Cassidy Robinson

Thankful in Transition

Cassidy Robinson — Mon, 14 May 2012 18:06:00 +0000

Today I woke up with no schedule. No plans. For the first time in three weeks!

Since moving to Ocala, I have been overcome with emotions. Happiness, excitement, worry, joy, anticipation, nervousness, relief… I am sure there are a few I’m leaving out. But above all else, if there’s one thing I can testify to… it is thankfulness. It may only be Monday, but I am going to begin this new week by listing a few things I have been thankful for since this transition.

I am thankful for…

My brave and faithful husband.

I have been amazed by Josh’s obedience to God, even when it may mean taking the difficult path. Uprooting our lives and moving to a new city, leading a new ministry, and making new friends… is not an easy task. It takes a man of character, leadership and strength to make this transition comfortable – not only for himself, but for his family as well. I am thankful today for my husband and his ability to do that.

A welcoming church family.

We have been blown away by the support of our new church family @ The Springs. There were about 20 people in and out of our house the day we arrived. Helping us unload, unpack and stocking our pantry with groceries. It was a sight to see! In fact, as I look around my house right now… it looks like we have lived here for at least three months, not three WEEKS! They have gone above and beyond to bless us and make us feel welcome here. Thank you, Church @ The Springs.

Our baby boy, Micah.

Now that we are settled into our home, we can begin the exciting journey of planning for the arrival of our little boy, Micah! Every morning I am greeted with a little “thump, thump” from this little one. Being pregnant was an answer to prayer for us, and one that I will never take advantage of. There are only 16 weeks left to enjoy, before Micah is expected to make his appearance. This pregnancy has flown by! I am thankful for our precious blessing.

My mom’s remission from cancer.

I received the great news that my mom’s cancer was in remission… on my BIRTHDAY! It was a wonderful gift. The best I could ask for. I know that this does not mean the end of the battle for her just yet, but it does give us hope that the chemo is working and the cancer can be defeated! As with any trial, it brings us to our knees. Our dependence is on the Lord to get through it. I can say this has been so true for my family. I am so thankful for God’s mercy and healing on my mother.

New opportunities.

Not everything about transitioning is difficult, of course. There are lots of exciting opportunities for us ahead as we make new friends, discover new ways to use our gifts and talents, and explore our new city! We have already enjoyed eating out at several local places, found the closest airport where we can take a short (55 minute!!) flight to Greenville to visit Josh’s family, we joined the local YMCA, I led worship with The Springs team this weekend and Josh has baptized two students already!! We are thankful for this new platform and all the opportunities that come with it. May God be honored in all we do!

Still My Soul

Cassidy Robinson — Wed, 09 May 2012 21:04:49 +0000

Today I found out a college friend and sister-in-Christ passed away in a car accident last night. My heart broke. I was driving home myself when I heard the news, and stopped at every yellow light. I didn’t want to chance it. Also, I used the extra time to send up prayers on behalf of the husband and son she left behind. These are the times I just don’t understand God’s plan.

Just a few days ago I received an email from a worship leader named Brian who came across my videos on youtube. He shared with me a little of his story and that he is a songwriter as well. He asked if I wouldn’t mind covering one that he has written. Honestly, I get emails like this quite frequently and rarely respond. Usually I am too busy or the music/lyrics are not really something I connect with.

But this was different. These lyrics inspired me and on top of that, the music he attached to it only added to the power of the message. I was really impressed. I played around with it on the guitar a little, before getting caught up in something else. But I wrote and let him know that I would find time to record it as soon as I could.

Then today happened. And in the crazy way that God works, as I was trying to comprehend and grieve the loss of this precious sister in Christ, the words of Brian’s song came to my mind.

I just had to share it with all of you.

