Lisa & I just returned from a trip to Charleston, SC for our 20-year wedding anniversary. Amazing she has put up with me all these years! I am extremely blessed. Anyway, we stayed at a very historic inn known as the John Rutledge House Inn, who was one of the original signers of the Constitution. Beautiful old home, built in the 1700's. We toured all over the historic district of the city, and visited Ft. Sumter, Patriots Point with WWII carrier Yorktown, destroyer Laffey, and a sub & Coast Guard ship, and took a horse-drawn carriage trip around the city, and just walked everywhere else ourselves. Too many sights to recount here. Exhausting, but worth every step. I swear, Charleston is the most beautiful city I've ever seen- and no one better to see it with than my lovely bride of 2 decades!
The days there just flew by, and yet were packed with so many memories. Much like our marriage has been, I reflected later. the past 20+ years have flown by, and seem to pass more quickly each year, as Lisa noted. And yet our times together have been packed with memories & experiences I wouldn't trade for anything in this world. I would not want to have shared life with anyone but Lisa, and I hope God grants us many more miles, years, and memories ahead as well. Like our visit to Charleston, I know there is so much more yet to see & do together. I have much to look back on, and much to look forward to!
Rob

Last week we took 39 5th graders & leaders to the Lost Sea Caves in TN. We arrived in a driving thunderstorm, lightning flashing everywhere. We ate dinner under a pavilion, waiting for the storm to subside. Thunder shook the mountainside, and I began to pray- we were already fairly wet, we had no towels to dry off, and I was afraid we would have to enter the caves wet. That meant our whole group would start our adventure wet, in the caves that are a constant 58 degrees. That was a recipe for a sick group.

I prayed, "Father, you know what can happen if we enter those caves wet. Please move this storm out before our time to enter, for the sake of these with me. In Jesus' name, amen."

The storm continued to roar for 20 more minutes, then when the time came for us to meet the guides and descend into the caverns, suddenly the rain stopped, the clouds broke up on the mountain, and we were able to enter the caves dry.

Some might think this a coincidence, but I say God answered our prayers, watching over us. We had a blast that night crawling through the caves, camping on the cavern floors, and returning to daylight the next morning. In every way, it was a memorable trip.

Rob

Friday I finished a 3-day road trip with my older daughter Ansley. We rode the motorcycle up in the mountains of North Carolina, riding on such famous roads as the Cherohala Skyway, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Scenic Highway 74, etc. We stayed at motorcycle campgrounds, and just filled our eyes and souls with the majesty and grandeur of the Smoky Mountains. We spent some time nosing through shops in Cherokee, visited the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, and mostly enjoyed some of the most beautiful roads and scenery in America.

Ansley completely soaked in the experience- she took pictures of everything, from massive clouds over high peaks, to small, colorful leaves we found on mountain trails. It enriched me watching her be so enriched by all we saw and did. She would say things like, "words can't describe this" or "pictures just can't capture this". We both felt the presence of God up in those mountains, and felt a closeness to Him and to each each other that I hope we carry with us for many years to come. I pray her heart will be always turned toward the Lord, the "Rock of our salvation", and we'll always take time to find refreshment in His mountains.

Rob

Last week was our annual Children's Camp, and it was a fantastic time! Our theme was "Breaking Free", Brent Weber was our worship leader again, and we took 240 kids and leaders back to Anderson, SC. We worshipped, had lots of fun in recreation and swimming together, enjoyed crazy game show nights and a great talent show, and grew closer to Christ as we opened His Word. What was most memorable to me was the night 17 kids came to know Jesus Christ as their Savior. It was an incredible night of worship. That night before my lesson, Brent put a single white chair center stage, with an open Bible on it, and we downed the house lights, leaving the chair bathed in the glow of one spot light. He then sat over on one side, and led quiet worship songs while 240 voices lifted praise. It was an amazing night in an amazing week.

Rob

Saturday several of my RockiTown kid's worship leaders and myself took our families up to North Carolina for a whitewater rafting trip down the Nantahala River. We got there about 10am, and spent a couple of hours bouncing around on the waves and splashing through the rapids. We had a blast! Its a rowdy enough river to have plenty of excitement, yet easy enough for younger kids to enjoy. Its been about 15+ years since I've been whitewater rafting, but we had so much much fun, it won't be another 15 years, for sure! We used River Runners Retreat, and I highly recommend them. Our guide, a young guy named Ian (pictured here with us), made it entertaining for everyone. Next time, we've decided we're going to step it up a notch- a run down the Ocoee River! Its a little tougher, not really for younger kids, but hey, we're "river rats" now!

Last night I had the opportunity to preach in a service the Spirit Riders & CMA put on with Chaplain Terry Buice, in the Gwinnett Prison. It was one of the larger services we've hosted there in some time- we had about 80 inmates attend it, and 8 men trusted in Jesus Christ. In the music, the prayer times, my sermon, and these men coming for salvation, we really felt God's presence in that prison. God is mending lives, even as they serve out their sentences.

An inmate approached me prior to the service, and gave me a necklace with a cross he had made, and wanted me to wear it as I preached, which I did. When everything was over, and all the inmates were being escorted back to their cells, he came back over to me and said, "Do you remember me? I used to go to First Baptist back when you were there." Suddenly I did remember him, and the times we had conversations over the years there. After I left and came to Hebron, he just slipped from my memory, and here he was again, after all these years, standing before me in prison. My choices had led me further into God's kingdom work, and his choices had landed him behind bars. We talked for a moment, and he asked for prayer, that God would help him walk as a man of God again when he got out. I told him I certainly would.

As illusionist Brock Gill said when he was here, "Some choices you make don't matter. Some you make are life and death..."

