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Pastor Rob Patterson 653 A Street Galt,
California (209) 745-4665
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scroll: January 1, 2005 to Oct. 58, 2004
January 1, 2005
Just back from San Jose (where
five adults from the Epicenter hung out with thousands
of California teenagers).
Our own group consisted of five adults and 18 teenagers.
Our Youth Conference, Tsunami 2004, will forever be
connected in our thoughts with the tragedy of the Indian
Ocean tsunamis. We took up an offering of $8,000 on our
first night to contribute to victims in that part of our
world. It may take me the day to assess and journal some
of my post-conference thoughts so check back later
today.
I was happy
to see this email from Pastor Wesley in Liberia
(sent on Dec. 30th): Joyce's sister,
Judy, was also visiting with us. We're all looking
forward to the Candlelight Service tomorrow night. I've
assembled a music team which will feature two of
my sons (Jerry on drums and
Joe on piano). Aaron Dixon
will be our guest guitarist--playing along with a
number of other gifted musicians. We practiced today and
it is sounding good! (I
get to play Bass!)
I helped
Joe
update his journal and see that
Al
& Cathy Warren are now online.
It
could take days to visit all of the pages on our
website. That is purposive on the part of our
editors. So, please check back regularly, and
click away on the pretty, blue hyperlinks!
15 to
Y2K5:
Last night,
our webmaster shared more stats with me and I
discovered that we had been visited by people in
Pastor Wesley (the Liberian pastor
who somehow found me on the internet) called in a
rushed moment mid-week. He could really use some
practical help--right now. So, please take some time
to read (or reread) the materials we have compiled
for you and write him a note. Any assistance to him,
his family, the church, or the Children's Home is
well-invested.
I don't know what
will happen next....but I sense a BIG SURPRISE
coming. Cathy put a pot roast in the Crock Pot this
morning; an hour later, I pushed the 'reset' button
on the electrical outlet so the Crock Pot would
light up. I think that was a smart move!
I spoke with my
younger brother, Mike, last night
(he lives in
Michigan). He
has been having seizures and the doctor informed him
that he was reporting him to the DMV, so his license
is revoked until he can prove six months without a
seizure. We discussed the option of having my son,
Jerry (17), go to live with Mike to serve as his
driver and completing his senior year there.
While you're
praying--please pray that our upcoming opportunity
to serve alongside hundreds of other Christians in
Galt will progress without hindrance or unnecessary
conflict. The
Pastors' Vision Trip
to South Africa could be the firstfruits of a great
harvest--if we're all careful to submit to one
another out of reverence for Christ. If the Enemy
stirs up confusion (and the flesh), then Jesus'
prayer for His Church could be 'overruled'. God
forbid. 19 to
Y2K5:
Last night, at the Epicenter, we watched a video sent to Galt pastors by
World Vision.
For ten days in February, Y2K5, eight local
leaders (from different church backgrounds) will
travel from our town to southern Africa for a
Pastors' Vision Trip. During our ten days in
Lesotho, Swaziland, South Africa, (or other nearby
countries), we will visit sites where
World Vision has addressed the needs of AIDS
victims.
I am compelled to go to that region
of Africa as a step of personal obedience to the
Lord. I have not yet been up-close to AIDS but do
believe this truth from God's Word:
By 2010, an estimated 25 million
children are projected to lose one or both parents
from AIDS.
World Vision
(founded in 1950)
is one channel for ministering to the needs of
HIV/AIDS hotspots around the world
(Africa, Asia, and Latin America).
Regarding AIDS, I
wouldn't choose (for myself) to move from the statistics about suffering toward those
who are actually suffering. I know that move will cost me! I'm asking you
(the reader) to draw closer with me
(and the other leaders from Galt)
and help us be faithful to God in our generation.
21 to
Y2K5:
Our son, Joe, sent an email yesterday saying that he
had received a 'care package' from the folks at FBC.