Still My Soul
Words/Music ©2012 Brian Rossi
(Arranged by Cassidy Robinson)

Verse 1:
Broken Hearted
Life’s frustrated
Hopes and dreams, are gone

Tears have fallen
Cries have echoed
Fears and doubts consume

CHORUS:
Still my soul will
Boast in God who
Fills my heart with joy (2x)

Verse 2:
Sorrow spoken
Songs to Heaven
Lord You hear my cry

Loving Father
Mercies promised
Grace that satisfies

CHORUS

BRIDGE:
Praise to God
Exalt His Name
Magnify the King
Who hears my cry
Who heals my soul
My broken heart will sing

Here is a little bit of Brian’s testimony in writing this song:

For me, one of the areas I struggle the most as a human is seeing my family members experience pain and health issues. My wife has MS and my 8 year old son is a cancer survivor. I am the worship leader at my church and most of the tunes I’ve written focus on God’s grace and strength in my times of weakness. I guess I’ve been allowed to experience all of those things with my family so I can have the real life experience that make writing songs like that mean something.

Amen, Brian.

Our New Journey

Cassidy Robinson — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:33:19 +0000

In the four short years that we’ve been married, Josh and I have been on quite the journey.

Our engagement and first year of marriage was spent in Jacksonville, Florida at FaithBridge Church, before we moved to a small town in Alabama where Josh accepted the position as student pastor of Watermark Church. Just as God clearly called us to each of these ministries, He has now, even more clearly, called us to another one.

In the past four months, a lot has happened in Josh and I’s life. We found out we were expecting our first child! Something we have prayed for, for the past year. And then a couple weeks later, we got the news that my mom was diagnosed with stage IV Lymphoma. Having walked down this road before with Josh’s brother, Jordan, we were devastated to see someone we love facing the horrible “c-word” again. I have been traveling back, once a month, to my hometown in Ocala, FL to visit my mom after her chemo treatments.

A new struggle began to arise in our hearts, and Josh came home one day just exhausted emotionally. We both were. It never crossed my mind to move, since… well, I was pregnant. A move would require a change in doctor, home, stability – all things that (on top of labor, ha) were my worst fear. But as Josh and I talked and began planning for our future, we were not at peace with staying where we were.

God worked in ways that only He could, to lead us to the Church @ The Springs.

It is an incredible story. One that I don’t even know where to begin in writing down. All that I can say is, we are blessed. Blessed to be called to serve with a church whose mission beats right along with our heart for people, blessed to be called to serve with a church located 10 miles from my mom’s (and dad’s) house, blessed to be able to give birth (Lord-willing) to our son in the same hospital that I was born in, and blessed to know that God is completely in control and has worked every detail out perfectly.

As with any move, leaving people we love is bittersweet. We have made some great relationships at Watermark and are going to miss them dearly! My prayer and hope rests in the fact that I know God is going to continue the work that He began in so many of the students and families that we were able to share the past three years of our lives with. It has nothing to do with us. His work will be completed regardless. I am just thankful that we are allowed to be a part of it.

19 Weeks

Cassidy Robinson — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:01:29 +0000

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 19 Weeks (almost halfway there!)

Size of baby: Mango

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 14 lbs (holy moly!)

Maternity Clothes: Dresses are my favorite thing right now. I did wear my first maternity shorts a couple weeks ago (so comfy!) and I bought a very handy belly band. I can still fit into my jeggings, but it’s getting uncomfortable!

Gender: BOY!! Micah Jordan Robinson

Movement: Yes!! I felt the first flutters on April 3, in the morning, while I was lying in bed reading. It was amazing. I have been feeling him move ever since. Stronger every day. No kicks yet, though!

Sleep: Sleep wasn’t going well… until I bought a body pillow! Haha. I was starting to get pain in my hip that would wake me up in the middle of the night. I still wake up off and on, but I am sleeping much better.

What I miss: Honestly, not a lot. I love being pregnant! But there are things I avoid for safety reasons, that I will look forward to returning to. :)

Cravings: I have been STARVING lately! (Could explain the weight gain, haha) But I’ve read that it’s good to eat what you crave, because it’s your body’s way of telling you what you need. I have been avoiding food that causes indigestion and heartburn though.

Symptoms: Speaking of heartburn, that’s my main symptom right now. Along with hip/ round ligament pain.

Best Moment this week: Finding out our baby’s gender and seeing HIM on the ultrasound! Nothing like it!

