A Very Bigley Blog

Busy

2011-10-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

Yeah, yeah, we haven't posted for a long time. Forgive us. Here's what we're doing now:

http://www.primatheatre.com/PRiMA/Productions.html

Well, 4/5 of us are - Danika is dancing in the show, Rob and Delaney are acting, and Kendra is playing synth in the band. Derek is preparing to play one of the leads in "The Importance of Being Ernest" with CLCHM.

Fall is here. The Bigleys are busy. So whats new?

A very busy season

2010-12-27T14:35:00.000-08:00

Alright, so we haven't blogged since March. That's because after March there was concerts, recitals, trips (Missouri, Spain, Boston, etc.), more concerts and recitals, and the Nutcracker! And, since we don't really have time to blog right now either, below is a link to a lovely article about the Nutcracker that says some very nice things about Danika. So there.

http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/325095

Spring=Baseball

2010-03-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

Derek played his first scrimmage as a high school baseball player today. He is the second baseman (and team captain) of the McCaskey High School Jr. Varsity Red Tornadoes Baseball team. He played a great defensive game, but the highlight was definitely his first at bat. He swung at the first pitch and sailed the ball deep into left center...an RBI double for his first time at the plate! Rob captured a photo of the hit just as the ball left the bat. A great "That's my boy!" moment.

An RBI double - way to go Bigs!

(Click on the image for a larger size)

"The Beastly Month of February" or "Pirates and Snow don't mix"

2010-02-11T09:21:00.000-08:00

After having to postpone the final weekend of the show due to LOTS of snow, we just wrapped up LBC's production of Pirates of Penzance this Monday.

The Cast and Crew of Lancaster Bible College's "Pirates of Penzance"

The Pirate King had an increasingly poignant line in the second act:

"For some ridiculous reason, to which, however, I’ve no desire to be disloyal,
Some person in authority, I don’t know who, very likely the Astronomer Royal,
Has decided that, although for such a BEASTLY month as February,
twenty-eight days as a rule are plenty,
One year in every four his days shall be reckoned as nine and twenty..."

This has been, by far, the most BEASTLY February anyone around here has ever witnessed...and we are not even half way through!!!

For those of you who were not among the privileged millions affected by the two blizzards this week, here are some photos:

Round 1 (facing south on our street)

Let the digging begin

At least Delaney and Ginger enjoyed it!

I finally freed the Windstar again (this is after the second storm). If you ever wondered how city folk get their cars out, you basically dig a harbor around your car - no point in digging all around it because you'll just get plowed back in again!

I still have a lot of work to do to get the Volvo out!

We Survived January!

2010-02-02T14:09:00.000-08:00

After 2 weddings in as many days to start the month, then two weeks of 9-5 rehearsals for LBC's musical "The Pirates of Penzance" (while still homeschooling and trying to keep up with laundry, cooking, and cleaning), then a case of either the stomach flu or food poisoning, January is finally over, and February promises to be more calm.
The show has been running for two weekends and has its two final performances this weekend. Rob says this is the most he has ever enjoyed working on a show. He is getting lots of "atta-boys" from the college administration, faculty, students, friends....well, you know how everyone loves Rob!
Danika has increased her hours of dance at Susquehanna Dance Center to once again pursue professional dance. This time however, her focus is more broad than before and will include an apprenticeship to prepare her for teaching and choreographing as well as performing.
Derek is preparing to try out for high school baseball next month. He will be "the new guy" once again, since we are in the city school district now. But I think all these challenging experiences have really helped shape Derek's character.
Delaney is growing up so fast (of course, she is surrounded by adults!), but is still such a sweet girl. She loves to sing and dance, play with friends, and "hang out at the college."
I am LOVING having teenagers - what a blast! We have great talks about things that really matter. The best is when I see an evidence of God's work in their hearts. They are both going through ALPHA this semester and have expressed their desire to be baptized this Spring. Praise God! His faithfulness and mercy are beyond measure.
We are definitely home here in Lancaster, but miss our friends and family on the West Coast more than we can say.

Long-awaited House Photos

2009-12-20T11:25:00.000-08:00

We have had multiple requests for photos of our new home, so I thought I'd better get on that. For photos of the outside of our house, please see the snowstorm blogs.

Here you go...

FIRST FLOOR

Great Room view from Front Door

Great Room view from Family Room

Family Room

Kitchen

New Powder Room off of Kitchen

Staircase

SECOND FLOOR

Girls' Room

Guest/Derek's Room

Hall Bath

Master Suite (with new bath and laundry room)

THIRD FLOOR

Ballet Studio

Third Floor Bedroom/Craft Room

View From the Third FLoor

Snow - Final Measurement

2009-12-20T05:10:00.000-08:00

Well, after 24 hours of snow, I had to resort to my tape measure for the final measurement...13 inches!

And, here is a view of our street from our front porch. In the foreground you see our two cars, both of which had been brushed off twice during the storm. But, check out the little red car on the corner - almost completely buried. It reminded Kendra and I of our days in Rochester, NY!

Even More Snow!

