Rob and Leslie's 2024 French Advent: Day 8

[@celsal2000]

Rob such a great message. You are spot on. ✝️💟 blessings

[@JSTXRPXLMULE]

Personally I thought this was your best video... I see you have a kind and gracious heart.. The world needs more people like you and your wife.. May the Lord Jesus Christ be with you and everything you do...!

[@JeanetteFinley-d6y]

What a beautiful message thanks Rob for being honest with real life situations! Love seeing your posts/adventures! God bless you and Leslie this Christmas season and in 2025!

[@glendapietrantonio3046]

Thank you for this message! I needed to hear it! Your Advent vlog is so special to me and I hope to many many more! Thank You!

[@heididay6698]

Beautiful scenery! Especially grateful to hear you share your story, Rob. Thank you. It really helped to listen to you talk through what happened at MU. Its been a really hard to thing to watch from the outside - difficult to get to the place of understanding and acceptance. Thank you for bringing some clarity, for being honest, and for extending grace. You’re right, sitting in anger and bitterness helps no one. Loving these messages that you’ve shared. Each one has felt very timely in one way or another. Blessing to you and Leslie (and family).

[@okienana11]

I am late listening to this one, but such a great message. Sometimes business decisions are tough and hurt people, but through Christ and with Christ we can forgive. Excellent.

[@tanyaj.8736]

Thank you for the reminder of the power of God to forgive and the beautiful hymn. God bless!

[@pattimeredith9621]

Love story sunday with Rob. Peace with God has completely changed my life and allowed me to pursue peace with those who have offended me. And yes it is a choice and a process. Thankful for God's transforming power.

[@newday5]

I am blessed that I do not have worry as a Mom of Down syndrome on my trip I appreciated the parent of a child who experiences the love of such a child . The child loves them unconditionally and such message as God loves all.

[@carolynblack420]

Rob, Thank you so much for sharing your exit story from your previous job. I think so many people (including myself) can relate to losing a job and the feelings you experienced. Definitely the “head” vs. “Heart” feelings about being let go are so real - even years later.

[@magsmcdaid1999]

Your story really hit a nerve with me. Thank you 🙏🙏

[@DinahRichards]

Thank you, Ron! I needed the story and the carol.

[@audreyatherton3373]

Thank you for your vulnerability, God bless you and Lesley. God is your provider and He has your back. One door closes another opens.

[@jerrysizemore9385]

Thank you for the transparency. Disappointments can be crushing but God always has our best ahead for us. The Holy Spirit often has to push me out of the proverbial nest and later I realize that it was a step I needed to take. God bless you and Leslie and your ministry to Christian youth. God will make a way, when there seems. to be no way ........

[@predatornz.5493]

The buildings are just stunning thank u for the walking video through the Markets and City .

[@newday5]

I pray that God will bless

[@DianeHeeney]

Amen. Choices. God never said He forgets our sin...He says He chooses not to remember them any more. Good thoughts. Thank you for taking the risk in being candid. We need more of that in Christianity.

[@luzwilson2807]

Rob praise the Lord for how you live your life in Christ. Blessings. The steps of a righteous man is ordered by God. 😊

[@williamcunha9136]

Thank You Rob for sharing your Testimony. There is no doubt I needed to hear this, because the Holy Spirit immediately convicted my heart! I cannot Thank You enough for Your Story Time! My wife & I always look forward to it! Thank You Again! 🙏🇺🇸🫡

[@CatMindy2187-o4v]

Timely message, and so true...thanks

[@dawnb7457]

Rob, I understand...as a daughter of missionaries over small churches difficulties were abundant. It's taken me many years to let go of the hurt. I am so respectful of the challenges my parents experienced for the Lord. God always brought our family through it...scarred but trusting Him. Our blessed hope. Thank you Lord. Jer. 29:11 ✝️❤️🙏

[@LoireValley49]

I’m from Angers and it’s area and watching you walking around makes me homesick! 😢

[@marthaizaguirre6363]

So agree with you that forgiveness is a choice. As difficult as it seems, the alternative choice, a life of bitterness, destroys your spirit, health, and relationships with everyone. Always enjoy your Sunday stories. 😇

[@micheledavies1665]

Great message and thank you to Amy for asking!

