Example and Encouragement

Christmas Kick-Off

2009-11-20T21:11:00.001-05:00

BEACH BAPTISM

2009-09-24T13:27:00.002-04:00

BEACH BAPTISM

2009-09-24T09:45:00.000-04:00

Beach Baptism This Weekend!

I'm so excited about the weekend!

We will be baptizing at the beach in the Pensacola area and in South Florida:

Pensacola Beach Pier - 5pm CST

South Florida - Ft. Lauderdale Beach - 5pm EST

12,000+

2009-09-14T15:52:00.003-04:00

We had an awesome weekend here at Flamingo Road Church. We are doing a series call "Heroes and Villains".

It started this weekend and we were praying for and expecting an incredible weekend. God gave us what we asked for and more.
I have had the privilege to serve at FRC for over twenty years. I can still remember praying with Dan Southerland and Allen Distefano way back then for this weekend. We prayed for the day that we would break through the 10.000 mark. This past weekend we had over 12,000 in weekend attendance. It was the first time we have broken through the 10,000 mark on a regular weekend.
It is so awesome to see a prayer answered that was prayed over twenty years ago. We feel honored and blessed that God would bless and trust us with this.
I will be fun to see what God does in the next twenty years.

6 Days Left to Register

2009-08-01T08:05:00.001-04:00

Leadership Summit 2009

Leadership Summit Promo from Flamingo Road Church on Vimeo.

Awesome Series

2009-07-28T08:41:00.003-04:00

Awesome new series at FRC over the next few weeks...

Come and check it out!

Leadership Summit 2009

2009-07-21T14:18:00.000-04:00

Leadership Summit Promo from Flamingo Road Church on Vimeo.

2009-07-15T08:39:00.004-04:00

Taken from TROYGRAMLING.COM

Summit Spotlight: Bono

Bono is the lead singer of Irish rock band U2, which has sold more than 140 million albums and won numerous awards, including 22 Grammys. A well-known activist in the fight against AIDS and extreme poverty in Africa, he co-founded DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa) in 2002, The One Campaign in 2004, and Product (RED) in 2006, and was named TIME’s Person of the Year for 2005. Interviewed for the Summit in 2006, he challenged church leaders to mobilize against the ravages of global AIDS and poverty. Be a part of the continuing story, as Bono talks in an exclusive video about the church's inspiring response and about his continuing life journey as a "single issue protagonist.

Danielle's Engagement

2009-07-02T12:14:00.001-04:00

Last night was an awesome night for our family. Our youngest daughter Danielle got engaged to a great young man Thomas Glover. He loves God, our daughter and our family. The only problem is that he is a Georgia Bulldog fan. That's ok because their coach played at "The U".

The whole event was captured on TV. You can see it from the link below...
http://www.nbcaugusta.com/news/local/49651887.html

We are celebrating this time with our family and thanking God for answering our prayers from many years ago before Danielle was even born. We are excited to have another godly young man in our family. Welcome to the gang Thomas. We will all be cheering for the Bulldogs when they play the Gators!

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T08:11:00.003-04:00

Happy Father's Day Dad!
I miss you!

Desperation

2009-05-29T08:44:00.003-04:00

"It is a characteristic of wisdom not to do desperate things."
Henry David Thoreau

I wish I could say that I have always lived this characteristic of wisdom out in my life but the truth is I have not.
Sometimes things done in desperation work out but most of the time they don't.
I remember when my wife and I bought a car that was a piece of junk. It was an act of desperation. The good part of that story is that we learned a valuable lesson. Now when we make any large purchase we take at least a day to pray about it.
This is not an answer car-dealers like to hear but it has allowed us not to act impulsively or out of desperation.

2009-05-16T09:30:00.000-04:00

This weekend we will be kicking off a brand new series called The End.

Is the end near? Everybody has questions and during this series we will see what the Bible says about the end times.

You're not going to want to miss it. Click here for service times and directions to one of our campuses.

Mother's Day

2009-05-08T17:31:00.005-04:00

My mom is going to be in town this weekend. I am pumped that she will be here with my family.
She is coming in for two reasons...

1. My daughter Danielle is graduating from Palm Beach Atlantic University (We are so proud of her)

2. She will be here so we can honor her on Mother's Day.

My Mom is awesome! She is an incredible example to my whole family.
One of the ways that we will honor her is by taking her to church at FRC.

You can do the same.
Check out this link to see all that will be going on.

http://www.troygramling.com/mothers-day

Don't miss this incredible opportunity.

Good Research

2009-05-03T07:30:00.004-04:00

Good research always pays off.
By taking the time to do some good research I have found the true source of Swine influenza...

Hmmm!

2009-04-29T08:22:00.003-04:00

"If you had one month left to live, you'd be surprised at all the things that really didn't matter any more"
Wayne Cordeiro

Nasty

2009-04-23T10:37:00.004-04:00

I have a friend who is going through a nasty divorce. Both he and his wife are hurting in a big way from all that is going on. They have children and there is a lot of anger and confusion on their part as well. I have really struggled with how to help them. I want to be a good friend and give them the best direction that I can.
I have something that I am sharing with them and you. If you or someone you know is going through this same struggle you need to check out the video below.
This is a way to find healing from one of those things that can get pretty nasty.

I've Missed

2009-04-22T14:50:00.003-04:00

We will remember this for the rest of our lives

2009-04-13T07:53:00.005-04:00

Every once in a while you experience things that you will never forget. I know our minds are full of memories both good and bad but what I am talking about here is those obvious things that you can look at someone and say, "We will remember this for the rest of our lives".

That is the kind of experience that we had at Flamingo Road Church this past weekend.

Easter weekend always gives us great opportunities. This past weekend our team at FRC leveraged that opportunity to touch peoples lives.

We saw thousands come to events in the communities that we serve in.

We saw thousands come to our services.

We saw hundreds give their lives to Christ.

We saw over 600 put on the God-jersey by being baptized.

Galatians 3:27(CEV),

"And when you were baptized, it was as though you had put on Christ in the same way you put on new clothes."

We have an incredible team at FRC.

We work hard.

We celebrate what God is doing in our church and community.

We thank God for giving us a weekend that "we will remember for the rest of our lives".

Ash Trays and Church

2009-04-08T11:08:00.006-04:00

I pulled up to FRC the other morning and I saw a ash tray when I got out of my car.

My first reaction was to start laughing.
I remember when I was a kid some of the men in our church would stand to the side of the front entrance and smoke their cigarettes before they came in.
The funny part is that the people who would complain the most about these smokers were tobacco farmers.
I can still remember my dad talking about it.
I guess the reason I started laughing when I saw this is that I know some people will complain about it. They might even say that we are making it easier for some to smoke.
The way look at it is that I am so honored to work at a church that is reaching people in our community. When you are in the people business it can get messy every once in a while. After all they are just like you and me.
I hope you will leverage everything you can to bring people to FRC this Easter weekend.
We will be ready for you and them. Ash trays and all!
Check out the link below for the service times at all 7 campuses....
Don't miss it and don't come alone!

Easter Rally

2009-03-31T15:05:00.006-04:00

Tomorrow night we are having an Easter Rally at the Cooper City Campus of FRC. We are going to get ready for our Easter services.We are going to be doing a ton of Easter services at FRC starting Friday the 10th going through Sunday the 12th.Here is the important part of tomorrow night....
You have to get here early!
We are going to start with a BANG!
Make sure you are here by 6:45 so you can get in and ready because at 7:00 - BAM!!!

I Miss My Dad!!!

2009-03-27T00:29:00.005-04:00

- This blog was written on 3/26/2009 -

My dad died a year ago today.
I took some time this afternoon to remember him.
The things I remember and admire the most about my dad is his relationship with God, our family, and the people that were fortunate to be around him. I say that because he loved people; because he loved God.
He was solid!
I miss him!!!
I think about him every day but I wanted and needed today to be special.
It was a good afternoon!
I love you dad!!!

E. G. Robertson
11-26-1931 ~ 3/26/2008

Leverage

2009-03-24T05:19:00.005-04:00

Wow! What a busy weekend for our family. We had the wedding and all that goes along with it from rehearsal to relatives and friends being here.
In spite of all that was going on we made sure that we were at our church FRC.
We also made sure that those that were still here visiting went with us.
I guess you could say that we used the wedding to leverage others to come to church with us.
I heard Pastor Troy use this word a couple of years ago when he challenged moms at Mother's Day to leverage everything they could to get their families to come to church with them on Mother's Day. That simple word has stuck with me since then.
One of the greatest times of year to do that is coming up with Easter.
It is an awesome time for us to leverage something to get others to church on Easter Day.
We are having a bunch of services at FRC. I would encourage you to be there and leverage everything you have to get others there!

