Christmas... the hap happiest season of all!

Since we last spoke... well so much has happened and so many epic pictures have been taken... but let's start from the beginning... or a reasonably good place to start, that offers something of interest.

I turned 31, and enjoyed having some crazy hair, for awhile. And, since then, I have enjoyed (to the delight of my wife) a trip to a barber. My first time to visit one, I really liked it, and it's good to be back to 'normal'. I had a great birthday! Thanks Diane for making it so special.

We really enjoyed having Kelsey and Patrick visit for Thanksgiving break. The Friday after Thanksgiving Kelsey took our family to a museum and got us a pass to go back again and again. It was so much fun, and Asher wanted a picture with almost every exhibit. Sorry Diane :).

A week after Thanksgiving saw snowmaggedon hit Dallas. Ice covered us and closed everything down from Friday to Monday. Finally on Tuesday schools reopened and we got to get out. So the weather was frightful, and the fire was delightful :). Our kids made smoores, and enjoyed playing in the ice.

The ice storm gave us plenty of time to get lots done around the house... and then we ran out of things to do, and put up all our Christmas stuff. The boys had a blast helping Diane with the tree! 

In the middle of the ice weekend we had our Family Christmas party, thankfully most everybody was able to make it there and back again (a Robbins journey). One thing we discovered at the party was how good our kids are at dancing? 



This past Friday we had our MK Christmas party. We had a lot of fun eating food from around the world and making gingerbread houses and just being together. I love my job!

This is such a great picture of Charlie getting into the Christmas spirit. Hot drinks for everybody. The animals have been getting a little crazier then normal with all this winter weather keeping them inside. 

One of the things I'm enjoying as my kids get older is their ability to be involved in church and school programs. Here are Creed and Asher in the church program. So cute... watch Creed keep the beat in the 'Drummer Boy' song. So funny. 

We enjoyed our last youth group meeting this past Monday. We did our annual tradition of singing and sharing with the retiree's at the Cowan Apartments. I always look forward to it every year. Then we went and watched a great movie called "The Star of Bethlehem". It's a documentary about... yeah you guessed it... the Star of Bethlehem. Really neat stuff! 

This week I have been enjoying spending more time with my parents in the mornings and getting odds and ends done around the office. This weekend my family will embrace with great joy the coming of family from North and South. They will descend on us like a mighty showering of Christmas cheer and bring mirth to all. At any rate I'm looking forward to seeing everybody and glad to have family around for Christmas. 

Thanks for sharing in this journey with me! I'm delighted to have you along for the ride! Next year will begin with some incredible adventures... the first being Thailand 2014. Thanks for your prayers and support as we look forward to what God has planned for us. For now I'm enjoying the 'calm' with my family looking forward to eggnog, pumpkin pie, and some great conversations around the fire. 

Thinking of this song as I bring a close to this entry, hope you take the time to read through the lyrics and they touch your heart as they have mine. God you are so awesome and amazing! Thank you for sending us your son! Emanuel.. God Is With Us!

Welcome to Our World by Chris Rice

Tears are falling, hearts are breaking
How we need to hear from God
You've been promised, we've been waiting

Welcome Holy Child
Welcome Holy Child

Hope that you don't mind our manger
How I wish we would have known
But long-awaited Holy Stranger
Make Yourself at home
Please make Yourself at home
Bring Your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled
Word now breaking Heaven's silence

Welcome to our world
Welcome to our world

Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us

Unto us is born
Unto us is born

So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy

Perfect Son of God
Perfect Son of God
Welcome to our world

Merry Christmas from me and the whole family to all! 

And to all a good night... or whenever you read this, a good whatever :)

Thanksgiving 2013

So cute! I love this time of year! 

Dear faithful friends,family, and supporters,

It is Thanksgiving week here in the Robbins' nest. That means that Creed and Mark are off from school and I am enjoying being home with them. The rest of the family has work/school until Thursday. I'm really looking forward to having the house fill up with good company, as well as the smell of delicious food cooking. We will have Kelsey and David with us, along with my good friend Joel Satre (he's been living with us on and off since July) and his sister Jessica.

