A year ago yesterday, I stood in front of my friends and family looking into the most beautiful blue eyes I had ever seen and telling that girl that I would spend the rest of my life with her, no matter what happened. A year later, I am still amazed that God has chosen me to be with this girl, to call her my best friend, and to share life with her as long as our days will allow us. How great is my God that he would bless me in such a way! I am grateful daily for Lydia and that she chose me as well.
We have been talking a lot lately about how quickly this last year has gone and how grateful we were how well the first year went. In fact as we were going to bed last night, she remarked "I thought that the first year was supposed to be rough!". That is an interesting thought. I guess that in the flurry of being married, I hadn't really considered that we should be having a hard time or that marriage should be really difficult. Yes, it is an adjustment and yes, you have to share space while navigating another persons personality all the while. However, I have found most of the difficulties that I have faced have been self-imposed. That is, I have learned more about myself in the last year than I ever have and that isn't always the best thing. When you are single for a long period of time like I was, you get pretty selfish in your ways and you don't realize how things might come across or how your little quirks can not always be the easiest things for others to handle. I have learned so much about myself while sharing my life with someone who is willing to let me know when I am being a jerk or when she is really happy with me.
In other words, I probably isolated myself from other people for way to long in my life. While I worked a very public job in ministry, I tended to shut myself off from others during my "off time". Sometimes I wish I had allowed people a little closer so that I could learn more about myself and them for that matter. No worries, though. God had someone in mind that he wanted me to wait a while for, that I could learn the best from.
So, here I am, learning about myself daily, living life with my best friend, and looking forward to years and years of doing this "married" thing. I am grateful and blessed.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
some explanation
There has been a little confusion about the new title of the blog so I figured I would take a moment to explain. Before I do though, it would be prudent to note that I am in no way a wordsmith or witty with words. What you see as a title is about the best I know how to do. While in my little 'Chris Robey noggin' I thought it was really funny, those who read it might be scratching their own noggins a bit.
I am not gonna explain "city slicker". Seriously. But the "Ranch Style World" has significance in two ways. First of all, as Lydia and I were engaged, we bought a house out in the country that was pretty much in the middle between Granbury and Ft Worth. This house has a certain style to it that is known as "Ranch Style". For months and months the little "City Slicker" in me called it "Texas Style". After being corrected by my wife about a thousand times, I finally figured out my error.
Also, I have married a country music fan. And she (plus tons of other country fans in this area) listen to something called "Texas Country". If you grew up in the "Westoplex", that is Fort Worth and areas west of the city, you listen to your Texas Country on a station known as "The Ranch". Now, let me say this about "The Ranch": You have good music, but nothing to be arrogant about. There is an inherint cockiness about Texas Country not being "Nashville" and that everything that comes out of Nashville is crap. I have no problem with this assumption about the music, but it isn't something to be cocky about. "The Ranch" even modifies its broadcast signal so it cannot be heard in Dallas because they feel like that side of the metroplex isn't worthy of their brand of music. I wish I was making this up, but I couldn't. I am not that smart! Just look at my blog title!
So, all rants aside, that is why I used the term "Ranch Style World". While I do like the beans, I don't think they are a fitting enough reason to use them as an inspiration for a blog title. Now, coutry fried steak....that might be a good idea........
I am not gonna explain "city slicker". Seriously. But the "Ranch Style World" has significance in two ways. First of all, as Lydia and I were engaged, we bought a house out in the country that was pretty much in the middle between Granbury and Ft Worth. This house has a certain style to it that is known as "Ranch Style". For months and months the little "City Slicker" in me called it "Texas Style". After being corrected by my wife about a thousand times, I finally figured out my error.
Also, I have married a country music fan. And she (plus tons of other country fans in this area) listen to something called "Texas Country". If you grew up in the "Westoplex", that is Fort Worth and areas west of the city, you listen to your Texas Country on a station known as "The Ranch". Now, let me say this about "The Ranch": You have good music, but nothing to be arrogant about. There is an inherint cockiness about Texas Country not being "Nashville" and that everything that comes out of Nashville is crap. I have no problem with this assumption about the music, but it isn't something to be cocky about. "The Ranch" even modifies its broadcast signal so it cannot be heard in Dallas because they feel like that side of the metroplex isn't worthy of their brand of music. I wish I was making this up, but I couldn't. I am not that smart! Just look at my blog title!
So, all rants aside, that is why I used the term "Ranch Style World". While I do like the beans, I don't think they are a fitting enough reason to use them as an inspiration for a blog title. Now, coutry fried steak....that might be a good idea........
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Some change
It hit me today that I haven't posted in almost a year. Most would say that they felt really bad about not posting. I could say that, but it would probably be a lie. I guess if I felt that bad about it I would have posted a long time ago.
The main reason I haven't posted is that the blog was about me living in Granbury as a single guy in a new ministry. All of those things have changed in the last year, though. I guess that it was hard to come up with posts about a life situation that dosen't exist.
So, it is time to change the title of the blog and the overall focus. The title "City Slicker in a Ranch Style World" speaks to my entrance into a new family and set of friends who are a bit more "countrified" than I am. I grew up living all over the world, never living in one place more than four years. My friends played video games, watched sports, and made stupid videos on the weekends. The only "country" thing I did growing up was shuck corn on my grandparents back porch in Alabama. That is pretty "country" if you ask me.
Yet, I married this pretty blue eyed girl from Texas whose family likes to hunt, fish, plant gardens, and listen to Texas Country music. So, needless to say, my life has changed a lot in the last few years.
