Thursday, December 31, 2015

Romans and a Rock ;)

Yesterday Keith and I had the privilege of attending a service to celebrate the life of a wonderful man, Mr. Bob Lippoldt.  There were so many thoughts and emotions that ran though my mind during the service and all evening really, I couldn't figure out how to "channel" my thoughts.  Facebook and Instagram could not completely encompass what I wanted to be able to share, so why not dust of the 'ol blog!

Truthfully, I grew up knowing "Mr. Lippoldt" - my elementary school PE teacher.  I have fond memories from his classes, crab soccer, bean bag tag and those AMAZING little scooters that you would roll around on - I have no idea what they are called, but they were a blast! ;)  When I started dating Keith, the view I had of Mr. Lippoldt expanded. Their families were close and through hearing stories and getting know him more, I started to know"Bob" :). I got to know this incredible man of faith and learned more about not only his faith, but the love of Christ his entire family has as well. Over the last year, as I have watched Bob and his family battle his illness, I have been blessed to be witness to their testimony of faith and belief in Christ.  One of posts that was shared a couple of weeks ago shared Bob's favorite Bible verse and one that speaks so loudly to what his journey has shown to so many.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." ~ Romans 8: 28

These words speak volumes.  How amazing it is to know that God has a plan for your life and when you can own that knowledge, and love God with your whole heart, that your life can be a message for others in his purpose. Incredible, absolutely incredible. I absolutely love Romans and this verse is one of the few I didn't have underlined, highlighted, or circled - though it is now. ;)

Through the entire service yesterday, there was just a constant message of faith, love of Christ and overall, SERVICE.  Every person that spoke, talked about how Bob was always serving others.  His family, his friends, everyone.  How we wanted to know people and know their story. His love for serving and sharing Christ with others.  It was over and over touching stories and memories of not only what a good man he was, but a man of Christ.

As we drove home, Keith was sharing stories and memories about Bob his servant heart. There was also moment today also in which they talked about Bob's love for being an elementary PE teacher for all those years; that the love he had of teaching basics, the fundamentals of all these sports to so many young kids and the pride he felt as he watched them succeed as athletes further on in their high school careers and sometimes beyond.  It made me think back as well to the truth in fundamentals not only of these sports, but teamwork he taught.  Teamwork is truly the backbone of success.  He was such an impact to so many of us in so many ways, but we didn't even probably realize it at the time.  It was really in that moment in the car...listening to Keith about the "Bob" he knew and the connection point to "Mr. Lippoldt" we all knew.



As we left the service, we were asked to take a rock with the word "Servant" written on the face. It's purpose is to serve as a visual reminder of what Bob stood for and believed.  He served others with his whole heart, his family, his friends, his students, and above all, The Lord. When I see our little man try his hardest to crab walk while doing wrestling drills I always remember "Mr. Lippoldt" - but when I see this rock, I see "Bob" and the full realization that they were the same person. :)  I know it may have taken a few years to sink in, but I am thankful and feel blessed to have known Mr. Bob Lippoldt. May you rest in peace sir and I look forward to the day I get to see you again!!



2 comments:

  1. What a beautiful way of expressing who he was to so many, Lisa. Thank you for being there and for taking the time to honor him with your insightful thoughts and loving words! Many blessings to you and your family! - Julie (Bob's daughter)

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  2. I wish we could have attended the service, but I appreciate you sharing your takeaway. And I believe Bob is smiling that you captured the purpose of his earthly life. "As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." 1 Peter 4:10

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