Bobby's World

Ready for Take-Off

2007-03-23T08:07:00.000-07:00

Well, it's time to kick the spurs...

I've decided to get off my "wait for the perfect time" seat and make now the perfect time to launch BobMortonSpeaks.com. The site is nowhere near finished, nor is it even hosted by me (note the ads in the top of the window), but the blog or "the locker room" is up and running. So from hear on out, tune in here...

www.BobMortonSpeaks.com

In love,

Bobby

This May Sound a Bit Selfish, But...Just Go With It.

2007-03-13T22:31:00.000-07:00

I just got back from Starbuck's a little bit ago. That's right, you heard me correctly. I was actually at Starbuck's for two whole hours tonight. I'm not a big flavored coffee drinker, nor am I a huge fan of their bold blends (with one exception), so for me to spend a good two-hour span in that place is a big deal. The company I kept was a big part of my being surprisingly okay with staying. You see, it was during the course of our cups of coffee and conversation that the title of this entry was actually voiced...several times.

I've had an overwhelming feeling lately that God has been singling me out and speaking directly to me. Even when I'm in a large group, I feel like I'm being pulled aside and whispered to, having revelations about everything in my life. [Now, Enter Title Here] I feel like God's really tuned in to what's happening in MY life. It strikes me sometimes and I think, "Who am I to think that God cares specifically about me? I mean, He's got an entire Kingdom to worry about." But are my feelings of this direct and specific connection truly as selfish as they first seemed?

The truth is, God loves me for me. He loves me for who He created me to be. He had a purpose and plan in mind for me while I was still an "unformed substance." And now that I'm a "formed substance," I'm in His thoughts constantly. David compares God's thoughts of him to all the grains of sand in all the Earth. Are you kidding me? And sometimes I find it hard to muster up a minute and a half of quiet time.

As I become more introspective on what my "selfishness" is about, I realize that it all boils down to the time I've spent with Him. All these whispers and times I feel like I'm being singled out? They're just God's answer to the thoughts on my mind and heart during our intimate times together.

So hey, it really may sound a bit selfish, but I'm just gonna go with it.

Lovingly, respectfully, and thankfully,

Bobby

Mama...Mama, I'm Comin' Home

2007-03-07T06:14:00.000-08:00

Yes, yes, yes...In just a few days I will be packing up a few things and hittin' the road, heading southbound towards the Lone Star State. I am quite excited for a plethera of reasons. Let me list a few for you today:

1) I can't wait to see my mom. I know it sounds goofy and a bit underaged for me, but even at 22, I'm still a Mama's boy. I haven't seen her since the Sugar Bowl, and I am so excited to get home and spend some quality time talking about life and all the things that resemble it.

2) I can't wait to see my brother. Though I miss Tommy wrestling for a bid to become an All-American in just his second year of collegiate athletics, I'm so pumped for the opportunity I have to hang out and shoot the breeze with him. Granted, we'll spend some time with the PS2, and we'll spend some time at the gym, but the time I'm most looking forward to is the couch potato time we'll have to just talk about how life and God is treating both of us.

3) I can't wait to see something other than snow. I know the cold has broken a bit, and I can go outside without a thick jacket, but I'm so excited to walk outside in a tee shirt and still break a sweat. Along with this, I get to play a few rounds of golf at home, and that always spells fun AND trouble for me.

4) I can't wait to receive motherly counsel about my future. As much as I hate to admit it, my mom has been right about more things in my life than she has been wrong. Now, I still have a set of luggage she told me not to get and I don't regret my choice of the expensive laptop, but on most other cases, she's predicted how I would handle most other things. At this point in time, I'm still in the decision process of where I'm going to be come June, and I'm excited that my mom has some input. It will be nice to get away from my options and perhaps a few biases, and get home to a woman who cares about nothing else outside of my own joy.

So needless to say, I am ready to head home. It's a long drive, but I love the open road. More than that, I love the feeling when the car comes to rest in the driveway. Kinda makes me think of how awesome it'll be when my car comes to rest at the gates of Heaven...sorry to go and get all Christian-like on y'all.

Home Sweet Home

Bobby

Revolutionary Crossroads

2007-02-28T10:12:00.000-08:00

The past few weeks have been a spiritual boxing match going on in my mind. In one of the later rounds, the men of the Grace Church pastoral staff traveled nearly five hours on Monday morning to Cedarville University in Ohio for a conference on "Building a Life of Integrity: Evangelism for a New Day." Earlier in the bout however, God was doing some heavy reconstruction work in my heart and mind, preparing me for such an explosive conference experience.

A few weeks ago, I felt a bit disconnected from God. I felt my prayers were hollow, I felt my messages were dry, and I felt my walk was slowing to a halt (which we all knows means I was sliding backwards). After several failed attempts at figuring out the situation myself, I went to where I should have gone far sooner. I turned to God and flat out asked him, "What in the world is going on?!" His answer made me regret asking the question as he simply pointed behind me, into my past.

In the past month since asking God this question, I have been peppered with the subject of why I felt distant from the Lord. Check this out:
1) The day after the question, a man I very much admire spoke at the halftime of our Men's Basketball League night on the precise subject that I was struggling with.
2) The next four podcasts that downloaded themselves onto my iTunes were step-by-step sermons on the exact area in which I felt lost.
3) Two weeks ago, and two weeks after the question a young man approached me with advice about a way to help him with a similar problem. And finally,
4) My pastor felt called to spend not just one, but two full Sundays discussing the subject.
Alright God, I catch the drift! Haha.

So late last week I addressed the subject head on. I spoke with a man I very much admire and asked for his help as a mentor. I also spoke with a colleague whom I equally admire and asked for his help as an accountability partner and prayer warrior. Other than the moment when I knew that my soul would live eternally, I have never felt such freedom!!! And this freedom was such a feeling that God wanted me to have entering this conference.

So there we are; 5 men, 1 van, and a whole bunch of stories. I love my job and the people I work with, but it was simply amazing to spend that kind of quality time with each other. We sat there talking, encouraging, confessing...the list goes on! I knew that God was working in that van and preparing us for two days of renovation, rejuvenation, and revolution!

I have a feeling that I'll be speaking about this conference for a few more entries, but I want to share with you a thought that came to me while John Avant was speaking about Revival, such as the Fulton St. Revival in 1857 NYC. He made a few comments and it made me realize that now in 2007, we are at a Revolutionary Crossroads. This means one thing...we have a choice to make. You see, revival is out there waiting for us to come to it. As much as we talk about it though, I don't feel like we really want it. We're really comfy with our lives and don't feel up for much sin confession/admission.

Well here's the crossroad, because if we want it, and I mean truly want it, we can start a revival bigger than anything the world has every seen. Tens of millions of people could truly meet Christ for the first time! We are so close and we don't even realize it. But we're close to the other end of the spectrum, too. We are raising up a generation of apathetic people, and if we don't change and put a charge into this apathy, we will end up just like Europe, where the churches of the Great Awakening are now shops for pornography and other worldly goods, and Christianity is simply a religion of the past. I am not willing to stand aside and see this happen here. I will stand and I will speak and more importantly, I will pray for revival.

Please God, work in your wondrous ways

Bobby Morton, Version 2007

2007-02-16T06:08:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, the monkey has been removed...

You may remember my post from earlier this week, where that "sneaky dude" crept up on me in a situation that I later wrote about. Well, though I didn't write about it, that dude came up once again during the course of this week. After that, it was right time for me to do some serious damage control. As I looked at it, I saw two charred bridges, a confused teen, and some terrible flashbacks to a person I never wanted to be again...Yikes!

All this being said, I have found the one difference between the person I long to run away from and the person I am today. That's right. Yesterday was confrontation day. Well, I shouldn't say that confrontation day makes the difference, but the type of confrontation surely does. You see, Bobby Morton version 2002 would confront everyone involved, but would rehash the entire situation and basically beat anyone else into an apologetic submission. I was quick witted and cut-throat with my words, and if I had one inch, I'd make sure everyone saw I was right. Nope, not this time!!! Here's where I'm different than that jerk, haha.

I pulled a friend of mine (one of the charred bridges) aside and went back to our disagreement. I apologized first and foremost but asked if I could have the opportunity to better word what I was trying to say. With that opportunity, we were able to see how close we originally were to total agreement, and after a few more minutes of clarifying and apologizing for little stuff, the bridge had been restored. But this friend was the least of my worries from earlier in the week.

Later, my other "bridge" came in, and on Monday, I would have been okay leaving this one burnt. Yesterday was a different story, friends. When we stepped aside, I hadn't even finished my apology when he came at me with his own. We spent 10 minutes growing through our disagreement and we both felt we had huge supporters at the end of the conversation. It was truly amazing.

Look, I know I haven't "arrived." I know I have a long way to go, but sometimes I get discouraged. I look at my life and for some reason, I doubt that I'm making the strides I'm supposed to be making. This week I found one amazing truth. That truth is that there is no need for doubt when you offer your life to Christ. Sure I handled things differently than I should have, but I'm still a different man than I was five years ago.

And five years from now, I'll say the same thing about me now.

Straining everyday,

Bobby Morton, version 2007

Big Meeting Tomorrow

2007-02-14T06:28:00.000-08:00

I am sitting down for lunch tomorrow with Mike Lightfoot, head basketball coach for the Bethel College basketball team. I met Mike through his oldest son, Robbie, and I would consider him amongst my best elder friends. He's been there for me through a lot of situations and decisions, and he's counseled me as well as anyone, turning me in the Right direction time and time again.

Well, tomorrow we're not having a personal meeting. We're meeting to discuss a potential chaplain program for some of the Bethel College athletic teams. I am very excited about the prospect of setting up such a program, even though I see several things slowing it down. I know that Bethel students have three chapel services a week, and they're always in some kind of bible-based cirriculum. I know that a sport- or team-specific chapel might seem too redundant, but I hope to show how important I see it to be.

I'm not nervous going into my meeting tomorrow. I don't really have anything to lose. But I am quite excited about the possible outcome of this meeting. I'm excited to see another step in the journey of this friendship, and I'm excited to pick Mike's brain for some future use on my behalf.

I love what I do. I get paid to sit and think up ideas, then put them into action. Most of my ideas have to do with teenagers I see every week, but who says I can't try and put this one into action anyway?

