Tuesday, March 20, 2007

I'm so pleased to have heard back from the Installation Department at our Satellite High-Speed Provider. We are supposed to get wired toward becoming wireless at the BellRoad Campus (one week from today between 8:00 and Noon).

Our Music Director, Curt Harjo and I have scheduled the same time-slot for planning a sweeping reformation of the Sunday Morning Worship Line-up. So, we'll definitely be around when The Installer gets here.

It will be past noon before I'm able to get to the Library to upload today's entry. I've been in face-to-face meetings with church members since 6:30 this morning. I'm picking Mary up from Phys.Ed (Courthouse Athletic Club) and taking her to the Library for Driver's Ed (online). I'll upload this entry right before I rush back to the Campus for a one o'clock with another local church member.

Calling all worshippers who attended Bell Road two days ago:

Emergency Request: Please send me a copy of your sermon notes from March 18th. Due to circumstances beyond my control, my 7th pastoral message was not recorded (digitally or on tape). As advertised, this message "NO Running in Church: Hangin' on Love" was the companion piece to the 6th Message.

It was supposed to be edited along with all other Pre-Easter Messages for a CD to give to visitors on Easter Sunday.

"Sorry, Coach..."  (I'm reminded of the scene in Invincible).

Of course, I have my sermon notes and am well aware of the passages used to convey this pivotal message. However several of the illustrations offered were only fully captured by those with ears to hear and eyes to see.

If you are one of those attentive disciples, please commit your notes and memories to paper or email and get them to me as soon as possible.

Bible Mnemonic Helps: I started with a short recap of Matthew 22, then paraphrased the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5), then took the Bible-Handlers to   Matthew 22, Mark 12,  Luke 10 to Peter, John, and the Walking/Jumping/Praising man formerly known as the Cripple (in Acts) onward to Peter and Malchus (on the night that Jesus was betrayed)...

     and then to The Shema before
                         lighting Les Andrews' Candle.

Click on the verses above to jar your memory. I need help with that which was spontaneous.Thank you for your thoughtful assistance in recapturing the lost history of
the BellRoad pre-BigGameSeason (message 7).

Monday, March 19, 2007

Some friends from Galt came to visit the BellRoad Campus yesterday. Aimee is home for Spring Break from CBU, so she wanted Mom and Dad to drive with her all the way from Galt to the foothills of Auburn.

My special sweetheart, Charlotte, also came along and (as is her custom) found a seat on the edge of the third row. Charlotte had faced great tragedy in her life before our paths crossed. Somehow, God has used me (and several others) to help fill the void left by the deaths of her adult sons.

I'd like to hear yesterday's sermon (and hope to later today). I watched the time because I'm trying to cross some cultural differences. Interestingly, John Walker, who made a move to the front row wasn't carrying a time-piece. Last week, John informed me that he and Patti were planning to try out the front row. They had been displaced by my 'new methods' (taking out the last row).

After church yesterday, Cathy and I hung out with Mike, Nancy, Gary, Janet, Dave, and Rita. This was a most-interesting opportunity for me to 'listen' and 'learn' their culture. They look like us...but they're all kinda 'different' (if you know what I mean).

After that time of fellowship, we went to the Rosenau Home for a Nancy Dane Birthday Party. We stayed until 8:30 p.m. (so it was another great opportunity to observe and take notes on this foothill subculture).

-- a most interesting study indeed!

Mary will be with me for home-school this week. Lord willing, she and I will head back to Auburn this afternoon and stay until Wednesday or Thursday. Our monthly Leadership Council takes place tonight. I have a few calls to make in order to be adequately prepared for some important matters.

We've been invited to stay in a 5th wheel next to Bob and Ann's home. Others have graciously opened their homes to us as well. However, the situation at the Reeve's will be the least intrusive, me thinks.

Meanwhile, Cathy is exhibiting more signs reminicent of 'the nesting syndrome'. So she's either pregnant or just getting ready to make the move.