This blog will simply reflect the awesome change that has happened in my life in the last year. I am now a married man with a mortgage and two acres to mow each week. I have a tire swing in my back yard and a shed. I kayak with my brother in laws and mountain bike when I get the chance. I love my wife more than she will ever know and consider myself to be the luckiest guy on the planet.
I am more than a youth minister now. That seems to be less of an identity for me now than it used to be. I am a child of God, a husband, and a uncle. I am a mentor to teens and families as well as a son and a brother. For years the title "youth minister" is what kept me going. It is what gave me my worth. I hope that from now on that will be only one of the ways someone can identify me.
So, entering this new world will be great for me as God continues to expand who he wants me to be. I am glad to be doing so coming from such an awesome family and entering into a new one.
So there! Enjoy the "philosophical" Chris Robey for today. You might not see him again for a while. Check in from time to time and see whats up. Lata!
The main reason I haven't posted is that the blog was about me living in Granbury as a single guy in a new ministry. All of those things have changed in the last year, though. I guess that it was hard to come up with posts about a life situation that dosen't exist.
So, it is time to change the title of the blog and the overall focus. The title "City Slicker in a Ranch Style World" speaks to my entrance into a new family and set of friends who are a bit more "countrified" than I am. I grew up living all over the world, never living in one place more than four years. My friends played video games, watched sports, and made stupid videos on the weekends. The only "country" thing I did growing up was shuck corn on my grandparents back porch in Alabama. That is pretty "country" if you ask me.
Yet, I married this pretty blue eyed girl from Texas whose family likes to hunt, fish, plant gardens, and listen to Texas Country music. So, needless to say, my life has changed a lot in the last few years.
This blog will simply reflect the awesome change that has happened in my life in the last year. I am now a married man with a mortgage and two acres to mow each week. I have a tire swing in my back yard and a shed. I kayak with my brother in laws and mountain bike when I get the chance. I love my wife more than she will ever know and consider myself to be the luckiest guy on the planet.
I am more than a youth minister now. That seems to be less of an identity for me now than it used to be. I am a child of God, a husband, and a uncle. I am a mentor to teens and families as well as a son and a brother. For years the title "youth minister" is what kept me going. It is what gave me my worth. I hope that from now on that will be only one of the ways someone can identify me.
So, entering this new world will be great for me as God continues to expand who he wants me to be. I am glad to be doing so coming from such an awesome family and entering into a new one.
So there! Enjoy the "philosophical" Chris Robey for today. You might not see him again for a while. Check in from time to time and see whats up. Lata!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
the Wims family
This post is simply to offer up a family in great need of prayer and encouragement. It is a family that I do not know very well but have some connection with through our church. Brad Wims is the son of one of my elders here in Granbury. I know Brad through a fantasy football league that I used to play in a few years ago as well, yet I have only met him in person once here at church. Brad, however developed a rare form of bone cancer last year. Here is the description from their blog:
In January of 2007 Brad was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called chondrosarcoma. After 3 massive surgeries in a 4 month span, 2 1/2 months of stomach bedrest and hundreds of hours of physical therapy, our family continues to take each day at a time.
The Wims have not experienced a lot of success with conventional treatments so they are looking at some alternative treatments abroad. They have settled with a treatment in Germany and are making preperations to fly over there by the end of the month. This will both be expensive and time consuming, but will possibly be an answer to the illness.
Our church had an extensive prayer time for Brad on Tuesday evening. It was beautiful to see God's people show up and pray for Brad, especially those who had never met him or his family.
I want to extend the prayer circle ever so slightly through this blog. Go to www.thewims.blogspot.com to get the full scope of what this family is going through right now.
I know that it seems like there are so many people to pray for and so much sickness and hurting going on in our world right now. It probably would be easier just to focus on the hurting people in our little circles, but I encourage you to battle with us on behalf of this family.
I want to extend the prayer circle ever so slightly through this blog. Go to www.thewims.blogspot.com to get the full scope of what this family is going through right now.
I know that it seems like there are so many people to pray for and so much sickness and hurting going on in our world right now. It probably would be easier just to focus on the hurting people in our little circles, but I encourage you to battle with us on behalf of this family.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
the bullet-point update
I really need to update the blog so I figured I would do so in bullet point form without a lot of detail.
- I am married now as of two weeks ago. Married life rocks.
- There is a possibility that I will be changing directions in grad school to have a family ministry emphasis instead of just general ministry
- Lydia and I are homeowners in a little country neighborhood outside of Granbury in a town named Cresson. I have a little stream out in the back that I catch ginormous 1\2 pound perch out of.
- I will be an uncle soon (by blood). Check out my sister's blog
- This site is friggin hilarous
That outta hold you for a while........
- I am married now as of two weeks ago. Married life rocks.
- There is a possibility that I will be changing directions in grad school to have a family ministry emphasis instead of just general ministry
- Lydia and I are homeowners in a little country neighborhood outside of Granbury in a town named Cresson. I have a little stream out in the back that I catch ginormous 1\2 pound perch out of.
- I will be an uncle soon (by blood). Check out my sister's blog
- This site is friggin hilarous
That outta hold you for a while........
Monday, February 25, 2008
the "bad' kids part 1
This past weekend we had our spring retreat with the youth ministries from the Tenth and Broad COC in Wichita Falls and the East Point COC in Wichita, KS. We met up at Pettijohn Springs Christian Camp in southern OK. This was a special weekend because we were able to bring in Benny and Nikki Nowell of the Sevens ministry in Boulder, CO. These three ministries coming together with the purpose of learning more about the love of the Father excited me. What was even more exciting is that I was able to bring 26 high school students, by far the most we have ever brought on a HS only retreat.
