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y2k4
Day 57 to Oct 17, 2004
Day 57: Hello,
friends. I'm here at the
Epicenter with
Veda Rackley
and...guess
who just walked in?
Virginia Parker.
Rob:
How are you ladies doing today?
Virginia:
Me? Oh you're talking on there.
Veda: I'm
fine.
Virginia:
I just came in to pick up any bills that we have and
any love I can get from Veda and pastorob.
Rob:
Well, I had Veda help me upload the Daily Bread today (on the homepage). We
did a google search and found these 'eyes' to go
along with the devotional about the eyes of our
heart. When we checked it later,
I said, "That's a good job!"
Veda:
Yes, we did real good!
We killed the bear but Daddy shot it.
Rob:
Huh? What do you mean by that?
Veda:
That's just about taking credit for what somebody
else did.
....And that's the
way it goes sometimes--There's nothing new under
the sun.
At Control Central, we are counting down to the
Y2K5.
As I woke up this morning, I thought about years
ago, when I would get the desire to fast up to the
new year--but the idea always stood in direct
conflict with our culture's annual holiday season
(which is basically
40 Days of Feasting).
Yesterday, Theo came over for our dinner. He
immediately patted me on the belly (sign language
for 'you're getting fat!'). So, on this 26th
of November Y2K4, I'm efficaciously fixing my eyes
upon that which transcends the stomach (as well as
the shame).
--Look that up in
your study of Paul's writing...and I don't mean
Paul McCartney.
New? Well,
today started early for us; Cathy had her alarm set
for 3:30 AM.
Mary and she were planning to be picked up by
Christene, then drive by, get Robin and go 'sale-ing.'
At 4:00 AM,
someone is pounding on the front door. It's
Christene--thinking that the Patterson girls are
running late...(something
about Christene--she views herself as virtually
infallible...)
Well, it seems that she never updated her
cellphone's clock...so she thought that the rest of
the world was running one hour late.
Oh...we received a letter
from
Moonika Palmik.
Click here for
an update.
Day 56:
Announcer:
Today we present a special
Thanksgiving
Day blog-cast with a very special
guest.
She comes to us all the way from a
long
life's journey to this very moment
in time
and space.
Nearly twenty years ago, she and
pastorob committed their lives to
one
another in a covenantal
relationship known
to some as a traditional
marriage. Stay
tuned for a totally uncensored,
unedited
di-ablogue. Let's give it up for
pastorob's
wife and close friend:
Cathy.....Patterson!
(audience applause)
Rob: Hi Cathy.
Wow...what applause! You
must have some friends out there...
Cathy: In blog
land...
Rob: Hey, I'm your
friend too....the announcer
even suggests that we're 'close'
friends.
Cathy: So what are we
talking about? (lol)
Rob: Nothing.
Oh, yeah, that's already been
done. A show about 'nothing.'
Cathy: No...I don't want
to talk about Seinfeld...
Rob: Yes, dear.
What do you want to talk about?
Cathy: Thanksgiving.
I am so thankful to be in
America--with a place to stay, food
to eat,
and friends & family to share in this
day.
Rob: Hmm...a show
about Thanksgiving. That's
been done too...
Cathy: Yeah, Charlie
Brown has his show on
tonight.
Rob: Maybe we
should watch it. You know, I
remember
A Charlie Brown Christmas
but I
don't really remember ever seeing
A
Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.
We will have
to give MacDonald another lesson in
American Pop Culture--let him into
the
deeper teachings that can be found
within
the whole Charlie Brown phenomenon.
Announcer (whispers):
Cathy has just called her
friend,
Christene Santillan on the cell phone.
I overheard her asking Chris to pick
up a
newspaper--for tomorrow's sales. She
then
invited her to drop in at the
Epicenter with
the paper.
Rob: Cathy? Cathy?
Are you there?
Cathy: Well, you were
getting quite wordy... it
sounded like you were about to preach
one
of Charlie's messages. I thought I
was the
guest today.
Rob: Do you want to
make it say 'verbose'
instead of 'wordy?'
Cathy: Sure.
Announcer:
Sorry guys. This is an
uncensored,
unedited program today.
The Producer
says "We're gonna stick with
wordy."
Cathy: Oh. Well, let's talk about having Joe home
for Thanksgiving Break (you know,
the
various aspects of our upcoming
Empty
Nest Syndrome...that
kind of stuff). We
have four teenagers, so this is
something
we're going to have to deal with.
I'm sure
that many of our readers have some
level
of experience with these issues.
Rob:
Well, I know that
Skip
has issues. Hey, go
ahead and hyperlink that mention of
Skip.
Cath, did I tell you that I've seen
a sign
that everything's gonna be OK
between
Skip and Pastor Dan?
Cathy:
...remember, this is unedited and
TOTALLY uncensored!
Rob:
Whoa, thanks! Anyway, Dan has
suggested an actual name for Skip's
time slot on Sunday mornings.
Cathy: Huh?
Rob: Instead of "Greetings and
Announcements" Dan offers "Skip's
Tips."
Cathy: (lol)
I like that...maybe Dan can make up
some little musical cue to call Skip
out
from the green room.
Announcer: And
that's all
for today's special
Thanksgiving Blogcast...
No....we
gotta talk about Joe.
Honey, look at
the clock....
Yes,
but I want families
everywhere to savor the precious
opportunites on this..
