2B

Just to be...

Just to be still...

Just to be still and sit...

Just to be still to sit and to listen...

Just to be still to sit to listen and to hear...

Just to be still to sit to listen to hear and to look...

Just to be still to sit to listen to hear to look and to see...

Just to be still to sit to listen to hear to look to see and to wonder...

Just to be still to sit to listen to hear to look to see to wonder and to feel... GOD

"Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10

Amost Famous

It has been a privilege to watch you embrace the gift that God has given you. From that nervous voice leading worship in an old barn to hearing your songs on the web. From you sounding like Dave Mathews to now having your own sound. From just being that guy with ear rings, who is dating my sister, to being my friend and my brother. When I think of worship, pure worship, the kind that doesn’t care what other people think, the kind that lets tears run down your face, the- in a crowded room its only me and God kind of worship, I think of you singing that night you joined Victory Point. I don’t exactly remember all the words or the tune, but I remember that you were gleaming. In that crowded sanctuary you were singing only to GOD. You set that song on the alter before our KING. Don’t ever lose that. That is what makes your music great. I am writing this to encourage you for your journey ahead. Only God knows what is in store for you. Remember to take time to listen to GOD and stick true too him. “The praise’s of man will never ever stand”. You have encouraged me and pushed me and I thank you. As popularity grows and stage lights get brighter my prayer for you is that you never lose your fire!

1John 3

This passage hit me like a billboard today:
1 John 3:16-19 (New Living Translation)
16 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?
18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 19 Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God.

-OHappy Day-

God

If God were small enough for me to understand,

Then God wouldn't be big enough for me to worship!

Steve

Dear Friend,
The sun showed it’s face today over a fresh blanket of white snow. The sunlight was glistening in the frost on the tree branches and I thought of you. I miss your smile. It’s been almost two and a half years since your funeral and I still haven’t dealt with your death. Instead of facing my feelings about you dying, I have withdrawn myself from people and activities that remind me of you. I can’t carry you around with me like this anymore. I can’t cry every time I need to do some electrical work. This is me dealing with you. This is Maverick throwing Goose’s dog tags off the back of the ship. I’m sorry I made your death about me and how I feel.
When I walked away from your funeral I realized what wasn’t important in my life more so than what is. I’d invested so much time, money and energy into things, crap, that doesn’t matter. I was letting my stuff own me and take priority . There was a lot of conversation about what was going to happen with all your stuff. You did have some pretty bad-ass toys, don’t get me wrong. A lot of great relationships are formed through working on things, hanging out in garages, and leaning over the hood of a truck. What Jesus gently spoke to me through all this was ” In the End all your toys won’t matter”. I needed to hear that and want to change that about me.
I am realizing the impact that you left on my life and what a good friend you were to me. The kind of friend you could trust with your life and your wife. I liked our friendship. We were comfortable with each other. There could be those silent times and it didn’t feel weird. I could just be myself. No B.S. and no apologies. We could talk about lifts and tires, engines and paint without getting sick of it. Rarely did we talk about church and never about Jesus. I’m sorry I didn’t ask the uncomfortable questions. In many ways, though, you lived out Christianity through your life. I read James 1:19 “be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” This was you my friend. You lived this verse. You were the friend I could always call for help. You didn’t need to know for what or why… you would just come over. You lent us your Tahoe when Daysha’s car broke down two days before our wedding. “ I’ll take care of it and it will be fixed and in the garage when you get home from your honeymoon.” You left our wedding reception , just when it was getting good, to take us home. You stayed back at the campground with me, in West Virginia, when the others went into town for the night because good friends stick together. I don’t know how many other countless projects you helped me with, but Thank you.
I have this rolodex of your memories that is triggered randomly. Some things always make me think of you: suburbans, wiffleball games, Silver Lake, Burger King chicken sandwiches, frisbee with Fletcher, a skid of shingles, Captain Morgan, BLACK= GOLD, WHITE=CHROME, Thursday nights in the summer, and DICK CEPECK to name a few.
You had a childlike innocence and it was a joy to be your friend. I never met anyone who didn’t like you and I am a better person for knowing you. I always valued your honest opinion and the fact that you weren’t afraid to give it to me. I’m sorry I got you sick on your 21st birthday. I love you friend and will visit you in my next memory.
~Rotman