He asked me to thank all those who have written and
remembered him. Remember to check our
CBU
page for current news about him and to link over to
his journal. He will sojourn home to the
Epicenter on Dec. 17 and will stay here over winter
break. We
received data from a counter that has been on our
site since its restart on Oct. 1st. I hope to upload
the flags from the nations represented by visitors
since that date. I am reminded of the potential for
serendipitous visits whenever anyone types words
into a search engine.
Readers from all over the world are
patiently waiting for part 3 of my current
petproject. Hopefully, my sister will soon write me
with her recollection of the facts behind the true
story:
Fluffy, Come Home
(40 years in the making).
David spoke to all the men gathered for breakfast
(after our men's prayer meeting this morning). He
shared about the diversity of gifting and
personality among our group. Roy and Josh made the
breakfast, Dan shared his heart about our upcoming
dramatic elements of our upcoming musical.
A brighter projector
was given to the Epicenter for t Tomorrow,
I will speak at the funeral of another
man--grandfather to a little girl who attends our
church. He has been her primary caregiver. I've
asked for the child to sing a song. The family is
unchurched--other than their connection to me
through this girl's attendance at our Sunday School
and Vacation Bible School through the years. I asked
her to light the Advent Candle last Sunday (before
the unexpected death of her guardian/grandpa). I
suppose we may soon lose our opportunity to
influence her life.
Often my days are interspersed with
hospital visits, funerals, and meetings with people
about whom I choose not to write. The last couple
days have been very hurried. I hope to find some
rest sometime tonight. If you are one who prays,
remember me, OK?
A couple nights ago,
I also awoke to a memory from childhood:
For some reason we
blamed it all on our stepmother. You see, the
children had adopted a stray animal--a big, gray
cat. We called him "Fluffy." After a season of
having Fluffy around, Dad had us go for a drive with
Fluffy--way out in the country to Uncle Tom's house
(maybe 15 miles away). I sat in the backseat holding
Fluffy and allowing Fluffy to look out the rear
window (sharing the hope with my little brother that
Fluffy--like Lassie--would find his way home).
Well, time's up--I've
got to get back home to wake up those willing to
have 'morning devotions.' Remind me
(click
here)
to finish this story later.
We have an outreach
ministry this morning at Royal Oaks Convalescent
Home (10:00 AM). Hope to see you there.
26 to
Y2K5:
Last night we
were readying to leave the Epicenter for our dwelling
place when a young friend called. Christina reported
that her dog was starting to deliver puppies and wanted
our daughter, Mary (13), to know that this long-awaited
occasion had arrived. We decided (along with Christina's
mom) to let Mary go over and spend the night to watch
these puppies being born.
Yesterday, in the second service, I mentioned that,
for me,
the Advent season always preaches a pro-life message
(when one considers the expectant hope of Zacharias
and Elizabeth). I also referenced
Luke 1:39-45
when two
expectant mothers met and shared the mutual joy of
carrying special lives in their wombs. The thief
comes to steal, to kill, and to destroy; as for me
and my house, we're going to try to be alert and not
let the thief steal any of the JOY that Jesus would
have 'leap within us' during Advent 2004.
Having not been
involved sports as a child or teen, I have
continually been amazed at how the Lord gives us new
experiences through our children. A couple weeks
ago, Daniel was demonstrating some of his
recently-acquired skills on his dear old Dad. OUCH!
My rib must have fractured...or something...because
it really hurt. Finally, last night, I had a sign
that I would outlive that particular pain. I rolled
over on my side at bedtime and realized that it
didn't hurt anymore. I'm sure we could spiritualize
the whole event but ever since
Randy Stonehill
admitted that certain songs have a single
meaning...well, I'm just gonna be a literalist for
awhile (at
least for the next five minutes).
Hope to see you in church Sunday
(if you're local);
if not, hope to hear from you...CLICK
HERE.
Day 64: When Cathy and I
took Joe back to college
(Califonia Baptist University),
I wanted to take a photo of him next to this sculpture (it
revolves and appears to float upon bubbling water). While eating
lunch we met a student from Ghana (I think he said his name was
Sadu); he said that Joe was a good tennis player, but that he,
himself, was the best. Joe explained that this particular
student was at CBU on a soccer scholarship. Although its hard
for Joe to transition into adulthood, I'm glad that CBU is his
home away from home. If you would like to
check in with him,
CLICK HERE.
