granny burns

God is so good in so many ways

some of the ways we experience, see, touch, hear and taste God is through people.

he allows relationships in our lives that leave 'indelible imprints' that cannot be erased. as my father would often say when i was young, things and people you never forget 'in this world or the world to come.

'i am grateful for the few people God has allowed me to know and interact with, even at a young age, that have made lasting impressions, indelible imprints, on my life.

as i grow older, it seems that those who were most influential, were such in my younger years. (there is a lesson in there somewhere)

the fondest memories i have are of when i was most young.

one the people who have made such an impact in my life and influenced my spirit was a long time member of my dads church, sis ruth burns, but my little brother and i knew her as 'granny burns!'

granny burns passed yesterday.

yes, she was a faithful member. yes, she was an involved and influential member. yes, she was a supporter of my father and the ministry but i remember granny burns for personal reasons above all else.

granny burns was the grandmother i never had. both of my maternal grandmothers passed away before i had the opportunity to know them.

we loved us some granny burns!

granny burns lived on the street over from us when we lived in fifth ward. we would play on her porch! we would run around her house! granny burns could burn! she was a master in the kitchen, old school style!

our family had a 'tradition' with granny burns growing up. every new years day, between dad preaching at the prayer bowl at pleasant grove missionary baptist church (which was an all day thing!) we would go over to granny burns house, to sit, talk, share, fellowship, cook and eat! alan and i would play till our hearts delight. watch cartoons in her back room. play checkers in the front room, play on her front porch, or just sit and listen to the adult conversations going on in the living room.

these were days of extended family, not just blood family but spiritual family. no iphones, no sidekicks, no wii's, no xboxs or playstations. these were times of fun that required human interaction and presented family fellowship.

thats why i remember granny burns voice and smile. i remember her kind and gentle spirit. i do not remember her ever raising her voice, but she was firm when need be. she was even gentle when being strong.

i remember her cooking. i remember not being tall enough to look up and see what she was doing on the stove! i remember the big black cast iron skillet that she cooked the best ever hot water cornbread (which she took time out to teach me how to cook!). i remember the big silver pot that held the greens (and the 'potlicker' that came from them!). ii remember the sound of the grease crackling when she put in the chicken wings to fry. i can see her now standing there, with her apron on, smiling at me, as she cooked away on the hot stove.

i remember the smell of the house. i remember the plastic strips on the floor and on the chairs and couch in the living room. i remember the tv with the knob and antenna!...and out of all of this, i remember the feeling of love in the house and in everything that was done and said.

i remember how we would run around in the house. i remember how we would watch cartoons on the television with the knob and antennae in the back room. i remember we would play checkers in the front room. i remember we would sit and listen to the adults conversate in the living room (oh, did i say this already? lol! only because this means so much to me now)...i remember always being excited to go and spend time at granny burns house.

i remember her touch. she had a way of calming and soothing my spirit whenever i had asthma troubles, with just a back rub and a glass of water. granny burns had a nurturing spirit. she would talk to us. she would listen to us. she would interact with us. she would engage us. she would let us be children and push us to be men.

mount corinth and for sure vacation bible school is going to miss her. fifth ward is going to miss her. the patterson family is going to miss her. i am going to miss her. correction, i already miss her but her life is 'indelibly imprinted' in mine.

i wonder, as i reminisce about granny burns, who is the person, or the people, who have made an 'indelible imprint' in your life? how do you remember them? what kind of impact have they made in your life? who are you and what are you doing as a result?

whose life are you making an 'indelible imprint' in?

who will remember you like this, after you are gone on?

what kind of 'indelible imprint' are you making in someone elses life?

