Better Late than Never

A Bongo in the hand is worth two in the bush? Or something like that... any way we got a care package from my in laws... yeah go figure, we get care packages from people living in the Solomon Islands, now that means that I have pretty cool in laws... one of the things in the package was a delicacy known as the Bongo. Can't wait to have some... you know a Bongo in time saves nine... or something.

Well I didn't write last week, I was too tired and busy and just wasn't feeling it. But I did get some good stuff done and I'm glad to be in the writers chair now. 

Mothers day was great. Diane and I went to see Iron Man 3 with some good friends and that was a great cap to a wonderful day. I'm so grateful for all the prayers that my parents put out over the years concerning who I would marry someday, God delivered big time! I enjoyed leaving my mothers, who are across the world, a note letting them know how special they are to me... and it was great seeing my boys love on my wife. 

Speaking of mothers across the world, I'm so glad that my mother and father are taking some much needed vacation after having a very stressful evacuation from the war ravaged C.A.R. It is amazing what they have been through and I'm so proud of them and so grateful that God is caring for them and now leading them beside still waters.  

A bullet that made it into my parents house before the evacuation.

This past week was all about getting the rest of the summer planned. Not my forte, but thanks to Bobs guidance I now have contacts with many places around the metroplex to go with the kids this summer. We are going to a Rangers Game, the Rodeo, two water parks, and a myriad of other places. Among other things we also put the finishing touches on the Pool Opening which is supposed to happen later today, and as I'm typing this I'm waiting for the call to come in from Bob on whether or not the weather will permit us to go forward. I hope we can make it a go for today but I trust that Gods timing will be perfect. 

The end of this week got very busy. This is the time of year where most of the Mks that are home schooled are graduating. So I have been to three graduation parties, one of which was for a former colleague of my wife's. Her party was amazing, and about half an hour away, and we were there very late, which was great! Then the next day we had a wedding an hour away. It was fantastic and also kept us out very late, getting up on Saturday for my early morning Men's group was torture. It was like the cartoon where the 'Z' is popped and the character looks like a rung out sponge. Well no worries, the next evening was the combination of a graduation party and my aunt and uncles 40th wedding anniversary. It was great because all these events let me see lots of friends that I don't normally see. It was tough to have it all in a row but that is why God told us to rest on the 7th day. And, boy Sunday was a great day of rest. I enjoyed getting to speak at my Church, and then I took my wife out on a fun date that afternoon. 

Here is Monday and I'm ready for another great week. I just feel so blessed to have this job and to have people like you helping make all this possible. God is so good! 

Pray! 

My goodness it's hard to think of anything... I'm so blessed! Pray for my parents that they regenerate well! 

We are looking into getting windows for our house, pray for wisdom and blessing on the process. 

Praises! 

I praise God for you!!! 

My parents are getting vacation! 

Creed is graduating. 

Summer!!!!!

Bless you all! I really enjoy living in community with you and look forward to how this summer is going to form all of us. Here's a toast to all the graduates "you did it I'm so proud of you and I'm excited to see how you use what God has given you! I'm sure you all are going to make a great impact on this world! Just remember a rolling Bongo gathers no moss." 

Blessings, 

Caleb 

also... A Bongo saved is a Bongo earned :)

 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 Robbins and then click on Caleb and Diane Robbins. Diane is my beautiful wife and the mother of my three precious children Creed 6, Asher 3, and Liam 1. 

If the Shoe fits

Romans 2:4

4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

That picture makes me smile so much because I remember when that rose bush was doing it's very best to just push out a leaf or two. After a really rough winter and summer I wondered if it was going to make it.... but look at it now. I think that we can all relate to that rose bush from time to time; we feel like it's all that we can do to just keep on living, and forget about being something special. 

When I got back from Guinea I was thrilled to have had a month of adventures but I was very tired and ready to just live a little. But, I think about that rose bush and that verse and I marvel at my God, the lover of my soul, my good father, and I keep on smiling. He makes all things beautiful in their proper time. 

