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Pastor Rob Patterson 653 A Street Galt, California (209) 745-4665
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APRIL
Saturday,
April 30, 2005
sd30
Today's Devotional Scripture:
Proverbs 30
I woke up rather e
arly
this morning and
had several ideas pop up.
Most of us have more than one pop-up blocker; they
may interfere with each other.
I disabled the pop-up
blocker
on sd30 thus this entry.
I also tried out my run (miracle-test). As I tried,
my left knee was doing OK but suddenly my right
ankle twisted and I fell--face against stones (cut
in two places). Jerry and Sandy witnessed the
unfortunate misstep in time.
pop up
experiment #6
post-6 reflection upon pop up
experiment #7
I will probably retain both to remind myself how to best
maintain the integrity of A Working Class
Theology (integrating
the multi-sensory, cross-generational pop-culture).
and another pop up: scripture, childhood graphotogram
Friday, April 29, 2005 sd29 Click here for Proverbs 29
I have finally received news about a very
important young man for whom I have prayed many
times. This story, for me, started about
twenty-two years ago.
I was very much a baby Christian. A casual
friendship with the receptionist at a recording
studio had developed into an opportunity for me
to witness about Jesus to her. We were becoming
close friends--not really dating--but going out
together, walking, talking. We had several
debates about how best to live an upright life.
One day my friend called me to inform me that
she was pregnant--even though she and this
boyfriend had broken up. There wasn't any chance
of them getting back together. I pleaded with my
friend to choose Life. Although I had never
before been involved with the issue of abortion,
I knew that this was a matter of life and death.
She refused to listen--she was going to proceed
with the abortion.
I was driven to speak up for those who could
not speak for themselves. The child needed a
spokesman. The adoptive parents had no idea
about the urgency of that moment. Most
importantly for my friend (and this is an
unusual thought), the 40-year old version of
herself needed someone to speak on 'her' behalf.
"Save my child's life from the Enemy's agenda to
steal, kill, and to destroy."
I started reading the Right-to-Life newsletter that I had picked up in the lobby of a church I had visited. I read an article by a woman who had suffered intensely because she had previously chosen to abort her child. I found the writer's phone number, called her, and told her about this young mother (19), her unborn child, and the appointment already set at Planned Parenthood. I asked her if she would talk to my friend.
My friend
agreed to speak with the writer of the
article--even though she said it wouldn't change
her decision.
However, God used that one-time, one-moment
decision to save this baby's life. I am humbled
at the opportunity that awaits each one of us
today....every single one of us can be useful to
the Lord's Divine Appointment to save a life.
The real church of Jesus is a pro-life church.
He brings Life that is
REALLY Life.
Abundant. Christ-focused: loving
unconditionally; trusting; serving; being served
by Him.
CLICK
HERE
to read a magazine article written by the
baby years later.
Thursday,
April 28, y2k5
sd28
I'm in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It's early Thursday
morning (many of you are still in bed at the
time I am writing this). However, I'm already
'running behind' for the plans I have made this
morning. I'm supposed to be knocking on Steve
and Delana's door in 2 minutes (its 7:58 am
Michigan time).
So, this will be short. I'll probably be back in
Coldwater today sometime and I'll do my online
Proverbs Devotional at that time. However,
looking ahead I'd like to draw your attention to
these passages:
He who conceals his sins does not prosper,
but whoever confesses and
renounces them finds mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)
Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD,
but
he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
(Proverbs 28:14)
He who works his land will have abundant food,
but the one who chases fantasies
will have his fill of poverty. (Proverbs 28:19)
He who gives to the poor will lack nothing,
but he who closes his eyes to
them receives many curses.(Proverbs 28:17)
Well, I gotta run. However, I wanted to report that I went to church with Jim Krim, and Diana & Ernie Kracker last night. We went to Plainwell Assembly of God where a preacher/healer from Florida is holding a Revival. It was the fourth night. Diana gave me the choice, I said, "Let's go." I wouldn't mind having prayer for my knee. (Ask Cathy...I've been complaining about it for WEEKS). It would hurt when I tried to run!
As I was listening to the preacher, I realized
that although I had sought advice from a nurse
friend (Shirley Dines) that morning, I hadn't
really prayed about this yet.
Jerry
had advised that I not run on it until I have it
checked out.
Cathy
had advised that I go see a doctor.
Shirley
agreed with Jerry and Cathy,
then she (a bad-knee expert and retired RN)
advised that I have them shoot me with Cortisone saying
"that will buy you six months without pain."
Well, during the post-sermon ministry time, I
waited for more serious needs to be addressed
(but didn't want to minimize my need in the
moment).
So, I went up to the preacher. I told Roger (and
everyone through the mic) that my knee hurts
when I try to run (and that I hadn't run in
weeks)!
He prayed a simple prayer and I took off
running. I ran around the perimeter of the
church chairs with no pain. So, I ran another
lap, and another. The preacher loved it. The
people were fine with the demonstration of
faith...hey, its A/G--that's normative (well,
kinda).
Anyway, I'm glad to be without pain and wanted
to
TESTIFY. I'm still 'babying' the
knee up and down stair steps and the knee is
kinda squeaky...but there is
NO PAIN.
I probably ran five laps around that sanctuary
(just a little smaller than the size of the
Epicenter)!
Check back for Proverbs 28 Devotional later
today.
Wednesday,
April 27, y2k5
sd27
sd26
late-night archival
extras: Click here
Yesterday, I
went to Coldwater's Rotary
Luncheon and sat with an old
friend from high school,
Randall
Hazelbaker. He
reminded me that we had been in
an
art class together in Junior
High School. Our art teacher had
been Miss Patton. Apparently Art
was for 8th and 9th graders
combined (because I was one
grade ahead of Randy).
Mr.
Hazelbaker is now a
City Councilman for Coldwater
and a published author. He also
works for Q-1 Video Network
(Video/Television Production and
Website Design).
Randall told me that he is
currently working on his second
book: another pictorial history
book of Branch County, Michigan.
We had a pleasant time of
conversation. I looked around
and noticed that
there were
no women at the
Rotary Meeting.
I asked the Councilman, "What's
up with that?" He
informed me that Rotary was
originally a business men's
club--started in Chicago exactly
100 years ago. Coldwater's club
was begun in the 1920's. Later,
a
Sunrise Rotary Club was founded.
Apparently, Rotary-type women felt more
comfortable joining that club. Our Sunrise
Rotary in Galt has plenty of women.
I like women--always have.
While I was looking through my
8mm film archives, I came across
a silent film of a concert
at
Western Michigan
University. I was reminded of
the semesters I spent studying
Musical
Acoustics and
Electronic Composition (with
artist-in-residence
Mr. Ramon Zupko.).
Mr.
Zupko taught a small
group of gifted composers about
the experimental music of
Eisenstein and musique
concreté. I decided to
design my own course of study with a
student-planned curriculum. I approach Mr. Zupko for permission to enroll
in his classes. I barely knew
how to read music and was just a garage band
rock/jazz listener. I was really out of my
league. I hadn't taken any of the prerequisite
courses. My peers had all auditioned to be
accepted in the Music College. I was a
working-class, cardboard room
musician hob-nobbing with the
musical elite.
Mr. Zupko
I
began transitioning through adolescence during
those days. I was 18 when this photo was taken
(winter of 1977). The music
department owned a vintage Moog synthesizer
system with several tone generators, envelope
filters, sequencers, variable filters. Mr. Zupko
taught us how to create sound from scratch.
I was sometimes intimidated by
Mr. Zupko's persona and
genius. He didn't say much when
he reviewed the pseudo-sophisticated
composition I presented for
my semester project. Mr. Zupko
could see that I had caught all the
teachings about signal flow and
manipulation. I didn't think he
could seriously consider my attempts at keeping
pace with the other 'real' composers.