(Skip
interrupts) Yes, blog-casting from the
Epicenter, we heartily encourage all our viewers....
Cathy: Wait, here's Christene....and she's got
the paper!
Christene:
...Hi (big
smile) I've got two!
Announcer: Ladies and
Gentlemen...
Christene Santillan
(applause).
Rob:
Sorry, Chris, we're out of
time but we
will make sure to have you
back for an
Empty Nest tri-a-blogue..but
oh, I've
gotta apologize for spelling
Katey's
name wrong in Sunday's
Bulletin.
Christene: You what? Again?
Oh well, we're used
to it (lol)...Why
did you publish her
name?
Rob: She's
gonna open for
Stonehill
on
Sunday Night!
Christene: Oh. Did
Jebby
mention if he's coming?
Rob:
Definitely. I told him all about all the
controversy stirred up about
Baby Hates Clowns.
Christene:
Baby Hates Clowns?
Rob: Do
you know about
the controversy?
Christene: Controversy?
I know the song . . .
Cathy: She
doesn't read the blog....
Announcer:
Ladies and Gentlemen...our time is up.
Stop back tomorrow for
another
thrilling installment of
pastorob's blog.
This is your holiday
announcer,
Skip,
ministering information
from Galt to the Ends of the
Earth.
(music
up and out)
Day 55:
(written the night before)
Out of 45
potential jurors, my name was selected at random to
sit in the juror's box. After having spent all day
waiting, I started to get excited about having the
opportunity to participate in the judicial branch of
our American system of government. I filled out the
Voir Dire questionnaire, then carefully considered a
list of seven qualifying questions once I was seated
as a juror. Several potential jurors stated reasons
of hardship or personal, disqualifying factors.
If either the Defense Attorney or the District
Attorney have done a google search for this
potential juror, congratulations! You have
found me. On the Voir Dire questionnaire, I
have identified myself as a self-employed,
Life Management
Consultant.
This title most appropriately describes my vocation
and various means of income cited on my yearly tax
forms. It is also consistent with my earned Bachelor
of Science degree
(Stud
ent-Planned
Curriculum
in Audio-Visual Production:
Western Michigan University,
1981)
and my interaction with individuals from all
walks-of-life (locally, regionally, and
internationally).
Since the Defendant in this Criminal Case has
pleaded "Not Guilty," I will do exactly as the Judge
has admonished all potential jurors to do--presume
innocence--and consider ONLY the evidence presented
in the courtroom. Charges do not constitute
evidence; the burden-of-proof is on the plaintiff.
Honoring the spirit of the Judge's admonition, I
willfully choose to abstain from any google searches
of either attorney, the Judge, or anyone else whose
name I learned for the first time today (and will
refrain from any discussion of issues connected with
this trial).
The Superior Court Judge appointed to this case
shared his belief in the system as he spoke to the
jurors: "Your particular life experience could be
the key to insuring justice in this case."
Agreeing with the
Judge's assertion, I am being very careful to not
fuel faulty presuppositions (based on semantics) and
hinder my opportunity to serve on this jury.
So, readers, please be patient with my
"NO COMMENT"....I
won't have to appear again in court until Monday
afternoon.
Day 54:
This bright Tuesday finds your writer heading to the
State Capital (Sacramento: between
epicenter.ripple.1
and
epicenter.ripple.2).
Yes, we're going remote this morning to report
for Jury Duty. Some have counseled me about 'how' to
get out of it....(I choose not to mention their
names).
So, I put on a
necktie and will present m
yself to fulfill my civic
duty. I will update you regarding my
status--unless I am
sequestered.
Look that word up under
S.
I've never gone through the process yet so I
will learn as I go.
Lora Leerskov wondered aloud (in front of her
parents) why
Stonehill
hadn't just come out and written the letters
PMS
(in Baby Hates Clowns);
I informed her that, in my experience, most women
don't like men to even
gingerly suggest such an explanation for
heightened sensitivities (more later...or not).
Day 53: Monday morning and I was needed for Jury
Duty. I'll call later today to see if I have to
report tomorrow. Its been a great day as of this
reporting
(11:30 AM).
Morning Devotions with MacDonald Wreh and my
dear wife, Cathy, were fruitful. We're 're-reading'
the Purpose-Driven Life (today was Day 5) and a
verse mentioned was one of all my life verses from
2 Cor 4.
One of our Epicenter partners, Pastor Dan
Malloy, stopped in to see me about next Sunday's
service. He said, "I'm getting an early start." We
look for momentum
toward Christmas to increase because this Sunday
is the First Sunday of Advent. Again, we
will have a child start our services with the
lighting of an Advent Candle.
Sunday night we have
the privilege of hosting
Randy
Stonehill
for a
special concert.
Ohhh...I will pick up
our son,
Joe, from
the airport this afternoon to spend his Thanksgiving
break with us!
Day 51: We just finished with our Men's
Breakfast. I videotaped Josh Graybill sharing his
testimony (in preparation for his Macedonia Mission
Trip in April, 2005). This page should begin to load
faster because I am starting the process of
archiving older journal entries on a separate page.
After Stonehill's next concert here, I will
drastically reduce the number of photos on this page
to allow for quick access (even on the slowest
connections).