[@DianeHeeney]

And I love that carol..."the wrong shall fail, the right prevail" has been something I have held tight to this past year or so.

[@RenBie-s1i]

10:57 Tip I got from a chateau tour, move the candles in front of the mirror, you will be mesmerized by the twinkles, there will be twice as many lights as well.

[@jlt1160]

Rob, thank you for your testimony!

[@GMorganC]

Rob, thank you for sharing your story. Bless you & Leslie. 🙏

[@ErnestineFrye-c3j]

What a GREAT message!!! Thank you! Thank you!

[@sallymoffit3751]

A perfect message.

[@256087]

Nice to bring me back in 1975 when I was student at l'Université catholique de l'Ouest. My students residence was just in front of the entrance of the château. Thank you for sharing.

[@margaretlarriva4573]

I think that when you do ministry work, you are working basically for the Lord in first place, and we are all on a journey through this life, and we all make mistakes,along life's ups and downs!! But the wonder of it all, God is in control of our lives, and He in His mercy opens another door for us! Which he miraculously did in your case because of your hold heartednes and faithfulness !! Which is a test for us,many times when we can't seem to see how the Lord is working or moving in our lives! And the amazing thing is you own your school now! And God will never leave us nor forsake us no matter what!! Nor does He take something away without supplying something more fulfilling and challenging! which keep us growing and progressing! God bless you Praying for you both and your ministry!

[@reneescott2667]

I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Years ago, I didn’t get the job I really wanted. I ended up in a very rewarding field and 25 years later, I’m so thankful how things went. At the time, it’s hard and confusing, but give it time and you’ll see how it was meant to be. Just like you said, you had an amazing year. Just think about the future and how you will be changing young people’s lives in such a positive way. I am here for it and excited to see what 2025 brings for you both. Merry Christmas 🎄 ❤

[@rhondacarlock6735]

Thoroughly enjoyed this episode, thank you.

[@lauraturner1290]

Thank you, a beautiful word! I so wish the world would open their mind…. Peace be with you, Leslie and your family during the holiday season! Just well said… beautiful words for everyone

[@newday5]

Yum thanks for sharing . Best wishes

[@LindaDavis-hi2un]

Get “preachy” Rob. The world needs it! Amen🙏🏻

[@johnlaw6413]

Thank you Rob and Leslie for a moving , interesting, and picturesque video. I’ve had a similar situation in my life about a business decision at a job I liked. After working at a place for a couple of decades I was suddenly let it go. In hindsight, perhaps I was tired of my work and situation , therefore it was time to go. but I didn’t want to leave. Perhaps it was Gods hand pushing me to change. So attention all, I’m going to use a couple of apt clichés . As a fellow Christian, I know that God works in mysterious ways. We don’t know his plan or agree with it, however he does know best. Rob you and Leslie have a wonderful life together, and doing great things with the students you teach at your Château. That is God‘s plan for you and for those who you help and serve. Many happy wishes for you both this advent season!

[@pobrigham]

Beautiful message. Thank you for sharing and being so vulnerable. You will always rise above when you live with Christlike behavior. Being a disciple of Christ looks like what you experienced. Forgiveness, gratitude and charity are powerful healers.

[@Travelling_Jonoberries]

Lesley, Rob - Thank you for the tour of Angers, lot better than Google Earth, looks like a very old town, the Chateau is very old but well maintained as you would expect from the French. You meal looked delicious, the French take pride when cooking and serving meals. Until tomorrow take care, God Bless 😇🎄

[@lynnkazwell6189]

Thank you! It’s hard to forget, but we must try to forgive! I’m going to try harder.❤

[@Dani_Capozzi]

I appreciate the honesty and the lesson.

[@p_embo]

That was difficult, sad, but beautiful at the same time.

[@kathyvick2710]

Amen Rob…Amen!!! 😉🥰🎄🐶🙏

[@carleywecks2186]

Thank you for your words, Rob. Truely from God in dealing with MU's situation and a help to many of us.

[@annegreen9851]

No one wins with hate 🙏🏼 loved this Sunday story ❤

[@andreadern4463]

🎄 I love all your videos, always interesting and transformative , especially this advent series…with the lovely Christmas carols played on your beautiful piano. God bless🎄🎄🎄❗️

[@amyrogers3413]

Rob, thank you for that beautiful testimony. That was so true, and I needed to hear it. Thanks!

