ROBERT COELLO

The music began it’s tranquil descent as the vapors of a quiet hush began to fill the room.

My fourteen-year-old  senses were so heightened that I could hear the sound of tear drops hitting the mosaic tile floor as they rolled down and ascended from the cheeks of the other kids.

The vibration emitting from the huge fan blades whirling, permeated the atmosphere as I watched microphones being swapped and facial gestures recognized and exchanged as the Segway commenced.

“Thank you I see your hand, in the back, I see your hand, bless you, I see your hand, Hallelujah, God is good. I see your hand, thank you I see your hand, John Deere hat, I see your hand thank you, over here by the wall, flannel shirt, I see your hand.”

This was all too familiar verbiage. In fact, I must admit that there were times in my life when those words were abrasive to me. It was not easy growing up as a PK, but I knew that to pop, this was the most important part of the service. No...

“Bob, Ann? Hi, I’m Stan. I am the new director here at Solid Rock Ministries. I understand you   both are pastors and currently, “shopping” for a ministry covering.

Well, rest assured that here at Solid Rock we “got your back”. We know how important it is to feel safe, secure and to not lose an ounce of sleep when it comes to having the proper, suitable spiritual covering, and moreover the satisfaction of again, and I cannot emphasize enough that when it comes to any issues whatsoever that may arise in your life or ministry endeavors that We Got Your Back! Rest assured!

“I have attempted to formulate an acronym, but ‘WGYB”, unfortunately, doesn’t roll off the tongue very eloquently”. At any rate, we are so very pleased that you Googled us, and made time today to come and visit with us to explore the possibility of Solid Rock becoming your ministry “covering.”

Well, you and I both know that this...

“Ladies and gentlemen, at this time our Captain requests that all tray tables and seat backs are returned to their upright position as we prepare for landing, we will be on the ground shortly”

As a frequent flyer, I cannot tell you the number of times I have perked up and craned my neck when I’ve heard that announcement, especially the “we will be on the ground shortly”, part.

I must admit however that each time I hear the proverbial “we will be on the ground shortly”, line I cringe a little inside, because my mind immediately conjures up the YouTube compilation videos, I’ve watched of the “worst airplane crashes ever.” For some peculiar reason it seems like I often watch plane crash videos around the time that I am actually going to be flying? One might suspect that I had a death wish of sorts.

My brain by some means just goes to that file by default, and I find myself quickly Wim Hoffing my way back to present time!

On...

"Cease striving and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10

I’ve always understood this verse to mean "be still", and rightly so as a result of the translated version that I've been using.

I don’t know about you, but my numerous attempts to “be still”, have proven to be extremely challenging. As I’ve matured physically and spiritually, I’ve discovered and learned to meditate, consequently making it much easier. Through practice and increased understanding, I have discovered a greater degree of peace in the process.

When faced with mounting pressure and anxiety I find myself quickly, more frequently and somewhat effortlessly gravitating to, as I’ve come to harness the incredible benefit of simply following Gods instructions.

Let’s face it, I'm pretty confident that you are most likely aware that in the midst of adversity and the many challenges that we face in our lives being still, oftentimes is typically not our...

At first glance of this title you, like many others who consider yourselves to be a mite techno savvy may have, without delay mined from your mental files the distinction between Microsoft and other OS’s. Personally, I’m an Apple guy and not only as a result of Eve’s choice, but primarily because of the way my brain is wired.

This is the place where my wife would insert, “Microsoft is for people that work for a living.”

We often go back and forth, round and round contending and maintaining our ground on why our choice of platforms is superior.

I tend to be righter brained and Amy is in all probability as left brained as one can be.

At the end of the day we are in typically agreement that each offers their users the right ingredients to execute and realize the task at hand resulting in a good night’s sleep.

You may be surprised to learn that I am not referring to just any operating system, but to [the] “mother of all operating...

Timmy heard the door crack and quietly gave the signal. “Everyone” took their places, just as they had rehearsed.

The frequency radiating from their excitement was supernaturally muffled, otherwise it would have been a dead giveaway. Crouched just behind the sofa sleeper, Jill began to panic as she felt a huge sneeze coming on! “oh no, not now", looking up without delay at the bright LEDS staring back into her big chocolate brown eyes and straightway, her sneeze was seized.

Paul was nervous that his man-bun would be visible as he too hunkered down. The entire group was uneasy that the laughing twins would not be able to resist the urge bubbling in their little bellies.

“Surrrppprrriiiizzzze!” in a gruff, arrogant tone all the sudden came forth that tersely broke the deafening silence.

A quick group selfie would surely reveal and attest to the matching horrid look on everyone’s countenance as all the attention panned violently...

I bared down on the clutch, threw her in first gear , turned up the jams and as we drove away I felt as though I was in an echo chamber of sorts.

I could still hear the final departing words from our Pastor.

“Nothing changes if nothing changes” he said. It was like in a recurring slow motion as it leisurely danced around my ear drums. Nothing inside of me was in the least attracted to that particular frequency mainly because I knew this was just part of the cycle. Just a frequent stop along the way.

I had practically memorized the view of this side of the mountain. I had been here so many times before that I knew where all the crags were in the rocks , I knew where all of the potholes were but the one thing, I never had a bead on was when the shoe would drop?

You see, perhaps like you, I was ok until I wasn’t ok. With the charm and smile of a young James Caan in the Godfather, I could play the role(s) very well.

Coupled with my devious narcissist tendencies, I kept...

I don't know about you, but there are oftentimes that as I sit to read the word, and as I do, I just draw a blank? ‍

I must admit, that it really frustrates me at times because I truly desire to understand and get the deeper meaning of what God is saying.

I am, however, keenly aware that all revelation comes from Holy Spirit, not from my ability to comprehend. I believe that I have a pretty good grasp on the difference between the Logos and Rhema word of God.

As I pondered this morning after having one of those , "I didn't understand anything I just read", moments, I sensed Holy Spirit ask me if I understood what protein and enzymes and all the different nutrients found in what I eat do in my body? How they are converted , assimilated and digested?

I just chuckled inside and thought about how to answer Him?

It was a simple "NO." I mean, I so have some idea of what occurs when I eat, but I don’t typically ever feel uncomfortable that I may have not understood what...

Over the years I have often heard this phrase used in countless advertisements by self-development mentors and gurus, and my guess would be that it is most likely articulated in every tongue, tribe and nation.

For an incalculable amount of time, man has evolved and as his ability to recognize his deficiencies has matured, he has endeavored in becoming better, stronger, wiser, more intelligent. Not to mention superhuman as his imagination propelled him to view himself even in a supernatural way.    

The worldwide web is teeming with the latest and greatest gadgets, trinkets, courses, guides and techniques on how to become the best new version of You.

“In just 30 days, this magic pill will change your life, buy my course now, these products are sure to work, join my tribe, get real results, only $19.99 if you act now, first month free, check us out on YouTube, sign up now”, and this is just an example of the few that I can quickly conjure up in...