Our appointment yesterday was amazing. I still think about it and smile. Such a wonderful experience to see your baby, the one you pray for and trust that God is growing and nurturing! I breathe a huge sigh of relief every time the ultrasound tech assures us that the baby is healthy and looks “absolutely perfect.” I couldn’t ask for such a blessing! Yesterday’s ultrasound was more detailed and thorough as she examined our baby’s brain, spine and heart for any sign of problems. There were none! Praise God. The only thing that was outside the range of normal was our baby’s weight – 10 ounces already!! A little above average is what she told us. I guess I’ve been eating enough for the two of us. :)

And of course, there was the big gender reveal… it’s a BOY! It was funny. It took her 20 minutes or more to get the baby to finally “show us the goods” so we could know what we were having. But she told us afterwards that she caught a glimpse of “it” within the first couple minutes, but it wasn’t obvious enough to show us yet so she didn’t say anything! I did catch her refer to the baby as a “he” though… and then she caught herself and said real fast, “…OR she.” But I figured that was just an accident! Haha. It was fun. We were anticipating this day for awhile.

Here are a few pictures of our sweet Micah. I look forward to holding him in my arms already!

He was lying on his tummy when we first got there. He had the hiccups!! haha, sooo cute!

A cute looking foot and thigh! :)

A 3D view! He had his back turned to us... can you see him? Tiny little shoulder and ear. He was being modest. :)

Yep, he's definitely a boy. :)

Micah's profile shot!

Introducing…

Cassidy Robinson — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:10:37 +0000

our sweet, sweet baby…

He or She?

Cassidy Robinson — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:02:25 +0000

TOMORROW…
is the day we find out if we are having a little boy or girl!
No more referring to Baby Robinson as an “it.”
We will finally be able to call our sweet one “he or she.”
I am so excited!!
Not sure I’ll be able to sleep tonight.
It may feel a little like Christmas.

I thought I’d let you all have your vote before the big announcement tomorrow…

So, what do you think?

Take Our Poll

Growing Up Together

Cassidy Robinson — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:38:14 +0000

Today I was looking back on some photos of Josh and I. We’ve only been married (going on) four years, but I feel as though we’ve been together a decade already. And when counting the years we dated, we almost have! We met in 2005 and have been inseparable ever since.

Josh has been everything and more that a husband should be. He truly is my protector and provider. He offers so much wisdom and guidance spiritually for my life. He is a comforter through hard times. He shows me unconditional love and affection. He is trustworthy. And always the FIRST to ask forgiveness.

I think I know exactly what the Lord meant when he said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” And I am just so thankful and blessed that God has allowed me to spend my life serving alongside my husband. And now, even more beautiful, is the fact that we are being blessed with a legacy in the making… our first child. :)

Dating (2005 – 2008)

Engagement (Feb. 2008 – June 2008)

Marriage (June 14, 2008 – present)

Hello, second trimester!

Cassidy Robinson — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 06:26:11 +0000

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 13 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby Robinson is the size of a peach

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 5 lbs

Maternity Clothes: No maternity clothing yet – jeggings are my favorite pants at the moment.

Gender: Excited to find out!

Movement: Haven’t felt anything yet. Looking forward to those first flutters! :)

Sleep: Sleeping great, but I do wake up sometime in the night to pee. Ha!

What I miss: Not a thing.

Cravings: Orange juice, greek salad and ice cream. :)

Symptoms: Feeling great! Nausea is gone. Some lower back pain, but nothing too bad… oh, and VIVID dreams!

Best Moment this week: Beginning the second trimester!

I haven’t been as faithful to updating this blog as I would like to be. Hopefully that will change as my baby (and belly) grow! Here it is already… the second trimester! What a blessing! I am already feeling huge… but I know this is nothing compared to what lies ahead! My goal now that I have a lot more energy, is to walk at least a mile a day around our neighborhood. I stay active at work teaching little ones, but I’ve heard that continuing healthy exercise during pregnancy will help in labor and delivery.

Josh and I were so amazed at the detail we could see at our last ultrasound (10 weeks)! The profile was already there and the baby was moving around and wiggling it’s little feet. Such a cutie already! We go back next week for another one, when I’ll be 14 weeks, 4 days. I have heard of people finding out the gender at this appointment, but we were told it would be two more appointments (19 weeks) until we would know. We shall see! :) We have no preference. We are only praying for a healthy little girl or boy. Although, I have been accidentally referring to it as a “he” lately…

Here is the video from our 10 week ultrasound. And yes, I chopped off those stringy, dead ends! :)

Blessed

Cassidy Robinson — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:35:39 +0000

So now that I have lots to write about, ponder on and meditate, I am quiet. Funny how the more my mind is running, the less my body is.
So far, pregnancy has been the most unpredictable thing we’ve ever planned for.
Emotions, appetite, bodily functions… yes, all unpredictable. But more than anything, the most unpredictable thing of all is what will occur these next 7 months. Yes, already 2 months down. I can barely believe it.

