A YEAR OF CHANGE

Some years ago, Focus on the Family Ministry published a list of 10 critical stress producers. Any combination of one or more of these could cause physical and emotional problems.  Things like death of a spouse, divorce, death of a child, loss of job, relocation to another state, change of careers, and others. This past year I have experienced at least 4.  However, there were some good things also, like the birth of our first grandchild, Gage Thomas Robinson and Jeanne's getting to see and hold him over Christmas 09, and being in Denver where I get to see and hold my grandson and I get to spend time with my daughter, Chelley, my son Brian, my daughter-in-law Sarah, and Gage.

Jeanne died on Jan 15; over a period of months, I stopped all my contracts with companies I did inspections for effectively shutting down my business (no income); I resigned my position as an Associate Pastor at New Life Christian Center; I moved out of my home in less than 2 weeks; I gave away or sold most of the 'things' that had been a part of my life with Jeanne and before; I moved from Bentonville, AR to Denver, CO, from small town to the big city; I moved from a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage into 2 rooms 10x12 with bath and kitchen down the hall ( you try that some time); I became an unpaid volunteer at Sox Place Ministry;....and I changed my hairstyle that I had been use to for over 30 years!

I'm not sure about any physical problems, but emotional problems, YES!  I am really missing my partner in life.  The first part of December was especially rough, it was Gage's first birthday and Jeanne should have been there.  I could not control my emotions, I would tear up at anytime.  Let me say this before I go any further, my God has not left me, He is not mad at me, He is not only holding my hand through this but He is carrying me, He loves me and has not nor will He ever reject me (even if I am in depression).   He has given me victory over satan and He will bring me through this season of my life.  Praise the name of my Lord!

If my honesty about my life is difficult for you to hear, I'm sorry but this is the reality I am going through, with my Lord carrying me.  I truly and sincerely ask for your prayers.  You will help me get through this time with you praying for me.

On a different note, I have been asked to fill the pulpit this Sunday, tomorrow, at Denver Christian Indian Center.  While they have no official pastor, they have had different speakers come in and share the Word.   The Lord is giving me another opportunity to stand before His people and share His Word for them.  I haven't done this for about 8 years now so I am nervous.  I am going to share my favorite parable because I identify with it, the parable of the Lost Son, Luke 15.  I am going to share mainly about the love of the father, an illustration of our Heavenly Fathers love for each one of us.

In the secular military, it is estimated that to keep one soldier on the front lines, it takes at least 7 soldiers behind the lines.  That has to do with logistics, supply, communications, support of all kinds.  The same holds true in this spiritual battle we are in.  Those who have been appointed by God to be in the 'front lines' of this ongoing battle need our support and encouragement.  Will you be one of those who help keep me in the 'front lines'?  Will you support me with your prayers and encouragement?  I am not hesitant or ashamed to ask this because I know I can not do battle without you.  Together we will see the kingdom of God populated and the kingdom of darkness de-populated!

May the Lord keep you in His loving hands, and may you walk in the beauty that He has given us.

Love ya'll.
Troy