It's a Jeep thing

I was driving home from a youth retreat last weekend, it was late, like 12:30 and freezing rain had developed and visibility wasn't real good. I had one of Brad's cd's cranked up loud enough that I couldn't hear myself sing. It was one of those great personal worship times with God. I started thinking about how I am like my jeep and how my life is like the road in front of me. Sometimes the visibility is real good and it seem like I can see for miles when other times I can't see more than ten feet in front of my nose. Either way I have to trust that God is directing my life no matter what the weather is like. Sometimes I may have to adjust the speed my life is going. The road has many different ways to get to the same place. Some ways are dirty and bumpy while others are smooth and fast. God will always show me the way He wants me to go even if the visibility is not good. I need to pay attention to His signs. Sometimes I don't like stop ahead signs or red lights, but most of the time they are there to protect me. I get impatient as I want to go my own way at my own speed, but God knows best and He has a little better view of my life than I do. My jeep also needs fuel. I need my small group. I need to listen to sermons and read the Word. I need a spiritual fill up. I also need to keep my jeep clean so it doesn't rust. I need to keep my mind pure and armor all it against evil and wash it out with the forgiveness of God. I also love to spin donuts with my jeep. Any suggestions on that one?????

Church or Jesus

Church people worry about offending someone

Jesus people ask the tough questions

Can you hear me now?

Can you hear me now?

God where are you?
Where did you go?
How come I can’t feel you?
How come I don’t know?

Where do you go when the music ends?
Why do I feel alone in my circle of friends?

I take time to bow my head before I eat
10 seconds of heartless prayer
Is that where we meet?

How do I not make life about me?
-about how I live
How do I make it about you?
What can I give?

I’m in a valley Lord
What’s the deal?
What is this emptiness that I feel?

Take me out of the darkness
Put me into the light
Together we will defeat Satan
We will win the fight!

Summer 2006 - bryan rotman

Daysha

Daysha

You are the most important person in my life
You are my best friend and a great wife

Last year at this time you were pregnant you know
Happy indeed, you could tell by the glow

On the way to the hospital I was gripped with fear
What if something went wrong with my Daysha dear

I prayed to God to put my fears to rest
Watching my wife in pain put my faith to the test

The doctor told us this baby will be big
We both thought he was telling a fib

You were a trouper through the whole thing
For into this world a baby you did bring

A little baby girl to your delight
Of course it was, cause your always right

This year has brought a lot of changes-that sure is true
It is no longer just me and just you

Diapers to change and bottles to make
Sometimes it is… a lot to take

You do it all usually with a smile
Even when folding laundry out of a pile

We go to bed a little earlier and show up a little later
But to our little girl we sure do cater

Kennedy has brought out in us a love we barely knew
A reflection of how God loves me and loves you

God has given you the gift of being a mother from above
You show: Patience, Kindness, Gentleness, and Love

A kind of love that puts someone else’s life first
A kind of love that sees all the good and forgets the worst

It is hard putting into words what I am trying to say
I love you more each and everyday

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2005 - bryan rotman

Grace?

Grace?

What is grace? What does it mean?
Is grace just understood but not to be seen?

Is grace a fancy word we learned in Sunday school?
Something we use in prayer to make us sound cool?

Is grace giving-up that parking spot at the mall?
Is grace not poking fun of that kid in the hall?

Is grace helping someone you don’t even know?
Is grace forgiving without a big show?

Is grace laying down your life for a brother?
Is grace forgiving the sins of another?

Is grace being nice to someone you don’t like
When you would rather tell them to go take a hike?

