My Hunt for the Donald Miller's New Book

Donald Miller, Author of "Blue Like Jazz" has a new book coming out this fall. This book has yet been published and he is going to be having a book tour this September. Before he publishes the book, Don thought it would be fun to have a book hunt for some of the manuscripts.

Don has printed 60 individual copies of his new book and has placed them in 60 different locations all around the sates. As I fallow him on Twitter I have found out that he is giving two locations a day with a small hint to find the manuscript. Today is the story of one of the California locations:

It started as I woke up at 7:40AM to check the @donmilleris twitter account to see where today's location was. As I noticed it was in California and near my city (it was in Azuza) I decided to go on the hunt.

I left the house around 8:00 and traveled in an Hour worth of traffic until I arrived at APU. After getting to the University I was looking for the book. As Don sent more hints through twitter I noticed they were picture hints. I was unable to look at them on my phone since I do not have Internet, so I decided to go find Internet to see the picture. I asked APU to help me out and they did. I was able to see the picture from one of their computers. I noticed that the picture most likely lead me to the bookstore so that is where I went to go look.

When I got to the bookstore I noticed there were like 25 other people in there looking for it too. Well, with major luck I was able to spot the book before they did and I got it! Yeah that is right, I found one of the 60 manuscripts that Don Miller wrote for his new book, to be clear it was number 24.

This was the journey that I had this morning as I started my day. What a story for my kids! Peace, all

-Peace, Pat

It's about time....

So it is about time that I write another blog....It has been almost three weeks since I have been home since my fun summer in PA. A lot has taken place since I have been back in California. One thing is that my fight with humidity is over (praise God). I am not the biggest fan of 90 degree weather, however its way better than what was in PA.

Since I have been back, I have had three friends stay over that are not from California. One of them was Alex (yes the host brother that I spent my summer with). He was able to come out for a week, and we spent sometime together. Although that was not his reason fro coming we did spend time and that was great! He loved it, at least I hope he did :)

After he left, I had two friends spend four days with me. One of them, her name is Emily, is going to the Czech Republic for a year to teach English. She was staying in Cali for training, and then her boyfriend Dru, came out here for her days off before she left. It was such a blast having them come out. Be praying for Emily that God would use her and protect her. Also pray for Dru as he will have to be apart from her for a long time.

Work is going well for me. I was transferred to another store and was able to get some hours, so that is great! School does not start until the end of September so I have some time on my hands. I will continue to update my blog and let the world and my fans know what I am doing. If any of you want to meet and talk about my trip, I would love to share more about it so just e-mail me or give me a call.

Things to Pray for: Continue to pray for all the people I was able to reach in PA and that God will continue to keep us close. Also pray for Emily and Dru, I will post her blog soon.

-Peace, Pat

MHC

MHC camp was in Ohio. The camp was located 45 minutes outside of Dayton. I was there for 8 days, and I was asked to be a Counselor. Mike Holland was asked to be one of the main speakers therefore I was asked to come as well. My time out there was fun, as well as important for me in my spiritual walk as well.

I was asked to help lead a devotional group of eleven 16 year old. I was able to help them grow in their walk with Christ as well as help them in their walks in life. I really fell for all the boys there at the camp. They all have had a large part in my heart and I will continue to pray for them daily.

The camp was a lot of fun! We did a lot of cool things with the kids. We played laser tag, bowling, skating, and had some water games too. All of these activities were fun because we bonded with the kids as well as had fun playing.

There is so much that I want to write about my time at MHC but I just can't put it into words. If any of you wish to know about my time, e-mail me or let me know and I would love to tell you about it! Thanks!!

-Peace, Pat

God's work

I have yet to blog about God's work in my life since I have been in PA. He has really been doing a lot in my life and I'm really excited because it has stared to make me really think of my life in a different way. Before I came out here I had an idea of what i wanted to do, but since my time out here I have really been thinking that I don't have a clear idea anymore. It has given me time to think and pray and see what God wants to do with me.

God has also been using me to hear Him more clearly. I have been practicing hearing His voice on a more regular basis. Doing this has really helped me depend on God and it has been teaching me a lot about Him as well. I have really never taken time to do this, however I feel that threw my time here God has really helped me come closer to Him.

My prayer life has also been really encouraged. I have been praying for many people, and God is using me through my prayer life. I have really felt connected to Him in many ways, and to be honest really when I pray with the older people at Grantham church.

