So, you’re the Salt of the Earth? ©

Salt of the earth? Christ said we were to be the salt of the earth. In Matthew 5:13 – 16 part of a passage known as the similitude’s he said “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; nor does it give light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven”. If we look at this world as your plain every day variety steak and potatoes, straight from the kitchen to the table with no seasoning; we must understand then that we are to be the seasoning that makes that meat and potatoes more attractive to the pallet for the world. We can’t be living like the world, where is the testimony for Him in that? Am I that seasoning for my family, my neighbors, those that I work with and those I meet each day? Answer yesterday, no; so today’s answer will be from a new perspective – His point of view and not mine and hopefully by the end of the day – a resounding yes! “Set on a hill, and, cannot be hid”, in today’s world this is such a challenge for the Christian walk. The work place is to be politically correct, and Christianity is fast becoming politically incorrect. I have been so very fortunate; living a testimony has not become challenged, and answering the question of difference is still fair game. Which makes my story all the more difficult to convey. Opportunity, has presented itself so many times in the past – and I chose not to engage; Dear Lord please forgive me for not living up to your commandments to love them as you love the Church. Why is it that Christians today have lost the desire to stand firm in His Truth, failing to properly and adequately defend the Truth when challenged? I feel we have become a generation of lip service Christians; I am a Christian because I live in America. Yet when challenged to what that means, you will hear shallow fearful answers of uncertainty. Hollow words without an ounce of Truth, and for this we are losing our heritage and hold on what this country was truly found on Judeo - Christian moral conviction. We are letting that spiritual heritage of America be rewritten – and we are being erased! We as a nation have lost our savor for our first love in Christ, we have no corporate desire to be the salt of the earth…….. So today, I as a Christian individual choose not to shove His Light so deep that it cannot be seen. I choose to let it shine before men, so they can see YOU and not me. Today I choose to take a new step in submission, and look for areas in my home, in my neighborhood and at work to show your good work in my life. Today I want the Lord to trim the light of His Spirit in my heart so that the Holy Spirit will shine stronger and brighter in me. Starting today Dear Christ help me be that salt or seasoning to the lives around me and prepare me to address the question when it comes. Dear Father, Help me add seasoning – reach out to someone today, let your light shine in me – for it will keep us warm. In Christ’s name, Amen

Humble Beginnings – to the Hero’s in a Man’s Life ©

(A Father’s Day Tribute, To The Men That Left Their Mark In My Life) I was born what now seems to be a long time ago in a little town in central PA. Born the son of a local policeman and housewife, with very humble beginnings economically. My parents were great providers, and learned to accomplish great things with the blessings God provided.

As far back as I can remember, we always had enough to get by, and in some cases enough left to share. God provided blessings, many blessings, His hand was always present in my life, and eventually I began to see that. I grew up as an extremely strong willed child, creating great challenges and pain for my parents, but that is another story for another time. They both had the love of music, both played in the High School band of their respective High Schools. They were married June 14th, 1958 in a little coal town in central PA, in a Christian Missionary Alliance Church. Their parents, all four were born again Christians that lived the life they proclaimed. My Grandparents were all faithful followers of Christ, strong God fearing people that lovingly and willingly shared the gospel with their family and unsaved grandchildren. It was through their prayers, guidance, correction and diligence that I have the mind to write these things today. For it was by those faithful prayers that I too became a born again Christian. The influence grandparents have on their grandchildren is phenomenal, when done right God brings fruit out of that influence. Grandparents can impact the development of their grandchildren by teaching Faith, Discipline, Scripture Memorization, the art of Praying and balance of head knowledge and heart knowledge. Grandchildren will more times than not put a little more stock in what Grandma and Grandpa have to say then other folks in their life. I was a perfect example of a young person that placed great stock in what those wonderful older people had to say and listened intently to the advice they had to offer, even though painful at times.

My Dad’s folks were strong faithful people, and they instilled in me the desire to be close to God, and His gift to us in His Son’s ministry and life. They also provided life balance lessons for me in the early years (memories of 4 years of age to the mid teens). Grand-dad was firm in his belief and convictions. He loved me very much, and actually told me that once or twice verbally, which was kind of unusual for that generation. He showed me his tender hearted side as well. Sitting on the edge of my bed while I said my prayers, reinforcing my Grand-mothers working with me to learn scripture, he taught me to play music on an old Hammond organ in their home. He had significant stock in an extended family camp with cabin; we would visit frequently in my younger years. It was a quiet place with trees all around and a small meadow that we had campfires in. It was at camp that Grand-dad taught me to respect the earth the Lord has given us, and to take only that from the earth and the wild which we needed and could use. He taught me to shoot a single shot .22 rifle; we shot cans, tin plates, paper targets and occasionally a snake that wondered to close to the cabin. Until I started this project I had lost some of these memories, now I remember Grand-dad taught me the respect of firearms, and how to safely use them at an early age. Early lessons of responsibility and accountability, I wonder where those things’ are being taught to today’s youth.

I spent many summers and weekends with my Grandparents. I loved them greatly a bond that my siblings were not quite as fortunate to experience. As a small boy, Grand-dad was a giant of a man, yet reflecting back on those years, he was tender hearted, gentle mannered, yet he was firm in his correction with me when I was out of line. He showed me the meekness of Christ, gentle strength under control, willing to share the very essence of who he was with those that came in contact with him. He knew he possessed the inherited royalty of the very King that gave him life, an adopted son, willing to share that inheritance with family, friends and strangers alike. Grand-dad filled my heart and mind with so many wonderful memories, the pain is that it took 40 years to rediscover the majority of them. Sin will take so much farther than you want to travel, and that rugged journey takes you to where you can’t see those that mean so much to you. They become distant memories that become buried and bogged down with the daily troubles of life. The secret Grand-dad knew; that when you are of the elect of the Father, He will lead you back home. Grand-dad exercised God’s patience, and shined in Christ’s undying love to the point of sacrifice. Yes, Grand-dad I remember who’s hand to grab when the storm roars, who’s breast to rest in when I am weary beyond words. The very one you are with today.

Grand-dad was extremely knowledgeable in Theology, Christology, Hebrew, Greek and Church Doctrine to the point of being very dogmatic when I was much younger. He studied at great length every morning before work. I would also catch him from time to time sitting on the living room sofa reading his Bible after dinner. Many evenings when he came home he would dig back into his Bible and studies. He was great man, he loved Christ with all of his being, and he shared the gospel story with me many times when I was younger. Grand-dad always had time to answer bible questions, and made sure you had the references to answer your question so that you wouldn’t forget. My grandparents started the First Baptist Church in their home. A licensed minister, Grand-dad was the rock of my doctrinal upbringing. I was so fortunate to witness first hand hundreds of hours of his prayer and Bible study while living with him for a short time in my youth. He was such a Rock, he loved the Lord so much, and he taught me sacrifice thru his unending service to the Lord in the church. He taught the adult Sunday school class, he served on the Deacon Board and provided spiritual mind and heart exercises for untold Pastors thru in-depth discussions and conversations. His only wish for me – was to see me as a minister in his life time. Brokenheartedly I must say he never realized that dream, because I became too self centered and prideful. I walked away from everything he had taught me at one point, and my conscience was rubbed raw by the very sight of him. Then after a while; that old devil “Satan” callused my heart so deeply it didn’t bother me anymore.

