that is often missed today, in our big, efficient ways of doing things in our churches. We inadvertently diminish the sacredness of moments like this, when we should be sharing them together from the heart, and savoring the time together with our Lord.
Rich once wrote, "I don't know which is more beautiful- the calling of the ancient stars, or the assembling of the saints."

I'm still reading Manning's "Ragamuffin Gospel", and God is using it and His Word to speak to me daily.
I just finished a chapter called, "Grazie, Signore", which means "Thank you, Lord". He begins with a touching story of a young woman who has had to undergo facial surgery to remove a tumor from her cheek. Her mouth is now slightly twisted, due to a tiny nerve that had to be severed to remove the tumor. As the doctor sadly explains the permanence of this side-effect to her, the husband stands by her side, gently stroking her hair & face. The doctor steps back, and watches in humble awe as the young man bends over his love, and whispers, "I like it. Its kind of cute." He then twists his own lips slightly to conform to hers, to show her that their kiss still works.
That story grips my heart for some reason. It almost moves me to tears every time I read it. That kind of love & compassion is truly beautiful, humbling, and of God. In fact, it is a picture of the love of God for us, displayed in Jesus Christ.
"He who knew no sin became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:21
Manning concludes the chapter with a heart-felt prayer of praise, which I desire daily to make my own-
"Grazie Signore, for your lips twisted in love to accomodate my sinful self, for judging me not by my shabby good deeds but by your love that is your gift to me, for your unbearable forgiveness and infinite patience with me, for other people who have greater gifts than mine, and for the honesty to acknowledge that I am a ragamuffin. When the final curtain falls and you summon me home, may my last whispered word on earth be the wholehearted cry, 'Grazie Signore.'"
Rob

I've been re-reading a book I recommended to a friend, a book called "The Ragamuffin Gospel" by Brennan Manning. I've actually read it 2x before, and everytime I return to it, God speaks to me more, and points me deeper into His heart & His Word.
Manning's main purpose is to expose the falsehoods we have fallen into as the modern church, namely that we no longer understand the grace & love of God, and have replaced these with a gospel of good works, personal discipline, and self-denial. He says, "The bending of the mind by the powers of this world has twisted the gospel of grace into religious bondage and distorted the image of God into an eternal, small-minded bookkeeper" going on to say "Too many Christians are living in the house of fear and not the house of grace."
Grace means we have been bought, paid for, and are wholly accepted by the One "who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20)
Love means we are completely and passionately loved & pursued, without reservation and without condemnation, by the "furious love of God" as Chesterson called it. "He is the only God man has ever heard of who loves sinners," Manning writes.
I love his explanation of the true gospel of grace-
"This is the God of the gospel of grace: A God, who out of love for us, sent the only Son He ever had wrapped in our skin. He learned how to walk, stumbled and fell, cried for His milk, sweated blood in the night, was lashed with a whip and showered with spit, was fixed to a cross and died whispering forgiveness on us all..." then rose again to prove it.
Its less about doing, more about being. Not about us, all about Him.
I'm still reading...more to come.
Rob

Watching the news lately, it seems like the world is spinning out of control. Our ecomony is crumbling, mortgages & credit have dried up, gas is scarce & expensive, prices of everything keep climbing, we are still in a severe drought here in the South, people's jobs are in jeopardy, church giving & attendence is down, we face an uncertain political future, there are growing enemies around the world getting bolder, and the moral & spiritual foundations are being rapidly eroded around us. These are uncertain, unnerving times.
I tend to fret about what I see happening in the world around me. How will these affect my life in the years ahead? The lives of my children & grandchildren one day? What will America, the world, look like 5, 10, 20, etc. years from now?
I was reminded yesterday in my morning quiet time that God is still on His throne, still in control. He brought to mind several Bible passages-
"I've never seen the righteous forsaken, nor His children begging for bread." Psalm 37:25
"My God will provide for all of your needs according to His riches in glory." Philippians 4:19
"...do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:25-34
I will rest in Him.
Rob

Addendum to the last post-
Today I finished my vacation on the perfect day, in the perfect way. I reconnected and rode motorcycles with 3 more old high school friends, Pat & Karen Davis and Aaron Smith. We hadn't seen each other in many years, and getting together was incredible. We met up at 9:30am, and rode north to Helen, stopping periodically to stretch, talk, and top off our gas tanks as needed. Gas has been scarce, so we had to get it where we found it. We ate at Hans Restaurant in Helen, sitting and talking, reminiscing, and laughing on into the afternoon. We nosed around a bike shop in town, then hit the road again, riding great country roads around north Ga. before making our way back south. It was a fantastic day, with fantastic friends.
I arrived home after 8pm, tired but refreshed. I took a late night walk down the driveway, reflecting on my week... rode with my parents last weekend, rode with Jimmy & Lyle early this week, then with Pat, Karen, & Aaron today. All across the beautiful Georgia landscape. I gave thanks to God my Father, not only for all the blessings of the week, but for all the blessings of my life- my beloved wife & girls, my parents & brothers, my Hebron friends, my health, my walk with God. I heard Him speak into my heart, "Its My pleasure." A simple, common statement, but from God, it took on new meaning. The Bible says, "God delights to give good gifts to His children", and I know its true. It brings God pleasure when we take pleasure in the life He gives us.
"I am, among men, most truly blessed..."
Rob

