A Tribute.....

Hello ladies,

Today I'm feeling a bit sappy and sad so I thought it might be a good day to share some thoughts with you about one of my favorite families- the Phillips Family.

This week is the last official office work week that I get to share with fellow co-laborer, Pastor Phillips. Hence the sappiness (I'm not sure that's a word). I can't believe how time just flies. It seems like only yesterday I walked through the doors of Harrison for an interview with Robbie for an interim Worship leader position. I'll never forget that day- I was on pins and needles but in a few short minutes Robbie had me feeling as if I were home. Now, five years later I realize just how quickly time can get away from you. So, if you will- allow me to share a small tribute of feeble words with you about my friends- Leanne & Robbie.

First, let me say a few words about Leanne. I know each of you appreciate her so much because she has played a huge part in making Women's Ministry at Harrison a success. You should know how very much she loves you and wants to see each of you living and loving life with Jesus. She shares my deep love and conviction that life lived in and with Christ is full, abundant Living! She is all about relationships. And she is the best mom I know. I've learned more about parenting from her than anyone. She is a pro! And she asks the hardest questions of anyone I know. She, more than anyone, keeps me on my toes when it comes to studying God's Word! And, anything I have ever ask of her she always gladly says yes-- sometimes she asks me how can she help before I even get the chance to ask her for her help! She is a friend who loves at all times- and I love her too!

Now let me say a few words about Robbie. He is a man of great integrity who allows God's word to shape the way he lives his life. He is an relentless student who loves to dig deeper into God's word- always looking for more than what comes forth on the surface. And, as you all know- he is a fantastic teacher! He can take criticism like no one I've ever known. Where it just about kills me- he takes it with grace and humility. And he is fun -just hysterical.

I mentioned Sunday that I felt a bit like Paul and Timothy must have felt when Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to oversee the young church there (1 Timothy 1:3 & 4). I would say Robbie is the Paul in this picture and me, Timothy- the very young (ha!) inexperienced one. The miles Paul & Timothy traveled together were many. They had suffered, cried, and laughed together and the bond of friendship they shared was bone deep. They had the joy of seeing people respond to the Gospel and they shared the agonies of seeing it rejected and distorted. Even when Timothy was ineffective (1 Cor. 4:14-17) Paul never gave up on him. Paul saw Timothy's potential as a child of God. He helped Timothy grow in Christ and develop his abilities as a leader and always encouraged him to live up to his potential. I must say Pastor Phillips has done the same for me. As the Proverb says, "As iron sharpens iron". Well- there has been a whole lot of iron sharpening over the past several years. I believe it was God's Sovereign will that I would get to hear Robbie's sermons 2 or 3 times before he would ever deliver them to each of you. I think God knew I needed them more than the rest of you!

As a co-worker one of the things I always appreciated most about Robbie is that he valued my opinion. Many times I would give it whether he wanted to hear it or not- but he always listened. As a female in ministry- this aspect of his leadership always made me feel as if my views and ministry counted. And, I hope he would say the same about me. Did we always agree- no! There were times that we just had to agree to disagree and move on. Many times I would be proven sorely wrong! And from time to time I would get the privilege of being right-only to find being right really didn't matter! Sometimes we both took ourselves all to seriously- and we would have to take a step back & look at the bigger picture! The bigger picture of God working to bring all peoples to the saving knowledge of His Son. I love that we at times disagreed upon the how to's of ministry but we never ever disagreed upon why and for whom we were serving!

Day to day office life has never been dull with Robbie around. In the midst of getting a lot of work done- there is always laughter going on and a whole lot of teasing taking place. And from time to time a few practical jokes. Pure innocent fun. And I must say over the years we've needed it. Because life can get way to deep and way to serious. As ministers who love their congregations we can at times try to carry every one's burdens and that can be a very heavy load. A load we are honored to carry- but heavy nonetheless. I'm thankful for Robbie's ability to lighten the mood which always helps me to lighten up! Goodness knows I need to lighten up sometimes! And- he taught me how to play the 'GLAD' game!

I know I've done a pitiful job expressing what they all mean to me and to my family and how much they have helped us! I just love them- simply put! They have been there for me, Chad and our children at every turn. They are the real thing. Godly, loving, caring, kind- real! I could go on and on about them. I dare say that nothing I've written will come as a surprise to you. But It makes me feel better just to share-it's therapeutic for me to just spill it out! I'm saddened by their leaving but excited for what God has in store ahead for them. Over the past five years God has given me the joy of sharing life with two dear, dear people (and not to mention 3 amazing children)- a blessing if I've ever had one! I can't thank Him enough for allowing our paths to cross. For allowing two families to join together and share in God's work. Who could ask for more? God is so good!

Thanks Phillips family for serving Jesus and being a beautiful example of His love!

With much love, respect, and friendship,
Lori

"The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you."

P.S. Check out Robbie's blog to see a slide show of this past Sunday.

http://www.robbiephillips.blogspot.com/