Yet this weekend was extremely difficult for me when it came to my group. I have been used to having pretty clean cut church kids who do what they are supposed to do and ones that you don't have to worry too much about. We have a large amount of those kiddos in our group yet we have a small but growing segment of teens who are rough, immature, and pretty hard to deal with. It seemed like this minority of the group really made it tough on the rest of the group.
What was striking to me about this group was that these kids (the difficult ones) are the ones that need to most love and attention yet will demand the most discipline. I am a horrible disciplinarian! What tends to happen is that I will let a lot of things slide then come down super hard on the kids when they have gone too far. I have never had a group of kids that I have to be constantly on the lookout for kids doing what they aren't supposed to do. A big part of me wants to tell them not to come. That is horrible, but it is how I feel sometimes.
I tend to heap a lot of this on me because I don't exactly know how to deal with kids who are perpetually "on the bad list". It would be easier to just love them and accept them as they are, but they become a drain on everyone else if their behavior is left unchecked. These are the things I have struggled with, especially how to keep the "balance" of discipline and love, expectation and acceptance.
I have much more to say about this so I will post a "part 2" soon. Post your thoughts if you would and we will keep the discussion going.
Yet this weekend was extremely difficult for me when it came to my group. I have been used to having pretty clean cut church kids who do what they are supposed to do and ones that you don't have to worry too much about. We have a large amount of those kiddos in our group yet we have a small but growing segment of teens who are rough, immature, and pretty hard to deal with. It seemed like this minority of the group really made it tough on the rest of the group.
What was striking to me about this group was that these kids (the difficult ones) are the ones that need to most love and attention yet will demand the most discipline. I am a horrible disciplinarian! What tends to happen is that I will let a lot of things slide then come down super hard on the kids when they have gone too far. I have never had a group of kids that I have to be constantly on the lookout for kids doing what they aren't supposed to do. A big part of me wants to tell them not to come. That is horrible, but it is how I feel sometimes.
I tend to heap a lot of this on me because I don't exactly know how to deal with kids who are perpetually "on the bad list". It would be easier to just love them and accept them as they are, but they become a drain on everyone else if their behavior is left unchecked. These are the things I have struggled with, especially how to keep the "balance" of discipline and love, expectation and acceptance.
I have much more to say about this so I will post a "part 2" soon. Post your thoughts if you would and we will keep the discussion going.
Monday, January 07, 2008
A quick update
A new year arrives and I didn't really know it! Life has been running at such a break-neck pace that I haven't really had the chance to take stock in a whole lot lately. So, let me get you guys a couple of things that are going on with us right now.
1. I have bought a house. Actually, Lydia and I bought a house. Now, before you dial the phone and call me a fornicator, let me explain what the situation is. A few months ago when Lydia and I knew we were going to get married, she found this house in between Granbury and Fort Worth. She knew that she would be working in Ft. Worth so it would be convienient to find a house in between where she worked and where I worked. Well, we found this house that was at a perfect location and was the perfect size. But, she wasn't working yet so we couldn't afford it. A few weeks later, she got an offer from Cooks Childrens hospital in Fort Worth. So, I called our realator and she put an offer on the house. They accepted and the rest is history. It is such a cool house! I plan to post some pics soon so that everyone can see it. Lydia will be living there for the next three months until we get married. I have moved out of my apartment and will live with one of my elders until the wedding. So, fear not my friends! We are doing everything we can to keep things on the up and up despite what it might look like.
2. The wedding date is on April 12th. That is a little more than three months! We are really excited and frankly really ready for this day. It will be a day of celebration for what God has done for both of us and our families. We hope you can come.
Things are really exciting right now! Pray for us as we continue to prepare for this life together. I hope to write more soon.
1. I have bought a house. Actually, Lydia and I bought a house. Now, before you dial the phone and call me a fornicator, let me explain what the situation is. A few months ago when Lydia and I knew we were going to get married, she found this house in between Granbury and Fort Worth. She knew that she would be working in Ft. Worth so it would be convienient to find a house in between where she worked and where I worked. Well, we found this house that was at a perfect location and was the perfect size. But, she wasn't working yet so we couldn't afford it. A few weeks later, she got an offer from Cooks Childrens hospital in Fort Worth. So, I called our realator and she put an offer on the house. They accepted and the rest is history. It is such a cool house! I plan to post some pics soon so that everyone can see it. Lydia will be living there for the next three months until we get married. I have moved out of my apartment and will live with one of my elders until the wedding. So, fear not my friends! We are doing everything we can to keep things on the up and up despite what it might look like.
2. The wedding date is on April 12th. That is a little more than three months! We are really excited and frankly really ready for this day. It will be a day of celebration for what God has done for both of us and our families. We hope you can come.
Things are really exciting right now! Pray for us as we continue to prepare for this life together. I hope to write more soon.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Monday, December 03, 2007
Behold the Lamb of God
Some might say that I have a "man-crush" on a Christian artist named Andrew Peterson. I have all of his records and really love the work that he does. It is honest, heartfelt, poetic, and also easy on the ears. I have no problem admitting now that I might have a man-crush. I am engaged, right? Isn't that my insurance?
But, to the point: one of my favorite albums that he has produced is called "Behold the Lamb of God: The true tall-tale of the coming of Christ". This album re-tells the story of the birth of Christ from the Exodus culminating with the birth of Jesus. It is a beautiful record. I was able to go to the "Behold the Lamb of God" concert over in Dallas this last weekend with Lydia and her parents. I have to admit that I was a little "googley" over it all since some of my favorite artists were there: Bebo Norman, Jill Phillips, Andy Gullahorn, Andrew Osenga. What was so cool was that all of the artists started the show playing their own music. So, each of the aforementioned artists were able to play two of their own songs. Then, after intermission, they played the entire "Behold" record from front to back retelling the entire story of the birth of Christ.