Thinking with a Kingdom agenda,

Bobby

Sneaky Dude

2007-02-12T06:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a wonderful day. As I sit and look back on all the things that happened in the 24-hour period that was yesterday, I'm floored with how awesome God is. God allowed Kyle and I to run a new Sunday School setup, put on a first time youth/parent luncheon, AND start a new style of Youth Group last night. I can't believe that all that happened in one day!

But that's not all that happened in that day. You see, last night I had a run-in with my former self, a guy I never wanted to see again. And in all honesty, it shook me up bad. You know, I'm a guy who's pretty quick witted, and while that alone isn't bad, when you add that to how quick I was with my words, it gets to be a little intense. I used to get into verbal arguments just to show how quickly I could win.

After a few incidents and a big come to Jesus with how this attitude was being perceived by even my closest of friends, I realized that I was in dire need of some attitude adjustments. Through Christ, those adjustments were made, and I'm a different person today than I was then. But last night, through a vast disagreement, that man snuck up behind me and almost came out again.

I thought I'd conquered him. I thought I was done. Though I was in check, it was a painful reminder that I need to keep taking steps up the down escalator in life, or else I'll end up right where I started.

Love,

Bobby

Come and See...Go and Tell

2007-02-08T04:34:00.000-08:00

I was just down in Indy speaking at a bunch of FCA events and I was able to spend a lot of time with my friend Brad Long, who is also the Central Indiana Director of FCA. In one of our biggest conversations, we talked about the difference between "Come, See ministry" and "Go, Tell ministry."

Conversations with Brad are always fun because we are both incredibly passionate and excitable guys...and we got HYPE on this one:

The most evangelical churches in the world are stressing seeker services. I'm not saying anything bad about these churches, simply because they're doing more than most every other church, but who does a seeker service appeal to? Seekers. The truth is, there's another large component to our world's population who isn't seeking, and we need to get out there IN ADDITION TO, not INSTEAD OF these seekers.

Brad's passion was so amazing, that he got me pumped up to come back to work and work on this Go, Tell thing. Going out into the lives of others, where it's a little less comfy for me, and spreading the News. I don't know. Maybe I'll be terrible at it, but another thing I learned this week is no matter how bad we do at things, God is still God, and we can never underestimate what He'll do with a willing instrument.

Gotta run,

Bobby

And on the 7th day

2007-02-01T11:57:00.000-08:00

One lesson that I'm constantly refusing to learn is one of needing rest. My body can handle most any kind of pressure, and I like to test my limits on a regular basis. Even now, when I'm not hitting walls on a regular basis, I find myself pushing my limits at work to the point where I am burning the candle at both ends.

Satan creeps into my life much more regularly at times when I do not give myself ample time for rest. I find myself doubting who I am and what I'm doing. I feel a disconnect between people I work with and for. In general, I am not overly pleasant to be around. The truth is, the lesson of rest is one of the biggest lessons I'll ever have to learn, personally.

Yesterday was not a good day for me, and I had a feeling I was in dire need of some rest. Well, I got that rest last night, and today, I realize that most of what I was feeling yesterday was something fabricated inside my own tired mind.

So I speak to myself when I say, "Get thee behind me, Satan." For at times like that, I am my own worst enemy.

Peace, Love, and Rest,

Bobby

Preparing Hearts

2007-01-24T04:38:00.000-08:00

We've got a big weekend here at Grace Student Ministry. We've got a big senior high retreat from Friday to Sunday, and I just wanted to write a short note asking you for your prayers as we venture up to Michigan.

We're only driving 80 miles north, but the feeling Kyle and I experienced as we walked on the campsite was amazing. To think that God was there with just the two of us got me so excited to add another 40 bodies to the mix.

I'm sorry for the lags in posts, but we've had internet problems...so I'll get crackin' again.

Love,

Bobby

Shock and Awe

2007-01-18T06:51:00.000-08:00

It's time to shock the body...

I know that sounds like a line coming from a crazy-intense trainer, but it is now true for me. I've been over 290lb for the past 6 years. There have been a few times I've dipped into the 280's, but they are offset by the few times I've climbed into the 300's. It's now time I got out of this area.

With my dad's passing at the beginning of the season, I received a lot of his former programs and pictures in the mail from his old teammates. Let me tell you, my dad was a stud. There's no other way to put it. My dad was build like a brick house, and was just an overall good-looking guy. After college, he went and played international rugby, where his brick-house ways continued. But the day he stopped playing rugby was the day in which he was in the best shape of his life, for after that day, he began to deteriorate.

I know that doesn't sound pleasant, but it is true. As an athlete (and especially an offensive lineman), my habits of eating, lifting, sleeping, and competing are not condusive to a healthy lifestyle. The only reason I've made it this long is that I've been forced to use every calorie I've taken in. But now I'm not burning the same calories as I used to. I'm not throwing on the pads anymore. So it's time to shock the system from the ways I've been living.

I'm currently on a path to lose 35lbs by June. Since the week before the bowl game, I've dropped from 300 to 288 at the Hula Bowl. I feel I am probably a few pounds less, but I'm really excited with the progress already. I'm trying to change my life, and I'm excited to see where it takes me.

Love,
Bobby

A day in Hawaii

2007-01-13T23:25:00.000-08:00

No transcript...but check it out!

A Day with the Hula Bowl

Video Blog from Hawaii!!!

2007-01-11T00:25:00.000-08:00

Transcript:

You're looking at the South Pacific Ocean right there, as far as the eye can see. I'm just completely amazed...

...Back in Hawaii once again, it's a little earlier in the day than it was yesterday. We don't need the spotlight, which is exciting, but how about that view, though. Man, ocean for as many miles as you can count; as far as your eye can see, and that's what I got to wake up to this morning.
I'm just so thankful, just to have woken up and seen what I got a chance to see.

This morning we got our wake up call at 7 rather than 6:30, which is really late in the morning for y'all...(around noon)...but at 7 we were able to come out on the balcony and the sun was rising as we were stretching. My roommate's from Michigan State, but I like him anyways. And I got to see the sun just shining on the water, and to see it glistening off the waves and taking in a sight I've never seen before, and it made me appreciate this life so much. You know, I've been around for 22 years, and I know some of you have been around longer than that, but to think that after 22 years, God is still showing me something daily that I've never seen before is thrilling and amazing and encouraging to know that I haven't come close to seeing it all.

Mom, this is for you. I was a stubborn kid. I thought I knew the answers to the world when I was 8 years old. So for the past 14 years, I've fought with my mom, grandma, and dad about what I thought I knew. And see, God doesn't deal with that. My parents might let me win, but God shows you every single day that there are things you know nothing about. I'm just so thankful for that.

That ocean right over there...it's amazing to think of HOW BIG it is. I actually went in. I went in up to my neck. It's hard for me. I'm not a big fan of the ocean. I don't mind lakes, but a few years ago a baby bull shark kept hittin my legs off the coast of Carolina. I know it's weird for a 20 year old (at the time) to be freaked out by a baby anything, but now I view all oceans as "shark territory." But I overcame it, and Cook and I went out there and hung out and just had a fun time taking it all in.

Tomorrow, I go to the Pearl Harbor Memorial and I get to see the USS Arizona sitting under that vast body of water. And along with that, I plan on using the time I'm here to take in as many of God's miracles of nature as I can, because they give me an appreciation for things back on the mainland. You see, God created all these things, this ocean, those mountains, and everything that I can take in here, but He also created everything in South Bend too. They might not be as spectacular...to the naked eye...but I think we need to put on a pair of glasses where we look beyond what we see everyday. And when we're driving, we can see God in people interacting, and see God in animals running, and God in trees growing. And it's just a slap in the face that I have to come to "paradise" to find true paradise back home.

You see, Paradise is a life with Christ. Millions of people come to Hawaii and call it paradise, but not as many people can say that no matter where they are. We have that ability. We have the ability through Christ to stand anywhere in the world, at any stage of our life and find paradise, because we know someday we will find eternal paradise.

So there you have it. I have to run to Dave & Busters, but I'm gonna try to skip out early.

To everyone who sees this and my mom who reads the transcript. I love y'all.

Mahalo.

Bobby

Bob's first Hawaiian Blog!!!

2007-01-09T23:10:00.000-08:00

They Can Do It...We Can Help

Wow

2007-01-09T01:37:00.000-08:00

So my day of getting to Hawaii left a lot to be desired. I spent a 4 hour flight crammed next to another offensive lineman whose vocabulary was replaced by a strange beeping noise repeating over and over in my head. The flight from LA to Hawaii wasn't bad, but my bags have been lost, and all I have in my emergency bag as far as clothes go are 2 pairs of shorts, a tee shirt and socks...not another pair of shoes, mind you, as I am wearing my black dress ones.

I can honestly say I was a bit intimidated as I stood before a group of players and coaches that seemed to be on an entirely different page than myself. Not for better or worse, just much different. I'm tired and I'm going to bed now, but I'm intrigued at what tomorrow has to offer.

Aloha,

Bobby

Weighing the day

2007-01-07T21:22:00.000-08:00

Back into action at Maximum Capacity tonight...+
Unexpected conversations.............I'll give it a +/-
New hairdo..................................Definite +
Windy night on newfound hairdo......................-
Packing for Honlulu..................................+

Always endin' up on top!

Aloha!

Bobby

PS - Expect massive video blogging from Hawaii!!!

Done with football

2007-01-04T02:15:00.000-08:00

A Cry for Help

2006-12-31T20:49:00.000-08:00

Just another day in New Orleans

2006-12-30T10:19:00.000-08:00

Well, I'd like to come to you today via video blog, but I was unable to record anything last night, due to my roommate being here on the phone all night. But that's cool, I actually want to talk about a couple of things that, with the thin-ness of these walls, are better left typed.

I spoke at the FCA breakfast yesterday, and though I only had a few minutes (closely guarded by Coach Weis and a watch), I was able to speak a short message about an eternal perspective on life, much like my post two days ago. As well as the breakfast went, and as cool as the immediate response was, I'd like to take a moment to address the response I've had since then, for it's a matter for which continual prayer is needed.

I've always been "that guy." I've been the guy that people write off because I don't partake in a lot of the activities that my friends do. Now, don't get me wrong, I probably have at one point or another, but I choose not to do them now. A lot of people take everything I say with a grain of salt and I feel the impact of my words is very limited.