The past 3 days I spent part of my vacation riding in the North Georgia mountains, motorcycle riding with 2 old high school friends, Lyle & Jimmy. We get our families together every summer and every Christmas holiday, and have long talked about doing a road trip together. We met up at Jimmy's house in Alpharetta Sunday at 2pm, then took country roads up the state to Hiawassee, up near the state line. Jimmy's dad has a mountaintop cottage there, and I definitely fell in love with Hiawassee. It is a beautiful mountain town, on the shores of Lake Chatuge, a beautiful mountain lake. I want to live there someday!
We got up Monday morning and took off, following tranquil, scenic country roads over mountains and through valleys. The weather was sunny, breezy, & cool- perfect riding conditions. I always love riding up in the mountains- it seems to untangle my mind & heart. I worship Christ while I ride- so much beauty to behold. We rode & rode & rode...
Then Lyle's bike broke down. Late in the day, on our way back to town for a supper break, the bike just died at a stop sign. Nothing we could do kept it running. We roll-started it down a couple of hills, pushed it across a parking lot in town, and finally got it up to the cottage, coughing and hacking all the way. We never got it started again. Bummer...
Tuesday we got up late, cooked breakfast, cleaned the place up, then packed for home. Sadly, we were going back one bike short- we had to leave Lyle's bike behind at the cottage. Lyle rode with Jimmy for the first half of the trip home, and with me the last half. Kinda awkward, but we had to get him home!
We stopped up at an overlook on Hwy.9, where the Appalachian Trail crossed the road, outside of Dahlonega. We walked some of the Trail, just to say we did, and found a wild apple tree near the parking lot. The apples were small & red, and delicious. We kept to the country roads all the way back to Jimmy's house, arriving by 7pm.
Although the ride was cut somewhat short by a broken bike, it was still worth the time spent with old friends.
The older we get, the busier our lives get, the more intentional we have to be about keeping our friendships strong. I'm glad Lyle, Jimmy & I have stayed close friends over the years. Any time we can get together is time well spent.

Today I finished a study I've been doing since April, called "Walking With God" by John Eldredge. I took a walk down the driveway, enjoying the sunshine & cool Sept. breezes. As I got near the end, I looked up and was stopped in my tracks. Up & ahead of me, hanging in the noon sky, was the moon! I think I even said aloud, "The moon is up!" The moon at noon! It was unusual, and beautiful. How many people even noticed it, the moon so visible in the light of day, as they went about their busy day? It was a pleasant surprise for me to see.
Life is full of little pleasant surprises, little gifts from God to our hearts. God didn't speak anything deep or profound to me at the end of the driveway, He just gave me a gift. A pleasant surprise, simply to say, "Enjoy." Another of the many things I love about my Heavenly Father.

Today I had the great honor of participating in two 9-11 memorial services, as a chaplain & speaker. I was invited by the Red Knights motorcycle club, made up of fire fighters, to ride along with them in their annual "Ride to Remember 9-11" motorcycle event, and speak at ceremonies in Lawrenceville's Gwinnett Justice bldg & the GPSTC in Forsyth.
Several of the Spirit Riders rode with me, and the Gwinnett event featured color guards from the police & fire depts, and short speeches by the Gwinnett fire marshall & myself. It was very humbling for me to speak and participate in this, made more meaningful by the presence of the mother of Lcpl Stephen Johnston, USMC, killed in Iraq in Oct. 2006. The Johnston family are Hebron members, and I spent much time with them when they got word of Stephen's death 2 years ago. Mrs. Johnston came up to me before the ceremony, and handed me a camo bandana with Psalm 91 printed on it, saying, "This was one of his bandanas, that he would wear under his helmet. We would like you to carry it with you today in the ceremonies and on the ride. You can wear it under your helmet too, if you like." It deeply moved me, and I told the audience about Stephen in my message. And I wore the bandana under my helmet.
35 bikes saddled up and rode in the HOV lane down I-85 to Clayton Harley Davidson for a break, then on to Forsyth. *Funny aside- at about 11:55am, I and two of our guys went back inside the H-D building for a quick sip of coffee, only to come back out to an empty lot- they'd left without us! We took off on I-75 south, blasting down the interstate to catch up. We caught them all 20 min. down the road, and fell back in formation. Imagine that- they left behind one of their keynote speakers!!
The ceremony at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth was similar, with a fire dept. color guard, a fire service speaker, and myself. At both ceremonies, I related how, in the same way our public servants put themselves in harms way to rescue, liberate, and protect our people, Jesus Christ entered a world in turmol & chaos to save us from sin & evil, self-sacrificially.
A very solumn and reverent event, both places.
We rode back up country roads, through Monticello, Mansfield, Social Circle, and Monroe. The weather was cool & partly sunny, the surrounding countyside both calming & breathtaking. The perfect way to conclude a wonderful, tiring, humbling, day of remembrance & reflection.
May we never forget- the sacrifices of our public servants, and ultimately, our Savior Jesus Christ.
Rob