Rob

We finished up another year of Vacation Bible School Sunday night, with our annual VBS Family Night. It capped off a fun, loud, exciting week of great music, funny skits, and lots of kids! We had around 1700 every day, with 73 kids trusting Jesus Christ by week's end. Many said it was the best VBS ever, if not the biggest. I dreaded the weeks leading up to it, completely enjoyed it all week long, then felt sad that it was ending. God blessed all week, and we thank Him for all the ways He drew kids, parents, and leaders to Himself.

And now, Kids Camp looms ahead of us....

Rob

This past Monday- Wednesday Kelsey & I did a short "Dad & Daughter" trip up to Chattanooga, TN. We had a great time together- climbed all through Rock City, descended to Ruby Falls, visited the Tenn. Aquarium, toured Covenant College, strolled down the new Tennessee Riverwalk, and just had a great 3 days together. We needed the time together- it seems the older my girls get the busier we all are, and we often just see each other in passing. It was time well-spent.

As we left on Wed., I had made arrangements to visit Precept Ministries, right outside Chatt. This is the ministry headquarters of Kay Arthur, renown Bible teacher and writer. She has had a vast, influential ministry for decades, dating back to the late 60's. In fact, in 1974 she led my mother to Christ at a women's conference, who then pointed my dad to Christ in 1975, and I trusted Christ with Kay's help in 1979, as a 15 year old. Later, after high school, I spent a year living there, working in the ministry and sitting under Kay's teaching. She is truly my "mother in the Lord", as well as for my own mom!

I didn't think she would remember me after all the years, but when she came in, she lit up, bear-hugged me, and exclaimed, "Rob Brooks! It is so good to see you again! How many years has it been?!" We talked for about 45 minutes, just catching her up on my life, all God has done over the years and miles. Kay was very enthused to meet Kelsey, who really took to Kay immediately. She kept calling for staff members to come meet me, and some who knew me back then, still serving in the ministry there! It was an amazing time- a reunion of sorts. She wanted some pictures with us, saying she was so blessed to see me and know I was still walking with Christ, and passing on the faith to my girls and those in my ministry. She said, "Seeing you reminds of the verse, 'I have no greater joy than knowing my children are walking in the truth.' You are like one of my boys!"

I was blessed immeasureably by this lady- to see and talk with her again, introduce my daughter to her, but mostly for the faith she brought to my family so many years ago. I know the Lord and am in the ministry, in no small part due to her faithfulness to share Christ over the years. And I hope one day to enjoy seeing those I have influenced come back into my life, and see them still walking in the faith as well.

Rob

I'm flying solo as a parent this week- Lisa left Saturday for an 8-day mission trip to Iquitos, Peru. She won't be back until next Saturday. Already, I feel her absence. Ansley went to work on Sat., Kelsey had plans with some friends, so I was left alone with my thoughts. I took a ride on my motorcycle, and felt a loneliness already setting in. Today, me and the girls just hung out after church, ate, watched a movie, and now that they are in bed, I feel the loneliness again. Funny, when you are around someone a lot, or even every night after work, you don't realize how much you rely on them until they are not around. When I'm away at work, or at a conference, camp, etc., I don't feel so separated from her; I know I can call her anytime. Yet now that she is so far away and so completely inaccessable in the jungles of Peru, I feel alone, fractured, incomplete without her close by. I understand a little more of what God talks about when He says of marriage, "The two shall become one flesh"...I don't feel whole when Lisa is so far removed from me.

So I pray for her safety down there while she serves people in His name, and I pray for her safe return...

Rob

I've been reading a book called, "Plastic Jesus" by Eric Sandras, which is about how we have reduced Christianity to a comfortable, packaged, "suburbia" faith, instead of the radical, life-changing, intimate purpose and relationship with Christ it was meant to be.

One section called, "Wearing Someone Else's Shirt", got me thinking last night. The author talked about how we often wear what we think or want to define us, but all too often we are living a lie. I thought of an example from this past week. Ansley had a knee surgery Thursday, and while I was at the surgical center, one of the nurses noticed my t-shirt, a Harley-Davidson shirt from Virginia a friend once gave me. She asked me, "Like your t-shirt! Do you ride?" To which I replied, "Yes, I do." She then said, "My husband and I ride a Road King. What do you ride?" Suddenly, I was faced with a choice- Do I lie and say, "I ride a Heritage Classic" or something like that, or do I tell her the truth? She'll never know, I'll likely never see her again, and its just a small conversation. I chose to be who I was, and told her, "I ride a Yamaha Royal Star- a poor man's Harley!" She exclaimed, "What a cool bike! I have a friend who rides one of those!" I chose honesty, and I'm glad I did.

Sandras says in his book, "Christians who are living in spiritual suburbia are 'just wearing the shirt.' We often profess to be followers of Christ, but are we really following Him into what He has called us to do? Are we fulfilling our unique, God-given purpose? Its possible to say all the right words, yet never surrender our hearts and wills to God's leading. God wants us to live out our calling; He doesn't just want us to wear His shirt." (p. 52)

I want to live the life, not just wear the shirt.

Rob

Friday morning I spent about an hour talking to my mom on the phone. She was on her front porch, reading in Philippians, and reflecting on 3:8- "I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing value of knowing Jesus Christ my Lord..." Often as mom talks, she can sound like she's preaching, and speaking almost poetically as she relates something close to her heart. Over the years, its been easy for me and my brothers to simply smile and respond with, "Yeah, there goes Mom- getting all spiritual again!" But this time, I felt compelled to really listen to her. She spoke of her experiences in life, all that God has brought her through over the miles & years, and the things He has taught her and blessed her with. And yet, like the verse stated, she said she considered it all worthless in view of just knowing Christ as her Savior, Lord, and Friend.