I was blessed to teach in a different
classroom yesterday at Galt High. God really met me
in some moments of observation--teaching me about
the value of knowing individuals by name. I am
thankful for the boundary lines He has chosen to set
up for me. Tomorrow, I have the opportunity to
preach two more messages
(8:30 and 11:00 a.m.)
entitled "An Efficacious Thanksgiving." I have
much to speak about so today we be a day of
clarification and focus so that the sermons might,
themselves, prove efficacious.
Our son, Joe, is scheduled to fly home on Monday
afternoon. I am on-call as a juror for this next
week, so I continue to take hold of this hope: 'The
best days are ahead of us.'
Day 49: Its been a long day for me--a good day.
I taught the same young people I had yesterday for
four hours. Then, in the afternoon, I met other
students in two new classes. Every hour involved
some great teachable moments. Teaching Algebra,
English, and History sections was quite enjoyable.
Last night, Robin McCall
visited our mid-week Bible Study. We learned more of
her call to Liberia. We studied decision-making as
leaders by considering Mordecai's counsel to
Esther (and her courageous response).
At that same fellowship, Josh Graybill shared
his person
al
testimony. I was touched by the same grace of God
that had met Josh at his point of need. Then,
tonight I accompanied Josh to a preparatory meeting
for his mission trip to
Macedonia (April
2005).
Both yesterday and today I learned of matters that
brought disappointment to my heart as a pastor. I
choose to mention that in this blog because it seems
to be normative experience. My prayer is that I can
learn from the mistakes of others, be more dependent
upon God myself, and quiet my soul that I might pray
more effectively. I guess I'm maturing in Christ
because my disappointment in others' behavior
humbles me and points me toward self-examination.
May the fullness of God's Blessings
be poured out upon each one of you readers. If you
think to...pray for me.
Day 48
(actual):
I just served as a Substitute Teacher for six
periods--working primarily with High School Juniors.
It was a productive day with great lesson plans in
place! What a difference is made by a bit of
preparation and planning.
Pastor
Wesley wrote today from
Liberia. He mentioned that the Internet connection
has been operating erratically (and slow), so it has
been difficult to contact us. In my reply informed
him that Mike and Robin McCall will leave
the
Epicenter
(ASAP) for Liberia (to
interview the children and learn how better to
assist those who have taken responsibility for
them).
An urban legend*,
Analisa Stewart,
(mentioned on Day 44 below)
wrote in to the Epicenter:
Thanks so much for mentioning us, we really
appreciate it. I am glad you and MacDonald
had a good time at the planting, poor guys,
up at 5:30!
Analisa Stewart
comshade@sactree.com
*the
legend is that she grew up in the rain
forest--raised by tree-dwellers--Epicenter editors
have not been able to substantiate or refute this
story.
Analisa now lives within hiking
distance of the Epicenter and serves as the
Community Coordinator for the Sacramento Tree
Foundation. She loves to plan (and plant) for the
future. Feel free to contact her at the email
address above.
Day 48: I'm writing this
the night before because I have been asked to serve
as a Substitute Teacher at Galt High School
(Thursday and Friday). Having learned that Mike and
Robin McCall have availed themselves to leave for
Liberia ASAP, I am committing the money I earn at
GHS to help purchase their tickets.
Sunday night, in tears, Robin McCall shared her
growing love for the children of Liberia. She is a
gifted administrator and has been used mightily of
God in other missions endeavors. My hope will be
that her first international mission trip will
enable her to exercise her gifts and abilities for
the good of these children's future--producing fruit
which will last. Will you join me in sending them
(ASAP) to the
Greater Love Children's
Home?
Write me with your ideas.
Day 47: Today I have been asked to speak in a
meeting of "Warriors for Christ" during the first
lunch period at Galt High School (11:23-11:53).
I will take MacDonald Wreh along with me; we
will probably show photographs of the orphans in
Liberia, tell the story of his daughter who died so
recently of Malaria, and challenge the young people
to think globally. I am greatly appreciative of the
teenager who thought to invite me to come to her
school. I pray that the Lord will use our visit to
fulfill His purposes.
Day 46: I think that I've been running
MacDonald too hard. I realized afresh this morning
that I
'burn the candle at both ends.' I noticed that
Mac had fallen asleep during Sunday School
(and he hasn't had a chance to update his journal).
I had a great time at the En Route concert last
night.
God spoke to me about an answer to yesterday's
question. I have yet to adequately reflect upon what
I heard during the Epicenter sermons:
Who puts the MO
in momentum?
Yes, the sermons turned out to have different
illustrations and varying degrees of emphases. There
are certain differences in the cross-section of the
population who attend the
8:30 and 11:00
services. Differences aside, the primary points of
the Acronym created for Momentum remained the same.
Keep checking the Audio page for selected edits of
these messages in the days to come.
Day 45: Today I've chosen to
ask the Q
uestion:
Who puts the MO in
momentum?
Issues within the Epicenter's Department of
Information and Technology have prohibited me
from printing a sermon outline. So, this morning, I
will have two messages to share that could be quite
different. With a big Bible--full of God's Word--and
an abundant life--full of daily encounters with
God's activity, it will be a challenge to lay the
30-minute boundary stones (without that little half
sheet of paper called 'the sermon outline').
Last night,
Andy,
Seal, and I were
the adults accompanying a group of teenagers to our
monthly youth rally. Roque Viado, new (young)
pastor of Stockton's Filipino church, was our
keynote speaker. He asked me if their church could
baptize some new believers at the Epicenter. I cut a
deal with him--their congregation will join in with
ours at the 11:00 service on November 28th.