I turned 45 today.
I remember when I was younger, and my parents were in their mid-forties. I thought they were sooo old! Now, it doesn't seem so bad to me. I still have all of my hair, it still has most of its color, I still have good health- in fact, I feel half my age...well, most of the time. Everyone says I look young, I dress young, and I act young (I hope that's a good thing). I feel young, truth be known.
My staff took me out to lunch today, and gave me funny cards about the benefits & troubles with aging, and we had a great time munching on chips at a Mex diner. Lisa & the girls fixed me dinner & dessert this evening, then gave me their gifts- a small home theater system for the basement, and a cool reclining couch. Sunday football, here I come!
Many friends & family called, emailed, or text-messaged their best wishes, and it was great hearing from everyone. Its been a pretty good day, considering I'm now 45.
The only thing that unnerves me about 45 is- its 5 short years to 50. Half a century old. 2003 was just 5 years ago, and it seems like yesterday. 50 will be here before I know it. That's sobering. Time marches on...
I know my days have been marked out for me, and my times are in His hands. So whether I have another 45 years, or just a few more, I want them to count- for Christ, and for those around me.
And I wouldn't mind keeping my hair & health a little longer, as well...
Rob

The other day, Ansley & I went for a motorcycle ride. We passed by an old, small church building, with a message sign out by the roadside. This is what the sign said-

"The weather never changes in hell"
- Friendship Baptist Church

I found the words on that sign ironic. A church with such a friendly name, yet such a cold-hearted message. I find it sad that this message is what everyone driving by this church will judge those people by... and some will judge the rest of Christianity by that message as well. So much for "Friendship"...
Its not that the message is untrue- The Bible has much to say about hell, as much as it does about Heaven. But that's not the point. If that's all people see or hear of the message of Christ, it certainly is grossly inadequate. So often, the media portrays Christians as ignorant, narrow-minded, and mean-spirited. When messages like that sign are what people see, it feeds that false stereotype. I'm sure the people in that church are sweet, kind, and generous. Sadly, most people will never know that about those people- or the rest of us.
People in churches that display messages like that must think they are being real clever... me, as a Christ-follower who wants people to see & hear the life & love of Jesus in me, I find that sign message offensive. I certainly don't envision anyone seeing that sign, turning in, bursting in the door, and begging someone to tell them about Jesus Christ. BTW- I've never even seen anyone there, even if someone did stop in for help.
We have the greatest message in the history of the universe- salvation, forgiveness, & and restoration found in Jesus Christ. We must be so careful to present the whole Gospel, especially in our own lives. I want my life- my words, my actions, my attitudes, etc.- to attract people to Jesus Christ, not give them more reasons to scorn.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds, and glorify your Father in Heaven."- Jesus

Tonight I rode with the Spirit Riders to join Chaplain Terry Buice for a service with the inmates of I. W. Davis Prison up in Jefferson. I didn't really feel like going, but I'm glad I did. We rode up to Jefferson, ate at Mike's Grill, then on to the prison. We were joined there by Terry and the pastor & members of Martin Baptist Church. Little did we know what would happen this evening.
We greeted each inmate as he came in the meeting room, as the small Martin choir warmed up. When all the inmates were in, about 60 in all, the choir began with 3 songs they had prepared. The inmates sat quietly, listening, until the choir leader invited the men to join them in a few songs. We sang "I'll Fly Away", "Amazing Grace", and a couple of others. The inmates began to sing louder and louder, totally throwing themselves into the worship. The Martin pastor spoke on Philippians 3, having a passion for Christ instead of the things that drag us down. Terry concluded by giving men an opportunity to come forward to give their lives to Christ, and 17 men walked to the front. We each took a few of them and helped them trust Christ, and it was a precious time, praying with each of these men.
Terry had prepared a portable baptism pool out in the yard, and as the last of the sun's light left the sky, all of us, the church group, and the inmates gathered around as we baptized all 17 right then and there. I got to baptize several myself, which was a huge honor for me. Everyone clapped and cheered for each man as he came up out of the water, and when we were all done, we gathered around them all, laid hands on them, and prayed over them. We concluded out in the yard, in the dark by now, singing "Amazing Grace" one last time. Amid hugs and handshakes, the inmates filed back to their dorms, and we readied for home, riding back by the light of a full moon.
Terry had informed us earlier that the state was closing this prison, and within a month all these inmates would be sent to other institutions across the state. That knowledge made what happened there tonight all the more special. We really experienced God's Spirit & love tonight, and our prayer is that the men of I. W. Davis will carry this not only to wherever they go next, but the rest of their lives. May they go on and walk with Christ, all the days of their lives.
"I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6
Rob