What struck me about this concert was this: the story of the birth of Christ and the events leading up to it are powerful and life changing! I come from a fellowship who says it isn't right to celebrate the birth of Christ like the rest of the religious communities. I am now of the mindset that this view is incorrect and destructive. If we don't talk about the birth of Christ during the Christmas season, when will we? When will we reflect on the culmination of the history of Israel with the birth of Christ? When will we celebrate the fact that God's promises are always fulfilled, namely in the person hood of Jesus? When will we understand that God's plan all along was to save humanity, even in the dark times of Israel's history?
I have been convicted as of late that this story means something. The manger, three wise men, and the guiding star aren't the important elements. Taking the time to absorb the scope of this story brings and the implications on humanity reminds us of the goodness of our God.
Take the time to check out Peterson's record. It tells the story in a way that I have never heard.
May your holiday season be blessed!
But, to the point: one of my favorite albums that he has produced is called "Behold the Lamb of God: The true tall-tale of the coming of Christ". This album re-tells the story of the birth of Christ from the Exodus culminating with the birth of Jesus. It is a beautiful record. I was able to go to the "Behold the Lamb of God" concert over in Dallas this last weekend with Lydia and her parents. I have to admit that I was a little "googley" over it all since some of my favorite artists were there: Bebo Norman, Jill Phillips, Andy Gullahorn, Andrew Osenga. What was so cool was that all of the artists started the show playing their own music. So, each of the aforementioned artists were able to play two of their own songs. Then, after intermission, they played the entire "Behold" record from front to back retelling the entire story of the birth of Christ.
What struck me about this concert was this: the story of the birth of Christ and the events leading up to it are powerful and life changing! I come from a fellowship who says it isn't right to celebrate the birth of Christ like the rest of the religious communities. I am now of the mindset that this view is incorrect and destructive. If we don't talk about the birth of Christ during the Christmas season, when will we? When will we reflect on the culmination of the history of Israel with the birth of Christ? When will we celebrate the fact that God's promises are always fulfilled, namely in the person hood of Jesus? When will we understand that God's plan all along was to save humanity, even in the dark times of Israel's history?
I have been convicted as of late that this story means something. The manger, three wise men, and the guiding star aren't the important elements. Taking the time to absorb the scope of this story brings and the implications on humanity reminds us of the goodness of our God.
Take the time to check out Peterson's record. It tells the story in a way that I have never heard.
May your holiday season be blessed!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
The big announcement
For 29 years of my life, I have been the proverbial "single guy". All of my friends got married around the year 2000, so I have been the single guy within my group of friends for quite a while in fact. This hasn't been something that has bugged me to the point of despair, but I guess there is always a longing within the soul of each person not to be alone. People have been single their whole lives and been just fine, so I figured that would be my path in life. I always struggled to find girls that I was impressed with or thought would be worth the risk of heartbreak. Because of this, I haven't dated a lot.
Well, as you guys know I moved to Granbury almost a year ago (crazy, isn't it?). The entire town of Vernon, TX assumed I moved here to find a wife. I can honestly say that isn't why I came here. Yet that is what happened! annoucment
I met a pretty girl named Lydia a few months ago and I fell in love with her. She is what I have been looking for all of these years and makes me a happy fella. We have dated seven months and I asked her to be my wife about two weeks ago. We both are a little floored that God worked in this way and brought us together at this point in time. But we are so thankful!
I haven't been posting much in the last few months because I didn't know whether or not to divulge all of this info. But here it is! In the next few posts, I want to tell the story because it is cool. I want to give hope to those who are longing for someone in their lives and maybe gain some more perspective through sharing what God does for his people.
I look forward to sharing with you all soon what God is and has been doing. Thanks for sticking with this blog. Hopefully people still read and will continue to do so. Check back soon!
Chris
Well, as you guys know I moved to Granbury almost a year ago (crazy, isn't it?). The entire town of Vernon, TX assumed I moved here to find a wife. I can honestly say that isn't why I came here. Yet that is what happened! annoucment
I met a pretty girl named Lydia a few months ago and I fell in love with her. She is what I have been looking for all of these years and makes me a happy fella. We have dated seven months and I asked her to be my wife about two weeks ago. We both are a little floored that God worked in this way and brought us together at this point in time. But we are so thankful!
I haven't been posting much in the last few months because I didn't know whether or not to divulge all of this info. But here it is! In the next few posts, I want to tell the story because it is cool. I want to give hope to those who are longing for someone in their lives and maybe gain some more perspective through sharing what God does for his people.
I look forward to sharing with you all soon what God is and has been doing. Thanks for sticking with this blog. Hopefully people still read and will continue to do so. Check back soon!
Chris
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
need some good music.......
I love music. It is something that hearkens the heart back to a place in time that was either full of turmoil of packed with joy. There are certain songs that I still hear or a certain lyric that comes across my radio that fills me with an unexplainable nostalgia, no matter what period of my life it takes me to. In fact, a lot of the memorable tunes in the catalog of my memory take me to times where things wern't going so well. Generally, I blame those times on girls :).
I am in the proccess of re-discovering some music and getting some new stuff in my life. I will post some of the more memorable albums of my life. What are some of yours?
Photographs- Andrew Osenga
Love and Thunder- Andrew Peterson
Fabric of the Verse- Bebo Norman
My Calm\Your Storm-Caedmon's Call
Father-Justin McRoberts
Love is a Bullet-Poor Rich Folk
I have a ton more that I will post soon.
I am in the proccess of re-discovering some music and getting some new stuff in my life. I will post some of the more memorable albums of my life. What are some of yours?