10:08 p.m  Sunday night Chat with Joe

me: So, are you leaving from Thailand straight to
         Hong Kong...to meet up with NSA

...or do you still have possibility of going to Krygystan?

joe: still a possibility to go to Kyrgyzstan
pray for me that it will not be blocked if it is ok

me: if you don't what will you do?

I will go to Thailand and then to refugee camp
probably about one week

I want to go to Kyrgyzstan

me: then?

joe: and then I would like to meet NAS in Hong Kong
at the end of June/beginning July

me: are you free to stay at refugee camp until then...

joe: and THEN evaluate my relationships, needs, skills and decide either return to Kyrgyzstan, back to Baguio, Auburn, wherever...

me: if Kyrgyzstan doesn't work out..

joe: I think I could stay there maybe longer
        maybe China
        or a personal adventure to Pakistan  :)

me: I'll send you Pastor Shamas' word about safety   
        there... sounds kinda like Pastor Wesley
        in the early days...

Respectable Brother Pastor Rob,

Greetings to you in Lord.

Brother, you do that you want, Pakistan is Islamic country But Thanks Lord Now our President Pervaiz Musharif is Great Blessings for Christianity. He is with President Bush.

Thanks Lord we are safe now.
Brother you will safe here in Visit. Also, my area is the Largest one Christian area in Pakistan.

Thanks Lord here now any bad happen with any other country Guests. Sister Marilyn Hickey visit here many time for Crusade in different Cities in Pakistan and many many thousands people attend her Crusade.

God Bless You
Your Brother in Lord
Pastor Shamas

joe: I dont know if it would be safe or possible, but if Kyrgyzstan really isn't possible, it is good to know there are other options

me: and this...

Respectable Brother Pastor Rob
  Your Visit will safe here.
  God is with us because we are His servant.

I wonder what it would cost for you to go to Pakistan..?

joe: its cheap to travel by land in Asia

me: that would be very cool...

joe: food is cheap too

me: yeah...

joe: housing is easy for me

me: Aimee came to Auburn today with Charlotte with
        Joyce and David.

        anyway, Aimee LOVES CBU still...

Good example of how we're all wired a bit differently.

joe: yeah.   It is a great place.

me: She probably wouldn't do too well in Liberia.

joe: I just had to go to Liberia.

        People who love CBU can't be in Liberia at the same
        time and people who have an easy life don't need
        God to rescue them.

        Liberia was the turning point in my life.

        I was Crucified with Christ.

me: so what do you think it would cost to go from
        Asia to Pakistan?

joe: maybe less than $1,000

me: Well, I'm proud of you, young man.

Sunday, March 18, 2007

A recent devotional reading that led to this morning's Message:

"NO Running in the Church"
       Hanging on Love    (Matthew 22)

The Shema    Matthew 22   Mark 12    Luke 10

  Audio of the Message to be uploaded soon. 

This message is intended as a companion piece to last Sunday's Message:

"Running in the Church"
       Hammering on Legalism    (Matthew 23)

Thanks to a website created years ago by guy in Auburn named Fred, I located some helps for a Sunday drive and walk: Foresthill Bridge

Just a couple exits from ours on I-80, this bridge offers a walk-across experience that is worth the time invested.

a couple dated photos: here   and    here

In honor of Alicia Rosenau's current status:

LM 499  Mexico Mission Trip (by appointment)

Saturday, March 17, 2007

I'm in Galt and am now setting apart some time to work on my message for tomorrow. Cathy and I drove to Auburn last night and enjoyed watching Tom, Renee, Jon, Tim, Micah, Brandon, and Wil blend their instruments and present a concert (P.A.I.D.).

Today, Cathy is going to look at the available housing in Auburn. We will soon begin to seriously pursue a home there.

If you would like to help us look over the market,
      here you go: Houses for Sale

Eva wrote from Michigan that we could build two houses there for the cost of buying one of these houses. I think she understands though, that God didn't call us back to Michigan. We were called to come to Auburn and invest ourselves wisely.

