One of my daughters told me the other evening that she didn't feel close to God anymore- she said she didn't think He was hearing her prayers, didn't think about her, didn't love her anymore. After we discussed all the Bible verses that talked about the "everlasting love of God", how "He is never far from any of us," how "His thoughts toward us number more than the sand on the seashore," etc., I asked her how long she had felt that way. She told me, "About a month, I guess." I told her, "Since the Bible says 'He is the same yesterday, today, and forever,' who do you think has moved maybe, you or Him?" She said, "Maybe I have,...I haven't been reading or praying much lately." I told her its easy for any of us to lose touch with our Father, and let all the noise, busyness, and cares of this life drown out His "still, small voice." He will not shout over the stuff that we often let cloud & crowd Him out, but He is always quietly calling to us- from His Word the Bible, in the words of others who love God, in music, in art, in nature's beauty, in the quiet of our own hearts- all if we stop and pay attention. Now more than ever, we need to "Learn To Be Still", like the old Don Henley song. I know I need that. In fact, God said that in His Word- "Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
Rob

I have always been a huge fan of the music of the late Rich Mullins, who was killed in an auto accident back in 1997. I recently began listening to his music again, after several years. His band, The Ragamuffins, carried on for 2 more albums following his death, and I have those collections as well. There was always something about Rich's music that took me to another place, lifted my head above the clouds, and helped me experience God in the world around me. I remember that I cried when I heard of his death- it was like I lost a close friend, his music had so connected with me. It still does.
I can't really explain it, but when I listen to Rich's music, or the music of Johnny Cash in his final years, I have this aching in my soul- I don't know if its a lingering sadness over their passing, or if their music brings out a longing in my heart for the home they sang so much about. They both sang songs of home, i.e. Heaven, and yearned for the peace of the Father's eternal presence. I think the older I get, the more I long for that "home in a country I've never seen" myself. I believe its a longing God puts deep inside all of His children, the knowledge that there is more than just the stuff of earth- there are the "winds of Heaven," as Rich so often sang about. And one day, I'll stand in those warm breezes of eternity, and maybe join Rich in a chorus of "Awesome God". Something to look forward to...
"If if sing, let me sing for the joy that has born in me these songs. If I weep let it be as a man, who is longing for his home"- Rich Mullins, "If I Stand"

I spent Thursday night and Friday at my mom & dad's place, so my dad could help me work on my daughter's car. We spent most of the day under the front end, getting covered in dirt, grease and grime. We fixed what we needed to, and it probably saved me $300+ by doing it ourselves! We tinkered with his motorcycle some too, and just really enjoyed spending the day together, doing all that "guy stuff." As I headed for home that evening, I realized I needed to do one more thing. I called him on the cell phone, and told him how much I loved and appreciated him, and thanked him for everything. He replied, "I love you too, son, thanks for coming down." Unlike many I know, my parents are still together after all these years, still love each other, and I love them dearly. My mom is my greatest fan, and my dad is still my hero. I thank God for them both. I hope I never fail to tell them, for however many more years they have here.
Rob

I love watching the Olympics, summer & winter, esp. the closing ceremonies. Its all about celebrating- the achievements, the nations, the athletes. The Torino closing ceremonies were no different. It was filled with fun, festive music & choreography, great costumes & props, spectacular, dazzling effects. The athletes marched in, country by country, to the roar of the massive crowd, and even here in my own living room I was filled with the same wonder and emotion I could see in the eyes of those in that stadium.
There is something about the whole event that speaks deeply to me every 4 years- whether its Torino or Barcelona, Lillehammer or Nagano. The pageantry, the joy, the unity, the celebration of achievement, the wonder & awe- could it somehow be a little picture of what Heaven will be like? Think about it- People from every tongue and every nation, from every age and time, gathered before the throne of God, in unbounded wonder and celebration. The spectacle of the ages, of the universe. And it will not end. We will sing, dance, play, love- forever in the presence of our Lord and Savior. We will enjoy Him and each other forever. I think that's what my heart longs for. Doesn't yours?
Rob
"a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands..." Revelation 7:9-17