 

 Wait someone is missing... oh yeah he's in the box... wait no we are all in the box... 


These pictures just prove that I should have invested in less conventional toys and more large boxes for my kids to play with :). 




You guessed it we went to the Austin zoo... and it was fantastic. The kids really had fun running around and feeding animals and I think Liam.... any way, they also really relate to the zoo, as you can see in the picture to the right they are wild animals themselves.




And, it's always nice when your kids make new friends...

So not only was the zoo a very special treat for all of us but at the end of that day we were very pleasantly surprised by a delightful date night. The amazing Sieks sent us to the nicest Theater I have ever been to. It had reclining leather chairs and a menu filled with great food.



The weekend was relaxing and filled with good family time and time with friends. I can't thank the Sieks enough for their hospitality. Another joy was sharing my journey with Rosemary Siek. I have been on many a mission trip to Thailand with Rosemary but to my shame had never shared what I'm doing now with her. It was a God thing and it is very encouraging to have her prayers and support!

Monday came and it was back in the office and me trying to figure out how the shoe fits again. Bob and I ran around getting ready for graduation night, which mostly entailed us hanging decorations... yeah not my forte but Bob is a regular Martha Stewart :). The night went really well because God showed up and stole the show.

If you are interested in hearing my sermon you can click on the link "Caleb's Media" in the upper right corner; I have it posted there along with some other sermons I preached this past year. I also made a slide show of my trip to Guinea and put it there.

The week has flown by like so many weeks seem to do. I am continuing to figure out exactly what my new life means for me and every step along the path I'm finding that the shoe fits really nicely and that the path although narrow is really great because the leader is so kind and faithful. So many new things to do and learn and so many little adventures that spring up.

I enjoyed visiting a girl who will be joining our group this summer, she is finally old enough! yay! I enjoyed running errands, like picking up decorations and graduation gifts. I enjoyed doing a random service project for a valued member of the MK community, and I enjoyed brainstorming for Jamaica and figuring out what to do when the weather doesn't cooperate with our plans.

I'm enjoying feeling like that rose bush, although I may feel that I am barely making it sometimes I know that God is making me grow and turning me as well as you into something beautiful that will bring glory to Him. And, that is what my rose bush does, it grows and produces beautiful roses and a rough summer and winter can't do anything to stop it, and as it brings joy to those who pass it by. Hopefully they, as do I, praise God for his creativity and the beauty that he spreads around our lives, and they remember that He is kind. May his kindness bless you and lead you as it has for me!

Pray!

My back/legs are giving me fits right now...
My wife is in the midst of a very exciting transition, pray for peace and trust in the process.
Mark's play is this weekend, pray it goes really well!
Rest and strength, this is a busy time of year for my family.

Praises!

My back/legs are keeping me very humble... and they could be much worse!
I am so thankful for you! I really love doing what I do and I know that I can only do it because of you!






I see a resemblance! They all make me smile and I think they are all so amazingly Beautiful! Happy Mothers Day my amazing Diane! You are incredible and we are all so lucky to have you! You have raised some incredible vikings, and I praise God for you the best 'rose bush' of us all!



Proverbs 31: 26-28

26She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.27She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.28Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

Wow Diane, he didn't know he was talking about you, but I'd say he nailed it! 

Blessings to 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 Robbins and then click on Caleb and Diane Robbins. Diane is my beautiful wife and the mother of my three precious children Creed 6, Asher 3, and Liam 1.

Treasure

Matthew 6:19-21


19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

He was a million miles from a million dollars
But you can never spend his wealth

Preacher, Onerepublic

I know I just wrote a blog about my trip to Guinea but for the sake of trying to be consistent I am going to write again today to keep the Friday thing going. This may be very short.
What a week. I'm tired and tired of traveling and I'm just ready to be home and love on my wife and kids and get stuff done around my house and really dig in deep to this amazing calling that God has put on my life. In spite of all that, I am really excited to be going to Austin this weekend to see my dear friends the Sieks and their new grand child. It is like a home away from home.... but it is the last trip I'm planning until Jamaica in July. 