He appeared in my daydreams as
an authority figure stating on behalf of them
all:
"You are
not an artist; you are merely a technician."
No one ever mistreated me there. I was just projecting--just
developing a neurosy of some type.
During the process
of writing a Theology of Integrity, I think I will need
to explore some of the repressed memories of my
interaction with University professors. My high school
coping mechanisms were challenged by the move
into an ever-enlarging pond. For years, I had
discounted the intelligence of most adults and
authority figures. I had been somewhat of a
teenage rebel (playing a game with all
adult-youth interactions). Since my first
willfully committed act-of-sin (stealing at age
6), I had developed a lifestyle of telling and
maintaining lies-of-convenience. Leaving
Coldwater to live at the University in Kalamazoo
was an important rite-of-passage. Meeting all my
professors and grappling within their academic
demands in a more complex system was, indeed, a
challenge.
I had never before met
someone like
Mr. Zupko. He had a completely
different frame-of-reference.
Although his accomplishments were never
mainstream pop culture, I could discern that he
was very successful as a composer. Somebody,
somewhere was listening to him. One day in a
small group setting, he mentioned Frank Zappa--showing
respect for Frank
as a composer. That one
favorable comment about Zappa
made a deep impression upon me.
One night he and his wife entertained our small
class at their home. It was like being around
John and Yoko on their turf--a really different
experience.
A college buddy, Jim
Bonamicci, shot that
photograph of me during my last
semester under Mr. Zupko. I had
just shown Jim my ability
to recreate a signature 'patch' (the flow and
manipulation of an audio signal). I
called the short composition 'Popcorn.' I was
quite pleased with that piece
(thus my smile in the photo above). I
haven't heard 'Popcorn' in years
but I know that I'd still get really excited
about what I had created. I
trust that I will find it
on one of the reel-to-reel tapes
stored at 142. Then, I will
upload it in a future journal
entry for you to hear.
Its very
dramatic old-school synthesis
(as was Edgar Winter's
Frankenstein--done with a
modular Arp system).
Whether or not Mr. Zupko remembers
me doesn't matter. I produced
some
very interesting electronic
compositions during those late
nights of studio time that he
made possible. I was
being true to my own musical
heritage in the
popular culture (and that of a
post-hippie
sub-culture). I chose to
learn as much as I could from
him.
He entrusted me with a
key to this small studio.
What do you do with a thief?
Give him the combination to the
safe and he will guard it with
passion!
Strange, huh?
Several years later (after
becoming a Christian), I compiled fragments of
songs that had arisen from the Deep during
months of up late night
piano and guitar wanderings. I had
given my life to Christ on a
very personal, covenantal level
on June 5, 1982. The
following year I was basically
'in the wilderness' being tested
and trained. I found that
particular tape in my archives
(the night before I left Galt).
I brought it with me on this
Sabbatical. There are several
really well-developed musical
ideas without much lyrical
content (yet much emotion
attached). In pursuit of
mid-life personal integrity, I
plan to listen to these
fragments as I study and while I
am organizing my thoughts and
archival materials. Drive time
has always been a good source of
taking musical ideas to the next
level. I have a few planned
excursions ahead so I'll be
armed with Cassette and CD
capability.
I hung out with Greg Brayton for
awhile yesterday. I drove him back
and forth from his dentist
appointment so during the drivetime, I shared three
musical ideas with in the
TimeTraveler. I have great
confidence that this unusual
time granted to me to 'rest,
recreate, and renew strength
will result in some worthy
musical accomplishment. Greg
Brayton is truly gifted by God.
I am joyous over his
availability and God-given
abilities to
make my ideas become a
digitally-clean Virtuality. I
still have some unfinished fragments of songs I
started in Liberia y2k4.
Inspired by an autobiographical song written by
Edgar Winter, I told Greg about a cool idea that
I have been brainstorming--a
'coming-of-age' song of our own.
Through melodic and harmonic quotation, we could
have some fun creating a song that we would want
everyone to hear (with our feature commentary).
Click here for sd26 all-night extras
Tuesday,
April 26, y2k5
sd26
Today I must
get busy on distilling the
theological rationale for my
doctoral project. Yesterday was
focused upon organizing myself
to do some serious compilation
of materials (cassettes, yellow
pads, journal entries, cds,
books, dvd feature commentaries,
napkins, etc.). My field
supervisor checked in on me
yesterday.
Then my wife,
Cathy, reminded me that I have
to bring it to a close.
Yeah, I remember when Stevie
Wonder was working on "Songs in
the Key of Life." It took
awhile. So, I'm gonna cut this
short today but I hope you'll
take the time read through the
Proverbs I have provided for you
today. Also, we've included a
sweet little story that shows
what can happen when
Jesus
gets involved with
Alice
Cooper,
Weird Al,
and Billy Bob Thornton.
CLICK HERE
Monday, April 25, y2k5 sd25
Last
night, Jerry and I picked up
Sally Brayton and drove to a
Covenant Church in Colon,
Michigan.
Greg Brayton was sitting in with
their Worship Team (playing lead
guitar).
We sat (or rather stood) in the
front row and enjoyed an
extended time of praise and
worship.
It was wonderful.
As we stayed awhile in a spirit
of free-flowing song, these
words were sung repeatedly:
"Let it rain, Let it rain. Open
the floodgates of Heaven...".
I prayed that God would speak to
us through Greg.I was blessed
to, once again, sit next to my
son, Jerry, and listen to
another one of God's sons, Greg,
speak to us
from his heart through his
stories and his songs.
I haven't yet
submitted any devotionals for
our website's daily column:
Manna for Today. However,
the challenge has caused me to think back upon the
Daily
Devotions we enjoyed
during the years I ministered at
Alpha and Omega Ministries. On
weekday mornings, we would
gather from 7:00 until 8:00 a.m.
and read through one chapter of
the Proverbs. Since there are 31
chapters in Proverbs it works
well to choose the chapter that
corresponds with the calendar
date. For example, since today
is the 25th, we would read
through Proverbs 25. I asked
each person in the circle to
read a few sentences and then to
choose one upon which we would
focus. The reader would then
interact with that verse,
somehow connecting it with other
teaching or personal memories.
If the participant was new to
Bible Study, she could simply
ask a specific question about
one of the verses. Group
discussion would often
follow--quite naturally.
During my
Sabbatical I may try this same
approach online.
If you
click here,
you'll
find Proverbs 25
published for you.
Choose a thought and interact
with it.
If something interesting comes to
your mind, take the time to
write it and send it to me:
fbcgalt@sbcglobal.net
Don't worry,
we won't publish anything
without your permission, OK?
Well, here's something that came to my mind while reading today's Proverb.
Proverbs 25:19
At the close of the Sixties (y1k69)
a song was played over and over
on our radios in Smalltown,
America. Boomers in America
bought the album and played it
repeatedly as a memorial to the
end of an era.
The anthem began with these
words:
"When I find myself in times of
trouble,
Mother Mary comes to me
speaking
words of wisdom, '_______
_____ _____ '. "
Some listeners may have thought that their pop-culture poet, Paul, was sharing a superstitious belief in Madonna-sightings. Perhaps, it has simply been 'projection' on my part, but I've always thought that McCartney was testifying to the faithfulness of his own mother, Mary. Mary McCartney had died suddenly when Paul was a teenager.
Regardless of the story behind that song, I have experienced visitations of important people from my past during some of life's hardest times. Wise sayings from a faithful Voice in our lives will replay for years after we first hear them.