But today is a new day. I have several members of my team that I see as tough sells when it comes to my faith...A few atheists, members of other religions, and even some Christians that don't hold my same values. But in the short time I've been awake today, these tough sells have come and responded in ways I could have never before predicted. Now, thousands haven't accepted Christ in the past day, but people truly heard what God had to say yesterday morning, and young men I see every day are asking questions.

I'm really excited about what's going on, now. I'm pumped. I hope you'll join me in praying that, during this time of the new year, people set aside their New Year's Resolution and get to make a New Year's REVOLUTION, with Christ changing everything about them. And lets not forget our own revolutions as believers. We need to be changing every day to be more like the One who made us!!

Get fired up!

Bobby

Breath of your life

2006-12-28T19:04:00.001-08:00

Video Blog Day 2

Bobby's 1st Video Blog

2006-12-27T12:33:00.000-08:00

All He Wants for Christmas...

2006-12-25T14:17:00.000-08:00

Hello, from Hudson, Massachusetts! I'm currently taking a few minute break from my Grandma's family Christmas party to say hey and jot down a thought or two. Today's been a fun day. There hasn't been too much tension, and the laughter has far outweighed any other kind of noise, so it's been a full out success in my mind.

After noon and before dinner, we had our family gift exchange. It was at this point that I formulated the thoughts on which I'm writing now. My grandparents are awesome people, but they could be the hardest people in the world to shop for. Seriously, they've collectively (added together) lived through 150 years and they've kept gifts and appliances from every one of those years. It was a struggle for my mother, my brother, and I to figure out what to do for Christmas. Do you know anyone like that?

What do you get the person that has everything? It seems as though it's impossible to find something that would be pleasing. Isn't that the struggle sometimes in our spiritual lives, too? I mean, let's face it, God doesn't NEED anything from us, He made it all! If he wants something, I'm sure He could whip it up Himself. But even though God doesn't need anything from us, there is something that He wants. There's something He desires so much, that He'd pay any price for it.

That gift...is You. That gift is you, and me, and every person He breathed the breath of life into since the earth began. He wants us. He wants us so bad that He became one of us, so that He could die and redeem us back to Himself. How awesome is that? And all we have to do is come. We just need to come to Him, trust in Him, and surrender ourselves to Him in all we do. That's the greatest and only gift we can give to the Lord.

So when you drive by a house or church with a manger in front, or you see a special on TV, remember what it meant for that baby to be born, for God gave His gift only so that we may give our own.

Merry Christmas!

Bobby

Leavin' On a Jet Plane

2006-12-23T10:07:00.000-08:00

...I don't know when I'll be back again.

Haha, I love that song. I especially love the rendition done by the men in the film Armageddon. I was just thinking about that song and movie as I am getting my gear ready to head to Boston for Christmas. The more I think about it though, I love that movie.
There are so many great moments in that movie, and the ending jerks the tears out of me every time, but above everything else, my favorite scene of the movie was when Bruce Willis looked upon a group of astronauts getting ready to fly to an asteroid and, with his crew in mind asks,

"All they have to do is drill?"

You see, he already had the idea in mind that he was going to bring his men to this asteroid to perform the task of saving the world. Looking upon the men that the world would expect to perform the task, he shakes his head and knows in his heart that his men, oil rig men, were the ones that could best get it done.

I feel like one of those oil rig men sometimes. I feel like there are people so much better suited to take care of business in areas that God selects me for, yet I feel perfectly prepared for the ONE task He has for me at a time. It's never too much, but it's never too little. It takes everything I have to do each little task He lays out for me. I feel like He sees an opportunity for me to serve Him and others and pops a little grin saying,

"All he has to do is drill?"

Drilling,
Bobby

We Are Marshall!

2006-12-22T08:28:00.000-08:00

Tonight serves as the national opening for Matthew McConaughey's new film We Are Marshall. I decided to wait until now to let everyone know that I've already seen it. Haha, that's right. Coach Weis had the movie flown in on Tuesday so we could watch it as a team. Now, my opinions on the movie are going to be withheld, but I would like to comment on one part of the movie that struck me.

McConaughey's character had been hired to coach the nonexistent football team. He expressed his concern about recruiting considerations and asked the president of the university to petition the NCAA to give Marshall the ability to play freshmen as soon as they arrived on campus, which was previously disallowed. The president, though hesitant, agreed that he would try, but noted that it would not come easily. Later on, when the president had gotten fed up with negative responses, he approached McConaughey with a look of failure plastered on his face.

McConaughey's response was hilarious, but the encouragement he gave was the best.

"...You don't need rules.
You're an outlaw..."

He then whistled an old saloon tune that brought smiles to every player on the team. But beneath my smile, I was learning a lesson. I've spoken many times about being a contrarian, and a barbarian, but Matthew McConaughey said it just as clearly. It's all about being an outlaw. An outlaw doesn't worry about what others think of how he lives his life, he just lives it, no questions asked, and no apologies.

That's how I want to live my life. Granted, I want to live for Truth and Righteousness, but I want to offer no apologies for a life lived in such a manner. Too often, we feel sorry for offending the nature of people with actions that are truly in line with Christ's will for our life, but everything we do will offend the nature of man. As Christians, we must put the nature of Christ above the nature of man, and live our lives accordingly. Offended men will question their lives one day, and if they see a life of truth, they will follow.

Packin' the six shooters,

Bobby

Nausea, Heartburn, Indigestion, Yadda Yadda, Yadda Yadda...Yay, Pepto Bismol!

2006-12-20T17:29:00.000-08:00

I've just finished my slow and steady road to recovery from being quite sick at the end of last week/beginning of this week. In the time it took the clock to roll from Thursday evening to Monday afternoon, I had lost over 11 pounds and I wasn't able to keep down any food to keep myself from sliding further down the scale (I know this sounds wonderful to some, but trust me, no amount of weight lost was worth how I was feeling). I had felt iffy during parts of some of the days, but the worst time was Sunday night.

I took a trip with the youth group to Merriville Ice Complex in Mishawaka. We went skating, and we had a great time, but the bus ride home was a turning point for my evening, because my stomach was not very happy. The rest of the evening was spent with me fighting my body, trying to make it do things it was not comfortable with...and I lost the fight repeatedly. The one fight I would not lose however, was the battle for sleep.

I've had a few stomach bugs during my day, so I know how to attack them when they get me. I take a shot or two of NyQuil and a big drink of pepto bismol. Yes, I take both, and the differences between the two are actually quite applicable to more than just gastrointestinal turnovers.

Pepto Bismol is a reliever. From the moment it hit my lips as a child with my first bug, I felt better. It doesn't taste wonderful, but it was the taste of "feel better" that I was in need of. Sure enough, just like the cheesy commercials always say, my nausea, upset stomach, and everything else felt great almost immediately after drinkin' the pink stuff. The only problem with Pepto comes two hours after you take it, because the pains and aches are back...WITH A VENGEANCE! What a smack in the face! You thought you had it all under control and all the bad stuff was gone and then WHAM! And they don't go away immediately the next time. It's quite traumatic for a child...or a 22 year old.

So then there's NyQuil, which Mom always offers that second time around. She offers it this time, because every child is desperate enough to accept it. Let's face it, NyQuil tastes terrible. There is no good flavor, nor is there any proper way to wash it down so that you don't make "that" face. It is just plain uncomfortable. But the funny thing about NyQuil is it is more than just a reliever. You feel the effects of NyQuil even when you wake up the next day, because the pains in your stomach (if they've returned at all) are much less poignant. You still have a crick in your neck, but the blinding migraine has been minimalized. It gives you more than just relief, but it helps make steps of progress and correction.

In the past five years of my life, I've spoken at a few events, and I've gotten various receptions. I've been blessed at times with people loving every word I've said. And while that made for an easy ride home, I feel I've been blessed even more so by crowds I've found disagreeing with every syllable I've chosen. You see, when I speak at events, or I talk to friends, I don't want to be a comforter at all costs. I don't want to be just a Pepto public speaker that hides problems for a few days and leaves people with nothing to use in their daily battle. Sometimes, I'd love it to go down like NyQuil. I know people may not like it right then, but the next day they may look back and see some amount of Truth in what was said...at least that's the aim...and the only Truth I can proclaim is that of Jesus Christ.

Jesus...
...the All-time
...Descending
...Walking
...Praying
...Crying
...Living
...Dying
...And Living again
...So you can see the Face of the Father...medicine.

Love y'all,
Bobby

Back to Camp

2006-12-19T09:01:00.000-08:00

I'm writing this post in the Guglielmino Athletic Facility's computer cluster. I'm in the midst of my second consecutive 12-hour football day. Now, please realize that a 12-hour day is not straight practice. It includes meetings, meals, and the occasional lift.

This kind of "training camp" mentality is always a little bit of fun at first, but it starts to wear on me very quickly. Spending so much time around the same guys, with the same humor, and the same differences gets things to be very tense in a very short time. It's during times like these that I find my patience truly tested, because I find myself wanting to take the conversation out of God's hands.

A few weeks ago, I snapped at a few of my teammates for a very incorrect view they held on a controversial topic. Since then, I have been very strongly challenged to fight my inclinations for disputes during our locker room times. So far, so good...but I have five more days of locker room time to go.

Not much of a challenge in this post, I know, but this one's for me. This one is a personal challenge to present the face of righteousness to a dark room for the last few weeks of my career.

Bobby

Bruise Runs Deeper Than I Thought

2006-12-15T22:57:00.000-08:00

What a weird day. If you know me pretty well, you know that I'm pretty even keel and more often than not, I'm in a great mood. I find joy in the sun, the clouds, the rain, the snow...I find joy in every bit of nature. Let me rephrase that. I find joy in every bit of nature except one. I'm not a big fan of hawks.

You heard me. I said it. I am not a big fan of hawks. It's not every day that you find someone who has an opinion on the bird, and when you do, rarely is it as negative as mine. Please understand though, a hawk ruined my day today...

It all started walking back from the administration building at ND. I was walking past the library, looking at some loud bird, when all of a sudden....

[WOOSH...BAM!!]

A hawk came from out of nowhere and planted itself full steam right on this smaller bird. It was an awesome site, really. That's not where my problem arises. It's when I remember the last time I saw a hawk catch its prey. You see, the last time that happened, I knew what to do. I picked up my cell phone and called my dad. He would understand my mix of horrified excitement, and he did!