Creed had today off of school so he is with me in the office and let me tell you he is a great kid to have around! I'm enjoying getting to spend some extra time with him and later with the whole family. That is the great thing about road trips, we are all together! 

So why did I title this post Treasure? Good question! That is a theme for me right now! I'm giving the graduation speech this coming Monday and that is what I'm thinking about. 

We need to be the kind of people who are seeking the will and rule of God our father and are more interested in obeying Him than fulfilling our idea of what will make us happy. The truth is that only in obedience to His will can there be any lasting joy for any of us. 

That gets me to the thought of treasure in general. We leave our high school career and start preparing for what we will  do with our lives and we become treasure seekers. What kind of treasure are you seeking and where are you planning on storing it? When I was 13 most of my earthly treasures were looted and lost due to civil war in Congo... it was hard, but when I look back it was one of the best things that ever happened to me as a teenager. 

We need things to happen to us that will rip this earthly mindset out of us and get us focused on the treasure that lasts forever. 

Where is your heart? 

But when I leave I want to go out like Elijah 
With a whirlwind to fuel my chariot of fire 
And when I look back on the stars 
It'll be like a candlelight in Central Park 
And it won't break my heart to say goodbye 

Elijah, Rich Mullins

And when my body lies in the ruins 
Of the lies that nearly ruined me 
Will You pick up the pieces 
That were pure and true 
And breathe Your life into them 
And set them free? 
And when You blast this cosmos 
To kingdom come 
When those jagged-edged mountains 
I love are gone 
When the sky is crossed with the tears 
Of a thousand falling suns 
As they crash into the sea 
Can I be with you? 
Can I be with you?

Be with You, Rich Mullins

That is my goal, to make that my hearts cry... to be with You!

Praises!

Great week back at work! And I'm still healthy, no malaria, so take that pharmacy and your expensive medicine! 

So thankful for you and all your prayers and donations! I'm living my dream and God is using you powerfully in my life and I praise him and thank him for you!

We are going to be caring for Mark for the next two years!

Pray!

I'm tired and don't quite feel like myself. 

For my family as we finish up the school year and get through May. 

We are going to be caring for Mark for the next two years!

My support has come in really well so far and I'm thankful to all of you who have joined me in this adventure.  I am getting close to 90% of what I need promised monthly and thanks to one time gifts I have yet to be under 100%! God is good all the time! Thanks for helping me and for praying for me and for partnering in God's work. I couldn't do any of this without you! 

Seek Him, 

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 Robbins and then click on Caleb and Diane Robbins. Diane is my beautiful wife and the mother of my three precious children Creed 6, Asher 3, and Liam 1.

May your wonders never Cease

May your wonders never cease
May your spirit never leave
May we ever long to see your face
And when we turn from you again
Oh how quickly we forget
May we be reminded of your grace
May Your Wonders Never Cease

Third Day




It is an amazing joy to be able to go to Africa and do youth group in a gazebo somewhere in Conakry Guinea. The trip over there was filled with God encounters, including a four hour conversation with a wonderful man going to see his girl friend in Brussels. The joy is in sharing the good news and watching it slowly transform hearts. It was great to see that Gods love changed us both as we shared humbly about our experiences seeking truth. In the end I think that although my arguments were sound it was the love that God gave me for him that really opened his ears to what God wanted done in his life. Our conversation could have taken the whole flight but some 'timely' turbulence ended our talk for two reasons; he became nauseated and a luggage hatch flew open directly over me. I tried to close it before luggage went flying everywhere but the flight attendants were adamant that I 'sit down sir!' and so after two failed attempts I sat down and locked my eyes on the bags in preparation to catch them before they crashed down on all of us. Well the strong hand of God held them fast and got us safely through all the way to Conakry.

If God is for us who can stand against us!

"Getting out of the airport went so smoothly this time"

"Wow it's much cooler this year than usual"

"So few bugs around this time"

That is the uncanny joy of going forward in the grace and power of God, he truly went before us thanks to your prayers and gave us a truly blessed experience!