Photographs- Andrew Osenga
Love and Thunder- Andrew Peterson
Fabric of the Verse- Bebo Norman
My Calm\Your Storm-Caedmon's Call
Father-Justin McRoberts
Love is a Bullet-Poor Rich Folk
I have a ton more that I will post soon.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
quick thoughts from class
I am sitting in my grad school class on a break and I am a little frustrated. I enjoy the knowledge that I am getting so much! Yet, I really have a tension within me about the fact that very few people in the world think along these lines. I am fascinated by the amount of time and energy that people put into interpreting the bible and parsing the different nuances of scripture, but where does that all translate in a real-world setting? Is the bible meant to be interpreted on an everyday, lay-person's level? Or is it meant to be torn apart and dissected by intellectual people looking for the deeper truths?
I just have some competing emotions about this. Your thoughts?
(these responses need to be in some form of classical Greek minuscule with at least 8 sources. Thank you.)
I just have some competing emotions about this. Your thoughts?
(these responses need to be in some form of classical Greek minuscule with at least 8 sources. Thank you.)
Monday, August 20, 2007
the goings on of late..........
It seems necessary to have a post like this at the end of every summer. When things are winding down for the summer in youth ministry, they seem to be ramping up for the fall. It's called August. This month is a bit of an oxymoron by nature because you are supposed to be recouping from the summer, yet are so busy with the administrative tasks of a new school year. I am spending a lot of time planning for things that have not come to pass, but are mere dreams and visions. While the time that is spent on the planning of these events and programs is crucial, it also is difficult to see why it is that I spend so much time on it in the first place.
This ministry I have inherited is indeed a strong one with a rich history. But, it isn't mine yet. I don't know if it will ever be. I am so eager to put my fingerprints on this ministry in a way that I will feel like I am doing what God has set me to do with these kids. Yet, I know that patience is the word when you are starting something new, whether it be ministry or anything else.
Also, this ministry is forcing me to be more of an administrator than I am used to. I know that once I get this administrative stuff down, I can focus more on relationships. Our ministry consists of a large number of teens, far too many for me to handle on my own. So, my large task is to surround these teens with adults who will love and care for them like I would. To accomplish this takes time, patience, and prayer.
Keep me in your prayers. I am loving what I am doing so much, but there are huge challenges that force me out of my comfort zone. I will be starting back with my masters work next week, so that will be an additional piece to my puzzle. Also, God has blessed me with an amazing girlfriend (which most of you know about I guess), so that indeed throws a stick into the spokes. My relationship with her (which I might post about if you are lucky :)) is such an unexpected blessing in my life that demands a level of commitment that I am getting used to (very willingly, I might add........she is really pretty!). I am so happy that God has placed her in my life. Pray for us.
This post is random and rambling as most of mine are. I simply wanted to update you on the world of Robey and my prayer needs.
Hope your world is great as well!
Chris
This ministry I have inherited is indeed a strong one with a rich history. But, it isn't mine yet. I don't know if it will ever be. I am so eager to put my fingerprints on this ministry in a way that I will feel like I am doing what God has set me to do with these kids. Yet, I know that patience is the word when you are starting something new, whether it be ministry or anything else.
Also, this ministry is forcing me to be more of an administrator than I am used to. I know that once I get this administrative stuff down, I can focus more on relationships. Our ministry consists of a large number of teens, far too many for me to handle on my own. So, my large task is to surround these teens with adults who will love and care for them like I would. To accomplish this takes time, patience, and prayer.
Keep me in your prayers. I am loving what I am doing so much, but there are huge challenges that force me out of my comfort zone. I will be starting back with my masters work next week, so that will be an additional piece to my puzzle. Also, God has blessed me with an amazing girlfriend (which most of you know about I guess), so that indeed throws a stick into the spokes. My relationship with her (which I might post about if you are lucky :)) is such an unexpected blessing in my life that demands a level of commitment that I am getting used to (very willingly, I might add........she is really pretty!). I am so happy that God has placed her in my life. Pray for us.
This post is random and rambling as most of mine are. I simply wanted to update you on the world of Robey and my prayer needs.
Hope your world is great as well!
Chris
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Cornerstone
I am spending a week up at Camp Cornerstone on the campus of Oklahoma Christian University. I believe (if I remember right) that this is my fourth year to be on staff at this awesome camp. Since I have been in youth ministry I have worked at Zenith and Cornerstone as a teacher and staff member. I have always loved Zenith for the amazing level of fellowship that I get from the other youth ministers and their wives. It is one of the rare camps that uplift both the teenager and the minister. Most camps will focus so much on the kids that the ministry staff who puts it on are dead at the end of the week. I believe that Zenith is so amazing because everyone is lifted up, not just kids.
I laughed so hard at Zenith this year. It was the kind of laughing that is memorable. I spent the week with some of my best friends, Allen Carr, Trevor Cox, Jerred England, and Benny Nowell, along with their lovely wives. I have very few people in this world that I can truly cut loose and cut up with. We all need that in our lives at some point, especially in ministry. Kindred spirit is hard to come by when you are taking a paycheck to do full time ministry. So, I cherish the times I can spend with these great people.
Camp Cornerstone has been awesome like usual. I love this camp for the awesome kids. I have always told people that if Granbury hired another youth minister that I would take the middle school in a heartbeat. They are at such a moldeable age! I was talking to one of the dorm moms today and she was complimenting us (youth ministers) for putting up with these kids like we do. My response was "just laugh and love them!". I believe that is what they need. Of course they are annoying and awkward. They are going through puberty! There is no doubt that I went through the same stages that they are right now. All we can do is love on them and laugh with them. It is so cool.