[@NancyGrant17]

Our Father always changes and grows our lives, to His Glory. If we give ourselves to Him Abba will arrange our lives even through other people.

[@rodneymellor9384]

Dear Dr Rob and Leslie, Thank you for being real, showing God’s disciples work with God given passion for Him! Having aired the rejection emotions, you can now see you’ve been living God’s plan He has had for you all along. Put more pointed, you’ve been groomed by God for this moment. To flee the nest, living daily dependent on the loving almighty God. Like Moses, you two have been chosen to lead His youth into a life of eternal relationship with Him. Just like yourselves, these kids will see life is always working for Him in many different capacities . Each job a step to His next open door. God has always given His believers mana for one day. Jer 11:29; Matt 28:20 Bluntly, you both have ONLY been working for Him every step of His straight path.- Prov 3: 3-5. Moses didn’t foreknowledge when his job would be finished

[@54waky]

Great message Rob

[@Julie_Krantz]

The song. 😪 Thank you.

[@jenateer2518]

Deuteronomy 8:2. Sometimes though difficult, God makes us leave the familiar in order to give us the better in the end.

[@BColliegal]

A dump of snowman snow blew in last night, so no church today. I'm reading the book of Proverbs each day this month, on living in wisdom and how it's good health for our body, soul, and mind. Thanks for the message today. I am so thankful for God sending himself down to earth in human form as a baby and growing as a man to show us how to live and for His sacrifice for our imperfections. Thank you Jesus. ❤

[@susanamann1806]

Wow,what a castle😮🇺🇸💕

[@janekelly3831]

Oh what a wonderful message! As a follower of Jesus, I follow his example. "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." He suffered all the rejection through his life then took all our sins on himself on the cross. Thank you Jeshua!

[@predatornz.5493]

The buildings are just stunning thank u for the walking video through the Markets and City . . what happened to you being a Teacher , old doors close but new doors always open . I had something a bit similar i rear Dairy calves for farms and i took on this job , everything went great it was for around 8 weeks , i had to rear 100 heifer calves , Closer to the end of the 8 weeks my boss said we have to let u go ive runout of money . It was a bit of shock as i had reared these lovely Calves and i had fallen in love with them all , they become like friends to me . God, was it hard to leave and i too was a bit angry because i through i was getting 8 weeks of work but only got 6 1/2 . The feeling is of shock , but sadness of all the hard work i put in to just get told u have to leave was hard . But i took on the same job this last spring and at 8 weeks i was ready to leave i was stuffed out and pleased it was over . I had closed my feelings off and decided not to get to attached to these lovely calves . U learn i think .

[@chrismont5475]

Another Great Advent Video Thanks Cheers from Canada.

[@EllenHolt-r2u]

Congratulations you made it through the in between. I knew you would. Only good things to come for both of you.

[@djo4308]

Thank you. Beautiful message. Yes, you are right, it was a business decision. As I sit here listening with tears running down my cheeks, you are right, forgiveness comes, you may not feel it right away, it starts with a choice. We raised two boy’s in a Christian home, same church their whole lives. Without giving all the details, the oldest married at 24. Let’s just say there were never fruits of a Christian walk from her. Now, almost 6 years since we’ve heard from or seen our son or grandchildren. It was bad before the children, then once they were here, the hatred and separation became worse. Her children, not to be shared with us. We tried everything possible as Christians to help , to reason, to understand and help, but in the end, she only wanted her family, not any of us. Most painful is the Christian man that we raised, well he became like her, then a combative stranger. We became these outsiders that dared to love her children, as if we had no right. Anyway, as with the prodigal’s son, we know that repentance is the key. We are waiting. We love our son, we miss him desperately. I don’t understand that hate from her, but I know it comes from an empty soul. Only The Holy Spirit can convict their hearts. When I cry, not as much any more, it’s a longing for my son and grandchildren, sadness because we miss them, not hatred. God has Blessed us in the midst of this sorrow, but still so painful. Sin sickness I would call it. It destroys. We pray for them every single day. We do have hope, but it’s painful as the children are growing up strangers to us and their great grandparents. Thank you once again Rob, wonderful message, even when it’s difficult. 👑🙏🙏

[@janekelly3831]

Praying for your situation x

[@djo4308]

@ Thank you Jane. We wouldn’t be here if not for the power of prayer. I welcome the thought of you lifting our family up to our Lord. Thank you so much! 👑🙏🙏🙏💜

[@sherrywatson7347]

@@janekelly3831😢🫂

[@anniefawcett9936]

When God takes you from one place to another he always makes a way. God set you up with a new ministry and took the old ministry away. God doesn’t betray us and what God has for us here on earth is not for our glory but for the glory of God.