Now looking back, I am sure that those tough years brought him great pain. He gave so much, and I took so much from him in spiritual and emotional terms. Yet the times I did make it back to visit, he had nothing but smiles and tears of joy, he exemplified the Christian walk with his Loving Lord and Savior, He always put Christ first. Oh Dear Lord, please give a big thank you to my loving Grand-dad. My Dad's parent's house was extremely modest, small three bedroom two story that was quite old. It was comfortable, a little drafty in the winter, but it was home. It was just five blocks from the elementary school down town which was just a few minute walk. It was only a block and a half from down town, half way up a steep hill which made the view down into town pretty neat for a kid growing up. On Friday or Saturday nights Grand-dad would bring the car out, and we would ride down town and park in front of the old Five & Dime store. They would take me in, and the routine was to look at the toys, then go look at the fish and stop at the snack counter on the way out and buy a bag of cashews. Then we would go out and sit in the car with the windows down and just watch the people walk by. I have so many wonderful and endearing memories of my Grandparents home and times with them; they never ran out of patience or love. They have let an image of Christ’s Love in my mind and heart.

My mom’s folks were devout Christian Missionary Alliance members, and like my Dad’s folks believed if the Church doors were open, your behind had better be in one of the pews. My Grand-Pap loved the great outdoors, he loved to fish and when I was 11 years old, he began taking me on some of his fishing trips when I stayed with them in the summers. Somehow that dear man always found answers for my endless questions, and satisfied my unending desire to tinker and tear things apart. Grand-Pap was a layman’s genius, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix or figure out.

When I was younger, I always thought of Grand-Pap as a gentle giant of a man. He worked on the railroad, which was a tough job, and he had several harrowing experiences on the trains. He was strong, coal black hair and a huge smile when you were fortunate enough to catch one. Grand-Pap was kind and gentle with his grand-kids, but there was no question that you were to listen when at his house. I could spend hours and hours telling stories of adventures I would have at their home in the summers. It was a great place on the out skirts of an old coal mining town. Some of the old coal stripping mines were just a short hike up over the hill from their house. There were loads of blueberries to pick on your way up the hill and along the railroad tracks. Grand-Pap taught me the Love of Christ through his loving service and tender heart. He served in his church as a Deacon, and many years as Treasurer. When I was just 10 years old I watched my grand-dad give his tearful testimony, giving God all the credit for the massive change in his life. In knowing his testimony, a man of many vices before he knew Christ, cigarettes, booze, cussing and the works, made his transformation all the more impressive. The very night Christ brought him from death to life spiritually, he dropped every vice he had. In my knowing that fact validated the genuineness of his changed life and my placing him as the only man that I willingly and wholly accepted advice and criticism from – because I trusted his heart. If Grand-Pap told me I was messing up, I stopped and listened, and never, ever was suspect of his advice and promptings.

I never heard a cuss word or unkind word from this man’s lips. He devoutly read his Bible every night in the big chair in the living room. They had a small 19” black & white TV in their living room. If the show on the tube wasn’t Gun Smoke, Bonanza, The Big Valley, a Church Program (Billy Graham) or the local news the tube was switched off. Parental control through loving Christian Grand parenting – they used the moral conviction Christ gave them to filter what was decent or not to watch on TV – and this was back in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

These are the shoulders that I stand upon today, trying to Love and Serve the Lord as they so wonderfully taught me. A Spiritual Legacy that I can’t let die, for now at 50+ years of age I understand better, and love more. This work is a labor of love first to my biggest Hero, Christ himself. Who while I understand the academics and doctrine of His Love and Promise, my Heart can’t seem to put together the love of the un-lovable that He has for me. For I along with Him know the secrets of my heart and past, ugly and unworthy I stand in the midst of the Father’s mercy, and His Son’s grace. He loved me when I was yet living in the bonds of sin, because of that glorious sacrifice, I now stand before the Father wrapped in His righteousness – justified by His Blood.

I grew up with two younger brothers and a younger sister. Yes, I was the oldest son in the family of six. My mother and father had a tough time keeping things going when we were all in grade school to junior high. My brothers and I would walk along some of the streets and roads close to home looking for pop bottles. After collecting couple six or eight bottle cartons, we would take them to the local mini-grocery store and cash them in for bread or milk. Occasionally we would take them down and buy a bag of penny candy. My brothers and I got along good when we were younger; we all liked the hot toys of the time. Major Matt Mason, and the Thunderbirds, and our bikes – oh my, without our bikes we would have been lost. I had forgotten how much time we spent together back then, and we actually had a ton of fun. The brother behind me was extremely athletic; a good looking kid that the girls figured was a bit of eye candy. Later, he became quite the charmer. The only one out of the three boys to have blonde hair, my sister had blonde hair as well. Quite interesting actually, Dad had pitch black hair, Mother was a red head and my youngest brother and I had brown hair.

In our teen years, my brothers and I had our normal squabbles – but for the most part, in our own ways we knew we loved each other. The second born son, ended up getting an appointment to VMI, which lead to a commission in the US Marine Corps. Today he is serving in Iraq as part of the command structure for the U.S. Marine Corps Expeditionary Group as a Colonel. He married a lovely military girl, and they have a very talented son, who loves music. He and I were close while at home, we spent a lot of time on Tussey Mountain, and the fields of Rock Springs. He is sure to get a smile when remembering the snake at the farmers pond, nearly scared me out of my shoes. He always let me in if I was too late getting home at night. The years since we have left home, have robbed us of that closeness, but not enough to see the fine man he has become. His achievements are remarkable and long running. I am extremely proud of my brother and he is always in my thoughts and prayers.

This Father’s Day - Tonight, this good and honorable man sleeps in harm’s way in Iraq, MIZPAH dear brother; I love and miss you Goob!

My youngest brother was the tender hearted one out of the bunch. No matter what he was doing, or had going on, he always found time for his family – no matter what the need. He used to help keep my love of cars fixed, by allowing me to hang around his body shop. He had this gift of taking total junk and making it look like a million bucks. He did it all, body work, engine work, cars, truck and bikes. Hisser took better care of his family and friends than he did himself. Brilliant young man with his hands and good ole’ American ingenuity, he had to get that from my Mother’s side, her Dad was that way too. As he grew older – that became his trade mark, he had a heart the size of Texas which made him a very successful business man. He has one of the largest custom bike dealerships in the state, and has been recognized nationally for his sales and product. He still has a big heart, but business savvy has tempered his discernment of who is deserving of that big heart and who is not. He looks after my mother and father quite a bit. There is no question in anyone’s mind of his loyalty and love for his parents. He has become a fine businessman, and he is a great brother. I love you Hisser! You will always hold a very special spot in this old salt’s heart.

As I have already stated, all four of my grandparents were wonderful mentors of the faith – and lived His Love out every day to me and those around them. I am forever grateful and indebted to their Love and Sacrifice for me, but I had other influences in my life as well. I had two other mentors in this life; one in business the other in Christ. My Boss; CEO & President of the company I work for in Central PA, taught me many lessons in conducting business. He expects those of us that represent him and his company to conduct ourselves in such a way that it commands respect from the customer and community. He will settle for nothing less than pure integrity, an honest day’s work, and more than gracious reward for that effort. If you earned his trust and lived your business life with integrity and honor, pulling your own weight and occasionally that of others – he was quick to praise and reward. I am sure he didn’t realize he was mentoring me all these years, but God used his leadership to reshape my character after dedicating my life to Christ at 35 years of age. This man I affectionately call “boss” has portrayed a firm moral foundation, and he has been a rock solid mentor. I love this man dearly, and to use an old Marine Corps phrase, “I’d take a bullet for the man”.