He is currently writing a daily journal.
Yesterday, I also received the
news that a member of our church has come through Cancer
treatment (and is in remission). In all of this, I give
thanks.
Day 60: Cathy and I had
planned to take Joe back to college (after the Stonehill
concert). When I learned that my opportunity to serve as a juror
would possibly carry on until this Wednesday, we had to keep our
options open.
I'm happy about that. On Day 59
(Sunday), we anticipate watching 2 young people get baptized at
the Epicenter. They are joining in the membership of our sister
Filipino congregation (from Stockton). It will also be the first
Sunday of Advent. I have been praying that Randy Stonehill will
minister among us in the power of the Holy Spirit that evening.
return to:
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at
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Well, the wonders of Internet...we will
still be in touch while you are away via
internet. Thank God for all the help that
First Baptist Church continues to render to
the Lord's work here in Liberia. My regards
to the your family.
I spoke with my brother, Mike, last night. We
confirmed the plan to have my son, Jerry,
(above: far right 2nd row)
fly to Michigan to live with him. A few years
ago, Mike's sweet wife, Marian, died after a long bout
with Scleraderma. Mike has not remarried so Jerry is
about to experience life in a household with two other
bachelors: Uncle Mike and Cousin Mike.
This is going to change our entire family
dynamics...so stay tuned for further developments.
3 to
Y2K5:
Today we leave for Tsunami, our state Youth
Conference. It is ironic that we've received news that
recent tsunamis have resulted in over 50,000 deaths. I
have yet to see a map of which parts of Indonesia were
impacted. I went on a short-term mission to Samarang
(and outlying areas on Java) back in 1995.
We watched the news last night and saw some random video
of the tsunami flooding in Thailand.
Joe
had just been in Thailand last summer. I saw the
difference that a personal connection with a people
group makes by watching Joe view that telecast.
One of my hopes for our new year is that we will be able
to improve health and education for the children living
at the Greater Love Children's Home in
Liberia.
I haven't heard from
Pastor Wesley
in a couple weeks. Its very hard for him to get internet
access right now.
I won't be updating this blog until New Year's Eve, so I
hope you will take the time to explore more of the
pathways that intersect on this website.
5 to
Y2K5:
Cathy and I are at the Epicenter on this cloud-covered
Monday morning. We plan to work together here all day,
so if anyone wants to drop by and share VISION, please
do....and we're taking call-ins at 209-745-4665.
On Wednesday, 20 teens and 5 adults are going to travel
to San Jose for Tsunami--our annual Youth
Conference. It was at that convention, last year, that
God gave me a burden to head for Liberia within a month.
Perhaps he will similarly burden some of these 25
Galtonians as they set apart time for Him to speak to
their hearts this week.
7 to
Y2K5:
It is Christmas morning. I awoke around 3:00
AM
and, after awhile decided to drive down to the empty
building we sometimes call 'the church.' Last night,
this place was a warm, candle-lit table set by the Lord.
I tasted what He had prepared and experienced afresh His
tender mercies.
John and Tammy Dettman were in the congregation (with
Cody and Ellen). I
savor each face that surround me in the House of the
Lord. Christmas eve services allows for me to meet new
people and to blessed by seeing some who I haven't seen
in awhile.
John Faull shared a brief message from James 1:18; Andy
Herrera gave a testimony; Fred blew his trumpet,
Christene and Ronda sang, Uncle Aaron had a sweet guitar
solo. Daniel and Tom Santillan spread the light of the
Christ candle so the flame could be shared by every
precious soul as we sang "Silent Night, Holy Night"
together. We are blessed to have fellowship with each
other.
Patterson Family memories were made which I shall treasure
and ponder in my heart all my life:
hearing Cathy's flute brought up in the mix;
feeling Jeremiah's rhythm as he
drove
his double bass pedal; connecting with Joe as
he started O Holy Night on the piano; watching
a little girl crawl up next to our daughter, Mary,
on the front pew; permitting Daniel to go on
with his friend's family to, yet another, late-night
candlelight service.