"It's A Beautiful Day"

2009-03-22T08:02:00.005-04:00

Friday was a beautiful day for our family.
My daughter was gorgeous. As her dad I was so proud of her.
God blessed us with great weather, friends and family to make this an incredible memory for all of us.
We are all exhausted and tired but it was worth it all.
Here are some pictures that describe it all far better than I can.
Thanks to all of you who made this "A Beautiful Day".

Mixed Emotions

2009-03-20T11:25:00.007-04:00

Today my oldest daughter will be getting married. Everyone I run into ask me how I feel.

I am not nervous!

I am not sad!

I am not upset!

I am very happy and excited!

I took time this morning to thank God for today. The weather is beautiful outside but even more than that, I have a beautiful daughter.

She is beautiful on the inside and the outside! She has never given us any problems. Every time I think about her I smile. She makes me happy.
Another reason that I am happy today is because she is marrying a great young man.

Jimbo loves my daughter, our family, The U, and best of all he loves God.
We are very blessed!

There are some mixed emotions in this whole thing...
The hurt of letting her go!
The joy of giving her to a Godly man who loves you!

I am doing the ceremony with the help of my dear friend Matt Miller.

I will let you know how I do. If I do shed some tears they will simply be tears of joy.

I LOVE YOU NOEL AND I AM PROUD OF YOU!!!

Livin'Above The Rim

2009-03-13T09:24:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was a great opportunity. Several of us from the FRC staff got to go to the American Airlines Arena to do a video shoot. Pastor Troy did an awesome job. The person that he got to interview was awesome as well. It is kind of a surprise so you will have to wait and see who it was. Easter services at FRC would be a great time to see who it was. We were able to hang out in the arena where the 2006 NBA Champions "Miami Heat" play. It was an incredible experience.
As you can see I got to see what it was like to be above the rim...February and March are huge months in our family this year.
I guess you could say we are "Livin' Above The Rim"!

Kelli and I celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary last month.

We also celebrated 20 years in ministry at FRC.Next week we will celebrate our daughter's wedding.All I can say is, "God is good" and we are enjoying "Livin' Above The Rim".

Happy Anniversary

2009-02-26T07:52:00.006-05:00

Today Kelli and I are celebrating our 26th anniversary.

There are so many incredible memories to think about. I would say that both her and I would say that our greatest blessing in all of those years are our daughters.

There is so much to be thankful for...
Our families!
Our Friends!
Our church! (we are celebrating 20 years at FRC this month. More about that in a couple of days!)
But for me the greatest is my beautiful wife!

Happy Anniversary Kelli!

I love you and thank God for you every day!!!

Happy Birthday

2009-02-22T15:40:00.003-05:00

I just left a short and sweet birthday party.
We had the opportunity to honor the "First Lady" of FRC.The best part of this time is that it was an honor to honor her.
Stephanie Gramling is such a great example. She is a great wife, mom, friend, leader, and so much more to our church and community. She lives these things out and I am glad that my wife, daughters, and all the other ladies that know her have such a great role model in their life.
Happy Birthday Stephanie but more than that, thanks for who you are!

More Creative Marketing

2009-02-05T07:47:00.003-05:00

I still like the plumber. I wonder what the creative planning meeting was like when the plumber and his people came up with their idea?????

Marketing

2009-02-03T09:09:00.005-05:00

Every once in a while someone comes up with something that draws a lot of attention to what they do.
I gotta tell you, if I am living in this guys community and I need a plumber this is the first guy I am going to think of. The biggest reason why is because I will remember this.
Whether you like it or not this is good marketing...
What are you doing so people will remember what you are Marketing?

Baby Jesus and Liquor

2008-12-19T21:09:00.008-05:00

Last Saturday we did a "Gift Revolution" event at the "Fort Lauderdale Boat Parade".
It is an awesome event that is held this time each year. The idea is that boats decorate in all kinds of Christmas and holiday decorations. They give out prizes in a bunch of different categories. It really is a great event and has a great impact on the city.
While we were standing on the side of the waterway I noticed a boat docked beside us. As I looked down I saw that they had a Nativity display on the back of the boat. I looked above the Nativity display and there was a bar all set up for the evening.

It all felt a little weird for me. I just don't think God intended for Baby Jesus and liquor to be in the same boat!

Come check out What God did intend for us to experience at Christmas.

The Gift Revolution

2008-12-12T13:49:00.004-05:00

The stories that are coming in to "The Gift Revolution" are awesome!
Check them out...

"The Gift Revolution"

MMM Good!!!

2008-12-08T15:19:00.004-05:00

Yesterday afternoon I went down to my friend Arnold's house in Hialeah. I love Hialeah. Just driving down there yesterday brought back a lot of great memories.
Arnold invited us and some friends over because he was roasting a pig and celebrating some birthdays.

We had an awesome time and the food was incredible. I love my Cuban friends and the culture that is still strong among them. They love their families and if you are their friend you become part of their family. That is the way we felt last night.
My favorite part of the whole day was watching Arnold's father. He was so happy yesterday. His face was glowing with excitement. He was excited about the pig and the people that were there. He was sharing stories about Cuba and his family with anyone who would listen. He told me one story that lasted about ten to twelve minutes before hre realized that I don't speak spanish. He just laughed, patted me on the back and snuck another bite of pork. I really enjoyed watching him and the joy he was experiencing. He ate a lot! Every time we would turn around he was sneaking a little more pork.

I also thought about what a gift it was for Arnold and his family. The memories that were created will be cherished before long.
Thanks Arnold for letting us be a part of your family and the memories that were made.

On the other end

2008-12-05T17:34:00.005-05:00

I was on the receiving end of "The Gift Revolution" today.
My sister-in-law lives with us. She moved in with us after my wife's mother passed away a few months ago. Lisa is very special to our family. She has special needs and continues to be a bright spot in our lives.
I was getting ready to take her to work this morning. She has a job at Publix and bags groceries three days a week. Before we left she told me she had something for me. She came in the office and handed me a "Gift Revolution" card. She then handed me ten dollars and told me to go by Starbucks after I dropped her off and get me a coffee.
She was so excited!

I was excited too.
I was happy for her because she is seeing the importance of this revolution.
"The Gift Revolution" is an opportunity to change the world. I have been on the giving end every day since it started. Today it was pretty awesome being on the other end.
Thanks Lisa!
It is cool to help change the world with you.

Good Stuff!!!

2008-12-02T08:05:00.002-05:00

Major stuff going on at FRC!!!!

Check out these two video pieces and it will help you to understand.

http://www.vimeo.com/2378112

http://www.vimeo.com/2388524

JOIN THE REVOLUTION!!!

The Gift Revolution

2008-11-27T12:15:00.006-05:00

We started a new series at FRC last week called "The Gift Revolution".

It was un-stinkin'-believable. You have got to check it out. Here is a link to see what took place. http://www.flamingoroadchurch.com/teachings

Don't miss this weekend!!!

Don't come without a friend!

Oh Yeah!!!!!!!!!! Pastor Troy is going to be on NBC 6 Saturday morning. Make sure you catch it.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T12:10:00.002-05:00

Have an awesome Thanksgiving!

Don't forget the many things we have to be thankful for!

Happy Birthday Dad

2008-11-26T21:22:00.007-05:00

Today was my dad's birthday. He passed away back in March. I thought I was going to breeze through today but I soon began to realize that it was going to be tougher than I thought. I always like to think that I can keep everything in control but I caught myself being way more sensitive to things than I wanted to be. I didn't realize what was going on until I was sharing my day with my wife.

This is still kind of new for me. I always feel like I need to be the one taking care of everyone else, making sure they are safe, secure, and taken care of. I am learning that there are some things that I have to take care of in my own life; things that I thought I could control. For some this may be easy but it is difficult for me. I am learning that I can't control everything, not even my own emotions at times.

I miss my dad and I think of him every day. Sometimes I pick up my phone to call him. I will have a thought and then realize I can never again have a conversation with him here on earth.

I know I will see him again someday and I am looking forward to that.

For now I will just have to say it from down here...

Happy Birthday Dad!
We love you and miss you.

Wow!!!

2008-11-22T10:46:00.002-05:00

Wow!!!
I know it has been a while but I have to post today.

Tonight at Flamingo Road Church we are starting a new series that we believe can change the world. I know that statement gets thrown out from time to time but we are not just throwing it out there we are backing it up.
You need to be there and I really believe that you will become a part of changing the world.
I wish I could say more but you gotta come and see for yourself.
What ever you do DON'T COME ALONE!