I've been reading John Eldredge's book, Walking With God. In one of the sections, he challenges the reader to ask God 2 questions-
Lord, how do I think I am doing?
Lord, how do you think I am doing?
So often, his point was, how we see ourselves is vastly different than the way God sees us, and wants us to see ourselves.
Anyway, I asked God those 2 questions, and kept getting distracted every morning, so I kept returning to those questions for several days. When you ask God a question, He will answer, in His time, in His way. Stay with Him.
Last Friday I went for a motorcycle ride (as I often do), and God spoke to me while riding (as He often does). John had written the phrase that came to describe his answer to the 1st question was, "Just barely", and that's how I've felt. Just barely doing well, as a husband, a father, a friend, a minister, a child of God's. So easily distracted, so easily tripped up. "Just barely" fit how I saw myself.
Riding some back road outside Rutledge, Ga., God spoke to my heart, "You are mine, and you are loved." He continued- "That was the wrong question for you. Its not about doing, its about being. Its not about performance, its about position. You are mine, and you are loved." Simple truth, I've known these for years, but it was so good hearing from my Father personally on this. My position is secure, as His beloved son. The "being" is just that- Being in His hands, in His presence, in His plan. The doing grows out of the being.
That night, I found myself in Jeremiah 31:3- "I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness."
Rob

We took a bunch of our graduated 5th graders on our annual "5th Grade Adventure Trip." We took 51 kids & parents to the Lost Sea Caverns in Tenn., and then to Outland Expeditions for rafting on the Ocoee River. The rafting was a new addition this year, and it was a huge hit. We'll definitely keep that element in the yearly trip!
This trip is so important for our kids, on many levels. Not only is it just pure adventure & fun one last time with our 5th graders before they move up to middle school- we use it to accomplish some things in their lives. Its an opportunity to help them build & strengthen relationships with each other as they prepare for a whole new chapter of their lives. Its also a chance for parents to share the adventure with them, which cements that important bond as well. Many parents went on the trip this year, which I was glad for. They also face some of their fears and insecurities, as they crawl through the caverns and ride the raging river together. For both boys & girls, conquering these things is a huge confidence-builder, and for the boys, it goes further- its the beginning of initiation into young manhood. We also hold a couple of short Bible studies on the trip, to speak one more time into their lives the Biblical truths we've been teaching them over the 6 years they have been with us, and prepare them for adolescence.
Its a huge pleasure & privilege for me to help parents raise their kids to know, love, and follow Christ & His Word. I pray the experiences we have shared together, not only on this trip, but over their years in our ministry, will shape their lives and set their direction for all eternity.
Rob

Yesterday I began my work week the way I do every day- breakfast and some time in God's Word. Unsure where to begin, I simply prayed, "Father, what would you have me read?" I felt the gentle impression, "Psalm 91." As I turned there, I remembered that my mom & dad pray verse 11 every time they ride their motorcycle, and they pray that for me as well. In fact, I pray that verse now myself!
Anyway, I read the whole chapter (its not that long), but kept coming back to the first verse-
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."
I found myself contemplating that verse the rest of the day, and returned to it this morning. Why this verse? And what is it saying to me? I began to break down the meaning of the words in it, and this is what it spoke to me-
"The one who fully lives under the covering and safety of the Father, will stay intimately connected and protected under the shadow of His presence."
The image of being a little kid, holding the hand of my dad, walking and talking together, his shadow shielding me from the sun, and feeling secure in his presence, came to mind in this verse and its meaning. I felt this same presence and assurance, only deeper, in my soul, with God this morning. My Father is still watching over me, still covering me, still walking with me, even though I so often, like a little kid, want to squirm away and run to other things. Yet deep in my heart, my desire is to dwell in His shelter, abide in His shadow. May that be the definition and direction of my life.
Rob

Last night a powerful thunderstorm came through our area, with torrential rain, high winds, and an incredible display of lightning. After the worst of the storm passed on through, and the rains had subsided, I felt the urge to go for my nightly run. There were still lightning flashes off in the distance, in front of and behind me. As I ran, the night would constantly light up, but the lightning was far enough away that I felt no fear. In fact, it was a rather transcendent moment, feeling both solitude out in the night, and the presence of God in the storm. It was beautiful.
I began to feel like the things that so knot me up inside- the sins I struggle with, the conflicts I face, the worries & concerns that occupy my mind- really seem kinda small, out here in this glorious display of power, light, and beauty. I get weighted down so easily, I lose sight of the glory of God all around me, and most important, within me. God says, "Lift up your eyes, and focus on Me. I am in the storm, and in your heart." I find great comfort and peace in that.
"The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the works of His hands." Psalm 19:1
I want my life to declare and proclaim Him as well.
Rob