Later in the morning, as I reflected on all she had shared, a couple of things began to occur to me. I suddenly realized, my mother is a sage- a woman of God with great wisdom and insight. The older I get, the more I want to learn from her, hear her life insights. I also began to understand how much like her I really am. Lisa pointed that out to me later in the day that, "You are so much like your mom- such a spiritual heart, seeing God in nature, loving beauty...You are definitely your momma's son!" I never thought of myself like that, but I'm actually honored by the comparison. She has such a heart for God and a deep fellowship with Him, I certainly hope to have a walk like that as I reach her years. She inspires me.

Rob

I'm sitting here reflecting on the weekend- Good Friday to Easter Sunday. I've been reading about the events of that weekend over 2000 years ago- the greatest weekend in the history of the universe. I was reading the 4 Bible accounts of that weekend, and how each writer highlighted and focused on different aspects of the events from Jesus' crucifixion to His resurrection. Taking all 4 together, one gets an incredible look at that weekend- that wild, crazy, amazing weekend. From the brutality of Jesus' final torture and execution on the hill outside the city; His final words to those around Him (including the criminals He was executed with); His final pronouncement, "It is finished"; then the sky going dark; the earthquake that shook the region; the huge, thick Temple veil ripping in half from top to bottom; graves opening up and dead guys walking around the city declaring Jesus is Lord; and a pagan Roman soldier at the foot of the cross, exclaiming, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"; the silent Saturday, followed by the most spectacular Sunday in history- a massive stone rolled aside, angels coming down, Jesus stepping out alive again, and the eye witnesses who saw Him, touched Him, talked to Him, and worshipped Him, then began to tell the world about Him. An amazing weekend, indeed!

I often wonder what it would have been like to have witnessed it all first-hand. And yet, I have been touched by it all- 2000+ years later, the events of that weekend have brought me forgiveness, hope for life beyond this one, help for living in this life, and best of all, a personal relationship & fellowship with the One it was all about anyway. So Easter is the greatest event in the history of the universe, and the certainly the greatest event in the history of my life.

Happy Easter!

Rob

Our family spent spring break in Perdido Key, Fl. The weather was amazing, especially at night- the moon was full while we were there. I went for a 10pm jog down the beach one night, as the moon was rising over the ocean. The higher it got in the night sky, the brighter it seemed to become. It was truly a moment in time, of incredible serenity. I stood on the shore at the end of my run, just worshiping God in all His silent, breathtakingly beautiful creation. I think I stood out there for about an hour, just praying and listening. I didn't want to go in. I didn't hear any profound words from God, just enjoyed fellowshiping with Him out on the shore.

He wants to touch our hearts even in the most simple pleasures and places, if we'll just seek Him & listen...

Rob

This weekend was very eventful around the Brooks house. Saturday morning the Spirit Riders took our first big ride of 2007, with 21 bikers riding beautiful back roads to Greensboro, GA.

Later in the day, Ansley & Kelsey were in the Miss Dacula Pageant at the high school. It was a long night, but in the end Kelsey won her first pageant, being crowned "Miss Freshman Dacula", and Ansley took 1st runner-up honors in "Miss Junior Dacula". A great night for the whole family- we celebrated at Waffle House at midnight! (nothing else was open...)

A long, tiring day, but a great day. A good ride on my bike with good friends, and two pageant princesses in my home. It doesn't get much better than that.

Rob

Tuesday was a "voices from the past" day for me. During its course, I heard from 6 different people from various times of my life over the past 20 or so years. Most joyful, one sad.
I heard from a young lady named Sydney, or better known to me as "Scooter", who was a much-loved teenager in a youth group I pastored back in the late 1980's. She and her husband had moved into our area in the past couple of years, in fact not far from our home, and she had "tracked down her old youth minister". We emailed several times, then she came up to the church to see me- with her cute little toddler son! We sat and talked for a long time, catching up with each other's lives over the miles and years. It was a very heart-warming time for me.
Later in the day, I got an email from an old friend named Jud from my previous church, who I haven't heard from in some years either. And yet he contacted me to inform me of the death of another friend from that church, Russ, who had died the night before. Both men had worked in my children's ministry there, and I was shocked and saddened to hear of his sudden death. I'll be conducting Russ' funeral on Thursday. Jud and I caught each other up on our families, and it was great to hear from him, even though the news about Russ was sad.
Then I got another email from a fellow children's pastor in Miss., Jack, who wanted to say "hi!" and had a couple of ministry questions for me. Jack was my associate children's pastor for a while at my prior church, and it is always good to hear from him.
Lastly, I traveled to Griffin, Ga last evening to teach a conference, and was met there by another old children's pastor friend, a guy named Tracey. He used to be in South Ga., and I did some leadership training for his people there, then spoke at a children's camp for him once. I lost contact with him for several years, then here he is, at this church I was speaking at! "Its a small world after all..."
Strange, wonderful, even a little sad, day it was. But I'm left with a Bible verse God gave me that morning, that I passed on to "Scooter"-
"The Lord your God is with you,
He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17
I experience this verse almost every day of my life- esp. on days like Tuesday.
Rob

I was reading the other day in Matthew 8, about the time a leper came to Jesus and said, "If you are willing, I know you can heal me." To which Jesus replied, "I'm willing; be healed!" And instantly, his rotting, diseased body was made new- or as my wife said, "new skin- soft as a baby's bottom!" For so many years, I just read that short exchange and moved on, kinda like, "another Jesus-healing...cool..." without really thinking much about it.

I then began to consider how amazing this really was. Leprosy was the most feared disease of the ancient world- worse than we fear AIDS today. It was considered to be highly contagious, and was so gross-looking that those who had it were banished from their communities. In fact, it was thought to be the result of something evil in the person's life, so somehow deserved. They often never felt human touch or affection the rest of their short, painful, miserable lives. How terrible.