As I write I
am listening to Jebby's
pre-production recording of his newest musical,
Elijah. It's
great to be part of a local church who God uses to spur
Jebby on to more 'good works.'
Elijah
is definitely gonna be good!
9 to
Y2K5:
Yesterday,
I had an 'exit interview' with Polly Kimball (since she
has sold her home and is moving). This Sunday,
she will have her last 'mini-mission study' at fbcgalt.
Then, in the evening service, I plan to show a portion
of the International Mission Video and share a special
time with Polly. Finally, on January 2, we will have an
informal going-away party at the end of Sunday School.
Last night, we had 18 adults at the Greene's Home
Fellowship. One aspect of Christmas time is the
opportunity for us to be a 'home away from home' for
sojourners. Yvette's Mom, Celpa, and younger
brother, Aaron, had
been in church Sunday and were back again for mid-week Bible
Study.
10 to
Y2K5:
The day
started early as it so often does. We're currently
working on a newsletter from our missionary in Moscow.
Today, I'll finalize the program for our
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
(Friday at 7PM).
I received an email from World Vision regarding our
upcoming trip to Lethoto, South Africa. I have posted
his letter on the
Pastors' Vision Trip
page.
12 to
Y2K5:
"Home for
the Holidays" was well attended last night. I was
pleased to have a talk with our 2000 Poster Child,
Domingo Garcia. He is all grown up now and well into his
career as a Prison Guard. Mingo was the first person to
be baptized in the Y2K. Unfortunately, he works every
weekend and has missed Sunday services for most of 2004.
I introduced him to the host and hostess of one of our
Wednesday night Home groups. The Y2K5 might see an
expansion of ministry in reaching out toward people like
Mingo who won't be easily discipled by a Sunday-only
church family.
Yesterday afternoon, Cathy, Joe, and I visited a big
church in Lodi for an afternoon showing of a Christmas
Story written and produced by Sherry Souza
(a local
author and playwright).
This morning I
have reflected upon some of the dialogue and believe
that the implications of her story are worthy of
further meditation. After reading a recent newspaper
article about Sherry, I corresponded with her and
informed her of my interest in promoting the arts in our
greater community. Her husband, Rick, is a
church-builder. He was
traveling all across Africa
back in 2002 (at
the same time Pastor Wesley had come from Africa to
Galt). I suspect
that God will develop an ongoing relationship with the
Souza family as we network around the shared interests
of local creativity and global mission.
13 to
Y2K5:
I hope you
will come to church this morning (at 8:30 or 11:00 AM).
It's the
Fourth
Sunday of Advent.
Come, light a candle in remembrance and intercession for
one you love. Tonight is the final presentation
of
Home for
the Holidays
(at 7PM).
Saturday's performance was top-notch. MacDonald Wreh
was introduced and given a number of Christmas gifts
from various individuals. Then, he went to work until
3:00 AM this morning. I'll be looking forward to reading
his next journal entry.
By the way, Daniel won 3 out of 5 wrestling matches on
Saturday.
14 to
Y2K5:
At 6:00
AM
I dropped Daniel off for another all-day wrestling
tournament. From there I met with the men who pray at
the Epicenter. Then we went to Denny's for Breakfast in
the midst of our community.
Tonight,
Home
for the Holidays:
our
Christmas
Musical/Drama
will be
performed for the first of two shows: TONIGHT
at
7 PM.
CLICK ABOVE for more information
Often it seems as
though I need to be in more than one place at any given
time.
I'm happy that my only role in tonight's program is to
sing in the tenor section. I have been reflecting all
week at the great gifts that God has invested in Pastor
Dan Malloy (our Minister of Music). For months he has
been networking and organizing talented people to create
this
multi-me
dia
experience
at
the
Epicenter.
Last night, at the dress rehearsal, there were some
wonderful 'bloopers' and outtakes--nervous signs of
anticipation for this unrepeatable, one-time event. One
time tonight....and a different one-time tomorrow night.