[@pv6450]

Rob, you and Leslie seem to be more at peace now that you are jot torn between two worlds. I think you both enjoy the chateau more and also I think the chateau is in better health because you are both there for most of the time.

[@r.salyer8179]

Such an appropriate message for today and so well articulated. The piano piece was such a blessing and so very appropriate too. You and Leslie are so gifted

[@ksinks2009]

I’m listening to your story - and fully identify. It wasn’t a faith based position/program I administered that was closed, but even more than in your situation there were myriad details that are still unexplainable to those who weren’t directly involved. The program was funded and governed by federal, state, and local agencies that didn’t always understand the expectations and requirements of all the partners. The closure was a product of many circumstances beyond my control or the control of the small staff I worked with. There was no reason to feel ashamed but shame was a component of the process I went through. It took a while to even tell my children and other family members. Time and doing the work to close the program helped. I’ve only ever told a handful of people the hows and whys of the decision that was made. Most people wouldn’t comprehend the complexities so it’s pointless to try to explain. 8 years later it rankles a tiny bit because of the educational opportunities for vulnerable people that were lost, but in my personal life there have been so many positives that resulted in good things. We don’t always understand the different path until it takes new turns. Thank you for sharing. I’m sure there are many besides me who can relate.

[@francineclave2207]

I just listened to an Audio book call “A woman of no importance” it is the true story of an AMERICAN woman, Virginia Hall born in Maryland born in 1906 who loved FRANCE and it’s people. At the beginning of WW2 she worked under cover as a US newspaper writer covering the war so she could gain intelliegence while living in Paris. However once the US joined the war she had to work more covertly dispersing funds, recruiting allies and getting supplies drops to the FRENCH resistance all over FRANCE. Anyway, she eventually became a bonafide spy / operative and in the 1960’s retired from what became CIA. During the book they mentioned operations in Angers and I said that is where RON and LESLIE are! There were times in the book I had to put it down because the danger she was exposed to was so intense. If I lived where you are I think it would be fascinating to trace WW2 FRENCH RESISTANCE activity and it’s history right where you are! The book is available on Audible and I highly recommend it. By the way VIRGINIA had a hunting accident when she was 22 and lost one leg to gangrene. She did all this in FRANCE with a wooden leg. You my friends are living in history central!

[@sheilakadolph5002]

Wow! I have to read that book. Thanks for sharing.

[@francineclave2207]

@ I learned so much about how brave and committed so many french people were and the incredible chances they took against the Nazis.

[@kathrynburrowes3102]

This was one of your best videos. I have been going through a similar situation with my grown up daughters. Something came up which has caused some bitterness. I decided I would not 'fan the fires'. I'd be the good influence as their mother. It hasn't been easy but the right choice. Your talk helped confirm me. Thanks again!

[@sheilakadolph5002]

Thank you for your open hearted and beautiful message. We are touched by your message today and, like me, some needed to hear it and be reminded of letting go of the pain others have caused us and keep working on forgiveness. I absolutely look forward to hearing you play that beautiful piano and sing. I like to sing along, and am so glad you play the old hymns. The words always touch me. ❤

[@darlenegreen5171]

Thanks for sharing these special days!

[@teresac.doliveira8689]

Beautiful words, we choose to love.

[@janeblandford852]

Thank you for sharing and bless you both!! 🙏❤🇨🇦

[@natalierice6528]

Thanks for sharing so openly. I went thru a similar situation with a company 10 years ago as an HR person who adored the people I helped. I blindly didn’t see the re-org coming. Ended up as a huge blessing to me when a couple of months later that company laid off 1/3 of their payroll and I would have been the person handing out those notices. Then my hb was offered a much better job and we were free to move for it. God works in mysterious ways and he's good all the time.