2009-12-19T14:03:00.000-08:00

Here is our picnic table - notice the little blue tip of our ruler sticking up? Eleven and a half inches and still coming down!

Winter Wallup

2009-12-19T12:30:00.000-08:00

We are enjoying our first major snow storm since moving into the city. These photos were taken when we still only had 6 inches of snow. Now we have 11 inches with several more in the forecast!

Our house in the midst of the blizzard

Delaney and Ginger frolicking in the back yard

Derek and Delaney trying to create a sled run at the Seminary across the street from our house

Giving Thanks

2009-11-26T16:30:00.000-08:00

We are celebrating our first Thankgiving in our new home. We have just finished our wonderful dinner - turkey, sweet potato fries, green beans, crescent rolls, home made cranberry sauce, and Rob's newly-invented sausage stuffing - and are going to walk (that's right WALK - something we city dwellers get to do) to our friends' house for dessert!

We are thankful for God's richest blessings on our family and hope that you, too, will experience His grace during this holiday season.

Diploma

2009-10-29T05:31:00.000-07:00

It is with great pomp AND circumstance (because pomp alone wouldn't suffice) that we are celebrating the arrival of Rob's doctoral diploma from the University of Washington. It is the last tangible reminder of the six years of our whole family's investment, and of God's providence.

So that you can celebrate with us, we are posting a photo of our family at LBC's fall convocation. Note the spanky, purple doctoral regalia Rob is sporting!

(the photo was taken on Kendra's phone, which explains the "stretching effect" leaving us all with 40 extra pounds each, but you still get the idea)

Nun danket alle Gott!

City Folk at Last: a year-long transition

2009-10-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

After having our house on the market for 6 months and then living in temporary housing for another 6 months, we have finally moved into our "final resting place" (as I like to call it). This has been a challenging time, but also a fun time.

Living in the apartment over the summer was just what Rob needed to relax after working on his doctorate for the last 5 summers. He didn't have to mow the lawn or work on any house projects! The kids enjoyed the pool and playground. We even used the tennis courts and golf course, though not as often as we thought we would.

Learning to trust God more fully was the greatest challenge for me, as I saw the school year approaching, and we still weren't settled in a house. God stretched me in the area of unbelief and also convicted me of the sins of discontentment and covetousness. It was a very humbling time, and I still need to grow in believing that this was really the best time-line.

About city life: We love our 1913 house - 9 foot ceilings, 12 inch base board, working transoms, and more. We are enjoying walking to friends' houses, concerts, the deli, and the park. We spent two weeks before moving in painting walls, trim, and even some floors, as well as sanding and finishing the livingroom floors. We almost got all the painting done before the move! The rest will have to wait for summer.

Last week our contractor broke ground on a small addition that will add a 1/2 bath and mudroom on the first floor and a master bath on the second floor. We spent hours in Lowes selecting lights, vanities, toilets, and hardware. We are really looking forward to having more than one bathroom!!

We are meeting neighbors, who seem friendly and willing to stop and talk for a while. Living with walls connected to other houses is definitely an adjustment (in another blog we'll tell you about the defacto fraternity house next door).

Our new 5-bedroom home has given us the opportunity to help out LBC students every once in a while. Currently, we are sharing our home with Emerald Conniff, a performance major in Rob's department. It has been great having her in our home as she is one of the funniest people I've met as well as being a huge help around the house.

Danika has been able to start teaching ballet in her new studio (a converted over-sized bedroom on the third floor). She teaches four classes each week with about 3 girls in each class. She is an excellent teacher, and the little girls just adore her!

In all we are really excited to be here.

Here are some photos of Danika teaching her first Ballet class in the "West End Studio" (a.k.a our third floor):

Finally!

2009-02-04T06:17:00.000-08:00

A REAL snow storm! 9 inches last night...

Our back yard!

Our picnic table/guest bed?

Time to start digging.

Proof!

Ahh.

"Hey, Dad, can I shovel the driveway this time?" "Sure, Danika, go ahead!"

Igloo for sale!

First Flip Video

2008-12-25T20:11:00.001-08:00

I (Rob) am loving my new Flip video Camera. Here is our first family video with it. I literally just pulled it out of the box, popped in the batteries, and hit record! Fool proof is great (especially when you are, indeed, a fool).

Enjoy!

Post-Magnificat Post

2008-11-17T18:38:00.000-08:00

We had a great weekend with our friend (and Rob's former Shoreline Community College student) Becca Kreutz. Becca sang the Mezzo arias in Bach's Magnificat with Rob conducting the LBC Chorale and Orchestra. Becca also gave a mini lecture recital at LBC and kept the Bigley family entertained all weekend with her very silly songs, astounding stories of life as a Becca, and her infectious joy in the Lord. We were sad to see her go, but are thankful that her husband and her grad school lent her to us for four days.

Magnificat

2008-11-09T20:57:00.000-08:00

Rob will be conducting Bach's Magnificat on Sunday, November 16th. He is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with his new students (the LBC Chorale and Chamber Singers) as well as with one of his favorite "old" students (Becca Kreutz, who sang under him at SCC before finishing at Wheaton). Becca will be singing the Mezzo arias in the Magnificat and will give a lecture recital at LBC's Worship and Performing Arts Forum on Friday morning.