Thankful

I am thankful...
4 God
4 Jesus
4 the Holy Spirit
4 amazing, loving and sacrifical parents
4 a dad who sacrifices and for a mom who nutures
4 a supportive and loving brother and sister
4 a gracious extended family
4 the Word
4 a wonderful 'home' church
4 all the people who call The Love Church their spiritual home
4 friends. real true genuine friends who have always been there, even when i didnt see them and never left
4 non judgmental family, friends and people n my life
4 blue sky
4 green grass
4 cool breezes
4 white sand beaches
4 water... i love the water! i want 2 live on some water
4 jets skis.... yes, jet skis
4 the cry of a new born baby
4 the smell of clean after a short summer rain
4 aromatic candles
4 a meal that makes you slow down and savor every bite
4 the electricity in a loving and knowing touch
4 the sensuality in a kiss
4 the warmth in a hug
4 a look that speaks volumes, silently
4 the feeling after a good 'shout' in church

i am thankful...
4 those who walked away
4 those who came 2 stay
4 those who walked away, recognized, apologized and came back... these r the ones i trust
4 those who are still in my life
4 those encouraged me
4 those who convicted me

i am thankful...
4 all my infirmities
4 all my infalities
4 they make me more of the person i am 2 become

i am thankful...
4 every hurt, pain and tear, because it only made things clear

i am thankful...
4 the word love
4 the noun love
4 the verb love
4 the feeling of love
4 the ability 2 love
4 the expressions of love
4 the experience in love
4 those who gave me love
4 those who loved me inspite of me, even 4 those who took their love away

i am thankful...
4 His virgin birth
4 His sinless life
4 His vicarious death
4 His borrowed burial
4 His overcoming resurrection
4 His triumphant ascension
4 His ultimate return

i am thankful...
4 forgiveness
4 the blood

i am thankful...
4 that which money cannot buy
4 which the body cannot
which the mind cannot reason
4 which emotions cannot corral

i am thankful...
4 that which we cannot see, that is most powerful and meaningful 2 me, the supernaturaland
4 that i am most thankful

Thank you Jesus!

a word about a wedding

words r not winsome enuf and adjectives r inadequate 2 definitively describe the joy n my heart n the happiness n my spirit 4 alan & deidra. my lil brother iz married and i gotz a brand new sis!

who woulda thunk it? who would predicted it? who woulda believed it? from international playboy 2 committed husband ... yall did it!...

ive been waiting 2 write n post on the this feeling and the weekend itself, yet everytime i sat down 2 pen, i could not contain my thoughts n feelings 2 words n keystrokes... even now, this is difficult 2 transcribe.i will b back later with a 'tim russert' type no holds barred eyewitness report of the haps... but 4 now, let it b known i havent been this excited n a long time . i recieve happiness from seeing others happy n being blessed!

the support shown n the love expressed by corinth and many friends and well wishers from around the country was overwhelming. it was literally astounding! i must admit i was sadly surprised by the conspicuous absence of a few whom i thought would have been n attendence, if 4 no other reason than simple relationship. u can tell who is n ur corner when u r experiencing things n life that mean the most 2 u by who is there. yes many come 4 many varied reasons. i call them 'wedding watchers.' ...some come 2 criticize, others 2 critique and still others 2 compare. others come 2b nosey, while still others 2b known that they were there. however, some come 2 genuinely celebrate with u n ur season. these r the people we need more of n our lives. christian celebrators not holy haters.

4 the christian celebrators, the faces, smiles, voices and touches i recieved, felt and saw this weekend (from folks who were there) i will never 4get n will always b treasured n my heart and mind. i have lost a measure of respect 4 some, but i have n turn gained a higher level of respect 4 some others. our pastor has taught us over the years, n iv heard it endlessly @ home growing up, that just ur presence is powerful, 4 it alone speaks volumes. conversely, ones absence is just as powerful and it 2 speaks volumes... ok, enuf of that...