So as I saw this scene take place again, I reached for my cell phone and looked for the number. I kept looking for it until I took a second to realize the name 'Dad' should fall between Corey and Dale, and it wasn't there. Okay, thanks a bunch, day ruined. Look, I know I could have handled the rest of the day differently. I know I have a choice on how to react to certain things. But looking back, I should have just gone to my apartment and gone to sleep, because everything that took place from then until now reminded me of something I miss about Dad, and every reaction I had pushed me farther away from certain people I don't want to be all that far from.

I don't need to go into the details of all that happened. If you heard, you'd tell me I was overreacting, and you'd be right. But I didn't know how to handle myself today. I was an emotional wreck that didn't get emotional. I was a bawling baby whose eyes stayed dry. I don't know where to draw the line with this whole thing. I want my friends to know why I'm acting a fool, but I don't want to kill a time for all. Nor do I really want to get anywhere close to emotional with a few of them.

I understand my peace is found in Christ alone, and I'm comforted about my dad's continued life with Him, but I still have my days...The days when Mr. Happy isn't really...The days when I really don't know how to act.

Have fun commenting on this one,

Ticked at any football fans from Seattle, hockey fans from Chicago, or basketball fans from Atlanta,

Bobby

FREEDOM!!!

2006-12-14T04:10:00.000-08:00

Does anyone else ever sit and think about what it means to be created in God's image? I don't know, maybe I'm messed up, but I think about it a lot. I know that one day I'll meet my Creator face-to-face, but I'd like to have a sense of how I'm like Him, even right now. Over the course of time, I've come up with some things that I think God must have had in mind, creating us in His image, and I'd like to share them now.

CREATIVITY:
To look at the world that the Lord fashioned in just six days and not recognize that He was one creative dude would be foolish. We're talking about the God who not only made you and I as individuals, but made giraffes and zebras. I'm betting he still chuckles about that from time to time. The important thing is that creativity has been placed in us, too, as we were made in His image. Though our creative capacities differ from person to person, they are always there in some way.

LOGIC:
I've met a few people in my short time here on earth that may not have much of what I now speak, but it's there, and it's from God so it needs to be recognized. No other being on earth other than mankind has the ability to think and logically derive conclusions in such a fashion as we do. How awesome is that?! Now, I understand that some people are less in tune to logic than others....ladies, for example (I'm just kidding! Breathe deep)....our ability to think and act on that thinking glorifies God because it's a capacity He gave us and no one else.

FREEDOM:
I feel that the quality that God most instilled in mankind alone was the freedom of choice. You see, all other beings in creation have no choice but to glorify God. The stars in the nighttime sky have no choice but to shine brightly, and in so doing glorify God. A tree, placed in good soil and watered properly, has no choice but to grow and bear fruit, and in so doing it glorifies God. Even animals lack the ability to choose right and wrong. They simply act on their animal instincts and by doing so, they glorify God!

Mankind is a different case, however. We have the logical ability to see right and wrong and to distinguish them, but the freedom to choose which we want to pursue, and far too often we pursue what is wrong, and what is sinful. You see, this freedom of choice, though it makes us more in God's image, is what we used to separate ourselves from the Father to begin with. It is precisely how we fall short of the glory of God, by choice.

But there is good news, my friends. We are given a second chance...a second choice. Through Jesus Christ, God has bridged the gap we chose to put between us and Him and now we are confronted again. I have chosen to walk that bridge, putting my selfish desires behind me and only the cross ahead of me. I am not bound by the pressures of this world, from peers, from loved ones, from outsiders' opinions. I am not even bound by my freedom of choice, for though it bound me once and separated me from my Father, it has also broken the chains I have wrapped myself up in since the day I was born.

Free to choose freedom!

Bobby

The Greatest Story Ever Told

2006-12-13T09:34:00.000-08:00

I just got back to the office after speaking at Lakeland Christian Academy's chapel this morning. I hit a few funny topics, but one got real serious and it hit a nerve with me, in all honesty. I was asking a few of the students about their testimony, and they got all tense and quiet, one person finally saying that her testimony was flat-out boring.

BORING?! There is no way a testimony is boring. I don't get how people don't realize that there is no way that a testimony is boring. It really bothers me.

Your testimony is a story; A story about you and God; A story about how He has worked in and through your life, and God is not boring. So often, we look at our lives as unworthy tales of God's power, but we are so wrong, I can't even begin to tell you. God's power is not shown in how He saved us, God's power is shown in THAT He saved us.

I know there isn't a catchy bit of humor here, but I really wish the body of Christ would realize what kind of power its story has. It is a story of salvation and hope. It is a story written by God, directed by Christ. It is a story of God's modern-day miracles. It is truly the greatest story ever told.

Telling it often,

Bobby

Left...Left...Left...

2006-12-11T06:25:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh, my computer! I've been missing this thing so much, but I've been appreciating my time away from it, too. I never realized how much technology ate up my time until this weekend, where I spent time traveling, playing sports, and reading the Word a bit more than usual.

Over the course of this weekend, a friend and I traveled into Chicago for a day of walking and shopping. Needless to say, I was the less seasoned of the two shopping veterans that day, as I was shocked at some of the prices I saw (I'm sorry! If I'm going to spend 2,000 dollars, it's going to be on a house or car...probably not a jacket), but that's not where my daily (or every few days) blog thought arose from...

After hitting a few stores in the morning, my friend and I decided we'd hit up a pizza place for lunch. We were right off Michigan Avenue and there were a few restaurants in the near vicinity. We sat at a crosswalk, eyeing two or three places to eat.

[WALK] So we did. Still undecided about where to eat, we crossed that street pondering what direction we were actually heading. We stopped at the corner at which we'd just arrived and waited, still undecided.

[WALK] And so we did. We crossed the intersecting street, leaving one restaurant in our midst. Not even sure what was in this direction, we juked and jived through the mass of city-walkers to the next corner. Here we stopped once again to think....and guess what?

[WALK] ...........and we did. That's right, we took three trips, crossing two streets before we eyed California Pizza Kitchen for lunch. I can only imagine what one would have thought if they'd seen the whole situation progress. We truly looked lost! There was no sense of direction or purpose in our crossing of streets, we were just crossing streets to give ourselves something to do.

So often in life we find ourselves crossing streets with no direction. Even worse, there are many times I end up crossing a fourth street. That's right. I end up walking in a complete circle because I don't focus on where I'm supposed to be going. On Saturday, if we'd have eyed California Pizza Kitchen the entire time, we could have avoided a bunch of elbow hitting and shoulder bumping, and we wouldn't have had to cross a dangerous street (you never know) three times. We could have crossed the street once. In life, we don't have to put ourselves close to the fire time and again because we don't know where we're going. Our walk with Christ will try us, have no doubt, but if you keep playing with the fire without the need, you WILL get burned. And if you keep crossing the streets unnecessarily, you're gonna get hit by a car...it's science.

So stay focused. Get your eye lined up with God's. You don't need to know where you're gonna end up in years, just find out where He wants you today.

Proud that I finally turned right,

Bobby

Fountain of Youth

2006-12-08T19:23:00.000-08:00

So last night I drove out to Warsaw, IN, to speak at an FCA banquet. The dinner was wonderful, and the people I met were fantastic. I spent a good deal of time speaking with a young man named Josh.

Josh is one of ten leaders of a student-led FCA huddle at Tippecanoe Valley High School. His power and authority in speaking the name of Christ was empowering, for he's only a Junior in HS. Talking to him instantly brought my mind to the book of 1 Timothy. In chapter 4 and verse 12 it reads, "Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe."

In the world's eye, Josh and his peers are too young to make a difference. They haven't experienced enough in life to know how the world really works. Working with the Grace Church Youth Ministry, I even find myself doubting the perspective of the teens whom I serve. But God has a plan for Josh, I can assure you of that. God is using Josh not only to reach teens for the Lord through his FCA role, but to encourage and spur on the thinking of believers like myself, who are supposed to be the leaders of Josh and his generation.

I got straight pumped up while I was speaking with Josh, because I realized the power and awesomeness of God through every one of His children, and I realized that I always need to be wide-eyed and wide-hearted, ready to learn what God has for me, even through the lives of Josh and his peers.

Seeing the example...being the example...

Bobby

Let it Snow

2006-12-06T08:06:00.000-08:00

While I understand a few of my consistent readers don't appreciate how I feel about snow due to their usual winters, I'm going to write about the weather anyway. So there!

I'm a big fan of blizzards. I'm not going to lie, I really like it when I wake up and there is 8 inches of pure powder sitting on my windshield. I love going into an empty parking lot and running a donut. I'm an even bigger fan of building snowmen. The core of the matter is that I love it when snow just floats nonstop to the ground.

That being said, this winter has stunk so far. I mean, I know it's cold and it snowed a little bit a few days ago, but come on! Can I get a real winter day, please? I'm looking outside at a green lawn and an iced-over parking lot. That's a teaser. It's neither Fall nor Winter. It's Falter, and it's terrible. You see, if it's going to snow, I want it to SNOW! And if it's not going to snow, I want it be 70 and sunny. I'm tired of this 'tweener stuff. It frustrates me.

Looking at my feelings on the weather, I can see how I frustrate God from time to time. Revelation 3:16 pretty clearly explains how God views me as a 'tweener,' riding the fence in between hot and cold. Even when I feel on fire in 99% of my life, he still considers me "lukewarm," or Falter. It took me such a long time to realize that God, like me with weather, wants all or nothing. He's not interested in anything in the middle. I guess it's time to sell out then. And if the weather ever cooperates and a blizzard hits, my fire's gonna be so hot, I can melt the snow off the windshield.

Get off the fence,

Bobby

The Not-So Secret Santa

2006-12-05T10:52:00.000-08:00

Tonight is a big night for me. I'm not even exaggerating. For the past 5 years, I have played the part of Santa for the local hospital's Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Unit Christmas party. Tonight is the last time I will be able to play that part while at Notre Dame.

Over the past half decade, I have had many memorable moments that stem from this party. I've had a suit that was too small, a beard that was too gray, a pair of cowboy boots instead of snowboots, and I've tried to eat a cupcake one child made for me through my beard. The most memorable moment however, took place outside of the actual party.

I was walking through the local Meijer superstore the day after the party last year. I was approaching the checkout line when a familiar looking young boy approached me with a pen and paper. As a football player, I've seen this a few times so I appropriately kneeled and took hold of the pen and paper, asking who I was addressing this to. The young boy smiled when he looked at me and said,

"Could you write it to Sam...from Santa?"