What a week this will be!

Lancaster City

2008-10-23T05:02:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks,

As many of you know, we have put our house on the market in hopes that God is directing us to move into Lancaster City (a mere 3 miles a way, but an entirely different world). So, I thought that I would share some Lancaster City Scenes with you on occasion.

Enjoy!

First...The Dancer's Workshop, home of the Lancaster School of Ballet (where Danika studies). It is in a 100+ year old warehouse.

Next...Central Market - the oldest indoor market in America! Here you see the beautiful facade, the inside of the Market, one of the Amish booths, and - my favorite PA Dutch item - Shoo-fly-pie!

Fall Break in Ol' Virginny

2008-10-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

The Bigley Five took a road trip to Virginia via Gettysburg this weekend. Here are some photos from our new family tradition...Optical Illusion Museum Shots. These are all from Gettysburg - none of the items that appear to be wielded, fired, held or played actually are...they are all safely behind glass. Be amazed, be very amazed...

Derek with the pistol is particularly cool/scary if you ask me (click on the picture to see the close-up...it's VERY believable).

After visiting our friends the McCollums in Purcellville, we headed over to the DC area to spend the rest of the weekends with some more old friends from Seattle, the Zs (I'm not using their full name just in case some bored paparazzi decide to Google them and end up on our blog).

Here are the beautiful Bigley girls downing some serious cinnamon rolls in the Zs new kitchen.

Isaac and Derek enjoyed reconnecting even though they no longer see eye to eye - HA! Get it? Oh, I slay me. We are pretty sure that Isaac grew at least a foot this past year.

Here is a photo of us with our wonderful hosts.

After breakfast Rob and Derek hopped in the limo with the remaining Zs (Jim was already at the field) to go to the Redskins game while Kendra and the girls began their new traditional "Girls-only Annual Christmas Shopping Trip". But first, the kids had to check out the limo.

The team owner foots the bill for the family's limo ride to and from the games. My boss hasn't gotten around to doing that for me yet...yours?

We took a lot of photos at the game and might eventually get around to posting some more. Until then, here's one of Derek during warm ups (the Zs got us pre-game sideline passes...VERY cool).

Even though the Redskins lost, it was a great trip...reconnecting with good friends and relaxing with the family, who could ask for more?

Back from the West

2008-08-30T05:43:00.000-07:00

As I posted that last entry, I realized I probably should have first blogged about our summer in the Pacific Northwest. We had a great time visiting family in Oregon, Washington, and Arizona, and friends throughout the Seattle area. We were blessed to live in the Thomas's Redmond home and borrow cars from the Montagues, MacDonalds, and Sands. It was hard, however, to be away from home (Lancaster) for over 7 weeks. Rob wondered if that is how missionaries on furlow feel - returning to a place that is so familiar but no longer home, while one's "real life" is on hold.

Why did we go for so long? Good question. Originally, we were planning to visit for about a month - from my Sackett-family reunion until the Montague's baby was born. During that time, Rob planned to interview composer Gloria Swisher, who is the subject for his Doctoral Dissertation. Then Crossroads Bible Church asked Rob to fill in as Worship Leader for the summer, so we extended our trip by three more weeks. We took several trips during the weekdays (between Sundays).

Highlights:
Visit with Kendra's Aunt, Uncle, and Grandparents in Spokane, WA - swimming and tubing at Loon Lake.
Visit with Rob's Grandpa in Prscott, AZ - touring the Verde Valley, seeing Indian ruins and petroglyphs.
Family reunion in Sunriver, OR - biking, swimming, hiking, playing games.
Dinners, lunches, and coffee dates with friends (you know who you are - thanks!)
Play dates for the kids with old friends
The birth of Logan Trey Montague

When we got back to Lancaster, there was a huge "Welcome Home" sign in our yard and a gift box on our doorstep. People have been surprising us by dropping by, just to say hello. It is really good to be back at Crossway Church of Lancaster with our church family here.

Danika, Derek, and Delaney are in Branson, MO this weekend to visit Rob's Mom and Grandma (Buckie). They are having a great time - trampoline, zip-line, sport court, swimming pool, amusement park, shows, etc. While they are gone, I am deep-cleaning the house and getting organized for home schooling.

Rob started classes at LBC this past week. He was a little overwhelmed going into it, as they lost an adjunct teacher two weeks ago, and he now has to teach an overload. But it was a good week, and he is excited about the year ahead.

Thank you to everyone in WA who welcomed us with such warm smiles and hugs, blessed us with such generosity, and shared your hearts and lives with us this summer. I pray you would know the grace of God in increasing measure throughout the year to come.

The Teacher.....for ALL ladies

2008-08-30T05:35:00.000-07:00

I was just reading our church blog (http://crosswaylife.wordpress.com/) and came across this entry from the wife of one of the pastors. I was so encouraged, I thought you would be too!

