Ten days before Christmas

I am reminded of how fortunate i am. A wonderful daughter, a home, car, job, an awesome place to gather on Sundays...family, friends. Thank you Jesus.

i am in the middle of the woods and having difficulty findming my way out. Let me explain. Holidays are tough for me. It is time of reflection and time alone. Most friends are spending time with their families and so interact with people slow way down. My GH family are awesome and they include me in everything. (which i am thankful for) My biological family is on the opposite side of the state. Because of split time with Becca, it makes it difficult to connect with them.

Now i say that not to have a pity party or barrage of comments or cards to come my way. I say it because i think we need to be thankful for what we do have, the friends we share, the family we cherish.

These last 7 years for me have been tough; but i know i have a Savior who loves me and a daughter who likes to hang with me. And that is what will keep me moving.

On an up note, company christmas party is planned -- JANUARY 13th. Yeah, i am not sure how i feel about that one.

A little shout out to the men of watermark - Deurty, Thomps, N8, Jimbo (aka Wally), Mike (my hero), Whitey (aka Brad), and da Roach. You guys are making a huge difference in lives. Keep up the great work! And a special shout out to Whitey and Mike -- you guys put up with me and let me rant and tolerate me not getting stuff done on time or arriving late to play -- Thanks for letting me feel like i am a part of things. it means more than you know. Thanks guys!

and too the watermark ladies - Vicki, amy, Jan, Jan, Brenda, Judy, Shyle and all the rest. Thank you for caring for our children the way you do! I have personally seen the difference in my daughter's life because of what you do with her (not only as a participant at Surf City -- but now especially as a guide).

WOW. cannot let these thing build up. Hug your pastor today. and then really hug his wife! And if they do not have a wife, find their mom and hug her!!!

Later,
carter

Ok ok I promise

I will stop doing the short and "non" meaningful posts. After this one.

Here is a math trick so unbelievable that it might stump you.

1. Grab a calculator. (you won't be able to do this one in your head)
2. Key in the first three digits of your phone number (NOT the area code)
3. Multiply by 80
4. Add 1
5. Multiply by 250
6. Add the last 4 digits of your phone number
7. Add the last 4 digits of your phone number again.
8. Subtract 250
9. Divide number by 2



Do you recognize the answer?

A fan of ''Lord of the Rings"

enjoy -- "TATERS"

Superhero?

I discovered this thru a buddy of mine blog.

I am Neo..the One.



http://quizfarm.com/test.php?q_id=92013

Long time

Hey all

sorry for the delay. more on that later.

I was reading another blog and read this. I am still working thru it. But thought i would post to see what comments i get.

to all those who bear the name "christian",

congratulations.

you have accomplished much of what i have set out for you to do. the state of christendom pleases me more in the 21st century than at any other time in history. you have built en empire that honors me by its solely christian focus. your music, your movies, your books, they all exclude the traitorous heathens. you have your own stores, your own websites, your own greeting cards, your own music industry. you have done well, my children. you have shut out all those who do not bear the name "christian".

your churches are filled with the model disciples. these families send their children to christian school. they send their teenagers to christian concerts. they buy their daughters "God's Little Princes" candy jewelry from the local christian bookstore. they have excluded the evil pagans.

evangelism happens two ways: though the republican party's political agenda and through "testamints".

my children, your ghetto is almost complete.

your father,

Lucifer

WOW!

"i took a drug test the other day; it came back negative. Now that was great but now my dealer has some explaining to do." Dwight York.

I have been working on a construction job site for a couple weeks now. On and off, i have been there programming and debugging a control system. It has given me some time to think; which is usually scary.

It has been a rough couple of weeks. i have been wrestling with some decisions that i was not comfortable making. Nothing too drastic. Just things i need to work out.

Winding up the Fresh wind, Fresh fire series at Watermark. What a great book. very moving. i am looking forward to hearing more stories out of the groups that met during this time.

Congrats to Matt and Heidi Furr -- baby #3 arrived today. Check out Matt's blog to see pics. I am sure there will be updates.

Becca has expressed an interest in Tech stuff. In fact, she was able to serve in that capacity Monday night @ Moto. I was really pleased to hear that. One of the values her mom and i strongly have is an attitude of service for others. I was really cool to hear from others how she is "stepping" up.

I think i am going to host my 1st party at my place in the next 2 weeks. (some will say it is about time) This may not seem like a big deal but for me it is. I was at band practice last night and decided it would be good to have the band over for some grilling and time to hang. No date yet -- will keep you informed.

Well, it is late and i need to work tomorrow.

Later,
Becca's dad

hmmmmm

HYMNS FOR ALL THINGS

The Dentist's Hymn.................... Crown Him with Many Crowns

Weatherman's Hymn................. There Shall Be Showers of Blessings

Contractor's Hymn...................... The Church's One Foundation

The Tailor's Hymn...................... Holy, Holy, Holy

The Golfer's Hymn...................... There's a Green Hill Far Away

The Politician's Hymn................. Standing on the Promises

Optometrist's Hymn.................... Open My Eyes That I Might See

The IRS Agent's Hymn............... I Surrender All

The Gossip's Hymn..................... Pass It On

The Electrician's Hymn............... Send The Light

The Shopper's Hymn.............. ... Sweet Bye and Bye

The Realtor's Hymn..................... I've Got a Mansion, Just Over the Hilltop

The Massage Therapists Hymn.... He Touched Me

The Doctor's Hymn....................... The Great Physician

AND for those who speed on the highway - a few hymns:

45mph....................God Will Take Care of You
55mph....................Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
65mph....................Nearer My God To Thee
75mph....................Nearer Still Nearer
85mph....................This World Is Not My Home
95mph....................Lord, I'm Coming Home
Over 100mph.........Precious Memories

A new week.

last week was busy. A seminar, a building opening, met with a one of the coolest churches in west michigan, a huge drawing set due. It was busy. Now all the things i needed to get done last week, need to get done this week.

I am really getting into this Dave Ramsey stuff. He is a financial advisor. WOW, what a perspective. Check it out online at www.daveramsey.com. Very cool stuff.

Nothing new from the weekend.

Stat: 54% of all marriages end in divorce; while 46% of marriages end in death. Hmmmm.

Carter

Yeah, my side kick - Becca. This pic was taken a couple years ago at Crane's orchard. I have more recent pics -- i just really like this one. I am so proud of her. She is growing up too fast! When she is motivated, she goes! White Pines, the school she attends, is in this sell mode. The flavor of the week -- magazines. The school had a contest. if a student sold "X" amount of magazine subscriptions in a short period of time, they get to ride in a Hummer limo! Well, Becca loves the Hummer (like her father.)(not the H3, kinda like the H2, BUT love the H1). And made the goal. Now if i could get her to clean her bedroom! (hmmmmm...maybe i need to buy an H1???)