Over all, God is teaching me a lot, and my relationship with Him is growing. Continue to pray for me and ask God to help keep me focused on Him and not on other things. Thank you friends, and family for reading this and walking with me in my life!

-Peace, Pat

New York, New York

Well, my time here has been one of great enjoyment. I have been able to do a lot and I have seen a lot as well. It has really been a great time. Yesterday I was able to go to New York. Our main reason for going there was to see the UDC (Urban Discipleship Center) that is located in the heart of the Bronx. This was such a great time! We participated in a VBS that was held in the park. I was able to play basketball with a bunch of boys and then we all went to VBS, it really was a great time.

After the VBS we went back to the main home and we were able to go out and enjoy New York. I took the subway and we went straight to the Statue of Liberty, after some minor issues on the fairy we were able to make our way to Time Square. I was in aw. I had never seen anything like this. Living in LA has some major advantages but even LA does not look like this. I saw where the ball drops at new years and I was also able to see the main parts of New York city. It was so amazing.

We got home really late, it was around 4 in the morning. I also had to be at work at 8, naturally I was a bit late. Today was a good day as well tho. We were able to really get a lot done. We had an orientation for a missions outreach. We visited a local Mosque and we were really able to connect with the small team going out. I have really looked at this missions thing in a different light now. I love serving people, however I really like sending teams out too. This is such a good trip for me!

I can not wait to see how God will continue to use my time here. Amazing summer!!

-Peace, Pat

What a good Day!

Since my last post I was given a great surprise in the mail. When I came home after work on Tuesday I was shocked to see a giant card in the mail with my name on it. Now a giant card is not an overstatement, it was a giant card. To my understanding after I read it, Jeff my best friend, was able to get many people from my life to sign the card and write on it. To be honest when I opened it, I could not read the card my self. I had to get one of my room mates here to do it. She was willing to help, and then that is when the tears started to roll. This was a perfect gift and was completely needed. I want to thank Jeff and everyone at GracePoint for the lovely messages you all wrote. My family also wrote on it so that was so much fun to read.

On another note, which is not to good, my camera broke today. After taking a video I turned it off. Then about 30 min later I opened it again and it would not fully open and now it wont fully close. I'm hooping that Best Buy can fix it...I'm really upset because tomorrow I'm going to New York. I will pray. Well I must end this journal and get started on something else. Thanks again for your prayers and e-mails. All of you are helping me along this journey. Take care my friends!

-Peace, Pat

Happy 4th of July

So yesterday was out Nations Birthday and it was a wonderful one at it. I was able to go out to Mrs. Hollands sisters house and spend the day there with their whole family. There were close to 20 people, we had tons of food, drinks and then watched some local fireworks. The day over all was one that was a lot of fun. The whole Holland family was really nice and helpful in making me feel like family during a time when my family was not with me.

Today the Sunday after the 4th is a really pretty day here in PA. I went to church and meet a lot of cool people. The worship service was really great, the pastor that spoke was someone who I had never meet, but I hope to hear again. He was really powerful.

I can't believe that it has already been 2 weeks since I have been here. These next 4 weeks are going to be fun, yet hard since I know that my days here will soon end.

One thing I forgot to talk about was my Thursday and Friday of this past week. I was able to go down to Chambersburg PA for a Missions training with Priority 1. There I helped send of a team of 12 to both the Bahamas and Canada. Megan, a member of my youth was there and it was a lot fun to see her since I had not seen anyone from home. I also meet a young man named Russ who really bonded with me fast. He and I shared a lot and I will be praying for him for the years to come.

I will write again soon. Take a look at Facebook, by the end of today I should have pictures up of my weekend! Take care, thanks for the prayers!!

-Peace, Pat

pmh4life@yahoo.com, Skype=pmh4life, twitter-pat_howard

A little home sick

Today I experienced my first day of being home sick. I know it has only been 10 days or something like that, however something came over me and it was tough. However, I was able to skype with a good friend, that was nice. I know people are praying for me so that is also really nice to know.

On another note that is a bit more interesting, I saw some massive lightning today. Here they have tons of thunder storms and I saw some crazy lightning. I was then told you should not walk out side when its like that. Growing up in California I was just told don't stand under tall buildings trees, but I guess it can hit anyone.

Again today we prayed with some ladies from the Grantham church...that was a lot of fun! My heart has really been stretched. I did a devotion for the Missions office and I was brought to tears for the Missionaries that are in the world. God has really taught me an art of hearing his voice, and then praying for what He tells me. This trip is turning out to be much more than I thought it would. I am asking that you all pray for the nations, pray that people who do not know Jesus will know Him.