Five plus years ago, I realized that for the department that I headed up as Director to grow at the same pace our company was growing, I would have to look at stepping aside, to bring in business talent that could provide new vision and experience to the table. My boss and I had several conversations concerning this concept; he was very considerate and accommodating through the whole process. Looking back, it was an awesome experience and I am so glad we took the path we did. While I felt somewhat uneasy about this new venture, I knew it was what needed to happen. Neither my boss nor I have looked back; it’s been a great ride. The man we brought on just happens to come from Washington DC, which is where my wife and I spent the first 18 months of our married life. So that gave us some common ground, but the real connecting dot was – he was a Christian. This man much like my Pastor walks grace better than most everyone I know. He is a bit of a peacemaker, which when in the right arena has become quite a gift. He has tons of experience in the business world, and I am always teasing him about the “gray” in business that he seems to navigate so well. He’s a good man, and while he isn’t the first one to tell you his testimony, he definitely reflects Christ’s way.

The closest friend I have in this world next to my dad and my Pastor is my brother in Christ, brother T. While we found out that we have some common blood several generations back, we really have no immediate kin to claim today as family to one or the other. However; you would never know that if you followed us around. He and I have been by each other’s side for over 14 years. At times we have been inseparable! We met shortly after I had rededicated my life to Christ. There were still a lot of rough edges, but somehow, God gave him this uncanny way of seeing past all the stuff I put in the way. He can always see deep into the heart, maybe better than any other person on this planet. He knows when I am hurting, even before I have admitted to myself that I am having trouble. We connect on so many different levels, I could write a whole chapter on just those facets of our relationship. However; we both know it all starts with Christ, and the power of His Love and influence in our lives.

We have watched as God molded both of our lives, and taught us Spiritual submission and the joy of service. I truly believe if we were not married to our wives, or have homes to manage, he and I would be in a ministry of some sort together. Who knows where, but we would be serving the Lord in a real ministry of service, serving God is our focus. Recently both of us have been dealing with full plates of life, Satan taking every free shot he can get in on us, but those fiery darts no longer penetrate. He and I have learned to dawn the Full Armor of God, and we intuitively have learned to carry each other’s burdens to the Cross. I truly love my blood brothers with every ounce of my being, and I can only hope that my brothers will someday get on their faces with God, and give it all to Him. I want to have the closeness, the companionship, the bond and walk with them I have learned to cherish with my brother T.

We have richly enjoyed Unconditional Love, Unconditional Acceptance, Unconditional Support, and Unconditional Loyalty, that type of Love is missing in the world today, and when you get a taste of it, you count it a treasure. Brother T, I want to thank you for your undying & unending friendship and devotion over the years. Thank you for helping me to see the importance of building family relationships, and working to keep them viable and intimate. Thank you for teaching me the value in spending quality time with our parents, and showing them their value, and the need for their love to complete us. Thank you for loving this unlovable guy and spending time with me, I truly cherish every moment – you’re an Ace buddy!

My Pastor; Wow, where do I begin to tell you the impact this man has had in my life. Well let’s start with one of his greatest spiritual gifts – he is the most gracious man I know. He doesn’t just preach it, he lives it. He lives with a tender and forgiving heart; at times I tease him and tell him he is forgiving to a fault. Understand that I have a tendency to swing the sword cutting the ear off and worrying about fixing it later. He has taught me Grace through living it and helping me through trials that I didn’t think were possible to even navigate through. He has sacrificed to help me learn lessons; in the early years he endured a terrible unchecked ego that I wouldn’t admit I had. Christ used him, and him alone to connect my head knowledge with my heart. His spiritual leadership has been unshakable and flawless from my perspective.

Thank you Pastor for the tenacious leadership and teaching, you have been a great spiritual mentor. You will never understand the depth of my love and gratitude for you this side of heaven. God used you and your mentoring and discipleship with me to make me the man I am today. Pastor, you helped me identify the spiritual gifts that the Father has blessed me with. The biggest mark you left on me was helping me find Abba Father in our Dear Heavenly Father. While I now understand the different attributes of God’s character (better than when we first met), I have developed a lovingly fear of Him. I have allowed the Holy Spirit to teach me balance, showing me the Liberty in Christ allows me to stand before the Throne of God wrapped in Christ’s righteousness, escaping the judicial side of God’s character, and the wrath He holds for those that have denied His Son.

Pastor, you introduced me to your best friend, Jesus Christ, Messiah, I have never been more alive than I am today. I have found new joy in writing about Him, talking to Him, walking with Him, trusting in Him, and when the Spiritual Battles take their toll, leaning on Him and weeping with Him. My heart is filled to overflowing even in the midst of trials and sadness. All because you submitted to God, took on an arrogant, self-centered punk of a guy and worked with me. You showed me how to Live Christ’s will out thru every day living – showing His ways, tenaciously, tender heartedly, lovingly. While I owe my Eternity to my precious Jesus, I owe you a debt of gratitude for finishing the work that Grand Dads started. Praise God for you Pastor B, may he bless your days, and always Lighten your path. To my other heroes; Paul formerly Saul of Tarsus, thank you for those wonderful letters, and the doctrine that you so tenderly taught. You have taught me to speak the truth in and with love, to speak boldly of Christ with conviction, to be mindful of the foxes and hold the line. You have taught me to love my brothers and sisters in the Church unconditionally. Thank you most of all for helping me understand the restoration of a brother, and then practicing it in Christ when the need was presented.

To King David and Peter, thank you for lessons that were most likely not intended to be such at the time. David, you had a heart for God, and recognized the sin of your heart when you strayed and sought His face. Peter, you taught me to always keep my eyes on Christ in the midst of the storms. You also showed me Christ’s undying love and His ability to forgive through your denial. Thank you Peter for this Church! Yes Peter, thank you for this church that has become my refuge in the midst of the passing storms of life.

To Ronald Regan, by far the greatest U.S. President to ever walk this earth. I served him as a United States Marine, stationed in Arlington, and only 3 blocks from the hotel when he was shot. Only now are we seeing your strides to seek God out in your Presidency. I want to believe He was your Rock, and your wisdom was a gift of the Father. I hope and pray that I see you in Glory Mr. President. You taught me strength in the midst of unbelievable odds, through your quiet might. I was proud to serve under your leadership, and even prouder to have called you my president as a civilian.

My Mother and Father were extremely instrumental in getting me to this point in my life, career and spiritual walk. I wanted to save the most sensitive part of my list till last so that I could keep the keyboard dry. So let me say a little bit about my Mother and Dad. As the Lord has changed my heart, He has shown me the error in my ways. You two wonderful people endured more pain and frustration from this strong willed lunk-head kid’s shenanigans, than any parents should ever have to endure. God bless your strength and steadfastness, thank you for sticking with it when the birth of the new culture of those days was starting to rip away at family morals and values. Thanks for keeping the hippies at bay Dad – (big smile).

Not too long ago, I had told them that somehow the Lord washed away all the tough memories and replaced them with all the great things of my 18 years at home, I realize now that wasn’t entirely true. He brought to light all the wonderful memories that you provided me when I was younger, and those memories dominate my visits back to those times at home. I do however; remember a lot of the times that I wanted my way, and in the process receiving the long arm of the law for my actions. Now I see the pain, frustration and fear in your faces that I couldn’t or didn’t’ see back then. I understand the underlying concern and desire to do it right, thankfully you two had parents in the background that prayed you through. They didn’t pray you out of it, or around it, they prayed you through it, and God blessed those prayers by providing deliverance. Through the process, he put many pieces into motion to bring us to this point. You have four kids that honor you with their achievement, their love of family and some of us keeping the family spiritual heritage alive and well. He has set me free from the bondage of that sin of the strong willed punk kid, but I visit that ole’ pit from time to time to remember that destitute ugliness which He saved me from. I love you both so much, and it is going to take Christ’s interpretation of that love when you get to heaven before you can truly understand or I can truly express it any further. There just are not words adequate enough to articulate that which is in my heart. As long as Christ gives me breath you will never feel unloved, un-needed or uncared for. Your need is my gift to offer, your want is my desire to fill; His love is my heart to give to you. Your sacrifice has not gone unnoticed and certainly it has not gone misunderstood. I have no way of repairing the past; I can only hope that you have seen Christ’s hand in this new son you have acquired these last few years. Heaven knows he has given me new eyes to see my parents with.