I've been tired-out the last two days but was refreshed by going back to the Garden last night. We were able to see Lukas our church's new born baby.

Yesterday's Chat with Liberia's Pastor Richard Wesley:

Richard: hello pastor

me: are you back online at your home?
  or internet cafe?

Richard: Yes, I am back praise God

me: good

Richard: I am using one computer. No cafe'

Richard:  I have been trying to get to you few days ago but it was hard. How are things? I mean church, family and the rest?

me: Everything is going well, my brother.

Richard: Praise God!

me: How about for you?

Richard: I must give God the praise for all for the Bible says " In everything give thanks..."

me: Amen. Mary needs to use my computer so I'd better get going. Bye

Richard: Are you praying about plans to come to Liberia any time this year or 2008.

me: Well, I will definitely start...

Richard: Bye

me: "I will definitely start..."

So, here's the start. Lord willing, we will offer an advanced course offered through BellRoad University entitled

   LM 499  Liberia Mission Trip (by appointment)
 

Another matter that impinges upon my consciousness is the ongoing correspondence with Pastor Shamas Pervaiz in Pakistan.
 

Friday, March 16, 2007

P.A.I.D. is playing tonight at Bell Road Baptist Church. Cathy and I are planning to attend.

Mary began driver's training yesterday--online.

Click here to see.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

I came home last night (after sitting in with the choir for awhile). I had been in Auburn since Monday and was ready to sleep in my own bed. I also have an appointment at 9:00 a.m. with a dear friend from the church I last pastored.

Mary is reading an assignment I've given her. I have an hour before my meeting so I figure I'll update this journal. I have missed having my son, Joe, around. He usually partners with me in any endeavor. His semester ended last week and he is traveling around the Philippines for a few days (before leaving on another mission trip).

He popped up in a chat box last night so we had a good conversation. He had previously sent out this letter to a few people he knows. I've withheld the name of a certain country because others have counseled Joe not to post details on the internet.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

I had a chance meeting with a guy named Skip at the Flour Garden. He told me that his wife goes to a small church that meets in a restaurant down the road from Colfax (chicago-something). He challenged me about one issue in particular. I'll pray about his input when I leave this Flour Garden.

So, I don't forget about a couple high-speed options:

Hughes: pricey but currently available

ATT Wild Blue sold-out maybe available later

I met with a representative of the Boy Scouts yesterday. He gave information about the organization and options available to our church for outreach to young people.

Pastor Plair used to teach us that we should look at life on two levels (first naturally; then, spiritually). Waking up a bit confused about how best to proceed. This indecision was best remedied by a fresh start on a new day. I called Cathy and we prayed for each other.

I'm heading to the Gym to work out, read the Word, to pray, to think, and to prepare for the day ahead. There is much to be done and I need wisdom to proceed. May we each take our seats at the Table the Lord has prepared for us today.

Well, before I left for the Gym I had a tricky myspace situation to take care of. A teenager (so-called) had submitted a friends-request yesterday. Looking over her profile, I went ahead and added her but this morning there was a comment that was most likely random-generated. There were two links on the comment. The first led to an innocent enough e-blogger site with several comments from legitimate bloggers (decent people of all ages).

Checking further at the bottom of her myspace comment was an invitation to video blog with her....and THAT was the hook toward porn. I just went ahead and deleted that 'so-called' friend. Usually, I try to also send Customer Care a heads-up about a bad page...but not today. Not enough time to mess around with it.

I was talking to another local pastor yesterday about my meager efforts to eradicate pages of porn as they try to pop their way in--just a drop in the ocean of prevention. I have safeguards for my Internet involvement. Cathy and Joe have complete access to all my avenues of involvement with Internet.

What a call to a personal, daily devotional life!

I so desire to be an effective witness for Christ today. I want to be of practical help to all of my brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ. Again, I pray for Wisdom.

I'm approaching the 50th Birthday this July. I would like to quadruple my investment in the Kingdom of God during the next 25 years (if God gives me that long here in this world).