The simple proverb spoken by King Solomon reminds us of the pain we cause others when our lives are not being faithfully invested toward their best interests. How do you eat when you have a bad tooth? In times of a troubled tooth, I usually chew on the other side of my mouth. Lately, my left knee starts to hurt when I try to run; therefore, I haven't been running much. Likewise, we find it painful to rely upon the unfaithful in our most personal times of trouble.
Yet God continue to entrust important relationships to us. Why? Have we been found faithful?
In pursuit of Integrity, we would do well to turn to the life-giving words of Jesus on a daily basis. As He speaks His Faithful Word to us, we ought also to be found faithful in the lives of others. Faithfulness is developed in our lives day by day as we invest ourselves in the lives of others.
Troubled times are ahead for
each one of your loved ones.
Will they see you standing right in front of
them?
If so, what will be the message they hear replayed from your life?
"And in
my hour of darkness, she is standing right
in front of me,
speaking words of wisdom,
"____________________ . "
Here
is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with
him,
we will also live with
him; if we endure,
we will also reign with
him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
if we are faithless, he will
remain faithful,
for he cannot
disown himself. 2
Timothy 11-13
Sunday, April 24, y2k5 sd24 AfterChurch Special Edition
Coldwater United Methodist Church celebrated Heritage Day this morning. God's Gathered People shared their Collective Past and Vision for future ministry. Two of Greg's songs (written specifically for his church) were sung by the entire congregation--with passion.
Click here for
today's text. Their Handbell Choir
and a Panel Reflection Group (both mutli-generational)
were wonderful slices-of-church Life.
Upon examining today's biopsy (including
a specimen called TableTalk in the
Fellowship Hall), this
doctor-in-training concludes that Greg's church is healthy and growing.
I think that the Wesley Brothers (both
John and Charles ) would approve!
Another biopsy is being taken at
the Epicenter
as I write.
Maybe
we will see a report
in
deaconspeakin'
later today.During this Sabbatical, I will
have to unpack some of the
memories as my high school
coping mechanisms were
challenged by the move into an
ever-enlarging pond. t point) I
had often discounted adults. For
several years I had somewhat
discounted the importance of
adults. I had been somewhat of a
teenage rebel (playing a game
with adult-youth interaction.
Since my first willfully
committed act-of-sin (stealing
at age 6),
I had developed a lifestyle of
telling lies-of-convenience. As
a consequence, I had to discount
the input of adults as deemed
necessary by the double-minded
young man. Leaving
Coldwater to live at the
University in Kalamazoo was an
important rite-of-passage.
Meeting all my professors and
grappling within their academic
demands of a more complex system
was, indeed, a challenge.
Sunday, April 24, y2k5 sd24
Looks like it
snowed during the hours we
allowed
to tick away naturally. Jerry
just shot this photo with me next to
our petroleum-based
TimeTraveler_4.24.y2k5.
Yesterday, my
Dad asked me to research two lithographs in his possession.
They were panoramic views of
Coldwater from the 1800's.
So early this morning, I visited the Library
of Congress Online Archives
and found a copy of the more
recent drawing (1883).
I doctored it up to show where
my childhood homes
and school would eventually be
built.
CLICK
HERE: for TimeTravel to
Coldwater, Michigan
This morning Jerry and I will
attend church at the Coldwater
United Methodist Church. Greg
and Sally Brayton are
meeting us there. It is a
special day of remembrance for
their local church (with a meal
afterwards).
Actually, there's a surprise at
my own local church in Galt,
California. We'll report more on
that later today.
If you have high
speed download capability, you may be
interested in visiting a few hyperlinks
I've included below.
When I went with my two younger sons to
the Warped Tour,
I watched a band called
UNDEROATH
on a sidestage.
I stood near the
stage as the band gathered in a circle
before their first song.
I heard someone
next to me ask,
"What are they doing?"
"They're praying," someone answered.
"Oh, I didn't know
they were a Christian band,"
was the
boy's reply to that answer.
Then, the band rocked. My sons missed
their show at the
Warped Tour
but went with others from Galt to watch
them
at a venue in Roseville called
the Underground.
The Underground is a cafe sponsored by a
church. It is a great showcase for
bands.
I went to see
Random Intelligence
there when I first got back from
Liberia. Brace yourself. Get ready for
y2k5.teenagers 101:
UND
EROATH
LIVE
"A Boy Brushed Red
Living In Black And White"
at the Underground,
Roseville, CA.
Click here:
for
the video-stream
(look for Jordan, Daniel, and Jerry)
this video is about 50 MB so it takes a couple minutes to
download.
If you don't have high speed, or don't
care to watch a room full of young
people
rocking out on church-owned
property, you could skip the song and
just
visit the Underground Cafe, click
below:
www.undergroundcafe-roseville.com
and then, there's the website for this band. particularly interesting to me is The Forum:
www.underoath777.com
Also:
CLICK HERE
for more about
GENERATIONAL ISSUES
Saturday, April 23, y2k5 sd23
Its been rainy here for the last
two days. Someone had said it
was gonna snow!
Jerry and I slept on the couches
in the living room last night.
We hadn't really settled in to
my nephew's house yet. Since
I'll be able to upload DIRECTLY
from here, I'm going to try to
update the CHS Follies Show.
There has been some drama taking
place in Jerry's life. I'm
reminded that the life of a
teenager is full of drama. Of
course, main characters in a
teen's life are 'the parents.'
The CHS Follies Show had a
clinker thrown into the Script
when Dad moved to Coldwater.
I was telling Cathy that it occurred to me that some people may think that she and I were having trouble (so the idea that I'm back in Coldwater is part of a cover-up). Well, that's a nice, little conspiracy plot...however, I'll have you know that Cathy and I are getting along better than ever! (hmmm...that doesn't quite sound right). Try this--we were getting along quite well BEFORE I moved 2300 miles away.
Well, we have stayed in contact
every day (one way is this
webBlog) but remember I bought a
phone card too. Cathy has called
me nearly every night. For now,
I have Ben's cell phone so I can
take incoming calls for FREE
(and free calls out in the
evening and on weekends). The
guys at the Epicenter are at
prayer as I write.
That particular prayer meeting
has been in place continually
for several years. I'm confident
that God is taking care of our
church (as a sign of His
Commitment) to that wonderful
form of 2-way communication.
I'm not certain if I will keep these categories until the End, but I spoke with Tom Lane yesterday about these five areas of concentration in developing the The Theological and Theoretical Rationale for the doctoral project:
Trust, Task, Time, Tools, Teachers
I'll probably share my thoughts during the next few days.
I think I'll give Cathy a call and see if she wants to go on a VisionTalk with me.
Friday, April 22, y2k5 sd22
It was a bit difficult to get online this morning. My Dad was waiting for a phone call and wanted to keep the line open. Last night I started working my way through a Theology textbook attributed to John Howard Yoder (a Mennonite man who lived and taught in this area). It was late night here as I fell asleep reading his theology. I awoke and called to California (much earlier in the evening there) to hear a report about our local church softball game.
It sounds like our team is comprised mostly of teenagers. I was mistaken in an earlier journal when I said that I was going to the Nursing Home on Tuesday. Actually, that will happen this morning (I'm about to leave to pick up Greg Brayton). He will play guitar and lead in songs for those residing at Maple Lawn Convalescent Center.
Today, I will begin housesitting for my nephew, Ben. He left for Europe so I get to stay at his place. He has high-speed, wireless Internet. I should be able to do much of my research and writing during my stay there. Jerry is going to come stay with me as well.
Here's a chart listing some different names for generational groups I'm trying to identify in our church. Please look it over. In future journal entries, I may make some observations about people I know who were born in these significant eras.