Dad, I can’t call you Father anymore; for my Father resides in Heaven, but you’ll be glad to know He gave me a new heart. He gave me a heart that has an endless ability to love a heart that is tender to His voice and tender to your voice. I am so thankful He gave us these years to become close – needing each other. It is wonderful to enjoy each other’s company, learning from each other and praying for one another. My prayer is that He mends the heart of your youth Dad, so that the tender heart you carry today can bridge the gap to your youth. So that when that time comes that He calls you to go home to meet Him and you’re Dad, you will do so with enthusiasm, desire and peace. I wish I could wipe away all your pain from those early years for you and grand-Dad. This I promise you Dad, that he loves you so much, and if he could have figured out how to turn it around he would have. He loved you dad – I saw it in his eyes and heard it in his prayers. He was a rock Dad, he had to be – God needed him to be, and placed him right where he was to fulfill His purpose.

When Great Grand-dad died, Grand-dad knew he was the senior Spiritual Leader of that extended family – and he loved them all as well. Grand-Dad knew that Christ’s second highest of all His commands was to love one another. In the end grand-Dad showed that Love of Christ to me through the last words of advice he had the chance to give me. When I questioned him on my sister’s life choice in her marriage, he said, “Bob, Love your sister with all your heart – that’s what Christ wants you to do, that’s what your sister needs you to do…… you know in your heart I’m right son”.

Dad, I love you with every ounce of my being, and I know now that you have always loved me….. Forgive me for ever doubting that, and know that your Dad loved you just as much or more – because He knew best the author of Love – Christ, that you can take to the bank. Christ has been working in your heart Dad, I see it, I hear and I feel it, let him finish – we all have edges that could be smoother. The bond that has grown between us is generating strength for me. Christ has used you to mold me. I told you once before that He has taught me to look at the whole package when dealing with people at work, and in the church. Once I applied that practice to my own life I better understood my past along with yours and Mothers. I understand a lot of things that you probably thought I would never get, but Christ is now my tutor and mentor. Dad, I will always be here for you, no matter what. I hope this little work is an encouragement to you, because you sure have been for me. Semper Fi Dad, forever and ever.

How do they know the difference? ©

This was an excerpt from my book... A work in progress that hasn't made it to press yet. I made this blog title into a little poster – it hangs in my office to this day… Begging the question, is there noticeable difference in me, to the point that people want to know why? 1st Chronicles 16:8 “Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, and make known His deeds (works) among the people”. Romans 10:9-11 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture saith, whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed. Wow, what a hammer to gavel us into action. The author of 1st Chronicles and Paul in Romans nailed the challenge to my heart today – “How DO they know the difference”? While I give Him thanks every day for the blessings of the day, it most times feels hollow – because I am going through the motions. Going through the motions…… Knowing He expects more, and wants to fellowship with me each day, yet I get caught up in the business of doing business each day and give Him what’s left. Today when I ask myself this question – I realized there are many days they don’t see a difference therefore; I must change. I Must Change! Even the will and power to do this must come from Him; in surrendering my heart I must develop a God awareness that must be evident every day of my life. Since pride is my thorn in the flesh, and the Yield sign has always been my least favored traffic sign, God has His work cut out. We as Christian must learn to yield to His will and His voice, letting Him create new spiritual habits in the life of a professing Christian. Interpreted we must build strong spiritual habits in the home, with friends and neighbors and yes, at work. Dear Father – this is a tall order, please help me. We can’t as Christians today settle for mediocrity; we must seek revival in our own hearts before we can possibly look to see it in our Churches or Communities. My goodness there are several messages I could run away with here, but lets stay on track. We need to stay the course, focus on Christ, stoke the fire in our own heart and then Christ will use us to sow new seed and gather His flock. We have lost the Fire – we are becoming ashamed – we have let too much of the world collect on us from playing in their play ground and they can no longer see a difference in us! Today’s work place has become a breeding ground for ego and self centeredness. “What’s in it for me – how will I profit from this activity?” Showing the God awareness and building new spiritual habits to show them the difference. Lord, give me the strength to NOT be ashamed of you or your work in me. Funny how Paul chose the word “confess” rather than profess “with thy mouth”, confession is from the heart, while profession is most times superficial or even contradictorily to the heart. So; today I choose to let God be God, I’m just a simple ole’ sinner that He showed Mercy to and offered That Amazing Grace to. Now I want to let Him use me to show the difference and maybe someday soon – lead someone in my life to the difference. Dear Lord Jesus, show Your difference to them through me; then help me Lord see them through Your eyes and not my own, and help me to always give You the Praise for the blessing. In Christ’s name, Amen

I must be reminded of who I am in Christ each day.

This project started out as something very different; it was therapeutic, it helped me keep spiritually focused in an unsaved world. Realizing that the world seemed to think it had everything under control – and had no need for a Savior let alone a God. One of my closest friends at work calls me “God’s little fix it man”, guess what folks – the world at large doesn’t really want the kind of fixing God has to offer. The world is a bond slave to sin, and is sadly laughing on the road to hell…. The true Gospel – that pricks the heart to repentance (making the 180 degree and turning to Him) is being purged from the corporate church of this age. The remnant is forming, and the few that find that narrow gate have been counted. When I started this nearly 42 months ago, it wasn’t even a project, it was a way to keep my spiritual sanity and keep my testimony in check. It seemed my career settled for a bit, and I had learned contentment in the achievements, even somewhat satisfied with the whole mid life thing. However; Spiritually I was in rut and going nowhere fast. Our Pastor had brought a couple of messages regarding head knowledge and heart knowledge and how balance between the two is so important. I realized I needed some work from God’s hand in that area of my life. Like Paul, I found myself not doing the things I know I ought to be doing, and doing the things that I knew I ought not to be doing. This was my answer to engaging and purging the unwanted components of my heart, giving God the Glory and letting the spiritual heavy lifting to Him. I decided to take the gift and blessing of knowledge of His Word, and start targeting my heart in hopes that I would learn to let the Lord keep my pride in check. My biggest battle and the one piece of my heart that had to be yielded to get any further. His Grace is indeed sufficient – but without that wonderful undeserved Mercy it would be for not. So I started keeping a list of little one line thoughts or posers that I would hang in my office to remind me to keep on track. I had coworkers that claimed the name of Christ who I thought could use these occasionally as well. So I wrote, and wrote and wrote what eventually became one or two a week. In recent months, I realized that along with each of the thoughts and posers, I needed to include the reasoning behind that day’s work. After sharing a few of them with my senior high & college age Sunday school class that I teach; I was prodded to share them with others. So here I am, sharing them with you. I hope they touch your heart, encourage you to get into the race or just give you a sense of urgency to serve Him better. Most of all, please remember that this was written from a layman’s pen. It has been written by a man with a modest education, a little world experience, and an undying love for his Savior. More than any of that please remember that if you are moved or blessed by what you read, give Him all the praise and glory, for He alone deserves it, He is my inspiration and my confidant. Praise God. Started: May 15th, 2006 By: Robert C. Hall

Lessons learned on this Journey with Christ by my side!