Hey, I received a note back from Ronda Faull--a friend who had helped me at FBC Galt several years back. She, John, and the kids move to Tennessee a couple years ago. Here's her note:

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

This morning I went to the Sierra Grille for the Men's Breakfast (6:00 a.m.)

Afterwards, I looked at a mural being painted by a local artist (Renee's Mom, Kathleen). I also looked over her extensive portfolio. Kathleen visited our church Sunday and is offering her help in our Extreme Makeover.

Some of the songs recorded from Sunday's Service have been made available to me but I don't think that I will post them at this time.

I preached a 'mini-message' before the first song. I think I may edit it into a 'keeper' sometime soon. This is the message that Kathleen and others heard on Sunday.



Yesterday I visited a courtroom and was later ordered by the Judge to come back to the Placer County Courthouse this morning. I was to provide foundation testimony for a dispute involving some people I've met since coming to this community. I was there at 9:00 a.m., but since the plaintiff didn't show up on time, the case was dismissed at 9:13.

I came to Auburn yesterday, and consulted with Dave Swearingen from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m. I sat in on another court case mid-afternoon (waiting before the Judge who postponed the hearing until today).

Hey, if anyone wants to design some promo business cards or post card size invitations to our church,
   simply use this intertactive FLASH designer.

The templates are provided. If you get a good idea you want me to peruse, simply push CTRL and PrtSc, save as a JPEG and send it to me, OK?

Monday, March 12, 2007

I called my sister, Nancy, in Michigan. She's been a Homeschooler-Mom for many years. I told her about EducationPlus (and she gave me some ideas).

just in from Australia:

Hey Rob,

I listened to your latest sermon on Friendly Competition. I enjoyed it.. just thought I'd let you know that! God bless, have an awesome day and I'll catch up with you soon :)

Dan (click here for Intro to Daniel Teale)

An early start on this entry today. It is 1:58 a.m.

Having dropped (exhaustion) at around 10:15 p.m., I just woke up--wide awake.

My INBOX showed that Joe was trying to rouse me with a chat box at 10:16.... so after writing him back and reading other notes, I figured that I'd update this journal.

After church yesterday, Cathy and I drove out to the home of Les and Bobbi Andrews. Wow. We had heard that they were Model A Enthusiasts (but I wasn't prepared for what I experienced out there).

Fortunately, I don't have to explain the experience because they told me to go ahead and invite everybody over to their place for a party!    Alrightee.

All of you out there in Internet-Land are invited. We'll settle on a time and date and let you know. Stay tuned.

Yesterday, I finally looked at my cellphone-clock (it was sitting on Sparky's armrest) and noticed that my 'preaching time' was already well-spent. I had gone past my own self-imposed time limit.

Nevertheless, it was good to see that there were at least a few (three) reviews in the mailbag this morning:

Today, Dave Swearingen is gonna come all the way from Mindon, Nevada to check out the BellRoad Campus. I told him that it is an easy road trip. If he leaves at 9:00 a.m., he should be there around 11:07. Click here and see for yourself.

If you wanna map out your own trip to
         Bell Road Baptist Church, click here.

Dave is an Acoustical Consultant. He will bring his Pink Noise Generator and sample different areas in the room. Then we will know how best to fix our situation with proper placement of special materials. Wanna see what kinda materials I'm talking about? (click here)

g2g  it's now 2:27 a.m. I think I'll try to get some more sleep before I have to face other people. Gotta get some 'beauty rest'.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Hey everyone: Go to this new website. It was started by a man in Latvia. I found it through a google search while looking for some site that would allow me to upload mp3s for free. I think this could work well for Pastor Wesley's radio programs too.

So, click here:

www.boomp3.com

and Notice which sermon is near the top of the list:
of POPULAR MP3s. (It was No. 1 on Saturday)

"Is God Really Pro-Choice?"

Well, it had over 400 hits as of yesterday. That's pretty good for a small-town pastor in a small church. lol

I was waiting for a report from our short-term missionaries to Mexico. This note came in on Saturday night: