"Field Posts"

Yesterday, like every other Sunday, I went to church, and I was blessed. Yesterday I also didn't go to church, and it made me think... We have been going to our 8am service. With 2 kids under 2 you ask? Sure, don't be impressed, it just works for us. After the service, we went right to Sunday School. We love our class. Community, friends, learning, sharing failures and victories, very cool. I taught, although more significantly, I learned. Becky and I are both so excited about how we are being challenged in our faith and family as we watch and listen to the other families do life. More on this later... Right after class we went home, got ourselves together, and then drove almost an hour to a park where a fellow class member was having a fellowship of friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, etc. Koodoos to them for having that " Matthew " Party. Drew rode his tricycle for what seemed to be miles. The sun was hot. Right after the picnic, we went back to churc...

Great question.  As David Miller recently said on the Mark and Miller Podcast , is this just "verbal vomiting"?   This is one I needed to answer before I took the plunge into blogdom...  I don't know why others do, but here is why I blog... relationship- seems counter intuitive, true nonetheless. dialogue-  2 way influence-  God called us to make a difference community- i appreciate the communal aspects to life conformity-  really? sure, everyone else is doing it, why not. put order in my mind- credit, dorothy exercise-  my creativity, oh yeah, my fingers too accountability-  if I say it here, I will be held to it  supporters- regularly communicate with our support team family-  regularly update my family that seem so far far away personal amusement-  again, credit dorothy .  document my thoughts-  for the world's amusement.   record my journey- some day, drew and tessa will r...

2 days ago, it happened unexpectedly for the very first time ever.  Last night, it happen 3 times in a row. Our lives, will never be the same.  We have to make some really big adjustments and think critically about how we will respond. If you have been through this, you know what we face... Curious? Our Lives are Changed Forever Video Rob

I hate to admit it, but Becky and I watch it regularly via dvr.  We can't stand some of the fluff, so dvr is the only way to watch it.  Did you see last night?  First of all, Doolittle (representing Christ by the way) certainly should win, but that is not what has got me all irritated today.  Did you hear the song Blake sang?  I am embarrassed to say that at first, I found myself enjoying the song.  But, then when Becky rewound it, and I listened to the words, I was horrified, angry, disappointed, ashamed, and maybe most of all, saddened.  I feel like the good of what "Idol Gives Back" was doing, was somewhat negated in my spirit. He sang Lennon's, "Imagine".  I know I am showing my musical ignorance, but I have never listened to the words of that song.  How empty.  How dark.  How hopeless.  How humanity centered.  How lost.  So many people sang along, so many buy right into that "imagination". ...

The guy in Oceans 11 was one thing, but this is just sick.  Just the other day, someone suggested I start yoga.  Not in the eastern spiritual sort of way, but in a good for your body sort of way. The guy in this pictures just isn't healthy!  That can't be good for the body.  I might consider it, but after seeing this, I am much less motivated! Why is this on my mind today?  My back hurts.  I don't know what did it.  Maybe the sittups I did a week and half ago?  The reality is I hurt it because I am out of shape and probably over exerted myself in my new found quest for a healthy body. I have struggled with my back for a week, not being able to sit for long periods of time.  Many times throughout the day, I just can't find relief in any position.  I told Becky that doing the dishes and changing diapers, especially hurt.  She didn't go for it. Today I am breaking down, submitting to the reality, and finally calling a chiro. ...

This morning, as victories and struggles were shared in our Sunday School class, I was truly encouraged and challenged.  Nothing compares... Thank you Jesus for community. Rob

"You are what you eat." "What goes in, must come out." "Once you have made your bed, you have to sleep in it." I have often been forced to realize, that this is true. Much of who we are is because of where we have been, what we have done, and what has been done to us. "Memories have a way of defining not only who you were, but who you are and who you will become." McManus I think everything in the past affects us. Some good, some bad. Everything must be filtered. Counselors, and the Bible, would wisely tell us that we have power over these defining moments. Especially when the Holy Spirit resides within us! There are some memories that are best left in the past, only a split-second away. For these, I choose not to allow them to define me. You have heard it said, forgive and forget. Let's be real, the reality is, I can't really forget. But I can choose not to remember. Now that is life changing! So what has defined you? Was it good ...

