Wednesday, December 12, 2007

"Example and Encouragement"

I want to start my blog by dedicating it to the one who has lived out "Example and Encouragement" in my life more than anyone else.
The one I am referring to is my dad E. G. Robertson.

He has been a pastor for over 50 years and is still going. I have watched him live out "Example and Encouragement" in every thing he has done and still does. He and my mom have been faithful in ministry for over 50 years. I can still remember as a kid waking up in the night and seeing him leaning over our couch on his knees praying. I honestly run into someone every week who tell me that my dad made a difference in their life.

My dad has cancer and is going through chemotherapy right now.
Here is a picture of us from a recent visit with him. I shaved my head so I could hang with him in this thing. He is continuing to get his treatments and we will see where God takes this. He is scheduled to speak at the church he is pastoring at on the 23rd. He is praying that he will have the strength to do it. My thoughts are that he will.

This is his favorite verse...
Isaiah 40:31

"But those who wait on the LORD

Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint."

I hope that I can be an "Example and Encouragement" in the same way that he has been to me and so many others.





7 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is awesome. Garland you do live by example and encouragement. That is "who" you are!

Holly said...

Welcome to the Blog World! I love your first post! I am sure your dad did too! Love ya, Holly
P.S. Add my blog to your peeps - www.hollyfarv.blogspot.com.

Anonymous said...

Gar,

God used your dad to change my life 20 years ago when he pastored NTBC. At the time, I was an angry, desperate and lost man without any hope. I walked in on a Wednesday night service on July 1, 1987. He gave a salvation invitation at the end of that service. Maria and I responded to it and accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Savior that evening. Our lives have never been the same since!

My life was altered in a radical and drastic way and I will never forget that God used your dad to accomplish that lifesaving change. I have served God ever since and will do so until I draw my last breath in this body. Whatever way God chooses to use me to change and impact the lives of others, your dad will always have a part in it.

And now, God has reunited Maria and I with you to do minstry together at FRC. How beautiful is that my brother? God always has the perfect plan for our lives.

So on this day of your first blog, I sing praise and give thanks to God for my examples of encouragement: you and your father.

May God bless you and your dad beyond what our minds can ever imagine.

I love you Bro!

Bob Selecky
Ro. 10:13-15

Anonymous said...

Garland,
I am thinking about you and your Dad all the time. My Dad was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer 3 years ago and went through the Whipple(sp) surgery. Even with the surgery a 5 year survival was given. He is Cancer Free. I never knew my Dad and pray that we will get the chance to develop some type of positive relationship. He was in the Home but not a big part of my life. I look at you and your Dad's relationship and it is such an inspiration, you are such an inspiration. You were the first Pastor I ever felt comfortable talking with and I am sure I am not alone in this. You babtised me and that was a life changing moment. Thank you and Thank your father for helping you become the man you are.

Wendy Whitlow said...

Pastor G,

For five wonderful years, I have watched you lead by example and encouragement as a husband, as a father, and as a pastor. I'm still searching for the right words to thank you for how you have personally impacted my life. Thanks for believing in me. Kelli and you ROCK!

Ro(bert)o Lopez said...

Hey Pastor G!

You have already been such a blessing of example and encouragement to so many including myself. You don't have to say one word to show God's Love. You simply Live it and I Admire you for that!!...Your blog is awesome and I am looking forward to following you on your blogging journey....(Oh yea and I love the UM Colors!!...GO CANES!!!)

Anonymous said...

Thinking about him, and your family, a lot today.