I recently rented the movie, "The Great Raid", the true story of the rescue of 500 American POW's held in a Japanese prison camp in World War II. Its really two stories in one- the survival of these men for 3 years under the brutality and deprivation of their Japanese oppressors, and the courage & determination of a band of soldiers to get them out. To go 30 miles behind Japanese lines, destroy the forces holding the camp, rescue all men still alive, then get back safely to American lines, all for these forgotten men, these "ghost soldiers" that had been left for dead- what an amazing story of courage and sacrifice.
I reflected on the movie, and I was reminded of the tremendous courage and selflessness of Jesus Christ to enter this world, facing all the wrath and hatred hell could unleash against Him, and went to the cross to rescue us from our sin. The greatest rescue of all time, no doubt. And I was a prisoner in sin, and He rescued me. For that, I am forever grateful.
"For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and delivered us to His Kingdom of light."
Rob

I saw a bumper sticker today that caught my attention-

"I like your Christ.
I do not like your Christians.
They are so unlike your Christ."
Gandhi

Some might blow that off, but it got me thinking. How many people out there feel that way today? Probably more than we realize or care to admit.
What can we do as God's people, as God's Church, to change that perception? How can we better be reflections of Jesus in this world? He set the example for us, so why can't we better be His hands, feet, and heart in this world?
Just some things to chew on...
Rob

It was beautiful weather again today, so I went out for a ride again (big surprise). While riding, I came upon an old graveyard behind a little country church. You might think this is strange, but I like walking through old cemeteries- you can read a lot of history in the gravestones. I parked and walked among the plots, and found many fascinating ones- A Civil War veteran who served under Gen. Robert E. Lee; a family that lost 4 children in a span of 8 years back at the turn of the century; a pastor who had served in the same church for almost 50 years; a soldier who died in WWI and was laid to rest here; a child died at age 6, marked with an stone angel; A woman who lived to 104 years old. Amazing. And so many others- each representing a life lived here, a person loved here. What were their lives like? What memories did they leave behind for others? I was reminded how fleeting life is, how fragile it is. Whatever years I have here, I want them to be spent in love- for my Lord & Father, for my wife & girls, for my family & friends, for those in my sphere of ministry, for those who cross paths with me. Just to live and give the life and love of Jesus Christ. I hope my gravestone will one day read- "He Loved: His Lord, his family, his fellow man."
"Life is but a vapor, here one moment and gone the next..." James 4:14

Just an added thought to the previous blog-
As I thought about it today, an amazing thought came to me. With all the wonder God has designed into His creation, as vast as the farthest galaxy and as tiny as the smallest cell, He considers you and I the crowning achievement of His creative masterpiece. We each are "fearfully and wonderfully made", as David wrote in Psalms, and His most beloved creatures. We are created in His image, and He loves us more than all else in the universe.
To me, this is very comforting, assuring. As we enjoy His masterful creation, we can enjoy the One who so enjoys us. And His heart is always toward us.
"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works..." Ephesians 2:10

We've had beautiful weather the past couple of days, so I decided to hop on my motorbike and ride the back roads before dark. There were plenty of other bikers doing the same thing, and it was a great ride- cool, crisp temps, uncrowded roads, woods & pasturelands, and a great sunset for the ride toward home. As I rode, taking it all in and savoring the moment, I thanked the God who created it all. Then it occurred to me- of all the things our Father is (holy, just, loving, etc.), He is also the ultimate Artist. Creation is His ever-changing canvas, and His creativity is seen in everything from a breath-taking sunset to a ladybug that lands on my windshield at a stop sign. Artwork always says something about its artist, and certainly all creation says much about our Creator/Father. Spend some time enjoying Him in His masterpiece soon- its always on display!
Rob
"The heavens declare the glory of God,...the earth is full of His glory..." Psalms

Tonight at church, Billy spoke on prayer, specifically, practicing the presence of God in our lives. He talked of how so often we aproach God in prayer with an agenda- what we can get out of Him, what we want from Him, what we want Him to do. Yet He has created us for communion, for friendship & fellowship. So often we seek His hand and not His face. If the only times my girls ever talked to me was when they wanted something or were in trouble or had problems and expected me to fix things- we would have a disappointing relationship, at least to me. Maybe God doesn't always answer our prayers the way and when we want because He wants us to focus on "practicing His presence", just learning to be with Him, not just getting Him to act on our behalf. We often mess up one of two ways with prayer- we either treat God like a genie from a lamp, or we don't talk to Him at all. Both are dangerous. Billy quoted some author as saying, "Prayer is like breathing- When you don't do it, its like holding your spiritual breath and suffocating yourself."
"Pray without ceasing" 1 Thessalonians 5:17
i.e. practice the presence of God- He knows what we need even more than we do.