Tomorrow I am going to a city about an hour away to do some training for some missionaries who are going out for 30 days. I may not have Internet so this may be my last communication for a while. Check my twitter and facebook. Happy 4th of July, and Continue to Pray for the Nations, and for me! I love my family and friends, thank you for reading and praying with me! Send me an e-mail if you wish pmh4life@yahoo.com I would love to talk to all of you! Peace!

-Peace, pat

Family time....

Since my last post online, we have added two more people into the Holland house. Two of Jake's (Tori's Boyfriend) friends came down from York PA to spend the night and day with the Jake and Tori. This was a fun surprise as we found out only two hours before they came over.

Today Saturday afternoon, we had a Family Reunion. This was such a cool time to see the family and I was so lucky that I was invited as well. We had a traditional Mexican style fiesta with all the traditional toppings. If you check out my face book you will be able to see some of those pictures.

Today also marks my 1st week here in PA. So far I have learned a lot of Spanish (one song completely) as well as a lot about the BIC. I am also learning a lot about sending out missionaries and the importance of that as well. Yesterday I was able to take joy in going to a local Mosque with a missionary that will be going out on the field. This was such an enjoyable time and reflection about who God cares for as well as who He seeks toward Him. Be praying with me as the London teams go out, and pray for their hearts as they teach others about Jesus. Be praying for LAE (the Spanish Church) as they will grow and building permits will be available. And finally pray that as I continue to seek Christ! Thank you! Talk to you soon!

-Peace, Pat

It's a Party of 10

The Hollands are such a great family. At there house as of today there will be 10 people living there. Yep that's right 10 people. Last night two more showed up and did we have fun. Jake and Emily (Jake is Tori's Boyfriend) flew in from Minnesota.

Before all the kids went out and hung out for the evening I went to another bible study at Grantham BIC. This bible study was a lot of fun. I was the youngest in the room, and wow are the hearts of these people so large. Grantham has many strong believers at that church. They pray every day for their people and pastors and are so nice as well.

After we had prayer meeting and dinner all the kids went out to hang out at a friends house. We drove about 10 minutes and went to a large house. This house was beautiful!! In California we do not have houses like this. These houses were all made out of brick and was just really nice and big. We had some more food, played music, and then went out side. Again I saw many lightning bugs and of course I tried to catch them. I so fascinated by them for some reason. Anyways...we then came home and just relaxed for a bit.

Today I have my first youth night. Pray that one, youth would show up, and second that they would like me and I can start to connect with them. Pray for LAE (the Spanish church), that it would grow. Thank you for your prayers!!! Take care I will write again soon!

-Peace, Pat

Crazy Day, In PA, hey that rhyms!!

So today started really early since last night I was up till 12 in the morning...however today will be just as long if not longer since I'm writing this right now at 12:00 and I am about to watch a movie too....anyways. I went to work at the BICWM office and helped out Mike. It was fun time, I was able to help with the London team efforts as well as other mission work. I also took part in a Devotional time with the whole BICWM staff, that was really fun!! We also had a good time at a prayer meeting at Grantham Church. There at the Church we prayed with about 5 old women, but man were their hearts for God. It was amazing!!!

For lunch, Mike and I ate and we had a really good talk. Hanging with Mike is a lot of fun as well. He along with the rest of his family are really nice and I look forward to spending more time with them. After work Mike and I went to play Racquetball and of course I got spanked!!

After the game, I went home and had a nice dinner and then right away we headed off to Spanish church. At Spanish church I learned a lot of Spanish and we also learned a Spanish song as well. We did that for about 1 hour and then we just played around. I was taught base Gautier and then I played a little drums. The Spanish guys are really cool, and I look forward to hanging with them more.

I'm watching a movie now and then I will go to bed. Continue to pray for my trip here and that I get some rest! Take care and have a great night!

-Peace, Pat

Spanish Church Baptism

Today was a lot of fun. After Church in the morning, I went down to a large national park to join in a baptism with the Spanish Church. From the Church there was 2 people that took part. In the mist of all the Spanish that I did not know, I was still able to worship, and join in the community. After that part was done we had a huge fiesta. This included tones of rice, beans, meat, and everything else you can think of. After the main meal then I was surprised by a huge seat up of desert. This again was exciting, if you know me, I love sweets. As you would assume, we then played a huge game of soccer where I naturally dominated, Just Kidding. In all today was a great time. I encourage you to continue to pray and seek with me as God moves me through this journey. Thank you!