We arrived late and breezed through the customs at the airport, "Mission Protestant" was like saying abra ca dabra, and poof they let us through and we were off to the parking lot. Needless to say on the way out a car exploded into flames and as we passed it by it was a 'this is Africa' moment'. After we got to the compound where most of us were staying we enjoyed a wonderful meal of hamburgers and hot dogs, yeah very American except that the buns were home made and much better then the usual store bought fare I get at home!

So went almost all the meals, they were delicious and hot and as American as they could be for the missionaries who typically get their fill of African food. I ate too much and very well and really enjoyed a lot of African soda.



I appreciated having my cousin Lynda there with me. For both of us it was the first time back in Africa since high school and it scratched an itch for both of us. Although we didn't get all the benyes and mango's that we thought we would we did enjoy a wonderful time visiting a village. The road to and from the village was filled with delays, the most dramatic being a double murder where a bandit killed someone in a local school only to find himself as the next victim when an angry crowd surrounded him seeking justice. The delays provided extended opportunity for great conversation which we all really appreciated. We also took a handicapped man many miles down the road and that was special to be able to do.



This man I met in the village and we ate some amazing food at his house. He was one of the original language helpers to the people working in this village's language group. It was so cool to meet him and I thought about the man who my parents met when they first started to learn and then translate the language in 'our' village. It is great seeing the hunger that the people have for God's word in their own language and how they are willing to partner with the translators for years and years to make it happen.



Here I am with some of the village kids who tagged along for our long walk through the village to meet every body. They walk next to you, hold your hand, and enjoy the white people touching our skin and marveling at how different it is and at how hairy we are. Well marveling might not be the right word :). It is fun but a little over whelming after a while.

The teaching went well, it took a few days to get the ball really rolling and my class fluctuated between five and ten kids but for the most part we did a lesson in the morning and then free time for the rest of the day. The highlights for the kids were the American snacks that we brought, like Oreo's and M&Ms and such. To fill the extra time we played knock out, I made up a relay race, I led improvised exercise routines, we did riddles, and then played cards and chess and talked. I enjoyed sharing my life with them and hearing about their lives in the village and city, homeschooling and going to French school.





To break up the week we had a circus and that was really fun! I got to see a bearded lady and meet a very nice fortune teller. Before the circus there was a ping pong tournament and I got fourth place. After the circus I enjoyed a delicious funnel cake... I never thought I would have a funnel cake in Africa but hey I guess dreams really do come true :).







On the day we went to the village I split my shorts up the seam playing basketball, thankfully my cousin Lynda was able to sew them up again. Unfortunately I ripped them again climbing a tree in the village. It was a very humbling experience walking around the village with incredibly torn up shorts. Kinda felt nice and breezy and I had something more in common with the kids but made meeting the chief a little uncomfortable.




The house I stayed at was very nice and I'm looking forward to the kids coming and joining my youth group here in just about a month. They had two dogs, a cat and an African Grey parrot. These are feisty  intelligent and long living parrots and I loved being in a house with one since there were plenty of them around when I was living in Cameroon. I'll never forget waking up many mornings in high school to the parrot saying "oh Canada". the bird at this house didn't say much but it did mimic the dogs whining pretty well. The parrot was notorious for picking on the other animals. Very entertaining.



This is a rather disjointed telling of my tale but let me tell you it was a great trip and my pictures are all on my Facebook page. God really used this time to bless me and to allow me to be a blessing. He got me home despite a terrible time getting through Brussels airport where we missed our flight but miraculously were able to get the next one and still, by the skin of our teeth, make our original flight home. Some of our luggage came a day later then we did but even in that God was good, it wasn't lost!






Praises! 

God has delivered me safely home and it is a pleasure to reunite with my family!
God kept me healthy and safe on the trip!
You are enabling me to do the Lords work and I'm so grateful for you!

Pray! 

That I don't get malaria, I should be okay if I don't have it in the next couple of days, but rest is important and it is something that can flare up if I get too run down.
For quick recovery from jet lag.
For my heart as I miss those kids!