Bridgers:
GenY, Millennials, Mosaics -
those born between 1984
and 2002
Busters: those
born between 1965 and
1983
Boomers: those
born between 1946 and
1964
Builders:
those born between 1927
and 1945
Seniors: those
born in 1926 and earlier
If you want to study
these generational categories
with me:
Click here
UPDATE:
I think I'm actually online and
uploading DIRECT from Michigan now. As a
test, I will direct my readers to this
TimeTravel
Aberration. This link
will take you into the past...to
previously unreleased journal entries
from the TimeTraveler (11 days ago).
Warning: Travel across time zones not
only velocitizes the driver but also may
induce mnemonic phenomenon in the minds
of those seated on the passenger side.
CLICK HERE
to see for yourself.
Thursday, April 21, 2005 sd21
I invested
Wednesday on the road with my
Dad and asked him about his
early days in radio. A couple
years out of high school he
engineered
the audio recordings of Sunday
Variety Shows at Buck Lake
Ranch. A few days ago, I
recounted some of the stars who
had appeared there. Elvis, Chuck
Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chubby
Checker, the Lennon Sisters, all
the Grand Old Opry (and Hee Haw)
personalities--even the Three
Stooges. It was considered a
premiere venue for the north
back in the 50's. Wednesday, April 20, y2k5 sd20
Yesterday,
I watched as Jerry played drums
for Greg's song: "I'm Leavin' It Up
to God". Later, Jerry had to go do
some relational emo-stuff which I
knew was going to be tough. So,
afterward, we went to see a comedy
with Jimmy Fallon and Drew
Barrymore. Drew's great
aunt, actress Ethel Barrymore
(b.1879) once performed at the
Tibbits Opera House (here in
Coldwater). In High School,
I performed on that same stage (as
have most artists from Coldwater at
some point in their careers).Tuesday, April 19, y2k5 sd19
Jerry stopped by the Library after school and we went out for a Chocolate Malt. That was a nice break and a good time to connect with family. Around 9:00 PM, we met again and walked for two hours. I'm gonna try to spend quality time with him regularly during this unique period in our lives. After school, I'm going to drive him to Greg Brayton's studio to finish recording drums for two of Greg's new songs.
Monday, April 18, y2k5 sd18
I’m glad that I’m counting the days of this Sabbatical. I thought that I would be farther along toward completion of my initial prospectus by now. I hope that today I will be able to print some of the pages I have typed on the laptop since starting off on this trip to Michigan. I think that I will need to see certain hardcopy pages laid out on a table in order to take the next step of establishing the boundaries for my project’s underlying theology.
I’m sitting out in the parking lot of the Coldwater Public Library waiting for it to open. The car is running with this laptop plugged into the cigarette lighter via a power inverter. I’m connected to the Library’s high speed, wireless Internet Server (a freebie). Since I’m three hours ahead of the good folks back in California, then this journal entry should arrive at the Editor’s Desk around 6:40 AM Epicenter Time.
Upon
considering the extensive education and
technological tools entrusted to this generation
of Americans Christians, I am reminded of God’s
Plan:
“To
whom much is given, much is required.”
I pray that this time set apart for theological focus, writing, and publication will simply serve toward accomplishing God’s perfect and pleasing will in the days ahead of us. May He find each one of us ‘listening’ with a readiness to act.
Yesterday’s Manna: I was happy to read about the snail’s trail. It reminded me of my daily life. However, I know that on pilgrimage with God, we are to eat fresh manna for each new day (except on the Sabbath). Hopefully, I will be able to start contributing some short devotionals to that daily column. We sure would love for others with a devotional gift to add to the mix. If any of you would like to learn more about how to write your entry for publication, please write me: pastorob@softcom.net
Sunday, April 17, y2k5 sd17
I trust that all of you have had a great day--gathering with others in the church. I did. Our 17 year old son, Jerry, played drums on Youth Day for both services at the United Methodist Church here in Coldwater, Michigan. I drove back from Indiana late last night so I could be up bright and early for the 8:30 service.
Greg Brayton was the PraiseTeam leader for the first service. I sat next to his sweet wife, Sally. It sure is great to hear Greg's immense talent invested as part of a local church. I still remember when his role was missing from the weekly service there. Greg and Sally have been married one year less than Edgar and Monique Winter (see yesterday's blog). I'd sure love to know that Edgar's God-given talent was also being invested in the Kingdom of God (through a local church ministry).
I went to Greg's Sunday School class with him. They had been doing a Bible Study based around clips from Bonanza. Today's was on 'Compassion'. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5) Little Joe had befriended a Sam's deaf daughter and was teaching her American Sign Language. It seems that their was a whiskey-drinkin' carouser who had other plans for the beautiful, blonde deaf/mute. So, plenty of room for discussion. I tried not to talk too much...but hey, its a Bible Study...and sixties TV, and Sign Language....all in the same place...that's my kind of Bible Study!
Greg and I talked about getting together later in the week to discuss doing some recording while I'm here. On my way back from Indiana, I listened to some old 'unfinished' music from the early nineties. I may wanna finish some of those from the vantage point of an older minister.
Last night my Dad (75) had to go to the hospital for the night. His heart was racing so my brother, Mike, took him in. It seems that he had previously been prescribed a certain medicine that he chose to quit taking sometime ago. After a night in the hospital he made sure to stop and get the prescription. I went to visit him after church today. He's home now.
I told Dad about how I had discovered the Obituary for our ancestor. I'd like to see this type of web-tribute become a regular ministry of the contemporary church. Perhaps we will all meet some long-lost relatives in the process. Many people are using the Internet trying to discover their own roots. Try doing a Google search on your last name and see if you wind up going through the side door of a church.
I'm up at 6:30 am (in Michigan, its 7:30; and, at the Epicenter its only 4:30). So, it will be a couple hours before the guys open up the site for early morning prayer. Last night I was reviewing pages on our site and spent time loading the lyrics to different songs (and then playing the audio tracks while reading/singing the words). That's a great Bible Study. I think perhaps sometimes folks might not realize that I am currently approaching my entire day as a God-Study (not just a BibleStudy). So, if you ever wanna pray for me, click on one of those archived songs and pray along with me about this particular day...
Today, I'm going to introduce some of you to a group people that I know only through the distribution of their music. Edgar Winter (and his older brother, Johnny). I recently heard a recent Tupac release (Resurrection), they had 'sampled' Edgar's voice (from the chorus of 'Dying to Live').
A few years back I was at a Pastor's Conference and had occasion to room with Tom Stringfellow. He is the pastor of a small church in Southern California (FBC Beverly Hills). I knew of Tom before I met him because he had co-written a book for Deacons. He also had led his church to partner with some indigent community in the Mississippi delta (I think).
(Monique and Edgar: renewal of
their vows: 26th years)
Somehow it was mentioned that Edgar Winter's wife, Monique, had attended church there for awhile. I was excited to hear of a contemporary gospel link in this family. I knew that Edgar had written a song for a Hollywood film (Wag the Dog) and some of his pop hits were being used for commercials now. Well, I've always been interested in both of the albino boys from Texas: Edgar, and his older brother, Johnny.
I heard Edgar's work first. It was an 8-track of the album White Trash. In ninth grade, I went to a rock festival with some buddies at Thousand Acres Campground. No, Edgar wasn't playing there but they played that particular album over the loudspeaker several times after-hours on Friday night. Edgar's wonderful compositions, his truly unique 3-octave voice, and the White Trash horn section became imbedded in my heart. Somehow, I sensed the presence of God (an unknown God to me at that time).
According to legend, both of Edgar's parents were church musicians (at different churches in Beaumont, Texas). Although Johnny (a guitarist/singer) is mostly known for blues albums (and a couple seventies rock pieces), Edgar's creative genius is truly a fusion of Gospel, Dixieland, Jazz, Blues, and Rock.
