Memories Around the Table

As we gathered around the table this year, we can’t even begin to collect our thoughts on the impact Bob has made in the lives of all who were blessed to have known him. We have been blessed beyond deserving.

Our Thanksgiving day was one of our most memorable times of the year. Bob enjoyed every aspect of the preparation of this day. He did the cooking of all the “big” celebrations and enjoyed it tremendously. It began in the usual way, the planning of the menu (with an extra added dish or two), shopping for traditional fixings, the desserts and breads were my specialty.

What’s been missed the most are the traditions that we began long ago. The food all prepared and readied but before any plate was filled, before any food was touched, we’d gather for prayer.

Clutching hands in a circle around an abundant table of well-prepared food, we’d bow our heads to pray. Bob would start the prayer and thank the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob for all blessings big and small, and His mercies extended. We’d all take turns going around the circle to allow all who wanted to profess their thankful hearts.

This day wasn’t about the food or the desserts, or even the beautiful table setting with matching chargers and plates, crystal wine glasses, or burning candles that so elegantly lit up the room, it was of no importance compared to the blessing of God-centered conversations around the table.

Bob had a great sense of humor and a quick wittiness about him. He told tales and stories that made us laugh until we couldn’t breathe. We were never bored in his presence. We shared past and present memories as well as future dreams while making a toast to the majesty on high.

Even though Bob loved the preparation, seeing all guests well entertained and full, it was the fellowship with family and friends that was mostly cherished.

At the end of the feasting, when the belly is full and the desert eaten, it will all be forgotten but what will remain are the memories that were made around the table.

What I loved most about the whole day was watching and listening to Bob, his actions always spoke louder than words ever could. The way his eyes lit up when greeting family and friends at the door and the passion in his voice when speaking of spiritual things.

Even though these days are gone, the gatherings, the family and friends, the traditions we started long ago, we can still look back and remember and cherish those memoires around the table.

This day of thankfulness and everyday alike, I honor the memory of Bob, not for earthly things but for the intangible legacy of morals and values, his acts of kindness, for his wisdom and knowledge he’s shared along the way, and the invaluable lessons passed on to the following generations.

I’m truly thankful to GOD for allowing me to be married to such a good man, and praise Him for bringing us through another year of blessings.

Love you always,

Donna

                              THE WAY OF SUFFERING

What HE is teaching cannot be taught, by earthly thoughts of man.

The milk goes down quite easily, but of the meat my flesh can’t stand.

Open my heart that I may behold the wonderful things from thy Law.

Give me understanding that I may observe and keep it with reverence and awe.

I am without strength, no nothing sound is within my flesh.

Renew me Oh Yah, do that necessary work in me afresh.

Perfect love, inner perfection is the longing of my soul.

Cleanse me from my sin, Oh YAH, not in part but the whole.

The fellowship of suffering, something none can teach.

Except the LORD build the house, eternal salvation we will never reach.

Lowliness of heart, destroying self-confidence, is the advantage of humiliation.

It brings about a teachable spirit, with the goal of instauration.

Humiliate my heart, Oh YAH, render me lowly and obedient.

Not my will but thine be done, even when inconvenient.

I pray, oh LORD, bestow upon me the peace of simplicity.

An inner working of the soul, without my own publicity.

Self-love, pride, and the constant thought, of self-preservation.

Must lead one to the conclusion, that we are doomed to damnation.

Human loves fall far short and as different as possible from Divine Agape.

The reason why we must enter in and walk the narrow pathway.

Applying to myself the same counsel I try to teach to others.

Seeking the same Truth and peace with YAH, I pray for my brothers.

My heart is now suffering, but it is the life of self that causes such pain.

As HE shows me what is dead suffers not and dying to self is gain.

If we are dead to self and our life is hid in Christ and Him alone.

We then would no longer live or perceive the afflictions we are shown.

So, try me, test me, rebuke me, your afflictions I will not despise.

I am beginning to realize, my LORD, that what remains of self, must demise.

The cross that comes purely from YAH is painful and peaceful, both at the same time.

I cordially welcome, willingly receive, so unto that cross I will climb.

Happy and blessed are those who suffer on that lonely cross.

My prayer my goal and utmost desire is that He remove the dross.

There remains a hidden hold on my life, an obstinate and rebellious spirit.

That renders the cross a necessary work, that in me be found nothing illicit.

Remove in me, oh YAH, anything contrary, every hidden, or secret resistance.

That I may dwell in fellowship, union with you, brought to coexistence.