4 everyone who helped 2 make the night special for my little brother and his bride, i thank you from my heart. i applaud you from my spirit. u not only made it special 4 them, but u also made it so very special 4 my mom n dad and 4 me... if u could hug each of u i would.

i shall return when the feeling is flowin' 2 give u the patterson paparrazi version of the rock star weekend...

till then... live like ur n love, everyday!

remember, u r greatly blessed, highly favored and deeply loved!

agape

pastor p

GIRLFRIENDS: Building Relationships That Last

This month I am beginning a new series based loosely on the television series Girlfriends, for our Women's Emphasis Month. The intent of the series is to give Biblically based principles that will allow us to build God honoring relationships that will last.

The first installment is entitled, 'I'm Happy For You!' This sermon had to be broken into two parts, part 1 and part 2. Below is a skeleton of the outline for part 2 of 'I'm Happy For You! '

I pray that this will be a blessing to you as you read and meditate on the Word of God for yourself.

Dr. Gary Smalley, in his book The DNA Of Relationships says that 'Life is relationships; the rest is just details.'

In fact, we were created for relationship. God created us in His image for relationship. Relationship to Him and relationship to each other.

Adopted July, 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence, considered to be the 'founding document' of the United States, drafted by Thomas Jefferson and edited by Benjamin Franklin, signed by the 56 delegates of Congress, declared the Thirteen Colonies in North America were "free and independent" states. The most famous phrase of this document is the paragraph that begins , "we find these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, and have the inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

I want to suggest that true happiness for the Christian, comes when we are in right relationship with God and man.

Luke 1:39-56
I'm Happy For You!

Elizabeth, the wife of Zacharias, had to 'wait and work' for her blessing, while Mary, who was espoused to be married to Joseph, recieved a serendipitous blessing that she neither had to wait for nor work for. It was 'immediate and intimate.' Elizabeth was still 'happy' at the immediate and intimate blessing of her cousin although she had to 'work and wait' for hers.

We pick up the story as Mary, when she hears of the blessing of her cousin Elizabeth, travels to Judea to visit and spend time with her. We begin in vere 39... Here is where Mary shows us the importance of...

vs 39a 'At that time Mary got ready...'
a. Preparing to praise

vs 39b '...and hurried...'
b. Putting a priority on praise

vs 39c '...to a town in the hill country of Judea.'
c. Going to a place of praise

In order to build a relationship that lasts, we should want a friend who...

1. Has Jesus on the inside of them vs 41

2. Is happy about what God has put inside of you vs 42

3. Who will stay with you thru seasons of struggle vs 56

Principle Observations:

Mary teaches us...
God has put in you a blessing that will be a blessing to others.

Elizabeth teaches us...
God has put in you a blessing that will prepare the way for another blessing.

Both women teach us...
God has put in you a blessing that will...

a. Help to save a soul

b. Hope to change your situation

c. Healing to transform your life

Hold The Phone

Hold the phone... It is a phrase we have all heard. Today, this phrase takes on a different significance for me. I recieved a call from Austin, Texas and the general Obama campaign at 3pm to be available as a Pastor in the state of Texas for a conference call at 3:30pm, with Presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Hold the phone...It is a phrase that has taken on the meaning of hope, encouragement and inspiration. I dialed in and punched in the accesss code to the conference call. The call began with Joshua DuBois, National Deputy Director of Religious Affairs of Obama For America was explaining the purpose of the call and its participants. Dr. Randy Vaughn, President of the Texas Baptist State Convention, gave the opening invocation. My pastor, Dr. Frederick Douglas Haynes, III, was next to speak on the call to give the background foundation for the purpose and concerns for the call and responsibilities to the Pastors. Pastor Haynes spoke of the need for a man like Barack Obama because of '...failed policies of an evil administration to effect Davidic change." Nobody I know can wrap it up and present it like Pastor Haynes. Dr. Ralph Douglas West, of Houston, Texas, then introduced Senator Barack Obama.