If you ever get a chance to meet Monique, Edgar, or Johnny, I encourage you to listen closely. God has more in store for them, I'm sure. I'd love to hear Edgar sing on one of Jebby's musicals....or in one of your pieces. Monique, well, I'd want her to know that Galt would be a centrally-located spot for rock-n-roll retirement.
And Johnny,
well, the A Street Band could use a lead
guitarist who knows how to minister to seniors.
Some of them have tattoos as well.
MORE BACKGROUND: Born in Beaumont, Texas on February 23, 1944 John Dawson Winter III grew up surrounded by blues, country and Cajun music. His brother, Edgar, was born three years later and the two showed an inclination toward music at an early age. As Johnny told Down Beat Magazine, "We sang regularly, because Daddy loved to sing harmony. He sang in a barbershop quartet and in a church choir, so Edgar and I started singing as soon as we were born, almost." Johnny began playing clarinet at age five and switched to ukulele a few years later.
Johnny and Edgar began performing as a duet in an Everly Brothers vein, winning talent contests and appearing on local television shows. When Johnny was 11 the Winter Brothers traveled to New York to audition for Ted Mack's "Original Amateur Hour." Soon after, their first exposure to rock'n'roll came through the music of Little Richard, Fats Domino, Carl Perkins and early Elvis Presley. They began soaking up the sound of rhythm & blues from DJ Clarence Garlow's Bon Ton Roulette Show on KJET radio in Beaumont.
Friday, April 15, 2005 sd15
The Taxman Calleth. By the grace of God I was born in America and for my entire life I have enjoyed much of the blessing God bestowed upon our nation. Scattered throughout our national calendar are certain holidays that are shared with the other nations of the world. However, this particular date (April 15th) is uniquely American (I think).
For years I ‘did’ my own taxes (been there, done that) and then made my way to the post office sometime near midnight on April 15th. Done that? Been there? Some may minimize the significance of the lines in the final hours of this holiday as an unnecessary public assembly generated by a lack of planning and proper discipline. I must respectfully disagree. In any community, the line at the Post Office has the potential to be a great party!
It would be a great site for anyone wanting to do a VideoInterviewä with the man-on-the-street (or the woman-in-the-line). They all have their reasons for standing in (or driving through) this significantly indigenous rite of Citizenship (just about midnight). This would be a good opportunity for your local church to serve coffee and donuts. Pass out brochures for upcoming ‘felt-needs’ seminars. Invite people to your Home Bible Study. Walk around, strum a guitar and sing: “…I’m Proud to be an American.” You will certainly enjoy the collective goodwill of this particular people group.
Some may say I’ve sold out—that I am neglecting a ministry opportunity toward those who share a personality preference for spontaneous last-minute completion of unwanted tasks. For several years, in an attempt to work smarter/not harder, I have hired a C.P.A. to do my taxes. So, for me, the unrestrained days of youth…those nights of making-the-scene at the Post Office Mardi Gras are pretty much over.
(Even if I wanted to) I am not able to attend the gathering at my own local Epicenter Post Office. I’m 2400 miles away from my particular line-of-choice and will be traveling from Michigan to Indiana today to spend some time with my sister, Barb.
Still, it is meaningful for me to pause and reflect on the privilege of living in America and paying taxes. Although, I’ve already delivered our earnings statements to our C.P.A., I have asked him to file an extension (until August 15th). I was in South Africa when the Important Tax Documents were arriving at my residence (by snail mail). Now, only God (and maybe the devil) knows where those all-important papers are hiding from my sight.
Time to get working toward completing my doctorate. The doctors still can’t tell me how long I have left to live. I could have six months, a year, two years (or longer). Nevertheless, I have begun the process of intentionally integrating my library of important papers, books, and fragmentary works of creativity. It will take awhile to compile the piles and upload them for a FutureAudienceä. I leave you with this rhyme that took me through the sixth grade:
“There you go, man. Keep as cool as you can.Face piles of trials with smiles…
it riles them to believe
that you perceive the web they weave . . .
and keep on thinking _______ .”
(fill in the blank, cite the source, copy and forward this WebBlog to twelve… ahh..never mind…let’s wait for the VirtualDoctoralProjectä).
Thursday, April 14, y2k5 sd14
I stayed up late last night reviewing the super 8mm films I had. These films captured a few scenes from my life from age 14 through my undergraduate years at Western Michigan University.
Technology for teenagers has progressed
since those early attempts. At this library
there are contemporary teens studying on the
Internet (using audio headphones, memory sticks,
and visual scanners). I’m happy that I made the
decision to move along with the technology as I
have aged.
However, had I not stored away a dual 8 film
projector, I would not have been able to even
look at the moving pictures. As well, my father
still has possession of his great grandmother’s
wind up clock. When he was a child (staying out
at the family farm), he slept in the same room
with her. He can remember her coming in with an
oil lamp in one hand and a glass of water in the
other.
My great, great Grandmother Shipman would, each night, set down the glass of water by her bedside, then shuffle slowly across the room to that clock and wind it. Although it was a 12-day clock, she wouldn’t let it become ineffective for its task. The task required a level of tension.
I share this ancestor’s desire to not lose
track of time. So, I’m am working on a schedule
during this sabbatical. The doctors have
reminded me that I only have seven days in a
week (and those days are limited to 24 hours
each). They can’t seem to tell me how much time
I have left!
I’m not certain exactly how I want to spend
each day. Still, I’m convinced that I should
only try to live one day at a time.
g2g
Time to wind it up.
Wednesday, April 13, y2k5 Sd13
I'm in Coldwater now. My Dad and I are running around together. He's a techie-kind-of-guy and needs some consultation on video dubbing for Karaoke night at the Country Western Showcase in Northern Indiana (called Buck Lake Ranch). In the old days that venue was a regular stop for everyone in the Grand Ole Opry circle when they came north to further their careers (Buck Owens, Roy Clark, Minnie Pearl, Johnny Cash, Roy Acuff, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Hank Williams, Alabama, Elvis, and Kitty Wells, etc).
I'm happy to get reconnected to that aspect of my youth. My Dad is 75 (and in good health); he'll turn 76 this July. The Public Library has seven computers connected to BroadBand with headphones at each station. I'm about to give my Dad his very first guided tour of the Internet--by showing him all around my favorite website: www.pastorob.com
I'm working diligently on my doctorate. My writers' block is finally over. I discovered that it was the Greek philosopher, Plato, who told Liz, "When the student is ready, the teacher appears." (I’ll research the context and write more about that tomorrow).
Hey, this is great news from our man in Idaho, Pastor Chris Zeller:
******************************************************
From:
chris zeller
pastorchris@silverstar.com
Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2005 3:50 PM
Dear Al:
On April 22nd I am going to be
sharing a testimony about FAITH Sunday school
immediately preceding the keynote speaker at our
state evangelism conference,
Bobby Welch, President of the Southern Baptist
Convention and author of FAITH Sunday school
evangelism strategy. I am so excited to be
able to share and fellowship with this great
leader and man of God. Please be in prayer for
our convention that this evangelism conference
might encourage and equip pastors and lay people
in our convention (Utah-Idaho SBC).