As I looked up to find this child's father, a man patted me on the shoulder telling me the child's name was James, and Sam was his little brother. He wanted to get the autograph last night, even though he knew Santa was just a really big offensive lineman. This kid had figured it all out, he didn't ruin anyone else's party, and he seized the opportunity in Meijer to get that signature!

The point of this story is that this kid, James, knew who I was that night despite my being dressed up in a big red suit...Just like God knows who we are deep down when we try and dress our outside to be more pleasing to others. Forever, I will have the eyes of this young boy engrained in my mind when I'm putting a false foot forward, because I seriously believe that those same eyes are looking at me daily, whether I put on a big red suit and cater to the world, or I walk out that door with the face of righteousness and the face of Christ as my own.

Saving up for one last Ho ho ho!

Bobby

This Is My Son...

2006-12-04T06:47:00.000-08:00

I'm going to preface by letting you all know this will not be as lighthearted as some of my previous posts. There are no broken beds, legitimatelies, or pictures...just me on this one.

Last night I delivered a sermon to the Youth Group here at Grace Church of Granger. Working with them everyday, sometimes it gets hard to go beyond being funloving and stupid and really drive home a point. Lets just say last night, that wasn't the case.

I spoke about Peacemaking, and spoke of the rewards. Matthew 5:9 says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." I broke down as I read this. You see, my dad isn't around anymore. I keep my head up and my tears in my eyes, but I feel it daily that I can't call him and complain about who we're playing in football, or talk about some person that I've met. I miss him every time I leave Notre Dame's campus for a 7 minute drive to my apartment that EVERYDAY included a phone conversation with him.

That being said, I know who my Daddy is. Haha, I said this wasn't going to be funny. My dad, Bob Morton, is gazing upon His face as I write this. It comforts my heart to know that in only a breath of time, I will see them both face to face. But I do have some time before that happens, and knowing who my real Daddy is helps me in this time, too. You see, I live for encouragement. I love to give it, and it eases my heart to receive it. I'm not going to make this long and drawn out...because I have to go...but what I'm trying to say is this:

When Christ was baptized, the heavens opened and God told the world that Christ was His son, and He was well pleased. I live my life everyday for the moment I get to see both of my Fathers in heaven, and they both give me the nod of approval.

Living for the approval of one,

Bobby

A Broken Bed...A Broken Heart

2006-11-30T06:58:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I definitely hesitate to tell this story...but I know that after reading the title, a few of my everyday readers are already in stitches. The rest of you will join soon.

So my mental sleep clock's been messed up ever since I was in California. Even though I failed to sleep the night after the USC game, I still couldn't get to sleep until 3:30 AM on Sunday night. I've been getting in bed early, and staying awake, just staring at the ceiling and using the extra time to pray a lil bit. But it took me all the way until Tuesday night to finally get tired enough to get in bed early. As a matter of fact, it might have been too early.

You see, my body is aging at a rapid pace. In some ways I'm kidding, and in others I'm not (I'm really mad at all the men in my family for the hairloss gene). But outside of feeling like I'm 60 when I get out of bed in the morning, I drink so much water during the course of the day, that I also have to get up once or twice a night to use the bathroom like I will again in a few decades. So anyway, Tuesday night I went to bed at something like 11 o'clock, which put the morning bathroom run at around 3:15 AM. I sat up in bed, hopped myself towards the edge, but when my butt landed firmly on the beam running along the center of my mattress, it happened...

[CRACK!!]

You see, I made my bed frame, and all of the weight distribution came through a central beam...the one I just broke. The entire frame caved in on itself and my big ol' tail landed on a chunk of wood hitting the ground with a sound and a shot of pain not welcomed by many at quarter after three!

So here's what happened. I couldn't get to sleep because my tailfeather was still a bit sore, so after watching a couple infomercials, I went back in to see what had caused the damage. I looked at the edge of the beam which I'd broke to find something interesting. Though on the outside, the wood looked perfect and strong, the beam had rotted on the inside. It was a miracle this hadn't happened earlier, honestly. I am not the heaviest I've been throughout the course of this season, you know.

So that's my story. I guess I could try to tie it in with a spiritual message as I normally do, but I wasn't exactly thinking spiritual thoughts when I almost broke through the floor and landed in my downstair neighbor's bed. Though, now that I think about it, there is something to be said about that piece of wood. How often in life do we put up a front that our spiritual life is something to be admired and modeled after, even when we are truly rotting inside. It's such a huge thing to be held accountable for that in ministry, because that is the perfect example of sin taking over a life. It's not only leading to internal death, but also putting up a wall of pride that will prove just as deadly as the rotting inside. And you never know when it will hit the fan, you never know when the ground, or bed will fall out from under you. I guess there is a challenge in this...a challenge to purify ourselves daily by nailing our sin to the kind of wood that cannot rot, the wood of the Cross.

Looking forward to a good night's sleep on my new bed,

Bobby

Patience people...

2006-11-30T06:15:00.000-08:00

This image was made for my new friend Suz. I've never been so pressured to write again and again than I have in the 2 weeks I've known her. I will say that I do appreciate the motivation, but it's still enjoyable to poke fun at the same time. I'm working on a couple sermons I have for next week, but I'll update later!

Bobby

The Son Still Shines...

2006-11-29T06:08:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning far before the sun rose. I was at Panera enjoying my morning coffee around the time it would have shone, had the clouds not been in the way. As I sat there diverting my attention back and forth between the Word and the sky, I came to the dramatic conclusion that the sun had not been dimmed by those clouds, the clouds just stood between my eyes and its brightness. Even on days when the clouds are white, puffy, and looking like rabbits and other cute things as they pass, they still shield the earth from the light and heat of that fiery star.

It's a pretty easy thing to figure out really. It's also the reason I tend to walk behind girls that I'm with, because if I walk in front of them, no one knows they're even there! I totally eclipse them, as the clouds eclipse the sun today. I'm getting off my train of thought...

...So I'm preparing a sermon for the Northern Indiana Fellowship of Christian Athletes banquet next week. FCA's theme this year has been "...For the Glory." So, as I'm studying on God's glory and looking at the clouds, I get this awesome picture of what happens in our lives. You see, when we do things in life, we can do them one of two ways. We can do them with ourselves in mind, glorifying no one else, or we can do them "for the glory" of the One who made us, and no one else.

When we do things in our own name, they may be nice and appreciated, but they remain nothing but clouds. They may be beautiful clouds, floating peacefully to be appreciated by all that see them, but as said before, they block the sun. And our actions, though maybe nice and appreciated, not only glorify ourselves, but they prevent the world from seeing the glory of God in that scenario.

You know, a world without the sun would be cold and dark. There would be no vegetation and therefore, no wildlife. It is nearly impossible to fathom such a place. Yet, so often do we allow the world to attempt to shield itself from the true Light; the Light that burns brighter and hotter than any star placed in the sky.

I'm legitimately burdened by the fact that our nature has taken so much glory to itself that we are not reflecting any of it to the only One who deserves it. But does feeling burdened get anything done? Mmmm....not so much. So here's the thing, I'm setting out to clear the sky, and the movement starts with me. From now on, I want my life to be a magnifying glass, showing the intensity of the Glory of God with every step. I know I'll mess it up. I know I'll soak it in sometimes. But you better believe I'll wake up in the morning looking for rays in the sky because despite the weather and this "lake effect" stuff that goes on in my life, I know that the Son Still Shines behind it all.

Magnify,

Bobby

The Best Part of Waking Up...

2006-11-24T21:33:00.000-08:00

...Is Foldger's in your cup. The worst part of waking up in life, is that something bad probably just happened.

Our speaker at fellowship tonight was a man by the name of Josh Canales. A young baseball player who recently left AAA baseball to follow a call to ministry. During his sermon, he recalled a time in a summer baseball league when a foul ball off his bat hit his best friend in the back of the head. Within minutes, the friend was laying on the ground. Shortly after, he was out cold. Before an ambulance could arrive, he was convulsing. The fact is, Josh's friend passed long before we would say his time had arrived.

To answer your question of why he would share this with us, Josh looks at this point in his life as the time when he "woke up" in his life with Christ. He'd been talking the talk for a long time, but it was nothing more than talking in his sleep, because his actions were not lining up with his words...or The Word. He then posed a question that haunts me...

...why do we only "wake up" after catastrophes? Or even better, why do we even fall asleep in our walk with Christ in the first place? I've been there, I've done that...I was too cheap to buy the T-shirt. Man, I don't want to go back. I look back on those days and I'm disgusted. I wish I were looking at another person. Don't get me wrong, I don't regret the road God has taken me on, but I do see the mistakes that forced me on some detours.

I don't know why I even wrote this post other than to say, I am wide awake! Like a hyperactive kid on three Mountain Dews and a NoDoze playing video games. I am excited about God and what He's doing here on earth. I just wanna make sure I never doze and miss something He wants me to see.

You know, if Foldger's in your cup seems good, you need to try getting your cup filled with Jesus. Then you'll be waking up...and you may not need the bad stuff that comes first.

Stay awake!!

Bobby

Cinderella Man

2006-11-24T16:46:00.000-08:00

John-boy (my football roommate) and I are sitting here in Pasadena watching "The Cinderella Man" starring Russel Crowe. Herein lies the entire point of my blog post...everything else is off the top of my head. Can I just say I love this movie? I love Russel Crowe in any role, and this is one of the few movies in which I can stand Renee Zelwegger.

I love this movie for so many reasons, but they pretty much all boil in to one defining moment for me. After all the years James J. Braddock put in, his ability and motivation fail him. His punches go soft, his head gets heavy, and he can't win for losing. All he ever knew was being stripped from him with every loss. But he gets a second chance...

You see, with this second chance, Bulldog Braddock starts punishing those who oppose him. Sure his body aches and his ribs still sting, but through the pain, the fatigue, and through the arthritis, he fights with a passion that his manager has never seen from him before. This is where the defining moment comes in. If you remember, he's being interviewed before his big title fight with Max Baer and someone calls him out on his comeback.

"What happened?"
"I just found something new to fight for."
"And what was that?"
"Milk"

Milk...His motivation was the support for his family. Looking into their eyes, he could not live with himself if he couldn't provide the least of such goods to ensure their physical well being. My question is this...if one man (though the story is glammed up by Hollywood) can come from the depths of obscurity, with not even his hands left to hit something, and rise to the top of his profession from looking into the eyes of his children, why can't we rise from obscurity and even death by looking into the eyes of our Father?