I am spending Monday nights with the Moto crew. I am excited about that. They are CRAZY! Middle schoolers are cool. I am looking forward to mondays! I so respect the leadership of our Genmark community. They have it goin' on.

Spent last night at a Church Building forum. It was cool. Many things discussed. Hopefully, people left with some good information. I did miss my FWFF group last night. I am bummed about that. I spoke to the group leader last night. He was extremely excited about the time. So i am looking forward to next week.

So i am excited about things at Watermark -- gatherings, Moto, FWFF group. i am lovin' it.

Why are we not playing golf?
carter

New Series

We are studying the book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire. I am excited about this for lots of reasons. First of all, it is a great book from a person who sees and has an understand of the power in prayer.

Second, i am excited about the prayer group i am in. I am not sure if it is anticipation of what God is doing or scared because of what God is doing. Either way, i am lovin' it.

Speaking of lovin' it, today is Talk like a Pirate day. Yes, once a year we get to enjoy talking like a pirate. or not. This was a big deal at a company I used to work for. Someone asked me if there was a "dress like a pirate day". To which i relied -- we already have that -- we call it Halloween.

Busy week ahead. Lots going on!

RRRRRRRRRRRRRR

later
C

thought for the day

yup. lack of leaders.

New school year -- new look

Do you like it?

It was out of necessity...or not. The comment engine driver i was using is not going to be available anymore. So i needed to change up to get the comment ability from Blogger.

Great weekend. Diving head first into "Fresh Wind Fresh Fire" book. I am excited about that.

I went catching this weekend. Yes, fishing is great; but catching is better. On the big lake, with a great friend, catching fish....ummmmm. how did we do? 4 of 6 with (2) steelhead, (1) king salmon and (1) lake trout. They currently reside in Jeff Johnson's freezer.

Just remember there is only one thing worse than falling into a outhouse -- and that is opening your mouth to scream (while falling into the outhouse)!!!!

Out,
C

Podcasting

The latest techno wave is podcasting. The ability to have audio and video streaming downloaded to an iPod. (although, you do not need an iPod to podcast. you can listen from your iTunes.

Well, Watermark is set up for podcasting. A person must have the latest version of iTunes (for Mac or PC). Under advanced, there is an option called subscribe to podcast. Type in http://feeds.feedburner.com/WatermarkPodcast and there you go. We are working on having a one click option where you click and it downloads.

Pretty cool. It was not terribly difficult to setup. I can fill in details on how. email me at carter.clark@gmail.com.

1st day of school for Becca. She is pumped!

Have a great day!
carter

Well, it has been a while

Hello,

I was reminded last night that i have not blogged in a while. It was STRONGLY recommended that i update ASAP. In fact, this person has always been influental in my life and i knew i had better get it updated. Do not wake the sleeping bear.

Anyway, i had the opportunity to attend a birthday party yesterday for my nephew, Seth or big boy Seth. He is a character. When the Cary family move to their current residence, Seth was the one who knew all the neighbors before anyone else in the family. He is a bundle of energy and creativity. All of my nephews are a riot!! I enjoy to see them. And most of the family were there. It is always enjoyable to see and reconnect.

One of the best parts was a gift given by Mark and Marni. M & M are one of Seth's aunt and uncle. They live in Holland. A great couple and awesome kids. Anyway, the gift is an electric guitar that once touched plays guitar riffs and chord progressions. It is loud and obnoxious. He was running around -- making noise the rest of the evening.

it was fun!

Becca is winding down the summer and getting ready for school. Becca and her mom will be headed out soon to tackle the new school clothes hunt. The binder has been purchased and the backpack washed. I had the opportunity to see Becca's recently decorated locker. She is such a girl and her locker looked great.

Things are ASU are continually busy. I will be on a job local jobsite most of the week making the system work. That will be fun. Pulse Intermedia continues to ramp up slow but surely.

Gotta go for now!!!!

Later
C

quarks (or qwerks)

I was listening to the radio this morning and they were discussing different quarks people have.

here are a few of mine:

1. when i see sign on the road or where ever, i count number of letters and see how fast i can find the middle of the sentence.
2. i have a need to use - 0.7 mm Bic Z4 pen. In addition, i need to have multiple colors.
3. When hanging clothing, i prefer to hang shirts/pants by color with matching hangers. In addition, i hang my t-shirts.

there are sooooo many more.

What quarks do you have?

Carter

I have another question

a friend of mine approached me and asked me this question:

He said,"what is wrong with this? If my wife and i are ok with it, what is wrong with going to the video store and renting a porn movie? we use it to spice up our sex life. What is wrong with that?"

He assured me that the wife is ok with it. I grilled him on that fact.

So how would you answer that question?

I have a question...

What comes to mind when you think of the word "community"?

I am curious....

leave a comment.

ok ok -- stop the presses!

There's a joke about a man who dies and goes to heaven. During the tour, his angel guide suddenly shushes him and tip-toes past a cloud with very tall walls. When they reach a distance, the man asks, "What was that cloud back there? How come we had to be so quiet?" And the angel guide replies, "Oh, that's the Lutheran wing. We have to be quiet because they think they're the only ones up here."

You know what the basic problem is? We all act like six year olds. Your wrong. No your wrong. NO YOUR WRONG.

We have a forgiving and understanding God. He is not going to condemn us all for not being the "RIGHT" religion. He would condemn us for our sinful nature, and theres not a religion or person out there that does not fit that bill. Thank the Lord for your grace and forgiveness or we would all be condemned. I try to lead my life as he would intend. Not always successful at it but I have always been a firm believer.

God is in pursuit of us. He loves us inspite of ourselves. I wonder how the world would change if 1. we love the Lord and 2. love our neighbors as ourselves. It is amazing the spins "we" put on things and label it God's will. Why can't we agree to disagree and move forward? You could take the Free Methodists, Wesleyans and Nazarene churchs, throw them in a bag, shake them up and not know who is how -- yet a merger of those demoninations will never happen because they cannot agree how the church should be structured. And alot of it boils down to verbage. Its a lobby -- no a narthex -- yikes?

well, i will not get lost in a debate about religions. Everyone has a little different way of worshiping. I just want to echo what has already been written -- thank you Lord that you are gracious and forgiving. Or heaven would be a lonely place to be.

that's my thought for the day,

signing off,
c-man

ten days later....

well much has happening.

I went to a Promise Keepers. My first. Interesting experience.

Becca had a death in the family. Her cat - Penny. But she and mom ended up getting (2) cutie pie kittens -- Dusty and Angel. Yes, i have met them. They are cute. But it was a tramatic experience for Becca & and her mom. But all is good now.