I'm very proud of my 2 girls- one has been on a mission trip to the Gulf coast to assist in ongoing relief efforts among those affected by hurricane Katrina, and the other is right now upstairs on the internet with a friend who just today lost her mom, and she's just trying to love her and encourage her. There is so much hurt and pain in this world, and as followers of Jesus we are called to be His hands & feet, and express His heart. Sadly, too often we Christians fall into 2 categories- we either close up in our own little safe, religious communities so we don't have to be around the "sinners" of this world, or we become so like those sinners in attitude, speech, and lifestyle that we totally discredit the life of Christ we should be living in front of them. More than anything else, I want my girls to grow up living among, and loving on, the lost and godless of this world in such a way that people look at their lives and want to aspire to be more like them, to have what they have in their lives. As writer Leonard Sweet once said, "We are to be in this world and not of it, but not out of it, either." It was Jesus Himself who once said, "Let your light so shine among men, that they may see your good actions, and glorify God in Heaven." That's a life well-spent!
Rob

Sunday we jumped into the new year with all the kids and leaders back, and it was great! Our kid's church was packed both hours & rockin', we bagan a fun series called, "The Gospel According To Narnia", and the worship room has been decked out to look like Narnia. It was an exciting day!
As I look at the new year ahead, what I want for my family, for the children's ministry, for Spirit Riders biker group I'm the prez of, etc., is what I want for myself- to follow Christ more whole-heartedly, to worship Him more, and to actively seek opportunities to share Him with others. I'm not sure what 2006 holds- its all a fog out in front of us. I just want to hold on to Him tighter, walk with Him closer, know Him better. That's the safest place to be, after all.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
Rob

Its hard to believe 2005 is gone...the older I get, the faster time flies. So much happened this year, around the world, close to home, in me- Its been a whirlwind.
Now as I look to 2006, I feel like there is a whole new world of possibilities & pitfalls in the new year. Many folks make resolutions, then never keep them. I don't know what 2006 holds for me, my family, my friends, and the ministry I'm called to, but I know God is already there. I just want to be true to Him, true to those I love, and true to whatever He calls me to. Life is an adventure to be lived, not a burden to be endured. So with some trepidation, but more hope, I choose to step into 2006 holding the hand of the One who holds me. A good place to be....
Happy New Year!
Rob

With all the holiday rush and clamor, I just want to stop and say-
Happy Birthday, Lord Jesus, we remember, celebrate & worship You.
Merry Christmas to all-
Rob

This morning I spent some time reading a Christmas story called, "The Other Wise Man." I've read it before, but it had been several years. Its an amazing fictional story about another Magi who was left behind by the main group of Matthew 2. He spends the rest of his days trying to find "the King", yet using up all his gifts for the Messiah to do good for the needy he meets along the way. After 33+ years, the other wise man arrives in Jerusalem, and....Well, find the story and read it for yourself this Christmas! It was written by Henry Van Dyke, and is a beautiful story of what true devotion to Christ is- love for Him that shows itself in love for those who need Him. Christmas- God gave us His Son, Jesus gave us His life, and we must give of ourselves for those we can help.
"...whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for Me." Matthew 25: 34-40
Merry Christmas!
Rob

I really love Christmas, at least when all the insanity of shopping, traffic, eating, crowds, etc. dies down, and you can actually enjoy the time. I heard a story recently about a frazzled mom out trying to finish her Christmas list, in all the stores, fighting the crowds, with two demanding kids in tow. Upon pushing into a crowded elevator at a dept. store, she blurted out, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be arrested, hung, then shot!" From the back of the elevator a quiet voice replied, "Don't worry, we've already crucified Him." You could have heard a pin drop the rest of the ride.
Don't forget this year to keep the One who started "this whole Christmas thing" in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all would, just think how much better this world would be. I certainly want to make room for Him. Just a thought-
"But in your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord..." 1 Peter 3:15
Rob

Tonight I had the privilege of taking my family and some friends to see an early showing of the "Narnia" movie, and it was fantastic! Everything I hoped it would be. It closely follows not only the storyline of the C.S. Lewis classic, but his spirit of Christian allegory in it, as well. Disney and Walden should be commended for such a faithful movie version of the book. So much Biblical symbolism throughout, it vividly pictures the Jesus story of redemption- but I won't steal the thunder for anyone by giving details! All I can say is, GO SEE IT! No one who ever loved the book will be disappointed. I certainly wasn't, and plan to see it again.
"Aslan is on the move..."
Rob

