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