Last week we got away for some much-needed rest after VBC. We spent the week in Perdido Key, FL., soaking up the sun, swimming in the surf, and having fun with friends who came down with us. We hunted ghost crabs at night, collected shells and sea critters by day, and experienced a full moon over the ocean for several nights. So much beauty, so little time...
Each day, the surf conditions were different. One day, there would be clumps of seaweed full of tiny crabs, sea horses, and colorful fish; another day, the surf would be calm, and the floor full of hermit crabs, starfish & sand dollars. Every day was different, like an entirely different ocean. I would go for a run down the beach every night, by the light of the moon, with the sand cool & wet beneath my feet. I felt the warm presence of God in everything, from the tiniest creatures in the water, to the calm beauty of the moon reflecting over the waves.
I hear some say that they don't see God in anything of this world. I don't understand that. I see Him in everything around me. I guess if you are not looking for Him, or don't want to find Him, you won't. But if you turn your heart to Him, tune in to Him, you will find Him. He says, "If you seek Me, you will find Me, if you seek Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13
Everywhere I go, Lord, I see You.
Rob

Last night we finished the longest, most exhausting, most gigantic, most exciting event I've ever led in my life. Our "Amazing Space" Vacation Bible Camp ended last evening with a "Open House/VBC Celebration" night. We had approximately 3000 kids and parents attend, and it was a fitting end to a fantastic week.
We averaged 2650 in attendance for the week, nearly 1000 more than previous VBS years. The week saw 167 kids trust Jesus Christ as their Savior & Lord, at least that we have a record of. Not only am I excited about the huge numbers of kids who attended, but even more about these kids who trusted Christ. To top it off, this was truly a church-wide effort. Like "Christmas On The Corner", every ministry of the church jumped in and led a specific part of the week, and did it will all their hearts. There was a level of cooperation and togetherness that we need more of, in our church and in the family of God in general.
When it came to an end last night, and we had finished cleaning up(which was around 10pm), I stepped back, looked over the church campus, and felt both relief and sadness. Relief, because the week was over. Sadness, because the week was over. I have so many memories of the week, I think I'll always cherish this event and the lives that were reached and changed during it.
God is doing some new things at Hebron, and its an exciting time to be here.
Rob

The other day in my morning prayer and reading time, I was having difficulty staying focused- so much was swirling through my mind, weighing on my heart. The summer is here, all our big events are now staring me in the face- will we be ready? I've got a million things to do...
I thought of my girls- it seems we have so little time to talk these days, much less about spiritual things. I feel I have no spiritual influence with them anymore. Will they walk with God through high school and now college? Or will they walk away? I worry so often...
I set everything down, closed my eyes, and just prayed, "Father, what do You have for me today? What do I need to hear from You? What do I need from You?"
After a moment, He spoke very clearly into my heart:
"Peace"
"Yes Father, That's exactly what I need. Peace. I've had none lately. Teach me about Your peace, enable me to walk in Your peace."
The next morning, He wasn't through with me. I felt a leading to look up some Bible verses about peace, and soon found myself in Philippians 4:6-7,
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petitions with thanksgiving make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
Wow- That is exactly what I've been needing. I spend my time worrying over things in my family, my work, my life, our world...I have not had peace. If I'll spend more time talking to God about it all, less time fretting, He will give an indescribable peace, which will guard my heart and mind.
Peace of mind & heart- I need it, only He can give it.
Rob

This past Saturday, Ansley graduated from high school. Its been an exciting, crazy, emotion-filled weekend. As we watched her walk forward, heard her name called, and she received her diploma, my mind went back 13 years to her first day of kindergarten. I recall taking her picture as she prepared to hop in the van with Lisa, and head off to her 1st day of school. I remember thinking about all the years ahead for her, and now I sat there, 13 years later, watching those years come to a close. A chapter of her life is closing, and a new one is about to be written. As it is for our family, as well. I sat there, watching her from afar, full of pride, nostalgia, and even a little sadness. She is preparing to enter college, young adulthood, and the wide world before her. She's not a little girl anymore...and yet, she'll always be my little girl. I sat there praying for her, wondering if we had done enough over the years, hoping she will remember all we had tried to instill in her life, and God reminded me, "She will. I gave her to you, you committed her back to Me as a child, and she's in My hands."
Her future is bright- she is brilliant, beautiful, and motivated. And she is God's. I am grateful to be her earthly father. And she will always be my little girl.
Rob