As I reflect on all the things I'm thankful for, I realize that you, my precious friends, family and supporters, are close to the top of the list. I was invited back to my old job last week to enjoy Thanksgiving meal with them, and it was great to see them all again.  It reminded me of how God's grace provided for me and my family then and has led me to the dream of doing what I do now. I'm overwhelmed by your generosity and love in making this dream possible for me.

Since I started this new life in March, God has been faithful.  My support, though not even, has averaged close to what I need on a monthly basis. The area where I'm having trouble, is keeping up with all the mission trips that I am privileged to be a part of (Guinea, Jamaica, and Thailand - total cost $6000). I am hoping to raise an additional $500 a month to compensate for all the travel I do throughout the year. The next mission trip that I am looking forward to is Thailand.

Thailand Cost $2500

If you are interested in supporting me in going back to Thailand (I will be gone the end of January and back the beginning of February) you can click on the tab 'Supporting the Work' at the top of the page.

Thailand is a special trip for me. It was the first thing that I did in the new 'era' of my life after the church I was attending closed. Being a part of this trip was instrumental in giving me the vision and the confidence to do what I do today. I have been able to be a part of this trip since 2007 and have built relationships that have lasted and provided for ministry opportunities on both sides of the world.

Last January I had the joy of being involved in a Thailand family reunion and it was so meaningful to be invited to that. I know the impact they have made on me and I'm so thankful for the impact that the Lord has let me make on them. It was the first time, since the photo below, that I got to see some of those amazing kids.

The youth from my first year to Thailand! 

I just celebrated my 31st birthday this past week, and it was so great to get well wishes from the kids that I get to see from all over the world. One of them was especially encouraging. I met her on my trip to Guinea this past year, and she and I are both sad that I won't be able to return this year. However, the reason gives me great joy! My wife is expecting our next child and Diane would like me there for the birth.

My wife braided my hair (against her better judgment) for my birthday. It was fun!

As I think about the life I have been called to, I think about the joy of living it for a God like our God. He is mighty and just and kind and merciful and joyful and wise and trust-worthy and faithful! Our God who loved us while we were sinners, saved us, freed us and led us on to a great adventure. I am thankful for the many missionaries I get to support and I'm thankful for the many that support me. Together we are following hard after a God who makes it pure joy to join Him in the work that He is doing here, before He calls us home.

Bless you all, on this Thanksgiving and beyond!

Caleb Robbins

If you want to support what I do a little or a lot, on a one time basis (for a mission trip) or on a recurring basis, click on the tab "Supporting the Work" at the top of the page and search for Caleb and Diane Robbins. Diane is my beautiful wife and the mother of my three precious children Creed 6, Asher 4, and Liam 2.

Thurday of Destiny or something like that

I made a video for you wonderful people and I'm just saying that if this works there could be a lot more videos to come. I really appreciate you all reading and following the blog and I'm so thankful for your support, prayers, friendship and love. You guys are the best!

This week is great. Wycliffe day of prayer on Monday was wonderful and afterwards I was all excited to do some yard work which ultimately resulted in me tweaking my back again. That is okay though because it is getting better really fast and I'm excited about getting completely past this. Please pray with me that this is behind me soon!

I'm looking forward to s really fun weekend with the MK's where we serve at Mission Arlington and of course before that Diane and I host small group. Feast or famine is what we get these days. I'm really blessed to have such a great wife!

Enjoy the video!

Bless you guys and thanks again! God uses you to encourage, strengthen and bless me!

If you want to support what I do a little or a lot, on a one time basis or a recurring basis, click on the tab "Supporting the Work" at the top of the page and search for Caleb and Diane Robbins. Diane is my beautiful wife and the mother of my three precious children Creed 6, Asher 4, and Liam 2.

Fall... rain that is what is falling...

 

Romans 8: 1-2

 

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you

free from the law of sin and death.