God has shown me grace through his love
Its in my heart not way above

Salvation is a gift not something we’ve won
Salvation is not a reward for the good things we’ve done (1)

God pours out his kindness on us like a flood
Our freedom was bought with his sons blood (2)

We must obey God we belong to him
Don’t slip back to your old ways of sin (3)

Now we must be holy in all that we do
Because God is holy and he chose you (4)

God’s grace to me is a brand new day
I can do it! Jesus has shown me the way

Grace shouldn’t just be something we understand
Grace should be a picture of every God’s MAN

(1) “He is so rich in his kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son” Ephesians 1:7
(2) “Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done” Ephesians 2:9
(3)”Obey God because you are his children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of doing evil.” 1 Peter 1:14
(4) “But now you must be Holy in everything you do, just as God -who chose you to be his children -is Holy”

1 Peter 1:15
Spring 2006 -bryan rotman

Let the Little Children

“Let the little children come to me”
“For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”-Mathew 19:14

My baby girl Is one year old
There is a story here Just waiting to be told

I love to hold Kennedy When she’s fallen asleep
I’ll always come running At the sound of her peep

In the middle of winter When things are dreary and grey
Looking at her picture Brings sunshine to my day

As I watch my baby crawl And slowly learn to walk
I get all choked-up So I can barely talk

God’s right there When we stumble and fall
Waiting to help us For his name to call

There’s no greater love Than through a parents eyes
That I could love so much Took me by surprise

God has taught me some things Through my daughter
He will love me always When I’m good and when I falter

When we follow his way When we do his will
It puts a smile on his face It gives him a thrill

Jesus said come onto me just like a little child
This idea to me sounded kind of wild

How much Kennedy depends on me This level of trust
Coming to Jesus as a child Is a define must

I’d give up my life So my child could live
Sacrificing his son Was so much to give

Lord, live in Kennedy’s heart Help her to follow your way
So we can spend forever together On that Glorious Day

Spring 2006 - bryan rotman

Poor man's cry

Poor mans cry

“Fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you” 2 timothy 1:6

The Lord is my shepherd,
I have everything I need
Why is my life
Full of Desire and Greed?

As I surf thru the stations
Trash is all I see
Sitting here wondering
Why doesn’t God speak to me?

I spend hours watching TV
Only moments in PRAYER
That’s how I show God
That I really care?

Deadlines to meet
People to see
Someone will feed the hungry
Why should it be me?

The thoughts that I think
The things that I say
Am I really a Christian…
Could this be the way?

The way I treat my neighbor
What I say behind his back
You gave me your WORD
But is my life on track?

Jesus took my sins to the cross
They died with him there
Then why do I carry around
This sin and despair?

For he chose me
Before the beginning of time
Why can’t I let go
Of this Life of mine?

Fan into flames
The gift you’ve been given
I’ve got a long way to go
But I know I’m forgiven

Chorus: My knee’s hit the floor
I lift my face to the sky
“Father forgive me”

Was the POOR MANS CRY

Winter 2006 -bryan rotman

Big Matt Daddy

BIG MATT DADDY
“For where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them.“ Mathew 18:20

I have a band of brothers
There’s more than two or three
So when we meet together
We are joined by GOD Almighty

And when we meet together
Our lives we do share
As brothers we kneel
To the father in prayer

There are so many people
That push me to the test
The path is very narrow
I’ll try to do my best

In the mist of my troubles
In the darkness of tears
I feel your arms around me
Your presence melts my fears

Jesus walked this earth
And sin he did not
He set the example
That I fail a lot

Where is my example
Of what a father is supposed to be?
You took my earthly father
So he could be with thee

Because of Christ’s blood
I was created new
Please give me wisdom with my own son
And tell me what to do

I feel like I’m walking blind
I wish that I could see
I can do all things
through Christ who strengthens me

Its hard to be patient
Sometimes all we can do is pray
I knew that you were listening
Because the phone rang today

You are the ultimate Father
Jesus could not be won
The temptation of the devil
Was no match for the bond with your son

For my brother in Christ-Matt

winter 2006 - bryan rotman

Fridaynight

Friday night @ the Lilley pad

Should I focus on end times? What’s going on in the middle east?
Should I spend my time worrying…watching for the sign of the beast?

Can everyone be a prophet? Does God have a word for us all?
Is there something wrong with me…If I can’t here the call?

The Bible is full of superstars…Men after God’s own heart
What about the average Joe’s…did they still do there part?

Jesus took twelve average guys…they went and changed the earth
What about the people they taught ? What was their worth?

What about those who love God…and struggle day to day?
What about those who are content…just following his way?