It is good to be back and to know that I am home for a little while now, and it is good to know that I will be seeing some of these kids again soon.

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 Robbins and then click on Caleb and Diane Robbins. Diane is my beautiful wife and the mother of my three precious children Creed 6, Asher 3, and Liam 1.

Persevere

1 Corinthians 9: 24-27

24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

This is the man that made my last trip a wonderful and worthwhile endeavor. David Robbins the fourth! He and his charming wife picked me up at the airport and whisked me off to a delicious dinner (they were fattening me up for some cannibals in Africa I think) where I had a hamburger with an egg on it. Yes, an egg on it, and it was very delicious!

The picture above was taken the next day, David led me on a wonderful hike up a logging road behind his house and we enjoyed a great view at the top of this hill. It was so nice getting to catch up with him, both his life and his incredible hiking pace. It was also nice getting a chance to work off some of that hamburger :).

Later that afternoon David introduced me to his friends over at his brother in laws house. We had some delicious pizza (Papa Murphy's stuffed crust), the remains of which you can see, and nice fellowship while we played games. It was great getting to know his friends and family better.

When we got home that night I got to see the programs that he has written during his time researching and writing his doctorate paper. The topic is very interesting and I know his ideas will really help the world. It's funny the things that we don't know about each other, like I knew David was getting his doctorate I just never knew the details of what that meant. There is so much joy in visiting and getting to know people, that you know well, even better.

The next day we headed off to church in the cooling rain. It had been a little warm up until that point and the rain brought with it a welcome change in temperature. The church service was familiar, very like the one I used to attend at River of Life. After church we headed home for lunch and a game of Ticket to Ride before heading off to small group.

I enjoyed getting to share my vision and purpose in his small group. It was different sharing with my peer group and not an older crowd. So far I have been able to share in a variety of settings; one on one, Sunday school, Church and small group. The small group was a great setting because I had a chance before and after I spoke to build new friendships. Before group we ate tacos and after group we ate cheesecake. Okay so maybe I'm writing too much about the food :)...

The next day I got up excited to head home but sad to be leaving my cousin and his family.



Here are Davids beautiful daughter, Adrienne and wife Stephanie. Special thanks to Adrienne for letting me sleep in her "Hello Kitty" bedroom, and to Stephanie for being such a good hostess.

After a light breakfast David and I headed into town for lunch... well for a lunch meeting that is. David set up an opportunity for me to talk to his pastor and youth pastor. It was a wonderful and very filling lunch (this place has a three patty burger and a challenge: finish the burger and fries in 12 minutes and it's free, no I didn't accept the challenge) and a good reminder that life is about relationship and everything we do springs from that.

After lunch I got to go and see where David works but since our parking was in a dubious spot we rushed though and got back to the car while we were sure that it would still be there. Then off to the airport where I enjoyed a very light supper while I waited to fly home.

I also caught up on some work while I ate and well some Facebook too :). The Lord never ceases to surprise me with blessings along the way. The latest blessing was an empty row of three seats on the plane just for me. It was great getting to lie down and relax on the 2 hour flight home. Thank you God for your blessings that are new every morning... and evening... and during random flights that I get to go on.

I got back from Alabama Monday night. Tuesday I went into the office and then had fun taking some of the MK's that I don't get to see very often, out for ice cream with Bob Alber my very understanding and wonderful boss. Wednesday I packed, I was just too excited I couldn't wait :). Thursday I got the last few things I needed from the store, and today I will finish writing this and then spend lots of time with my kids, which will include going to an award ceremony for Creed.

Prayers! 

For spiritual victory, I've been under some strange attacks, including dificulty sleeping and anger
That I will be able to have the energy I need to be a blessing and servant on this trip
For me as I put the finishing touches on what I hope to teach, that God will use me to encourage and bless his children
For my wife and family as they juggle life without me; that Diane especially will have the support she needs to get her work done and not have to stay up all night to do.