You desire a cheerful giver; of such you will not turn away.

Whatever it takes teach me to abide in your Love, never to go astray.

(Rob Emerson 11/2022)

                                                               Second Year Remembrance

Today is our second year without our much loved and missed Bob, a devoted Husband, loving Dad and Grandfather, Brother and Friend. We don’t commemorate his death, but remember and honor his life.

It feels like only a few months have passed. Your presence is all so real. We’ve shared an incredible life together one many had admired. Our lives were full and our blessings overflowed. Our adventures were many and our love deep.

We remember Bob as a peaceful man, driven by the love for mankind and more importantly the love and great reverence for Yahuah (God).

Matthew 22:37-40. “You shall love Yahuah Elohayka (Lord your God) with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment and the second is like unto it; you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Torah and the prophets”.

Bob showed his love for Yahuah (God) through seeking, praying, reading, commitment, obedience and actions.

He didn’t just talk about this agape love he was a living example of selfless and unconditional love and knew its true meaning. He was genuinely concerned for those around him regardless of their actions or worth. He had compassion on the disregarded and overlooked, the ones no one would give a listening ear. He would be drawn to that one person in a crowd of many or randomly seated next to one!

For this reason and so many other countless ones we miss him dearly. He was the constant source of strength in our family and in the lives of all who knew him. We remember his unwavering commitment and faith even through adversity.

There is a big void in our lives that can’t be filled but with Yahuah’s (Gods) peace we can get through another day.

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid”.

Finding peace is not about avoiding suffering, but having faith and remembering where our peace comes from.

The emptiness I feel is unexplainable but as I reflect on Bob and the wonderful memories, the trials and accomplishments, I am forever thankful and blessed for every minute shared.

Our hearts are heavy, sometimes the weight is too much to bear and when I can’t find my way, it’s at those times I hear Bob reciting:

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in El-Yahuah with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths”.

Even though we are missing a piece of ourselves, our family will continue to keep the faith, walk the walk, and search for truth.

Bob’s deep affection for his family is felt inside of us every minute of the day. It will live on as our example to follow. We miss you more than words can say.

Today in honor of Bob’s memory, we chose to commemorate his life, love and legacy.

Shalom

ONE YEAR REMEMBRANCE

It’s been one year ago today that my beloved husband, Bob of 30 years has gone to be with our Adonai (Lord). How quickly the time has passed. It just seems like yesterday I could hear your laughter, see you smile and feel your touch, but you are not gone, everywhere I look you are there. We were the love of each other’s lives and rarely did you find one without the other. I cherish every memory; they have become so precious to me.  

From the day we met, I realized Elohiym’s (God’s) love and goodness towards me in blessing my life with you as my “once in a lifetime love” that most longed a lifetime to find. The kind of love that time could never take away. A loving husband who was gentle, kind, understanding, a man with great faith, devoted partner who made every day special and the one person I knew I could always depend on.

A loving father, friend, mentor, a righteous godly man to our children Jeni, Jason, Nick and Jamie, bonus child Hannah and grandchildren, Micah, Jadon, and Jianna. The true example of a man who never wavered in his faith. Bob told them to “follow in my footsteps”. Those are really big footsteps to fill!

Psalms 103:17-18 “But the mercy of Yahuah (Lord) is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him and his righteousness unto children’s children; to such as guard his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.”

Bob was a good example of 1 Corinthians; Love is patient, kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, or rude, it is not self-seeking, or easily angered, keeps no records of wrongs, does not delight in evil, rejoices with the truth, always protects, trust, perseveres, never fails.

If the walls talked, they would speak of Bob’s actions, how they spoke louder than words ever could, of integrity, goodness, unconditional love, and total devotion. And how he made a difference in all who have past his way. When he prayed for people, they knew he was genuine and felt Elohiym (God’s) love in return, when they walked away, they knew he’s added something special to their lives.

Psalms 112:6 “the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.”

They would utter a story of a deep love for his family, the examples he’s set, the lives there were touched, and sound advice. Times of fun and laughter with his wife and children and a deep love he had for each one. They would speak of many lives of family and friends that were forever changed because of his compassion and commitment, a man always willing to give a hand and to lend a listening ear.

If the walls talked, they would speak of a love this man had for his Elohiym (God). What he did, he did with all his heart. And they’d speak of the many hours he stayed up late just to pray for all of you.

