tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.comments2010-10-31T14:32:55.020-05:00TombaNeilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15109968136246604229noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-62546858617582504242010-05-27T11:54:53.336-05:002010-05-27T11:54:53.336-05:00Neil - I tried to put my sentence on your Facebook...Neil - I tried to put my sentence on your Facebook page as you suggested but could not as I don't have a facebook password etc. So am using this.<br /><br />my one sentence is:<br /><br />CURRENTLY....<br />I consider my life ..... precious, potentially delightful and fulfilling as I chase after Jesus, eagerly receiving healing and restoratiion and enjoying the blessings and privileges of royal priesthood.<br /><br />WHAT I WOULD LIKE IT TO BE ....<br />I consider my life .... as not my own as I take up the responsibility of royal priesthood to embrace the pain and distress of people and nations and carry it, with them, to the Throne for God's intervention and that my delight would be not in my own pleasure and comfort but in seeing the life and light brought to people by His grace as He responds to prayer.<br /><br />Well, I'm sorry that the sentences are not short and snappy! but they for real .... and I have been surprised.<br /><br />God bless you<br />Rosemary GraidageAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-54925398056247444722010-05-27T11:01:18.894-05:002010-05-27T11:01:18.894-05:00I want the Lord to use me however He will - inspit...I want the Lord to use me however He will - inspite of myself.Jodyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10980495089942799145noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-65449867519135684792010-04-27T08:52:21.647-05:002010-04-27T08:52:21.647-05:00Thank you for having John speak to us! He really c...Thank you for having John speak to us! He really challenged me and the Spirit used his message to convict my heart about going forth with the Lord's word and the love of Christ to our broken world.bekahbee7https://www.blogger.com/profile/09591869073053067102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-27874654755047910182010-04-19T09:51:13.699-05:002010-04-19T09:51:13.699-05:00Neil, I was so moved by John yesterday! His messa...Neil, I was so moved by John yesterday! His message was so mighty, and I could have yelled out an "amen!" so many times! :) <br /><br />He reminded me of how I felt after reading "The Heavenly Man" and "Tortured for Christ" - he put words to it best - we have to give ourselves to something bigger than ourselves. And that spiritual maturity is when the things that concern God begin to concern us. I'm so excited about this week of hearing from our international outreach, but I'm also so excited by the body of Northwest reaching out locally. Aaron Armstrong did a great job at our small group leader training presenting local outreach opportunities, and it is exciting what God is doing and can do through us if we're willing! I can't wait to hear John next Sunday! <br /><br />*sorry for the novel!Erinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04681385680981857997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-60058282706807230512010-02-27T02:20:01.350-06:002010-02-27T02:20:01.350-06:00Thank you Annette for your kind words.Thank you Annette for your kind words.Neilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15109968136246604229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-36389728486777102322010-02-26T10:13:54.349-06:002010-02-26T10:13:54.349-06:00Neil: You are a wonderful person. Your recent pos...Neil: You are a wonderful person. Your recent posting was interesting as well as comforting to me in my current difficult time. I am not sue exactly why, but just reading about your meeting so many wonderful people while you travel, shows how caring and sharing of a person you. Your parents must be very happy about your avocation in life. I will always remember our days in Columbia and the soccer fields. Annette KirsonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-79772024284989702172010-02-05T10:53:36.809-06:002010-02-05T10:53:36.809-06:00Hey, sorry about the link! It's called "...Hey, sorry about the link! It's called "Before the Morning" I think its been on KLTY some recently.Erinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04681385680981857997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-6511257278018709052010-02-05T10:05:21.238-06:002010-02-05T10:05:21.238-06:00Erin,
