12 November 2007
An Amazing Weekend!
I’ll bet you thought I was going to talk about what happened at
But the amazing thing about this weekend has been happening at this time every year for 7 years. I’m talking about the 7th annual, “Southbrook Kids Beach Trip!” This year I went on week 2 (they have to have 2 weeks to accommadate all the kids!) as a chaperone with my son, Nathan. He’s the only one in the picture who refused to cross his arms and look like he had attitude! He didn’t want to look “angry.” I tried to tell him that, “as the only hold out, he ended up looking like he had more ‘attitude’ than anyone! He’s 10, what can you do?
Let me tell you what I liked best about the entire trip.
Was it the 24/7 sugar rush we all experienced from a complete diet of junk food for 36 hours?
No, I ‘m still coming down from that.
Maybe it was the “guy time?”
Well, that was very cool. I loved hanging with the Hinkle boys! But there was something even better.
Perhaps the mini NASCAR, go-carts?
Definitely cool, but not the best.
Krispy Creme Donuts?
Close, but no.
Being at the beach?
Please, we did the ‘Polar Bear’ deal and I felt like a naked polar bear! It was flat out glacial!
No. No. No. The whole trip was great and there were too many moments to mention them all, but for me the best thing was something that happened over and over again but never got old.
For me the best thing was to see my son work his way over to me and give me a hug in front of his friends, over and over again, no matter where we were or who was looking.
I’m still his best friend (although he constantly reminds me that I ‘m really second and Jesus is number one — I’ll take that any day of the week!). I keep waiting for this to wear off, but our relationship just keeps getting better and better.
I cherish these days.
I love my family!
When I got home my daughter, Juliana was almost tripping over herself to give me hugs and kisses and tell me all about her weekend as well. And my wife patiently waited for her turn at the top of the stairs with a big smile on her face.
She missed me.
I missed her too.
Aren’t families great?
I missed my Southbrook family too! I love the Southbrook family and truly believe I pastor the best church anywhere on the planet. We are relevant but not arrogant. We always elevate God but minimize ourselves. We see great things happen but don’t brag on ourselves — we brag on our great God and what He can do and is doing through fallible, imperfect people. We serve without expecting anything in return.
He’s increasing.
We’re decreasing.
And we’re loving it more and more with each and every rung down the ladder!
Anyway, here are some pictures from my weekend. Can’t wait to hear about yours!
17 Comments currently posted.
Michelle Singleton says:
Key says:
Yep, Clayton King was up to bat this weekend and you’re right, he was amazing, anointed, astonishing, astounding and any other “off the hook” phrase you can think of. (alot like you!) He showed us ways that we are to love, honor and respect our pastors who continue to prove their loyalty to the LORD. He opened our eyes to how hard you work and the pressures of ~ emotional drain, spiritual warfare, physical exhaustion, to mention some ~ and the fact that your work is never done. We do love you and thank you for your perseverance Pastor Rob. ~ And I didn’t type that just because Clayton said to! Well, maybe his sermon did motivate me alittle and give me the courage. But I mean it.
Clayton also talked about how pastors are under attack and targets for hate and enemies without reason or cause. (Psalm 69:1-4) He showed us that you need us to pray for you, daily ~ out loud and by name. You need us to defend you when necessary from rumors or criticism or jealousy for your loyalty to GOD and His WORD.
Pastor Rob, we know you love us ~ your Southbrook family. Now you know you can trust us, too! We love you and are so THANK.FULL for your humble and faithful leadership. Praying that your home be a retreat for you, Michelle, Juliana and Nathan.
Respectfully,
Key
Chris Hogan says:
I have to say, the annual beach trip is one of the best traditions there is! You’re the best Mr. Mike!
Sue L. says:
Thanks Rob!
Yes, my daughter Jacqueline went on the trip last week too and she was so excited when she got back! We are fairly new to Southbrook, so it was a new experience for her and she even made a new friend. She is still talking about the trip!! Thank you for sharing the pictures, I can now put pictures to the stories she has shared with us.
Oh yea, speaking of something I am Thankful for…. Mike and Linda Griffin who put this wonderful trip together every year (especially this year with his father ill). They are wonderful and Jacqueline loves Mike’s class! He’s actually one of the reasons why we like the 8:30 service…besides your sermons also Rob, of course! 
Sue
Crystal says:
Our daughter Sarah was dedicated Saturday night. A very special thank you to Paul Allen for her prayer. We love you Paul.
Just wanted to let ya’ll know that we had a lot of positive feedback from friends and family who came to Southbrook for the first time. Their only complaint…the music was too loud. But of course they were sitting right in front of the speakers and most people over 50 would say that
They all loved Clayton and most said they’d like to come back to hear Rob speak some other time. (Most have other home churches).
So a big thanks to the pastors and staff for such a great weekend for our family too!
mommajoy3 says:
It’s awesome that you took the time to make memories with Nathan.Your lifes example is priceless. He will always cherish these times. You are truely an example of a loving husband, father and friend. It is an honor to know you, to sit under your leadership because I trust the words you speak because of your love for Jesus Christ. You live by example and that is the best testimony a man can have. The leadership at Southbrook is amazing. God is in control and Clayton King was an instrument of God as he hit hard this weekend challenging each of us as believers to love, encourage and support this leadership at Southbrook. Timely? Absolutely! Thank you and the staff for all you do.
Matt and Dee Langley says:
I actually got a “sneek peek” to the notes for this weekend but the sermon gave the notes so much life!
I LOVE OUR PASTORS! EACH AND EVERYONE OF THEM!!! I know that all of them would say that it is God working through them and they are just the instruments but I am THANKFULL that they are willing to be the vessels!