Senator Obama spoke for about 17 minutes, sharing his vision, his mission, his heart and his concern. I sat and listened with amazement at how logical and methodical his mind and thinking is. His burden for America at-large and for people individually is genuine. His faith is real. I was honored to be among those whom shared in the call and the moment.

He spoke of his campaign, by the grace of God, being more than a campaign but a movement where we can hope for better, believe for better and strive for better. His burden for the ills and concerns of every American was articulated in a straightforward yet empathetical way. He was encouraged by the main message of the grassroots footsoldiers who are engaged, show interest and are excited about what this campaign means and what the future of American can be. He asked for all Pastors support because of a 'moral and historical obligation' to Biblical mandates. He then ended by asking for prayers for his wife and family.

After Senator Obama spoke, Dr. Shaun Casey, Bishop William Watson of the Church of God In Christ and Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell of Houston, Texas rounded out the remainder of the conference call. I am still in a 'lil bit of awe at the men of God and the person of Barack Obama with whom I had just shared a moment in time with. I am honored to engage with men whom I admire and respect for many reasons and a presidential candidate who has grabbed the attention and hearts of America like non other since John F. Kennedy.

Whatever your stance and perspective in this presidential race, I encourage you to vote. Do not let it be said that you were not apart of the process. It is a tired and worn phrase, yet it is true, your vote counts. Your vote could very well be 'the' deciding vote.

As the 'old folks used to say and sing when I was growing up, at Mount Corinth Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas...I'm just glad to be in the number, one more time.

This has been a 'wild week' for me. A roller coaster of sorts....From celebrating the joys of an additional year in Pastoral ministry of a friend (preaching his 6th year Pastoral anniversary to be exact), to watching the triumphant return of Jason Kidd to the Mavericks in American Airlines Center (yeah! they won!), to meeting and partying with Erykah Badu, Biz Markie and Dave Chappelle (for a good purpose to raise funds for her non-profit that benefits youths in the hood), to meeting former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown (in town promoting his new biography), all while dealing with the emotinal roller coaster and sadness of heart of the disintegration of a relationship that I thought would last and wishing them to be there to share these experiences with, to being on the phone with presidential candidate Barack Obama. All of this, of course, is in the course of responsibility of leading and feeding a church and looking for a building for our congregation. I am looking forward to seeing the people of The Love Church and worshiping our God together in spirit and in truth on tomorrow. My spirit needs it and my soul desires it.

What a week!... but, HOLD THE PHONE, I am encouraged with Obama's speech ending matra, Yes We Can!

AGAPE,

Pastor Patterson
Making It Great In '08!
Loving Life And Livin To Love

6 Years

Yesterday, I had the blessed privilege to preach a friends 6th Year Pastoral Anniversary. Pastor Edwin E. Favors and Praise Fellowship Church of Wilmer, Texas celebrated 6 years of ministry. Pastor Favors is a one of kind individual whom I met thru a mutual friend, Pastor Henry Batson, III. Pastor Favors is a spirit full of energy, life and giftedness. He is an accomplished singer and instrumentalist and has led many choirs and taught in the music genre, but his primary calling is to preach.

This year promises to be a miracle season for Pastor Favors. After celebrating 6 years of ministry at Praise Fellowship, this week he turns 33 years old and is engaged to be married in June. What a year! After five moves as a congregation, to their current facility, which they own debt free, they are are soon to unveil plans to raise funds for a 3.8 million dollar building project for the glory of God. U. S. Highway 45 South will never be the same.

Allow me to say, the Spirit was thick in the house on yesterday. Folks were shouting, running and a few even were straight laid out on the floor, just plum gone! We just covered them with sheets and kept on preaching! It was a 'tsunami of the Spirit.' I live for experiences like that of yesterday. For me, it is both cleansing and empowering. I am grateful when He comes thru like He did on yesterday. I would never want to even attempt to preach or pastor a people without the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. I am grateful for the anointing. It is the anointing that breaks the yolk and sets people free. The anointing makes the difference.