Thanks for your comment. Thanks for the simp...Erin,<br />Thanks for your comment. Thanks for the simple reminder that since the fall, life is hard even in exciting times like having babies. I keep expecting it to be easy and comfortable. I want heaven on earth. Which Josh Wilson song were you referring to? Something is missing on the link.Neilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15109968136246604229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-22349376132735041982010-02-04T11:51:43.568-06:002010-02-04T11:51:43.568-06:00Neil, this thought has been on my mind a lot latel...Neil, this thought has been on my mind a lot lately. Recently, a childhood friend of mine lost triplets when she was just 23 weeks pregnant, and through her blog I've seen her struggle with the grief as well as rejoice that she has a hope and future in heaven with her daughters. In my own life, Clark and I are having a third baby, and my beginning of pregnancy has not been easy. As with our other two pregnancies, I've been laid low with sickness these first few months. I have always found it hard to draw near to God during these times, and see His hand at work or rejoice for the new life He's giving us. However, this pregnancy, God has shown Himself to us mightily through His body - blessing us beyond words. Through these difficult life circumstances, God has reminded me that life is not easy, in fact it is hard. And He has made more real to me the knowledge, and oh, the HOPE, of what is come! <br /><br />"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Rom. 8:18<br /><br />There is also a song by Josh Wilson that has encouraged me tremendously. Here is a link to youtube:<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?vMniOtRnCO9I=<br /><br />Can't wait to be back at church instead of home sick! God bless!<br />~Erin MorganErinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04681385680981857997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-25412912301756064552010-01-29T17:15:29.308-06:002010-01-29T17:15:29.308-06:00Thanks for you prayers Mark.Thanks for you prayers Mark.Neilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15109968136246604229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-51235994686501349222010-01-29T17:14:57.764-06:002010-01-29T17:14:57.764-06:00Thanks Rocky!Thanks Rocky!Neilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15109968136246604229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-6556266726712834942010-01-29T10:50:29.671-06:002010-01-29T10:50:29.671-06:00WOW Neil. That is powerful. That speaks to all of ...WOW Neil. That is powerful. That speaks to all of us since we are either leaders in our families or work in some capacity. Thanks for the vulnerability. I will be praying for all of our church leaders more diligently.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18099070727253696887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-86521671404855979932010-01-28T12:28:39.579-06:002010-01-28T12:28:39.579-06:00I have had time to sit under some stupid leaders. ...I have had time to sit under some stupid leaders. Neil, you aren't one of them. Your very humility over the subject speaks of the wisdom that you bring to your calling. As an often stupid leader as well, I know and understand the weight that our decisions have on people's lives. Just last night I was a stupid leader, and had to humble myself and apologize for my shenanigans! It scares me as well, but I think that this is a healthy fear of God and at the very least a partial understanding of how our lives impact the Kingdom and the lives of others more than we will know until we reach Heaven.Rocky Presleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13122545064500813251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-76985007851327962612010-01-12T14:26:29.852-06:002010-01-12T14:26:29.852-06:00Thanks for the post Neil. I blogged about this exa...Thanks for the post Neil. I blogged about this exact same thing when we were dealing with Julie's health issues. Here is the link if you would like to read, and of course, please discern if you want to approve the comment for the rest of your subscribers. Mainly I wanted to connect my story with yours since they are so similar. <br /><br />http://worshipmerger.blogspot.com/2010/01/hoping-and-knowing.html<br /><br />As you know, that story does have a happy ending. My wife had surgery last week, and the mass was completely benign and she will fully recover without the threat of future problems. God is good. He is faithful even though at times our faith is weak on a good day!Rocky Presleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13122545064500813251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-6198765923837333342010-01-07T16:00:51.447-06:002010-01-07T16:00:51.447-06:00Bekahbee7,
One thing that has helped me is to noti...Bekahbee7,<br />One thing that has helped me is to notice how I have demonstrated the ability to go after earthly pleasures with focus and discipline. Things like athletics, even watching a mini series like "Band of Brothers", learning new things like riding a motorcycle, or even staying comfortable and warm. All of these tihngs required choices, time and neglect of something else.<br />Another thought: maybe a time other than the morning would be helpful in developing and strenghtening your taste for your time with God. Then after you have developed your delight if necessary you can start trying the morning. I like the morning because I am so easily distracted. However, the greater goal is placing myself in position where I can hear from God on a regular basis.Neilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15109968136246604229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-17251446083936614762010-01-07T08:07:08.871-06:002010-01-07T08:07:08.871-06:00I think this is what challenged me the most as wel...I think this is what challenged me the most as well. I may seem disciplined in some areas, but this is not one of them. I cannot get up early on a consistent basis. Unless I have a "responsibility" outside the home, I just stay in bed. I can come up with a dozen reasons why and some of them may have some validity, but overall, they fail. Shouldn't being with Jesus strongly outweigh anything else? It does most of the day... just not at 6 in the morning. Any suggestions on how to change this?bekahbee7https://www.blogger.com/profile/09591869073053067102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-91692686105951669082009-12-25T13:11:48.225-06:002009-12-25T13:11:48.225-06:00THanks for your Christmas blog and your sincerity ...THanks for your Christmas blog and your sincerity and honesty. The Christmas Eve service was wonderful. I really enjoyed having the kids in church and hope we will have them around more. It brings a family feel to worship. It was funny to hear what they asked for....like you, I missed the simpler toys and was personally glad to hear a girl wanting a dog. <br /><br />For the most part Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. However as I have aged, I have experienced more issues, frustrations, and expectations dashed. So I really enjoyed your sermons about longing as my eyes have been opened that what I really long for is not all the most recent new toys, best gift or a perfect spouse, but Jesus' presence which can only be found in spending time with him. It has allowed me to let go of some of my expectations of myself and others while I rest in Him. It gives me so much more freedom and peace as I realize that nothing will fill me up or satisfy me except Jesus - understanding His Love for me and experiencing Him daily. Merry Christmas to you and your family!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-82460091278979007382009-12-11T21:48:30.771-06:002009-12-11T21:48:30.771-06:00Neil, I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed ...Neil, I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your message this past Sunday about treadmills and taking time to rest. It was a very encouraging message. I just finished reading Hebrew 4:1-10 speaking about rest. Dr. Stanley Toussaint of Dallas Theological Seminary was my teacher for the Book of Hebrews. Your message reminded me of something Dr. Toussaint had said. Dr. Toussaint read Heb. 4:4 asked the students if they had ever noticed in the Genesis Creation account that there was a beginning and an ending for each day except the seventh day. Dr Toussaint said the seventh day, the Sabbath rest, is a picture of the millennial rest that introduces God's eternal day. What an idea that there is a day coming when there will be eternal rest and our worship of God for eternity will be anything but work. Living here in Dallas with the busyness and scheduled appointments, at times it is heard to believe, even for a seminary student, of an eternal rest. Thanks again for putting things back in their proper perspective and your faithful ministry to the church.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-59607896937177546622009-12-08T07:53:22.686-06:002009-12-08T07:53:22.686-06:00Neil, your sermon on Sunday has stuck with me. I k...Neil, your sermon on Sunday has stuck with me. I keep hearing..."what do I have to prove?"..and the answer is nothing as I am complete in Christ. So when I am tempted to get trendy in the wardrobe department and spend money on clothes I don't need...I hear, "what do I have to prove?" and I have the strength to not buy additional clothes. When I start to worry about what someone may think or how I look, I hear "what do I have to prove" and the worry ceases. May God continue to use you in a mighty way and may our entire church see when we get on our treadmills, may we remember to stop and think - what do we have to prove? - and may Christ give us the strength and fill us up so completely that we realize our significance is found in Christ alone so that all other strivings cease.redspwhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05643716215186704608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-91033609074540842962009-12-07T21:35:20.057-06:002009-12-07T21:35:20.057-06:00But what happens if your treadmill suddenly has lo...But what happens if your treadmill suddenly has lost its permission to run? What then? The whole world is watching you, and all that you have worked for is suddenly not giving you the boost you need to reach the finish line! Do you simply approach it as a