And yet here he is, before Jesus, seeking a ray of hope, a thread of help. While everyone in the crowd shrinks back in horror, Jesus steps to him in compassion. For the first time in maybe years, he is spoken to, he is touched, and he is healed. Jesus not only did what no one else could, He did what no one else would.

I am overwhelmed by this encounter, and I am undone. How many times in my life have I passed by hurting people, not wanting to bother, or somehow "grossed-out" by their looks, their lives, their sin, etc. Yet we are called to be the "Hands & Feet" of Jesus, like the Audio Adrenaline song states. If Jesus was compassionate, I must be also. If Jesus touched people, I must also. Its time the Church, the "Body of Christ" as we are called in the Bible, really be His "Hands & Feet". And it must start with me.

Rob

Friday night we took about 160 kids and chaperones "cosmic bowling" out in Athens. We brought in a truckload of pizza & soft drinks, and we had the whole place booked out. It was a blast- just a fun-filled night spent with our kids playing and bowling the night away. Teaching our kids on Sundays and Wednesdays is always great joy, and spending time with them in just plain fun just adds to the joy. We look forward to a great year in the children's ministry in 2007.
Rob

Today we added a new family member to the Brooks household- We bought a small female ball python! She's about 18" long, is very tame and friendly, and has beautiful colors and patterns. Ansley and Kelsey already love her, Lisa is still undecided...
I had snakes growing up- a boa from 6 yrs. old until I was 22, as well as various other kinds over those years. Lisa never liked snakes, so I never had any again since we've been married. Over the past couple of years, though, I've caught numerous snakes in our yard, and several kids in the children's ministry have bought snakes, so I've regained the old interest in them. Ball pythons are perfect snake pets- they don't get very big (3-4' long), are very tame, almost never bite, and get very comfortable with people. Molly, as we named ours, hopefully will do well with us- we'll certainly do our best to give her a good home. They've been known to live over 40 years- wow, my grandkids could inherit her one day!
Like so many of God's creatures, she is beautiful, and really is a testament to His creativity. So now a new adventure begins in the Brooks home!
Rob

Today I had the extra special privilege of conducting the wedding for my youngest brother, Mark. He and Missy had been dating off and on for several years, and just a month or so past Mark's 38th birthday, they finally got married. Mark had been single all his years, but Missy had been married before, and brings two kids into the marriage. They dearly love Mark, and he loves them, and the ceremony we did included them in a special way. Missy's daughter sang the song, "God Bless the Broken Road", which was very appropriate to both- not only in the development of their relationship over the years, but also in the personal journey each has made to get to each other here. Mark has long lived away from the Lord, but in recent years has begun to come back to Christ, and Missy gave her life to Christ in the last couple of years herself. Their journey and new life now together is all living proof of God's faithfulness, when we love and live for Him. He truly "causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, and are called according to His purposes." Romans 8:28
Rob

Over the Christmas weekend, we experienced a painful loss in the children's ministry. Floyd Hodges, aka "Prof. Gadget", died of complications from something similar to pneumonia. Floyd's wife died suddenly from cancer back in July, and Floyd became ill not long after that, and never recovered. I've known Floyd ever since I came to Hebron, and he has served as our "Time Machine" professor, a Sunday School teacher, bus driver, VBS leader, etc. He was a long-standing, loved leader in our children's ministry, and a good personal friend. What is also sad about his passing is that his and Cindy's daughter has lost both parents, and within 6 months. My heart breaks, not only for losing a friend, but for a young girl who has lost both parents. That is most sad to me.
Rob

I was thinking today about the tremendous, life-changing experience the birth of Christ was to His earthly dad, Joseph. Here he is, a simple construction worker in Nazareth, getting ready for his upcoming marriage to his bride-to-be, Mary. Nothing extraordinary about him- just a regular, working class guy. Then he finds out his fiancé is pregnant, obviously NOT by him! I can’t imagine the horror, shock, anger, fear, and sorrow he must have felt. But being a good guy, he was just planning to break everything off quietly, try to pick up the pieces and get on with his life- until the night an angel came to him, with some incredible news…
I found that, in the book of Matthew, an angel spoke to Joseph a total of 4 times, from the first revelation that Mary was carrying the Messiah, to the final word that it was safe to go back home from Egypt. No matter what his circumstances looked like, no matter what anyone might have thought, no matter how crazy it all seemed- Joseph trusted and followed God, and reaped the blessing of helping raise up God in human skin.

Imagine- those rough, calloused hands cradling Divinity; those worn-down fingernails tickling holy infant toes and nose; those thick arms playfully wrestling with the toddler God; stopping the cart, because his 10-year old son, who also happens to be the Lord of all the universe, wants to ride to the supply store with him. It must have been amazing almost every day to think that, “this cute little kid running around my house is the Lord God Almighty in human skin. And I’m teaching Him to fish and play ball and swing a hammer without smashing His fingers.” Wow.

