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 (Student-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 myself 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 personal 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.