I'm walking into the Colliseum tomorrow. I'm not shaken. I'm not even stressed. I've looked upon the face of my God and in Him I am safe and secure. But with that look I derive strength to put forth every bit of physical energy I can exert. Maybe I'll even find a way to give 110%. I may not rise to the top of the game of football, but I know the Lord will look back, and He will be pleased. I only hope reporters may ask me where my newfound strength comes from.

Got Milk? God God?

Bobby

So Thankful for So Much

2006-11-23T01:24:00.000-08:00

You know, I was packing for my trip to Southern California when I realized I am over 4 hours into Thanksgiving. Wow, that crept up on me. That being said, I decided to spend a few minutes looking at my life and figuring out what I'm thankful for. I know it sounds dumb to write it on blog...but you're reading it, so be quiet...especially you, Jeff. Haha.

First off, I'm thankful for my Savior. I know it seems particularly "bloggish" to write something like that, but I really am! I mean, I look over my life and I see how completely worthless I am without Christ. It is not a pretty sight. I described it a few weeks ago as a "breath check" when you first wake up in the morning.....ewwww, just not good and there's no hiding from it. No matter what I could ever fathom doing to make it up to God for all my mistakes, I had already sentenced myself to an eternity in Hell. God can't just let sin go unpunished...It has to be paid for. Man, that thought's even worse than the morning breath. But you know what? My God knew the way. He descended into our world to live among us, and then die. You heard it. God, in the form of Jesus Christ died to change the verdict and sentence for those that believe in Him. Now that I'm thankful for. I've been thinking about it so much lately, how awesome it is to know where I'm headed when my time here on earth has expired. But there's more...

...Even living a life with Christ, I still have a tendency to really screw things up whenever I take the wheel from his hands. But God just waits, like a father allowing his child to learn a lesson in a protected environment, He lets me stumble and try to get up, and He's right there when I look up and say, "God, I just can't do it alone." I'm thankful for both of these occurrences. I'm thankful that God doesn't look down upon my past mistakes, and His Love and Grace is enough to wash me clean eternally. I'm thankful He not only allows me to mess up, but then He picks me up when I can't stand on my own. I find that when I find my legs again, they have a drive and purpose that is unlike anything on this earth.

Now, secondly I'm thankful for my families. Haha, yes I said families...plural, because I'm thankful for my church family, my Notre Dame family, my Bethel family, and my biological family.

My church family at Grace Church of Granger has supported me through several of the most trying times of my spiritual life, and without their love and support, I would not be the warrior for Christ that I try to be today. I very well may have fell off the path of righteousness and may have taken to the ways of the world. I'm especially thankful for Pastor Rick and Brent Wood for taking so much extra time to help me through several things, though Brent wasn't the nicest guy when my engagement ended....but I so needed what he gave me. I'm also thankful for my adopted family, the Dunbars. Bob and Linda Dunbar have taken me into their family of 8 and truly cared so much. They are just a shining example of the heart of the members of my church, and I wish I knew a way to repay them for all they've done for me.

My college families at Notre Dame and Bethel have been such a blessing over the past 4+ years. Notre Dame has been a place of constant growth through conflict and testing, and Bethel has been a place of spiritual communication more through the form of discussion and prayer. I would not be the man I am without a few key friends, and I'm truly thankful for Jake, Brady, Mo, Jeff, Jeff, Geoff, Brian, Robbie, and Papa. Oh man, to think of who I'd be...and how small my sense of humor would be without you all.

Lastly, I am thankful for my biological family. My mom, my dad, and my brother. I've grown closer to all three of them over the past year than ever before. My brother isn't a kid anymore, and I'm thankful we have learned to get along, though it took a long time to figure it out. He's such a good man. My mom is the strongest woman I've ever met, and I wouldn't be surprised if she's officially the strongest woman to ever live, and you know what, she's almost always right! I hate that, but I love her for it. And lastly my dad...

...I'm thankful for my dad's influence in my life from the time I was a boy. I would not be in football, at Notre Dame, or anywhere close to the man I am without his influence...but I am most thankful that Dad had a better memory than he ever let on. I say that because my dad knows where to meet me when my time on earth is done. I told him, as I heard a friend tell me, to meet me at the right hand of the throne...and I'll bet you anything my dad is right there when I arrive.

So much to be thankful for. Thankful to others, but more importantly...

Thanks God!

Your boy,

Bobby

Rage against Satan

2006-11-22T09:53:00.000-08:00

I made YouTube!!!

What did you just call me?!

2006-11-20T19:41:00.000-08:00

I was working at Sunday School yesterday when a kind gentleman who works with us consistently came up to me with a couple of questions of how Kyle and I were running things. As I began to go into details of our mission statement, future vision, and public school outreach plan, this guy started to get HYPE! I mean he was getting fired up! I'm talkin' jumping up and down, pumping his fists, kind of fired up. And of course, his excitement bred my excitement, and I was soon leaving the floor getting jacked up. Amidst all of this excitement though, this fellow stopped dead in his tracks. Thinking something was wrong, I stopped and looked at him inquisitively. He looked me dead in the eye and said, "You know what, Bob? You sir are a contrarian."

I got ticked. How dare you call me a con...wait. "A what?" I asked.

"A contrarian," he replied. "You live your life going against every grain laid out by this world. You live your life for one reason and one reason only, to glorify your Maker, Master, and King."

Commander, huh? That makes me sound more like a soldier or barbarian than anything else. And I love that idea. Just like Erwin McManus describes in The Barbarian Way, I want to live my life "fighting for the heart of my King." There is no greater reason to live. So go ahead, call me all those words I struggle pronouncing, that's fine. I'll worry about that when God asks me to teach 9th grade English or an elective in speech.

Fighting to and through death,

Bobby

Thank God It's...Monday?

2006-11-20T06:54:00.000-08:00

Oh yes, thank God it's Monday. I love my Monday schedule. First off, it's a day of relaxation from football. Sure I'll go grab my dvd and watch some film, but I don't have to beat myself up today...unless I want to. Secondly, and in fact more importantly, I'm at work!

I love being able to get excited about my job. I love the fact that my job is to just work with teens and help them on their walk with Christ. It doesn't get any better than that for me, and the days of the week get no better than Monday, because today I get to sit down at lunch with them and just talk life. Oh yeah, you can have your Fridays...I'll take my Mondays anytime.

Get pumped up!

Bobby

As Sure as the Sun Rises...

2006-11-18T21:48:00.000-08:00

It also sets. And as sure as I stepped onto campus a Notre Dame athlete over four years ago, I have now culminated the last home game of my career. I never thought it would go this fast. I always thought I'd have one more play, one more series, or one more quarter. I always figured there'd be one more half, another game, or another season. But as far as home games are concerned, I have played my last snap in front of the greatest fan base in all the world. There's not one more second. As quickly as it came to be, it has gone away. Wow.

Life has thrown its share of curve balls at me over the course of time I've been at Notre Dame. But this last game was just a high fastball that whizzed by me. I sat there in the locker room looking over the course of the game, thinking about every moment from when I jacked up the student section to when I kissed the 'Play Like a Champion' sign for the last time. Sitting there, I came to this conclusion...

This game of football...this career I've been a part of...is a lot like life. So many times do we look back and see how we could have done better, and so many times do we make the same mistake twice. Sure we strive for a goal at the end of the season, but the true prize is each moment as it passes.

In my life as a Christian, Heaven is the reward I will find myself a part of someday, but it is not the only prize I will receive. A life with Christ is now, and each day I breathe, I am celebrating one more day with my Savior. Each blink of my eyes is a celebration of the sight I've been given to enjoy His beauty. Each sound that I hear resonates deeper than into my brain, but into my heart, as I enjoy all of His creation. You see, I don't have to wait until the end of my life to celebrate what has come and gone. I'll leave that to football seasons. I want to celebrate life as I breathe, and as I walk, and as I sing. Then, my soul will carry on the celebration when I see my Maker face to face.

Oh man, is that an awesome thought! I'm gonna start today. I'm going to enjoy both the rest of this season, and the rest of this life as it comes at me, and I'm going to cherish each moment as it passes. You see, that way, no curveball, slider, or high heat is going to get by me.

Keeping my eye on today's prize,

Bobby

One More Time

2006-11-16T18:04:00.000-08:00

It has been 5 years since I played my last football game as a McKinney Lion. That's a fact. Another fact is that in two days, I play my final game in Notre Dame Stadium as a part of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. While the reality of that statement still escapes me, I felt that tonight would be a good night to open up with a few emotions that have been hitting me lately.

First off, the wound of my dad's passing is being rehashed a little bit. My father was the one who pleaded with me to just tryout when I reached High School. He asked me to give it just one chance, and from that first practice, I loved football and all the things it placed in my path. He's the human being responsible, the one God used to bring me to where I am today through the sport. It burns a little bit that he isn't here to see the final chapter of my career take place. On top of that, I am going to stand in front of thousands of people tomorrow night for a picture with my mom. That's not bad, but we were supposed to do it as a family last year, but we decided against it, because we still had one more year to do it. Man, that stings. But still we'll stand. Oh, you better believe we'll stand. If for nothing else than a testimony to the power that comes from a life filled with Christ, we will stand together.

Secondly, I'm feeling really old. This year has been tough at ND for me, because I don't know anyone on campus. I mean last year, even with me off campus, I had several classmates who I could spot in the seats at the Pep Rally or in the student section after the game. Now, I look into those seats and I see a group of people that won't even say hello to me as I walk through campus. Not because they don't care, but because I've already graduated. My peers are out there working, and I'm postponing life.

The third emotion I feel is much happier than the previous two. I feel overcome by a spirit of joy. From where I've been, to what I've seen, and who I've come across in the process of it all, I rejoice that God has had His hand on my shoulder every step of this path less traveled. I can't wake up in the morning without thanking my Heavenly Father for lighting up one more step in front of me so that I may know which way to go. I'm thankful for His Grace and Mercy that I see everyday in my life. I also rejoice in the relationships I've found along the way. From friendships, to a brotherhood, to everything else, I feel so blessed that I've been brought here, to NW Indiana, to come into the lives of those around me. For as I've passed through the campuses of Bethel and Notre Dame, and as I've rooted myself in at Grace Church of Granger, every relationship has left me with something that I'd not had before. I am truly a changed man, and I will be different tomorrow than I am as I write now.