Bring someone with you and be ready to change the world.

Myths About Megachurches

2008-10-01T10:58:00.002-04:00

I found this to be an interesting article on large churches. At FRC we are a large church but it allows us to do so much more to make a difference in our community. I am proud of our church and the way that God has blessed us. This article below shares some great insight on churches like ours. Here at FRC we exist to partner with people to reach their God-potential as they: connect with God, become like Christ, and influence their world.

Myths About Megachurches
New Research Debunks 11 Common Misconceptions

HARTFORD, Conn. — According to a groundbreaking new research study released by Leadership Network and Hartford Seminary’s Hartford Institute for Religion Research, many of the most widely held beliefs about megachurches couldn't be farther from the truth.

The Megachurches Today 2005 survey includes more than 1,800 churches that were contacted by e-mail, phone and mail since last June, with complete data for more than 400 qualifying congregations received, tabulated and analyzed.

The wide-ranging survey includes data on the many attributes that together define the nature and impact of megachurches in our society. Collectively, the results debunk 11 of the most common beliefs about megachurches:

MYTH: All megachurches are alike.

REALITY: They differ in growth rates, size and emphasis.

MYTH: All megachurches are equally good at being big.

REALITY: Some clearly understand how to function as a large institution, but others flounder.

MYTH: There’s an over-emphasis on money in the megachurches.

REALITY: The data disputes this.

MYTH: Megachurches are not serious about Christianity.

REALITY: Megachurches generally have high spiritual expectations and serious orthodox beliefs.

MYTH: Megachurches are not deeply involved in social ministry.

REALITY: Considerable ministry is taking place at and through these churches.

MYTH: All megachurches are pawns of or power brokers to George Bush and the Republican Party.

REALITY: The vast majority of megachurches are not politically active.

MYTH: All megachurches have huge sanctuaries and enormous campuses.

REALITY: Megachurches make widespread use of multiple worship services over several days, multiple venues, and even multiple campuses.

MYTH: All megachurches are nondenominational.

REALITY: The vast majority belong to some denomination.

MYTH: All megachurches are homogeneous congregations with little diversity.

REALITY: A large and growing number are multi-ethnic and intentionally so.

MYTH: Megachurches grow primarily because of great programming.

REALITY: Megachurches grow because excited attendees tell their friends.

MYTH: The megachurch phenomenon is on the decline.

REALITY: The data suggests that many more megachurches are on the way.

Downloadable copies of the complete Megachurches Today 2005 survey are available at www.leadnet.org and http://hirr.hartsem.edu.

Garland, Dad is in heaven now

2008-09-23T17:01:00.005-04:00

I got a text message from my friend Jose on Sunday night that said, "Garland, Dad is in heaven now".
Jose's dad has been battling cancer for a long time. We knew the time was drawing near for him to pass on.
My response to him was, "I am happy for him and praying for you".
It is such a comfort when we know someone is going to heaven. That is the promise God gives us in the Bible when we have a relationship with Christ.

I am very confident that Jose's dad is in heaven and I am happy for him.
I had the privilege of baptizing him just a month ago.

Some of you may have seen the video at FRC on the weekend a few weeks ago.

I had the privilege today to do his celebration service this morning.

It was one of those happy yet sad times.

It was sad because we will miss this great man.
This is a man who brought his family to the United States with nothing from Cuba. He worked hard and made sure his family had everything they needed to be successful in life.
His was one of those stories that you could write a book about.

I am glad he did what he did because I was able to meet a man that I could respect. I am also grateful because his son has become a close friend to me.
We will all miss him.

It was a happy time because of the text I received Sunday night.
What a gift from God to receive the message, "Garland, Dad is in heaven now".

Family Fun Night

2008-09-10T16:30:00.003-04:00

This weekend we are having "Friend Day" at FRC.
We are pumped and expecting a great weekend. Another thing that we are encouraging our friends at FRC to do is move to Saturday night if they come on Sunday morning.
The biggest reason for this is so that we can provide more room on Sunday for growth.
To help with this whole process we will be having "Family Fun Night" this Saturday night.
If you are a part of our FRC family make sure you invite your friends this weekend and bring them to one of our Saturday night services.
See you then!!!

This is good stuff!

2008-08-27T17:04:00.004-04:00

Last night we had Ralph and Lisa come over to celebrate Ralph's birthday and their anniversary.
We only had one stipulation...
They had to bring the kids!
We had a great night together but this was my favorite part...
I don't care who you are; "This is good stuff"!!!

Moments like this are a gift from God

2008-08-23T09:13:00.008-04:00

I had an awesome gift on this past Thursday.

I had the opportunity to baptize my friend Jose's dad.

I have known Jose for over 20 years. We moved into our current neighborhood directly across the street from each other without knowing we were doing it.

Over the years we have become very close friends.

I have had the opportunity to baptize Jose, his wife Mary, and their daughter Nicole.

Jose and his family drove all the way to South Carolina when my dad passed away just to be there for us.

We both love "The U" and have had season tickets together for many years.

We try to go to at least one away game with a few of our other close friends each year.

We have accumulated many great memories over the past years together.

This past Thursday was one of the greatest that we have shared together.

One of the things that Jose and I have always had in common is respect for our fathers.

This is something we have talked about often over the years.

I have seen this to be true in Jose's life over the past 4 years especially. His dad has had colon cancer and is now in his last days. He was in the hospital this past week where the doctors told Jose that it would be just a short time before his days are gone.

Jose and his dad have talked about baptism several times and this week decided that it was something that needed to be done before he passes.

They came directly from the hospital to the church when he was discharged and we baptized him.

A bunch of our staff came out to celebrate this moment with them.

I believe that this was one of my greatest moments in ministry.

I lost my dad just a few months ago and I am still working through the grieving process.

I know that moments like this are a gift from God.

This is true not just for me but for all of us that were there.

After we were done I spent some time alone for a while just working through my own loss but also celebrating the gift that God gave us.

This weekend we are starting a new series at FRC and we will be highlighting Jose and his dad.

Don't miss it!

Eatza Girl

2008-08-18T15:21:00.006-04:00

Many years ago my wife and I had the privilege to take guardianship of a young man named Ralph Hernandez.
He was in middle school at the time and lived alone with his mother. She only spoke Spanish and they lived in a tough neighborhood in the Miami area. We took him in as one of our on and oversaw his schooling and things like that. He became a big brother to my daughters and a son to Kelli and I. Ralph was involved in everything we did.
He got a college degree, married a wonderful young lady named Lisa, worked in a couple a churches as a youth pastor, and is now a Lieutenant for Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue.Ralph and Lisa have a little boy named Joey. Joey is 2 and 1/2 and full of energy.
Last night we went up to West Palm for a special occasion and got a great gift from God for all of us...

"EATZA GIRL"

Lisa gave birth to their second child and she is gorgeous!
Her name is Annalise Mercedes Hernandez!You can tell how small she is when I hold her.
She has a head full of hair and can cry out with the best of them.
Last night was a special night for all of us and we are pretty pumped about our new little girl.
There is nothing like the birth of a new child.
We brought dinner in after she was born and took a moment to thank God for our new blessing.
Kelli and I are so blessed to have our beautiful daughters Noel and Danielle.
We are also blessed to have Ralph, Lisa, Joey and now Annalise in our lives.

Don't forget your bat!

2008-08-14T15:56:00.001-04:00

"I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.
Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see.
Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!"

~ Dr. Seuss ~

Good Year made for a bad morning

2008-08-09T11:14:00.004-04:00

I went to get my tires changed out this morning. I was told that it would take 1 hour, maybe an hour and a half. I agreed for them to go ahead and do the work.

The tires I wanted put on my trunk were in the back of my truck already on rims. All they had to do was take the the ones on my truck off and put the ones in the back on.

I watch them do this in NASCAR races in about 12 to 14 seconds each weekend.

I understand that I had to wait my turn and they had to pull the truck in and the other three or four things that were necessary to pull this off.

When an hour and twenty minutes had passed by I noticed that my truck was in the same spot that I left it in so I asked if it would be much longer. I was told it would be 30 to 45 more minutes and they would be done.

After 30 more minutes were up I looked at my truck and it was still in the same spot untouched.

It was now 11;00 AM and I have a lunch appointment at 12:00. I needed to go home and get ready.

I approached the desk and informed them that I need to leave and they said okay. They got my keys, shrugged they shoulders and said, "sorry".

I didn't mind that they were busy.

What frustrated me was they weren't honest with me about the amount of time it would take to complete the job.

I watched two or three other people come in after me and leave before me.