We don’t hear anymore about Joseph after Jesus turned 12. All we know about him we find in the first few chapters of Matthew and Luke. But I know one thing- he was a man blessed by God, no doubt. And I look forward to meeting him someday, and hearing his stories about being “dad” to the Son of God. I’m sure he has some incredible stories to tell…
Rob

I've been watching a Christmas special on tv with the Brookyn Tabernacle Choir. This choir has been raising praise to Christ for over 30 years, and itself is an amazing story. It is made up of people from all walks of life- executives and janitors, business owners and construction workers, waitresses and immigrants, "red & yellow, black & white". There are also many former drug addicts, prostitutes, and criminals- all changed by Jesus Christ, and living for Him. As I see the incredible diversity of this choir, and the whole church they represent, I am reminded of what the Bible says about the Kingdom of God- "from every tribe and language and people and nation." Rev.5:9
Christ came into this world to show us the Father's love, and bring us back to Him. And when He comes back, eternity will be filled with the praises of those who have "loved His appearing." If viewing that choir is any hint, it will be nothing short of fantastic!
Rob

I took my family to see the new film, "The Nativity Story" Sunday night. What a fantastic movie! It accurately and vividly portrays the birth of Jesus accounts of both Matthew and Luke, making the pages come alive on the screen. I loved it- during parts of the film I was so caught up in the story I choked up as "the greatest story ever told" came to life in front of my eyes. So often, we think of the birth of our Savior only in terms of our porcelin nativity scenes and "baby Jesus" pictures & ornaments. This film puts the human faces on the most beloved birth in history, telling their story in such an amazing way. This story is our story, the reason for our faith and hope. This is a must-see for Christmas, for the whole family.
Rob

Thanksgiving this past week was a special time for us. We spent Wednesday down in Fayette with Lisa's side of the family, then hosted Thanksgiving day at our house. Lisa's parents came back up for it, as did my mom & dad, and several family friends, including our own Mr. Mitch from RockiTown. We had a full house, with TONS of food! We ate, ate, & ate, then watched some football (naturally), before some folks had to head for home. Later on, several of us loaded up and went to Dave & Busters, blowing some $ on video games and stuff. In all, we had a lively, food-filled, great time with family & friends. I am so thankful to my Father for His many, many gifts in my life, especially for the people that mean so much to me. Possessions & things come and go in our lives, but the relationships are what stand the test of time, especially when they are founded in Jesus Christ- that means we will have each other forever. And for that, I am most thankful.
Rob

I spent the day today raking and blowing leaves. We have lots of trees on our property, a mix of pine and various hardwoods. Across the fall, the hardwoods display brilliant colors of every variety. Its spectacular! Yet ultimately, these colors fade and fall- leaving wrinkled, rotting piles all around. So after the beautiful colors comes the long cleanup- blowing, raking, piling, burning. Its kind of depressing, actually- the colors are gone, and there's nothing anyone can do about it. And yet I know there are things that will never fade- God's Word, His love, His presence, His gifts in my life. And I know the things to come will never fade, fall, or decay. I know my Heavenly Father will fill and fulfill all our heart's desires and longings in His time, in His way.
Winter's coming, but it won't last, either. So I'll "rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him."
Rob
"The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of the Lord endures forever." 1 Peter 1:24

Today I took a ride with several Spirit Riders friends out to Comer, Ga., to the Watson Mill Bridge. This is one of the oldest covered bridges in the state, and was featured in the movie, "The Bridges of Madison County." It was built in the late 1800's, and was restored about 30 years ago. I always enjoy historical places, and this bridge trip was very enjoyable. With the leaves falling off the trees, and the weather getting colder, its time to get out and enjoy the sights and sounds while you can.
Rob

As You Vote- Count the Cost
As Americans go to the polls this Tuesday, we have much to consider. We must decide what kind of America we want to leave for our children.
We face a global threat unlike any we have ever faced before. How we respond to this threat may well determine our future. There are radicals in the world who hate us deeply, and want to conquer or destroy us. They do not want to dialogue with us- they want to destroy us.
So, what will our policy be? How will we respond long-term? Will we be led by those who believe America is at fault, that we must somehow appease and make amends, that our own soldiers are war-mongers and imbeciles? Will we grant leadership to those who would have us pull out of the battlefields we are on, abandoning our ideals and those we fight alongside? Or will we see that our lives & freedoms are worth fighting for, no matter the cost or duration?
What if, in WWII, we had pulled out of Normandy after D-Day, following the thousands of casualties of the first few days? Or if we had withdrawn from Luzon, Iwo Jima, or Okinawa, with the tens of thousands of casualties in those battles alone? What would a world have looked like under the rule of Nazism, Fascism, & Imperialism? Now, what would a world look like cowering under the fear of radical Islam & terrorism? Do we want a world under the influence of "Sharia"? There are those in the world that do...
So- who should lead us- those who say the cost is too high, the cause wrong, and that we are "stuck in Iraq"? Or will we be led by those who hold the conviction that we must "stay the course", no matter the cost?
I say we are fighting for our lives against those who would take it, and I say its better to fight the enemy in his back yard, rather than our back yards.
Some things to think about. Now go vote.
Rob

I love the colors of fall. I'm amazed and dazzled every year by the incredible display of hues in creation. From bright yellows, to neon oranges, and rich reds, no artist ever painted with more vivid colors. As far as the beauty you can see in creation, I think I enjoy the fall more than the spring. There are even flowers blooming in the fall, adding to the brilliance! Over the past couple of weekends, I've ridden my motorcycle on short trips around North Georgia, and have been awed by the colors everywhere- God's ever-changing canvas on the mountains, hills, fields, and the sky. As the late songwriter Rich Mullins penned, "There's so much beauty around us, for just two eyes to see; but everywhere I go, I'm looking..."
I believe Heaven's beauty will truly be beyond our comprehension. I believe God's heavens and earth will be perfected and free from death, decay, and disruption. I can't say this for sure, but I believe the new earth will display all the colors of spring, summer and fall, altogether. Imagine for instance- a cherry blossom tree with its white flowers out, and its leaves fully orange, at the same time! In fact, all the flowering trees and plants, in full bloom and full fall color, set against the greens of evergreens, and the bluest skies ever seen- forever.
I'm just imagining, as I sit here and gaze out my front porch window...
"According to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells." 2 Peter 3:13
Rob