[@yolandagofigure]

Ecclesiastes 3:1 for you both.😌🙏. My brother it had to happen, for our Lord to lead you where you/both are now. Remember that Jesus was betrayed as well. I'm praying that your daughter will receive the gift of wisdom in situations that she feels that she's been betrayed. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. 🙏❤️. Yes.. Jesus heals. Psalm 51:10

[@MarzNGrama]

Those gardens are stunning!! Thank you for showing us this beautiful chateau! Do you and Leslie ever see other chateau owners (such as Stephanie Jarvis, the Pethericks, Terry and Ash, to name a few) when you're out and about at markets or brocantes?

[@jerridavis6462]

Enjoyed from Texas 🎄❤️

[@Tmurphy623]

I can’t tell you how much your talks help me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@sharonstrother5015]

I have an unspoken prayer request.

[@friendlhi]

you are so wise - teach even in your spare time - thank you so much ❤🙏👍for me I do not need more prayers than the 'Our father ...and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who trespass against us....' - indeed sometimes one is not in the mood of forgiveness, then I say 'dear god you are bigger, please do it for me' 🌟

[@SA_OperaSingers]

Efesians 1:11 together with acceptance.

[@danielleboely6820]

Thank you for this beautiful video 🙏

[@amydraughn3766]

Thank you Rob for sharing such a beautiful message today! I am so grateful for you and Leslie for sharing your journey with us. Merry Christmas!!

[@rodneymellor9384]

…continue soldiers of the cross!

[@jackiebeauty9007]

BEST attitude ❤ thank you 🎉

[@gioiapharo7433]

Good Sermon Rob

[@ukpaullouis2708]

I have been let go from or quit many jobs over the past 40 years and I learnt very early on that you are only of value if you make them $. The minute you do not, regardless of who you are, out you go. I do not hate anyone that has let me go regardless of reason I just simply stop thinking about them and move on. No boss or company is worth my energy once they stop paying me. I do not wish harm nor do I have sympathy for them, I just move forward. The people that did the deal to let you go are still paid and they sleep well at night so you should too. If that makes me cold hearted I can live with that. Nice to see Angers city centre at Christmas really hope you pop down at night to see the lights! 😁❤️🇬🇧🇫🇷🇨🇦

[@potterkelly487]

Thank you!

[@JenniferQuick-z2t]

Something very similar happened to me. I can absolutely relate to Rob’s experience. However, I have absolutely witnessed God’s Hand move in the midst of the situation. There are 3 constants in life: death, taxes and change! It is how we deal and respond to these that matters.

[@rhonatemple2776]

I think with God, it’s not about what happens to us it’s about what’s going to happen to us. And there’s no easy way to leave what was the past and move forward when we didn’t even know we would be moving forward. This is probably always his plan because it takes faith and trust to wait and see what he has for us and it’s always better because God never takes away, he always adds. I believe he does this because what really pleases him is our faith in everything that he gives us and has planned or us and it always is based on faith. I just heard in our sermon today it took Moses 42 years to have enough faith in God that he could put his son on the altar to sacrifice him and know that he wouldn’t die. What really pleases God is our faith. I felt when you left the school and came to France full-time that was a really good thing and God’s timing was to have you in France permanently because you have so much to offer in this new place that you’re now living in permanently! Blessings 🇨🇦

[@RADIO-FREE-AMERICA]

Rob, you don’t care for the veggie bar? HaHaHa! 😂 the answer was in your voice! HaHa! Merry Christmas! 🎄🎁 Time for a raw carrot! HaHa! Thomas!

[@carolebarager3373]

What is the name of this castle?

[@gingermonette7455]

The name of the fortress the visited is Château d'Angers. I looked it up. Dates from 9th century!

[@sharongruener6078]

Thank you, Rob. A very good word and so true. Christmas blessings.

[@annlawrence852]

Sometimes when God shuts the door, he opens a window and you go onto something else that you need to do and somehow that makes it easier

[@deswenson3573]

Tell your daughter GOD'S plan is so much better than yours!

[@Tmurphy623]

I can’t tell you how much your talks help me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.