Matt and I wanted to say to EACH and everyone of you . . . . . WE GOT YOUR BACK!
I am hoping that Clayton has started a movement in us to lift up and encourage our leaders so everyone will know how blessed we are to have Southbrook and it’s leaders!
I would hope to see 2000+ comments to this blog say (in your own words) essentially the same thing.
Rob, Paul, Dan, Amanda, Crystal, DeAnna, Laura, Lori,Jeffery, Andy, Mark, Peri, Nydia, Mike, Daryl, Joni, Judy, Clayton, Ron, Lisa, Scott, and anyone else I forgot . . . .WE GOT YOUR BACK!
We pray for you daily!
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
We Love you all!
Calculatorgames says:
Good for you for spending some time with your son this weekend! I am sure your ears were ringing all weekend with all that smack Clayton was talking about you..(KIDDING! REALLY! DON’T WANT TO START ANY RUMORS).
As always Clayton was great…and had many good points….once again I realized why I am the accountant and you are the pastor! Thank you for all you do!!!
Kitty Hinkle says:
Last night was the first night home from the beach weekend. It was also the first night in 2 weeks that my boys didn’t cry about Dad. (The grieving seemed to have hit hard for them around the Trick or Treat and Fall festival events that reminded them of Dad).
But it wasn’t the glow of the weekend fun that kept them from tears last night. They were still thinking about and talking about Dad and how much they miss them. But they were also talking a lot about Heaven and what they learned from their talks during devotion time this weekend when they talked about their fears and God’s love and treasures in Heaven.
Brian said, “it’s amazing, Mom. I can’t believe it. As much fun as this weekend was, Heaven’s going to be ten times better. Dad is so happy right now, and he’s having so much fun that for him, it will feel like five minutes before he sees us again.” With that they both drifted to sleep by my side. No tears.
What a perfect ending to such a needed good time for the kids!
Thanks Mike and Linda, and thanks, Rob and Nathan, for being there for them!
Kati says:
I appreciate all the leaders at southbrook.
very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very MUCH!!!!!
I’d also like to thank you Rob. For taking time to fill us all in with your blog. I’m very glad to call Southbrook my home, and you my pastor.
clayton says:
I know you read this Rob. As I preached all weekend to your people (yes, they are God’s people first, but He gave them a shepherd to pastor them, and that is you), I sensed once again what a special place Southbrook is, and that is because of the vision and the team. Those 2 things would be nothing without the leadership of you, the pastor who serves and loves the people to Jesus. You are a good man, if for no other reason than spending the weekend with your boy at the beach. Welcome home.
Calculatorgames says:
Kitty…your post is awesome….many hugs.
Kate says:
I had a great weekend too. I didn’t understand most of the sermon (it was in German), and I was no where close to a beach. I got to be with my ‘other’ church family, Christusgemeinde, in Lich, Germany. This is the church many of our youth,and adults, have been to the past two summers on mission trips. It was awesome sitting a packed church, when just two years ago there was room to spare. Just recently they bought more chairs for all the new people coming to their service, and by the next week they were out of room again- sound familiar at all? It was great being there and knowing God is moving there, changing lives there, just like He is at Southbrook.
Isn’t our God just GREAT!?!
kerry Frey says:
This is my first tme on here and I wanted to send you some praise regarding one of your pastors.
You know, on Sunday Clayton talked about looking after the pastors of the church. Well I wanted to make sure you knew what great work you all do.
Pastor Janes recently became very close to my family by way of God. God sent him to us to help us get through a very difficult time in our lives.
On october 30th I was 28 weeks pregnant and I gave birth to my son Dylan Kunai. I buried my son on November 3rd.
Pastor Janes arriveds at the hospital to be with us in prayer the morning of the 30th. He not only confirmed our belief in the Lord but was a tremendous support. He also prayed with us, and over our son after his passing.
This man then continued his suport thoughout the graveside service and the memorial service which he led.
Is a thankyou enough. No!
But……..it’s all I can give.
We love you, thank you and pray for you Pastor Janes. You are a wonderful man.
Our love Kerry, Kris, and Gabriel.
Beach Chaperone says:
Yes, the beach trip was amazing and I think the children enjoyed the fellowship and non-stop action. I just hope that Mr. Mike and his wife understand how much their hard work was appreciated. Always behind the scenes … making sure everything was perfect … was “Mrs. Mike.” Talk about someone who is truly working for God’s glory! And most people didn’t even notice what she was doing …
My prayer is that some of the disrespectful children (in words and actions) will come to realize the sacrifice that Mr. Mike and Mrs. Mike were making for them. And if you are reading this, please pray for these (few) children and their parents, who must not understand the value of loving discipline.
Rob Wegner says:
Rob,
Hey got your comment next week. I’m going to fire up another typelist for blogs I read from friends outside of GCC. You can bet I’ll include yours. Have a great one! By the way, this event is fantastic.
In Jesus,
Rob
Nathan Ketsdever says:
Great pictures….looks like you’re really telling your story!
Thank you to Clayton King for giving Rob the week-end to be “pastor” to Southbrook’s 4th and 5th Graders! Rob absolutely had a ball…..he is still part kid himself….one of the many things I love about him! Juliana and I had a terrific “Girls Only” week-end too! But all four of us were so happy to be home together again on Sunday night. We sat by the fire and exchanged stories about the week-end. You should have heard the guys’ stories! Yes, families are the best! And to have our Southbrook family in addition to our Singleton family, well you might say we are doubly blessed! And isn’t that just like our God ~ to lavish us with double blessings!