I have a special hope for packing the place. I was part
of a team who sang and handed out free tickets at Galt's
Flea Market (1,000 invitations). I hope some of those
invitations will be rediscovered today--resulting in a
number of first-time visitors to
the
Epicenter.
Portugal; and
New Zealand. So, we have added their
flags to our roster and delight, again, in the
opportunity to live as 21st Century Christians. The
phrase "the Ends of the Earth" is woven into God's
Word throughout the Old and New Testament.
It's a fact: anyone could type a few unrelated words into
a search engine and, by chance, click on
www.someunknownlink
and get to see the names and faces of our
precious boys and girls in Liberia. CLICK ABOVE and
see for yourself....afresh!
I try very hard to maintain 'a good name'. I have chosen to connect my name
with his.
CLICK HERE to read about him
CLICK HERE to write to
Pastor Richard Wesley
Veda just stopped in to "give me the
skinny" on a certain home visit we had planned. She
also said, "Whew...its cold as a wedge out there!"
I have no idea what these phrases mean or the
etymology of the words involved. Perhaps one of our
readers will enlighten me.
16 to
Y2K5:
Very busy days for everyone. I've journaled by
replying to various emails but since those replies
are of a personal nature (and since I've already
'downloaded' those journal-able moments), we have a
couple day gap here.
Today's my 20th year anniversary of marriage to
Cathy. We've been 'celebrating' all month: the
all-expenses-paid Dinner with Randy (at Denny's),
the cleaning-of-the-kitchen, the lighting of the
Yule Log, the singing-with-the-tape for our upcoming
musical. Folks, it has been an exciting 16 Days of
Anniversary!
The musical/drama,
Home for the Holidays, is being
rehearsed nightly for the two showings (Saturday and
Sunday); I hope you will tell others about this and
try to come out to
the Epicenter for this event.
Several people have told me they have prayed
intently for God to impact each attender's heart. This prayer report excites me!
18 to
Y2K5:
I started the morning by going to the Galt Flea
Market with several others Epicenterians--to promote our
Christmas
Musical/Drama.
My deacon friend, Jim, and I met for a long discussion
and prayer. An eventful session at the Dentist's
then preceded my important meeting with other Galt
pastors
(and a reporter from the Herald).
CLICK HERE to read today's
thoughts spurred on by that particular meeting.
Check back because I'll
probably write more later tonight.
CLICK HERE for special VISION
page
"Religion that God our
Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to
look after orphans and widows in their distress . .
." James 1:27
Throughout my relationship with my wife, Cathy, I
have learned that generosity and compassion are her
most distinct attributes. Early on, I would try to offer
counsel that she not 'give' so much to others.
Funny... as I'd share
the logical thoughts from my
head, my heart would
begin to be touched by the purity of
hers.
Last February, when I came home from Liberia, I learned that Cathy had sponsored a
little, Indonesian girl named Hany
(this time through World Vision).
We had already been providing sponsorship for a
little, Tanzanian girl named Dorah
(through Compassion
International). Having
just been confronted with all the needs I saw in
Liberia (and knowing how 'stretched' we were already
financially), I wasn't thrilled with the idea of
another 'monthly' financial commitment. No, I
wouldn't have chosen that obligation for
myself...but I've yielded to Cathy's compassionate
gesture and have made room in my heart for Hany
as well.
he
enhancement of video and graphics during public
gatherings. After breakfast,
dotcom.tom and I tested it with
all the lights on. Looks good to my eyes
(and
his--after his recent Lasik
surgery). So far, this morning
I have spent time in prayer, fellowship, listening,
and the investment of abilities--all in cooperation
with the same from other men in our local church.
This is what true Christianity looks like. Simple.
Faithful. Expectant.
22 to
Y2K5:
Veda and I went around visiting people today. One stop
was to the home of a widow (who had just lost her
husband on Tuesday). He had suffered with Alzheimer's
Disease. About six months ago, Walter had asked Joyce to
see if she could arrange for me to speak at his
graveside when that day would come. I just finished
delivering a message at the Galt Cemetery (within sight
of the Redwood Trees we recently planted). Walter had
been a Korean War and Vietnam War era veteran. The VFW
Honor Guard also helped his friends and family find
closure.