The ‘lazy’ days of summer are gone, and I am now embarking on the amazing responsibility of schooling my two oldest boys. As I look at this daunting task, I have two choices: I can run away screaming and tearing my hair out, or I can embrace this season with faith and awe, that God has chosen to allow me to make this priceless investment into the minds and hearts of these children. Over the last four years of homeschooling, I have learned much and have had the opportunity to watch my boys’ minds be stretched and see some exciting ‘lightbulb’ moments firsthand- what a treasure! I stumbled across a poem written in 1921, and as I read it, I am reminded of my temptation to self-sufficiency in this area of teaching my children, and therefore my need to cast myself on His mercy daily as I seek to honor Him in this area of my life. And so, to all the ladies who read this: Thank you for your investment in the lives of children! From young mother’s helpers, young adults babysitting, singles whose occupation is teaching, home-schooling moms, public- and private-schooling moms, to Grandmothers with their grandchildren, and everyone in between, we are all called by God in some fashion to teach those who are younger, and so this applies to you, too! I hope it encourages you all along this amazing journey of instruction!

The Teacher
LORD, who am I to teach the way
To little children day by day,
So prone myself to go astray?
I teach them knowledge, but I know
How faint the flicker and how low
The candles of my knowledge glow.
I teach them power to will and do,
But only now to learn anew
My own great weakness through and through.
I teach them love for all mankind
And all God’s creatures, but I find
My love comes lagging far behind.
Lord, if their guide I still must be,
Oh let the little children see
The teacher leaning hard on Thee.
by Leslie Pinckney Hill

Leaning hard on the LORD,
Kendra

12 more days

2008-08-06T15:25:00.000-07:00

We have hit the homestretch of our time here in the Pacific Northwest (I wish I could say the same about my dissertation). After saying goodbye to my Grandpa Bigley (who is as dashing as always even at 95) in Arizona...

...we headed to Sunriver, OR for a family reunion with Kendra's clan. Summer in Sunriver always includes lots of bike riding, ice cream, and plenty of pool time for the kids!

While it has been a blessed time with friends and family, we are itching to return home to Lancaster.

A Western Adventure

2008-07-16T23:43:00.001-07:00

We're having a great time visiting our family and friends out west this summer. This week we are in Arizona visiting my grandparents.
We spent today in Red Rocks Country.

We explored several Native American and Pre-historic ruins.

Deciphered various petroglyphs.

Ate lunch in Sedona, which Kendra REALLY enjoyed.

We also visited Jerome, an old mining town, turned ghost town, turned artist colony. Here are the kids in one of the old mining cars. I'm sure that it wasn't quite as charming in the early 1900's when it was used to transport workers over two miles into the mountain side, but it's a quaint little photo op now.

One of the best Bigley family road trips on record.

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." Romans 1:20

Yeeaaah, that's right.

Holding Down the Fort

2008-05-15T06:18:00.000-07:00

Well, Rob is off on his annual college choir tour; back to Spain again. This is only the second time in 15 years that I have not gone on tour with him. It seemed best for me to stay here with the kids and finish up the school year.

The tour this year combines members of the Lancaster Bible College choir and orchestra with Spanish singers and instrumentalists to debut Mendelssohn's "Elijah" in Spanish. Classical choir concerts have proven to be a great opportunity to share the Gospel in Spain. Each concert attendee will receive a score of Elijah as a gift; they will be taking home scripture, as all the text for the oratorio is straight out of the Bible.

Meanwhile, the kids and I are learning about the Fall of Rome, the Human Body, and Algebra. Then we run around all afternoon to ballet and baseball. Danika has her year-end ballet performance in two weeks (Grandma and Grandpa are coming from Oregon!)and Delaney has a ballet and tap performance at the end of June.

So we are busy, but more importantly, we are blessed by the amazing Grace of God in our lives. Why He would choose to lavish His love on a sinner like me, I will never understand. He is such a good God, deserving all our worship and praise.

Choose your songs carefully!

2008-04-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

I am taking advantage of being sick today by listening to sermons from my favorite preachers. Listening to one by Alistair Begg right now from Psalm 32. In teaching on v. 7 "..you surround me with shouts (songs) of deliverance" he quotes Alec Motyer's book "Look to the Rock: An Old Testament Background to Our Understanding of Christ." It drives home the weight of responsibility that our young worship leaders will be carrying as they graduate from LBC and enter their careers. Motyer says:

"When truth gets into a creed or a hymn-book, it becomes the confident possession of the whole church."

Begg then adds:
"As a church sings, so a church will live."

Wow.

One of the most important habits that I developed during my internship under Dan Perrin at CBC, was going through new worship songs with a fine tooth comb so as to root out "loose" doctrine. Begg's sermon underscores the importance of that process.

As we choose songs for worship, we are steering the very creed of our congregation!

Sobering stuff.

Back to blowing my nose.

Rob

Elijah

2008-04-07T11:09:00.001-07:00

Lancaster Bible College presented the World Premier of Mendelssohn's Elijah in Spanish this past weekend. Among the soloists were Derek Bigley (boy soprano - probably for the last time because he turns 13 next month), Rob Bigley (baritone), and LBC faculty member Deb Valentin (soprano - she's on Kendra's left in the picture above). It was a great success!