We’ve walked the path of struggling to conceive for so long (well, long in our minds), that I just can’t leave the stories and testimonies of friends that have gone before me (and suffered loss, infertility or other complications) behind. They are constantly on my heart and in my mind as I write my next tweet or status update or blog post. I want to be as sensitive as I can to those that I know are wishing for nausea, constipation, bloating and all those other lovely symptoms that occur during pregnancy.

Do not complain.
That’s been my prayer.

And I wish I could say I never uttered a single, uncomfortable word to Josh about how I felt. But the truth is, I couldn’t be more grateful and blessed to be feeling this way.

It can be hard not to worry about what the outcome will be, or what we will see at every appointment. But I just have to trust the Lord. My God who has brought me through SO much already, will see me through to the end. I know it. I have learned so much through this process – God is truly the giver of life. Every good gift is from above. I will treasure this as long as I can.

I leave you with a little video my wonderful, baby daddy made after our first appointment at the doctor – Baby Robinson was only 6 weeks! We go back for our 10 week appointment in about a week and a half. Thank you for the prayers, friends. Please keep them coming!

Christian Criticism

Cassidy Robinson — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:00:33 +0000

Criticizing for the sake of criticism…

That seems to sum up some of the “religious people” I know.
And yes, I just used the word “religious” on purpose.

It seems like a trend has developed amongst us Christians. Where anytime someone does something good or noble or vocal for the cause of Christ – we criticize, we judge and we look to dethrone them from whatever lofty pedestal some people have placed them on. Lately the person under the microscope has been Tim Tebow. But just recently another example of this is the, “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus” guy – Jefferson Bethke.

Tim Tebow, well known for his bold and steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, has had many criticisms against him. And no, I don’t mean the ones about his football skills. I’m talking about the statements I hear from other Christians saying things like, “He shouldn’t be praying in public!” and “He’s not the only Christian to ever play football!” Statements like these are meant to “dethrone” Tebow from the inspiring platform God has given him as a pro-athlete. Instead of criticizing, we should be celebrating that many are taking note of his godly character and desiring to emulate it. What is so wrong about this? Especially, when in 1 Corinthians 4:16 we read that Paul is asking other believers to imitate him as he imitates Christ! Imitation is not wrong, as long as that person is imitating Christ-likeness. And from what I read, hear and see about Tim Tebow – I believe he is doing just that.

Jefferson Bethke just posted a very inspiring spoken word on “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus” that has almost 7 million views in three days!! He breaks down the difference between saying one thing and doing another and what REAL Christianity is all about. I found it encouraging and a breath of fresh air to hear. But as usual, anytime a Christian has some kind of success in being vocal for Christ – there is criticism. Claims that he was misusing the word ‘religion’ were brought up today. It was expected, but not at the extent that I began hearing. It almost seemed like the ones doing the critiquing were trying to prove that they were more ”theologically sound” than the average viewer. But why go to such extremes to do it? Claims that Jefferson was “off-base” led me to check out more of his videos, in which I found him to be very ON-base! This guy is for real. I read his Twitter and he is already thanking his “critics” and humbly, acknowledging that he “has a lot to learn” and “appreciates the rebuke/encouragement.” Great response from him. But a poor response from so many other Christians trying to squash his platform.

All of it has me thinking, why do we do this? Is it because we have seen so many other Christians fall under the pressure of their platforms? Are we afraid that these men will not live up to what they claim to preach?

Well, here are my thoughts… GOOD! Be afraid. They WILL fail! None of us are perfect and never will be. I think it is incredible that God has given Tim Tebow and Jefferson Bethke these platforms and His word is being proclaimed through them! Amen! We should never credit man for something that God is doing. But instead of criticizing, we should join in promoting the name of Jesus Christ through these vessels that are being used by Him.

For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth… Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?
- Romans 9:17,21