24 to
Y2K5:
Another rainy day at the
Epicenter. However, I'm 'feeling' sunnyside up! My good
friend,
dotcom.tom is
having LASIK surgery today. He has a WebBlog and I plan
to click above and see, for myself, his latest entry.
Tom and I just said "Amen" together (on the phone)
regarding a number of issues pertaining to our local
church and those who are impacted by the ripples
emanating from our studios in Galt, California.
and
now back by popular demand:
"Fluffy, Come Home"
(part
2)
Dad drove us out to the
countryside (Hillsdale, Michigan) to Uncle Tom's
house. It was hard for me (a little boy) to hold
onto Fluffy in the backseat. He was a huge cat and
didn't like being in the car.
There had always been several cats who lived out at
Uncle Tom's; they ate the scraps left by anyone who
would share sustenance with them. We knew that
Fluffy would survive out there but still hoped that
he would eventually take the long journey home to
Coldwater.
It wasn't too long before our stepmother announced
that
we were going to have 'a new cat'. We were
introduced to this purebred Siamese Cat with a
strange name: Tai-Ling. Even though I liked
the idea of having another cat, Tai-Ling was not
very friendly. One day our stepmother arranged for
Tai-Ling to have kittens. After watching this
Siamese mother grow larger and larger, finally, two
kittens were born.
Check back for further installments of
"Fluffy, Come Home"
25
to
Y2K5:
I awoke at
3:30 this morning. Lying in my bed I thought over recent
days' stimuli until I heard a distant sound of distress
from outdoors. I have tried to train myself to attend to
nighttime sounds (as I was once a teenager who sneaked
around in the darkness of night). I got up, went to the
window and focused my attention on the sound. Discerning
that it was a poor, cold dog several houses away, I went
back to bed. There wasn't much I could do for that
creature but stopped to consider its plight as it
continued to moan aloud--it was raining! I wondered
where (inside our warm house) our little dog, Capo, had
spent the night.
"Fluffy, Come Home"
(part 1)
Our mother had died, my father was now remarried,
and though our new mom hadn't proven herself to be
'wicked,' she was, after all, a stepmother.
It was reported this morning that delivery was long and
arduous but six pups were born and all have survived.
Cathy and I agreed that this will serve as an important
chapter in Mary's life education. Over
the years we have
been disappointed about certain inferior aspects of
public education in our town. However, by God's rippling grace, our
children have benefited greatly from a well-rounded
exposure to life-teaching outside the classroom. Our
four children have always attended Worship services,
Sunday School, and Children's Church. Each one has also been involved
in the work of the church--VBS, mission trips, hosting
special events and meeting special guests through the
years. I hope to, one day, be as concerned
for the education of every child in my sphere of
influence.
27 to
Y2K5:
Sunday's come and is nearly
gone! It's been a great day in the House of the Lord.
Cathy and I are heading home at 9:00
PM. I'll write more
tomorrow. If, today, God has spoken to your heart about
anything you'd like to share,
write me.
28
to
Y2K5:
Today, I'm
resetting my
time to our
Homepage
Hour Glass. The 40 Days of Focus carried over into 60-some
days. It's time to
look ahead to the new season.
This webBlog has helped me look at my bio-rhythm.
Perhaps, I'm only good for about a 63 Day high (I don't
know...) but I started to crash on the way home from
Riverside this week; I was too exhausted to go to
mid-week bible study, too worn-out to attend Rotary
Friday morning, not even excited about updating this
webpage (that confession hurts--it really does). Maybe
it had to do with completion of several events:
Thanksgiving
Festivities, Joe home and back,
Jury duty finished, and Stonehill over. However,
today, I have my normal level of energy, so I guess I'm
rested (and ready for the Second Light of Advent).
This day started with an extended time of prayer--in the
company of like believers--petitioning God and
acknowledging that His Ways are higher than our ways.
Confidence comes with prayer. God is in control (and He
reveals Himself to those who diligently seek Him). Our
Saturday morning prayer meeting has had unbroken
continuity for several years. When I listen to others in
our local church praying, I hear the breath of God
returning to Him. Its wonderful.
I excused myself from prayer at 7:30
AM,
so I could drive Cathy and Whitney to Sutter Creek to
watch our son, Daniel, compete in a wrestling
tournament. He won a scrimmage match in Lodi mid-week,
but today was his first tournament. We were able to stay
for two rounds. He won the first round (and place
d
2nd in his second match).
A couple days ago, Mike and Robin
McCall took me to visit a friend who was on his deathbed. We
sang some songs and prayed the scriptures. Yesterday, I received
the news that this man had passed away. We were humbled that we
had not missed the opportunity to minister in this way.
Day 62: Joe had
accompanied me to court on Monday afternoon. After we had waited
for an hour, the jury was seated and then told by the Judge that
the case had been settled. We were thanked by the Judge. He
paraphrased Anthony Kennedy speaking about civil strife in other
nations. Without an effective way to settle grievances, people
sometimes take matters into their own hands. I was glad to be
dismissed because it meant that Cathy and I could drive Joe back
to college. When I find another timeslot to get online, I will
write an explanation of thought and action stirred up by my being called to serve in a Superior Court trial.
Joe showed us around the campus of California Baptist University
where he has started work toward his Bachelor's Degree. He has
been tutoring math students. Here is a photo outside the center
wher
e
he works. It has been hard for Joe to make the adjustment of
being away from home for such a long period of time. While he
was home, a couple people took time to share with him their
experiences of 'separation anxiety.' If you would like to write
him a note, just
CLICK HERE.
So, last night after the concert, I took Cathy out for our
'anniversary' (coming up on December 16th)....no point
waiting...and possibly allowing the grand event (20 year
observance) to be minimized. I thought long and hard before
deciding upon the perfect date.
I surprised her by taking her out for an 'all-expenses-paid'
dinner at Denny's! We sat at the table with Randy, his
Northern California agent, Kathy; a couple from Oroville
(Wanda & Philip), and our sweet friend, Jebby.
Cathy and I split an 'Ultimate Omelot.' We were served by a
waitress named Megan (who had served MacDonald and us on the
celebrative day that he had landed the job at Denny's).
I have yet to reflect much upon last night's concert. I was a
blessed. We shared a Feb. 1964 experience with the folks
visiting the Epicenter
(I showed some acts from a
certain Ed Sullivan show).
Then, I was so pleased with the performance given by our own,
home-grown talent: Katey Santillan. What a voice...and
only 11 years old!
God had called a significant group together to share that
special evening. I was happy to know that three members of the
Rock Band, A Skylit Drive, were being exposed to high art in the
church.
We also had 3 Denny's employees in the audience who were
experiencing Stonehill for the first time (and he sang
"Christmas at Denny's"). He also performed a new song about
doing what it takes to listen to the Spirit. I do believe that
my dear Friend (the Spirit) will lay it on Randy's heart to
deliver a 'quiet copy' of the demo to Jebby (who will then
'burn' a quiet copy for Cathy and me...as a 20 year anniversary
gift....oh yeah, and I'll burn one for Wanda & Philip)...but
promise not to sell any from the trunk of my car!
I think it was especially nice of Randy to tell the crowd that
"Baby Hates Clowns" should be taken literally (not
figuratively...as some have been known to interpret lyrics...).
I've sometimes wondered if the Apostle Paul will comment on the
public ministry of certain gifted preachers (when he sits around
the table with them at that heavenly Denny's): "What were you
talking about?!"
Day 58: I've been reading
over the papers I wrote during the first couple years of
doctoral studies. Delaying the process of writing a final
project prospectus has caused some inner struggle for me.
However, the elapsed time since I wrote many of these papers has
brought wisdom with which to interpret what God was revealing to
me.
go to:
pastorob
at
www.pastorob.com/rob’sblog.htm
Pastor Rob Patterson 653 A Street Galt, California (209)
745-4665
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