I'm seeing my babies growing up before my very eyes and I'm not sure what I think about it.  Each new stage brings new joys that makes me love every moment.  But with each new stage comes new challenges I've never had to deal with before (such as discipline!)  I love seeing Drew and Tessa becoming more and more independent.  Just yesterday Drew played by himself for an hour, just talking away with his big firetruck, his matchbox cars and his "guy".  Tessa's become happy to just sit or roll or crawl.  She loves to explore the world around her (which right now is pretty small.) What I've been struck the most by is the little things that tell me Drew is growing up.  Especially the struggle between being a baby and being a "Big Boy".    Drew really wants to be a "Big Boy" these days and often that means I can encourage him to do big boy things.  At breakfast I tell him that big boys use spoons and babies use their fingers to eat cerea...

I have lost 41 lbs.  You say victory?  Aw shucks, thanks.  But, I don't really feel that way.  Don't get me wrong.  My community has really encouraged me, and I love to hear the, "wow, you've lost weight" comments.  But, I have a long way to go.  Not that long ago, Becky and I made a decision to get ourselves healthy, and hey, the added benefit of looking better isn't bad either.  We have both lost a lot of weight, and we continue to work at it, more to go! But, health isn't simply about weight loss.  I want to be "in shape".  Now that can mean a lot of things, but I am thoroughly convicted that I am not there.  Brushing my teeth takes my breath away!  Furthermore, I am convinced there are several obstacles that stand in my way.  I need to do both aerobic and strength training.  This is where the wrestling comes in. I do what I don't want to do and I don't do what I do want to do.  Sound familiar?  I know...

Rant... You know what really frustrates me? When a simple process takes way too much time and energy. Can I just say that everything doesn't always go as planned? I thought wiring funds was easy, but apparently, when international bank accounts are involved, the patriot act is activated, and everything goes haywire. A simple trip to the bank a week ago, that should have been a 15 minute visit, turned into a week long saga of international dialogue. Now, I am not sure who to blame, maybe it wasn't only the Patriot Act, but something sure fouled up the works. Ridiculous. Glad I can help our fields with these sorts of things, but can't I catch a break? Rave... I love my wife. You know, Becky is just awesome. I know you all know that, but still, it needs to be said. Becky does all of our laundry! Just last night I was watching her (no, I wasn't sitting twiddling my thumbs) do the laundry and I couldn't help but be deeply grateful that she takes care of that...

There are several things on my mind today (remember, my mind isn't always sane)... RMI... Today I am working on the 07/08 corporate budget. Pray for wisdom, insight and clarity of mind! Netvibes... You might want to check this out. For a very long time, I have been a user of My Yahoo to view email, new feeds, track finance portfolios, sports scores, etc... Yes, there are many of these types of portals, MSN, Google, etc etc... Each of these are fairly inflexible, but over the years they have continue to improve in design and functionality. Well, I just came across netvibes, and it might change my life (note hyperbole). From Netvibes ..."With netvibes, all your digital life fits in one page. Blogs, news, online videos, podcast, pictures, e-mail: pick your favorite service to create your netvibes page." For a web nerd, this is really cool! I can put a ton of content I look at every day (email, finance, blogs, news of every sort, sports, almost anything) on one page....

Hey everyone, we've posted 2 new videos and more pictures on our website , check them out! Will "Daddy" dunk Tessa in the pool? What hymn has Drew been singing? Also, praise the Lord with us, our church officially joined our support team by financially supporting our ministry each month. While we praise God for this, we remain under supported at 86% of our need. We were down to 74%. We remain concerned about this immediate need for additional support. Please pray that we will be committed in the next few days to putting together a plan to raise the additional 14%, ($740 a month). Interested? Rob

Good question... I wish I could say I have the ability to get out a see alot of movies. The reality is, I do not. With Drew and Tessa, which I love dearly, and no family around to provide free babysitting, outings to the movie theater are few and far between. Click here 4 Movie WebSite Christianity Today Review Here Don't get me started on the cost of the movies... Anyway, all that to say, after church last night, Becky and I watched "End of the Spear" for the first time. You would think being involved in missions this would have been priority for us!? If you are like us, and haven't seen it, you have to. We thought it was great. Ok sure, a few negatives to get past, but great nonetheless. The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus is Lord, above all other 'lords'. I want this. I strive for this. I seek forgiveness for it is often not the case. What a great reminder to me of what it means to "consider my life worth nothing, if only I might finish the race......

Becuase everyone has been asking (?), we have decided to start documenting our musings... Rob and Becky