Maybe they had an appointment. Maybe they had a friend that worked there. Maybe the people that worked there liked them better than me.

I know I enjoy those privileges when they happen to me.

I didn't get mad, I just left.

I felt like I lost my morning due to the neglect of others.

I left with the thought that I will never go back there again.

I always feel there are lessons to be learned in everything that we do or experience.

All of these things may have been out of their control but no one communicated that with me.

A little communication would have gone a long way.

A "you will be first next time pass" would have brought me back.

A smile and sincere "sorry" would have helped.

Instead I left feeling that "Good Year" made for a bad morning.

Proud of my daughter!!!

2008-08-01T09:29:00.008-04:00

I have two daughters.

They are both awesome.

My youngest daughter is Danielle.

She lives in West Palm Beach where she attends Palm Beach Atlantic University.

She will be a senior this year.

Scary!!!!

A couple of nights ago her and her friend and roommate Patty were driving on I-95 when they saw an 18 wheeler (big honkin' truck) hit a car.

The truck continued on without stopping. The car that was hit went into the median and flipped. Danielle pulled over immediately to help. Patty called 911 and Danielle headed for the car. When she got out and approached the car a dog ran up to her. She put the dog in her car and ran over to the flipped car.

When she approached the car the lady was upside down screaming frantically. Danielle told her to try and calm down so she could help her.

The lady started trying to crawl out and kept screaming the name "Lucy".

My daughter was trying to get the lady to tell her who Lucy was. She started looking in the car for a child seat or someone else. Finally the lady told her it was her dog and Danielle told her the dog was safe in her car. She was still trying to calm her down and ask her if she could pray with her. The lady responded, "I don't believe in Jesus, I am Jewish". Danielle told her that was fine.

They got her out of the car as others began to stop and help.

The lady then shared with my daughter that her dad had recently passed away and she also just lost her fiance'. She told her that if she lost her dog she didn't think she would want to live any more.

The lady wanted her phone and they couldn't find it. Patty called her number and they found her phone.

All the first responders showed up and the girls left after a while.

Later that night Patty's phone rang and it was the lady calling her and Danielle. She had Patty's number because Patty had called the ladies phone to find it at the accident.

She told them thanks and asked them if she could go to church with them.

They are going to pick her up this weekend and take her to church.

Patty and Danielle are excited about their new friend and hope they can be a help to her.

I am excited about who my daughter and Patty are.

They both love and care about people.

Peoples hurts always give us opportunities to make a difference.

I am proud of my Daughter.

I am proud of Patty too.

Peru

2008-07-26T07:00:00.005-04:00

I just returned from Peru this past Thursday morning.

I led a group of students from FRC on a missions trip to our campus in Lima, Peru. It was a long night flying back on Spirit Air.

I think most of our team was exhausted from the flight and the trip.

We had an awesome trip and I believe it was life changing for several that went down with us.

I am constantly amazed at some of the students I see around FRC.

We have some great leaders in the making and some of them were on this trip. When I see students like these I feel better about the future.

I am convinced that some of the ones on this trip will help to change the world we live in.

Here are some pictures and highlights from our trip.

Josh and Keith Inviting local college students to FRC Lima

David eating Guinea Pig

Dorcas explaining the new laptop given to the girl's orphanage

Our student's leading worship at the FRC Lima Youth Service

Bob with a new friend at Pachacutec (shanty town outside Lima)

Our team with the pastor and friends at Pachacutec

These kinds of trips change lives. I believe that is true for both those going and the ones we work with while there.

We have another trip in October for adults.

If you are interested in going you can get some info from our missions page at FRC.

Check out Craig Stephen's thoughts about the trip on his blog.

Got Gas???

2008-07-16T07:30:00.005-04:00

This whole gas thing will give you gas.

I took this picture while we were in South Carolina last week.

We actually saw one station that was selling regular gas for $3.749.

I know state taxes have a lot to do with it but it is funny to see the difference in prices from state to state.

Whatever happened to hydrogen?

It is no more flammable than the gas we use now and the key source for it is water!!!!!

Out and In

2008-07-13T19:57:00.004-04:00

I have been out for the last couple of weeks and got back in yesterday.

We went to South Carolina and a couple of other places on the way up and back.

Kelli and I were able to get a few days alone on the front part of our trip.

I always enjoy time with my wife. She continues to show me how much God has blessed me.

I have a few photos and highlights I will share over the next couple of days.

It was good to be back at FRC this weekend. I always realize how much I miss my church when I return and walk back in.

We had a great time out but we are glad to be back in!!!

Thinking

2008-06-22T06:30:00.004-04:00

I am reading a book called "The Milkshake Moment" by Steven S. Little that I picked up in the airport in Chicago last week. It is a book about "overcoming stupid systems, pointless policies, and muddled management to realize real growth".

Little called by some "The Growth Guru" gives some great growth insights in this book. It starts with a personal story of frustration over poor customer service. Stories, examples, and advice are given to help practical leadership growth occur.

Here are some "extra toppings" as he calls them that I grabbed today...

Accept that tension is inherent in any organization
Recognize that the information age rewards thinking
Don't waste your time managing the cash cow

Thinking is one of the values that we hold at FRC. Values are vital to any organization. It is confirming and motivating when you read, hear, or see the values you hold being lifted and used.

What are the values that you or the organization you are a part of hold. Are you living them out?

Do you see the people around you living them out?

If you can answer yes to these questions then go get a milkshake and celebrate!

Encouragement

2008-06-17T03:00:00.005-04:00

This past weekend my wife and I were in Chicago. When I got up on Sunday morning and picked up my soon to be "old I-Phone" I started receiving text messages and e-mails. Almost all of them had the same theme. They were from friends and family sending "Happy Father's Day" messages.

The thing that made this so unique was they were not from my children. They were from those who wanted to invest in my life on a difficult day to encourage me.

As I tossed around in bed that morning before getting up I played the mind game for a while. I was contemplating on how I would try not to think about it being Father's day because that would mean I would call my dad first thing when I got up. At least that is what I would do every year until now. My dad was always an early riser so I would never have to worry about waking him up. It would also mean that I would have to face the pain of my first Father's day without him.

When I got up I did think about Father's day. I did push back the tears and hurt of my father not being here to receive my call. I took a moment and thanked God for all the awesome memories I have of my dad and then started receiving encouragement, love, and care from those that were sensitive to my needs on a tough day.

I was reminded again of the importance of encouragement and the difference that it makes.

When we made it back home Sunday night after a full day of traveling adventures and delays, I was greeted by my daughters with a homemade meal, gifts, and a lot of love.

Sunday was a good day!

It became another day of thought, thankfulness, encouragement, love, and healing.

Family

2008-06-07T06:38:00.005-04:00

I spent some time this week with a friend who was hurt by members in his family.

I spent some time last night with a friend who was blessed by members in his family.

A friend of mine once told me that "the best and worst part of life was family". I know that there is some truth in that statement.

I sometimes say in joking but I guess still sharing truth that "everyone has a crazy aunt they keep in the closet". I heard that somewhere and at times it makes sense to me. I also wonder why it wasn't the uncle instead of the aunt.

I have heard some say, "you can choose your wife but you can't choose your family".

I was at a wedding last night. It was our First Impressions Director Melissa Nadlman's daughter Ansley's wedding. It was a beautiful event from the beginning to the end.

My favorite part of any wedding is watching people dance. There were some go-getters out there on the dance floor; in many ways!!!

One of the things that I observed last night was family.

I kept watching Melissa and her husband Jeff as they were watching their daughter and other family members. Their faces glowed with love, excitement and pride. They weren't missing anything. They reminded me of the mother duck in my back yard right now that is watching over her little ducklings.

I kept telling my wife, "look at Melissa's face", "look at at Jeff". It was fun watching their smiles and tears of joy in this moment.

What I saw last night was a family making memories. They were making the kind of memories that they will talk about and share for the rest of there life.

I really believe that one of the best parts of family is making those kinds of memories.

I can still remember some of the fun things that my family did when I was a kid. I have some of those memories now with my wife and kids.

I don't know what your family was like. I don't know if you have good or bad memories.

What I do know is you can change all of that now.

Start making memories that will last you a lifetime.

If you don't have a family, look around!

Our family doesn't just stop with those that live in our house it expands to those we do life with.

I believe the best place to find that is at church!

I love our church. "FRC"!

Congrats to Rob and Ansley! Go make some memories!

Weekend

2008-06-02T14:00:00.004-04:00

We had an awesome weekend at FRC.
I had the privilege of speaking this weekend and that was a lot of fun.
Thanks for the opportunity Pastor Troy!