The final emotion I want to mention is the longest to explain. As I sit here at my table, working on my laptop, listening to David Crowder, I am flooded with anticipation. Not just a little bit. I'm FLOODED!!! Now, that seems pretty obvious that I'd be anticipating our game on Saturday, but it's so much more than this game. The realization that I won't put on that Blue Jersey again has me anticipating everything from the last few games to starting school again, finding love, and living life! I mean, come on! The end of this chapter could be the sweetest ending I've ever read. But more than that, it could be the most exciting start to a chapter ever written. Why? Because from here, where do we go? Myself, I'll be in the Bend for at least six months, working at Grace, but that could turn into a long-term thing (please God?). In step with that, I'll be going back to seminary here sometime, either part time or full time, depending on the work situation. In the midst of all of this, I feel God preparing me for a relationship again. Not trying to seek or anything, but I feel my heart being strengthened and convicted in areas that haven't been addressed in a long time (Jokingly, I'm not thrilled...I'll explain another day). God's got something in store for me, and the end of this chapter of my life is causing me to face up to just how BIG it could be. Oh man, I'm jacked up. God, I give you all I am. Take me and use me how you see fit.

Sorry for getting off on that tangent, but seriously, get excited! Maybe you're in the middle of a chapter with life right now, but God still has some awesome stuff planned. Tune in! Okay, gonna wipe the tears and clean the apartment.

Feel the Flood,

Bobby

So You Had a Bad Day...

2006-11-15T05:06:00.000-08:00

Alright, let me preface this post by noting this...I am an overly happy individual. I understand that days exist when we are to face trials and tribulations and suffer for Christ, but I end up with a smile on my face more times than not. It is actually quite difficult for me to understand that we do in fact live in the real world and people aren't always "chipper."

Now, I'll be honest. My first instinct is to buy some wood and help these "less than chipper" individuals build a bridge so they can get over the river they're cryin', but I'm working every day to be more empathetic. I've been really challenged recently on this empathy and also on how to identify and help those in need of assistance. Some people just need space, others need counsel, and even more just need prayer, and I want to be there for all of the above.

I used to have a goal in life of making everyone around me smile. The only problem with this is that I lost a lot of respect and credibility the way I'd make people smile and laugh (usually it happened at the expense of others). My new goal is to spread joy. Sure I'd love people to smile, but I want their hearts to shine first, and their faces to smile second. This new approach seems to do much more for my relationships with others than the former one.

That's all I got for today. I'll be back later!

Still smilin',
Bobby

Holding #76

2006-11-12T22:19:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I hate those words! And I've heard them enough times in my collegiate career to know exactly how small a 300 lb. lineman can feel. But this past week at Air Force could have been the worst I've felt in a long time. The reason? There was nothing I could do!

It was the third drive, and we'd already shown that we couldn't be stopped. A tricky blitz came, I picked up my guy, but when another guy came free and I tried to hit him, my facemask got caught on the back of his shoulder pad. Even though my hands were free, I impeded his motion towards the ball, and that stinkin' yellow flag flew high and bright for all to see. I'm sure the camera even got super close to my face, showing my mom I haven't been using Proactiv recently. Man! I just got so mad, because it wasn't my fault! Or was it...?

You see, my hands never really grabbed the cloth of that defensive end's jersey, but I did however get myself into a position where there wasn't anything I could do to get out of the situation. I took one too many steps down the slippery slope, and my technique could not recover. I'll take this as a lesson in life, though, because there will be moments where there's no other option than a "not good" one. It is up to me to make decisions prior to that one to make sure I never get there. I just have to keep myself out of that situation, I have to keep my head back and facemask free.

Just a thought,

Bobby

Turn it Upside Down

2006-11-10T06:51:00.000-08:00

Check this out...I wish more ads were like this.

The Mystery of Saying I'm Sorry

2006-11-09T21:04:00.000-08:00

Why is it so hard to apologize? I mean, half the time the person has already forgiven us, and most of the other half of the time, they've completely forgotten about the situation. Why does it still kill us to buck up and say "I'm Sorry?"

I had a situation this week where I lost my cool. It was at the end of a day where I felt God had empowered each one of my words and steps, and I felt I could do no wrong. I should've known as soon as I had that thought that I was about to slip up. It reminded me of learning to ride a bike when I was younger. As soon as I told my dad to let go of the seat, I should've known I was headed for the thornbushes.

I had just finished outwardly witnessing to several important members of my life (relationship withheld), and I had gone into the other room (location withheld) for a minute. When I returned, I found several of these important members doing their best impression of the words I had just spoken. I was being flat out mocked. That being bad enough, one of the more prominent members made a comment saying that in my own comments, I was limiting God's power. That statemtent made me jump off the edge.

I raised my voice, and I defended my stance. But beyond that, I completely ruined the testimony I had just shared with them. I left that location and those members with a sinking in my heart that was unbearable. I was restless all night and it was only at work the next day that I realized what had to be done. I had to go right back to those people and apologize.

I was in agony the entire day thinking of the conversation I was to have. I was so scared that I'd make it even worse, and that I'd make it so God could not overcome my messups. But when I got back to the part of the day I spend with those people, the conversation went nothing like I'd imagined. I was hugged and appreciated. Some of them had forgotten it had happened. It was such a relief that our relationships weren't finished. What's even more is that God showed me very soon after that moment that He was not done working there.

I know this is basic, and not very climactic, but let me just say that there is power in admitting we're not perfect. In studying meekness, I learned that only when we see ourselves for who we really are can we be filled with every bit of Christ that His plan entails. All I can say is, Fill Me Up!

To the Brim,

Bobby

Shark Attack

2006-11-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

I hate sharks. The thought of them has kept me out of oceans and large bodies of water for the majority of my life. Occasionally, I'll wade out a bit, but as soon as anything out of the ordinary touches my foot, leg, or behind, I am dried off in a hurry. Let me tell you why...

Sharks are perfect. As far as ocean predators go, they are simply perfect. 12 to 14 feet of pure, ripping muscle, razor sharp teeth, and one bad attitude makes them pure killing machines.

What if we, as Christians, could be viewed as sharks by Satan? What if he looked into our eyes and saw people built of pure muscle fueled by the Gospel, teeth as sharp as the Sword of the Spirit, and one amazing attitude of eternal perspective. What if he looked at us and saw pure LIVING machines?

Then, my friends, we could change the face of this entire ocean.

Swim on,

Bobby

Sledgehammer

2006-11-06T05:04:00.000-08:00

Have you ever felt like God wanted to make a point in your heart so badly that he just hit it with a sledgehammer? I mean, I don't want to make God sound sadistic, but I think he really wanted to get my attention in a certain area this week. What's more, it was a subject that I was delivering a sermon about last night, so every word that came out of my mouth last night rehashed the reality of my experience over the past few days.

I can't complain, though. The smack was laid down on a subject that's very tough for me, and I have known for a lengthy time that I needed to work on it. You see, I was just struck by the true meaning of meekness this week. The definition of the word that started it all was "strength under control." Wow! I mean, man! Those three words don't usually go together in my book. When I feel strongest in football or in anything else, I'm usually out of control. Come on, haven't you seen me before a football game? I'm not exactly in my right mind.

You see, I've always confused meekness with quietness, mild mannerism, and even weakness, and it is quite the contrary on all accounts. Studying the lives of the likes of Moses, David, and Paul made me realize that a truly "barbaric" lifestyle (one that pays no regard to society, but only to God) cannot begin without controlling the strength within yourself, and even more, having that true view of yourself. Man! I do not want to look in that mirror, because I know what I look like without Christ. What an ugly picture!

Okay, I can rant about this for hours, but to keep this shorter than it could be let me conclude. I feel the first part of meekness is that look in the mirror; It is that identifying the true value of oneself. The second part of meekness is the destruction of that mirror when that person is filled with the spirit of Christ, and their value is that of the Son of God. Well, my mirror is shattered, but I've just caught a reflection of my value without Christ in one of those little shards on the floor...and I'm still as disgusting as ever when I try to do it on my own. Fill me up today, Jesus.

Stay Strong,

Bobby

Looking for love? There are no right places...

2006-11-01T09:50:00.000-08:00

You know, I've been a relationship counselor to many a people/couples in my time as a teenager and adult, and I've only learned one thing from all of those experiences as a knowledgable informer. That one thing, is that I have no idea how to handle finding love. Seriously, I have no idea how to go about finding that one person who is so perfect for you, you're forced to wonder where on earth they've been for the past somany years. And I think that's exactly what God has been trying to teach me...

For so long, I've wondered how I was to find love, where I should go, who on earth should I seek. All the while the answers were so simple. I should seek nowhere and no one on earth to find love. My attention must be diverted upwards. You see, seeking God is the only way to find TRUE love. I mean, come on, God himself IS Love. And yet I still struggle with turning away from Love itself to find my own definition.

I was speaking with my good friend Jeff (haha, the secret is you don't know which one), and we were talking about love and relationships and the like. And I felt God really lay something on my heart, which I plan on carrying on through my single life, through my dating life, and into my marriage. That something is this: I want to glorify God in all that I do, and I want to use my life only to serve him the best that I can.

Someday, I am going to meet someone that, through the course of some uncertain amount of time, I will realize I can better serve God with that person holding a different place in my life. When I truly realize that this one person can make a huge difference in how I serve the Lord, only then will I realize that it's time to move to the next course of action, still keeping in mind that true Love still comes vertically, not horizontally.

Until then however, I plan on Looking for Life, not love. Because when you take the time to look for love, you always seem to lose opportunities to show it.

Love you,
Bobby

Perception or Reality...weighing my habits

2006-10-27T06:20:00.000-07:00

DISCLAIMER: This post is written with NO ONE in mind. It is a generalization of conversations that I have heard and been a part of ever since I was 10 years old. It has nothing specifically to do with any specific High School or College/University.

I've spent a good amount of time the past couple weeks looking at myself from the vantage point of others. This is an activity I encourage each of you to do as well. Now, before you get me wrong, I'm not saying you need to place your value in the eyes of others, because that's just silly, but I am asking you to consider how even the smallest thing you do can have an impact on someone else.