I have been asked how the training of Tigger is going. To date, he is doing a great job of training Becca. Heh heh heh. He tolerates and humors her trying to teach him things. Definately, that cat beats to his own drum.

All is good at Audio Systems Unlimited. Busy, busy, busy. The way i like it.

All is good at Watermark.

Two things i walked away from Promise Keepers with. 1. a renewed commitment to the basics. 2. Passion for something. I am sure i will expound on that at someother point.

gotta go for now.

are we at a point of no return while we are just dust in the wind?

C

DISCLAIMER

the last post was a copy of an email i received.

I put it in to see what kind of response i would get.

Carter

Hmmmmmmmmm.......

WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT TO TURN ON THE TV AND HEAR ANY U.S. PRESIDENT, DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN GIVE THE FOLLOWING SPEECH?

My Fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of Iraq regime has been completed.

Since congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our mission in Iraq is complete.

This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq. This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now to begin the reckoning.

Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short. The United Kingdom, Spain, Bulgaria, Australia, and Poland are some of the countries listed there.

The other list contains everyone not on the first list. Most of the world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening.

Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those nations on List 2 ceases immediately and indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs of the Iraqi war.

The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world Hell-holes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption.

Need help with a famine? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France.

In the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at home. On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your friends from the face of the earth.

Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France, or maybe China.

I am ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France, Germany, and Russia. Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well. Bon chance, mes amis.

I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded and crushed. I don't care about whatever treaty pertains to this. You creeps have tens of thousands of unpaid tickets. Pay those tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers and limos be turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I love New York ..

A special note to our neighbors. Canada is on List 2. Since we are likely to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not pissing us off for a change.

Mexico is also on List 2. President Fox and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment. I will have a couple extra tank and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I am going to put em? Yep, border security. So start doing something with your oil.

Oh, by the way, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA
treaty - starting now.

We are tired of the one-way highway. Immediately, we'll be drilling for oil in Alaska - which will take care of this country's oil needs for decades to come. If you're an environmentalist who opposes this decision, I refer you to List 2 above: pick a country and move there. They care.

It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens. Some will accuse us of isolationism.. I answer them by saying, "darn tootin."

Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America. It is time to eliminate homelessness in America. It is time to eliminate World Cup Soccer from America. To the nations on List 1, a final thought. Thanks guys. We owe you and we won't forget.

To the nations on List 2, a final thought: You might want to learn to speak Arabic.

God bless America. Thank you and good night.

If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading it in English, thank a soldier.

Wednesday -- Olympics watch

Yes it is true. London wins the bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics. So here is how it shakes out:

2006 Winter - Turin, Italy
2008 Summer - Beijing, China
2010 Winter - Vancouver, Canada
2012 Summer - London, England

Anyone going?

Recap of the weekend. It was a three weekend - because of the 4th. Yeah. Good weekend all in all. Watermark had the center stage of waterfront stadium for Sunday morning. It was cool. I do not know how many were there, but it felt like alot. Steve did a great job. Mike was on fire. Jay McCammon -- what a rock!

The 4th -- grilling and chilling at the Thompsons. Oh yeah. It was kind of a rainy yucky day, but we made the best of it. we had a small fireworks display. that was fun to watch the kids enjoy it.

Thoughts on War of the Worlds? I will comment on that later.

So you want to be a Hilton?

Out,
C

Charles Schultz Philosophy

A friend of mine emailed this to me. I thought it was blog-worthy. Thank you, T!

Enjoy!

Charles Schultz Philosophy

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier? The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

Pass this on to those people who have made a difference in your life. "Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." (Charles Schultz)

Do you remember...

your senior year high school song?

Ours was Don't stop believin' by Journey.

The other day someone asked me what would my song be today. Here are a few:

So much to say - Dave Matthews Band
Things can only get better - Howard Jones
Don't go away mad (just go away) - Motley Crue
Satisfaction - Rolling Stones
Keep your hands to yourself - Georgia Satellites (What the?)
Tom Sawyer - Rush (just because)

Spoken for - Mercy Me.

Thoughts? what was your class song or what would it be now?

later
C

Signs or bumper sticks that irritate?

No, i am not talking a rash.

I have seen many. Here are 2.

1. God answers Knee Mail.
2. Free trip to Heaven. Details inside.

What signs or stickers have you seen?

And they will know we are Christians by our love.....
C

a week and what?

So sorry for the delay.

Things are good. Just busy.

I will be glad to slow down a bit. ASU is busy. Because of that, there is need for documentation. I am more than buried right now.

Becca is at a day camp this week. It is an acting camp. "PULL MY FINGER." "HOW DID YOU DO THAT?" "I WAS ACTING!!!" whoa, flashback. Friday there is a presentation up in Muskegon. That will be fun! I cannot wait.

I have been trying to get some printer issues worked out at the Watermark Hub. AARRRGGGHHH!!! It is good to serve. It is not good to be frustrated while you are doing it. yep.

Lovin' my place. Good room. Great landlord. Good neighbors. ok cat. anyway.

4th of july coming up. And trip to East Lansing the next weekend. Yup, my 1st Promise Keepers experience. Thanks to Jeffer. You know who you are.....nothing but love for ya!

Gotta go for now.

One of my buddies, Dr. Mojito, recently, and on purpose, purchase a VW bug. He would not tell me what color but did tell me he has one of those "flowers" in it. hmmmmm. I am questioning some things with him.

Later,
CC

hazy, hot & humid

seems to be the way the weather has been described. It is Saturday morning and i am at the ASU office taken care of business. It is unusual for us to work weekends but we have some projects that need to get done. Thank God for overtime.

The Boo is on a marathon trip to Chicago. Becca's mom, aunt and 2 cousins are making the round trip to Chicago and back in a day. Becca's other aunt and uncle live in Chicago now. They are mucho closer and this will help promote more trips to Chicago. Anyway, Libby (becca's youngest cousin) turned 1 this week. So a trip was planned to go and visit. I said this in an earlier blog, but check out Heidi Furr's blog. There is a great pic of Libby doing what she does best!

This afternoon is a BBQ with my business partners in GR. There were several foundational principals by which Pulse Intermedia was created by. One is that we, as business owners, would get together outside of work. We are going to work together. We enjoy one another's company. So, we 1/4erly we get together (with wives and families) and do something. Fun will be had by all.

Driven Part 2 this weekend. I am on the keys and it should be exciting.

That's it for now.
CC

What a week?

I think i expounded that this week is crazy busy. I know all of you are feeling the pains -- so i will not go any further.