-Peace, Pat

PS: Join me on Twitter to get up to date information...... pat_howard (that's my twitter name)

My trip to PA

My trip to PA started on the 20th of June at 4:30 in the morning. My great friend Erica was able to pick me up and take me to the airport. As most of you could tell on my twitter account, the plane was just fine. Going through security was fun, not being strip searched was a blast :) as well as all my flights leaving on time!! I flew from LAX to Dulles (DC, for all you non travel type of people) and then to Harrisburg were I will remain.

After landing at around 6:00 I had to wait for a fair amount of time for my baggage, that was not fun. I mean come on, the plane was only 60 people, how long does it really take? Anyways....Mike Holland (my host family) was able to pick me up and take me to his house. There I ate pizza, hung out, and even went into the spa.

The night was just beginning tho. I then meet the family.......Alex: He is a cool guy, although I only have known him for about 2 hours, I feel that we are going to be good friends this summer. He is a strong man of God and he will be a good guy for me......Tori: The youngest girl in the family, she is also a cool one. Being offered a hug when I first saw her she was very warm. She is a student at the College along with her brother Alex.........Sarah: Finally the oldest. Sarah and I have meet before and it was a lot of fun seeing her once again. I'm sad she will be gone for parts of this summer however the times will be a blast.

After meeting the family and some friends it was time to chat. We talked about many things and then we did something so cool....we went to go catch flyer flies!!! I have never seen them before however we caught 3 of them. I put them in a jar and was able to make them light. Alex attempted to kill one and put it on his skin so it would light, it worked! Crazy, his skin was all light.

Well that is my first of many blogs here on my journey. Be praying that God will start using me in mighty ways. I can not wait until Monday to start my work here.

Please Pray for: Chris, Mike, The Hollands, and the Spanish Church.

-Peace, Pat

New Laptop

Well, its about time that I entered the 21st century. I have yet to own a personal laptop, or what the the community calls a "notebook". I really like it, by the way. I got a HP notebook. Its a 14 inch screen with a duo processor. Its really fun!! It has these "gadgets" on the side and that is I think the coolest part. I was going to get a MAC but it cost around $500 more then the HP that I bought. Well, I must get going and study for finals....take care everyone!!

-Peace, Pat

My cooking class

Here at Cal Poly Pomona, every student that is part of the Collins College of Hospitality Management must take a cooking class. This class is called 281. In 281 they teach you the basics of cooking, and you will learn cooking methods as well as all ways to cook. Many students love this class, they get to dress up like a chef, use knives, and a hat, however I am not one of these students.
I do not enjoy 281 for several reasons. Primarily is because I am not a chef! I do not like to cook all that much, I defiantly do not know all the ways. Today was my first cooking test (we tested as a group) and we did OK, however on my individual part, I sucked big time! I got like a 80 out of a 100. I really want an A in this class, however I just don't think that I will pull that off.
Many students in this class, love cooking, and are doing really well. I'm trying my hardest, I really am, however I'm just not producing. I do hope that I will be able to produce better on the next individual test.
I just wanted to share my thoughts about this to all of you!

-Peace, Pat

Feeling like an idiot

Well, I think that everyone has their "blond" moments in their lives. Now if you know anything about me, I have several of those moments through out my life. However today, I have found one "blond" moment that has become the largest of them all.

As everyone knows getting classes can be very challenging, furthermore when you are trying to get a class in which you are in desperate need for you can even be rushed to make sure that you get the course.

Today I found out in a very harsh way the error of going to fast when applying for a course. As I tried to add a class I added an 8:00 class. Which all together was fine, however I forgot to check the whole time. Yep, that's right kids, I got a class which meets not at 8:00AM, however it meets at 8:00PM.....now I'm in a position in which I do not know what to do? Should I still keep the class and continue for 10 weeks and staying on track to graduate, or should I drop this class? That is the question.

Some whould sugest that I try to add the same class just at another time, and I have tried that, others may sugest that I try to add another class alltogeather, again I have tried that. So i really am lost in what I should do.

So in the end, while registring for a class, remember to check all the time not just the beging part. As my dad told me "Lesson learned" that is such a true statment at this time in my life! Grace and Peace kids....

-Peace, Pat

Concert Time...