I've been around athletes my whole life. The odor-filled locker room has become a place of community for me as well as a place of refuge. Once that stench hits the nostrils, the rules, norms, and regulations of the outside world no longer applied. I find myself immersed in conversation also known as "locker room talk." Now, for those of you who don't know, locker room talk is basically 100% lies. Nothing's ever happened the way it's explained before practice, and nothing ever happens the way someone says it will after practice. It's all hype, but it makes for great stories.

On top of that hype, however, there are quite a few words that are commonly used that I do not feel comfortable sharing. Let's just sum up by saying they're "not good." Most every story is laced with this language and when the stories end, the words do not. And this much exposure to this language can have and has had an affect on everyone there.

You see, often I found myself caught off guard by language used by guys around me one minute...then caught off guard by my own personal language the next. I had been in that environment for so long that it had begun to change who I was...at least in the eyes of others. But I claim there isn't necessarily a difference in this case.

As Christians, we are the Salt of the Earth, used as a preservative by God in society. Every time we let the world, or the language of the world infiltrate our appearance to others, we let go of our ability to be that preservative. We become less and less Salty.

Well, as I said I've been looking at my appearance more and more recently, and I've decided that the locker room talk left in me needed to get out. I used 13 "not good" words last week, and I plan on getting better as time goes on. I don't say that in boast, I'm just trying to keep my flavor.

Stay Salty,

Bobby

Showing up every day

2006-10-25T06:08:00.000-07:00

Other than the Van Buren, there have been many areas in my life in which I've felt challenges to go greatly against the grain. One such area is the one involving my career, where my option to continue playing football into the NFL has turned into a nonoption in my heart and mind.

Throughout all the years of my growing up, I saw my dad work several jobs for several companies. 90% of them were somehow related to semiconductor hardware sales, but I'd like to focus on the 10% of his jobs that didn't fall into that category. Actually, I'd like to focus on an even smaller percentage of that 10%, where my dad worked as a substitute teacher.

My dad had been out of work for a few years and we needed at least some financial help, and he needed to get up in the morning. So he did, and he began to really enjoy it. In fact, I started to see my dad in a way that I'd never really seen him before. I saw him as a man with a purpose, and a desire to fulfill it. He woke up every day with the intent of changing the lives of each student he came across, and it was such a powerful thing to witness.

Well, it's not for me to witness anymore. It's now time for me to experience it. You see, for so long I've pointed myself in the direction of the NFL. But outside of locker room community, the football fellowship, and the example I try to set on Saturdays, I've struggled with the feeling that a career in football would not be fulfilling my purpose. Don't get me wrong, Notre Dame football is where God wants me as of today, October 25, 2006. But on January 9, 2007, I feel He has other plans.

These plans involve following Him into a role of Youth Ministry at Grace Church of Granger. I'm currently working in this role during the few hours I'm out of football each week, but once football is no longer as big a time consumer as it is now, I will be working here close to every day in my week. And honestly, I've never felt more driven in my life. Just like my dad, I wake up every day knowing that I can change the world of people with what I'm doing. It is such an amazing feeling that I struggle to explain it.

I know that this isn't as inspiring a message as it could be, but I hope the story of what God is doing in my life may inspire others.

Blessings,

Bobby

Van Buren!!!

2006-10-23T06:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess most of you know that I've changed my facial hair...yet again. It's not a goatee, it's not a full beard, but rather it is a full out Van Buren. Here's what a Van Buren is...

This is one of the many changes that are continuously going on in my life. God has done some amazing things in challenging my view on career, habits, downtime activities, love, and life. I figure these will be the subjects of my next few posts. I leave you all with a German accent as I yell...

Van Buren!!!!

Bobby

Proposition 148 - Through Life and Death

2006-10-15T22:00:00.000-07:00

I've seen a good share of campaign posters and commercials in my time, and with that time of year approaching again, where character bashing and moral slandering is an everyday occurrence, and where more ideas are made by punching a scorecard than by sitting down in conversation, I present a proposition never put forth on any voting ballot.

Proposition 148 comes from Paul's epistle to the Romans. In chapter 14, verse 8, he writes:
"If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or we die, we are the Lord's."

This proposition is nothing extravagant or fancy. It is simply this:
1) Tto truly live, we must belong to God. We must be His. If we do not belong to Him, than we know nothing of what it is to live and we will indeed suffer the penalty of our sin, which is death.
2)To belong to the Lord, we must be willing to turn our life over to Him and for His purpose.
3)In doing so, we must acknowledge that turning our life over may in fact require the ultimate sacrifice. And it is in such acknowledgement I reflect to #1 and ask:

Which is it...Life or Death?

More perky posts to come...

Listen to the trees...

2006-10-13T07:47:00.000-07:00

I was walking around Bethel College's campus late Wednesday night. As I walked down the west side of campus, alongside Logan Drive, I found my attention stolen by something very ordinary on a night such as it was. Through all of the traffic on the road that night, the roaring engines, the screeching tires, and the sirens, my attention followed a mere whisper...

As I stood there dumbfounded on the sidewalk on Logan, I looked deep into the campus I'd walked plenty of times before. I veered off the sidewalk; walked past the helm; walked past the AC; and I found a seat on a bench as close to the center of campus as I could figure. As I sat there in the brisk wind, my attention was drawn upwards, following the whisper that had grown to a low rumble...

The whisper, the rumble...it came from the trees. The trees whipping in the wind that night brought the reality of my world to the center of my attention.

Have you ever realized that when a person needs to concentrate, he quiets down his surroundings? When a driver is looking for an exit on the highway, or a specific house, he turns the music off. When a student is studying for a midterm, she finds a quiet spot in the library or lounge, away from her friends. This quiet arena gives way to a focus that cannot be achieved every moment of every day.

Have you ever had to quiet down your surroundings while outside? What did you notice? I've noticed that despite how quiet things may get, the trees never stop their bustling. The leaves never stop their whispering. I noticed further on Wednesday night that no matter how hard the wind blows, the leaves never yell or scream. They can get no louder than a whisper. They are awful polite, those leaves...but they never stop talking.

This thought confronted my life because I feel that God is always whispering to me, and I seldom get away from the highway to give him a listen. You see, the trees in the center of campus bustled no louder than those at Logan Drive, but I was tuned in to them. And though God will raise his voice to get my attention, He's also very polite, and He'll wait for me to "tune in."

So what am I saying? I don't know. For me, I just need to make my quiet time exactly that, quiet. Away from friends...away from distraction...away from the highway. And my advice to you?
Listen to the trees...

His,

Bobby

Mountain Climbing

2006-10-09T12:34:00.000-07:00

Week 2 is off and running...or off and climbing, shall I say. Kyle and I have been spending a lot of time looking over the Sermon on the Mount, and it's been a new adventure every day. It's amazing, but I think I could read those same words every day and learn something new every time for the rest of my life. I haven't done my quiet time yet today, which I desperately need to do, but I'm going to spend time tonight starting with Matthew 6:25...the subheading reads, "Do Not Be Anxious."

I need that about right now in my life. As surefooted I am in living today with Christ, I still struggle with looking forward to tomorrow so quickly. And just like Peter on the water, every time I take my eyes off Christ, I feel my feet begin to slip...or sink rather. But as for today, I am excited with what God has done and is doing here in this office. The fellowship between Kyle, Allen, and me has been one of a kind, and every word is a challenge for growth. I look forward to Wednesday, the next time we will be together.

That is all I have for now. Now that we have a Student directory, we need to get our information on the Serve-a-thon out to teens and parents. It is until next time that I leave you with this:

Matthew 6:34 - "...do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

I can't wait to spend time with God tonight.

Pressing onward toward the goal,

Bobby

2T22

2006-10-02T14:47:00.000-07:00

2 Timothy 2:2 - "...and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who be able to teach others also."

When I think about this verse in relation to my life, I like to put it in even simpler terms. Basically this verse is telling me to snap the ball in my life. No matter what I may think I can accomplish on my own, or how wonderful my life with Christ will be separate from others, I am called to trust others to carry out the spreading of the gospel as well. I bring this matter up at this time because I just began a new leg of my life, and it's one where I am indeed trusting another faithful man to teach others.

Today Kyle Pierpont moved into my office. Well, no longer is it my office, but it is sort of the new youth hub of Grace Church of Granger. Kyle and I are serving a dual internship working with our youth group for the upcoming months. This transition into a co-pastorlike role has made me think an awful lot about myself, in terms of both strengths and weaknesses.

You see, I'm a very competitive dude. I like to win at whatever I do. But as Kyle became more and more a part of our ministry, I found that I have the power, the authority, and the ability to put aside my competitive tendencies for the greater calling of my Father in Heaven.

In one day's time, Kyle and I have been thinking, talking, and praying about where we feel God wants to lead this youth ministry and how we can best be a catalyst for that to happen. We meet with Pastor Rick and Alan on Wednesday to talk details, but we are so pumped to get this thing rolling. Granted, we know that there will be times we might collide and bump heads a bit, but as long as we keep our priorities in line, we will always do one thing...

...2T22..."entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."

His, now and forever,

Bobby

Let's Get it Started...

2006-09-28T06:45:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well. Looks like we've got ourselves at least an attempt at a blog this time. I'm sorry for it taking so long for me to get it running, but I would not agree to post anything until I had a cool banner made by Jeff Myers. If you get a chance, be sure to tell him you like it...even if you don't.
I figure this opening post would be the appropriate time to mention the things I want this to be about, since the last time I had something like this it backfired and ended up all over the Notre Dame media. There's a lot going on in my life, folks. Be it good or bad, there are new and different experiences I face every single day. Now, over the course of time, I've found that how we face our new challenges can serve as a lesson and a challenge to others as well. So I'm opening up the curtains and sharing these experiences with the masses...or the 3 of you who've read so far.
Secondly, I like to just talk about things. I don't always need someone to listen, but getting my thoughts out is very productive for me. With this in mind, I plan on just expressing myself and my opinion openly in my posts. If that is bothersome to anyone, this blog is not for you. I will try not to be offensive, but if I am by nature...that's your tough luck.
Lastly, I just want to be like Jeff Myers. No more explanation needed. And on that note, I will say goodbye for the first time on Bobby Morton's blogspot blog.

Goodbye!

Bobby

2006-09-27T05:33:00.000-07:00

Can I get this up and running?

2006-09-27T05:29:00.000-07:00

Trying to get this all working.