But with everything, recitals, graduations, school activities, i find hard not to feel alone. At work, i am in an office all day with little conversation. At home (without Becca), i have the cat. He is not much conversation wise -- entertaining but not talkative. I am shifting gears -- I am not sure why but it is happening.

I am not going to put comments on because i want to be clear that i am not feeling sorry for myself or that i want people to comment. it is not like that. I am commenting about where I am at right now.

On an upnote, my landlord put in central air at my place this week. On my goodness, what a difference!!! unbelievable!

Had a great weekend with Dr. and Mrs. Mojito! Fire, food, beverage!!! And my business partner John was there too. Double whammy! Is that show still on?

No whammy! No whammy!

Anyway, Becca is going to her cousins birthday party (1 year) this friday or saturday. check out Heidi Furr's link to see pics.

Gotta go for now.
Sleepless in GH

Where the Streets have no name....

Yes i am listening to U2 right now. I love iTunes. no i really do. it rocks....

Looking forward to the weekend. even though it was a short week, it was one for the record books. yikes i don't want another week like this.

Playing keys on Sunday -- love that.

Wish i had more to say--but i don't.

More later....maybe....

c

What a rough couple of weeks?

going thru the desert on a horse with no name....

It must just be the season, right? Schedule is out of control because every night and day is booked from now until almost the 4th of July.

AArrrrgggghhhhh!

Just say no!

Fox Tech Trends

http://www.pulseintermedia.com/news.htm

My company was featured on our local news - Fox 17.

The link above will take you to our company website and you can see the news segment.

The guy interviewed is my marketing guy -- John Patton.

See ya
Carter

IF

your life was a soap opera, reality show or a sitcom,
what would it be called and why?

Sunday May 15,2005

Go to www.iamwatermark.com and listen to the last three weeks of gatherings. Awesome stuff.

After the gathering today, Becca had a friend, Cassie, over for lunch and hang out. It was cool. So i fired up the grill, and we had a great time. Well, the girls did. There was one moment when they were in Becca's room. Becca had fired up her fog machine. I opened the door and could not see the wall on the other side it was soooo foggy.

We also went to Craigs Cruisers for about an hour and a half. I only bring this up because there is a point in here. I guess i spent about $20.00. We played games and received about 1720 tickets. They split it up the tickets. I watched each of them carefully pick out the prizes they won. It was great to watch.

Then we decided to go out and feed the fish. Becca brought about $2.50 and they split that up. A quarter for a handful of "fish food". At one point another little girl came up. I witnessed Cassie taking this girl over to the fish food dispenser and showing her where to get the food. Then i watched as Becca and Cassie decided to give the girl a quarter to get some fish food. They laughed as Becca actually touched one of the fish.

When we got back in the car, I asked them what was the greatest part of the day. The answer was clear. The time spent feeding the fish.

I only mention it because i think there is a message in here.

Yup. to bed i go.
Carter

Finally....the rain comes

Yeah, wet and rainy here in West Michigan. We need it. It was putting a crimp in my fire burning plans.

Anyway, all is well.

I had mentioned a while ago that (3) guys and myself have started a multimedia company. We are having a great time. We have done some residential and some commercial applications. Things are ramping up in a good fashion. Not enough for me to quick my job -- but it will get there.

The coolest thing to happen, so far, is that we are going to be highlighted on Fox 17 Tech Trends. It is a spotlight that Fox does to highlight hip and cool technology. So, they finished the filming yesterday and it will air during the Fox 17 News at 10:00 May 17th. I am happy about the exposure we will get and the fact that we now are linked to their website.

Pretty cool.

Gotta go for now.

A legend in my own mind,
Carter

Cinco de Mayo

Wow! is it really May 5th already!

The 5th of May is not Mexican Independence Day, but it should be! Mexico declared its independence from mother Spain on midnight, the 15th of September, 1810. And it took 11 years before the first Spanish soldiers were told and forced to leave Mexico.

So, why Cinco de Mayo? And why should Americans savor this day as well? Because 4,000 Mexican soldiers smashed the French and traitor Mexican army of 8,000 at Puebla, Mexico, 100 miles east of Mexico City on the morning of May 5, 1862.

Huh. For me, it has a different meaning.

Anyway, I was reading this morning in 1 John 4 (from the Message). And here is the take away for me:

20 If anyone boasts, "I love God," and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won't love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can't see? 21 The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You've got to love both.

How many times in life do we do this and not think anything of it. I found myself in a bad situation not too long ago. Now, we can debate the situation, how it was handled, and who is on who's side. But, i would rather look at my reaction to the situtation.

I was working with an individual, whom at one point i had great respect for. But things started to erode that confidence and things happened. I felt like God was saying enough. Move on.

But i allowed this to build up. I would talk to my "peeps" about it and it consumed my thoughts. It started to eat away at me and lets not forget -- God had already provided a different path. So, i let it hang out there. I confessed to God and apologize to those i dragged thru the mud with me on this. I am ready to move on. I pray someday God will allow me to reconcile that relationship.

So i ask -- if we are here to see people come to know Christ. And the way to do that is to develop relationships. Where are your relationships at? Where is God directly you to go and you do not? It is a hard path but the "right" one.

Later,
cc

What is a billion

The next time you hear a politician use the words "billion" casually,

think about whether you want that politician spending your tax money. A billion is a difficult number to comprehend, but one advertising agency did a good job of putting that figure into perspective in one of its releases:

A billion seconds ago, it was 1959.

A billion minutes ago, Jesus was alive.

A billion hours ago, our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.

A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes at the rate Washington spends it.

One (of many) thing that bothers me.

I enjoy listening to music. The weather is getting "nicer" and the windows are coming down in my car. Turn up the radio and let it crank. With public radio comes advertisements. Now before we go off the deep end, I do not mind advertisements; sometimes it is good to break up the flow. There is one type that bothers me the most. It is the one with the last 10 seconds of "disclaimer". I hate listening to that mess of words - the assault of letters and information that cause my mind to hurt.

Anyone share that same thought?

enough for now,
Carter

The Barbarian what?

Sunday night, we watched a video from the Willow leadership conference. The segment we watched was Erwin McManus call the Barbarian Way. I know we watched it at a Core Focus recently. I am here to tell you if you have not seen it – call Steve Thompson and ask to see it.

One of the comments Erwin has made “The greatest enemy to the cause of Jesus Christ today is Christianity.”

I want to really absorb that thought. Could it really be true that we, as Christians, are one of the biggest problems of people coming to know Christ? I think there is some real truth there. I am still seeking after that.

The older I get the more I think before I react. I am not sure if that is wisdom or the fact that I have been cut off at the knees too much. So I sat there Sunday night thinking about the video and listening to the other people in the group. I was so moved by what I had just seen and heard that I did not want to speak. I found myself in a place where God and I meet. I could not help to think that this video was meant for me.