Our son,
Jerry (17) premiered with
his new band, A Skylit Drive, on Friday
night. They played at the B
lackwater Cafe in Stockton.
I got on the web and found some photos of that show.
Their singer, Jordan, went w
ith us to see
Phil Keaggy's concert on Thursday (as did Joey).
ASD's show was sold out and the crowd of
young people seemed to really enjoy the
band. Cathy
and I played the 'parents card' in order
to get in.
Last night, at our Youth Rally, I met a 14 year old
drummer (from Trinity Baptist in Stockton; I think
her name is Leah Rocha). She was a good drummer and
demonstrated much potential. I shared with her that
my son is a drummer (and about the show in her town
the night before). Leah told me that her brother had
been there Friday night.
Day 44: I woke MacDonald up at 5:30 so we could
go to Control Central at the Epicenter to enter Day
42 and 43 from his journal. Afterwards, we talked
and prayed with the other men who meet every
Saturday morning. Important visionary matters are
discussed openly before the Lord each Saturday. I am
thrilled about what I have
seen (about our future) because of that
particular prayer meeting (We have enjoyed 5 years
of continuous prayer at that time each week).
Dan, Loren, and Doug met here to
invite us out for breakfast (since so many women had
gathered at Doug's house). We went to Clements for
breakfast and discussed highly confidential matters
(which will never show up in this journal or a
Sunday sermon--at least, I'm gonna try to keep all
that stuff under my hat).
After that time with the guys,
MacDonald and I went to Galt Cemetery as
Rotarian-type volunteers. We got involved with
something bigger than ourselves.
Today,
23 Sequoia Redwood trees
were planted around the Veterans' monuments.
We were dir
ected by Analisa
Stewart of the Sacramento Tree
Foundation. They donated all of the trees (along
with a recent grant-planting of
37 Crepe Myrtle
trees). I told MacDonald that soon we will take him
to Muir Woods and show him a VISION of the future.
One day the Galt Cemetery will host a Giant Redwood
Grove (should the Lord..what's
that word
we only use in one context?
..should the Lord...tarry).
Day 43: In an hour or so, the sun will rise. I
should be at the
Sunrise
Rotary
Club with my eyes and ears wide
open--looking and listening for where God would
have
me join in His Work. At Rotary, I've made some new
friends in the circle arou
nd the Epicenter. I've
also had lunch with Rotarians in Liberia and
Estonia.
If I make it to Africa (at the dawn of
Y2K5) I will try to connect with the Rotarians I meet on
there...so, today is a day of Rotary preparation for
tomorrow.
Every week for several years, Jebby and I have taken
a long walk around the west side of Galt--talking,
praying, laughing, and vision-casting. We have
marveled at what God has done for a couple guys
saying, in different ways, "Here am I, send me."
Soon, this he will leave the
Epicenter and go to New Zealand (he is playing a
role in a Hollywood film project). So, I count the
blessing of having a friend to spend some time with
today (43rd day of
MOmentum™).
Lord willing, after Rotary we will walk, watch, and
pray over our latter-day track: Galt's Upper East
Side.
I'm sure
that
we will discuss last night's
concert with
Phil Keaggy.
Cathy and I decided to
drive two cars
since we
had invited six guests
to attend with us. A
highlight for me was to hear a new song that Phil
wrote for his sister's 60th birthday. This hardened
heart got choked up; I like it when that happens!
Sometime today, please visit the
right column and listen to the Audio Sample of
Stonehill's song: Baby
Hates Clowns.
I have been amused that certain individuals have
taken the song so literally. Maybe, its just that
Cathy and I enjoyed such
'intense fellowship' (during our 20 years
together)...and maybe, I'm reading too much
in-between-the-lines...but I really think that the
song is about a guy's frustration with the fact that
his old bag of tricks is no longer cracking a smile
from the one he loves.
I love her dearly, but my Baby has, at times,
glared at me 'with eyes like knives' (when I
have gingerly suggested a possible source of the
conflict at hand).
I realize that some people out there don't think in
terms of Symbolism. Me? I grew up reading album
lyrics in juxtaposition to biographical data I had
learned about the lyricists. I always enjoyed the
fine art of a lyricist thinly disguising life's most
personal issues while 'hitting the nail on the head'
in the body of a song. I don't know why (right..)
but I love this particular Randy Stonehill lyric:
"I
tell her she should lighten up, but all she does is
tighten up, and come unglued."
You know, young people, you really ought to take
your English teacher's assignments seriously. Go
ahead, read the poem, the book, watch the film
(whatever)...think about it...react to it, reflect
upon it, write about it, then email me your stuff.
If you show promise, you can come to the Epicenter
to take all your talent up a notch.
No, I never did read ALL of the
Mariner...but I know this: the Albatross is
a symbol for something--hanging around a guy's
neck...
This time around (Nov. 28th), let's
listen to Stonehill as a poet, OK?
Day 42: Remember that
Phil Keaggy is on tonight at the
Warehouse. This was before my time but here's a bit
of second-hand regional
Christian history: the Wareh
ouse was part of
the JESUS MOVEMENT back at the very end of the
sixties and into the seventies.
The Jesus Movement started out here in
California but spread all over the nation...with
Lovesong,
Randy Stonehill, Phil Keaggy, Second Chapter of
Acts, Barry McGuire, Keith Green, and others.