 

What a powerful and incredible statement... there is ceaseless joy in the meditation and application of those verses. Wow!

 

When last we met I was headed to a chili festival and it was incredible! I must say that I wish it came more than once a year... perhaps if we lived like the chili festival was every day the world would be a better place with more joy and peace. People should treat each other like every day is chili day...

 

 

There it is in all its glory... the Chili of destiny...

 

 Here are the amazing people who came to the chili fest with me... they are in their amazing costumes. It was so great having my mom there and Joel is an honorary part of the family now (look at that smile). 

 

 Bellow are my kids out on their first Halloween take candy from nice strangers night. Creed was a power ranger and Asher was an alligator from some cartoon show. They were very cute and we enjoyed a great start at my cousins house. They set up a cool back alley games and treats station to meet and encourage the neighborhood. It was awesome. We then proceeded to find out which houses like giving things to costumed youngsters and which houses don't. My kids got tired quickly and that made it easier for me to get them home sooner. The bottom picture is the last house we went to. I'm glad that they got so much candy and got to do this at least once... we will see what happens next year.

 

 

 

 

 

 Bellow are the pictures from Creed's field trip. I was so thankful to be able to go out there with him and enjoy the farm. I got to chaperone him and a kid named Austin. It was fun running around with them and petting and milking and hay riding and what not. Austin was so funny, he kept getting the names of animals wrong... reminded me of myself at the zoo (yeah Diane those are goats ;). Any way good times for the most part and we made it back alive. One cool thing was this guy gave me $5 for lunch. I had neglected to bring any cash with me. I thought that was awesome! Another cool thing was hearing Creeds teacher brag on him. It made me very proud!  

 

 

That is not a Camel... ha ha ha!

 

 Things with MK go in spurts... like milk from an udder (see above picture :). Last weekend we had small group followed by a wonderful scavenger hunt. I was out late the night before at a birthday party and it was cold and I was not well dressed and with the little sleep and the busy schedule I have gotten slightly sick. Yay for daylight savings! I'll take that extra hour of sleep any day. I got to speak in church on Sunday and that was fantastic! I really love our church and the people there are so good and kind.

I'm enjoying teaching Sunday school and we are watching the Ten Commandments. Good movie, it's the new version and I'm really liking it. Monday I finished up my last MK specific lesson for the rest of the year. We talked about how we fit in our culture and it was neat hearing the kids relate to that. The Bible personality we looked at was Moses. It was neat to have that fresh in my mind already.

Life is slowing down and speeding up all at the same time. I'm excited for Thanksgiving and my Birthday this month and I'm enjoying some time to prepare for December. We have lots of fun stuff planned with the MK's.

I hope you are enjoying Fall and all it brings! You are a blessing and joy in my life and I praise God for you!

Blessings,

Caleb

 

 

 

Abundant Life

 

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, I have come that they may have life and have it to the full!

 

In my preparation to teach on "Surrendering Sin" I had a total revelation on how God looks at sin. I have often felt like God is very angry with me and that my sin can somehow manipulate him... I know it sounds crazy! But, recently I feel much more like God loves me deeply and sees my sin as something that keeps me from being free and on that basis hates it when I sin and hates what my sin does to me, but loves me and really wants my freedom and abundant life. Seeing God this way and letting it overcome more of my perspective has really brought an abundance of freedom and joy to my life. I view my sin not as something that will make God angry and want to punish me but as something that is keeping me from the true freedom and joy that God desires for me and really for us all to have. So take that sin! God is in the business of restoring and rebuilding; redemption, not destruction. Sure he disciplines those he loves, but in order to bring about holiness which is life! The more time I spend thinking about God and reading his amazing word the deeper I fall in love with him and the more I see how incredible his love is for us! What a joy it is to be a follower of Christ!

 

Okay, well that was what was on my heart and I just had to blog it out :).

