A Giant Goes to His Reward...

As I heard the news on Sunday of the homegoing of Dr. Lee Roberson, I could not help but be stirred. Heaven is more real and Dr. Roberson is with the Saviour Whom he so longed to see face to face. I could write a number of feelings and emotions, but suffice to say, he will be greatly missed. I am grateful for the direct impact he had on my life.

Here is a photo of me with Dr. Lee Roberson and Dr. Clarence Sexton.

I have placed the text from the obituary below. Please continue praying for the family of Dr. Roberson during this time.

Stephen

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Dr. Lee Roberson Memorial

Dr. Lee Roberson, age 97, former pastor of the Highland Park Baptist Church, Founder and Chancellor Emeritus of Tennessee Temple University and Man of God, passed into the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ whom he had served faithfully since the age of fourteen, on Sunday, April 29, 2007.

Dr. Roberson was born November 24, 1909 on a farm near English, Indiana. He was led to the Lord at age fourteen by his Sunday School teacher, and he accepted the call to preach the 'Good News' of the Gospel at the age of eighteen.

He studied as vocal music at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and was a graduate of the University of Louisville and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. Beginning in 1932, Dr. Roberson served as a pastor and evangelist before accepting the pastorate of the Highland Park Baptist Church of Chattanooga in November of 1942. Tennessee Temple University was founded as a junior college and Bible school in July 1946. TTU is now an accredited four-year college, graduate school and seminary.

Dr. Lee Roberson was preceded in death by daughter Joy Caroline and wife, the former Caroline Allen. He is survived by son, John C. Roberson and wife Donna, daughter LeeAnne Nichols and husband Dr. L.W. 'Buddy' Nichols, daughter June Ormesher and husband Bill, eight grandchildren and by the countless thousands who accepted the new life of salvation under his ministry and the subsequent ministries of the thousands of men and women who he faithfully led, taught and encouraged at HPBC and TTU.

The family is asking that any memorial gifts be sent to the Lee Roberson Foundation, 2327 Red Tail Lane · Chattanooga, TN · 37421 or online at LeeRoberson.org.

Dr.Roberson's favorite Scripture verse was Romans 8:28 - "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Dated August 1, 2006 at the age of 96, Dr. Roberson published what he called his farewell letter and final testimony "to give encouragement to pastors, evangelists, and full-time Christian workers."

"I believe the Bible! I believe in the promises of God regarding our future life! I believe 'to be absent from the body, to be present with the Lord.' I believe the future will hold some of the most glorious blessings that one could ever conceive. We will be present 'with the Lord.' The Apostle Paul said 'this is far better.' The future is bright! I know the Lord may come at any moment - He has promised 'I will come again.'

"Continue in His great work! Give attention to the winning of souls and exhort yourself to a close walk with God."

Dr. Lee Roberson, "absent from the body, present with the Lord," April 29, 2007.

Fort Knox, Kentucky

Sunday, I had the opportunity to speak at Bible Baptist Church in Radcliff, Kentucky. I am grateful to Pastor Tom Green for the privilege to preach Sunday morning and evening. A number of years ago, Pastor Green and I worked together. It was fun to talk about old times, but a great blessing to see what the Lord is doing for them now.

As the church is only a few minutes from the Fort Knox Army base, I am again reminded of the great nation in which we live. God has been so good to us! I am grateful for the thousands of men and women who have volunteered to serve our country in the armed forces. We must pray for our president and the other leaders of our nation as they make decisions each day.

ST

Travel and Family

I drove all day yesterday to get to Chattanooga, TN for a lunch appointment with a fellow photographer friend, Nathan Holritz. Nathan has spent much time helping me hone my photography and has been an inspiration to me. His giving spirit and kindness is rare these days. We had a delightful time together eating Mexican food! Anytime I eat Mexican food, I am right at home. We ate at a place in Chattanooga near the Hamilton Place Mall called El Mesón. Talk about good guacamole! I love the green, snotty stuff!

After an enjoyable lunch, I drove further south to LaFayette, GA to meet with another good friend, Mitchell. We headed off to (go ahead and guess!) --- another Mexican restaurant, Don Lolo's. We discussed business over more guacamole and tacos! How I love the smell of food from south of the border!

And now for the family photos... When the Troell grandparents were up in Buffalo, I took quite a few photos. After the Sunday morning service, we relaxed at Gramma and Grampa Britt's house.

Abbie reads to Grampa Troell

Katie chillin' with Gramma Troell

I am grateful for the blessing of safety. God is so good to me! Let us be grateful to the Lord for His bountiful hand on us. I miss my family! Don't worry girls, I am coming home to you soon!

ST

Adapting Just Fine

One of our concerns with having a second child was whether or not Abbie would like to have Katie around. As you can see, things are going well in that area. I know the photo is a little fuzzy. I could not get the camera to my eye and focused quick enough. Still working on that coordination thing!

I am traveling a little this week, so stay tuned!

ST

Where In the World?

As I am often traveling, I decided to put up a current map showing where I am. Check back for the most recent location. I apologize in advance for the terrible photo!

With Grandma and Grandpa Troell

Last week, my parents came up to Buffalo, NY to suprise me for my birthday--I was truly suprised. I think the real motive was to see their grandchildren. As most of you know, when you have children, you become obsolete in comparison to the grandkids! I guess I have finally come to grips with the secondary spot to which I have been relegated.

We had a wonderful time while Mom and Dad were in Buffalo with us! I just wish we could have spent more time together! Here are some photos from when we were together. Enjoy!

Grandma and Grandpa Troell, thank you for coming to visit! We had a wonderful time and we miss you!

Happy Birthday, Aunt Sarah!

We are in Tennessee for the week and today, We met Sarah and Micah. It was the first time Abbie and Katie had met Uncle Micah. We had a great meal at Abuelo's. Mexican food is a favorite in our family! We had a wonderful time with Micah and Sarah. Happy birthday, Sarah! We love you both!

ST

My Three Blessings

For the past two weeks, the weather here in Western New York has been beautiful! On Wednesday, the weather turned very cold and guess what happened? Snow! Yesterday and today have been extremely cold. I have a hard time computing the fact of snow in April.

During the beautiful weather, I took the ladies outside to take a couple of quick flics. I am so blessed! The measure of God's blessing is more than monetary. Of course God abundantly supplies our physical needs, but we are richly blessed with health, with family, and with the greatest gift of all--salvation!

ST

Busy, Busy...

Things have been really busy these past few days in preparation for our trip to Tennessee next week. We are excited, but there is a great deal that must be accomplished before we leave on Sunday afternoon.

Here is a short video for your viewing pleasure.

ST

Little Dixie Girl

Not long before we left Tennessee, Chad Mitchell's father gave Abigail a shirt to remind us of our beloved Southland. Abbie finally grew into it and has been wearing it the past few days. Thank you, Mr. Mitchell!

ST