When Jesus told us to accept him like a little child, I understand that better after being around kids like this. They aren't too cool to love Jesus the best way they know how. It teaches me to love in a more open and honest way. I am not too good at that, but I know that if I follow Christ's command, I will look a little dorky and awkward. But no one will doubt my heart.
Let's be like these middle school kids! But please, use deodorant!
Chris
I laughed so hard at Zenith this year. It was the kind of laughing that is memorable. I spent the week with some of my best friends, Allen Carr, Trevor Cox, Jerred England, and Benny Nowell, along with their lovely wives. I have very few people in this world that I can truly cut loose and cut up with. We all need that in our lives at some point, especially in ministry. Kindred spirit is hard to come by when you are taking a paycheck to do full time ministry. So, I cherish the times I can spend with these great people.
Camp Cornerstone has been awesome like usual. I love this camp for the awesome kids. I have always told people that if Granbury hired another youth minister that I would take the middle school in a heartbeat. They are at such a moldeable age! I was talking to one of the dorm moms today and she was complimenting us (youth ministers) for putting up with these kids like we do. My response was "just laugh and love them!". I believe that is what they need. Of course they are annoying and awkward. They are going through puberty! There is no doubt that I went through the same stages that they are right now. All we can do is love on them and laugh with them. It is so cool.
When Jesus told us to accept him like a little child, I understand that better after being around kids like this. They aren't too cool to love Jesus the best way they know how. It teaches me to love in a more open and honest way. I am not too good at that, but I know that if I follow Christ's command, I will look a little dorky and awkward. But no one will doubt my heart.
Let's be like these middle school kids! But please, use deodorant!
Chris
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Ok, this post verifies that I am the biggest nerd in the world. I just found out that my favorite band of my college and young adult life, Caedmon's Call, has brought back their former guitarist and songwriter, Derek Webb (pictured above on the far left) for their upcoming CD, Overdressed. Derek launched a solo career about 5 years ago and has put out some great music. Yet the band has definitly been different since he left. Andrew Osenga, another great singer-songwriter took his place after he left. He has added his own flavor and style that I think does well for the band. Yet, like all things, it isn't as good as the original.
While I don't know to what extent that he is back, I am pretty excited about the record coming up. Let's just hope that it hearkens back to the original Caedmon's sound. We shall see!
The mayor of nerdville,
Chris
Monday, May 21, 2007
going back
This week is graduation week in most towns across America. Since my move in January I knew that this week would come. One of my biggest goals when I lived in Vernon was to see this year's class graduate. They were the kids that I started with when I began youth ministry in 2004. I had a personal goal to see them through high school and graduate before I ever thought of leaving.
Well, as usual God has different plans. At the end of last year, God dropped an amazing opportunity on my lap with my new job in Granbury, Texas. I had to take it. There was no doubt in my mind that he was leading me here. I couldn't explain it then, and I really can't now. This is where I need to be.
Yet this whole move has messed up my plans. I felt a bit like I abandoned those kids when I left. They were the reason I lived in Vernon. I wasn't a huge fan of the town or the "small town" enviornment. But the kids and familes I fell in love with. So I have struggled a bit since I have been here because I have not been able to keep in touch with my friends up there because of my new life here. That is generally what happens when you move, despite your best intentions.
This week has brought some great opportunities however. Last night I was able to go to Baccalaureate (sp?) in Vernon at my old church. It was the first year that they ever hosted it. It was a great night. The seniors and families had no idea that I was coming so it was a lot of fun to suprise them. I saw tons of folk that I haven't seen in long time. It was a great time to catch up and to gain some closure on my leaving four months ago. It was definitly needed.
I had a friend ask me last night if I regretted leaving Vernon. I was able to tell her "no". That was a good feeling. While I miss those west Texas folks intensly, I know that God has brought me to another chapter in life that will be totally different from the last. I was talking to one of my former elders last night about how much I missed everyone, yet how I knew that God had brought me to the right place and how it was tough to make sense of all of that. My former elder spoke of "treasures in heavan" and how good friendships and rich relationships served that purpose in heavan. These great people that we invest in over the years will be with us someday when we go home. Those treasures are being stored up now. What a great thought, huh?
While God might put us different places and take us farther away from the ones we love, he always blesses deep, meaninful relationships that are based on him. That is good. Very good.
Hope you guys are well.
Well, as usual God has different plans. At the end of last year, God dropped an amazing opportunity on my lap with my new job in Granbury, Texas. I had to take it. There was no doubt in my mind that he was leading me here. I couldn't explain it then, and I really can't now. This is where I need to be.
Yet this whole move has messed up my plans. I felt a bit like I abandoned those kids when I left. They were the reason I lived in Vernon. I wasn't a huge fan of the town or the "small town" enviornment. But the kids and familes I fell in love with. So I have struggled a bit since I have been here because I have not been able to keep in touch with my friends up there because of my new life here. That is generally what happens when you move, despite your best intentions.
This week has brought some great opportunities however. Last night I was able to go to Baccalaureate (sp?) in Vernon at my old church. It was the first year that they ever hosted it. It was a great night. The seniors and families had no idea that I was coming so it was a lot of fun to suprise them. I saw tons of folk that I haven't seen in long time. It was a great time to catch up and to gain some closure on my leaving four months ago. It was definitly needed.
I had a friend ask me last night if I regretted leaving Vernon. I was able to tell her "no". That was a good feeling. While I miss those west Texas folks intensly, I know that God has brought me to another chapter in life that will be totally different from the last. I was talking to one of my former elders last night about how much I missed everyone, yet how I knew that God had brought me to the right place and how it was tough to make sense of all of that. My former elder spoke of "treasures in heavan" and how good friendships and rich relationships served that purpose in heavan. These great people that we invest in over the years will be with us someday when we go home. Those treasures are being stored up now. What a great thought, huh?