This is the thing I am trying to come to grips with. How could anyone watch this video and not be moved to change? Our prayer time should have been more about confession and change and then about others. Confessing about how we have allowed ourselves to move so far away from where God really wants us to be: on the frontline doing His work. The frontline of meeting people where they are and just developing relationships. Letting God change lives instead of looking at people as targets. Then asking God not to let us forget what we just heard and fall into old habits of what the church has taught us to do.

One thought that Erwin talked about was how he, as a young Christian, would talk to others about Christ and how they would respond. In addition, he commented how inadequate he felt because his knowledge base was so limited. Yet, he continued on. What I pulled from that is the urgency of the moment. The need to develop the relationship and then not be afraid to pray with someone or talk to them about Christ. I am confident we could all go to seminary, learn everything about Christ and the bible; and still not feel prepared to talk to someone about Christ. And in that process, more people would be lost.

Yeah, it is heavy on my mind. Deur, Smith, Thompson, Harrison, Da Roach, Morgan all have communicated their passion for the lost and the need for us as Watermark (and beyond) to engage in the lives of others. We need (I need) to sense the urgency and follow Jesus.

The next time you are in a group, at Meijers, or soccer game: count off 6 of 10 people. It is likely that those 6 do not have a relationship with Christ or for that matter may not even want to.

Pray. Pray. Pray
Carter

I have been busy

Yes it is true.

Weekend recap: Friday Night: hung with jeff at a fire. Solved the worlds problems; hired a new pope and now have world peace. Then i received a call from becca. They were in Holland after traveling 24 hours to get there and wanted to know if we should hook up. No worries there. I waited for her to arrive.

Saturday: at 4:00 am, i have a visit in my room saying, "dad, i am used to getting up at this time. I want to go watch TV." My ex-mother-in-law used to say, "don't wake the sleeping bear". And Becca did that. I had all i could do not to reinforce how much i did not appreciate being woke up. I convinced her to go back to bed. Sidebar: I really have appreciated the relationship i had and have with my ex-in laws. (all of them). They have worked hard in acceptance of me and i really appreciated it. Anyway, Becca did not get up until almost 9:30. Hmmmm father knows what?

It was a low key day. Mostly trying to get Becca acclaimed to "normal" life again. THIS JUST IN: Training of cat not going so well......news at 11:00. I know you find it hard to believe but Tigger does not like the training. He is moody i swear. He definately humors Becca as she is convinced he is making progress.

Sunday--not much to report.

Monday -- Becca's birthday. (and Dakota Smith) She went to Moto and had a great time.

So, tonight, we are getting together as a family to celebrate Becca's birthday at her favorite restaurant. Oy. I hate Johnny Carinos. I had (2) bad experiences there and cannot get over it. But it is for the girl, so I can set things aside.

I received an email the other day about a Church Planting course. Hmmmmm. Any thoughts?

Gotta go,
Carter

I'm not saying......

Hymn Number 365


A minister was completing a temperance sermon. With great emphasis he said, "If I had all the beer in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river."

 With even greater emphasis he said, "And if I had all the wine in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river."

 And then finally, shaking his fist in the air, he said, "And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I'd take it and pour it into the river."

 Sermon complete, he sat down.

 The song leader stood very cautiously and announced with a smile, nearly laughing, "For our closing song, let us sing Hymn #365, "Shall We Gather at the River."

just a quick note to say

I just spoke to my daughter. ok ok i realize that it has not been that long. But it was sure good to hear her voice.

Meeting with the accountablility guys tonight and hopefully go to bed early.

Out,
c

What a great weekend?

Man, it was good.

Friday night, campfire.

In addition, Jeff and I went to the 1st Priority office and met with a group headed south to do a basketball camp. The coolest part about that was encouraging the team and praying with them. I am expecting to hear some great stories when they get back.

Saturday was low key. Did some work around my place; stuff i needed to do. But it was good hanging with the cat and working.

Sunday--Fall ahead; spring what the? Yes, i set my clock back as oppose to ahead. At least i did not head to church. YIKES. After clock issues, i played on the worship team. I love that. I look forward to it.

Heard some great teaching. Mission, mission, mission. All good to hear.

Pot luck life group Sunday night. That was good. Fellowship and eating and praying.

Later,
C

Friday yet?

I called my daughter last night to say goodbye for 1 1/2 weeks. She, her mom and stepdad are headed to Florida for Spring Break. I hope it is a good time.

I was just speaking to a friend of mine i hadn't seen in a while. He lives in N. Carolina and is in town for a funeral. He was sharing how it was his grandfather and how cool the celebration of his life was. How the family was there when the man died. He was 97.

Then the conversation took a turn. As he was a the wake for his grandfather, they received a call about another disaster. Apparently, his cousin (34) was out in his yard playing with his kids: a daughter (5) and son (3). The 3 year old son locked himself in an RV playing hide and seek. He had locked the door so no one could find him. Thru what wierd events, the RV burst into flames and was destroyed in 45 seconds.

There is a great deal more conversation that was had. Details about conversations that was going on and what they were actually doing. But the bottom line is that the 3 year old died.

I am stunned. I do not know what to say. The emotions that run thru my head and heart. The desire to leave work, find my daughter and hug her. I do not know these people and i cannot even think about it.

I gotta go call Becca.

Carter

Ok Wednesday is here!

So i have been busy taking care of the daughter all week. Well, not alone. Becca's mom has been stepping up to the plate as well. Couple of things. Becca has the creeping crud, again. 100 - 101 temp for the last week. I just started a new job; so time off is not going to happen. And Sarah, Becca's mom, has teacher conferences all week. Yes, it has been a week of Sarah staying home morning; Becca staying in Sarah's classroom and spending time with dad in the evenings. Ok, enough. Becca is feeling better and will be in school today. She is going to her aunt's house after school. Then we have Becca's teacher conference and then off to the movie Robots.

Life unscripted.

I have been reading a book called Buck Naked Faith. This was given to me by a friend. I was telling the Gooch that I had read 2 chapters and moving right thru it. Then I felt drawn to re-read those chapters. I am glad I did. There is a section in here that talks about a cycle we get into; the Sin, repent, sin, repent. here is a excerpt (the next 4 paragraphs)

We all know the cycle. Sin, repent, sin, repent, sin, repent -- the cycle continues until we either give up trying to be "good" or we become the old crusty believers who may not be doing "bad" things anymore but sure don't show the passion for life and humanity that true goodness from Jesus brings.

What are the things that you tend to binge and purge on? Depression, lust, ESPN, romance novels, food, XBOX, chat rooms – the list of our personal bulimic vices is almost endless.