Shouts out to my pulpit mates for the evening Pastor Moore, Pastor Batson and Pastor Stephens. A special shout out to my church, the greatest church south of Heaven, The Love Church, who sacrifically came all the way south down 45 to Wilmer in numbers strong, and gave of themselves to minister and give financially on the spot to be a tangible blessing to Pastor Favors. We are truly a giving congregation. I feel like a proud papa for the way you guys responded! The Voices Of Judah prepared the atmosphere for the Word and the youth tore the house down with the dance ministry! It was off the chain!

I am grateful for many things in this life. Particularly, yesterday reminded me that I am most grateful for relationships and the anointing. Thank you Father, for your grace and your mercy in my life, for which I am so undeserving. Thank you for people whom you have placed in my life, who continue to pour into me and push me to higher heights. Thank you for every encouraging word. Thank you for every selfless deed. Thank you for every intercessory prayer. Thank you for life itself. Everyday I wake up, I am anxious and excited to unwrap the gift of today.

AGAPE,
Pastor P
Making It Great In '08!

Dinner & Dialogue @ Texas Caribbean Foods

This past King Holiday was an eventful day to say the least. It began early with a breakfast gathering of Morehouse College brothers. This gathering of 'Men of the Mystique' is always an empowering and gratifying experience. This was a gathering of young and old whom had matriculated and graduated from 'The House.' I can truly say, beyond any other organization, that Morehouse men have an indescribable bond of brotherhood, wherein, whether it is years later or continents apart, it is like you are transported right back to your days 'on the yard' whenever you see another true Morehouse brother. It is genuine brotherhood.

Second on the agenda was the African-American Pastor's Coalitions, of which I am apart, Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration Service. This an annual event, that is very well attended and covered each year by the local news organizations and their cameras, because there is always the true possibility that something will be said or done by someone that will 'light up' the community and make the evening news sound bites. In addition, the service moves each year to a church of one of the member Pastors so that there is always a 'fresh' environment of excitement and electricity among the members, visitors and atmosphere. This year the service was held at the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church off of Washington and Ross Avenues near Cityplace, where the Rev. Curtis W. Wallace is the Senior Pastor.

This years guest was one of my personal favorite preachers from Chicago, Illinois, Pastor Stephen J. Thurston of the New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Thurston holds the distinction of being the youngest President of the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. I am thankful to Pastor Thurston as he has been a friend to me since I began my ministry, he has opened his pulpit to me as I have preached there on a number of occasions and I admire his approach to the preaching art and moment. We, a group of young preachers, once asked him at a convention, why do you preach so hard? His response was, God has been so good to me, I never know when it will be my last time, so I preach every time like it is my last time. Wow. That statement has sunk into and stuck with me over the years and I have taken that approach as my own, because God has been just that good to me, and more.

The last event of the day was a Dinner & Dialogue invitation only gathering at Texas Caribbean Foods at the ever popular South Side On Lamar. Ms. Jan Gore is the proprietor and cook extraordinaire of this establishment. I must say before going any further, the food is 'off the chain!' Hence, one of the reasons for my current diet, for all the weight I have gained eating here. From the jerk chicken wings and rice to the Jamaican meat and vegetable patties to her personal Island Iced Tea to the slammin banana pudding and key lime pie desserts, this is a treat you don't want to miss out on. Come by South Side On Lamar to experience the total flavor of Texas Caribbean Foods, ask for Jan and tell her I sent you!