So last night (28th) I went to a great concert at the Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario California (that in the United States for all you Canadians). There I saw, Addison Road, 10th Avenue North (funny name for a band?), Hawk Nelson, Jeremy Camp (my favorite artist), and Mercy Me. This was a fun concert since I went with many cool people. My college group (bible study) and I all went. Although we were high up, we could still see the performers and dance the night away. I found it compelling that the tickets were only $10, however it was good for others to come and see the show that could not pay much more than that.

I saw some friends that I knew, and funny I was able to connect with some of them all the way across the Arena (now that was cool). I was engaged by Addison Road because the main singer (I think that is Addison) was BIG pregnet. I mean she was due in 4 weeks, now that was crazy. She had a voice that could knock off the roff, and she also was jumping (now that was a sight in its self). 10th Avenue North was good! I always love Hawk Nelson, and I don't need to say anything else just "JEREMY CAMP". As always Mercy Me brought the house to its knees in worship. Altogeather a great night with frineds, and fun music.

Next on my music agenda is Hillsong in about 4 weeks. I'm excited because I get to see them as well as my second favorite Pastor (behind my own of course) is the Pastor of Lifechuch.tv Pastor Craig Groeschel. Now that will be a good time! Untill my next post...

Peace, Pat

My day in Court

With out further waiting, I will now share with the world my story of my first day in Court!

It all started about two months ago when I was leaving work. I had pulled on onto Grove Avenue, and I started up on the freeway entranced and a Cop then pulled me over. Wondering why (I was not on the phone nor was I texting) I was being pulled over I quickly noticed I had no seat belt on. When the officer came up to me he preceded to ask me why I think I'm getting pulled over. Now a random thought, but why do cops ask that question? It's not like we are going to say, "I was speeding", or "I think its because I was talking on the phone - can you hold on for a sec as I hang up with Jeff?". So really why did this cop ask me this question, anyways...

I get a ticket for not having my seat belt on, now I think they have better things to do then give tickets for this, however I understand and I took the blame. So It was about one month ago when I got my bill in the mail, guess how much?.....I'll tell you! $142, yep $142 how crazy is that!! So as a college student I thought to my self how do I get out of this, or at least pay less.....the answer was Court!

This now brings us to the other day.......I arive at Rancho Cucamonga Court and I ask to see the Judge, I put my name on the list (this is at 9:00Am). I thought I would be able to see him then, but I had to come back at 1:15, so I come back. Now as I come back I wait for them to open the door. This was a great time to talk to people and find out why they are there. Lets not pretend that non of you were wondering why some people were there? So yes, I asked. Most of them where there for speeding. One girl I meet went 85 in a 35, WOW...she said here daughter was having a baby...I'm sure that was the reason...

As I meet more people, the storie become even more fun to hear. One woman got a DUI, had no licence, as avoided the police...a vast majority did not have a license, I believe they are illegal. Anyways...we then walk into the court room.

Court Room Rules: No gum!, No Cell-Phones (thats why I could not text, a hard time in my life), No talking (I talked and laughed the whole time), and Unless your a minor no one other then you can be in the room. I'm sure there were other rules but I forgot them.

So as I wait, wait, and wait, I hear more stories. People getting DUIs, Seeding tickets, Red Light camra Tickets and even one woman who got a ticket because her daughter would not go to school (go to school kids!!). I even saw a customer from my store, yep some one who gets a White Mocha was in court, he did not pay his registration fees for his car that he no longer has. We became close that day!

So I finally meet the judge. He is a funny guy. I ask him, can he please dissmiss the case, He responded "I can, but no, sorry." I then asked for a reduction, he then responded, "Sure! How about $68?" I said "perfect!"...so I went from $142 to $68. But I took my whole day, good or bad idea? You be the judge (haha get it?)

In the end, remeber to wear your Seat Belt, don't speed, and just don't get tickets. However if you do, make sure you ask for a reduction becuase the judge may give it to you! What a fun day!

-Peace, Pat

My frist Blog!

So this is my first attempt to blog to the whole world. I have no idea if anyone, will even look at this or attempt to comment on my blogs. I look foward to writting down my thoughts and stories here so I can one, look back and see the great things and second so others can laugh and enjoy my life with me!

As I start to blog, I noiced that I will not be writing about many things that have already passed. For example, two summers ago I went to London England. The world will never know how that experience was since I was not bloging at the time. Another example includes, my recent trip to Washington DC. That trip included many fun things and stories, however the whole world will be unable to share with me in that experience.

As I look foward to what God has in store for me tho, the world will be able to share more stoires, and fun trips. I can not wait to see what I will write about next. Look foward to reading a blog about who I am the next time I long on. For now, Peace!

-Pat