Did I touch on a favorite? Have you given up fighting the urge when it comes? Have you found yourself becoming legalistic and judgmental toward the bingers around you in order to feel more righteous yourself?

If, like me, you can say yes to any or all of those questions, then you should now ask,” Jesus, is there a good way to grow that takes me away from a life of pretending, toward real goodness and holiness?"

Wow. I felt like I was reading a part of my life here. I would justify my life and life style and make myself feel better by looking at others judgmentally.

More on this later,
Carter

He is Risen...

how do you respond to that statement?

Some may say "So what?"
Others "He is risen indeed"

I personally think we should stand and shout. The type of applause that is heard after a huge scoring drive at the Super Bowl or the Lions actually scoring. That type of celebration.

how do you respond?

Matt 5 1-14

1When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down 2and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

    3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

    4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

    5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.

    6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.

    7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being "carefull,' you find yourselves cared for.

    8"You're blessed when you get your inside world--your mind and heart--put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

    9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.

    10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.

    11"Not only that--count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. 12You can be glad when that happens--give a cheer, even!-for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

   13"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

    14"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. 15If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. 16Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand--shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

We are the light of the world.

He is risen...

Wednesday

It is mid week. Busy day today.

Working on (2) major drawing sets this week. I pull together all the information for our installers in the form of blueprints. It busts my brain sometimes but good work none the less.

Meet with my business partners tonight. Lots to talk about. Although we are experiencing some good growth, i await the day it will be rockin along.

Becca's teacher conferences are next week. It is always good to hear how my daughter is doing. Here is a link to her favorite song right now: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/llama.php. Forgive me later for it.

TIGGER REPORT: nothing new in the world of Tigger. The "training" is continuing of Becca, er um i mean Tigger. Becca has high hopes she can train this cat.

Watched American Idol last night. Why would anyone subject themselves to that? I don't know.

On with the day.....
Becca's dad.

Monday

I am committed to being more intentional about the blog.

After hearing Steve & Nate talk these last few weeks, some other issues cropped up for me. After talking with Nate, he suggested a new book for me to read. I am glad he did. It is list and is called "Buck Naked Faith".

All i can say is this: it is great!

More on that later.

Until then,
c-man

Things going on....

This will be a long blog. I am just warning you. I will try to put headings on so you go to what ever heading you want.

First of all, thanks for checking in. I have been going thru some changes in life and honestly have been silent about it. Mainly because I was not sure where i was going to land. In fact, I was in my life group last weekend, and was called "silent Carter". Um yeah, as painful as that was, it made me think about how I am interacting with people.

JOB STATUS:

Well, the bridge is back into full swing. Because of some personnel changes, my hours were changin drastically. Enough so, that i started looking for another job. The changes would mean not seeing my daughter as much. That is a HUGE factor. So today was my last day at the bridge. I will be working full time for a company in Zeeland. I will be doing CAD and engineering work for them. I am excited! No travel and doing what i love to do. The company is called Audio Systems Unlimited. They do alot of spec type bidding and some design build work. I like it. The employees are cool and great to work with.

In addition, i have another little project to let you know about. I have been working with (3) other guys on developing a business. We are calling it Pulse Intermedia. We are doing several things -- mostly dealing with automation. What the heck does that mean? Well,i would love to talk to you about it some time. Just know, it is cool and lots of fun. We will do lots of commerical and residential work. This will include some consulting, design/build as well as some unique things coming out to market. More on that later. The business is taking off. We are trying to grow it at a steady rate. I am excited about it.

WATERMARK

Having a great time. We are experiencing some good things as we figure out what it is to be in community with one another. With the new job, i needed to give up the programming team. I am sad about this as i was enjoying myself. Needless to say, God will bless that team and continue to make it what it needs to be.

I am still playing on the worship team. I really enjoy that.

LIFE GROUP

Yeah, what can i say? group is good. We are learning about each other and what it means to be in community with one another. Jeff is doing a great job. Thompson is doing a great job. I really like Sunday evenings.

Side Note: I am so glad for Becca's (my daughter) commitment to group. In fact, i get in trouble for even suggesting not going. I know it is real with her because of how she reacts when we are not there.

OTHER BLOGS

read deurty's blog about the 1% church. he is so passionate about this. I want to be his clone!

Well, more later.

CC

Monday

I am not a big fan of Mondays. Never have been; probaly never will. I tend to be a "stay late" person as well. so there is something about having to get up and be somewhere on Mondays. I am not sure if I will ever out grow that feeling.

Overslept this morning. Yup, does not happen often; but it did. i woke up on time. Went to the lving room and sat down; pet the cat; and fell asleep. Woke up to Becca saying -- Dad, i am going to be late for school. HATE THAT FEELING.

Great weekend. I am so glad we went to Chicago. Oh man, it was great to see the Furr Four. But they needed a tune up on their sound system in the worst way.

Programming today. One week before training at the bridge begins.

Gotta run,
CC

Chicago where?

Hi all

We are north and west of Chicago this weekend. Great trip -- ended up seeing more of the country than i wanted too but...I follow the Yahoo maps to Matt's area. He said to me TWICE "take 94". I should have listened because the Yahoo map said to stay on 90. So instead of going to directly to Matt's, we ended up running way out of the way.

We are here to provide some technical assistance. It is always cool to meet with a church and provides some help. I love it. Anyway, Becca will hang with Aunt Heidi, Izzy and Libby this morning. While Matt and I will hang with the worship team. Can i say -- and i might be bias -- that Libby is one of the cutest babies around? And Izzy is so funny!! So far we are having a great time.

We will miss Watermark this weekend. Becca has already commented.

More later,
"Techno-man"

Huh?

Has it really been that long?

Wow. so many things have come and gone. I am not sure where to start.

First of all, i will make certain i do not let this happen again. I mean blogging. Too long.

Becca had an over-night birthday party this past weekend. WOW. God Bless those parents. (17) Yes I said (17) 10 & 11 year old girls overnight in one house! Unbelieveable. Becca was exhausted from the weekend. I cannot imagine why. I get tired just thinking about it.

Also, GHAPS is showing "the movie" to all of its 5th graders. Oh yeah, you parents know what i'm talking about. So Becca saw the movie last Friday, Sidebar -- i am so thankful to Becca's mom for handling all that wtuff with Becca. She started down this path awhile ago and it is paying off right now. Thanks Sarah. So I pciked up Becca Friday not knowing what to expect. But, we had a great conversation about it and moved on! She told me it was not that way for some of her classmates. there was shocked and horrified girls in her class. Come on people. Talk to your kids!

I almost sounded like a commercial.

Going to Chicago this weekend. A friend of mine just took over a church - as lead pastor - and is having some technical difficulty. So Becca and I are leaving Friday and will be back Sunday afternoon. It will be good to see Matt, Heidi and the kids. (one of which I have only seen pictures of).