What made this night special, was the gathering of distinct individuals and characters from all walks of life, status and race. This, mixed with the intent to provide a means of dialogue about the meaning of the message of and the man Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was ingenious and possibly explosive. The night was one of learning, sharing and exposing the sometimes limited views and colored perceptions we have of each other because of our own life experiences and even cultural upbringings. At my table were two whites and three blacks, among them were Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway. Needless to say, our table was the most lively of the night. I have much respect for the way this man's mind works, the burden he carries for our people and the tireless work he invests to uplift them. I also had the privilege to meet at our table a banker, a developer and the founder of the original 'Dining Table' concept held here in Dallas every year. This is where a cornucopia of cultures gather to discuss meaningful ideas and exchange life experiences while sharing over food. Even since Biblical days, the 'table' has always been a place of gathering and sharing. Not only where one's physical self fed, but also one's spirit and mind were nourished. Even now, in most cultures, most significant gatherings take place, 'around the table.'

What a night this was. I was challenged to examine some of my own beliefs and belief systems. I was forced to see myself as others see me and no just how I see myself. I was pushed to move beyond the personal perimeter of my comfort zone to relate and receive the personal experiences of others and how it affected their lives and their interactions and most times misconceptions of others, including me. I left enlightened, educated and encouraged. I left with three new friends. I also left with the clear understanding that although we are uniquely different and most times highly opinionated, we are more alike than our differences.

I will be a consistent participant in future Dining Tables and in Jan Gore's Dinner & Dialogue's. The experience was enriching and needless to say, very, very tasty! If not for the awesome people whom I met that night, to the friendships created, the food alone is worth it.Check out www.texascaribbeanfood.com, look Ms. Jan Gore up, and go get a taste of the Caribbean right here in the southern state of Texas! You'll love it 'Mon!'

Agape,'
Pastor P
Making It Great In '08!

2 Years

This weekend I had the privilege of preaching for one of my dearest friends on one of his most significant church calendar occasions.

Pastor Jasper W. Williams, III and The Church of Atlanta, Georgia celebrated their 2nd Year Church Anniversary this past Sunday. Two years ago, he planted this church in Gwinnett, Georgia with 28 people and no building. Two years later, three different location moves and hundreds on roll, they celebrated in their new space, The Tabernacle!

The Tabernacle is one of the most aesthetically pleasing, worship inspiring, state - of - the -art (tricked out!) and comfortable 'temporary' sanctuaries I have ever seen. Most churches would love to have this mock-up as their permanent facility!

Pastor Jasper, III and Alecia Willlams are a team that has led this band of believers to new levels in spiritual maturity and sensitivity, with excellence and integrity.

I was in awe at what God has done through them, in the way He has done it and in the time He has done it. I truly believe that in this season, God is doing things with acceleration for those who have His heart, diligently seek His face and obey His voice.

The Church is a ministry that edifies God in its worship and its work. Everything is honorable to God and has excellence stamped on it. This ministry is poised to become an example and moving force in the Kingdom. The Spirit is alive, the hearts are pure and the vision is exciting at The Church. There was a 'kinetic energy' whose genesis emanates from Pastor J and Alecia. As they stood at the pulpit, holding hands and tearing up at the mike expressing their love for one another and their love for The Church, every other eye in the house was wet in tears in sensitivity to their spiritual leaders. Their hearts are one toward the things of God and the desire to see real life change in people.

I watched from the wings, as they stopped, even on their 2nd Church Anniversary, amid all the hoopla and gala, after everyone else had packed up and gone home, and prayed at length at the alter with a couple for their life and struggles. When it was over, the couple was set free and encouraged and everyone was in tears and smiles. Breakthrough had been begun!

Avante garde, cutting edge and sound Biblical teaching characterize this ministry. The future is bright and the possibilities are limitless for Pastor Williams and The Church. It is a worn phrase, yet it is truly applicable in this case... The Best Is Yet To Come! I am honored to call Pastor Williams my friend and brother.

The Church... Being What God Has Called Them To Be! Atlanta and the world will never be the same! This ministry needs to be on international television for the Kingdom.

Be sure to check them out on their website at wwww.thechurchinfo.org and the next time you are in the Atl, drop by and be sure to tell them I sent ya! LOL!

Agape,

Pastor P
MAKE IT GREAT IN '08!
Ephesians 3:20