About me
Hello!
I’m Rob Beaird, a Christ follower, husband of my beautiful wife, Sharon, for 30 years, and father of three wonderful children: Brian, his wife Susan, and Stephanie. Brian is an IT Analyst with Caterpillar Financial, Susan is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, and Stephanie is a first grade teacher.
I work for Ricoh Business Solutions as a Technology Services Engineer, which means I connect our copiers/printers/scanners to networks as well as design digital archiving solutions to help customers go paperless.
Sharon and I have enjoyed our little home on three acres in Murfreesboro, TN, for the past 16 years. We worship at Fellowship Bible Church, where she works as the financial administrator and I’m a small group leader. Once a week she travels to Dowelltown, TN, (about an hour away) to do the books for New Frontiers, an adventure team-building camp.
If you try to figure out where I’m coming from by examining my religious heritage that won’t be easy. Since my childhood I’ve attended Baptist, Bible, Methodist, Missionary Alliance, interdenominational, non-denominational, charismatic, non-charismatic, formal, informal, and all sizes from 20 to 6000 members. That may sound like church hopping, but I’ve lived in about 15 different towns from Illinois to Alabama. I’ve seen many different points of view on various topics, and it’s sad to see so much division in the Christian church, especially since we have so much in common. The last prayer of Jesus before the crucifixion was that we would be one, as He and the Father are one. One day we will be.
Six years ago I began my fifth decade with some big life changes. I was laid off of my job of 14 years as a service technician when my parent company, Ricoh, bought Lanier, rendering my job unnecessary. After working several part time jobs for a couple of months, I went to work for a local copier dealer. Within six months, guess who bought that dealer? Lanier, who then needed a systems engineer. Since Lanier had been recently acquired by Ricoh, my previous benefits and vacation time got reinstated before my generous severance package was even depleted! The Lord then supplied me with a great Christian boss who believed in my ability to achieve the Microsoft certification required for the position. Nine months and 7 grueling exams later, the Lord helped me to get certified. Of course, the real challenge lay ahead, since I had no actual experience with networking and was way in over my head. I’ve learned a lot since then, but would not have survived without God’s help supplying me with wisdom and a few miracles along the way!
I didn’t start this blog because I’m an expert at anything. I’m just using this forum to journal how the Lord is using my imperfections and weaknesses as opportunities to demonstrate his power and provision, which draws me closer to him. I also believe God gives us things to enjoy, like hobbies!
Your comments are encouraged and appreciated. Let’s keep in touch!
His joy and peace be with you,
Rob
I love your website!
Thanks for the inspiration!
I heard that you saw my brother, John recently. I saw Deborah, Dan, and your mother last summer when I was traveling.
Since I havent seen you for about 30 years, I’ll tell you about my family.
I’ve been married to Joe Molling for 30 years. We have been living in Arizona for 29 years. We’ve been living in our home in Carefree for about 13 years. Joe is a computer engineer working as a contract programmer at General Dynamics in Scottsdale. Previously, he worked for 2-3/4 years at Smith’s Aerospace (GE) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Before that, he worked for AG Communications Systems in Phoenix before he had to retire 6 1/2 years ago. I work as a special needs bus aide for the school district that we live in. I just started my 6th year there. I also work part time at the Carefree Post Office for 9 years.
We have 3 children. Melissa (26 3/4), Garret (25), and Bethany (20 1/20.
Melissa has been married to Jeff Gardner for 6 1/2 years. Jeff is in his 3rd year of medical school at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California. Melissa and Jeff just bought a house in Phoenix. Melissa just started her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. She and Jeff take turns each month to travel back and forth to California/Arizona to visit each other.
Garret and his fiance, Mallory live in Warwick, Rhode Island. Garret works full time at Pro Tires in Seekonk, Massachusetts. He also attends New England Technical School in Providence working towards his bachelors degree in Automotive. He got his associates degree several months ago. Mallory works with special needs adults and is also going to school.
Bethany is in the United States Navy. She’e been in the Navy for a little over 2 years.She just finished her training in the Nuclear Field. She’s just waiting for orders as to where she will be stationed next. She’s been doing her prototype training in Ballston Spa, New York. She lives in Saratoga Springs, New York.
May 25 – July 29, I drove by myself cross country to see family and friends. I put about 13,000 miles on my car. I was able to see a lot of this beautiful country. I spent about 9 days in Warwick, Rhode Island with Garret and Mallory, 10 days with Beth in Saratoga Springs, New York, and about a month in Illinois & Wisconsin visiting my mom & dad, brothers & sisters, nieces and nephews.
This summer, I found out that the Village Church in Carol Stream will be 50 years old next year. The village of Carol Stream is 50 years old this year.
Joe and I attend a Presbyterian Church in Carefree.
Take care,
Blessings,
Diana Younglove Molling
P.S. Your picture reminds me of your dad.
Your’e a really cool big brother too! I lov you!