There will be a reoccuring theme coming in my blogs for a while. We are going thru a series right now that is challenging me. It is called Living the Truth. I will expand as we journey thru. I have always struggled with identity. I have a need to be associated with something. I was Sarah's husband; becca's dad; tech director at SLWC; musician; funny guy; blah blah blah. I have a real need to have that association.

What i am finding is that is not God's design.

More on that later.
C

Is it springtime already?

What a beautiful day. I makes me long for outdoor stuff, no snow and campfires. Oh wait, weather has never stopped me and campfires.

Last night I spent the evening at Griffin Elementary watching the movie Lilo and Stitch. Ok i have seen this movie a million times. But the school is raising money for some trips. So i guess it was a good time.

A few months ago, we had a challenge to promote what we called kingdom projects. The idea was to get groups of people together to accomplish a kingdom related goal. In fact, Watermark put some money in the group leaders hands as seed money. It was cool to all the people getting together laughing and sharing about what they would do. At the end of the service, Steve challenged the groups to go and do.

Well, I have the priviledge of hearing about these stories. It is amazing how God has blessing these groups and the people's lives they have touched. One observation: the leaders who I have talked to seem so low key about their stories until they start remembering what actually happened. The excitment in their voices is awesome.

More on that later.
CC

this one is for the gooch...

i do not usually do this, but this one i read and thought i might share.....

for the gooch -- you know who you are.


The Detroit Lions coach had put together the perfect team. The only thing that was missing was a good quarterback. He had scouted all the colleges and even the Canadian and European Leagues, but he couldn't find a ringer who could ensure a Super Bowl win.

Then one night while watching CNN he saw a war-zone scene in Afghanistan. In one corner of the background, he spotted a young Afghan Muslim soldier with a truly incredible arm. He threw a hand-grenade straight into a 15th story window 100 yards away. KABOOM!

He threw another hand-grenade 75 yards away, right into a chimney. KA-BLOOEY!

Then he threw another at a passing car going 90 mph. BULLS-EYE!

"I've got to get this guy!" Coach said to himself. "He has the perfect arm!" So, he finally brings him to the United States and teaches him the great game of football. And low and behold, the Lions go on to win the Super Bowl.

The young Afghan is hailed as the great hero of football, and when the coach asks him what he wants, all the young man wants is to call his mother.

"Mom," he says into the phone, "I'm sooo excited...I just had to call to tell you ... I just won the Super Bowl!"

"I don't want to talk to you," the old Muslim woman says as she prays at home. "You deserted us. You are not my son!"

"I don't think you understand, Mother," the young man pleads. "I've won the greatest sporting event in the world. I'm here among thousands of my adoring fans."

"No! Let me tell you!" his mother retorts. "At this very moment, there are gunshots all around us. The neighborhood is a pile of rubble. Your two brothers were beaten within an inch of their lives last week, and I have to keep your sister in the house so she doesn't get raped!"

The old lady pauses, and then tearfully says, "I will never forgive you for making us move to Detroit

thought for the day

i ran across this. thought you might like it.

The Best He Could Do



An old man lived alone in the country. He wanted to dig his potato garden but it was very hard work as the ground was hard. His only son Fred, who used to help him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament.

Dear Fred,
I am feeling pretty bad because it looks like I won't be able to plant my potato garden this year. I'm just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. If you were here, all my troubles would be over. I know you would dig the plot for me.

        - Love Dad

A few days later he received a letter from his son.

Dear Dad,
For heaven's sake, don't dig up that garden! That's where I buried the BODIES.

        - Love Fred

At 4 am the next morning, FBI agents and local police arrived and dug up the entire area without finding any bodies. They apologized to the old man and left. That same day the old man received another letter from his son.

Dear Dad,
Go ahead and plant the potatoes now. That's the best I could do under the circumstances.

        - Love Fred

i am hear to tell you...

I have been battling with Charter Communications for the last 2 days. Where to start?? 1st of all, and i am not bragging, i am above average when it comes to technology. So when i started having problems with my cable modem, i did not hessitate to call. After several conversations and trying their suggestions, i suggested taking the modem back. There was some resistance to that thought. I did and retrieved another modem. All was good until i hooked it up and tried using it. Understand, the 1st modem was randomly resetting itself. They were cool replacing it as it was a power failure. The second modem was not communicating with my wireless router. Yeah, blah blah. The frustrating thing is that they kept saying it was not plugged in or my computer was bad.

all this to say that after 2 1/2 days of frustrating -- in a 100 years no one will care. Actually, it was not until i spoke to a supervisor that he confirmed my opinion and traded it for a "new" modem. Life is better with on line action.

Well, becca was home yesterday -- whatever creeping crud is going around. Good to spend time with her even though she was not feeling well.

ta ta for now.
c

it is really foggy

i am watching the morning news and they are commenting on the fog. Ottawa county is covered with a fog. the problem is that the temperature is in the teens. So it is creating a slippery situation out there. As always, let's be careful out there.

during our recent gatherings, we broke into community groups after the teaching time. this was a cool idea because it really promotes community. because the gooch was deathly ill on sunday, i had the opportunity to step in and help out. well, part of that was announcing this would be the last week of the community groups. there were several people who said they were dissapointed with that decision. i would ask why. the concensus was they were enjoying meeting and talking in there groups.

one of our core values i strongly stand behind is community and life groups. i think we all need to be involved in lg and community. Life groups to me encompass any group we get together throughout our week. so we have a family group, sunday night group, job group, watermark group, coffe group....i look at my life and realize we are in and out of groups all day long. I am not saying that in everyone of these groups we are praying, singing, and taking an offering. but it allows me to look at these realtionships differently.

We are in a truth series. we discussed the living truth. Now we switch to living the truth. the next couple weeks should be great. We are now ramping up for Easter.

Well, need to get moving. received a call from Becca's mom yesterday...Becca is sick. i hate to hear that.

Out.
c

ok ok...it has been a week

well, the weekend came and went.

the moto crew work at a SLWC event this weekend. They are raising money for camp. On Monday, Becca committed to help. I think that is cool. But later in te week, Becca's mom and i decided Becca should not go to this retreat. Lots of reasons, mostly having to do with her age. Anyway, we decided she is not going. I picked up Becca on friday thinking she would not go to the SLWC event. She was so excited about serving even though she is not going to camp. Then Friday night she tells me she wanted to go back Saturday morning. So she hung out and worked Saturday morning with Wally and the gang. I cannot tell you the joy it brings to me to see her engage. It is cool.

Sat. afternoon was spent at a b-day party. She was exhausted. So she was not in the best mood for the party. And she went to bed eariler Sat. night.