Through the remaining pages of this book, you will see God’s influence on my heart, and the slow and total change in my way of thinking. A change that was deliberate and supervised by the Holy Spirit through this long track. All the while learning more about my selfish past and the path of destruction I was on due to a non-obedient attitude and lifestyle. Everyday learning more about this new path I am on, and the constant desire to seek His face and His approval in everything I do. Why He chose me to be among His children will constantly amaze me and test me all the days of this life. So undeserving, and unfit to call His name, let alone carry with me everywhere I go is so humbling that sometimes it becomes overwhelming. His blessings abound, His love forever filling, His peace touches the heart when all seems in disarray – His still small voice of the Holy Spirit comforts when I need it most. He is my Best Friend, He knows me best, and He alone I am learning to bow, yield and submit my will to. An unbelievable tale if I had heard it anywhere else. The warring of the Spirit is never done, while I still deal with the flesh and its short comings, I live for the Blessed Hope that is in the first fruits of His resurrection and the change that will take place. No longer will the battle wear on this fallen man, I will shed these old war torn clothes of unrighteousness. No longer will I need to stand before God wrapped in His Son’s righteousness – I will then wear my robes of white standing with His Son with the completed gift of righteousness paid for by my Dear, Precious and Blessed Lord Jesus – the Christ of eternity. He has used the people He has place in my path to teach me and wear away at all those rough spots that I am constantly reminded of. The work in each of us is never done, He is constantly working in our hearts to show us His way, if we yield and submit to His will. Seek His Face! Watch and wait for His return, while running the race to win! Don’t just brush up against those lost souls around you, share the Good News.

Let His heart be your heart, love them all, share – He’ll do the rest.

Dear Lord, How Did We Get Here?

This is a Cut and Paste from my Manuscript....

A Layman’s Journey On Life’s Road by Robert C. Hall (Foreword)

Dear Lord, How Did I Get Here Several years ago, I began to jot down little personal notes, spiritually motivating thoughts and posers that came to mind and heart while in devotions. As the days turned to weeks, months and years the collection grew. This project is the sum total of those scribbles that pricked my heart on some days and coaxed my spirit on other days. I have always had a love for expressing my thoughts in writing, but never aspired to write something someone else would want to read, let alone a book. I guess the best way to start is where and when I came into this world, the rest will work itself out as I go and the Lord leads. This work has brought the question of how I got to this point. Beyond that, it offers a basic Layman’s journey attempting to address the question of how we got to where we are as a nation. How did we get to a point where the colors of this nation fly over the Cross of Christ? How did we get to a point where we have lost sight of the basic fundamental faith in our Creator and His gift and answer of deliverance? Easy Believing is not the answer, for we are in a spiritual battle that will slay those not wrapped in Christ’s salvation. “Dear Father, please have the Holy Spirit direct my heart and pen as I take all these notes, references and thoughts and try to organize them to write down, thank you Father, in your dear Son, Amen.”

Humble Beginnings I was born what now seems to be a long time ago in a little town called Bellefonte. Born the son of a local policeman and housewife, with very humble beginnings economically. My parents were great providers, and learned to accomplish great things with the blessings God provided. As far back as I can remember, we always had enough to get by, and in some cases enough left to share. God provided blessings, many blessings, His hand was always present in my life, and eventually I began to see that. I grew up as an extremely strong willed child, creating great challenges and pain for my parents, but that is another story for another time. They both had the love of music, both played in the High School band of their respective High Schools. They were married June 14th, 1958 in a little coal town in central PA, in a Christian Missionary Alliance Church.

Their parents, all four were born again Christians that lived the life they proclaimed. My Grandparents were all faithful followers of Christ, strong God fearing people that lovingly and willingly shared the gospel with their family and unsaved grandchildren. It was through their prayers, guidance, correction and diligence that I have the mind to write these things today. For it was by those faithful prayers that I too became a born again Christian. The influence grandparents have on their grandchildren is phenomenal, when done right God brings fruit out of that influence. Grandparents can impact the development of their grandchildren by teaching Faith, Discipline, Scripture Memorization, the art of Praying and balance of head knowledge and heart knowledge.

Grandchildren will more times than not put a little more stock in what Grandma and Grandpa have to say then other folks in their life. I was a perfect example of a young person that placed great stock in what those wonderful older people had to say and listened intently to the advice they had to offer, even though painful at times. My Dad’s folks were strong faithful people, and they instilled in me the desire to be close to God, and His gift to us in His Son’s ministry and life. They also provided life balance lessons for me in the early years (memories of 4 years of age to the mid teens). Grand-dad Hall was firm in his belief and convictions. He loved me very much, and actually told me that once or twice verbally, which was kind of unusual for that generation. He showed me his tender hearted side as well. Sitting on the edge of my bed while I said my prayers, reinforcing my Grand-mothers working with me to learn scripture, he taught me to play music on an old Hammond organ in their home. He had significant stock in an extended family camp with cabin; we would visit frequently in my younger years. It was a quiet place with trees all around and a small meadow that we had campfires in. It was at camp that Grand-dad taught me to respect the earth the Lord has given us, and to take only that from the earth and the wild which we needed and could use. He taught me to shoot a single shot .22 rifle; we shot cans, tin plates, paper targets and occasionally a snake that wondered to close to the cabin. Until I started this project I had lost some of these memories, now I remember Grand-dad Hall taught me the respect of firearms, and how to safely use them at an early age. Early lessons of responsibility and accountability, I wonder where those things’ are being taught to today’s youth.

I spent many summers and weekends with my Grandparents. I loved them greatly a bond that my siblings were not quite as fortunate to experience. As a small boy, Grand-dad was a giant of a man, yet reflecting back on those years, he was tender hearted, gentle mannered, yet he was firm in his correction with me when I was out of line. He showed me the meekness of Christ, gentle strength under control, willing to share the very essence of who he was with those that came in contact with him. He knew he possessed the inherited royalty of the very King that gave him life, an adopted son, willing to share that inheritance with family, friends and strangers alike. Grand-dad filled my heart and mind with so many wonderful memories, the pain is that it took 40 years to rediscover the majority of them. Sin will take so much farther than you want to travel, and that rugged journey takes you to where you can’t see those that mean so much to you. They become distant memories that become buried and bogged down with the daily troubles of life. The secret Grand-dad knew; that when you are of the elect of the Father, He will lead you back home. Grand-dad exercised God’s patience, and shined in Christ’s undying love to the point of sacrifice. Yes, Grand-dad I remember who’s hand to grab when the storm roars, who’s breast to rest in when I am weary beyond words. The very One you are with today.