Last weekend I got to participate in something that was a huge honor for me. Hebron hosted the funeral for Lance Cpl. Stephen Johnson, the soldier I talked about in my last blog. The Spirit Riders motorcycle group was invited to participate in the funeral procession, along with members of CMA and a group called the Patriot Guard Riders. These bikers are a group from across America that attend the funerals of fallen soldiers, to honor them with color guards, and to insure any protestors don't show up and get close enough to disturb and disrespect the family.
We rode at the beginning of the funeral procession to the cemetary, and provided flags at both the church and the cemetary. This was a great honor for all of us involved, and humbling to have been invited by the family to participate. Whatever anyone may feel about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, our young men and women are there fighting terror for us and the people of those countries, so we won't have to fight them here in our own backyard. For that, we owe Stephen Johnson and all our armed forces a debt of gratitude.
Rob

This weekend I was the on-call pastor, taking emergency calls from our people in need. I got a call Saturday from a new family in our church, trying to reach a pastor for prayer. Their son was serving in Iraq with the Marines, and his company had been attacked by enemy insurgents. His Humvee had been blown up, and he had been blown out of the top of it. The family here had been told he was MIA- missing in action. They did not know where he was, and after 14+ hours had no clue what had happened to him. The company had been attacked near a water canal, and some thought he had been blown into the water, but there was no trace of him. I took their call, and went to their house, praying with the family and spending time with them. The worry, the not-knowing, all caused a lot of fear and stress. I tried to bring as much hope & comfort as I could.
Today, they got the word that their son had been found, and he was dead. I went back over there this evening, spending more time comforting and helping any way I could. They were grieved at the news of his death, but relieved to finally know what had happened. Their soldier son was a believer in Jesus, really living his faith, and the family took great comfort in that. The days and weeks to come will be difficult, but they know God knows and feels their hurt, and will be near to them in this time. They also know they will see their son again, as we all will see the Son, never to be saddened by separation again. That brings me great hope as well.
"We do not grieve as those who have no hope..."
Rob

October 1st was a day of real worship for me. I woke to a beautiful morning, and thanked my Father in Heaven for its quiet splendor. At church, the worship in our RockiTown kid's church was amazing- kids singing out loud with all their voice & heart, spontaneously standing, raising hands, closing their eyes, etc. We could feel the presence & pleasure of God in that room, both hours. I enjoyed an afternoon with Lisa, talking and swinging on the porch, as our girls were off with friends. It was satisfying, intimate fellowship and conversation. At the evening service, a group called "Praise in Motion" led us in worship through ballet set to praise music. It was captivating. Young women dancing their worship of God was a beautiful sight, and our hearts were caught up the moment. Women are so exploited in our society, yet this was their beauty as God intended it to be seen. On the way home, I saw a colorful sunset, painted across the sky as with brushstrokes, and I worshipped as I rode.
Worship is so much more than standing and singing some songs out of a book, or listening to someone else sing, "Amazing Grace." Real worship is our response to the presence of God, and flows freely from us when we open ourselves to experience Him. That is often out in His creation for me- and yet today it was with His people, in two different settings. It was an extraordinary day.
Rob

Wednesday I took the day off to do something with my parents & brothers that we never have done before- we all went for a motorcycle ride! One of my brothers flew in from TX, the other came up from Locust Grove, and they both rented bikes, then we all went for a day of riding together. We rode through towns all around Lake Oconee where my parents live, and it was an incredible time. We also stopped in Rutledge for lunch together, just the "original Brooks 5", another thing we haven't done since we were all back in school.
Yet as our day came to a close, it all ended on a sour note. I had left for my home, and my dad, mom, and brothers rode the rentals back. Mark took one bike, Rick the other, and on the way there, my dad got to ride Rick's rental some. Not far down the road, in a tight corner, my dad lost control of the big bike, went into the dirt/pinestraw in the corner, and slid out, himself flying off the bike. He sustained 5 rib fractures, 3 pelvic fractures, and ended up at Atlanta Medical Center. Amazingly, upon x-ray, his bones had all reconnected, and everything was where it was supposed to be! By Thursday p.m., the docs sent him home, saying, "There's nothing we can do for you here that you can't do for yourself- Go home!" Today, he is sore & stiff, but getting around pretty good. I told him he's like an old wild turkey- wrinkly, stubborn, and tough. He even plans to get back on and ride again in a few weeks- in his OWN bike, thankfully!
I'm blessed with great families- both in the one I was born into, and the one I nurture now.
Rob

I just got back from a 4-day road trip with my dad. We rode our bikes up into N. Carolina to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and rode it, the Cherohala Skyway, the Foothills Parkway, and famed "Tail of the Dragon", US 129, among other roads in NC, TN & N. Ga. Four days of fun riding, breathtaking mountains & valleys, and great fellowship with my father, and our Father. Riding up there in the higher elevations of the Smoky Mountains is both awe-inspiring and dangerous. A fellow biker wiped out up on the Blue Ridge, right after this picture was made, and we were the first to come up on him and help. The sights we saw, the experiences we had, and fellowship we enjoyed made it among the most memorable times of my life. We both found a deeper friendship as father and son, and found a deeper worship and intimacy with our Heavenly Father, up there on those roads, among those mountains. The sad part is always when the journey ends, and you must come back to civilization (such as it is!). And yet I know, from the very heart of God, that a day will come when the adventure will never end, the discoveries will never cease, the fellowship will never be broken, and the beauty will be eternal & unblemished. For then, as Tolkien wrote, "The road goes ever on..."
"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, what God has prepared for those who love Him..." 1 Corinthians 2:9
Rob
p.s. Check out some of our ride pics- http://spiritriders.net/v-web/gallery/