It's hard to believe December is already here. Time seems to just fly by the older I get. I always love December, though- its like a celebration the whole month. Its also a time I struggle to keep the true meaning of Christmas at the forefront in my life, my family, even in my work. It seems every year there is more to take away from the truth- more stuff to buy, more commercializing, more crowds, and sadly, more who want to erase the season's real meaning. There are more and more efforts to be "culturally sensitive" and call the time, "Winter Holiday"; to say "Seasons Greetings" and "Happy Holidays" rather than "Merry Christmas". Yet no one would consider renaming Hannakuh or Kwanza or Islamic holy days. It seems the only ones certain people don't mind offending are Christians and those who love Christmas, a Christian-based holiday.
Well, whatever the world does this time of year, whatever noise, lights and busyness tries to crowd out the real Christmas, as for me and my family, we'll remember and celebrate - The God who loved this world He created so much, that He took on human form and entered human history Himself in the form of helpless baby, born to a teenage mother, in an unsanitary barn, in a desert outpost of the Roman Empire. That baby was Jesus the Messiah, who radically changed the world forever. We'll keep Christmas, and worship "the new-born King."
"For to us a child has been born; to us a son has been given. The government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
Rob

As I think back over this Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for so many things.
We were in Peachtree City with Lisa's family on Thursday, spending the day eating, catching up with family we don't see enough, and watching the Falcons beat the turkey stuffing out of Detroit. The older I get, the more I love and appreciate my in-laws. They are a wonderful family, and have always loved me like a son. Funny sounding statement, I know- I really love my wife's family!
The girls and I went to my parent's lake house on Friday, although Lisa had to work. We had several firsts- Thanksgiving dinner at the lake, without Lisa, without my brother Rick and his family, and with my brother Mark, and his potential family (his serious girlfriend and her kids). Any time I spend with my mother & father really refreshes me, and (this is another "older I get" thing) Mark and I enjoy each other's company more as the years go by.
Saturday we went to the Ga Dome to watch Dacula play in the state semi-finals. Although the game was a let down at the end, spending the evening with Lisa & the girls like that was fun and rewarding. Life gets so busy, it seems we often see each other in passing, and can become strangers in our own home. Any time spent together is time well spent. My family is most precious to me.
Today in RockiTown (our kids church), we spent one more Sunday on Thanksgiving, asking kids, "What one thing happened over Thanksgiving that reminded you of the goodness of God?" We got all kinds of responses, all kinds of ways God quietly spoke to kids about Himself. Kids are so insightful- They inspire me to keep the faith and wonder of a child, and to keep seeing the hand of God in the great and small.
As we enter the Christmas season, may you keep a thankful heart, especially for God's greatest act of love, the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.
In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Blessings,
Rob

Today I got something in the mail that really troubled me. It wasn't anything dirty or mean, but it bothered me nonetheless. It was a Christian merchanise catalogue, with all kinds of Christian trinkets you could order. There were Christian wallets, Christian tools, Christian watches, Christian toys (a "Faith Works" play tool set for boys, a "Praise Ponies" play set for girls), and get this- a "Faith Chips" poker chips set! I'm serious- "Real 11.5 Gram Poker Chips", the brochure proudly proclaims, with sayings on them like, "Don't Gamble With Eternity", "Take the Sure Bet- Jesus", "Jesus Knows How To Hold'em", etc. Now, I have no problem with wearing your faith on t-shirts, wristbands, bumper stickers, etc., but I am beginning to feel like something is wrong in our American version of Christianity. Since when did faith in Jesus become big business? When did we become our own little sub-culture, with our own toys, tools, and trinkets? Are we trying to isolate and insulate ourselves so much from the world that we need to come up with our own version of worldly things? Do we think our clever slogans and cute merchandise will keep us unstained by the world, or will help us be a witness to the world? Sure, God says in the Bible that we are to be a "peculiar people," but He means in our clean living, our love for God and each other, and our compassion for those in the world around us. No wonder the world often looks at us as strange and out of touch. We say and do some weird things sometimes, that may not always represent Christ very well.
I just want to be a guy who loves my Father, lives to bring Him honor, and points others to Him with my life and my words. The merchandizers can keep their silly gimmicks. I'll keep a pure walk with Jesus as my focus.
"And my God will supply all of your needs, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
Rob