May 16, 2019
May 16, 2019
GOB (Good Old Bob) and I have been friends for over 25 years. In recent years since the introduction of email, "GOB" was his standard signature in our extensive correspondence. So many memories of this great and very dear friend.
Many descriptive words/thoughts about Bob come to mind and highlighting a few:
Godly” heads the list” – an immediate impression Bob created was his quiet and gracious demeanor wherever he went. He was one of the most deeply spiritual men I’ve ever known, his smile spoke volumes and he was much loved by all.
Faithful: In so many ways including regular attendance at a men’s Bible study group which met weekly every Wednesday morning at 6 am for over 20 years. As importantly, he and Pauline have been treasured members of our couples’ small group for that period of time and are,m and always will be, considered a part of our “family”.
Honest and transparent: Bob never hesitated to share where he was in his journey with Christ as well as the valleys and peaks of life he and Pauline experienced in their nearly 60 years together. He had a special gift of insight evidenced in so often offering profound “finishing touches” to our time in God’s word.
Humorous: I think Bob was born with a twinkle in his eye as he possessed a great sense of humor which lighted the room. The last time with Bob and Pauline was at a famous pizza place in Mesa, AZ, which plays loud music on a massive pipe organ. Bob couldn’t sit still – He “bobbed" and weaved in his seat and acted like a teenager; his body motions (contortions, really) suggested he was still back in the 50’s & 60’s. Many stories could be told about GOB and his “antics” over the years” supported by a few other fellow jokesters in our group.
An excerpt from a letter written just before his death, Matthew Henry, the 18th century Bible commentator, wrote words of encouragement to those left behind by reminding them, and us today - as we honor Bob -, that “... I am at home in my Father’s house, in the mansion prepared for me here. I am where I want to be, no longer on the stormy sea, but in God’s safe, quiet harbor. My sowing time is done and I am now reaping – my joy is as the joy of the harvest.” I am engaged in the sweet enjoyment of my precious Redeemer…”
Many descriptive words/thoughts about Bob come to mind and highlighting a few:
Godly” heads the list” – an immediate impression Bob created was his quiet and gracious demeanor wherever he went. He was one of the most deeply spiritual men I’ve ever known, his smile spoke volumes and he was much loved by all.
Faithful: In so many ways including regular attendance at a men’s Bible study group which met weekly every Wednesday morning at 6 am for over 20 years. As importantly, he and Pauline have been treasured members of our couples’ small group for that period of time and are,m and always will be, considered a part of our “family”.
Honest and transparent: Bob never hesitated to share where he was in his journey with Christ as well as the valleys and peaks of life he and Pauline experienced in their nearly 60 years together. He had a special gift of insight evidenced in so often offering profound “finishing touches” to our time in God’s word.
Humorous: I think Bob was born with a twinkle in his eye as he possessed a great sense of humor which lighted the room. The last time with Bob and Pauline was at a famous pizza place in Mesa, AZ, which plays loud music on a massive pipe organ. Bob couldn’t sit still – He “bobbed" and weaved in his seat and acted like a teenager; his body motions (contortions, really) suggested he was still back in the 50’s & 60’s. Many stories could be told about GOB and his “antics” over the years” supported by a few other fellow jokesters in our group.
An excerpt from a letter written just before his death, Matthew Henry, the 18th century Bible commentator, wrote words of encouragement to those left behind by reminding them, and us today - as we honor Bob -, that “... I am at home in my Father’s house, in the mansion prepared for me here. I am where I want to be, no longer on the stormy sea, but in God’s safe, quiet harbor. My sowing time is done and I am now reaping – my joy is as the joy of the harvest.” I am engaged in the sweet enjoyment of my precious Redeemer…”