Yesterday I turned 43 years old (young). I had spent the morning riding my bike and meeting my parents for lunch, and when my girls got home from school, they said they each wanted to take me out for my birthday present. I went to the mall with Anlsey, then to a motorcycle shop with Kelsey. I had two great "daddy & daughter" times, in the same day! When Kels and I got back to the house, we walked in and "SURPRISE!!!" a bunch of the RockiTown leaders and families shocked me nearly to death with a birthday party! I nearly had a heart attack! Totally caught me by surprise. I'll post some pics as soon as some of them send me a few. Anyway, we ate, talked, laughed together on into the evening. What a great time it was. The older I get, the less I expect big things for birthdays (you want to forget them, if possible!), but the more I look forward to times with family and good friends. And these folks are among my very closest friends. I'm thankful for family and friends in the Lord- we'll always have each other in Him!
Rob

This past week Lisa & I spent our 19th wedding anniversary in Perdido Key, Florida. We had some much-needed alone time, and we got to do some fun things down there as well. We ate at several local favorite restaurants, took long walks down the beach, and visited the nearby Pensacola Naval Air Museum. That was a fascinating trip! We also found the Pensacola Lighthouse, the first one built on the Gulf Coast. It is 150 ft. high, and 175 steps to the top! The weather for our time was warm and mostly sunny, and we completely enjoyed being away from the busyness of our daily lives. I think the older I get, and the longer Lisa & I are together, the more I deeply love her, and the more I want to do things together with her. The girls are everything to us, but we know one day soon they will go on to make their own lives. When they do, we want to make sure we don't have to get reacquainted, that we can spend the rest of our lives enjoying the years together.

This past Sunday we did a special promotion for our 5th graders before they move up to middle school this week. We had a gameshow for all of them to be contestants in, they selected all the music, and we showed funny video highlights they wanted to see from the past several years. I challenged them to have courage, make wise choices, and follow Christ, based on the story of Paul's nephew in Acts 23. I gave them an equation for life, to sum up what we hoped for them-

Live what you learn + Do the right thing = God's blessings

Good code to live by- so few Christians today learn (much less live) God's Word, so few make wise choices based on His Word, and yet they all want God's blessings. We told the kids that God honors those who honor Him. That's a truth all of God's "children" need to heed.
Rob

This past weekend one of our well-known children's leaders lost his wife to cancer. She had only been diagnosed with it back the end of June, and now she was gone. The shock and sadness of a loss so sudden and unexpected was hard to comprehend. I was thinking about it today, because so far in my life, I've not lost anyone really close to me. It was sad when each of my grandparents died, but I was not extremely close to any of them, since they had lived far away most of my life. When I think about my own parents aging, and about getting older myself, I find myself thinking about Heaven and eternity more. Its hard for us to imagine it, since all we know is this life, this place. I can't imagine the pain it will be when my parents pass on, or if my wife, girls, brothers, or close friends were to die. But we live in this life for only a short while, then God promises us a place of no tears, no goodbyes, no ending. The older I get, the more I find comfort in that, though I can't completely comprehend it yet.
No more death, no more goodbyes, no more funerals- How I long for that day!
"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes,..." Revelation 7:17
Rob

We got back today from an overnight caving trip with a group of our graduated 5th graders. We took them up to Sweetwater, TN to the Lost Sea Caverns. We arrived for supper and then the standard "tourist" tour- a view of the special formations, the walking tour, and the glass-bottom boat ride on the underground lake. Then we got "The Wild Tour"- with guides, we climbed, crawled, and squeezed our way through undeveloped parts of the caverns over about 2 hours. It was a blast! We got dirty, tired, and were definitely cured of any claustrophobia we may have had! We then camped out in the caverns, and left after breakfast this morning. The whole trip was a great time to spend with our 5th graders before they move up to middle school in a couple of weeks. We also spent some time talking about things they will face in their teen years, and how to keep anchored to Christ. I pray that the kids coming up and through our kid's ministry will "live what they learned", and always remember the times we have shared together.
Rob

I'm writing this from Kid's Camp, up in Anderson, SC. We finished our final night here, and its been an amazing week! We carried 378 kids & leaders here, and have enjoyed awesome, fun worship with Brent Weber, crazy daily comedy skits with our teen intern team, great water games with our Rec. staff, lots of swimming at the city water park, and good Bible studies on the "Armor of God". Tonight, we shared the Gospel of salvation with the camp, and had 27 kids want to trust Jesus Christ! Then we had a celebration talent show, and it was so much fun watching our kids cheer each other on. Truly, its been one of those times that, even as an adult you find yourself thinking, "I would love to just stay in this moment, feel this love & joy, enjoy this family-feel, forever." And we will, one day in Heaven. This has definitely been a little taste of what's to come. I'm drinking this up, looking forward to the day we'll never "put the cup down".
Rob

4th of July weekend was a great time for me and my family. My brother, Rick, came from Texas with his family, and my youngest brother, Mark, was there all weekend, as well. It had been several years since our whole family was together at one time- we had not even been able to get together on major holidays in at least 3 years, maybe longer! We all spent Sunday through Tuesday together- my family, Rick's family, Mark, and my Mom & Dad. It was refreshing to be all together again. As kids, my brothers and I fought constantly; now, we look forward to times we can be together. Its funny- I'm the oldest, but I'm often mistaken as the youngest! I'm the shortest, have the most hair, and the least gray. I certainly enjoy that, and rub it in with them when I can!
Its always good to get together with those who mean alot to you, yet always sad to say goodbye. I look forward to the day, in Heaven, when ALL those we have loved, those who have followed Christ, will celebrate together, and never say goodbye. What a reunion that will be....
Rob