While God might put us different places and take us farther away from the ones we love, he always blesses deep, meaninful relationships that are based on him. That is good. Very good.
Hope you guys are well.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
sunny days.....
While my last post found me burning the candle at both ends, this one finds me doing just the opposite. I am presently in Destin, Florida with my family on the beach (well not really at the beach presently, in the condo). Not too sure if the church would be cool with me taking this laptop down to the beach anyways. Sand in the keyboard isn't too good of a thing, you know?
We have had a great time so far. On Monday my dad, my brother in law, Jeremy, and myself went deep sea fishing. I have only been once before and that time wasn't very successful. I have a picture from that first time and it wasn't very spectacular. It was a pic of me and a very small fish. However, this time was different. While we didn't bag any marlins, we did catch quite a few large fish (11 to be exact.....10 red snapper and 1 very unlucky red grouper........dad snagged him on his belly). We spent the day amongst many redneck drunk guys so, on top of having a great day fishing, we had some really good entertainment to our left and right. What kinda stinks is that the most drunk guy caught the biggest fish. Figures.
Last night we drove over to Milton where my grandma lives. She is 76 and lives in a nursing home. We ate with her, 4 of my uncles, a few of my cousins, and their kids. We had three or four generations of Robeys sitting at the same table. My grandma isn't the most talkative of women and her old age isn't helping a lot with her memory either. She just sat there and watched all of us talk and cut up. She really didn't say anything. One of us jokingly said that it was her fault that all of us were here. I guess that is probably true. I can't imagine looking down a table and seeing several generations of my kids, grandkids, and great grandkids looking back at me. Maybe that is why she was speechless. I might have been as well.
We have had a great time so far. On Monday my dad, my brother in law, Jeremy, and myself went deep sea fishing. I have only been once before and that time wasn't very successful. I have a picture from that first time and it wasn't very spectacular. It was a pic of me and a very small fish. However, this time was different. While we didn't bag any marlins, we did catch quite a few large fish (11 to be exact.....10 red snapper and 1 very unlucky red grouper........dad snagged him on his belly). We spent the day amongst many redneck drunk guys so, on top of having a great day fishing, we had some really good entertainment to our left and right. What kinda stinks is that the most drunk guy caught the biggest fish. Figures.
Last night we drove over to Milton where my grandma lives. She is 76 and lives in a nursing home. We ate with her, 4 of my uncles, a few of my cousins, and their kids. We had three or four generations of Robeys sitting at the same table. My grandma isn't the most talkative of women and her old age isn't helping a lot with her memory either. She just sat there and watched all of us talk and cut up. She really didn't say anything. One of us jokingly said that it was her fault that all of us were here. I guess that is probably true. I can't imagine looking down a table and seeing several generations of my kids, grandkids, and great grandkids looking back at me. Maybe that is why she was speechless. I might have been as well.
As I close, to avoid any accusations of telling a "big fish story", here is the proof:
Sunday, April 22, 2007
on the run
When I first moved to Granbury, I got really excited because I thought I would have a lot more opportunity to blog and tell peeps about my "feelings" and "goings on". Yet it seems like same ol'-same ol' when it comes to blogging. I have posted maybe four times since I have moved here. Not that good of a track record, eh? But this will hopefully put things back on track for a while.
The main reason I have been off the radar screen is this last weekend. Granbury has this huge tradition every year called Senior Banquet. This banquet has become quite a huge event over the last decade or so. Every year, this event is the biggest thing on the calander.
Yet, this year we decided to mess with it a bit. In the past, parents would get up in front of the crowd and bless their kids. Pretty cool thing, I think. Yet apparently these blessings can get rather long and drawn out (like 30-45 min I have heard) and the banquet can go on into the wee hours of the morning. Well several parents and other volunteers, including myself, decided to have the parents pre-tape their responses. Most parents were cool with it. Some were not. But they went along with it.
Luckily, I am still employed I guess. The night went really well and I feel like our kids were honored. It was indeed a stressful week building up to it, but I really loved seeing how these families that I am getting to know are knit together. We also did Senior Sunday this morning and Senior Devo tonight. We knocked everything out in one fell swoop.
If I don't say the words "senior" or transition" or "future plans" again for the next year or so I will be great! But in all seriousness, I enjoyed the weekend. I am a little pooped but most of these events will do that to you.
I am off tomorrow for a ministers retreat, followed by another one at the end of the week. Then, to Florida with my fam! It will be fun.
Look forward to hearing from you soon.
Chris
The main reason I have been off the radar screen is this last weekend. Granbury has this huge tradition every year called Senior Banquet. This banquet has become quite a huge event over the last decade or so. Every year, this event is the biggest thing on the calander.
Yet, this year we decided to mess with it a bit. In the past, parents would get up in front of the crowd and bless their kids. Pretty cool thing, I think. Yet apparently these blessings can get rather long and drawn out (like 30-45 min I have heard) and the banquet can go on into the wee hours of the morning. Well several parents and other volunteers, including myself, decided to have the parents pre-tape their responses. Most parents were cool with it. Some were not. But they went along with it.
Luckily, I am still employed I guess. The night went really well and I feel like our kids were honored. It was indeed a stressful week building up to it, but I really loved seeing how these families that I am getting to know are knit together. We also did Senior Sunday this morning and Senior Devo tonight. We knocked everything out in one fell swoop.
If I don't say the words "senior" or transition" or "future plans" again for the next year or so I will be great! But in all seriousness, I enjoyed the weekend. I am a little pooped but most of these events will do that to you.
I am off tomorrow for a ministers retreat, followed by another one at the end of the week. Then, to Florida with my fam! It will be fun.
