It’s been over a year since I last posted anything on this blog. Reading all of my old entries, I’m pretty sure myself then would never have expected to be where I am at today. Much has happened over this past year. Through the ups and downs, the good and bad, the victories and losses; God has been gracious through it all. This is one thing that I can always say, even after a year of silence: God is gracious. He has ordained things to happen to me that proves His love for himself, and love for His own. Praise be to God that I gain anything in this life other than personally receiving His justice!
Since last time I posted, some significant things have happened.
I have (in order):
-Been engaged
-Been to “Resolved”
-Been a groomsmen
-Lost weight
-Started the plant of Hope Church of San Mateo
-Left Lighthouse
-Gotten married
-Gotten promoted
In this blog, I will briefly describe each significant event.
Engagement
On March 27th, 2009, I proposed to Emily, and she said yes. I’m not lying. She did say yes. Lets just say the engagement is a long story and it would be best to direct you to our “wedding website” where I explain in detail how I proposed:
Proposal Story
Resolved Conference: SIN
In June, I went with the College and Young Adults ministry of Lighthouse Bible Fellowship to the Resolved conference in Palm Springs. This was the first Resolved that I went to. It was a rich conference. Not in the sense of expensive (though, the light show during music was pretty cool), but in the sense of content. The theme was sin – based off of one of Jonathan Edwards many “Resolves.” Rather than me explaining my perspective on the content that was preached at this conference, go here, and listen for yourself.
Probably the most interesting part of experiencing this conference was experiencing it with the group from Lighthouse. This was the first major event I had experienced with Lighthouse. It was actually refreshing to do things differently than I was used to. Thanks to the Elders, all of our hotel rooms were paid for. I’m guessing they agreed with the content being preached. Our hotel was connected with the conference center. That made things pretty nice.
The day usually consisted of: Waking up, cleaning up, driving down the way to Starbucks (they loved my discount), separating the guys from the ladies and praying/discussing the previous evening’s conference, going to the morning session, grabbing lunch, hanging out (time to do whatever; discussion, swimming, reading, etc.), going to the evening conference, get late night dinner after, meet as a group, play some board games, sleep. I enjoyed being with the Lighthouse crew. Though, I have to admit, I did miss “my first love.”
Groomsmen.
Matt and Laura Crockett were married on my birthday (July 19th, 2009). It was such a God-honoring wedding. I enjoyed being with Matt and the other groomsmen on the week leading up to the wedding. That was a pretty memorable week, actually. Anyways, the wedding was spectacular and the Lord was put on display!
Weight Loss.
Exactly 100 days before my wedding, I promised to God, myself and Emily that I would be devoted to becoming healthier. I started to consistently work out, and eat healthier. Obviously, a main motivation was getting to my “fighting weight” for my wedding. Previously in the year, I attempted to lose weight (see “Master Cleanse”) and succeeded to some degree. Though, I wanted to reach my goal of going down to 185lbs. At the start of my 100 day weight loss journey, I weighed 219lbs. On November 14th (my wedding), I weighed 183 lbs. I succeeded in my goal. Now, I have gained some back, but, Lord willing, I will never be above 195 lbs. (I’ve been floating around 190ish for the past couple of months). I’m pretty proud of only gaining about 10 pounds after getting married; considering I’ve heard the ol’ story of “Eh, your married now, you’re bound to get fat.” Now that wouldn’t be a God honoring, or “highly esteeming my wife,” mindset now, would it?
Hope Church Of San Mateo
In October of 2009, many had left their previous church home with a similar passion and desire to start a new church that centered around the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Long story short, these men and women have a God ordained calling to start a church where Jesus is preached, with a body of believers devoted to loving and cherishing the gospel which has been entrusted to them. I have been apart of this process and have constantly been blessed by the fellowship of fellow brothers and sisters with a common mindset of a a healthy church, true evangelism, and Jesus Christ as supreme joy. I plan to blog more regarding my church throughout the future.
Lighthouse Departure
I had quite a blessed time being a member of Lighthouse Bible Fellowship, even if this time was short. This church will always be close to my heart, and my wife’s heart. In fact, my wife became saved at this church. When I left First Baptist in June of 2008, I was immediately welcomed into the church of Lighthouse. I had a year-long history of meeting with Pastor Ken, of Lighthouse, on and off, previously. He is a man I will always respect and love. His love for the gospel of Jesus Christ and his devotion to the purity of the church is so evident. I am reminded by his true joy in Christ, daily.
It was hard to leave Lighthouse. I was fed week after week with the expository preaching of God’s word. I was encouraged and convicted week after week by fellow brothers and sisters. I truly was apart of a biblical church, and loved every minute of it. God had other plans for me, and though it was hard at the time, it is evident that God has me exactly where He wants me.
I spoke with Pastor Ken, and the elders about my departure a couple of months before leaving. Expecting somewhat of disappointment, I was pleasantly surprised that they were excited and encouraged that the Lord would give desires to further his kingdom and start another church that was centered around Christ to fellow brothers and sisters. Immediately, they announced that Emily and I would be leaving to continue in our church plant journey. The body of Lighthouse prayed for us, and were excited to see where the Lord is going to lead. I had some more time of service with music and youth before God took me out of Lighthouse to be where I am at today. During my time at Lighthouse, I was shaped and continued to see reality all the more. I will always be fond of this church.
Marriage
On November 14th, 2009, I woke up at 6 am, with only 4 hours of sleep. Today was the day I would be married. I meet up with my groomsmen to enjoy a nice Ihop breakfast before we embarked on our short journey to Fremont. I got to Lighthouse, took pictures with my groomsmen, had the ceremony (my wife was beautiful), took pictures with my wife, had the reception, and left for our honeymoon the next day. All I can say is, if there is such thing as luck, I would most definitely have it. But because God is Sovereign, I can say that God is gracious to me by giving me the best wife ever. I love Emily and am excited to spend the rest of my days with her, serving Christ. There is much detail to the wedding day and the week leading up to it, but I will spare my little fingers the typing for now.
For now, know this: I’m married.
Promotion
The week after I came back from my honeymoon, my district manager came into my previous Foster City Starbucks store and had one last meeting with me before my promotion. He spoke to me of the good news and on December 28th, I was moved to the Carlmont Village Starbucks as the assistant manager. Let’s just say that God had perfect timing with helping my wife and I out right at the beginning of marriage. I am enjoying my job as an ASM thus far. If things are going according to plan, having my own store won’t be too far off. If that’s what the Lord wants, I’m ready for it!
Since these things have happened, the Lord has been good to Emily and myself and has been leading men and women to continue to plant Hope Church. I am excited to see where God directs the church, as well as Emily and myself.
I plan on not waiting a year before my next post. I don’t know what will happen though.
In His Grace,
- Patrick