Grand-dad Hall was extremely knowledgeable in Theology, Christology, Hebrew, Greek and Church Doctrine to the point of being very dogmatic when I was much younger. He studied at great length every morning before work. I would also catch him from time to time sitting on the living room sofa reading his Bible after dinner. Many evenings when he came home he would dig back into his Bible and studies. He was great man, he loved Christ with all of his being, and he shared the gospel story with me many times when I was younger. Grand-dad Hall always had time to answer bible questions, and made sure you had the references to answer your question so that you wouldn’t forget. My grandparents started the First Baptist Church of Bellefonte in their home. A licensed minister, grand-dad Hall was the rock of my doctrinal upbringing. I was so fortunate to witness first hand hundreds of hours of his prayer and Bible study while living with him for a short time in my youth. He was such a Rock, he loved the Lord so much, and he taught me sacrifice thru his unending service to the Lord in the church. He taught the adult Sunday school class, he served on the Deacon Board and provided spiritual mind and heart exercises for untold Pastors thru in-depth discussions and conversations. His only wish for me – was to see me as a minister in his life time. Brokenheartedly I must say he never realized that dream, because I became too self centered and prideful. I walked away from everything he had taught me at one point, and my conscience was rubbed raw by the very sight of him. Then after a while; that old devil “Satan” callused my heart so deeply it didn’t bother me anymore. Now looking back, I am sure that those tough years brought him great pain. He gave so much, and I took so much from him in spiritual and emotional terms. Yet the times I did make it back to visit, he had nothing but smiles and tears of joy, he exemplified the Christian walk with his Loving Lord and Savior, He always put Christ first. Oh Dear Lord, please give a big thank you to my loving Grand-dad.

My grandmother Hall taught me boldness, she was a tiny lady physically, but she was a giant spiritually. She would share the gospel on the street with anyone willing to listen; in the 1960’s you could do that without being sent to the funny farm. Grandmother Hall could not have survived in this politically correct world we live in today. She and my Grand-dad taught me to pray, the secret and love of hiding His word in my heart. How I loved to hear her sing, she exemplified the Joy of Christ in the heart of a Christian. It didn’t matter if we were pulling weeds in the garden, washing dishes, cleaning the house or cooking dinner, she was always singing with that sweet elderly vibrato. It was awesome, what I wouldn’t do to hear those songs again. She loved to smile, share and serve – and probably one of the most humble people I have ever known. Grandmother Hall had a large spirit; she exemplified the clay pot, overflowing with the Holy Spirit. She loved her family and prayed for each one by name every day. Oh, how I miss the power and strength that those prayers provided us. We as a family were better, and we experienced God’s blessings deeper and were more fulfilled because of her faithful and unending prayers. When I think of prayer warriors, Grandmother Hall is right at the top of the list. She was a tiny but yet strong women on her knees before her Lord. My Grandparents Hall’s house was extremely modest, small three bedroom two story that was quite old. It was comfortable, a little drafty in the winter, but it was home. It was just five blocks from the elementary school down town which was just a few minute walk. It was only a block and a half from down town, half way up a steep hill which made the view down into town pretty neat for a kid growing up. On Friday or Saturday nights Grand-dad would bring the car out, and we would ride down town and park in front of the old Five & Dime store. They would take me in, and the routine was to look at the toys, then go look at the fish and stop at the snack counter on the way out and buy a bag of cashews. Then we would go out and sit in the car with the windows down and just watch the people walk by. I have so many wonderful and endearing memories of my Grandparents home and times with them; they never ran out of patience or love. They have let an image of Christ’s Love in my mind and heart.

My mom’s folks were devout Christian Missionary Alliance members, and like my Dad’s folks believed if the Church doors were open, your behind had better be in one of the pews. My grand-dad Tormey loved the great outdoors, he loved to fish and when I was 11 years old, he began taking me on some of his fishing trips when I stayed with them in the summers. Somehow that dear man always found answers for my endless questions, and satisfied my unending desire to tinker and tear things apart. Grand-dad Tormey was a layman’s genius, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix or figure out. When I was younger, I always thought of Grand-dad Tormey as a gentle giant of a man. He worked on the railroad, which was a tough job, and he had several harrowing experiences on the trains. He was strong, coal black hair and a huge smile when you were fortunate enough to catch one. Grand-dad was kind and gentle with his grand-kids, but there was no question that you were to listen when at his house.

I could spend hours and hours telling stories of adventures I would have at their home in the summers. It was a great place on the out skirts of an old coal mining town. Some of the old coal stripping mines were just a short hike up over the hill from their house. There were loads of blueberries to pick on your way up the hill and along the railroad tracks. Grand-dad Tormey taught me the Love of Christ through his loving service and tender heart. He served in his church as a Deacon, and many years as Treasurer. When I was just 10 years old I watched my grand-dad give his tearful testimony, giving God all the credit for the massive change in his life. In knowing his testimony, a man of many vices before he knew Christ, cigarettes, booze, cussing and the works, made his transformation all the more impressive. The very night Christ brought him from death to life spiritually, he dropped every vice he had. Knowing that fact validated the genuineness of his changed life and my placing him as the only man that I willingly and wholly accepted advice and criticism from – because I trusted his heart. If grand-dad told me I was messing up, I stopped and listened, and never, ever was suspect of his advice and promptings. I never heard a cuss word or unkind word from this man’s lips. He devoutly read his Bible every night in the big chair in the living room. They had a small 19” black & white TV in their living room. If the show on the tube wasn’t Gun Smoke, Bonanza, The Big Valley, a Church Program (Billy Graham) or the local news the tube was switched off. Parental control through loving Christian Grand parenting – they used the moral conviction Christ gave them to filter what was decent or not to watch on TV – and this was back in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

Grand-ma Tormey was my personal prayer warrior, because she prayed me through to salvation. God blessed that devotion and prayer by allowing her to see her grandson come to the saving knowledge of Christ in her church one Sunday night. She prayed me through, while I know I was in all my grandparents daily prayers, it was grandma Tormey that held my hand through church services to keep me from doodling. She would kindly and gently encourage me to listen, and pay attention to what was being said. She and Grand-dad sat behind me as I prayed the sinner’s prayer, and my eyes were opened.

The night I accepted Christ, she called me into her room at bedtime. She had tears in her eyes, and said “boy – I’ve been praying for this for many years, praise the Lord one has come home, now let’s pray for the rest.” Grand-ma served faithfully in the church as head of the Woman’s Prayer Group. They raised money to provide Bibles for folks and sent all kinds of care packages to the missionaries supported by their church. One Thanksgiving we were having a nice meal at Grand-ma and Grand-dad Tormey’s house. All the aunts, uncles and cousins were present. The guys were out on the back porch swinging on the swing and sitting around just talking and having a good time. The weather was kind of damp and drizzly and a tad bit chilly. We were all sort of talking, and I don’t know when the stranger actually appeared, but there was a genuine hard luck hobo staring us in the face standing at the top of the steps. My dad (former Marine and Police Chief) was getting ready to escort him out and Grand-ma stopped him. She said just wait a minute, I’ll be right out. She then went inside and prepared this humble older gentleman a plate fit for a king. Brought it out onto the porch and had one of us kids get up out of the lawn chair we were in so that he could set down and have his Thanksgiving dinner. The power of that one little kind deed left a lasting impression on quite a few of us that day. She exercised her faith and obedience to Christ in front of the whole family – what a powerful testimony that was.

These are the shoulders that I stand upon today, trying to Love and Serve the Lord as they so wonderfully taught me. A Spiritual Legacy that I can’t let die, that now at 49 years of age I understand better, and love more.

This work is a labor of love first to my biggest Hero, Christ himself. Who while I understand the academics and doctrine of His Love and Promise, my Heart can’t seem to put together the love of the un-lovable that He has for me. For I along with Him know the secrets of my heart and past, ugly and unworthy I stand in the midst of the Father’s mercy, and His Son’s grace. He loved me when I was yet living in the bonds of sin, because of that glorious sacrifice, I now stand before the Father wrapped in His righteousness – justified by His Blood. I grew up with two younger brothers and a younger sister. Yes, I was the oldest son in the family of six. My mother and father had a tough time keeping things going when we were all in grade school to junior high. My brothers and I would walk along some of the streets and roads close to home looking for pop bottles. After collecting couple six or eight bottle cartons, we would take them to the local mini-grocery store and cash them in for bread or milk. Occasionally we would take them down and buy a bag of penny candy. My brothers and I got along good when we were younger; we all liked the hot toys of the time. Major Matt Mason, and the Thunderbirds, and our bikes – oh my, without our bikes we would have been lost. I had forgotten how much time we spent together back then, and we actually had a ton of fun.

