Robby Ott

I feel at a loss as to whether to write this post or not.   I can never make the words do justice to a Godly man and his amazing wife; but I feel the need to share how honored I am to have known Robby Ott and count he and his family as friends.  The kind of love Robby and his family shared was amazing, it wasn't perfect, but it was unfailing.  Robby was like that with most people, really.  He wasn't one to give up on someone. I know, because I saw it in his ministry to my own family.  He stood in the gap for me and my family on more than one occasion, even when he literally didn't have the strength to do so....and his precious wife, she shared him when they were pulled for time in their own family. 

 

Robby's passing a few days ago has me joyous that he is no longer in pain and struggling physically but hurting for those left behind. Our eternal perspective and our earthly hearts don't always walk hand in hand.  I was awed on Sunday,  as his stronger than me wife, spoke of who Robby was...and to watch the poise in which she shared what Robby truly would have wanted us to focus on....Jesus. 

"How can I glorify you today, God?"

~Robby Ott....everyday.

An excerpt from his obituary....

 

Robert Eugene Ott FLORENCE, SC - Rev. Robert Eugene Ott, 40, of Florence, SC, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Friday, July 14, 2017, at 6:28 a.m. at the McLeod Hospice House. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith after a five-year journey with colon cancer. He entered into his eternal reward surrounded by family. Robby was born April 3, 1977, in North Charleston, SC. He was a graduate of Goose Creek High School, where he was a drum major, and developed a passion for the tuba. He graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Youth Ministry. During college, he surrendered his life to full-time ministry and was ordained on July 7, 1998. Robby loved Jesus, his family, the Gamecocks, music, and golf. He was the pastor at The Garden Church of Florence. Robby was a gifted preacher of God's word, and he ministered and brought glory to Christ throughout his life. Robby and his wife, April, were married for 18 years, but he claimed to have loved her his entire life....







Newtown, Connecticut...my prayers are with you.

On Friday our nation experienced one of those senseless, evil acts that cannot be explained away.  The tragic event in Newtown, Connecticut that took the lives of 27 people...20 of them children...is beyond my ability to wrap my mind around.  It has weighed heavily on my heart and mind this weekend.  I can't even begin to understand the fear and pain that the parents of children at Sandy Hook Elementary are feeling, especially those who will never take their children home. I can't imagine the pain that those who lost friends and loved ones are facing today, just 9 days before Christmas. 

Newtown, Connecticut my heart and prayers are with you...

your loved ones will not be forgotten.

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 16-29

30 Days of Thanksgiving

Day 16-29, 2012:  Oh my, I haven't done very well with my daily posting!  (But rest assured I have focused on what I am thankful for and spent more time IRL on that than in the virtual world sharing about it!)  It has been a crazy, busy month and I think this morning is the 1st time I have felt I had time to sit down and share. 

This year, I am acutely aware of how much I am thankful for my youngest DS.  We started this year not knowing what the future held for him (not that we know that now...but you know what I mean!)  If you don't know the back story you may want to start reading HERE  In the last 12 months I have witnessed his very close brush with death and more seizures.  Then walked with him down the path through some scary months of doctor's visits, tests and a major lifestyle change.  It hasn't been easy, but honestly, it hasn't been hard.  When faced with a very somber reality and what possibilities it brings into your life, it is amazing what strength God gives you to change.  I don't know that I have slept through the night in over 10 months but I don't resent that...I am so thankful to have the opportunity to check up on an alive, sleeping child. 

There have been some very poignant moments of thanks where he is concerned this past year, some of them big and some of them small, but none insignificant.  When he walked on stage to perform at his piano recital, I sent up prayers of thanksgiving that he was fully functioning.  When baseball season rolled around, I was astounded that we found ourselves sitting on the bleachers...there were many months that we didn't think that would ever happen again and I was in tears of thanksgiving.  When Mother's Day rolled around and he was there.... I felt thankfulness beyond compare. During the summer days spent swimming in the pool...I was thankful for each and every moment. When flag football season started and I got to see him take up his spot at quarterback I felt thankfulness that was overwhelming. 

The last few months have clarified so much in my heart and mind and put life in a perspective that I "knew" but had never had to live with each of my children.  Considering how much I know now about what we are dealing with ...seizure disorders...Epilepsy....I am so very aware of how blessed we are.  I have met so many families that are carrying a much heavier burden and that gives me pause for gratitude daily.  So, I thank God every single day for my children and husband because I know, without a shadow of a doubt, HE is the reason I am blessed to share life with them.

I am also immensely thankful for my handsome husband.  He is a great husband and a wonderful father.  I and so grateful for his patience, love and how he takes care of our family. I know that I have a lot to be thankful for in the marriage department and I count those blessings every day!

I know that even though my 30 Days of Thanksgiving posting was not as consistent as I had planned, I am still very filled with gratitude for all the blessings in my life each day....and for a Savior who made it so.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise him, all creatures here below;

Praise him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

`~Thomas Ken, The Common Doxology

Heavy heart...

My DH and I had an argument last night. No, I don’t generally air dirty laundry here in blogland but some how it seems to be weighing on my heart today. No, the argument isn’t…it is long resolved and was really not a major issue, but in light of the pain and anguish another family we know is facing I feel it was wasted energy. You see, a sweet family that we know is waking up this morning to face the day after learning, yesterday, that their beloved husband and father was murdered. A wife and 3 children are trying to figure out how to cope after being assaulted with the news that the man they loved lost his life at the hands someone he stopped and tried to help. There is hope, though, because this man loved God and worked to share his faith as a Chaplin and youth pastor. I don’t even pretend to know what they are feeling or how they will even get through today. Please pray for this family and hold yours a bit tighter because you can.