If anyone want's to help Diane out this next week please let me know and I will get you two in touch. The main thing is being available to help watch the kids.


Praises! 

This is the last leg and God has been so faithful and kind!
For you who make this all possible through your prayers that are being answered! and through your support!
For the many blessings that God pours out on me and my family daily!

 

I'm not sure how much information I've given concerning my trip to Guinea. I'm going to run a youth program during a mission conference. I will be gone a week. I'm going with a team not alone. I'm really excited to be going back to Africa after being away since 2001.

I'm truly blessed by you all, and I'm very excited to share my adventures with you when I get back. I don't know that I will get the next entry out by next Friday but I will definitely get it out as soon as I can. Thanks for your interest in my life and how God is using it.

Seek Him first!

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 Robbins and then click on Caleb and Diane Robbins. Diane is my beautiful wife and the mother of my three precious children Creed 6, Asher 3, and Liam 1.

Refreshed

Your love, oh Lord
Reaches to the heavens
Your faithfulness stretches to the sky
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains
Your justice flows like the ocean's tide
I will lift my voice
To worship You, my King
I will find my strength
In the shadow of your wings







"Creed, Asher, Liam, get in the car we have to go.  Today is going to be a car day, and Creed we are going to visit a cavern for your birthday..."

We drove until we couldn't drive anymore. Exhaustion was overcoming us. But, on the way we passed a giant wind farm that made Creed very happy, he wanted us to sleep underneath one for his birthday but eventually we convinced him that the caverns would be a better choice. I couldn't get a Marriott to house us so the next best thing was Motel 6...  the memories of my childhood trips came flooding back as we checked in and gently laid the sleeping children on their bed. Motel 6, you have thin walls but tired overcomes noise and we were tired! Diane and I were disappointed when a very hungry and fussy Liam woke us up far too early the next morning.  We didn't have any snacks and were left trying to satisfy him with water... so we quickly got ourselves packed up and over to the IHOP for a birthday breakfast.

  

I quickly informed the staff that it was Creed's birthday and just before we left they came around with ice cream and singing to cheer us on our way.



Back in the car for thirty minutes to the Carlsbad Caverns. Wow that a wonderful idea to go there! I wanted to push through and make it to Silver City early in the morning but my friend Tony recommended we make the stop and smell the guano? Well, there was plenty of it in the cavern near the top but he did actually say roses. The drive up to the Cavern was breathtakingly beautiful and the time there was fantastic. The caverns are 75 stories underground and the walk through them was close to 4 miles total. We walked around the "Big Room" and then my very brave and athletic family hiked out... yes we were the only ones who were doing this... we passed many people hiking in but no one is crazy enough to hike out 75 stories when there is a perfectly good elevator. Well almost no one! Props to my wife for carrying Liam out! She is truly amazing!

 

We were back in the car after a short (ha ha ha) hike and off to Silver City. We pulled into my Uncle Paul and Aunt Karisse's house around 18:30 (my blog I will use military time :) ) with kids who, although tired from the hike, were still eager to run around and fight invisible bad guys with sticks while we grilled burgers and prepared for one of many fantastic meals at the Moores'. My Aunt didn't know it was Creed's birthday...I'm sure if she had known there would have been all sorts of incredible birthday whats its and who's its but she did a great job of improvising with a candle and some delicious friendship bread.



By the time dinner was over we were ready for bed, so after a quick bath time we all crashed and enjoyed the beautiful quiet of Silver City and the peace of staying with loved ones. The stars from our bedroom were bright and well... visible, which is quite a treat coming from the city.

It seems that no matter when we put our kids to bed they always get up too early. Sunday morning-the big day-was already here and I had barely gotten dressed and my things together when it was time to go... bummer, no breakfast no coffee... but God is good! At Uncle/Pastor/Father Paul's church they provide these wonderful things and I partook very gratefully. The service was wonderful, filled with Liturgy  no singing, and I must say my Uncle can preach! After it was all said and done I was given the Sunday school hour to share my heart and my ministry and I could feel your prayers as I shared.