We ended the weekend with a beach baptism and celebration concert. We baptized 209 people and there was so much energy at the concert.

It was an amazing weekend!

I got this e-mail from a friend that was very encouraging.

Garland,

Wanted to say good job yesterday! I went through a self focused "poor me" month or so and your teaching yesterday helped me to emerge or at least begin to emerge out the other side. Kinda hard sometimes to remember that it isn't about me! Then God did as he does and when I picked up my Bible this morning I finished Esther and what comes next - you got it, Job! My poor me episode seems so pitiful. Just wanted to say thanks!

I have to be honest!
It is easy to get in the "poor me" place. I think it is harder getting out than getting in.
I really believe this is something most of us struggle with we just don't always admit it.
To do so may show some of our weak spots.
That is not something I enjoy doing.

When I get there I have to get honest with myself. I look at where I really am, I try to see what got me there, and then I try and take the steps to get out.
Those steps can vary based upon who you are and what the situation is.

Sometimes God puts things in your life to encourage you when your in what I call "the funk".

That is what this weekend was. I really believe God knew a lot of us needed it.

Thanks for incredible weekends God!

Prayer

2008-05-23T19:16:00.002-04:00

My friend and bigger than that my pastor is Troy Gramling.
Right now he is with his mother in Charlotte NC. She has a brain aneurysm.
I am asking you to pray for her.
Her name is Linda and she is a great lady.
As of late I understand how important it is to pray for your parents. My wife and I have lost two in the last two months.
I am making it a point to pray for her several times a day.
I hope you will join in this.

Father I lift Linda to you right now. I am praying that you will give the doctors and nurses wisdom as they work with her. Our prayer is that you would heal her Father.
I also pray for Troy and the rest of their family. I ask that you would give then strength, wisdom, and a comfort during this time that only you can give.
We love you and trust you Father,
In the name of Christ,
Amen

Strange

2008-05-19T08:51:00.003-04:00

It is Sunday night and I am sitting at the airport waiting on my wife to fly in from Boston. Pearl Jam is playing on the radio. It is one of the few songs I like by them. I think the song is called "Alive".
I think the airport is one of the best places to watch people. I really enjoy watching people. God has made each of us in such a unique way.
We often think others are so peculiar. I am sure they think the same thing when they look at us.

I am convinced the lady sitting in front of me is on some type of mind- altering drug though. She keeps hanging out of her car and doing some very strange things. Come to think of it my kids tell me I'm strange sometimes. I think they are right.

Why are we so judgmental when people are different from what we are?

Maybe we are insecure!

Maybe the people we are looking at are secure and confident in who

they are.

Maybe that is why they are free enough to be strange.

Strange isn't it?????

Tribute

2008-04-29T08:24:00.007-04:00

I have tried to pay tribute to some special people in my life over the past few weeks.

My wife when we celebrated our 25th anniversary.
My dad when he was getting close to the end and when he passed away.
My daughter Noel and her fiance Jimbo when they got engaged recently.
My mom just yesterday morning simply because she deserves that and so much more.

I need and want to do it today for my mother-in-law Eileen Roos.

Yesterday became another tough day in our lives because my mother-in-law passed away.

It seems that we are having a lot of those tough days lately.
She had been sick on and off for a while but it was still rather fast and a shock for us. I am so thankful for the time we were able to spend with her recently but it is never enough.

My mother-in-law was an incredible woman. After all she gave me my incredible wife.
She also gave all of us a special gift and that is my sister-in-law Lisa.
She loved her kids and those around her.
She always had her opinion on things but would always gracefully bow to those who had different thoughts and ideas.
She accepted and loved me as her son-in-law and that was something I never worried about or doubted. I will never forget the last words she said to me yesterday when she said, "I love you".

She gave my wife and I our first TV after we were married. She gave us furniture and whatever else she could do to help us out.
She loved her grandchildren and would always make sure that each of them had a gift on special occasions. Even when it wasn't their birthday they would still get a gift so they wouldn't feel left out.
The times that I saw her get worked up was when she thought one of the kids was getting picked on too much.
There are so many more things I could say about her but the biggest thing right now is that she will be missed!!!!!

We love you Mom!!

Eileen Gates Roos
February 26th, 1927 - April 28th, 2008

Another Hero

2008-04-28T04:21:00.005-04:00

I just spent the last few days with My mom.

My father past away a month ago yesterday and I have said a lot about him over the past few weeks but not a lot about my mom. I think that even describes my mom a little. She has always been that quiet strength for our family. She stayed by my dad's side the entire time he went through his cancer. In the last few days she would lay on the floor or couch next to him listening for any small sound of need.
I went up to spend a few days with her this past week to help her plan for the future. We worked through all kinds of paper work, budgets, finances, bills, and a bunch of other things. I think we got a handle on most things.
We had a great time together. There were times where we laughed and other times where we cried a bit too.
We went to lunch one day and she looked at me and said, "we need to bring daddy here he would like this" and then we realized once again that he is gone. It is funny how we have those moments every once in a while.
One of the things that became obvious to me once again is how strong my mom is. She has her moments but she has such a positive outlook on things. I called her tonight to check on her and she told me that she spent the afternoon cooking a meal and a strawberry cake (her strawberry cake is unbelievable!!!) for a friend of ours that had a death in their family. She has such a deep desire to help others. We talked about some of the ways that she wants to be a help to single moms and other who are hurting.
I realize that I am blessed to have my mom in my life. She continues to be a Godly example to so many.
I am also aware of the fact that for the first time in over 54 years my mom is without my dad.

This past week my goal was to take some of her pain away and just be an encouragement to her.
I hope and think I was able to do that but as I look back that is something that she did for me. This among so many other reason is why she is another hero in my life.
I love you mom???

Proud Parents

2008-04-19T07:28:00.010-04:00

I just want you to know that I am not the only one that brags on their kids.
There is a couple at our Sawgrass campus that do just that. I know there always needs to be a balance in how we brag on our kids. Some people do it so much that they don't realize that their kids are normal and make mistakes. They are kids after all and are probably a lot like their parents were.

Back to my friends Tom and Beth. These people don't just go to Sawgrass they are involved in making it work. they help with setup, tear down, small groups, and have been faithful to making it a success since we started it.

If you are around them for very long you will know that they love their kids. They love them, support them, are proud of them, and they share this with others.

Their two sons are both athletes.
Josh had a great football career in high school and got a scholarship to Missouri Valley College.
Their other son Kyle plays baseball and he got a scholarship to "The U".
There is a great article about him today in the Sun Sentinel.

Kyle had a great game last night as No.1 Miami(32-3, 16-1 ACC) beat No. 2 FSU, 11-4.
It is awesome to see parents who are proud of their kids.
Tom and Beth thanks for sharing this value with all of us.

Go Canes!!!

Noel

2008-04-15T17:15:00.006-04:00

Last week I shared about my daughter Noel getting engaged. I also talked about her man Jimbo. I still feel the same this week.
I wanted to say a word about Noel.

She is such a good kid. I know she is 23 but she is my kid. She will graduate in the fall with a degree in radiology. Hopefully she will quickly land a job and save up some money for the future.

I am her dad and most would say I think she is perfect. No, I wouldn't say that. She is not perfect but she is a good kid. She has never given my wife and I any problems.
She loves God. She loves us. She loves her sister. She loves the rest of our family as well. Another important thing that she loves is UM. She really loves her horse Dakota.

I really enjoy being around her. We have a lot of fun together.
I want to say something that Is very important.
I AM PROUD OF HER!
Those are powerful words. I will blog about them next time.

I am proud of Noel for many reasons. One of the biggest reasons is because of how she loves and cares for others.
She is spending her spring break week with my mom.

My dad passed away on March, 26th and my mom lives alone now. It is a hard transition for her. They were married for over 54 years.
I think it is pretty cool that my daughter wants to invest in her grandmothers life.
Kelli and I are so blessed to have such a great daughter.

Father, thanks for giving us such a great gift in Noel!

I am proud of my other daughter Danielle too. I will write about her in the future.

Wow!!!

2008-04-08T16:08:00.007-04:00

We had a big event take place in our lives this past Saturday night.
My oldest daughter Noel got engaged.

She was very excited when she came home!

So many people have asked me how I feel about this.
I have to admit I am a little nervous about what it is going to cost.

The other question is how I feel about her fiance Jimbo.

Here are some things I really like about Jimbo...

He loves God

This thrills me. This is something Kelli and I prayed for before Noel was born. He promised Kelli and I that they would raise our grandchildren in a Godly home.

He respects and loves my daughter

He better! It is obvious by the way he treats her. He made their engagement a very special event with fireworks and a lot more. He didn't skimp on the ring either.

He asked me first

This was a big deal for me. Jimbo came to my wife and I a month ago and asked our permission. He also had me ask my dad for his permission before he passed away. Smart boy!

He has become a part of our family

We love having him around. He gets involved in what we do and enjoy. It is nice to have another male in the house.

He is involved in ministry

Jimbo helps with our student ministry at the Sawgrass Campus.

He loves "The U"

He is one of the few people that may love the University of Miami more than me.
Yes, we have season tickets together.

We are excited for Noel and Jimbo. We are praying for them and would ask you to do the same.

Lesson Learned

2008-04-03T05:03:00.006-04:00

In anything we do or encounter in life there are are lessons to be learned.
Here are some lessons learned through the past couple of weeks for me.

God is faithful

I honestly don't know how people go through a major loss in their life without God. He truly does give grace and strength at these times in our lives to allow us to go forward. My family and I experienced this over and over during the last couple of weeks and are grateful.
Thank you Father!

I am not a good crier

Crying is not easy for me. To be honest, it hurts. When I let go and cry it is like having the "dry heaves". It's not fun and I don't like it. It makes me feel weak and vulnerable. It's ugly too. This is one of those things that I have to do alone.

Good memories will sustain you and bring healing

Good memories are a gift from God. These memories allow you to have conversations that make you smile and laugh. Many of those that came to the viewing and service for my father shared their memories with us and it was such an encouragement and help.
I have so many good memories of my dad. Even the last few days up until his last breath are memories that I will cherish.
I value making memories now more than ever!

Good friends are priceless

I can't begin to tell you how blessed my family and I are to have good friends. Our family had so many friends from over the years bless us with cards, e-mails, phone calls, visits, flowers, meals and gifts. We can't even begin to say thanks for all that was done for us.
For me personally, when you are 12 hours away from home and you see your friends come walking in when you are hurting, you know you are blessed! These are the friends I enjoy doing life with. I would take a bullet for any of them. I love you guys!

You can learn how to live well and you can learn how to die well

I kept hearing this from those that were close to my dad at the end. Even when he could barely talk he would still say "Thank you" and "I love you" with a smile. He never complained about anything. He was kind and grateful at the end of his life.
I believe this is all about right relationships. A right relationship with God and others will keep you from being grumpy and mean at the end. I really want to live this out in my life.

I know there are many more lessons that I learned and will learn. These are the ones on my heart. I hope they will be a help to you when you have to face a loss.

One lesson I continue to learn is to be open and vulnerable with things in my life. It is not easy but even writing this today is a part of that process.

Words

2008-03-27T21:10:00.003-04:00

Do you remember the old saying, "sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never harm me"?
It's a lie!
Words can hurt and cause pain. We have all experienced it.
Words can also bring healing.
This is what my family and I have been experiencing over the past couple of days.
The staff and people of my church FRC have been incredible. Thanks! I love and appreciate every one of you.
There have been so many others as well. So many phone calls, e-mails, text, flowers, gifts. and meals have been sent our way.
We want to say thanks for all the kind words and also for being a part of our healing.

PS - Here is a picture of my dad with my daughters right after he started his chemotherapy.

This reminds me of who he was!

HERO

2008-03-26T10:18:00.004-04:00

Hero

Today I lost my hero

He slowly faded away

It hurts to lose a hero

It’s hard to know what to say

I tried to prepare for today

Hoped for a different way

But now my hero’s gone

I’ll find a way to carry on

Maybe I can be a hero

But I’ll never fill your shoes

I’ve got to be myself but

I don’t know what to do

Your face was full of kindness

Compassion shining through

Touching those encountered

Jesus shown through you

Now I know I’ll be a hero

I’m not the same as you

I’m gonna be a hero

I’ll do my best for you

E. G. Robertson

November 26, 1931 – March 26, 2008

Dad passed on to heaven at 9:10 this morning

Pain

2008-03-25T11:56:00.004-04:00

I am trying to figure out this pain thing but I am not getting very far.
I sat by my dad's bed early this morning and felt pain like I never have. Crying didn't help. Gritting my teeth didn't work. Praying helped a little but I gotta be honest and tell you it didn't take it all away.

I have had physical pain from injuries and stupidity.
I have had emotional pain from bad choices.
I have had mental pain from lack of preparation or execution.
I have had spiritual pain from ungodly decisions.

This one today seems to hurt more than all of those.
My dad is not in a lot of pain but for some reason I am and I hate admitting these kind of things. Maybe it is pride or the fear of being weak but now you know.

I just remember my dad being "Superman".

When he was around you better not mess with me or anyone he loved or was protecting.

I remember a neighbor cursing out my sister because our ball went in his yard. When dad got home he made it clear to the man that that would never happen again. Later he was embarrassed and even apologized to the man and us. That was just who he was. We loved it and felt safe and secure. I don't think that man ever yelled at us again.

It is hard to see "Superman" laying in a bed unable to move or talk and having a tough time breathing.
I wish I could take his place but I know he would never let that happen. I also know God has many plans with all of this.

Back to my pain...
While I was sitting by his bed hurting he his raised his delicate soft hand up and reached for mine. I placed my hand in his and I forgot about my pain for a while. I didn't have to say a word.

It is amazing how the pain subsides when you place your hand in the hand of your Father.
I did that with my heavenly Father today too.
It helped!

Thanks

2008-03-22T22:09:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to take a moment and say thanks to so many of you as family and friends.
You prayers, notes, messages and love have made a difference for us.
I am home for a couple of days. I am going to head back up on Monday.

We had a great time and made some memories that we will cherish. I really believe that this was a gift from God.
I talked to my mom and sister a few moments ago. He continues to weaken. They were thinking that it would be great if he went on to heaven on Easter day.
I think that would be cool. God's timing will be right for all of us.
He is not in pain which is another blessing and his mind continues to be sharp. He stays aware of everything going on in the room.
Thanks again for your care during this time.

C-Word

2008-03-22T15:23:00.005-04:00

I got a call from my mom on Wednesday night at 11:00 PM. She began to tell me that my dad was wanting to tell everyone in the family goodbye.

This was a hard conversation for many reasons but the biggest was I was here in South Florida and they were in SC.

My dad has the c-word and it has him in his final days. I hate the c-word. I really don't even like to talk about it. It has caused so much hurt and grief in our family and with friends. This is not only true in my life but in millions around the world that have had to face this in one way or another.

Thank God that there are some organizations that are trying to make a difference in the c-word. My church FRC just had a huge Garage sale and gave all the proceeds to the ACS. I am proud to be a part of a church like FRC that is willing to make a difference in ways like this. You should see all that we are doing for Easter this weekend.

My wife, daughters and I did talk to my dad on the phone and tell him goodbye.

That sucked! Sorry but it did!

I went into my office and got some airline tickets and we flew up to see him early the next morning.

Brilliant!

This was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
I just saw him last week but the c-word makes everything so unpredictable that it is hard to know when to do what. I just got back this morning but we had an awesome trip. We are ready for whatever comes our way now. I am going back up Monday on a trip that was already scheduled so I will get to be with him, my mom,

(I am convinced that she is the strongest and most incredible woman in the world) and the rest of our family.
They tell us it will be any day now.

Back to the c-word....
As much as I hate it in a strange way it has given us a gift.
Time!
We have had time to say the things we need to say and do some things that we needed to do.
One of my prayers lately has been, "God I don't understand or like the CANCER thing but thanks! It has given us the time we need to prepare for what is ahead.

As always God knows what is best, even with the c-word!!!

Great Week

2008-03-15T15:47:00.003-04:00

We just got back last night from "Unleash". It was a great conference.
Perry Noble has an uncanny way of sharing truth with an in your face, southern, comedic delivery while remaining biblically sound.
One of my favorite lines he shared was, "The problem is we have inspiration, but we don't have revelation".
Another was, "Be careful what you speak against. It could be the Holy Spirit that you're speaking against".
Their worship team is "stinkin" incredible. We had a great time, learned a lot, and met some great people that we can network with in the future.
One of the best parts was being able to do this trip with Allen and Sharon.
Kelli and I have had the privilege of serving with them for over 19 years now. If you want to talk about Godly, loyal and faithful people then you have to bring these two up in the conversation.
Ministry is an awesome thing to do but it is even better when you get to do it with awesome people.