I've been really feeling my age lately, and I don't like it. Since 2008 began, I've had one thing after another go wrong physically, it seems. Abdominal pains and sickness the first few months, neck and upper back problems that have caused fever headaches and migraines, physical therapy now for degenerative disks that have been discovered in my neck, and now I'm getting bronchitis! I just can't win.
I was hospital visiting last week, and on 2 different occasions patients told me, "You have teenage daughters? You don't look older than 24!" Although I was flattered by their compliments, I felt like saying, "Yeah? But I feel like 64."
Not only that, my motorcycle is over 10 years old, and has over 33k miles on it. Things are starting to break down with it as well- ignition switch went out, front fork is leaking (that's a big job), lights are not working right, all the fluids, filters, and plugs need replacing....I'm feeling a kinship with this old bike.
God has used all this to remind me how fleeting & fragile things of this life are. Health is short-lived, and all things begin to break down over time. But its good to know that God will make all things new for us one day. I'll get a new body- with "unlimited miles, unlimited warranty". The older I get, I more I place my hope in this promise-
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." 2 Corinthians 4:16
Rich Mullins called it, "Growing Young." That's what I want for my heart in Christ, even as the outward man eventually fails.
Rob

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to attend a high school class reunion/cookout, back in Fayette. It was actually a combination of classes, namely '81 (my year), '82 and '83. I rode down and met my life-long friend Lyle, and we rode out to the location together. It was a great night of seeing and catching up with old friends. I'm always amazed at the stories I hear, of the things that have happened in so many lives since our last reunion. Some are on their 2nd or even 3rd marriage, acting excited and hopeful for better days ahead. Some who married right out of high school, whom no one thought would ever make it, have actually defied the odds and stayed together and stayed in love across the years. That was a very encouraging thing to see. So many of us have kids that are now graduating, and we wonder, "Wow- are we really getting that old??" Some that I didn't know too well in school I've come to know better, like the captain of the cheerleading squad who along with raising 3 kids of her own, has adopted the 2 children of her drug addict brother. As she told me about it all, I saw the pain and sadness in her eyes, yet I marvelled at the courage and determination she possessed, to raise and love those kids as her very own. I hugged her and said, "You are doing an amazing, honorable thing. God's going to bless you for that." So many stories in so many lives, it was really too short a time to spend with them all. Lyle and I just walked among them, listening to their lives and giving encouragment to these classmates we loved so much.
I left with a heavy heart, wishing I could spend so much more time with so many of them. These were the people I grew up with, and though we have gone our separate ways, we will always have a deep connection to each other. And if God can continue to use me to speak His love into their lives, I hope I'll always be ready and available. I look forward to the next time we are all together again.
Rob

Last week I took a few days off to spend with my wife & girls, and with my parents at their lake house. Great place to relax and unwind. In fact the ride down there, through the farm & dairy country, is as pleasant as the destination!
I rode my motorcycle down, praying and worshipping God, as I often do while riding. About halfway there, I just asked God, "Father, what would you speak to my heart about? What would you teach me out here?" What ensued was a heart conversation with God that was both simple and profound.
What He brought to my mind was obedience. I prayed, "Why do we often not like the concept of obeying You? We want to focus on Your love, Your grace, enjoying Your blessings in our lives...Yet our rebellious nature wants to resist obedience sometimes. I know you're not some cosmic dictator, demanding our fearful allegience. Why obedience?"
Then He spoke into my heart- "Why do you want your children to obey you?"
I thought, then replied, "Because I love them, and want what's best for them."
"Go on," He whispered.
"Well, I also want to keep them from harm, from danger."
He pressed me further. "What else?"
"I want them to grow into responsible, mature, caring adults," I said.
"Anything else?" God spoke.
"Yes, actually. I want us to live and love in harmony under our roof. To really be a close, loving family," I said.
God then spoke to my heart, "If you desire all these things for your girls, how much more do you think I desire these for all My children? Those are also My motivations for your obedience."
I reflected on that the rest of the week- not only on this simple yet amazing conversation with the Father, but on the real meaning and purpose of obedience. It boils down to love- God's motivation in all His dealings with us. And I love Him all the more for it.
"You must live as obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God chose you to be holy. For the Scriptures say, 'You must be holy, because I am holy.'" 1 Peter 1:14-16
Rob