 

MK has been amazing! Last week was a very busy week for me and thusly was a very awesome week! Anytime I get to spend hours with these great kids is a good time! I love my job... don't know if you could tell. Bellow are the pictures from the service project that we did this past weekend. In true MK fashion we have a kid holding a snake, a kid crawling under the deck and then kids posing epicly. It was great to bless the community and the to be blessed by the goodies (cookies, and such) that each place of work poured out on us.  

 

 

 

 

Here is a wonderful picture of my wife snuggled up on Sunday afternoon; while I watch football she watches her eyelids. I really like how our cat is the same color as the blanket and it is perfect that the pillow she has her head on is also black and white. Poor thing is freezing in this sub arctic 70 degree weather. Love you Diane and I think you are amazing and cute and I'm so thankful for you!

 

Please pray for her as she struggles through the sickness that being pregnant bestows on her. 

 

 

 

Here I am with my amazing new cousin's baby. So.... well.... not sure how we are related technically speaking, I'm just glad that she is cute and I got to see her on Monday. She was born Sunday to my cousin Sami and his wife, their first child. When we got to the hospital I ran into the room and stiff armed Diane out of the way and picked up this little bundle of cuteness and joy and after she had touched down in my arms long enough I handed her off to Diane. Okay, maybe there were too many football metaphors in that last sentence. 

Life is good and I praise God for it. This has been a really great week and I'm looking forward to fall festivals with my kids this weekend. Creed has one tonight at his school, and then tomorrow is the epic chili festival at our church, where to celebrate the amazing chili we dress up and also go around and gather candy. Not sure what that has to do with chili but we do it anyway.

It is nice to have Fall weather and good people to share it with!

Pray!

Mark has a lot of school all the time, pray for him to not burn out and to find great joy and success in his work.

Joel is moving out, pray for his transitions as he continues to find his way in this amazing world!

For Diane as she grows a small urchin in her belly... urchin here means child so don't worry about her health or anything...

For me as I prepare for Thailand (that all $2500 will come in for the trip) and for next semester for MK.

Praise!

God is so good! He has put you all in my life and you are a tremendous blessing, thanks for your love and kindness your prayers your support and your friendship!

To God be the glory great things he hath done!

Bless you all!

Caleb

If you want to support what I do a little or a lot, on a one time basis or a recurring basis, click on the tab "Supporting the Work" at the top of the page and search for Caleb and Diane Robbins. Diane is my beautiful wife and the mother of my three precious children Creed 6, Asher 4, and Liam 2.

Another week in paradise!

I guess that really just means that I love what I do and I’m so thankful to God for his great mercy and kindness towards me that he lets me do what I love!

What a great week! I had a great time with the MK’s on Monday studying culture. I realized that I have some really funny stories pertaining to cultural balance, but I also have some really painful ones. It’s hard making transitions to different places and always feeling like you just don’t quite fit in and don’t quite know what you should do. Thankfully I had a great older sister to help me figure out some things along the way. I realized that so much of our ability to understand culture springs from a humble spirit that desires to ‘be all things to all men’. We should be in the business of showing people Christ, they can’t see him if our poor balancing act is stealing the show!

Anyway, 'MK issues I’m passionate about' maybe a good title for another blog but I won’t ramble on too much about them here. Great week! we played a game where the kids had to put Vaseline on their faces and try and stick cotton balls to them and then shake them off in a bowl. It was hilarious!

Tuesday was a very special treat, Diane and I got to go with Marks Choir to see Lion King the musical. It was amazing… the giraffes… oh the amazing giraffes. There was an annoying cell phone blaring in my face for a few moments during the opening, but I had no problem taking care of the situation.

 

 

Wednesday I got my good old boss back from Jamaica and I really enjoyed visiting with him. I love you Bob! We are going to Ellen’s Amusement (mini golf, go-karts) tonight with the youth and so I was putting rides and such together all week. This coming Monday we are taking off because of ‘fair day’ and I think our family might actually go to the fair. I’m looking forward to braving the train with the boys… the train here goes right to the front door of the fair.
Sunday I have the great joy of going to the football game between the Cowboys and Redskins. I’m really excited for the chance to take some good friends to the stadium for the first time. Standing room only but the tickets were free. God is so good! I know it’s football… groan if you mustJ.