I was reading in Psalms the other morning, and found myself in Psalm 42. It begins with the following- "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God?"
I got thinking about that, how David hungered and thirsted for fellowship with the living Lord. We often "thirst" for so many other things- recognition, material things, relationships, etc. Yet Jesus says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." I often chase after the wrong things, and thirst for things that won't really satisfy my soul. David had it right- those who thirst for God, who really devote their lives to knowing, loving, and living for Him, they will be deeply and eternally satisfied. That's where I want to find my thirst quenched, as well.
Rob

We just finished a week of Vacation Bible School, and it was a blast! We did a western theme called "Treasure Canyon", sharing with kids the real treasure of knowing Jesus Christ as one's Savior and Lord, and living for Heaven with Him, where the real treasure is. We had over 1700 attend every day, and saw 101 kids come to Jesus Christ. A lot of people made this incredible week happen, and I'm amazed at how our folks pour themselves heart and soul into this every year. It takes so much work to get ready for, and it is so much fun all week, its almost sad when it over! Oh well, Camp is up next, and that's always a big time, too!
Rob

This weekend I had a most amazing, memorable experience. I got to perform a wedding renewal ceremony of my good friends, Tommy & Tracy. They have been through much difficulty over the last few years, and I have been privileged to be there to help, encourage, and support them through it all. As Tracy wanted to surprise Tommy with this ceremony on their anniversary, I was overwhelmed with the tremendous honor to be asked to perform it. As they stood before each other, and their girls stood with them, I thought about everything that brought all of us to this point. I thought, "Of all the places I could be, and of all the things I could have done with my life- I wouldn't trade being here with them today for anything in the world." So often ministry is hard, thankless work, but when you really get involved with people and live life together, its very humbling and rewarding to be there in the important, memorable times in their lives. I love what I do- moments like that with Tommy & Tracy, and times like RockiTown, VBS, camps, etc., make the difficulties of ministry worth it all.
Rob

A couple of mornings ago I was reading Psalm 15. King David asks the question, "Lord, who may live in your tent, and who maydwell on your holy hill?" In other words, who can live in close fellowship with God, and who can live in Heaven with Him? He then lists qualities that are acceptable to God:
A walk of integrity & honor- v.2
acts of righteousness- v.2
truthful speech- v.2
doesn't bad mouth others- v.3
doesn't do harm to others- v.3
doesn't pick up and hold a grudge against a friend- v.3
despises perverts- v.4
respects & looks up to those who follow the Lord- v.4
keeps his word, even if it hurts- v.4
doesn't lend to others with interest- v.5
doesn't take bribes against others- v.5

This sounds like a good creed to live by. If more of us lived by these, we would make a greater difference in the world.
Rob

Last Sunday in RockiTown (our children's church), we talked about Heaven- how long is eternity, what will it be like, etc. I asked the kids to imagine two things- picture the most beautiful place they have ever seen in their young lives, and the most wonderful experience they have had in their life so far. Those are times we wish time would just stand still, and we could stay in them forever. Then I said that is a taste of Heaven- where "All good things will never come to an end!"
I picture Heaven as everything beautiful and breathtaking in this life, multiplied a thousand times over- all the beauty of spring & fall, sunrise & sunset, mountains & tropics, etc., all at once, forever. All those we have ever loved, and all those we have ever read or heard about, who knew Jesus Christ and loved the Father, all together for the ultimate family reunion, never to say goodbye again. And best of all- the visible, personal presence of God, always and forever.
With all the struggles and trials of this life, its a wonderful thing to look forward to, and to get a little taste of here, from time to time.
"Eye has not seen, nor ear has heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, what God has in store for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9
Rob

Friday night I had a very special honor conferred upon me. First Baptist Snellville was hosting a banquet for their graduating seniors, and each had been given the opportunity to invite those who had been an important spiritual influence in their lives. Each one that had grown up at the church had named me, their old children's pastor. When the invitation had come to me a week before, I was amazed and humbled. I have been gone from Snellville for almost 7 years, and they still remembered the impact I had made in their lives, and wanted me there for their special night. And what a special night it was! Some I recognized, others had to jog my memory a little, but all remembered me. One after the other came to me, recounting memories of their years in my children's ministry, sharing laughs and smiles together, and thanking me for leading them to love God and live for Him. Many came to know Christ while in the children's ministry, I baptized most of them, saw them begin to grow in their walks with Christ. Ansley my oldest daughter came with me, and many remembered her as a child there too. I saw parents, old Sunday School teachers, former staff members, even graduates from previous years who came back for the night as well. They publicly recognized me, I was in the slide show, and even got to pray over a group of them as the night ended.
To be remembered like that, and after so many years, was an indescribable experience for me. I was so honored to be there, and honored to have been used by our Father to help shape their lives for Him. I don't do what I do for any earthly recognition or reward, but that night blessed me beyond measure. I hope to continue to live my life and minister in Christ's name, and experience events like this for the rest of my years- and one day, hear my Father say, "Well done."
"I thank my God in my every rememberance of you,..." Philippians 1:3
Rob

Over the weekend I watched the movie, "Kingdom of Heaven", about the crusades of the 1100's and the battle for Jerusalem between the European Crusaders and the Muslim armies of Saladin. Although I don't entirely endorse the movie, I was fascinated by the "Knight's Oath" that Godfrey (played by Liam Neeson) gives to his son Balian (Orlando Bloom), before he dies. Here it is-
"Be without fear in the face of your enemies;
Be brave and upright, that God may love thee;
Speak the truth, always, even if it leads to your death;
Safeguard the helpless;
And do no wrong.
That is your oath."
Although we know that God loves us whether we are brave or not, this oath is amazing. It is a call to live with honor, to be a man (or woman) of true character, and to be selfless and compassionate. Not qualities often promoted in our world today. Yet that is how I want to conduct my life, how I want to be known and remembered. Not for any lasting glory or legacy for me, but to honor Christ, who was and is all these qualities. He is reason enough.
Rob