Robert J. Hastings, Th.D. 1924-1997 Welcome to our family website!  Robert J. Hastings is the author of the internationally recognized and acclaimed essay, "The Station", Copyright (c) 1980. It was widely reprinted in Ann Landers' syndicated newspaper column by popular request  with permission by Dr. Hastings.  His message of living the journey of life now each day struck a powerful chord with the reading public. Untold numbers of clippings were put away into Bibles, drawers, envelopes, wallets, and personal effects for safe keeping.  Many people around the world reported changing the course of their lives after reading "The Station". The essay was reprinted in Reader's Digest, and various anthologies, including the Chicken Soup for the Soul series by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. "The Station" first appeared as an editorial written by Dr. Hastings which he further adapted and painstakingly reworked.  This accounts for  differences found in published versions. He felt that the reading of "The Station" out loud or silently to one's self should invoke the building momentum and rhythm of a train ride.  The popular quote,"Regret and fear are twin thieves who rob us of today.", is excerpted from "The Station" by Robert J. Hastings and was published in The New York Times, June 29, 2001. A graduate of Southwestern Baptist Seminary, Dr. Hastings wrote inspirational books and material for Broadman Press (now B&H Publishing Group) and The Baptist Sunday School Board. He also created and recorded the audio stories Tinyburg Tales (c) that currently airs on Bible Broadcasting Network. A Minister for over 50 years, Dr. Hastings preached thoughtful sermons, wed nervous couples, eulogized the fallen, dedicated stirring babies and extended his hands at the altar to receive all ages professing their faith. He baptized his first converts in a strip mine pond. Later in his career, Robert J. Hastings became a storyteller on radio and guest lectured at writing workshops. He was born the son of a coal miner and a homemaker in 1924.  From humble beginnings, Dr. Hastings finished his work here in 1997, leaving a wonderful legacy to his family, friends and the world . . . the unique expression that "The true joy of life is the trip". . ."The journey is the joy". . . drawing wisdom from Psalm 118:24, "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."  Email     TheStationEssay.com      TinyburgTales.com (c) 2000-10 Nancy Hastings A Friendly Reminder about Rights "The Station" Copyright (c) 1980 and the contents of this website are Intellectual Property protected by U.S. Copyright Law and web hosting guidelines and agreements. "The Station" is not in the public domain. We respectfully ask that you do not use "The Station" in whole or in part in any printed , electronic or recorded media, or lecture series, seminars,live performance or commercial use without written permission from The Robert J. Hastings Estate. http://RobertJHastings.com/ website posted 2/18/2000. All Rights Reserved 2010.