God bless,
Chris Zeller
******************************************************
The Library is set up to do wireless laptops brought in by patrons, so I hope to be able to start uploading new archival materials from my hometown of Coldwater. I have had music in storage here since we left Michigan for California in 1993. I hope to spend time with Greg Brayton and stay with my friends at Alpha and Omega Ministries. More tomorrow.Tuesday, April 12, y2k5 Sd12
As transcribed by Mellisa
Hi! We have been grounded since yesterday when Nebraska’s finest
suggested that Jerry was clocked at 93 mph, that was the young officers answer
to my question, “what’s the problem officer?” Apparently Jerry had become
velocitized while I was working on my doctorate...with my eyes fixed on the lap
top screen. I mentioned to the young man that I was a police chaplain and that I
had told Jerry to go with the flow of traffic. Upon reflection Jerry realized
that he had been playing a game counting how many trucks he had passed and
before he had reached a total of 50 the young officer proclaimed
GAME OVER.
Having been warned of possible black ice ahead the officer sent us on, with a smile, after we had thanked him for his good advice. Much more to come later. We have crossed two time zones and just passed over the Mississippi River. One more time zone ahead and will be home. g2g...pastor Rob
TimeTravel Aberration: The following journal entry was entered into the laptop but not uploaded to the website until 11 days later.
Monday, April 11, 2005 Sd11 "When the student is ready the teacher appears." As I write, Jerry is scrubbing down the TimeTraveler since speeding through the wasteland of Utah seemed to get it quite salty and dirty. We just refueled. Will breakfast and travel further east alongside the geographically interesting terrain of eastern Utah. I purchased a phone card at the International Hostel this morning. I tried to call back to my wife, Cathy, in California. I'm not certain about the time differential; I've set the Transporter's Button H ahead by +1:00 (or :60). Still, I am not yet certain if heading east I've yet crossed another time zone.
My good friend, Glen Bower, would probably be able to elucidate upon the subject I am pondering. Although, I don't know if I always understand him. He might make perfect sense even when I don't understand.
Long, long ago, I wrote a song which just came to mind:
I
certainly do treasure proportionated
pleasure, and incidentally,
I like to live my life
extemporaneously.
Zwa ba dinga. Doo wah zwa dah. Dinga
dwaba in code watta
Quanqua zool ya, zool ya dinga
(wah..doo..wah...)
Superfluous articulations had had me
tantalized;
Incomprehesible situations made me realize
that I could close my eyes and, while
dreaming..."
At a different time in his life, Brian Wilson referred to the score he had written for "Smile" as 'inappropriate music.' Sometimes, context makes all the difference. Time heals wounds. A lapse of time can make the inappropriate fully apropos.
Jerry just explained why, his profile on myspace.com had made this reference:
"S----- you and die
I hope you burn, you think you're worth more than
you earn;
you're nothing, you're worthless, except for these verses,
out with the new in with the old."
die,die,die,die (back and forth).
Jerry's favorite parts are when the music stops and the drummer gets to showcase his most interesting fills.
I stopped the music and instead of offering a critical analysis of Moneen's lyrical angst, I taught the young drummer about how to count out sixteenth and thirty-second notes. Jerry has mentioned that he wants to go to a Community College, so I told him that he ought to make sure he takes a Music Fundamentals course. I told him that its Math, but its fun math.
I don't think that many non-musicians understand that music theory is built upon the cognitive grasp of mathematical relationships. Yet Pythagoras applied subjective judgment (affective area) as he was isolating certain intervals assessing whether or not they were 'pleasing' to the ear. Those intervals were preserved as an employable vehicle for the standardization of instruments. awat
awat on myspace.com too...
Monday, April 11, 2005 Posted: 8:22 AM EST (1322 GMT)
TimeTraveling on Sd11...... high up in the skies over the y2k5...heading at high velocity against the approach of the oncoming Sun...
HAVE A GREAT DAY AT THE EPICENTER....!"
Sunday, April 10, 2005 Sd11
"When the student is ready the
teacher appears."
Right now, Jerry is operating the
TimeTraveler; I've been looking at
recent history. Back on Sd6, Cathy
and I left the Marin Headlands
hostel and went to see
doctorickdurst at ggbts.edu; he had
a meeting at 10:00 but quickly
provided a space for us to do some
research. On our way to the
ComputerLab, we heard the sounds of
worship coming from above. Looking
up, we quickened the pace and headed
for chapel. The Worship Team from
FBC Vacaville were leading the
students and faculty gathered to set
apart time from study of God to
commune with Him directly.
Cathy and I never missed chapel during our three years that we lived on campus. We sat in the second row and thoroughly enjoyed singing along with new songs. New songs don't bother me. I don't choose to 'listen' to new songs in the car. I usually want familiar songs from the past. However, when I've come to a place of Worship, I don't mind singing as I am learning/reading/studying the new verse unfolding ahead of me.
The Chapel
speaker was a graduating M.Div.
student, Peter Craig. He read from
Titus 3:3-7. His opened with an
observation about American
Bathrooms. We use our bathrooms to
get clean and to eliminate waste.
awat from my notes...
fbcgalt and a theology of Personalintegrity
an e-merging theology a theology of relational personality development
Personality and Being: God who is (... and i who am) this very moment
(Know Thyself ; To Thine Own Self Be True; Know God, Know Peace, etc.)
I AM lyrics a theology of The EgoEimi and my ego
God Gave Him lyrics a theology of Righteousness
I'm Saved lyrics a theology of Assurance
Trust in the Lord lyrics a theology of Peace
Promise lyrics a theology of Commitment
Serve lyrics a theology of Humility
Turn Your Worries into Prayer lyrics a theology of Peace
SHOUT! lyrics a theology of Joy
Give Thanks lyrics a theology of Wonder
You Just Gotta Get Down lyrics a theology of Encouragement
Don't Allow Frustration lyrics a theology of Encouragement
The Year of Our Lord lyrics a theology of Incarnation
Integrity is necessary
WDJD? What did
Jesus do?
WIJD? What is Jesus
Doing?
WWJD? What
will Jesus Do?
for the Samaratin
Woman at the Well:
for Nicodemus: You
don't know these
things yet you
presume to be the
teacher.
for the Woman Caught
in Adultery:
Your past:
your life before
Christ, your
awareness of God (I
and Thou).
Significant relationships.
Your present: What
are the issues of
these days? How is
you life? Healthy?
Diseased? Where is
God in this?
Significant relationships.
Your future: Are there unmet needs? Are there any unfulfilled dreams?
Personality and Calling: God who was and God who will be (our past and our future)
Make your calling and election sure. The gifts of God are irrevocable.
three levels:
Heroes and Bullies
Friends and Enemies
Children and their
Enemies
In the
Beginning
lyrics
a theology of
Origins
Consider
lyrics
a theology of
Pilgrimage
Whatever
lyrics
a
theology of Peace,
Legacy
Whatever
2
lyrics
a
theology of Hope
Bedtime
lyrics
a theology of
Legacy, Provision
Responsive
Scripture
a
theology of
Legacy
The Spirit
and the Bride
lead sheet
lyrics
a theology of
Legacy
Used, Used, Used
lyrics
a
theology of
Integrity
(Deconstruction)
There's a Voice
(Smile!)
lyrics
a theology of
Integrity (Reconstruction)
Still
a Prisoner
lyrics
a
theology of
Integrity
Vanity of
Vanities
lyrics
a theology of
current events and
social issues
Some People
lyrics
a
theology of
Integrity
(leading to Service)
Open
Door
lyrics
a
theology of
Integrity
(Expectation)
Blessed
is the man
lyrics
a
theology of
Assurance
(Expectation
Behind Every
Good Man
lyrics
a theology of
Partnership
(horizontal)
Crucified
with Christ
lyrics
a theology of
Partnership
(vertical)
Children
of God
lyrics
a theology of Partnership
I Wanna
Be Ready
lyrics
a theology of Renewal
A New
Song
lyrics
a theology of
Integrity
(Expectation)
Boundary Lines
lyrics
a theology of
Stewardship
Tender Mercies
lyrics
a theology of
Suffering
Update:
Monday, April 11, 2005 Sd11
Jerry and I spent the entire day traveling east--arriving in Salt Lake City at 6:30 local time. We are staying in a Youth Hostel where they have a small internet hook-up. I've read Eva's Blog from Saturday. I sure hope that people start to share their stories about the Holy Spirit with her.