Please Pray

For Diane this weekend she is going on a women’s retreat with our Church

For Mark and his mountains of school!

For my preparations to go to Thailand

For all the support to come in for my trip to Thailand ($2500)

Praise God For

My Liam will be 2 next week!

The amazing weather we are enjoying (yes it’s Texas and any break from the heat is worth rejoicing aboutJ)

I’m really grateful for you and your participation in what God is doing in my life! I couldn’t make it without you!

Blessings,

 

Caleb 

If you want to support what I do a little or a lot, on a one time basis or a recurring basis, click on the tab "Supporting the Work" at the top of the page and search for Caleb and Diane Robbins. Diane is my beautiful wife and the mother of my three precious children Creed 6, Asher 4, and Liam 1 (almost 2).

MK gets a little Messy

Perhaps this picture is the bet part of my blog and you should look at it for a couple more minutes and call it a day :).

This game night was so fun... perhaps epic is the word to use here. We got so messy and disgusting with water balloons, raw eggs, and shaving cream we just felt like... well, like kids again. Of course as the author of the game night I got the brunt of the messy gunk on me... raw eggs were smashed with abandon on my head as well as shaving cream sprayed and balloons hurled. It's good to be a youth pastor!

  

 

This has been a great week so far. This game night was last Friday and it was a really great bonding time. I can't remember the last time we did something like this with the MK's, but I will say that I really dislike filling up water balloons. I was really grateful that one of our star volunteers came over and helped me (thanks Nadia). After filling countless water balloons, since so many break, my own kids dreams of having an epic water balloon fight were postponed. So if any of you want to come over and fill balloons for them please feel free.

My parents are here and I helped them move to their 'permanent' shelter today. Permanent while they are state side. It is great to have this job now because I have more flexibility to help them during the day and to get to see them.

Diane is still struggling through morning sickness, please keep her in your prayers. Apparently having a baby is really hard work :). I'm so proud of you D! My back feels amazing, your prayers are really helping! I feel more normal now then I have in months! I could say I'm at 90% and not be stretching the truth!

Bob, my good boss man Bob, is in Jamaica this week preparing for our mission trip next year and tying up some lose ends from last trip and so I'm here holding down the fort. I miss having him in the office.

MK is going really well, I really enjoy all the activities I'm involved in and we are getting a lot more kids coming this year which is really encouraging and fun! I'm also pumped about the small group that Diane and I lead, I feel very blessed and I'm so grateful for you all making this dream possible for me and my family.

My trip to Thailand is finally on the horizon! I have the dates locked down for the end of January through the beginning of February 2014. I'm really looking forward to seeing those wonderful MK's over there! Last time I went I really felt God encouraging me to take the leap into full time ministry and in the mountains of Chang Mai he reminded me to 'lift my eyes up to the mountains and remember that my help comes from Him'. Good lesson for sure! I'm excited to see what he will teach me this trip and eager for him to use me!

This trip is going to cost $2500 for the airfare and room and board. If you want to be involved in this part of my ministry you can click on the tab at the top of the blog that says Supporting the Work. That will take you to the WA website and if you search for Caleb and Diane Robbins you will find my ministry account and you can donate directly online. All donations through WA are tax deductible. I appreciate you being willing to help me with this, I couldn't go if God didn't call you to send! 

My kids are doing well, they love having grandparents around! Mark (my brother in law) is a joy to have around and he is in the thick of school and choir but still doing great, getting sleep is a challenge sometimes but other then that he's good. Joel is back in the garage and looking for direction in his future endeavors. I'm so proud of how he has gotten a car and a job and is slowly discovering what God has for him on this side of the ocean. I enjoy having him around! He is learning to follow God one step at a time without worrying.

Bless you all! 

Lift your eyes up and remember where your help comes from...

Caleb Robbins