The brother behind me was extremely athletic; a good looking kid that the girls figured was a bit of eye candy. Later, he became quite the charmer. The only one out of the three boys to have blonde hair, my sister had blonde hair as well. Quite interesting actually, Dad had pitch black hair, Mother was a red head and my youngest brother and I had brown hair. In our teen years, my brothers and I had our normal squabbles – but for the most part, in our own ways we knew we loved each other. The second born son, ended up getting an appointment to VMI, which lead to a commission in the US Marine Corps. Today he is serving in Iraq as part of the command structure for the U.S. Marine Corps Expeditionary Group as a Colonel. He married a lovely military girl, and they have a very talented son, who loves music. He and I were close while at home, we spent a lot of time on Tussey Mountain, and the fields of Rock Springs. He is sure to get a smile when remembering the snake at the farmers pond, nearly scared me out of my shoes. He always let me in if I was too late getting home at night. The years since we have left home, have robbed us of that closeness, but not enough to see the fine man he has become. His achievements are remarkable and long running. I am extremely proud of my brother and he is always in my thoughts and prayers. I love and miss you Goob!

My youngest brother was the tender hearted one out of the bunch. No matter what he was doing, or had going on, he always found time for his family – no matter what the need. He used to help keep my love of cars fixed, by allowing me to hang around his body shop. He had this gift of taking total junk and making it look like a million bucks. He did it all, body work, engine work, cars, truck and bikes. Hisser took better care of his family and friends than he did himself. Brilliant young man with his hands and good ole’ American ingenuity, he had to get that from my Mother’s side, her Dad was that way too. As he grew older – that became his trade mark, he had a heart the size of Texas which made him a very successful business man. He has one of the largest custom bike dealerships in the state, and has been recognized nationally for his sales and product. He still has a big heart, but business savvy has tempered his discernment of who is deserving of that big heart and who is not. He looks after my mother and father quite a bit. There is no question in anyone’s mind of his loyalty and love for his parents. He has become a fine businessman, and he is a great brother. I love you Hisser! You will always hold a very special spot in this old salt’s heart.

My little sister, when she was still in diapers I fathered over her like she was my own. There is seven years difference between us, and she lets me know that once in awhile just to keep me humble. She was the apple of her daddy’s eye and her big brother’s too. She has had to make quite a few adjustments in her life time. She was going through a rough marriage situation quite a few years back. The choice she was making didn’t sit well with me, and I made the mistake of complaining about it to my Grand-dad Hall, which I wrote about earlier. He used that situation to teach me in very real terms what Christ meant when he commanded us to love our neighbors, our brothers and yes our sisters unconditionally. She is married to fine gentlemen that has built his own business, they live in the mountains of central PA; they are doing well and I am equally as proud of her and her husband. She has two boys and two girls. As Grand-dad Tormey called her – “the lemon squeezer”, a term of endearment, of fondness and love that only we will probably ever understand. She is still her oldest brother’s precious baby sister. Love yah Bink!

As I have already stated, all four of my grandparents were wonderful mentors of the faith – and lived His Love out every day to me and those around them. I am forever grateful and indebted to their Love and Sacrifice for me. I had two other mentors in this life; one in business the other in Christ. My Boss; CEO & President of the company I work for in central, PA taught me many lessons in conducting business. He expects us to conduct ourselves in such a way that it commands respect from the customer and community. He would settle for nothing less than pure integrity, an honest day’s work, and more than gracious reward for that effort. If you earned his trust and lived your business life with integrity and honor, pulling your own weight and occasionally that of others – he was quick to praise and reward. I am sure he didn’t realize he was mentoring me, but God used his leadership to reshape my character after dedicating my life to Christ at 35 years of age. He has portrayed a firm moral foundation, and he has been a rock solid mentor. I love this man dearly, and to use an old Marine Corps phrase, I’d take a bullet for the man.

My Pastor; wow, where do I begin to tell you the impact this man has had in my life. Well let’s start with one of his greatest spiritual gifts – he is the most gracious man I know. He doesn’t just preach it, he lives it. He lives with a tender and forgiving heart; at times I tease him and tell him he is forgiving to a fault. Understand that I have a tendency to swing the sword cutting the ear off and worrying about fixing it later. He has taught me Grace through living it and helping me through trials that I didn’t think were possible to even navigate through. He has sacrificed to help me learn lessons; in the early years he endured a terrible unchecked ego that I wouldn’t admit I had. Christ used him, and him alone to connect my head knowledge with my heart. His spiritual leadership has been unshakable and flawless from my perspective. Thank you Pastor for the tenacious leadership and teaching, you have been a great spiritual mentor. You will never understand the depth of my love and gratitude for you this side of heaven. To my other heroes; Paul formerly Saul of Tarsus, thank you for those wonderful letters, and the doctrine that you so tenderly taught. You have taught me to speak the truth in and with love, to speak boldly of Christ with conviction, to be mindful of the foxes and hold the line. You have taught me to love my brothers and sisters in the Church unconditionally. Thank you most of all for helping me understand the restoration of a brother, and then practicing it in Christ when the need was presented.

To King David and Peter, thank you for lessons that were most likely not intended to be such at the time. David, you had a heart for God, and recognized the sin of your heart when you strayed and sought His face. Peter, you taught me to always keep my eyes on Christ in the midst of the storms. You also showed me Christ’s undying love and His ability to forgive through your denial. Thank you Peter for this Church! Yes Peter, thank you for this church that has become my refuge in the midst of the passing storms of life.

To Ronald Regan, by far the greatest U.S. President to ever walk this earth. I served him as a United States Marine, stationed in Arlington, and only 3 blocks from the hotel when he was shot. Only now are we seeing your strides to seek God out in your Presidency. I want to believe He was your Rock, and your wisdom was a gift of the Father. I hope and pray that I see you in Glory Mr. President. You taught me strength in the midst of unbelievable odds, through your quiet might. I was proud to serve under your leadership, and even prouder to have called you my president as a civilian.


There are four people left, who by far are not the least of my list. Four years ago, I realized that for the department that I headed up as Director to grow at the same pace our company was growing, I would have to look at stepping aside to bring in business talent that could provide new vision and experience to the table. My boss and I had several conversations concerning this concept; he was very considerate and accommodating through the whole process. Looking back, it was an awesome experience and I am so glad we took the path we did. While I felt somewhat uneasy about this new venture, I knew it was what needed to happen. Neither my boss or I have looked back, it’s been great. The man we brought on just happens to come from Washington DC, which is where my wife and I spent the first 18 months of our married life. So that gave us some common ground, but the real connecting dot was – he was a Christian. This man much like my Pastor walks grace better than most everyone I know. He is a bit of a peacemaker, which when in the right arena has become quite a gift. He has tons of experience in the business world, and I am always teasing him about the “gray” in business that he seems to navigate so well. He’s a good man, and while he isn’t the first one to tell you his testimony, he definitely reflects Christ’s way.