If you were to listen to my song called "Some People", you'll note that I refer to the Holy Spirit as "Him". I'm enjoying working on my doctoral writing as Jerry controls the TimeTraveler. He has done very well. We are also wired for sound, so we've been sharing music. I've taught him about Edgar and Johnny Winter (the albino boys from Beaumont, Texas). Their parents were both church musicians. The brothers went to New Orleans in their early teens. Now, that Edgar is an older man, he's writing reflective songs about his musical influences. I will use some of that in my theoretical portion of my book. g2g
Today Jerry and I are leaving for Michigan. It has been rumored that we are traveling by hot air balloon. I wouldn't have believed that it was possible, but as Bob Duvall reminded me:
"If you have imagined a scene,
it has probably happened to someone somewhere."
Well, I saw it...in fact, I can still see it....
I bought this CD recently. Its quite interesting music conceived in Brian Wilson's mind back in the 60's but not released to the public (until the 21st century). awat
And below is a drawing by John
Lennon called "Imagine." It is
showing in San Francisco at the
Hotel Monaco today. I wish we could
fly over there and see the show but
we are heading in the opposite
direction. Kenneth Baker of the
Chronicle recently wrote: "Most
people in the art world dismiss
Lennon's graphic work as celebrity
doodlings."
Too bad that 'most people' in that
'world' are so quick to 'dismiss' a
great artist. He was in Art School
before the Beatles even began. In
1985, I stepped up my spiritual
pilgrimage by destroying the
remnants of
an idolatrous life (including many
collectors' items and other
paraphernalia). Don't get me
wrong--Jesus didn't require this of
me. It was a day of disintegration
spurred on by Cathy's questioning of
the weight of my collections.
In recent years, as I have
intentionally pursued 'personal
integrity', I have enjoyed
revisiting the art, music, and pop
culture creativity
of my youth.
In addition to the many books I am taking with me for research purposes, I'm also studying the poets, preachers, writers, and teachers of the late 20th Century.
It should be an interesting journey.
Please keep Jerry and me in your prayers as we travel across the continent in the days ahead. We should land in Salt Lake City sometime tonight.
Saturday, April 9, 2005 Sd9 (written before prayer meeting)
"When
the student is ready the teacher
appears."
As my closest friends
know I have struggled with the
completion of my doctoral
requirements. I started this process
in the year 2000 (y2k) and, had I
been able to stay on schedule,
should have graduated as Dr. Rob (doctorob)
back in May, 2003. Until now I
haven't been ready.
This is our Anniversary Year (M20). We had a great time of dialogue, study, prayer, and play (even intense fellowship). I love this verse from an old rocker in the Bible: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desire of your heart." Cathy is the desire of my heart. I have chosen to receive her as a free gift from God. I'm delighted all the more that she has chosen to receive me--the whole package.
Eva has asked about the Holy Spirit this week in her journal. I trust that He is revealing Himself to her as the Counselor (in Christ's Name), the Spirit of Truth who has come (in the Name of Jesus) to take up residence within her. Wow. I know Him. Jesus lives in my heart (sent by the Father) to counsel me and to teach me. He ministers the teachings of Jesus to me on a daily basis. He is the Deposit guaranteeing the Redemption that is to come. I love the Spirit of God who has chosen to hang out with me, right beside me, INSIDE me.
Eva wrote that she hasn't been taught much about the Spirit. I dunno. From what I have seen, I think I see the Holy Spirit doing His Thing, His Way on a consistent basis in her life. It seems to me that He is teaching her LifeLessons through her journal. She has voluntarily enrolled in His classroom. Sure, she's a bit of a troublemaker...just a bit...and she talks to her neighbor while the Teacher is delivering His message (but she's worth the trouble--and she's really no 'trouble' at all).
Now on Sunday, she really get's serious. She carries her Grandfather's Bible to church with her. When her Sunday School teacher cites a verse she flips the pages of that heirloom to the exact place. Then she listens.
I have prayed Amen to these words of affirmation I heard spoken in a prayer offered by Glen Bower last Saturday:
"The weeds have voices...as do the children."
Since that morning (Sd2), I have been reflecting upon the words offered in prayer by this self-proclaimed schizophrenic. Glen is a regular 'member' of our local church. As John Mark was to an aging Paul, individuals like Glen (once viewed as an annoying interruption in my agenda) have recently become much more valuable to me. I wonder aloud who is God changing in these days?
"The snails have voices...as do the weeds."
deacontom™ is helping me me answer penetrating questions about the validity of my doctoral project. Cliff Hoff came up to me last Sunday, looked me in the eyes, and said that he was going to hold me accountable. Cathy Warren has repeatedly told me, "If you don't finish your homework, we're gonna have to cut your allowance." Many others have spoken into my life in these latter days. The Spirit breathes a fresh breath of life into my spirit as I reflect upon these precious words.
"When the student is ready the Teacher appears."
"When the student is ready, the teacher appears."
With that in mind, consider my delight as you read this 'slightly-edited' letter
I just received from a woman who 'came forward' at the Epicenter last Sunday:
God bless you today!
Hey, look......out your KitchenWindow™
but I know that he is moving at a simple, steady pace.
Q. Is this poem an
example of doctoral level
writing?
A.
Uhhh...ask the
BlindMan
he sees it all.
Friday, April 8, y2k5 Sd8: the Eighth Day
Check out what happened to me first thing this morning (on Sd8 Sabbatical day 8).
I am a youth pastor in Florida and
am working on a message series for
my youth on Napoleon Dynamite.
I was curious if you had anything
that you thought might be helpful
(message outlines, script, ideas
etc.).
I appreciate anything you can do to
help.
Thanks.
Paul von Merveldt
FBC Lake Placid
Thursday, April 7, 2005
Back to the Future (galtstyle)
Dear Mother
(and others reading this across
the ages):
You’re probably reading this on
(or after) the date I have
entered above, but actually I’m
writing this from ‘the past’.
I’m sitting here in a Conference
Room at ggbts. Believe it
or not, it’s Tuesday, April 05,
2005 as I write this very letter
(4:46 PM).
My lifelong study of
TimeTravel™
is really paying off. The
y2k5
is so exciting! How I wish
you could see all this with us.
After I finish writing this,
I’ll ‘save’ it to a memory
device; then push that storage
medium into a slot on God’s
SuperComputer (at the seminary);
its hooked up to computers all
over the world—probably even in
outer space! From there I
click on a button that says
‘send’ and off it goes into the
‘future.’ There will be this
really nice lady there—I like to
call her ‘the future Mrs. Rodger
Parker.’ You’d like Mellisa (her
Dad will wind up being a pastor
in North Carolina).
Anyway, in the y2k5, Mellisa
will ‘open’ my ‘e-mail’ around
7:38 AM on April 7th (after her
fiancé calls), then, she will
cut and paste it into something
they call pastorob’s webBlog.
Mother, I’ll actually turn out
to be a pastor (like Pastor
Harrington at First Baptist
Church in Coldwater). I sure
liked him when he came into
Children’s Church….but how hard
it was to stay awake when he
preached. Thanks for letting me
sleep during those sermons.
I’ve got to go back to the Future now, Mother. Presently, there are some people reading this who thought I was going to interact with point C of the D.Min. Guidebook. In fact, they might even think I’ve lost my mind. Mommy, you know better; you’re in Heaven with Jesus (and Veda).
I love you. I loved you. I shall always love you, dear Mother.