What if I live out Jesus…through my daily life
Can I show Jesus…through my happiness and strife?

I’ve never spoken in tongues…But I speak to God as a friend
I know I’m getting through because the answers he does send

One of my favorite ways to praise the Lord is through a good song
My voice isn’t good…but I still sing along

I’m just one of the choir My praises to God I bring
Just because I’m not the Director…doesn’t mean that I can’t sing

Gods made us each one different with a different job to do
God lay it on our hearts and minds…so we can live for you

“God has give each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability
To prophesy, speak out when you have faith God is speaking through you. “ Romans 12:6

Spring 2006 -bryan rotman

Living Stone

Living Stone

And now GOD is building you, as living stones, into his spiritual temple.
1 Peter 2:5

This is my story of my walk with the Lord
It’s not that exciting, I hope you’re not bored

I grew up in a Christian home, Christian church, Christian friends
This is just where my story begins

I went to church on Sunday because that’s what you do
What I did the night before, well, nobody knew

I went through a phase where I was kind of wild
But I had an excuse, being a middle child!

I thought I could do it, just me on my own
The harder I tried, I felt more empty… alone

Instead of turning to God to forgive and forget
I turned to things that now I regret

There is a time in your life when you know what you shouldn’t do
So you avoid the only one that can save you

As I got older I realized it’s true
Jesus died on that cross for me… and for you

The more time that I spent in the word and in prayer
I soon realized, Jesus will always be there

When I look back now,… all the dumb things that I did
I sure am glad that our Lord does forgive

The seeds that were planted when I was young
Would play a big part in the years to come

I have friends that have been with me through thick and through thin
When it comes to talking about Jesus, I don’t know where to begin?

I struggle with things and pray every day
It’s reassuring to know we’re not here to stay

Satan makes you feel worthless- like your not good enough
God will forgive you and get rid of that stuff

I have a Christian partner to share in my life
I thank God everyday for my beautiful wife

My life has meaning since I gave it to him
Its not always easy as we are surrounded by sin

God showers us with blessing, his son He did give
And by his example, my life I should live!

I don’t know the specific time, moment, or place
But without Jesus in my life , this world I couldn’t face!

2003 - bryan rotman

Pray for Reign

Pray For Reign

Dear God hear my plea
Am I living for you or am I living for me?

What you want me to do, what you want me to be
Is there time for your work and my family?

You gave me my own kids and you gave me a wife
Shouldn’t they be the most important people in my life

Are you tugging at my heart, is this you that I feel?
I’m scared to ask - I’m scared to kneel

The job that you gave me provides all that I need
Do you want me to leave that to go plant your seed?

Why didn’t you ask me when I was single and free?
Maybe you did but I wasn’t listening to thee

Which scenario makes me lean on you more?
A single man or a family of four?

Are you calling me or testing me, I do not know
Please reveal to me which way to go

I love God, Guns ,and the Great outdoors
I like hunting turkeys, deer, and even wild boars

I’m uneducated, I didn’t go to Calvin or Hope
Do I fit the Youth Pastor mold? I would have to say nope!

I like being just a leader, I’m in a comfortable spot
Why am I feeling confused? Why’s my heart in a knot?

I like where I am, I like what I do
Does this mean I’m not following you?

Is this where you want me to be or am I just blind?
Do you have something more fulfilling in mind?

My prayer to you is that you reign in my heart
Let your will be done - Let me do my part

“See to it that you obey God, the one who is speaking to you.“ Hebrews 12:25

“I know all the things that you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other.
But since you are like lukewarm water I will spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:15,16

Spring 2006 -bryan rotman

There are many seats available, I will open the door for you, and I will guide you

Wedding Poem

Wedding poem

I remember the day I met you, The moment you walked through that door
My heart stopped for a minute, My jaw hung to the floor

We started dating , And having lots of fun
Off to Cancun, For beaches and sun

Things were moving fast, It seemed like we just met
By memorial day weekend, We had our first pet

That summer was hot, We worked really hard
it was your first time , Mowing the yard

As the seasons changed, God was changing me too
I made a profession of faith, That was long overdue

I knew that I loved you, Not certain what that would bring
I cashed in my Harley fund, And bought a diamond ring

I popped the question, You sure were surprised
You didn’t need to answer, I could tell by your eyes

That following summer, Was one of the best
Our poor little camper, Had no time to rest

That year for my birthday, you gave me the coolest gift of all
120 mph, FREEFALL!