Yesterday I read a verse in the Bible that rocked me, and I've been stunned by it even today. I was reading Genesis 2-3 for a project here, when a little verse grabbed me like never before-
(3:21) And the LORD God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife.
A simple verse, I've read it hundreds of times over the years. And I know the meaning of it- a sacrifice was made to pay for their sin, etc. I know all that.
This time, though, God struck me emotionally with it. If you read back in ch.2, you see that Adam got to name all the animals- he cared for them, and knew them all, like household pets. Now, the Bible doesn't say how long Adam & Eve were there before they sinned- it could have been days, months, years, even decades. No one knows. But Adam knew all these animals, and I'm sure he loved them, like we love those critters in our own lives.
After they sinned, and that perfect communion with God was broken, this verse says that God, who created the first life, then took the first life- an innocent animal. One He had made. One Adam had named. One Adam knew. Now, because of their sin, this animal was slain, and they were clothed with this dead animal's skin. I can't imagine the shock, horror, and despair Adam & Eve experienced in that moment- seeing all this take place before their eyes, through their cries & sobs. This animal they knew and loved, taking their punishment, covering their shame.
To me that would be like, as a child, had I done something terribly bad, my father taking my dog, slaying him in front of me, and saying, "This is your fault. He's taking your punishment." That's a horrific thought for any of us, yet that's exactly what God did.
I choke up just thinking about this- the grief of that moment for Adam & Eve, and the realization of the gravity of their sin, that God should do this.
They were expelled from the Garden, and from their perfect environment for intimacy with God.
Then I think about what God did to restore us to Himself, in sending His own Son, Jesus Christ, to be the sacrifice for our sins, to clothe us again in the righteousness of God. I imagine the shock, horror, and despair of the Father, and all Heaven with Him, as Jesus was mutilated and brutalized and crucified, for our sins. Seeing all this take place before the eyes of Heaven- The Son they all knew and loved, taking the punishment of our sin, covering our shame.
And now, through Jesus Christ, whom God joyfully raised from the dead, we too can be restored to intimacy with God, and a new perfect environment one day to come...
"just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the the one Man the many will be made righteous." Romans 5:19
Rob

Ongoing saga of our latest family member, Dexter (see Nov. 2007)-
Dexter was recently hit by a car, which left him with a fractured hip and shattered right leg. He spent a week and a half at the animal hospital, where they had to remove his right leg, as it was beyond repair. They said his fractured hip would heal on its own.
We brought him home, and he has been slowly starting to get around more, as he heals up. We keep him in our den, and take him out several times a day for "potty breaks" and just to get some fresh air.
So here we are, with a dog who adopted us in the last year, and now he's a "tripod", with 3 legs and a healing hip. I often wonder what purpose God has in bringing Dexter to us, esp. now that he's disabled. Lisa said, "He must be meant to teach us something, or bless us in some way."
The little saga continues...
Rob

This was a very unusual Easter weekend for my family. Ansley had her wisdom teeth removed (all 4) on Friday, and has been pretty much incapacitated all weekend, and Kelsey was invited to go to Disney Land with a friend, whose father (who lives out there) had let her take Kelsey along. So we did not have a typical Easter together. I had to be up at the church by 7am to set up numerous things, and it was a crazy, 100mph morning, with many visitors and seasonal attenders. I was exhausted when I got home, around 1pm. Lisa & I ate a small lunch, I took a much-needed nap, and that was my Easter...
And yet, there was a brief moment, very early in the morning, when I felt the Spirit of Easter touch my heart. Driving in, I was captured by the nearly-full moon, still hanging in the sky, shrouded in wispy clouds, opposite a beautiful, colorful sunrise peeking over the hills. In that brief moment, before the busyness of providing Easter for the day's worshippers, God touched my heart with the wonder of that amazing morning- when a grave stone was rolled away, an angel told mourners to not be afraid, that Jesus Christ was alive again. And everything changed.
The angel didn't roll the stone away to let Jesus out, but to let the world look in. "He is risen, just like He said." That's the reason I hope, the reason I love, the reason I live. For as Paul said, "If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith also is vain." 1 Corinthians 15:14
He was alive, He is alive, and because He is, I am alive. And that makes everything worth it. He is alive!
Rob

Monday & Tuesday I was at the Kennedy Space Center with Kevin & Jeremy from our church to film promotional clips for our June Vacation Bible Camp- "Amazing Space: To Eternity & Beyond!" We had made contact with the public relations director, who gave us freedom to film anywhere we wanted, that was not in restricted areas. We filmed out close to one of the shuttle launchpads, all over the visitor center, by the giant assembly hangar, the "Rocket Garden", and at the "Astronaut Hall of Fame". Two days of filming, tons of great video, and lots of fun! What an amazing place.
VBC will be the event of the year, not just the summer. We hope to reach 2000+ that week, and we are working hard to make it the best event this church has ever done. Lots to do over the next few months, but our excitement is building. Space Camp at Hebron- strap in for the adventure of the year!