- A project cannot be a summary or report of ministry already operative. It must represent creative innovation for the minister and constituency. However, it may involve the development of a current ministry to more effective levels beyond its present performance.
Well, friend, as one of my goals for the doctoral project, I’ve chosen to risk planning for the development of our current ministry (this website). I wonder if, together, we can see www.pastorob.com grow in its influence: from x number of visitors to 10x visitors during a 40 Day Focus Group (comprised of the current fbcgalt writers, preachers, prophets, and poets). We’ll see what happens.
Wednesday, April 6, 2005
Risk? Did I hear somebody say, “Risk”? I remember back when deacontom™ first wrote that his story about Risk. I’ve never played the board game. However, in re-reading point G. of the Holy Guidebook to the Doctor of Ministry program (D.Min.). I’m actually told to risk something. Well, check it out for yourself:
G. The project will include experimental factors which call for a willingness to risk. Given this willingness, the candidate should find the project an exciting and rewarding venture in learning.
It might not seem risky to experiment with ‘business-as-usual’ but, friends, it is.
Big Risk = Big Loss or Big Risk = Big Gain
Today is Day 6 of 120 Days of Focus. Risky for me? I don’t really think so. I’m gonna experience a BIG GAIN from the focused research and writing. I have great hope for our local church (fbcgalt aka The Epicenter). However, the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a Big Risk with me starts Today. Do you wanna come along? Its free but it could cost you everything. write me: pastorob@softcom.net
Tomorrow, Lord willing, we’ll get jiggy with Guidebook point C. By the way, I don’t really know what it means to get jiggy with it….its a quote from Brian Dannelly’s film: Saved.Tuesday, April 5, 2005 (TIME: from the end Leno through Conan, and into the news) Yeah, I woke up and went down to the Kitchen)
With a broad smile, Pauline, reaches up to straighten my bright, flowered tie and gently pats my lapel with an open palm. She's one of these women who occasionally lowers her voice and 'directly' tell you her age. I agree with her--people probably are quite surprised that she's that old. I'm impressed by old age. Among the living, I've been advised not to use the word 'old' -- even Southern Baptists have their version of being 'politically correct.' My readers know that my co-host, (of Visitation with pastorob) died recently. Throughout her entire life, Veda wouldn't tell anyone her age. So, at her funeral, I made sure not to reveal her age; I didn't even come close to saying it. That was important to her ..and....whatsoever we bind on earth is bound in heaven, so...... what? awat
It sounded like this to me: (loud) "Hrmm...heme...noor....secondbase...ehlle ...quand shecameinahonda...the Dodgers!.....tllllell...then...dddnnilll...dliskllkk tombonjovi ...and the ball...goes way up...and ..mickeymantlemickeydonaldtrumplinduck..and he's roundin' third!..and...dunnnnall.. hrmm. and...jeeshhrishin....playin'for...the Dodgers!!!...."
Early on my kids fell into a crowd that was into that kind of mainstream music (softball, basketball, football). They also dabbled in more eclectic bands (soccer, swimming). Later in their adolescence, two of my sons left the dynamics of big bands to pursue semi-solo careers (tennis and wrestling). It never has mattered much to me if I don't understand the music. I just wanna appreciate the player (and the greater team goal for which the player plays).
Yeah...so it seems...that in 1962 any First grader could report Kindergarteners; Second graders could report K-1st; Third graders could report K-2nd (ad infinitum). It didn't take me long to overthrow that flawed presupposition.
'Class' doesn't intimidate me; I have the studied the life of a self-proclaimed 'working class hero' and received that part of his ministry.
'Money' doesn't impress me....much; Recently, someone said that if Bill Gates kingdom was totally liquidated and the monies were invested in birdseed, he couldn't feed all the birds of the earth for even one day. I don't know if that's true but someone out there can do the math. Sorry that I can't remember who said it; I can't cite the source because....well, I'm getting up there....
'Titles' don't speak to me with much authority either . . . (as a long-range 3rd season finale for the 'extreme makeover idea', I was pondering this awakening thought: we ought to help our friend, Glen, become Dr. Glen Bower). Seriously, I'd like to talk to Glen's sister about that. awat
Looks? I can still hear that K Street preacher yelling: "Don't put your faith in your good looks! You can lose your good looks!"
I just overheard that Bono called the Pope "the best frontman the Catholic Church ever had!" awat
Monday, April 4, 2005
now has plans to build the world's
tallest building with a moveable
spire. I'm not certain I heard the
report correctly. You may wanna google
that flash. I do know that
someone
from that nation has been on our
website. So, there you go....you make
the connection....(nodding....) I guess I know...its the price one pays to hear the class chuckle or even laugh out LOUD. lol I mean lol ...
Dr. Rick Durst
delivered an
important message to me (us) at church
yesterday.
CLICK
if you would like to see his sermon
outline.
Can fill
in the blanks? If you think
you can, write me:
pastorob@softcom.net
April 3, 2005
Today's my brother's birthday. If nothing has changed he should be 46. (I'm 47).
I never met my grandfather. He was a veteran of World War I and married Grandma sometime after his return. An older man, and a victim of Mustard Gas Poisoning, he died when my Dad (Richard Thomas Patterson) was only eight years old.
Wanna consider this Scripture and Life Questions with me?
'Repent, the Kingdom of Heaven is near.' "
Matthew 3:1-2 (also consider Luke 3:1-20, Mark 1:9-11); then, for that generation's expectations: Luke 1:46-55; 2: 27-33.
Answer these questions for Angelia (22) or a WW I veteran, Rob Patterson, in a post-war America (1921):
Why did Jesus respond?
In what regards are they the same; in what regards are they different?
I learned a similar latin phrase as a 4th grader learning the facts of life from a book I found on one of the many bookshelves at 142: What Every Young Husband Needs to Know. Dad is still a book collector who likes to read. Me too--I'm afraid, that my interpretation of that text was somewhat skewed...I think I passed along some misinformation during recess the next day.
April 2, 2005
Yesterday was my first day of Sabbatical.
I
started the morning out early working my way
through the voluminous paperwork that I had
amassed during the 4.5 years since I started my
doctoral work. I also had to give permission for
the Insurance Company to tow the car I had been
buying for Cathy. It is probably going to be
considered a 'total wreck' because the damage
done to the firewall makes replacement
unrealistic. I don't know how the financial side
of all that will turn out. It doesn't matter all
that much to me.
Most
important is that all of the people involved in the accident
survived without major injury.
Our third son, Daniel, 16, known to some
of our viewers for his video clip role as
Napoleon Dynamite, was making a 3 point
turn-around on Walnut Grove Road (March 18 9:25
pm). He reports that he had seen oncoming
headlights far off but thought he had plenty of
time to make the turn. While he was still in
Reverse the oncoming car sped toward
him--unaware of his presence.
[California Highway Patrol noted that the driver
of the oncoming car was under the influence of
alcohol. Although under the legal limit (when
tested an hour later), there was no skid marks
or apparent braking along the way. In fact, the
other driver reported that he thought Daniel had
come from a road to his right.]
Whitney saw the headlights of the oncoming car
coming straight toward her through her side
window. Daniel punched the gas harder as the car
continued in a reverse turn; apparently the
split-second reaction made the difference. Had
the point of impact been the door, I ....I don't
even want to speculate what would have happened
to Whitney. Notice how the battery broke loose
and was thrust into the engine? In fact the
engine, itself, shifted. Its good that both
teens were wearing their seatbelts.
Well, that's the drama of having teenagers.
I'm thankful that the kids are alive. Everybody
is still 'grounded'...just because...
love, Rob
return to:
audio
at
www.pastorob.com/audiodwnload.htm
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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