DST - Daylight Savings Time

2008-03-08T07:45:00.008-05:00

I don't understand this whole "spring forward", "fall back" thing.
When I was younger we lived in Indiana for a while and the area we lived in never changed their clocks. It got pretty confusing at times because if you went west one hour to Indianapolis they were behind an hour or the same at certain times of the year. If you went east an hour to Cincinnati they were ahead an hour or the same for part of the year.
It really screwed up watching television shows because we got reception from both places and it was hard to keep up with what was coming on at what time.
Maybe this web sight will help you with what DST is all about.
DST - Daylight Savings Time
The reason that seams to be the most popular for DST is so that afternoons have more daylight and mornings have less.

I think the most important reason to remember to move our clocks forward is so we won't be late to church on Sunday morning.
My church is FRC. If you don't have a church or the one you are going to just isn't (whatever "isn't" is for you) you should check out FRC. In my humble opinion IT IS THE BEST.
Our pastor is pretty awesome too.
You can watch us "Flamingo Road Church with Troy Gramling" on FOX, WSVN-7 at 11:00 a.m.
We are actually starting a new series this week called "RationaLIES". It will be awesome so you should check us out this weekend.

Oh yea!!!

Be on time!

Sick, Sick, Sick

2008-03-06T07:57:00.003-05:00

Sick!
That's what I have been over the last few days. I don't like it. It's not fun. You feel like an outcast but it happens every once in a while.
I don't get sick often but when I do I tend to "get it good".
My wife does such a great job of taking care of me. She seams to be the one in our family that takes care of everyone that gets sick or has health issues. The great thing is she is good at it.
A lot of my friends and neighbors have been sick. When I went to the doctors they told it was everywhere. I believe them.
A few things I have learned.....

Sometimes "sick happens"
You have to let it run it's coarse
You need to get help
You need to rest up
Don't spread the junk
Do what it takes to get better
Do what it takes to not get sick again

I guess it's a lot like some of the stuff we face in life.
There are always lessons we can learn.
What lessons are you learning today?

25th

2008-02-26T13:54:00.007-05:00

Kelli and I are in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The reason we are here is to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary.

It is a beautiful place and when we arrived yesterday it was snowing.

Kelli has already made a friend.

25 years is a long time. It doesn't seem that long in our marriage though.
Outside of my relationship with Christ Kelli is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

She is a great wife.
She is a great friend.
She is a great encourager.
She is a truth teller.
She is a Godly woman.
She is an incredible mother.
She is an incredible daughter.
She is a great mentor.
She is forgiving.
She is giving.
She is "The Love Of My Life".

I would be lost without this woman in my life.
I thank God for giving her to me!
I thank you Kelli for loving me and I look forward to the next 25 years and even more.

This passage describes her best...
Proverbs 31:10-11,28-29
10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:
29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”

Today I stand and praise my beautiful wife!

I love you Kelli.

HAPPY 25TH!!!

This is our Snowman she named "Gilbert".

The "U" and The "Bishop"

2008-02-23T15:17:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was an awesome day! I was in Dallas for the C-3 Conference. It was a great conference and something that I think both my wife and I needed. There were so many great speakers, great worship, great conversations, new relationships made and the enjoyment old relationships. Several from our team "FRC" were able to go and I believe that we all enjoyed it and were stretched. My favorite speaker and I think that would be true for most that were there was Bishop T. D. Jakes. He was incredible!

God knew what so many of us there needed to hear and he used T. D. Jakes to say it. Kelli and I stood in line to get some books signed and meet him and that was great too. He was so humble, kind, and considerate. It was a great moment for both of us to talk with him just for a moment.

When we were at the DFW airport I had another awesome encounter. I am a die-hard UM fan. I have been a fan long before the 5 National Championships and will continue to be one win or lose. The encounter I had was with the one and only UM legend Michael Irvin.

He is definitely one of the UM greats.

I was so pumped to meet him. I showed him my UM tattoo on my ankle and it was as if we were old friends. I talked to him about T. D. Jakes and he took a set of CD's out of his bag to show me. It was a series by T. D. Jakes about life lessons.

He told me I could look at it but I couldn't have it because he was going to listen to it on the plane. I really enjoyed my brief encounter with both of these men. For me it was cool to know that Michael Irvin and I have two things if not more in common....
"The U and The Bishop"

1st

2008-02-20T07:06:00.007-05:00

We had a great weekend at FRC this past weekend. You need to check out the Potential Blog where you can find the full story. It tells the story of our first baptism for our internet campus. As far as I know this is the first time this has ever happened.

Here is a picture of Alyssa. She is the one that got baptized. We celebrate with her this great step in her life.

This is so cool because it opens the door to so many people. This is not a substitute for church. It is church. Brian Vasil is our Internet Campus Pastor and led in this great step for Alyssa.
It is awesome to be a part of a church that is always looking for the best way to partner with people to help them reach their God-Potential.

Storms

2008-02-13T05:24:00.006-05:00

We had a big storm come through early this morning. It was around 3:30 AM. There was a lot of lightning and thunder. The wind was blowing the rain against our windows. It sounded like they were going to break a couple of times.

Life brings us a storm every once in a while.
I have a friend who is waiting for his wife to pass away. She has cancer and is in the last moments of her life. I met with him and his daughter a few days ago to be ready for when she passes. It was amazing to me the strength that the two of them have in this storm. Their biggest concern was that we share with family and friends how they can have the same relationship with Christ that their wife (and mom) has. I know that the strength they have in their life right now is from God. I really respect and love these people.

Our family got some tough news this week. The doctor shared with my dad that the chemo he has been taking for the past six months has not been very effective. This is disappointing because we were hoping for a good report. They are going to try a couple of other medications and see where that will take us.

When my dad shared this with me he also shared with me how this gave him the opportunity to share with his doctor how important his relationship with Christ is. He told him that he is not worried about what is ahead because of that relationship. Just like my friend (who's name is Arnold by the way) I saw again how in the midst of a storm God brings hope and peace.

I would think that most of us have some type of storm going on in our life right now. I don't know what your storm is but I do know that God offers peace and hope even in the storm.

Riverwalk

2008-02-02T08:20:00.000-05:00

Several years ago a friend told me about a fund raiser for the riverfront property in the heart of Downtown Fort Lauderdale along the historic New River. You could buy a brick with a message on it that would support the Riverwalk Trust whose efforts focus on Riverwalk Park advocacy, promotion, and enhancement.
I bought one and put a message on it that I hoped would be treasured in the years to come as a memory for my family.
I also got to support the enhancement of this area that so many enjoy visiting.
I felt like it was an opportunity to invest in my family and our community.

Any time we are in the New River area we stop by and take a look at our brick.
Last night several of us went to Fort Lauderdale IMAX to see the U2-3D extravaganza (Incredible... You should see it!).
While we were waiting for the theater to open we went and looked at our brick.

I love building positive memories for our family.
I think last night was a reminder to me of how important it is.

Legacy

2008-01-22T15:26:00.000-05:00

I did a podcast on Potential Blog this morning. http://potentialblog.com
The topic was legacy. You can check it out next Monday, 1/28/08.
My definition for legacy was handing down influence, affect, and encouragement. I know you can go in many directions with this.
My thoughts were...
Influence is a huge responsibility that comes with any role in leadership. This is true for the CEO all the way down to the big brother. The greater the leader the greater the influence.
Affect comes whether we leave a good legacy or bad. What we do now affects those who follow behind us even into the future.
Encouragement is a gift that gives hope, support and approval. Encouragement continues to give when our legacy influences and affects in a positive way.

There are a lot of people that I want to leave a good legacy for.

The idea would be to assist them in the best way that I could in reaching their God-Potential. That would be an awesome legacy.

When I think about it this is what was done for me.

Leading others to live life to it's fullest by "Example and Encouragement"...

Intense

2008-01-17T15:31:00.000-05:00

I just got out of an intense two day planning meeting. When I say that it was intense that is not a bad statement. There was a lot to cover in the amount of time that we had. Sometimes it takes intense settings to bring out the best in us.
The word intense means...
American Heritage Dictionary
in·tense
(ĭn-těns')
adj. in·tens·er, in·tens·est

Possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to an extreme degree: the intense sun of the tropics.
Extreme in degree, strength, or size: intense heat.

Effective planning requires intensity, time, energy, creativity, leadership, discipline, attentiveness, and the list can go on and on.
One of the most important parts of planning is team.
I work with a great team. They posses all of the qualities listed above and more. I really believe that over the past day and a half God gave us some great direction.
It will be fun to see a lot of these things come to pass. It will be fun to see which ones we will need to change to be executed well. It will be fun doing this with our team.
After all we are doing this to help people reach their God-Potential!
What are you planning for this year?
Who's on your team?

