The Pursuit Of Happyness

At one point in San Francisco we found ourselves in kind of a scary part of town. While asking directions, someone even tried to steer us around these streets. But I was so glad to go there because we spotted Glide Memorial Church -which was featured in the film "The Pursuit Of Happyness". This church has an awesome ministry of reaching out to people in need.

Here at Faith Christian Assembly, we may not have the rooms and beds, but we do support "We Care". They are a near-by Family Support Center that is committed to giving families and individuals help in times of crisis. Yes, even in Seal Beach people have needs. You never know how hard of a time your next door neighbor could be having. In "The Pursuit Of Happyness", Chris Gardner looked like a pretty sharp guy and I'm sure no one would've guessed he spent the night in the subway. It's good to be a very present help in time of need. No question need be asked...that's What Jesus Would Do.

Lights, Camera, Be Quiet

The other day, I suddenly found Hollywood across the street. For some reason they like to film in my neighborhood. You can spot them from quite a distance because they'll have cranes in the air holding enormous lights. To film scenes at night, they have to light it up like it's daytime.
This time they were filming a pilot for a new show on NBC. There were cops (actors) checking out a dead body in the alley. I was hoping to play the dead body but they already had someone. I wonder how many years it takes at Julliard to play a dead guy?
Then the next night they were sitting in their car, I presume, for a stake-out scene. I was taking my nightly walk and was stopped from proceeding so they could finish the scene. I felt it would've been much more realistic to let me walk down the street -as that is my custom. Maybe they just didn't like to see me waving and sending shout-outs to Mom and holding a sign that said "Come To Faith Christian Assembly In Seal Beach!" I think it would've added to the excitement of the stake-out.

Whose Fault Line Is It Anyway?

I read a story that "the number for morbid obesity is on the rise." Thought that was worded poorly. It surprised me that we're all still putting on the pounds because I thought the lawsuit against McDonald's was going to fix all of that. Wasn't it all their fault for not putting the calories on the menu? How were we to know that cheese and salt and french fries and shakes would add to our mass? Maybe it's time to sue the companies that make the scales. It's really their fault for making us so unhappy.
I guess it just makes us feel better to have someone to blame. But does it change anything? We won't be able to play the blame game on judgment day. That will be the ultimate in personal responsibility. I'm so amazed that Jesus paid the price for our sin...the only One who was blameless. He had every right to take us to court and pronounce us guilty. The lawsuit of all time was levelled at Him. And no, He didn't counter-sue.
Hopefully we can learn from His selflessness. Otherwise we'll all end up suing our moms. If they hadn't brought us into the world, we never would've gotten fat. Doesn't most therapy lead back to Mom anyway?

All Aboard

It was a great day!! Much thanks to everyone who came and everyone who helped us launch our 8:30 service today. It feels good to finally have that train in motion and we're looking forward to where God's going to take us. Happy Easter!

You Are Here

Had a great practice with the band last night. We're all very excited around here. Can't wait to see ya. Here's a landmark to find us by as you cruise down Seal Beach Blvd. Hopefully that makes it easier.

Once, on a trip, I went to a mall I'd never been in before to look for coffee. I was staring intently at the Directory trying to find the store. Finally I found those comforting words, "You Are Here" and I noticed that the coffee store looked very close to it on the map. Sure enough, I looked and it was right next to me. No wonder we men hate maps.

Tomorrow starts our first 8:30 Contemporary Service. Afterward we'll have snacks and Starbucks. Come and celebrate Easter with us!

Yo...Howdy

This is a shout out to all our homies who came and hit the hood. To put it in my own vernacular...great thanks to everyone who came and handed out invitations to our Easter Services in various neighborhoods around the south land. Yo yo, homeboy...what a hoot.
We had 23 people come down last Saturday and get their exercise by giving out thousands of postcards...each with prayer. We can't thank you enough for your help. You are loved and appreciated!

On The Streets Of San Francisco

This is the city, San Francisco, California. We visited here. We carried Bibles. My name's Paul, Pastor Paul, and the blog you are about to read is true. The names were not changed as I didn't feel it was necessary.

I've been meaning to post these pics of our trip up north for the CEA's Pastor's Retreat. It was so cool to connect with a lot of the pastors that I've known since I was a kid. It was also great to see so many young ones who've joined the organization.

Here we are getting in a bit of sight-seeing. Gary & Sheri rode a Cable Car. I walked to Ghirardeli Square. We didn't get a chance to eat Rice-A-Roni though. (The San Francisco treat.)

The last night we ate at Houston's. I'll be in Houston later this month and am hoping to eat at San Francisco's.