The Warehouse was a church started in a Rancho
Cordova warehouse to accomodate these 'hippies' who
were 'getting high on Jesus...' Remember the term
Jesus Freak? I think it originated in that
particular move of God. In the latter years of the
movement, Jebby (just a kid) went there regularly to
stand in line with hundreds of young people to catch
Stonehill and others in concert.
Well, now, all these years later, Warehouse
Ministries appears to be HUGE. Andy and I went there
yesterday to buy tickets.
The numbers on the tickets were
in the 300-plus range.
"...Selling well..,' said the kid behind the
counter (he hadn't ever heard of Stonehill and
probably hasn't even heard Keaggy). Well,
that's the way it goes . . . not everybody
gets all excited about
Bill Gaither's Homecoming Concerts either.
God raises up different individuals to minister
His message of Grace in every generation. Still,
I'm taking a cross-generational carload to the
Warehouse tonight to hear God speak through His Gift
of psalmody. I hope I'll see you there. I'll
probably be seeking permission to hand out fliers
for Randy Stonehill's concert here on November 28th.
Speaking of appreciating the gifts
given by God through different generations:
I just learned that our international performance
group,
The New America
Singers,
will be participating in
Billy Graham's
Youth Night
at the
Rose Bowl
on November 20th.
From the Epicenter,
we're helping in a small way to
reach out to youth in L.A.
Day 41.94 Yes, I said earlier that there would
be more later...but Baby
Hates... when I stay out too late,
so I gotta run home now. Please, check out the
Stonehill song in the right column of these
archives. Its the fruit of my labors in the late
night...Sing along with the man in the big hat!
Day 41: (or 52 days to Y2K5) The message
this Sunday is Mission
Momentum at fbcgalt
and offers insight for one of life's
mysteries: "Who puts the MO
in momentum?"
I'm planning to
run over to the Warehouse and pick up some tickets
for the Keaggy concert this Thursday. Make sure to
read about
Randy Stonehill
coming back to the Epicenter (on Day 40's entry).
I'll write
more later today...check back.
Day 40:
I was at home and some kids had inadvertently lit
the fuse of a large rocket (perhaps 16 inches long
and 6 inches in diameter). Quickly I grabbed hold of
the rocket--struggling to control its propulsive
drive--and hoping to direct its initial course, I
let it go. The gradual arc of its course alarmed of
me; I began to hear several repetitions of it
hitting objects (rat-a-tat-a-tat-tidatat....rat-a-tat-a-tat-atad....)
and imagined that it was probably knocking over
picnic grilles, putting many people in harm's way,
at the nearby park. I felt terrible about it. What
should I do?
Then I woke up...(rat-a-tat-a-tat-tidatat)
to the sound of Cathy's percussive nighttime
breathing cycles (rat-a-tat-a-tat-atad).
So, after noticing that it was 3:30 AM, I figured I
might as well run down to the office and
update some of our webpages.
Who among you has the
interpretation
for this dream?
CLICK HERE
I am not greatly troubled by this
dream. I think I know what it means for me. However,
now that I have passed it on to you, I would venture
to guess that God could apply it to the propelling
issues of your life (Day
40 is, after all, an important
day in which to write about such issues).
Las
t night,
Randy Stonehill called the Epicenter.
Thelma McCartney answered and informed him that
Cathy and I would be taking our Olan Mills shot for
the upcoming directory. So, she told me that Randy
would be calling back.
God has significantly used Randy's ministry at
different points in my life as a Christian. I
quickly secured the church calendar--in
expectation of his return call.
So, he calls again--from a tour in
Alaska. He is happy to report that he has had
opportunity, in Alaska, to be on a television program and has been interviewed
on three radio
shows.
We settled on a night for him to come back to the
Epicenter: November 28th at 7 PM. I
told him about Phil Keaggy being in concert nearby
this Thursday--and that I'd try to pass out fliers
there.
Randy explained that following his
concert with us, he will continue his recording
project in Fair Oaks (with Bob Kilpatrick):
Randy: "It's
called Touchstone."
Rob:
"Oh...Touch Tone? ...like the phone?"
Randy: "No,
Touchstone."
Rob:
"Oh....like the movies?"
Randy:
"No...uh...Touchstone...like
songs that have
'touched' people's hearts through the
years....a series of compilation
projects:
Touchstone 1, Touchstone 2
... "
So, that's going to be a big event
simply because we have this website now (and can
start promoting immediately). I told Randy that we
would try to get all the
Stoners (or
Stonehillians...) to come out. As well,
there is ag
ain a whole new group of people in our
sphere of influence who do not yet know that God has
PURPOSEFULLY
s.h.a.p.e.d
Randy for such a time as this.
For many years Randy has faithfully served God's
Purpose in his generation. So, help me help
him...let's deliver the VOTE on
November 28th and
TOUCH
STONEHill.
Day 39: It's a gloomy day if one were to fix
their eyes on what can be seen. The sky is overcast
at the Epicenter. Its somewhat damp and cold.
Fortunately, my household was engaged in 'focusing'
on Rick Warren's teaching for
DAY 39 (the
Purpose Driven Life).
The 'question to consider' asked which
of 4 areas did we n
eed to strengthen to balance
God's Purposes for our lives. MacDonald and I agreed
that we should include more of life's lessons in our
journal entries. So, I would direct you to the
primary work I've done thus far today on the
Free
Audio Page (as I continue to
reflect on my songs which were first published way
back in the 20th century).
Day 38: I preached two
messages this morning--somewhat different in
tone--though the focus was the same: The Mission
of fbcgalt: Committed to an Unknown Future.
I hope to edit some choice moments for our
Audio page sometime this week.
We baptized four people this morning;
two men (19 and 16) and a young married couple who
joined our local church through Believer's Baptism.
There was a great outpouring of generous giving
today. In just 30 minutes, we will have our Evening
Events: a splendid time is guaranteed for all!
I hope you will join me at the
Phil Keaggy concert,
this Thursday night. See the right column for
more information.
Day 37: This day started early! Before 6
AM, MacDonald
and I went to a point equidistant from all points on
the inner boundary of the 21st Century's initial
ripple. I suppose by now you know what I'm talking
about: our Saturday Morning Men's Prayer Meeting.
Well, I haven't had time to journal or even to read
the 37th entry from my FOCUS
book (PDL).
However, I invite you to hyper-link your way over
and see today's
reflections
about previously published songs.
Day 36: We are receiving
feedback from all over the U.S. and two different
readers from Australia. I am pleased that God seems
to have chosen for us to have an audience for our
daily updates. Please understand that we are still
learning how to work out little problem areas on
this site. So check back regularly. I'll write more
later today.
Day 35:
I witnessed to my wife about the wonderful
fellowship I experienced last night in the Greene's
home.
Andy Herrera and Glenn Greene both
invested their S.H.A.P.E. at their respective
grilles.
The result was
a-little
slice-of-the-proverbial-potluck-in-heaven
right here on earth! This is that and then
is
now.
I woke up 3:30 California time and
decided to run on down to the office to upload
MacDonald's Blog, and to update the materials for
Day 35.
In the wee hours of this morning,
I have chosen to risk sharing some downloadable,
user-friendly materials
I compiled from various publications:
Rick Warren for Dummies
The Complete Idiot's Guide
to Henry Blackaby
Who reads the
Fine Print anyway?
A Confessing
Dummy (and Complete Idiot), Pastor Rob Patterson
personally accepts all responsibility for the
pre-meditated, willful copyright infringement of
ideas previously published by Blackaby and Warren.
Perhaps, if you would purchase legal copies of the
books, tapes, sermon outlines, and video teachings
published by these spiritual mentors, they will
understand my intent to spread the gospel from this
site without legal action against me.
Oh yeah,
scroll all the way down
to the bottom of this page and take a look at the
guys who will hold me accountable for finishing my
doctorate in a timely manner.
Day 34: Don't forget--there's
a Wednesday Potluck/BibleStudy and Fellowship at the
Greene's home tonight: 339-1377. Come
around 6:30 for food.
Our Liberian guest,
MacDonald Wreh,
had two interviews this afternoon at Denny's.
He was seeking an entry level job (probably
dishwashing or custodial). I believe that both
interviews went well, however, he was told that
decisions would be made early next week. So, I just
dropped him off at the Methodist church, where
Pastor Craig Dale is talking to him about the
possibility of employment as their church Custodian.
I was blessed as I read the entire devotional from
Purpose-Driven Life today--thinking about
MacDonald's servant heart.
I also rejoiced as I reflected upon the words
written in 2 cards for Pastor's Appreciation Day.
Thank you, church!
Here's an email I received from
Liberia this morning:
Pastor Rob,
I received the Western Union transfer. Thanks a lot
for FBC's support for
Greater Love Children's Home. I'm always careful in
carrying out your instructions regarding gifts to
members of GLBBC. You can be assured that I will do
just as you have instructed me as the Lord has given
me the responsibiblty to guide, help each member in
experiencing the joy of Christ.
We are always eternally grateful for FBC's help in
moving forward God's work.
My regards to all!
In Him,
Pastor Richard Wesley Sr.
Day 33: Here's
another newspaper story
published in March, 2003. I still have to locate the
photograph that accompanied the story. We sincerely
appreciated the momentum that Ross Farrow's story
created.
Today, I got up
before the polls opened to 'decorate' our Fellowship
Hall with photos of our Liberian children. Our
property serves as the voting site for two polls.
Cathy and I stayed up late last night filling out
our sample ballot--we share political views--what a
concept!
PLEASE, make sure to
VOTE
today! Regardless of all other issues, I have as my
litmus-test a single-issue; if a candidate supports
abortion, that candidate does not get my vote!
Day 32: I'm
working on archival material today (both
newsprint and audio). Click on this old photo of
Cathy and me and you should be able to read an
interview from the
Galt Herald
(published a few years ago). More later.
Day 31: It was
a Sunday to remember. Good messages brought forward
in both morning services.
The Youth Band
led in Worship.
Jerry Patterson rehearsing for Youth Sunday
That night we hosted an Outdoor Harvest Festival.
MacDonald Wreh and Katey Santillan were featured
singers as was Skip (the puppet from Estonia). Great
outreach event--many visitors to the Epicenter.
Day 30: Just
finished praying with the men 6:30 to 8:00 a.m. Have
a funeral to preach at this morning at 11:00 and am
seeking the Lord for specifics regarding tomorrow's
message at the Epicenter. Anybody that needs to be
baptized should let me know ASAP because we will be
baptizing on Sunday, Nov. 7th. Joe is coming home on
Nov. 22nd for Thanksgiving. Uploaded more audio last
night. Check out our new feature of
Liberian children's photos.
Day 28: I'm
down at the Epicenter on a Thursday night with
MacDonald. We're getting ready to study
"Experiencing God." Consider yesterday's Blackaby
sidebar:
Oh, God, if I ever give You a
request and You have more to give me than I am
asking, cancel my request.
At our midweek study,
I shared the importance of that devotional thought
in my life. Pastor Wesley's hope for a Radio Station
in Liberia is bigger than my immediate requests. I
think God is opening our eyes to see his church's
future ministry. Sunday at the Epicenter, I should
have all 32 of our Liberian children's portraits on
the wall.
Last night, Ron
Shindy taught about BAPTISM. I want all of
you to know that on Sunday, November 7th, we
will be baptizing by immersion all who so desire to
take this step.
Day 26: I woke
up this morning with a focus on designing my
doctoral project toward providing practical aid for
our Liberian children. I have yet to release the CD
comprised of songs written during my trip to Liberia
(February, 2004). My hope is to invest those musical
messages with a prayer that God will raise our
awareness of the needs He sees there. Further, I
hope for creative, applied intelligence to help the
local economy which impacts the daily lives of my
many friends who look to me as a voice on their
behalf.
I invested most of
Day 26 compiling the photographs of the 32
children (organizing materials with their names,
ages, and status). I listened to some of the
new downloads
available on our audio page as I worked on these.
These song
s and brief messages reminded of the
greater value we tend to
place on that which has been 'named.' What a
blessing--to put names to these faces.
PLEASE help
these little ones.
Lucky Kelleh, 5
(in blue)
Day 25: I
picked MacDonald Wreh up at the San Francisco
airport tonight. We took the long drive back to
Galt, drove past the site of our 'Flea Market'
(where I told him I'd take him on Day 26), went to
SaveMart for a short shopping experience, stopped by
the Epicenter (to log on to the web and write this
note). He has to get to bed because he has not slept
for nearly a couple days.
Day 24: Sunday
morning services were alive at the Epicenter--due in
part to the ministry of music brought to us by
Phyllis Stafford.
Saturday night, I went with a group of our youn
g
people to an
Associational Rally. About a 100 youth from our
Delta Valley churches were in attendance.
One of the benefits
of youth rallies is to experience the various ways
young people
a
re sharing their faith in our churches.
Here's a shot of 2 girls from Hurricane Baptist
Church sharing a contemporary gospel song and a
commitment to love our brothers and sisters in
Christ.
Today, I watched one
of our 11th graders (Aimee Sayre) perform in a high
school production of "Our Town." At the onset of
these 40 Days, I chose to focus on teenagers. I hope
I will be given some insight from the Lord about
decisions we need to make for future ministry among
teenagers. Therefore, I ask you to pray about next
Sunday's sermon. It is a focus on the peculiarity of
'our ministry.'
In a few minutes, our Youth Director, Tyler Wardlaw
is due to come consult with me about plans for
Tsunami (our annual Youth Conference). Then, I
look expectantly toward joining a number of
Christians who will arrive for Evening Classes. I'm
tired...but I really need to take some time to FOCUS
on what 'Character-Building circumstances' are
impinging upon my consciousness in these days. I
don't want to miss God!
Tomorrow night at 6:30,
MacDonald Wreh is scheduled to arrive at SFO. A new
adventure begins...I hope I can get some rest.
Day 23: Early
morning prayer with the fbcguys went from 6:00-8:00
a.m. Yeah, we talked and we prayed. So many times
the Lord has directed our immediate steps in that
Sat. prayer group. Today was one of those days--we
heard God.
Afterward, Mike
McCall came over to Studio 163. We sat at the desk,
put on headphones, and conversed. This was an
opportunity for Mike and me to plant seeds for a
future ministry at
fbcgalt:
our window to the world.
I later learned while we were
exploring how God is using our past experiences to
shape our pre-stretch future (the present),
Tom
Lane was 'blogging' thoughts
ar
ound the same topic.
Jerry Patterson
at Studio 163
Day 22:
Yesterday I spent some quality time with
Andy
Herrera (and later, Jordan and Kapri). We
uploaded the kids' photos in the column to the right
for G-Force. Both of these kids won G-Force CDs and
are learning the music. They're excited about this
new life of attending church with Mom & Dad. The
children told me that they 'built' a church in their
backyard--and that they have two pastors (Pastor
Jordin and Pastor Kapri). I listened as they sang
new church songs acappella. This entire family's
routines are being transformed during these recent
weeks of 'getting plugged in.'
Last
night I listened...
to the A Street Band
preparing for this Sunday's worship service. The
music Pastor Dan Malloy has selected is especially
inspiring. I found myself singing one of the songs
in my waking moments. Oh, I'm looking forward to
this weekend's services!
Thursday night's
teaching from
Experiencing God confirmed
for me that we are currently enjoying the fruit of
major adjustments made along the path of obedience.
Having sought God's leadership in decision-making,
there is forthcoming a bountiful harvest of
spiritual adventures. I know that the best days are
ahead of us! Hey...here's a note I received from
MacDonald Wreh...
Greetings to you and everyone. All is set for
my flight from Liberia to Galt on
Sunday,
October 24. Departure time 7:
05 p.m.
Pastor Rob,
I really don't know how to
thank you for your great assistance you have
rendered to me. God knows my heart and He knows
the plans I have when I get to the States. I
know very well where I am coming from and all I
have to do is to give my whole life to God for
Him to make me to be what He wants me to be and
not what I want to be.
Please pray for my trip and hope to see everyone
soon.
Until then, bye for now.
MacDonald
Day 21: Those
who are reading the
Purpose-Driven Life as their
focus are learning about
authentic fellowship.
Last night I led the
praise singing at Renee and Glenn's home fellowship
(taught by Ron Shindy). I thoroughly enjoy the
mutual encouragement and accountability the other 12
people bring into my life. If anyone is looking for
a support group, this home offers a very hospitable
environment. By the way, my daughter, Mary, provides
childcare.
Tonight, Thursday at 7 pm,
I will lead a group in a teaching from the book
Experiencing God.
Please plan to attend.
ggbts
although I was selected to receive an award from
Broadman Holman
as the
1996 Seminarian of the Year,
I have not been able to manage the intentional,
integrative implementation of my 24/7
allocation (in 21st Century time) nor completed the
exhaustive excavation and assembly of informed
content
(in
20th Century form: Turabian hard copy). I
heretofore have not even submitted my prospectus:
"The Publication of Creative, Procrastinative Stream
of Conscious/Subconscious Reality in
RealTime™
via
VirtualStudios™
through the dynamic equivalization of
VisionWalk™
conversations with Like-minded Believers in Christ"
So Sad...there
may never even be a Season Finale of the hit series
where
doctorob
gets to kiss the sleeping princess in that
ivory tower (far away
in the land of
Academia).
Dr. Ron Hornecker
former
Director of the Doctor of Ministry program
at Golden
Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (from which I
hope to finish that particular race).
Arizona Campus
Professor of Ministry
D.Min. Midwestern Baptist
Theological Seminary
M.Div. Midwestern Baptist Theological
Seminary
B.A. Northwest Missouri State University
Prior to coming to Golden Gate, Dr.
Ron Hornecker was the pastor of the Noland Road
Baptist church in Independence, Missouri, and was
recognized with the PACT Church of the Year award
for the western half of the United States by the
Southern Baptist home missions agency. The award was
given in recognition of accomplishments and progress
made by the church. Hornecker also served as pastor
of several other churches in Missouri. He was a
founding co-pastor of Novato Christian Fellowship, a
church begun near the seminary's Mill Valley campus
to reach the unchurched in Marin County. He was a
contributor to the book Experiencing Ministry
Supervision and co-authored with Doran McCarty
Making the Most of Change.
E-mail:
ronhornecker@ggbts.edu
Tel: 623-594-9517
Mail: 17552 N. Somerset Drive, Surprise, AZ
85374
The Chair for my Doctoral Project
Committee:
Dr. John Shouse
Northern California Campus
Professor of Christian Theology
Ph.D. Southern Baptist
Theological Seminary
S.T.M. Yale University
M.Div. Yale University
B.A. Oberlin College
Dr. John Shouse came to Golden Gate from a
successful pastorate in Texas, having previously
ministered in Kentucky, Washington, D.C., and
Connecticut. In addition, he has served an adjunct
professor at Austin Presbyterian Seminary, an
adjunct professor of religion at St. Edward's
University in Austin, Texas, a Garret Fellow in
Systematic Theology at Southern Baptist Theological
Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, and a guest
lecturer for the Bible Chair at the University of
Texas.
Dr. Shouse is the author of An Introduction to
Christian Worship published by the Seminary
Extension Department and is active in the
professional theater, most recently in Equity
productions of Shakespeare. He has written numerous
professional papers and publications and has been a
featured speaker at conferences throughout the
country. He is also involved in pulpit supply and
interim pastorates.
(Dr. Shouse may be reached at 714-256-1311 x 19
when he is at the Southern California campus).
E-mail:
johnshouse@ggbts.edu
Tel: 415-380-1515
Fax: 415-380-1300 x 114
Mail: GGBTS 235, Mill Valley, CA 94941-3197
Office: Academic Bldg., 211B
William Lyle Wagner
Northern California Campus
E. Hermond Westmoreland Professor of Evangelism
Th.D. University of South Africa
D.Miss. Fuller Theological Seminary
M.Div. Southwestern Baptist Theological
Seminary
B.S. University of New Mexico
Dr. William Wagner combines the discipline of
evangelism with that of missions since he serves
both as the E. Hermond Westmoreland Professor of
Evangelism as well as associate director of the
seminary's
School of
Intercultural Studies.
He also desires to bring the academic approach of
theological studies closer to practice.
Dr Wagner brings high academic credentials as well
as more than three decades of missionary service in
Europe and the middle East. Together with his wife
Sally, he has planted eight churches in Europe and
the United States of America. He has written three
books and has contributed articles on missions in
various books and magazines.
billwagner@ggbts.edu
415-380-1546
GGBTS 295, Mill Valley, CA 94941-3197
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at
www.pastorob.com/audiodwnload.htm
Pastor Rob Patterson 653 A Street
Galt, California (209) 745-4665
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Day
57 to Oct 17, 2004
ace.
Work on Studio 163 went well last night. I am
now equipped to host four of you at a time for a
digitally-recorded interview.