I was reading my Bible this morning in Psalms, and found a great verse that I've pondered throughout the day-
Those who look to Him are radiant;
Their faces will never be covered in shame.
Psalm 34:5
As I thought on that, I was reminded of the countless number of people I've known over the miles & years who have, by unwise decisions & lifestyle choices, have covered themselves in shame. Some have lost friendships, some jobs, others their marriages & families, their reputations, even their health & lives. I've known those in ministry who destroyed everything they built by turning down a wrong road into some kind of sin. I read this phrase once-
Sin will take you farther than you wanted to go, and keep you there longer than you wanted to stay.
And yet, this verse tells me that those who look to God will be radiant, i.e. full of brightness and purity, and therefore not wind up in shame.
I hope and pray that I will always keep my face turned toward my Father, so that I may radiantly reflect His glory, and not bring shame upon myself, my family, my people, and my Lord.
Rob

Psalm 40:1-3
As I read these verses the other morning I was reminded, not only of the U2 song from this Psalm, but of the goodness of God in my own life. Think about it- He
1."inclined" i.e. turned toward me,
2.heard my cry,
3.lifted me out of the pit of destruction,
4.out of the miry clay,
5.set my feet upon a rock,
6.made my footsteps firm,
7.put a new song in my mouth....
When I think about all these, specifics in my life come to mind with virtually each one of them. I have been rescued & saved from so much. Whenever I think about how difficult, heart-breaking, unfair, and stressful life can be at times, I am reminded of two things-
1. where He has brought me from;
2. where I'd be without Him.
Verse 4 sums it all up- "How blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust,..."
I among men, am truly blessed. May I never forget it.
Rob

Today was a day of celebrations. We held our annual "N.F.L." Sunday, and we had Ellie Zellers of "We Are Marshall" with us. We showed the "final drive" scene from the film, with the end zone celebration. I love that whole scene. And when the morning was over, it was one of the best RockiTown worship mornings we've ever had. Kids & parents lingered, our worship staff wanted to stay longer, even the Zellers family didn't want to leave right away. We all savored the great spirit of the morning. Our kid's worship hours are always exciting, but today was extra special.
To top it all off, the NY Giants pulled off a miracle win in the closing 40+ seconds of the Super Bowl, against the previously undefeated NE Patriots. We enjoyed watching the tears & joy of the Giants' players at game's end.
As I told the kids this morning, moments like these hint at the greater celebration we'll experience in Heaven when we arrive. We should live our lives for the applause of Heaven, the joy of our Father & Coach. Then, when we arrive, we'll savor the celebration, not for a moment, but for all eternity. We'll know the embrace of our Savior, and we'll hear the words, "Well done...Welcome home."
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him." 2 Corinthians 2:9
Rob

2008 hasn't started very healthy for me. Over the holidays, I had a bad head & chest cold for several days. I ate too much and have been trying to diet some and get back in shape, not very successfully. And now, over the past 2 weeks, I've developed some kind of intestinal infection, leaving me feeling lousy most days. On top of all that, for months I've been struggling with a pinched nerve between my shoulder blades, giving me a fair amount of neck & shoulder pain daily. Not a great start to a new year!
It definitely seems like the older I become, the easier it is to get sick or get injuries, yet its harder to get and stay in shape and harder to eat healthy enough to feel good. Entering middle age is a pain- literally & figuratively!
I've been reading a book about the life and writings of the late Rich Mullins, whom I've written about before here. My all-time favorite musician, no doubt. In the final chapter of the book, the author shares many of Rich's thoughts on aging, death, and the life to come for followers of Christ. I was encouraged by a few lines from one of his old songs-

Live like you'll die tomorrow
Die knowing you'll live forever
Love like you'll leave tomorrow
Believing love lasts forever.

He also spoke these words-
"Remember that after we die...Christ is going to raise us up again, and somehow we'll be a body still. But we'll be different than we are now. A new body's what we get- and I've got a great one on order!"
"A little while after you're dead, you'll be rotted away anyway...Its not gonna matter if you had a few scars. It will matter if you didn't live."
I'm reminded of what Saint Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:53- "This perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality."

So as tough as it is to get older, I have the confidence that when this body wears out, a new, improved model awaits me, with an eternal warranty. And that is when life will really begin...
Rob

Haven't had a chance to write in a while, but I was reflecting on our New Years Eve fun, so I thought I'd put down some thoughts.
Every year, we get together with two old high school/church friends of mine, Lyle & Jimmy, and their wives & kids. We spend two days together, at one of our houses. We also do this in the summer when possible, but the New Years time is always a priority. Our kids are all about the same age,and they all have known each other basically from birth. Six adults, seven kids(10 when Lyle brings his niece & nephews), and two days of eating, talking, playing, and no sleep. Its one of the highlights of the holidays for me & my family.
This year, we were at Jimmy & Carla's house in Milton. They have a horse farm, and a huge beautiful house they built themselves over the past several years. Our kids all played Wii and other games the whole time, and us "old adults" talked about the past year, what 2008 might look like, and other old friends we have lost contact with. Its always interesting, and a bit sad, to think about those we no longer have any connection with, that we thought were so important to us in our younger years. And yet, the friendships that have lasted, i.e. ours, have been the ones that mattered most, and the ones we worked the hardest at. We've always been there for each other, always accepted and cared for each other, and our families have always loved each other as well. Old friendships still together, being passed on to the next generation. I think that's the best legacy friendship can leave.
I'll see my friends and their families this summer, if not sooner...
Rob