After Sunday school we rushed off to Pastor Tony's church where we arrived in time to enjoy some spirit filled worship before I was interviewed and then preached the sermon. It was great getting a chance to preach from my heart and my heart was full... 40 minutes later after the preacher  finally shut up we all gathered for a pizza lunch and good fellowship. 

Tired but joyful we found our way back home to rest until mid afternoon when Tony and his lovely wife, Jodi, gathered us up again for another adventure. We drove deep into the mountains and hiked out to a beautiful spot where we climbed rocks and let the wind blow through our hair as we enjoyed the creativity and beauty of the landscape our awesome God created for us to enjoy. Then we drove through a neighborhood full of deer... yes deer not dear, and enjoyed getting close and personal with these presumptuous creatures. After that we were off to the park to drop off the kids with my relatives and then enjoyed a nice dinner with Tony and his wife. 

The next morning we got up slowly, enjoying the pace that an extra day afforded us. Tony showed up mid morning and whisked us off to the City of Rocks - a most interesting and enjoyable state park. 








The kids climbed everything in sight and after awhile we were all tired and the wind was raging so we packed up and enjoyed a little tour around the mountain. We saw "The Kneeling Nun" whom God had turned to stone because she fell in love with a buffalo soldier and wanted to be released from her vows.




 We also got to see the oldest open pit mine in the U.S. 

The mine is in the background and here you see how big the tires are on the mining trucks! They are at least 10 feet tall

When we were done seeing the sights we headed home for some much needed rest... well when I say rest I mean my most gracious life partner watched the little energizer bunnies play outside with the sticks and the dogs and the turtles while I napped. The afternoon slipped on by and then it was time to go out again this time with a hawk and an Uncle. 



My Uncle Paul among his many talents hunts with hawks and Diane and I got to go out with him and beat the bush to scare rabbits or snakes or whatever out for the wonderful hawk to swoop down and devour. Yes we went hawking and it was super fun even though their was no game to be found. I think my wife looks great in her hawking outfit :). 

Home again - tired but with ice cream in hand and cobbler on the table when we arrived. After a delicious dessert we drifted off to sleep and awoke to a morning crisp and wet. Wet is awesome in the desert and although it was quite chilly it was great to know that the rain/sleet/snow was a huge blessing to the community. 

I jumped in the car and raced back to Tony's church where I enjoyed an hour long prayer meeting before my family would join me and we would all head back to Dallas. I was a little dubious about going to the meeting because I typically like getting an early start when I have to drive 12 hours, but this meeting was one of the best times of refreshment for me on the entire trip. They let me share my heart with them (pastors and leaders in the community) and then prayed for me and God did an immediate healing on my previously quite sore and tight back. It was incredible I could feel the love, joy and peace just flowing in the room from the heart of God to all of us and I left feeling blessed and refreshed. 

Back in the car but this time with lots of snacks for the road, and we were homeward bound. With snow falling against the windshield we blazed down the mountain and hit the low desert where we found a formidable dust storm waiting for us. I have now seen tumbling tumble weeds flying across the road and dust so thick that you can't see 30 feet in front of you. All in all though it was a pleasant drive back and when we pulled into our driveway all I could think was "I got to see mountains Gandalph, mountains" what I imagine Bilbo would have said after a trip like this. 

Praises! 

The trip was amazing and the car made it without any trouble at all. 

For you and all you do! 

For the healing in my back! 

Prayers! 

The journey continues and I need strength to persevere and wisdom to deal with the multitude of details well. 

My family and wife are under extra strain while I'm gone so pray that people will surround them and support them while I'm away. That my wife will be able to get all her work done and live in the peace and joy that the Lord provides. 

It was a great  week and a great weekend away. I'm so grateful to be home and to have some time to rest before I head out again... 

Philippians 1:3-6

3I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.


Blessings to 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 Robbins and then click on Caleb and Diane Robbins. Diane is my beautiful wife and the mother of my three precious children Creed 6, Asher 3, and Liam 1.