McDonald's

2008-04-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

You will likely hear some news about McDonald's sponsoring the Gay and Lesbian Agenda. Usually I ignore those sorts of things assuming that they are just idle rants. Turns out, sadly, this one is true.

I feel sick to my stomach (not the first time McDonald's has done that to me - HA), what really has me sick is the impressive list of corporate sponsors that the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce has.

I don't know what (if anything) Christians should do with this info...if nothing else, it is further evidence that we are, indeed, living in a post-Christian environment.

If you have any creative, grace-filled, Gospel-centered approaches you'd like to share, please leave a comment.

Here is the NGLCC's website so you can make yourself sick too....

http://www.nglcc.org/ht/d/sp/i/213/pid/213

Gay's and Lesbians (just like the rest of us) need to know the mercy and forgiveness offered at the foot of the cross. The last thing they need is corporate sponsorship of their sin-justification!

Under His Mercy,

Rob

Classic!

2008-03-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

Delaney and I were watching some home videos the other day. When we got to my ultrasound of her, she asked me, "Mommy, how did it get inside there?" I took a deep breathe and went into my speech about God's plan for the male seed to enter the female egg. She very politely let me finish and then said, "No, Mommy, how did the camera get inside your tummy?" I discovered that explaining conception is a whole lot easier than explaining sound waves!!!

A Very Bigley Musical

2008-03-04T05:05:00.000-08:00

The Hills are officially no longer alive with the Sound of Music! We finished our very fun, but tiring, run of the show with Central Lancaster County Homeschool Music this weekend. Kendra was a rehearsal accompanist (and makeup artist), Danika was a Nun/Party Guest/Ursula, Derek was Friedrich, and Delaney was Gretl. Since his whole family was involved, Rob agreed to direct the show when the first (and second) directors had to step down after a couple of weeks of rehearsal. It was a great show, and a lot of fun, but we are loking forward to some normalcy for a while. Here are some pictures of the three Bigley stars...

Blog-a-Day

2008-02-26T06:06:00.000-08:00

Kendra here. About a year ago, my sister, Kara, told me about a blog called, "GirlTalk." It's written by Carolyn Mahaney and her three adult daughters. I just recently started reading it, and think it is great! Their biblical approach to all things feminine is so helpful, and they are a lot of fun. If you can listen to Steve Allen's "sermon-a-day", do it - awesome preaching! If you only have 5 minutes, you could make this your "blog-a-day". Go to http://girltalk.blogs.com/

Right now they are in a series addressing the challenges of PMS/Postpartum Depression/Menopause. They are giving biblical teaching on how to deal with these difficult times in our lives. God is using their words to strengthen and encourage me in this area.

In addition, you can read all their past series, listed by topic on the side bar. I have searched many of these and find them to be consistently excellent (and pretty funny too!). Enjoy!

SNOW!!!!!!!!!!

2008-02-22T19:31:00.000-08:00

Finally...after three weeks of waiting we have our second snowfall of the year. We bundled up, grabbed our sleds, and headed for Lancaster Bible College for an afternoon of pulling some serious "G's".

Here are Delaney, Derek, and Danika (with Ginger giving chase) sledding on the hill in front of LBC's Good Shepherd Chapel. "Old Main" (the oldest building on campus c. 1850's) is the white building in the background.

Relief Valve

2008-02-21T11:59:00.000-08:00

We just spent nearly 200 bucks to have our water heater's relief valve replaced (after the first one flooded our basement 2 days ago). Got me wondering...how important is that $200 (including an hour and a half of labor to wait for the tank to get up to temperature so the plumber can make sure it is funtioning correctly - don't get me started) piece of equipment?

See the following video for the answer. I think I'll go move my daughter's bed out of the line of fire now.

Winter in PA

2008-02-17T16:13:00.000-08:00

Ok, here are some pics from our first Winter "back East."

First - photos from our day at Hershey Park's "Candy Lane" (LBC bought tickets for our whole family as a "thank you" gift to the girls for participating in our Christmas program...thanks, Dan).

Measuring up for the big kid rides.

Hey..you're not Mickey!

Ah...just like floating on sub-freezing air.

Still trying to convince the kids that they were actually at Disney World, Kendra and Rob portray "Beauty and the Beast" (notice my beastly beard...I wish I could tell you that it eventually filled in, but we just heard a sermon on the 9th Commandment today, so I can't)

Hey, why isn't there a big line for this ride?

Oh, th-th-th-that's why!

And now, some firsts...

Our first Christmas in our new home.

Our first Skype session with our best friends in Seattle
(what a GREAT Christmas present)

Our first giant snowball...pretty sure we broke some sort of record.

And finally...our first Shaq-sized snowman. You won't find that on the Allen's blog! HA!