Fun

2008-01-08T08:47:00.000-05:00

Today I am going to the doctor to get my yearly physical. I don't consider this being much fun. I like my doctor. He went to the University of Miami "The U". We always talk about football and other sports related to "The U". He is a good guy but I still don't like going. The reason I go is because even though I know it is uncomfortable it is good for me.
That is true with a lot of things in life. I didn't want to go to the gym yesterday but I knew that is was good for me. How am I going to continue to lose weight if I don't go to the gym?
For most of these things it comes down to something most of us don't like and that is discipline. Discipline is not easy, it is not always fun but it is good for us. This is one of those areas that I continue to grow in.
I did like LSU beating Ohio State last night. That was fun to watch!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2008-01-01T09:39:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year to everyone.
We are in Branson, Missouri. We have had an awesome time with my family.

My sister rented a cabin for us and it has been wonderful.

It came with an incredible view.

It even came with a deer in it. Our goal and desire on this trip was to have a great time with create memories that will last a lifetime. I had a friend tell me before we came out here that he was praying that this would be the best Christmas we ever had. I know these are the goals of every holiday and vacation but this year has a different perspective for us. We realize that each time we are together could be the last for my dad. He has cancer and has been doing chemo. It has been pretty rough at different times but he is doing well. We are praying that God will heal him through all of this but at the same time understand what we are dealing with. We know that God knows best and we accept that. It has been a great trip and I am thankful and blessed. We brought in the "New Year" together as a family watching some guy jump a football field with his motorcycle. It was the most drawn-out thing I have ever seen on ESPN but we had fun watching it together.

I hope you enjoyed bringing in the New Year and I hope you made made memories that you can cherish.
We did!

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T06:29:00.000-05:00

MERRY
CHRISTMAS!!
Have an awesome Christmas as you celebrate the birth of Christ with your family and friends.
MERRY
CHRISTMAS!!

Family Fun

2007-12-22T14:56:00.000-05:00

Last night we had our family Christmas time with my wife's family. The food was incredible (Thanks Julie). It was just fun being together.
We hung out, opened gifts, and told stories that somehow get bigger each year. Before the night was over we were shooting each other with Nerf guns. I shot several people right in the head and quickly handed off the gun to my nephew.
My Mother-in-law got a big ole honkin' HDTV that is going to make going to see her even better.
I watched a cool thing happen. This is our second Christmas since my Father-in-law passed away. I watched my Brother-in-law Kevin as he handed out his gifts to all the kids and someone said, who does that remind you of? It was kind of cool seeing him take on the role of his dad.
One of the best parts of Christmas is being with family and friends.
I get to do a lot of that this weekend. Our church is doing over 30 services. It is going to be awesome.
Next week, my family at a cabin in Missouri!!!

What are you doing???

Merry Christmas!!!!

Team

2007-12-19T15:56:00.000-05:00

I have had the opportunity to watch and work with some special people this week. It is people I work with here at FRC. They always work hard but this week is a special time for us. This is the weekend that we do our Christmas services. Everywhere you turn there are busy people. They are busy getting ready for this weekend.
We love this time of year because we get to celebrate the greatest gift ever given (God's son Jesus). We also get to share this gift with a lot of people. To make that happen it takes a lot of work not just from staff but also a bunch of volunteers. I really believe that I work with some of the greatest people in the world.
Sometimes in the midst of getting ready it gets a little crazy to say the least. We all know what is at stake here. It is people's lives and that is why we all hang in there and get it done.
I already know it is going to be an incredible weekend. Christmas always brings joy, excitement, and hope for the future. There is nothing better than sharing it with family, friends and TEAM.

Community

2007-12-15T13:28:00.000-05:00

I got a Christmas gift from a friend this week. It was a symbolic gift that he said represented "community". This gift was given to me because I value community and live it out.

Jake at Community Guy defines community as... (A group of people who form relationships over time by interacting regularly around shared experiences, which are of interest to all of them for varying individual reasons.)

Community is something that I believe everyone desires at some level. I mean no one likes to be alone right?
There are many communities that exist. Some are good, some are bad but almost all are scrutinized by some if not many outside the community. Some are closed and some are open but almost all are viewed.
This gift made me think about the communities that I am a part of. I do value community because with it come come so many benefits. The things that draw others to a community are the people that are in it. To me this is the greatest benefit of community.
What kind of people are you doing life with? Who are your friends?

CHOOSING OUR FRIENDS by Henri Nouwen

The spiritual life is one of constant choices. One of the most important choices is the choice of the people with whom we develop close intimate relationships. We have only a limited amount of time in our lives. With whom do we spend it and how? That’s probably one of the most decisive questions in our lives. It is not without reason that parents are very concerned about who their children bring home as playmates, friends, or lovers. They know that much of their children’s happiness will depend on those they choose to be close to.
To whom do we go for advice? With whom do we spend our free evenings? With whom are we going on vacation? Sometimes we speak or act as if we have little choice in the matter. Sometimes we act as though we will be lucky if there is anyone who wants to be our friend. But that is a passive and even fatalistic attitude. If we truly believe that God loves us with an unlimited, unconditional love, then we can trust that there are women and men in this world who are eager to show us that love. But we cannot wait passively until someone shows up to offer us friendship. As people who trust in God’s love we must have the courage and the confidence to say to someone through whom God’s love becomes visible to us: “I would like to get to know you, I would like to spend time with you. I would like to develop a friendship with you. What about you?”
There will be no’s, there will be the pain of rejection. But when we determine to avoid all no’s and all rejections, we will never create the milieu where we can grow stronger and deepen in love.
God became human for us to make divine love tangible. That is what incarnation is all about. That incarnation not only happened long ago, but it continues to happen for those who trust that God will give us the friends we need. But the choice is ours!

Don't miss it!!!

2007-12-12T16:22:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe that we are just a few days away from Christmas. Christmas is one of those things I really look forward to. It is because there are so many great memories that surround it. It just feels like it sneaks up on us and then it is here and we missed out on some of the best parts of it. I am talking about decorating, buying gifts, looking at Christmas lights, sharing time with family and friends, and I am sure the list could go on and on.
Over the last couple of days I have been given some really cool gifts from friends. They are gifts that I really like and it caused me to remember that I need to get busy so I can be ready for Christmas.
I also realize that Christmas is not the only area in my life that this happens. I often realize that I am up against the clock on something and I miss the joy, thinking, learning, collaborating of getting ready.
Christmas is such a special time. Don't miss out on every part of it. Take the time to prepare. Take the time to enjoy. Take the time to share. Take the time to remember what it is all about. It is about the greatest gift ever given. It is about God's gift to us, The baby Jesus.

I'm going to go and read the Christmas Story...

Luke 2:1-20(NLV),
"1 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire.
2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census.
4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee.
5 He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.
6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.
7 She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep.
9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified,
10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.
11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.
17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.
18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished,
19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.
20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them."

"Example and Encouragement"

2007-12-12T09:29:00.000-05:00

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.

Example and Encouragement

Christmas Kick-Off

BEACH BAPTISM

BEACH BAPTISM

Beach Baptism This Weekend!

12,000+

6 Days Left to Register

Leadership Summit 2009

Awesome Series

Leadership Summit 2009

Taken from TROYGRAMLING.COM

Summit Spotlight: Bono

Danielle's Engagement

Happy Father's Day

Desperation

Mother's Day

Good Research

Hmmm!

Nasty

I've Missed

We will remember this for the rest of our lives

Ash Trays and Church

Easter Rally

I Miss My Dad!!!

Leverage

"It's A Beautiful Day"

Mixed Emotions

Livin'Above The Rim

Happy Anniversary

Happy Birthday

More Creative Marketing

Marketing

Baby Jesus and Liquor

The Gift Revolution

MMM Good!!!

On the other end

Good Stuff!!!

The Gift Revolution

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Birthday Dad

Wow!!!

Myths About Megachurches

Myths About Megachurches New Research Debunks 11 Common Misconceptions

Garland, Dad is in heaven now

Family Fun Night

This is good stuff!

Moments like this are a gift from God

Eatza Girl

Don't forget your bat!

Good Year made for a bad morning

Proud of my daughter!!!

Peru

Got Gas???

Out and In

Thinking

Encouragement

Family

Weekend

Prayer

Strange

Tribute

Another Hero

Proud Parents

Noel

Wow!!!

Lesson Learned

Words

HERO

Pain

Thanks

C-Word

Great Week

DST - Daylight Savings Time

Sick, Sick, Sick

25th

The "U" and The "Bishop"

1st

Storms

Riverwalk

Legacy

Myths About Megachurches
New Research Debunks 11 Common Misconceptions