My Mother and Father were extremely instrumental in getting me to this point in my life, career and spiritual walk. I wanted to save the most sensitive part of my list till last so that I could keep the keyboard dry. So let me say a little bit about my Mother and Dad. As the Lord has changed my heart, He has shown me the error in my ways. You two wonderful people endured more pain and frustration from this strong willed lunk-head kid’s shenanigans, than any parents should ever have to endure. God bless your strength and steadfastness, thank you for sticking with it when the birth of the new culture of those days was starting to rip away at family morals and values. Thanks for keeping the hippies at bay Dad – (big smile). Not too long ago, I had told them that somehow the Lord washed away all the tough memories and replaced them with all the great things of my 18 years at home, I realize now that wasn’t entirely true. He brought to light all the wonderful memories that you provided me when I was younger, and those memories dominate my visits back to those times at home. I do however; remember a lot of the times that I wanted my way, and in the process receiving the long arm of the law for my actions. Now I see the pain, frustration and fear in your faces that I couldn’t or didn’t’ see back then. I understand the underlying concern and desire to do it right, thankfully you two had parents in the background that prayed you through. They didn’t pray you out of it, or around it, they prayed you through it, and God blessed those prayers by providing deliverance. Through the process, he put many pieces into motion to bring us to this point. You have four kids that honor you with their achievement, their love of family and some of us keeping the family spiritual heritage alive and well. He has set me free from the bondage of that sin of the strong willed punk kid, but I visit that ole’ pit from time to time to remember that destitute ugliness which He saved me from.

I love you both so much, and it is going to take Christ’s interpretation of that love when you get to heaven before you can truly understand or I can truly express it any further. There just are not words adequate enough to articulate that which is in my heart. As long as Christ gives me breath you will never feel unloved, un-needed or uncared for. Your need is my gift to offer, your want is my desire to fill; His love is my heart to give to you. Your sacrifice has not gone unnoticed and certainly it has not gone misunderstood. I have no way of repairing the past; I can only hope that you have seen Christ’s hand in this new son you have acquired these last few years. Heaven knows he has given me new eyes to see my parents with.

Dad, I can’t call you Father anymore; for my Father resides in Heaven, but you’ll be glad to know He gave me a new heart. He gave me a heart that has an endless ability to love, a heart that is tender to His voice and tender to your voice. I am so thankful He gave us these years to become close – needing each other. It is wonderful to enjoy each other’s company, learning from each other and praying for one another. My prayer is that He mends the heart of your youth Dad, so that the tender heart you carry today can bridge the gap to your youth. So that when that time comes that He calls you to go home to meet Him and you’re Dad, you will do so with enthusiasm, desire and peace. I wish I could wipe away all your pain from those early years for you and grand-Dad. This I promise you Dad, that he loves you so much, and if he could have figured out how to turn it around he would have. He loved you dad – I saw it in his eyes and heard it in his prayers. He was a rock Dad, he had to be – God needed him to be, and placed him right where he was to fulfill His purpose. When Great Grand-dad died, Grand-dad knew he was the senior Spiritual Leader of that extended family – and he loved them all as well.

Grand-Dad knew that Christ’s second highest of all His commands was to love one another. In the end grand-Dad showed that Love of Christ to me through the last words of advice he had the chance to give me. When I questioned him on my sister’s life choice in her marriage, he said, “Bob, Love your sister with all your heart – that’s what Christ wants you to do, that’s what your sister needs you to do…… you know in your heart I’m right son”. Dad, I love you with every ounce of my being, and I know now that you have always loved me….. Forgive me for ever doubting that, and know that your Dad loved you just as much or more – because He knew best the author of Love – Christ, that you can take to the bank. Christ has been working in your heart Dad, I see it, I hear and I feel it, let him finish – we all have edges that could be smoother. The bond that has grown between us is generating strength for me. Christ has used you to mold me. I told you once before that He has taught me to look at the whole package when dealing with people at work, and in the church. Once I applied that practice to my own life I better understood my past along with yours and Mothers. I understand a lot of things that you probably thought I would never get, but Christ is now my tutor and mentor. Dad, I will always be here for you, no matter what. I hope this little work is an encouragement to you, because you sure have been for me. Semper Fi Dad, forever and ever.

Mother, oh Mother – I love you so much, you have become a sweet spot in my heart. I have watched your tender heart grow, and love to watch you with your great-grand babies. You have become a bit of a confidant for me, which has been kind of neat itself. Your lessons of the early year have stuck with me, and I do remember the heart aches, the tears and the frustration. Most of all I remember you exercising commitment, and faith and trying to get us to church on Sundays. When I think of all the times you sacrificed for us kids to the point of missing meals while we ate; my eyes well up in tears.

You were always there for me, and I was too proud to see it – or want it. I know the reasons for your former tough shell; no one can say that shell was un-warranted. God has helped you overcome, and your heart has become so tender and I see a twinkle in your eye that I don’t remember ever seeing before. I live to see you smile, to have your hand touch my cheek with tenderness and occasionally a warm embrace that only a loving Mother knows. I have heard it said; that next to the Lord, a Mother knows her son’s heart best. I hope you see His heart in mine Mother, and if you do – look a little harder and you will see your “Daddy’s” heart too. He helped mold me into the man I have become, while he walked the earth, as well as now living in his memory. I loved him so, so much, and I miss him beyond words, but I know he is with his Savior, and the physical pain is gone.

I am spiritually proud to be Robert Tormey and John Hall’s grandson, I humbly stand on their shoulders, and I take their torch and carry it boldly to run my race. I pray that I can only run the race as hard, as long and as spiritually centered as they did. On a slightly lighter note, please forgive the little guilt trip I tried to force on you those many years ago concerning our home in the country when it was time to move. I now know and understand that too was God’s will in as He provided the catalyst to start things in motion to meet my wife and eventually my Boss and my Pastor, His ways are not always understood. Mother, I truly thank you for your undying love and all the forgiveness that you have exercised over the years. Thank you for the endless prayers, wishes and hopes. I don’t know that I can live up to them all, but you must know if I can – I will! Your labors of love do not go unnoticed, and if I miss one or two, I pray that Christ will give you reward with extra hugs when that time comes for you to see Him.

“Dear precious heavenly Father, I give you all the praise and all the glory for the blessing you have so wonderfully and graciously provided. I stand this evening in Your Throne Room, in awe and reverence of the reality of this experience. Yet Father, boldly I can stand before you and speak with you while wrapped in Your Son’s righteousness and Justified by His sacrificial payment with His own life and bloodshed. What an awesome God and Heavenly Father you are, don’t ever let me trivialize that or forget that dear Lord. Father, I pray that you will keep my heart and pride in check through this experience, and if it is a blessing to no-one other than me through writing it Lord, so be it. I will then count it but yet another learning tool and growth experience in your will dear Lord. If it be your will Lord to share this work with friends and family, Father, I pray, let it be a blessing to them, in turn giving you the praise and glory for the work you have done in me.

Dear Lord, Jesus you know me best. Please keep my heart humble, keep Satan at bay, and use this work to grow me and further Your Gospel Dear Lord. Open my eyes to see your will, open my ears to hear your voice, and clear my head to understand your word. Keep me in balance Father, guide my pen Holy Spirit, and keep me spiritually aware. Bless those eyes that might see this work Father, touch their hearts, heal their pain, and guide them to your path. Increase my love for the lost and my service to the saved. Through this experience make me a better servant to you, and a better grandson, son, brother, husband, Father, uncle, neighbor, coworker, leader and friend. In closing Father, I would rather this work end up in the fire, than me take credit for it. I would count it a blessing Father if you had me throw it out and you smile on me than this be anything else but a labor of love to You. In all things let me give you the Honor, the Praise and the Glory, I ask in Jesus precious name, AMEN.”