Life-Changing Homework

2008-02-09T11:59:00.000-08:00

As part of the membership class at our new church, we have weekly listening assignments. This week's CD was John Piper preaching on the Supremacy of God. It was the most incredible bible teaching I have ever heard in my life! I can't mail everyone the CD, but I can direct you to his website, where you can hear the same message. I can't tell you how life-changing this message is! The implications for how you worship, parent, evangelize, pray, etc. are staggering. Please take the time; you won't regret it. Go to www.desiringgod.org and type "passion 97" in the search bar. Piper's messages entitled "Passion for the Supremacy of God" Parts 1 and 2 are both there. Beware - this is powerful stuff!

Wow...a Perfect Gift!

2008-02-06T22:07:00.000-08:00

Hi world. Rob here.

Through a series of very gentle trials this summer, God ministered to me with some insights from James 1. I thought I'd share them with you...

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing....Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." (James 1:2-4, 12-18)

Our oldest daughter, Danika, (who is now 14!!!) is an amazing ballerina. However, when she first began studying at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School, she would often come home complaining that the teacher had "picked on" her too much that day. From her perspective, her teacher was pouring out contempt on her. From our perspective, we could see that her teacher was singling Danika out because she wanted to develop her skills as a dancer. In a class of over a dozen little girls, it is actually an honor to have the teacher pay attention to you in that way (although it hardly feels like it to the litle girl who is object of the attention).

Trials are very similar...they are about God paying attention to us. The Lord of the universe, in his sovereignty, designs trials just for me...just for you! THAT is why we are commanded to "count it all joy." We're getting an overhaul from God! Notice the last part of the passage above:

"Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." (James 1:16-17)

That is within the context of TRIALS - differentiating "temptation" (not from God) from "Trials" (the good and perfect gift from the Father of Lights). We Americans, who live lives that demonstrate our belief that God wants us to be comfortable above all, ALWAYS take that passage out of context. We believe that our homes, our cars, our paychecks, our comfort are the good and perfect gifts...NO it's our TRIALS that mature us into the image of our Savior. The other stuff just lures us into self-sufficiency and self righteousness.

Dear merciful Father of Lights, who are we that you should even be mindful of us? Please grant us Joy as you pay attention to us!

Wise Investments

2008-02-06T15:34:00.000-08:00

Hello world - Rob here.

OK, since Kendra is clearly the more insightful writer on our blog, I have decided to recruit the help of John Piper.

This powerful little 9-minute video is very convicting, so watch at your own risk!

Legalism - as promised

2008-01-17T09:11:00.000-08:00

So, as I mentioned, our church has great "Cross-centered" teaching. That means we keep the Gospel the Main Thing. That doesn't mean every Sunday is a "gospel message" with an altar call, but it does mean that every scripture passage or topic we study, in the end, comes back to the amazing work God accomplished through Jesus Christ's death on the cross.

What does that have to do with legalism? Legalism goes against the truth that salvation is by faith alone. Here's a definition I stole: Legalism is seeking to achieve forgiveness from God and acceptance by God through obedience to God. Now obviously obedience to God is a good thing, but we must never think we can gain God's approval and forgiveness through it. If I am justified by personal performance, then I get the honor and glory, instead of God. It's like saying, "I'm sorry God. What Jesus did on the cross wasn't enough; I need to add my own works to it to be saved."

This seems really obvious to those who were raised in the church, memorizing verses like Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith....not a result of works, so that no one may boast." But what God is showing me is that even though I trusted Him by faith for salvation, I still try to gain His approval through works. One week I may go to church feeling "close to God"; I can worship with enthusiasm and joy. The next week is a bad week; I dishonor my husband, yell at my kids, and fail to have a quiet time all week. I go to church feeling "far from God"; I sit in the back and have trouble singing. I just know God is disappointed with me. He can't possibly approve of me.

Wrong! What a lie! That is legalism. I can't gain God's approval through doing good. I have His approval because when Christ took my sin in His own body on the cross, He not only forgave me, but also imputed to me His Righteousness! Hallelujah! I am justified before God; the debt I never could have paid has been paid by Christ!

We must preach this Gospel to ourselves every day! When we start to feel like a guilty, disappointing failure, we aren't remembering the truth of what God has accomplished. We are trying to earn His approval through our own effort. This robs Him of the praise and glory He is due.

For a more complete teaching on cross-centered living, I highly recommend "The Main Thing" or "The Cross-centered Life", both by C. J. Mahaney; available at www.sovereigngraceministries.org.

What about the wife and kids?

2008-01-16T15:23:00.000-08:00

Kendra here. I've been wanting to write for a while, but Rob is such a great writer that I felt a little intimidated. Not that it's a contest; I just wasn't sure anyone would be interested. But then I thought maybe someone would be curious about the wife and kids.

It is definitely an adjustment moving to a different part of the country. You would think, "hey, we're all American, right? How different can it be?" But you wouldn't believe how many little things add up to make a culture.

The biggest difference here is that the majority of the people in Lancaster County have been here for generations. Their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents all still live here. They can't imagine living anywhere else, and they can't believe it when we say we came from Washington (State - we have to clarify that here).

The other major difference here is how much more conservative people are. In Seattle I was easily conservative, but here (compared to the Amish or Mennonite) not so much. Church attendance is really high (there are as many churches here as Starbucks there); it's almost like the "bible-belt of the North." In addition, much of the so-called "conservativeness" is really legalism. (More about what God is teaching me about legalism in a different posting.)