You are supportive, Of all that I do
But when it comes to deer hunting, You could learn a thing or two

I spend a lot of time w/ my friends, We have lots of fun
But its you that I want, Before the day is done

We’re a very happy couple, They say it’s healthy to fight
But don’t expect flowers, every time that your right

We’ve talked about goals, I’ve met all that I’ve tried
Today was the biggest, Making you my bride

The Lords brought us together, To have and to hold
May he bless us and keep us, As we grow old

As we go home tonight, No longer two-but one
Let not our will, But the fathers be done!

I LOVE YOU DAYSHA! June 22,2002

Thank-You MOM

Thank-you mom

Thank-you Mom for all the love you show
It wasn’t until I had my own kids, this love did I know

Thank-you for all the food you prepared
Thank-you for all the meals that we shared

Thank-you for always being proud
Thank-you for making us pray out loud

Thank-you for all the miles you drove
Thank-you for all the laundry you fold

Thank-you for all the owies you kissed
Thank-you for all the important events you never missed

Thank-you for all the discipline you gave
Sorry about the wooden spoon you couldn’t save

Thank-you for your prayers all these years
Even when it meant sleepless nights and a few tears

Thank-you for all the sacrifices you made
My Christian education was worth what you paid

Thank-you for modeling Christ in your life
That set the standard high, when picking out a wife

Thank-you for waiting up till I came home
Thank- you for raising me in Jesus alone

Thank you for teaching me to pray
That it’s OK to clap your hands in church

Or maybe even sway

The child can never fully understand-all that their mothers do
But as your child I say -Merry Christmas MOM and I love you!

Christmas-2006-bryan

Through The Eyes of My Child

Through the eyes of my child

The angels that I pray for to watch over my child at night
Do you think they just leave at the first crack of light?

They give us some room, but they stay near
In case of a wake-up or the shed of a tear

My daughter laughs and she giggles… but isn’t looking at me
Is there an angel in the room that I can not see?

Who does she wave too? Who does she see?
Is there an angel...standing next to me?

Is she closer to heaven because she hasn’t been here long?
Can she see the angels? Does she sing along?

Through the eyes of my child can I see God’s face?
The radiant smile of that little girl…Is that just a taste?


“For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go” Psalm 91:11

Spring 2006 - bryan rotman

Bushel

Bushel

What does it mean to be a Christian- can I possibly follow his way
Do the things of the Bible - apply to today

Is it just one day a week-to listen and sing
Talk with our friends- an envelope to bring

Do I understand what I believe- Can I explain it to a stranger
That God saved me- through a baby in a manger

Will I be frustrated with those who don’t know
I have believed all my life- but in my life does it show

Can you see it in the way I treat my wife
Are my words always kind- or do they cut like a knife

Rule number one and two- Love God -Love People
Why are so many hurting- right under our steeple

Jesus was homeless - but rich in every way
For he understood about rot and decay

I have so much- But always look to those who have more
If I had what they have -I would give to the poor

My life on earth is but a fraction of time
Why do I spend it seeing what I can make mine

What did God give me- what can I bring
Can I work with my hands- Can I stand up and sing

What is this gift that I am trying to fight
Am I putting a bushel over his light

bryan rotman 01/10/07

Gut Check

Gut Check

Who do I know that is oppressed or poor
Should I just send a check or should I do more?

Can I put a face on someone-that is in need?
Do I spend my time on myself- is that a form of greed?

Can I spend time with a kid who doesn’t know love
Are we caring for orphans and widows? a direct command from above

Will kids find more love in gangs on the street?
Than they can - in Christians they meet?