metaphor, as a visual aid of sorts? Or do you just hop right on and run in place, knowing that your destination can be reached if you just stick with it until the end! The latter is why Neil Tomba rocks!Rocky Presleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13122545064500813251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-77531837091937222402009-12-07T21:19:38.001-06:002009-12-07T21:19:38.001-06:00I just wanted to encourageme you after this sermon...I just wanted to encourageme you after this sermon. It really spoke to me in the place that I am now. I joked with my husband during the service that you must have had a hidden microphone in our car this morning. I was telling him my struggles with the very thing you spoke about on our way to church. <br /> <br />I know the treadmill concept applies to holiday season, but I struggle with competition, envy and greed all the time. It was kind of a relief to hear it explained this way. To know that I can push that STOP button when I realize that there's nothing to prove. It made me see that my friends and family who have more than we do love me for other reasons besides our earthly possessions. <br /> <br />Thank you for that reminder and explanation of the treadmill. It will help me this holiday season especially.Katy Mitchellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18391918042006985567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-32010226292146599272009-12-07T21:02:49.473-06:002009-12-07T21:02:49.473-06:00I am continually blessed by what you have to say, ...I am continually blessed by what you have to say, but yesterday's message really spoke to me. I am one of those people that has been on the treadmill of life, trying to keep up and make sure everything looks good from the outside. I used to think that I wasn't competitive, and that it was always other people competing with me, but then got to thinking more about it and realized that "other people competing with me" wouldn't bother me at all if I, myself, wasn't competitive. :) I have been running around like a crazy person this fall and this Wednesday am throwing my third party at my home in two months (and I'm pregnant with a baby coming in March!). Yesterday, after my husband's nudging of me during the service, I realized that maybe I was just trying to please other people by constantly going and doing. More often than not, I find myself doing things for others, not because it joys me to serve them (it does), but because of the praise and recognition I get from them. And then when I don't get the full praise and recognition that I think I am worthy of, it really bothers me...which makes me realize I'm doing those things for the wrong reasons. I really loved the final line "nothing left to prove"...SO true. We each put our stop sign magnets up on the fridge and those will serve as a constant reminder that we need to rest and take care of ourselves. I went to bed last night around 9:15...fully dressed, makeup on, and slept for 10 hours...obviously I needed it! Anyway, just wanted to say thanks and I plan to really work on taking care of myself and serving with a joyful heart, not just to receive praise, and to keep up with the "Jones's".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-1374223533962082362009-11-30T14:11:41.055-06:002009-11-30T14:11:41.055-06:00Thanks Eric. Enjoyed "The Perfect Gift"
...Thanks Eric. Enjoyed "The Perfect Gift"<br />NeilNeilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15109968136246604229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-18238779426650379242009-11-29T15:30:36.509-06:002009-11-29T15:30:36.509-06:00Neil,
Just now reading this blog and can totally r...Neil,<br />Just now reading this blog and can totally relate. I desire to know Him more intimately as He is the only One who can fill all voids. Yet, I keep seeking else where; for the temporal. It is Sun. 11/29. I loved the service today and was brought to tears by the song that you shared. Who is it by? I would love to hear it again and share it with others. <br /><br />I am finding myself wanting answers to questions known and unknown with unmet satisfaction. There are so few in the church that are walking closely with the Lord that there is almost no one to turn to. It is nice when the Lord allows connections with those few that have the depth and longing for Him; when you know you are on the same page with someone and they get you. <br /><br />Thankful to Him,<br />AmenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37382821.post-72368102281503373622009-11-26T09:00:22.237-06:002009-11-26T09:00:22.237-06:00Thanks for the reminder: to bring it back to Basic...Thanks for the reminder: to bring it back to Basics. For an interesting--provocative--take on the very notion of "holiday" you might want to read "The Perfect Gift" at http://adifferentwayoflookingatthings.blogspot.com/<br />Happy Thanksgiving.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17225968464783694377noreply@blogger.com