It's really hard to describe the cultural climate in words. I just sometimes find myself afraid I'm going to do or say something wrong. I told a friend recently, "The hardest thing is not knowing if I can really be myself."

The very best thing about living here, for me, is our church. Our last six months in Bellevue, I caught a glimpse of "the church I had always dreamed of" at the Saturday night service. As we drove across the country in August, we read the book "Family-Driven Faith", and became convicted that we weren't doing all we should to disciple our own children. We agreed together to make some changes at home, but we also wanted to find a church that set up ministry in a way that supported our goal of multi-generational faithfulness. We visited Crossway Church of Lancaster (www.crosswaypa.org) our first week and never went anywhere else. Besides the great cross-centered teaching, they have family-integrated worship, a parent/youth ministry (awesome!), and the most incredible example of biblical fellowship I've ever witnessed; we have been welcomed, invited into peoples' homes, loved and cared for..... Our family is forming friendships with other families in the church (with an average of 5-6 kids per family, there's someone for everyone!).

This is turning out to be a great year for us in our home school. We are continuing our classical, liberal arts and sciences education. I am reading (and highly recommend) "Wisdom and Eloquence - A Christian Paradigm for Classical Learning" by Robert Littleton and Charles T. Evans. We are all reading through the Old Testament as we study Ancient Civilizations and will continue through the New Testament as we study the Roman Empire.

We are in rehearsals right now for The Sound of Music. Danika is a nun/party guest; Derek is Friedrich; Delaney is Gretl; and I am the rehearsal accompanist. Our show is Feb. 28-Mar. 2. It is really fun for me to be able to participate with the kids in this.

Rob just walked by and said, "Wow....long blog." Is that bad? I hope I wasn't too long winded. Hope you enjoyed hearing about the rest of the fam.

Wrap-up of Roby's Service

2008-01-16T14:24:00.000-08:00

I have been reading "The Spiritual Secret of Hudson Taylor" - a great book...one that is certain to challenge you. As for me, it has certainly changed the way that I pray. Taylor once said something like, "When man works, man works - when man prays, God works."

So, a few days before Roby's memorial service, I felt compelled to pray about going - knowing full well that, now that I am back in academia (and in Pennsylvania), I couldn't afford the airline tickets. The very next morning, I got an email from a friend in Seattle who felt compelled to offer to use "miles" to buy a ticket for me. Two days later, I was heading back to the Pacific Northwest. Oh look...when man prays, God works. Why does that always surprise me?

Anyway, the weekend was full of glimpses of God - a wonderful 2 hour lunch with my dear friend Anne (who was Roby's closest friend and the main reason I felt compelled to be there), lots of play time with my niece and nephew, reconnecting with "my guys" (wish you could have heard us all singing "Happy Birthday" to Steve Allen over Skype...the Yale Glee Club would have been envious), seeing lots of good friends, worshiping at CBC on Saturday night, coffee with some of my old band mates on Sunday morning, praying with my best friend the night before he went in for knee surgery, and, of course, the lovely memorial service in honor of Roby Duke.

One of the highlights of the service was Chris Hopkins (ChrisHopkinsArt.com), a very close artist-friend of Roby's who, while the service was going on, was on the stage finishing this painting of Roby engaged in his signature bear-hug with Jesus
Thanks to Mindy who was there with her camera phone to snap this photo. And thanks to Bob Bennett for info on the artist (see his comment for more background).

The artist gave the painting to Roby's son, Brantley, after the service.

There was great music (of course), even Roby led us all in worship via this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJlU7AqwdVM

It was very cool to hear all of us there join in on the humming part - laughing, crying, and singing all the way.

There were also several great eulogies and letters read. The highlight was Roby's sister (who I only knew through his stories...he called her "the Railroad Man"). She was dignified, very funny, and VERY Southern...wonderful.

The whole weekend was beautiful. Of course there was grief, but not without hope - and, surprisingly, not without a whole lot of joy as well.

Rob

100 Best Friends

2008-01-06T20:18:00.000-08:00

Just got back from Roby Duke's memorial service in Seattle. It was really a great celebration of the man, the musician, the friend of hundreds. I'm not exaggerating about that. I bet there are at least a hundred of us out there that felt like we were close friends of Roby. It became a running joke amongst those who were invited to speak at the service..."Hello, I'm (fill in the blank) and Roby Duke was my best friend."

How does that happen? How does someone have the ability to know so many people so well that they count him as one of their closest friends? Most of us in the performing arts have lots of acquaintances, even lots of friends, but I haven't met anyone that had such a significant one-on-one impact on so many people. This is not the typical, "Oh your songs have meant so much to me during the trying times of my life" type impact that most songwriters hope to have. I'm talking myriads of people who had a meaningful, on-going deep relationship with one man.

I wish I could aspire toward that, but I don't think it's possible for us mere mortals.

Mississippi Mud

2007-12-31T09:00:00.000-08:00

This was my favorite side of Roby...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJlU7AqwdVM

We've No Less Days...