We are always so busy doing our thing
Loving ourselves - no time for the king

Jesus took time to heal that blind man - while on his way
His ministry was constantly interrupted- but he made time to pray

Following Jesus is not about us
It is humbly serving without making a fuss

Jesus open our eyes and teach us to share
Help us reach out to others and show that we care

bryan rotman 01/09/07

Surrender

Surrender

My legs are trembling
My knee’s are getting weak
The adrenalin is pumping
It’s God’s will I seek

Slowly I rise
The only one on my feet
I don’t look around
No one’s eyes do I meet

With one hand lifted to the father
One hand holding my son
I have decided to follow Jesus
And thank him for what he’s done

I put this song on the alter
My face soaked with tears
With my eyes tightly closed
God took away my fears

I can’t close my eyes forever
Standing before his throne
…the song’s almost over
Will I be standing alone?

My God is faithful
When I put my trust in him
For the whole church was standing
At the end of this hymn

Anytime I hear that song
Or whistle it’s familiar tune
It takes me to that defining moment
On that Sunday afternoon!


“IF ANY OF YOU WANTS TO BE MY FOLLOWER, YOU MUST PUT ASIDE YOUR SELFISH
AMBITION, SHOULDER YOUR CROSS DAILY, AND FOLLOW ME.” LUKE 9:23

bryan rotman - FALL 2006

Won More

Won more!

If you had one more If you got your way
Would you keep it for yourself or would you give it away?

One more hour Lord In my day
Then I would make time for you Then I would pray

One more dollar Lord Give me that raise
Then to you I will give my praise

One more week of vacation that’s all I need
Then I could work for you I’d go plant your seed

One more plate To get my fill
Tomorrow Lord I’ll do your will

I can’t get caught Lord What would I do?
Just one more time Then I’ll serve you

One more chance To make it right
This time Lord I won’t start the fight

One more time To say good-bye
A few more minutes Before they die

Jesus WON more Than we could ever crave
When he busted loose Out of that grave

Jesus WON over death and sin
So we could spend forever with him!

“How we thank God, who gives us victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord!” 1 Corinthians 15:57
Spring 2006 - bryan rotman

sunset

SUNSET

As I sit in this familiar place
The sky all cloudy and gray
Thinking to myself , it would be a great night
For a sunset display

The wind is blowing sharply
There is snow on the ground
My toes are freezing cold
my face exposed just enough, that I can look around

I slowly have this warming feeling
Like a child on his fathers lap
A feeling of total peace
Into his majesty did I tap?

The clouds began to leave, the sky began to change
It was if he read my mind
The show was set in motion
All the colors of the rainbow I could find

I shared that sunset upon the lap
Of my God most high
A little glimpse of heaven
Till the darkness filled the sky

I didn’t leave the woods empty handed that night
As I crunched through the snow
I had the feeling I’d been with the king
That was all I needed to know

bryan rotman - fall 07

I Believe

I BELIEVE

I believe that Jesus is the son of GOD

I believe that Jesus willingly chose to leave a perfect heaven,

where everything was pure and angels worshiped him,

to come into this corrupt world we live in

I believe that Jesus came to earth to save me

I believe that Jesus died for my sins, past-present-and future sin

I believe that Jesus left my sin nailed to that tree

I believe that Jesus concurred sin and death,

and rose from the dead on the third day

I believe that Jesus breathed life into his spirit dwelling inside of me

I believe that Jesus lives inside of me

I believe that I still sin and will continue to sin,

and although I sin, I am forgiven

I believe this is the freedom I have in Jesus

I believe that because of this freedom in Jesus,

I don’t want to sin , but live for him

I believe that carrying around guilt or shame,

from a sin that is forgiven, is a trick of the devil

I believe that GOD takes care of his children, and he knows best

I believe that there is no way to payback Jesus

I believe that if I lose my life to Jesus, in him, I will find life

I believe that there is no freedom without total surrender

I believe that the things of this world will fail me

I believe that the people of this world will fail me

I believe that Jesus is the rock of the church

I believe that church is who you are, not somewhere you go

I believe that when my body dies, my spirit will go to be w/Jesus

I believe that Jesus came to simplify the way to heaven

I believe that I must love the Lord my God

I believe that I must Love, even if I don’t like, my neighbor

I believe that I can be a tool for Jesus

I believe Jesus speaks to me, when I make time to listen

I believe that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

bryan rotman 1/17/07