Matthew 16:24-26 “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Forever thankful for the wisdom, guidance and being that dependable, solid person every family needs. Bob was the family entertainer in his presence we were never bored. He would sing at weddings and parties, mesmerized kids, and grownups alike with magic tricks, recited all wizard of Oz characters at campfires, the cook and hostess. The preacher, child dedicator, marriage officiant, Eulogist, just an all-around dedicated, inspirational man.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the heavens.” 

Bob’s memories live on, the legacy he’s passed on was not of money or material possessions, big houses or even expensive cars, the life legacy he left was his Life’s Story, the lessons he taught, the values left, and a strong faith passed on. This is evident in our children and seems impossible to measure how many others had the pleasure of being in his presence. He cared greatly, gave so quietly, and loved all so deeply.

Matthew 6:20-21. “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust do corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Even though our grief is unspeakable, we know that Elohiym’s (God’s) promises are sure, his plans are good, and his love never fails. When we don’t know what else to do, the pain is too great, the road is too hard, it’s then I hear his voice saying, “let’s get on our knees and pray”.

Bob’s favorite Bible verse:  Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in El-Yahuah (Lord) with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths”.

Our lives were full because he was in it. Bob, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle and Friend would want us to replace this heartbreak, this empty space with treasured memories and remembered joys. We were truly blessed to have him all those years. He’s left an imprint on our hearts that time can never steal away.

Words would never be good enough to express the love I have for this man. But he is not gone, his spirit still lives on, when we go to speak, where we travel, he remains beside us, where we look, he is there, we can see him in every aspect of our lives. The impact he’s made will stay with us for a lifetime. We miss you more than words can say.

 Jeremiah 29:13 “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

There is a mountain in front of us, we can’t seem to climb or get over it but with Elohiym’s (God’s) help, we can go through it. I guess this heartache must be a sign of a great love we’ve shared, why else would it hurt this much?

Today, Tomorrow, and Always, Bob will be remembered as man who was committed to his family and his Elohiym (God), thank you for sharing your Life’s Story that will forever remain written on our hearts.

Forever in my heart, Donna

2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have guarded the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which Yahuah, the righteous Judge, shall give at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

Poem written by Rob;

ENTER YE IN AT THE STRAIT GATE

The gate is strait, the way narrow that leads unto Life.

So many are the obstacles, the road is full of strife.

Take my yoke upon you, come and trod this way.

But that looks to difficult, I hear the masses say.

My Spirit will I give you, to make the burden light.

No thanks, just the same, they say, I’ll do it in my might.

I’ll just sit back and believe, because Jesus did it all.

It feels so right, it can’t be wrong, my name I heard Him call.

Seek first the Kingdom of the Lord and His Righteousness.

The Hungry and the Thirsty are those whom I will bless.

What is there to look for, what is there to find?

I am full, in need of nothing, His Righteousness is mine.

I counsel thee to buy from me, gold tried in the fire.

I’m very rich and quite content, you’re preaching to the choir!

A kernel of wheat must die when it falls into the ground.

No, no, that’s not for me you see, new life I’ve already found.

Pick up your cross and follow me, this is my command.

Jesus did it all for me, He would never make this demand!

Ask and keep on asking, in persistent seeking ye shall find.

Why that would be a work you see, a legalistic mind.

Beware of false prophets, they will lead astray.

By their fruit you will know them; the fruit is doing what I say.

The many cry ‘didn’t we’ and proclaim their wonderful deeds.

I must announce ‘depart from me’; to obey you saw no need.

They preached, they taught, and cast out devils, all in my name.

But in all this they disobeyed and never to the light they came.

If they had come, they would then see, and hearts would be exposed.

They never came, only believed, so the door remained closed.

In my letters to the churches, it’s the overcomer who is born again.

The many never overcame you see, they refused to ‘enter in’.

Only those who keep my words, who do the Father’s will.

They receive the proof, their hearts are settled and still.

Men will say salvation is simple three steps maybe four.

Jesus, on the other hand, says there is so much more.

Obstacles, testing and trials, to enter in we must all strive.

It is a journey that leads to death before at life we arrive.

Job tells us that death and destruction have heard of Wisdom’s fame.

Nowhere else can understanding be found, not in all of life’s game.

So pick up your cross, die the death, to enter heaven’s gate.

If you refuse, then you lose, and have sealed your eternal fate.

Rob Emerson

I'm so sorry to hear about Rob.  My condolences to the family.  Rob and I worked together for over 25 years.  He was the best adjuster I ever worked with.  I always told him I wish he could be in all 50 states, to handle the claims I had.  His knowledge and professionalism were excellent.  I sure will miss him.

Sincerely, Jeanne Spaniol