2007-12-30T20:58:00.000-08:00

Here's a video of Roby leading his version of Amazing Grace at a songwriter's workshop. Man, we lost a great one!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22e2UMPrQp8

A Sad Day

2007-12-28T19:06:00.000-08:00

We learned today that our long-time friend, Roby Duke, went home to Jesus this week. Just to be clear...this is a GREAT day for Roby (and Jesus), but a sad day for those of us who loved to hang out with one of the best musicians around.

He was a good friend, fellow Southerner, an encourager, exhorter, servant, and lover of good food. I missed him when we moved out here to PA. I miss him even more now.

Roby had one #1 hit on Billboards CCM Charts. It was "I Shall See God" from 1990.

The lyrics are especially moving today:

It's almost as if someone is standing there
And I don't know what I'd give to see the face that seems to stare
All my life I'd give to know His ways
But, just how much I know, I'm no fool I dare not say

As I go in the way of the earth
As I step through the door
There where time is no more
I shall see God

Older, much older now, I still believe
That when all else is gone the Rock of Ages cleft for me
Holding something I can't feel or see
I'll tarry 'til the day I hear the music of the free

As I go in the way of the earth
As I step through the door
There where time is no more
I shall see Perfect peace, perfect love

Finally I'll face the beginning
As I go As I go in the way of the earth
As I step through the door
There where time is no more
I shall see God

I shall see Him
I shall see Him

I remember hearing that song when we lived in Miami. I said to Kendra..."Wow, that sounds like James Taylor. Did he become a believer?"

I had the pleasure of knowing Roby during his Renaissance years (basically the past decade). If you haven't heard his music lately, you need to. He has a couple of his newer cuts on his Myspace. I am proud to say that he gave me a bootleg copy of "Relaxed Fits" before it was released...it is simply beautiful.

I also got to hang out with him one day (he was helping me choose a guitar for my son, Derek) when he played for me a project that he was working on to help people who were in hospice care. Another beauty. No surprise...Roby was beautiful.

Now he's stunning.

While at Crossroads Bible Church (where Roby's best friend, Anne, was my co-laborer), I had the privilege of leading one of my favorite Roby Duke songs at least a couple of dozen times. I'll sign off with it tonight.

Good night, Roby. See you in the Morning...

He Shall Reign

Behold the God Who leads us day by day to worship his Son.
Behold the Lion of Judah Who for our salvation battled and won.

Hallelujah. Hallelujah!

He shall reign forever and ever.
The Lord omnipotent praise His name forever, amen.
He shall reign forever and ever.
His kingdom come His will be done forever, amen.

Behold the Balm of Gilead who heals and prays with Heaven's power.
Behold and praise the Son of God who hears us in our darkest hour.

Hallelujah. Hallelujah!

He shall reign forever and ever.
The Lord omnipotent praise His name forever, amen.
He shall reign forever and ever.
His kingdom come His will be done forever, amen.

Oh...and Tami, too

2007-12-11T05:39:00.000-08:00

When we wrote our annual Christmas letter, I insisted on listing all of the wonderful friends and family who took the time to come visit us in our first lonely months away from Seattle. Kendra said, "You'd better not list everyone by name because you're going to forget somebody." "Ha!" I said, "Ha! How could I possibly forget somebody?"

I forgot somebody.

Our friend Tami Dale, who drove several hours out of her way to spend an afternoon with us, was left off of the list.

Thanks for visiting us, Tami. It really did mean a lot to us (at the time). "Ha!"

-Rob

Guilted into the blogosphere

2007-12-10T19:27:00.000-08:00

"Okay, okay, we'll do it!"

Here we are...blogging. I (Rob) am not particularly into the whole Blog thing (after all, Jayson Turner completely blasted the blogosphere in one of his sermons last year and I might have voiced a hearty "Amen!" here and there). BUT...my good friend Steve Allen keeps bugging us about it. So, seeing that he is in Africa serving God in ways that most of us only nightmare about, I decided that I would do it for him.

So, here it is - A Very Bigley Blog - just for our dear friends the Allens...and, I suppose, anyone else in the whole entire world who wants to check in on the Bigleys every once in a while.

And now...our first photo upload:

No, this is not our family, but when you move to Lancaster, PA, you spend your first several weeks taking photos of every Amish person that you see. After a while you realize that they are going to be here a while, so there's no big rush. Still, it's pretty cool. So cool that Lancaster county's Amish-sighting-based tourist industry is huge. We're talking millions of tourists a year with their noses pressed against the windows of their air-conditioned motor coaches hoping to catch a glimpse of some guy with a beard plowing his fields.

Life here is good - we have begun to build some wonderful friendships, we love our church (http://www.crosswaypa.org/), I (Rob) love my job (http://www.lbc.edu/), and Kendra and the kids are loving the extra time they have together with Kendra not needing to work.

Over Thanksgiving we met up with my Dad and his wife, Karen, in Williamsburg, VA. We had a great time. Here's a photo to prove it:

See...great time. Told you so.

Okay. That's it. The first blog. Now, that wasn't so bad after all.

Time for my root canal.

Rob (for all)