by: Bob Reccord

This last week I experienced a roller-coaster of emotion as I watched my youngest, Ashley, walked across the platform of her college graduation. A Cum Laude graduate, with a wonderful new job, a bright future, and a beautiful young woman. Yet all I could see in my mind’s eye was a little girl that used to dance around the house, call each of her little friends regularly just to say she was thinking about them, and who had more energy than any five people ought to have. And I was stunned by the fact that she when she was supposed to be in bed as a child, we would hear her singing and working, and find her reorganizing her drawers, closets and shelves. Go figure!!

And now she is a graduate. And a smart one at that.

Cheryl and I have spent 24 years striving to the best of our ability to instill
“roots” in her (and in her old brother and sister, which takes it to 30 years!!!!). We have realized that we are surely not perfect, but following a perfect Savior. And we have worked at living out our faith in front of our kids…and admitting when we blew it. We have laughed with them, cried over them, prayed for them, and through it all, rejoiced and been so proud of them (Ashley, Bryan and Christy). We have been blessed.

And now that the time for giving “roots” has passed, we are left to give them a gift every bit as great and as important…”wings.” They have been ours as a trust from the Lord who gave them to us, now we release them into His care, love, guidance and provision. A our prayer…soar, kids, soar and let our Lord and our love be the wind beneath your wings!

by: Bob Reccord

Back in our early 30s Cheryl and I had the “Camelot” experience of our marriage when we lived in Charlotte, North Carolina. We learned that the sky is blue there so often because it is the color for UNC. And ACC basketball became a way of life…one that is NOT to be interrupted! A state that spreads from the splendor of the Blue Ridge Parkway to the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

And I had the privilege of serving in several positions at a wonderful church there known as Carmel Baptist Church. I would finally be honored to serve as Co-Pastor with Dr. Don Bouldin, one of God’s wonderful Southern gentlemen with an overwhelming pastor’s heart.

To this day, when I head back to that city I find a smile on my face. The memories are so strongly laced with joy, friends, milestones and unforgettable experiences. God has been so good to put people and experiences into our lives in that period that will travel with us for a life time.

And this Saturday, I will smile again…headed to Charlotte, to speak at an area men’s conference, sponsored by Iron Sharpens Iron. I can’t wait!!! I will see old friends, meet new ones, and see God touch all of them. God is so good!

Where is your “Camelot” in life’s journey?