Look forward to hearing from you soon.
Chris
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
The Poor Rich Folk
Just a quick post to plug a really good band in the Fort Worth area called Poor Rich Folk. If you were at Zenith last summer you were able to hear this really cool band. Well, last night was their CD release party at the Ridglea Theatre in Fort Worth. I was able to go with one of my youth group guys. It was kind of funny because the Ridgela is kind of a bar too. So on one of my first youth trips, I took my kids to a bar! Apparently I am really trying to get fired from this new job quicker than usual.
But anyways......
Their new stuff and new CD is awesome stuff. The songwriting and music has definitly gone to a new level on this record. I am proud of the guys. Not only are they really great musicians, they are really cool and humble guys. To me, that is a lot more important than being a good musician.
Their new CD features Dan Hasseltine, the lead singer of Jars of Clay as well as Andrew Osenga from Caedmons Call. They are so much cooler than I.
Go to http://www.myspace.com/poorrichfolk and buy their new CD. You will love it.
Chris
But anyways......
Their new stuff and new CD is awesome stuff. The songwriting and music has definitly gone to a new level on this record. I am proud of the guys. Not only are they really great musicians, they are really cool and humble guys. To me, that is a lot more important than being a good musician.
Their new CD features Dan Hasseltine, the lead singer of Jars of Clay as well as Andrew Osenga from Caedmons Call. They are so much cooler than I.
Go to http://www.myspace.com/poorrichfolk and buy their new CD. You will love it.
Chris
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
I have been a typically passive minister during my three years of full time youth ministry. Usually I have depended on youth and families to seek me out or come to church for my ministry influence. Yet, outside of missions, I have not been a very deliberate minister. In other words, I have allowed the by-products of my job, that is class, small group, and worship, to take the place of the calling that Christ gave me: to bring the kingdom of God to those who don't know it.
Most of us (ministers) fall into this trap. We will punch our clocks, go to church, put in our office hours and hope that will sufice to keep our positions of ministry. And, typically it works. When people see me in my office vigorously typing at my keyboard or listning to Christain music, they are assuming that the "Lord's Work" is being done. It is easy on the eyes, you know?
Yet today I got a little cabin fever. I have been in my office way too much lately. I guess I was tired and bored and wanted to try something new. So I packed up my laptop and other various gizmos and went to the "Coffee Grinder" on the square here in Granbury. Actually, I am typing this post from here. I have just swung through here from time to time but never have actually sat down. I noticed something today when I came in. A big group of teenagers drinking coffee and hanging out.
They seem to be your typical coffee house goers. An eclectic (I love using that word.....not sure what it REALLY means) group of kids who seem to not really fit in anywhere else but this place. They are just hanging out, talking about weird stuff and finding community with each other. Pretty typical of teens around here.
Some were smoking, some were tatooed, most dressed a little different than me. I am a lot more white, clean skinned, and preppy. I wonder though what kind of presence I could be in the lives of kids like that. I don't look a lot like them or share their stories. But maybe they could use some love. Maybe they could stand to see Jesus.
I am assuming a lot when I look at them but maybe this is where the mission is. In the coffee shop. On the street. Amongst people who freak me out. I am just musing I guess.
I hope to figure out what can be done here in this little shop. Jesus infiltrated the places that others didn't go with people who looked a little strange. I talk a big talk about these things but am yet to really do a lot about it. Maybe this is a place where God can be real for kids like these.
For those of you guys who read this.............what do you think? How do we approach people who don't look like us or talk like us or share our stories? How you even start? With what kind of spirit and heart do you approach those kids of kids without appearing like you have an adgenda for them?
Anyways, these are some thoughts from the Coffee Grinder on a rainy Tuesday. I am sure there will be more...........
Grace and Peace,
Chris
Most of us (ministers) fall into this trap. We will punch our clocks, go to church, put in our office hours and hope that will sufice to keep our positions of ministry. And, typically it works. When people see me in my office vigorously typing at my keyboard or listning to Christain music, they are assuming that the "Lord's Work" is being done. It is easy on the eyes, you know?
Yet today I got a little cabin fever. I have been in my office way too much lately. I guess I was tired and bored and wanted to try something new. So I packed up my laptop and other various gizmos and went to the "Coffee Grinder" on the square here in Granbury. Actually, I am typing this post from here. I have just swung through here from time to time but never have actually sat down. I noticed something today when I came in. A big group of teenagers drinking coffee and hanging out.
They seem to be your typical coffee house goers. An eclectic (I love using that word.....not sure what it REALLY means) group of kids who seem to not really fit in anywhere else but this place. They are just hanging out, talking about weird stuff and finding community with each other. Pretty typical of teens around here.
Some were smoking, some were tatooed, most dressed a little different than me. I am a lot more white, clean skinned, and preppy. I wonder though what kind of presence I could be in the lives of kids like that. I don't look a lot like them or share their stories. But maybe they could use some love. Maybe they could stand to see Jesus.
I am assuming a lot when I look at them but maybe this is where the mission is. In the coffee shop. On the street. Amongst people who freak me out. I am just musing I guess.
I hope to figure out what can be done here in this little shop. Jesus infiltrated the places that others didn't go with people who looked a little strange. I talk a big talk about these things but am yet to really do a lot about it. Maybe this is a place where God can be real for kids like these.
For those of you guys who read this.............what do you think? How do we approach people who don't look like us or talk like us or share our stories? How you even start? With what kind of spirit and heart do you approach those kids of kids without appearing like you have an adgenda for them?
Anyways, these are some thoughts from the Coffee Grinder on a rainy Tuesday. I am sure there will be more...........
Grace and Peace,
Chris
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