Steve D. is the Man. Man, he did a great job yesterday. Steve T. is an iron man. After spending Sat. violently sick, he was at the gathering. Nate S. and Wally -- rock solid! and of course Mike M. -- worship was great yesterday. Speaking of which, I was playing in band. Whitey says to me right before the 1st gathering -- Cue Allison when she needs to get up and read. Allison was reading a passage of scripture during one of the songs. Um Yeah. Good things she is a smart reliable on the spot person -- because as you can guess, i was involved in the music and sure enough i forgot to cue. But all went well.

And last night was life group -- Gooch was missing -- some job related R5 thing. Group is always good. I walk away having gained something.

Well, gotta get ready for programming....

later,
a proud father

It is Monday, again

Hi

Well, we had a great weekend. The money we raised the our family in need was over $500.00. Not bad! Especially when you consider our local paper listed the sale in the wrong town. I cannot wait until our life group gets together to deliver the money. I think we will continue to help in some capacity. Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and hosted.

Yesterday, after the gathering and lunch, I called my nephews and we all went sledding. what a hoot. They all had a great time.

More later,
C

Here we are...

*** for those who emailed me or commented, there has been a change of plans for my friend. Because of time, he decided to hire some help to take care of the move. Thank you so much all of you who contacted me. It is cool to see our community willing to set in and help.

Busy week. Lots going on. All good stuff. just lots of it. Our life group is hosting a garage sale tomorrow. So part of the week has been spent moving stuff, unpacking, labeling and just general tiding up. The garage sale is to raise money for a local family we have adopted. It is so cool to see our group engaging this way. All the proceeds from the sale will go to the family. It is awesome that the group is contributing. It is awesome that we have an indoor heated place to have the sale. And it is awesome the individuals outside our group is contributing.

After hearing part of the story from this family, it sure makes me thankful i have the things I have. I have been thru the ringer -- but not like this family.

Anyway, I was sad to hear this week about a friend who died this week. A great guy; servant, musician, worship leader, family man, just a great all around guy. i contacted a friend of mine who filled me in on some of the details. My heart breaks for the family because this was so sudden. I count it a priviledge to have worked with and known this guy. He is experiencing God in a way we cannot relate to.

Peace -- my friend.

Well, i will report on the sale.

Playing keys this weekend. I lovin it.

C

Records day

What is that anyway? GH public schools has had the last two days off. One was an in-service day and the other a records day. the "up" side is that i had Becca for those two days. it has been good to hang out with the Boo.

Speaking of Becca, here is a Tigger the cat training update. i have two 3' bar stools at my place (much like in a circus for the lions....um yeah). Anyway, she has him jumping from one to another --- sometimes. I think the key is if Tigger is in the mood to humor her. I think that is true. Well, she keeps trying and he keeps getting treats. What a deal?

At the gathering this week, we set up everyone into community groups. We will meet after the teaching time and "talk amoust ourselves". The idea is to show what community is about. Meeting new people, connecting with someone that you may not ever talk to. And as a bonus discuss a question from the teaching time. I watched first gathering. It is amazing how some people dive right in and some are reserved. For guys like Thompson, Takas and Wade the drumma, this is the type of thing they live for -- are wired for. it is a gift. For others, i imagine it was a push.

I sat into a group 2nd gathering. And the question was what is truth. WOW. my head hurt for a minute. many thoughts ran thru my mind. My life before Christ and how i would answer that. To my life after Christ, my college experience where I had to take things up a notch and actually had some philosophy classes. To marriage and divorce and being a dad -- and discovering who i am in Christ. I am not sure how to answer the question, what is truth. Modern or Postmodern. My experiences as a filter.

I am sure of this -- i will be struggling with it over the next few weeks.

On a personal note, on January 26th at 2:00 pm, i have a friend who needs some help moving some furniture here in GH. If anyone is available to help move some stuff and load it into a trailer, let me know. I can let you know where to be. That's awesome. I am thinking an hour at the most.

Well, monopoly is calling.
C

the weekend is here

hi ho,

it is saturday and i am listening to my daughter talking to people on the phone. Apparently, there is a contest at Moto to bring the most people. She is excited and motivated. it warms my heart to see her so excited about this.

Pretty good week. Becca and I had a birthday party to go to last night. It was my nephew, Drew. He is 10 years old now. Yikes, the older these kids get, the older i feel. I can remember holding these guys when they were babies and now...he ended up getting a pretty cool gift from his mom and dad. Plus, it was good to see the family again.

The week was good. I finally received my first unemployment check. All should flow smoothly now -- i hope. Now, i just have to manage money wisely and it will all work out.

well, gotta go for now.

carter

Son of a nutcracker

Yes, Becca and I watched Elf last night. That scene always cracks me up.

Programming today. Should be another good session. We are talking about the next teaching series on Truth. Last week, Deurty shared his vision on where we are headed -- great stuff. it is good to hear from the coach where God is leading and how we can support that.

I think i mentioned Gooch and I are doing the Body for Life thing. I am reluctant to talk about it because I have not had success with dieting before. But i am going out on the limb. Eating healthy is expensive. I know I need to lose that thought. So is gas and I some how have money to move my car, right? Anyway, he has already scene some positive results. That is awesome.

Well, that is one of many things i am working with today. Take those daily problems one bite at a time. Whoa! wait. 6 meals, 6 exercise what?

I want to be His clone,
carter

Life Groups Sunday

This gathering was a focus on Life Groups. One of Watermark's core values is life groups. A life group is an group that gets together to do life together. I was asked to share about our group. It was cut at the last minute because of some scheduling issues. But had I spoke this is what i would have said. Three points.

Number one: My life group has a support function to it. We gather on Sunday evenings and we have a book we discuss. But it is more than that. We try to live life together. For us, we pray for one another. We challenge one another. We laugh and sometimes cry together. It is important to develop these levels of relationship. A safe place to open up. In addition, out of this group, i have an accountability group that meets. These are two guys who challenge me deeply. They ask hard questions about my life: thought life, prayer life, what am i doing when i am alone, how are things financially, what about becca. These are important; that iron sharpening iron thing.

Number two: we have adopted a family in Allendale. Because of watermark, Jeff got connected to a lady who knows a family in Allendale who is really struggling. Not to go into much detail, but we really want to help this family as much as possible. The family has real difficulty. One way is we are planning an indoor garage sale, with the proceeds going to help this family. One of our groupies has a heated pole barn where they hold garage sales all winter along. They say it is always very successful. We are looking for people to donate items to the sale. In fact, if you would like to help, contact Jeff Johnson or myself.

Number three: we serve together. We have a commection with International Aid. IA provides help for people in need. With the stuff going on in SE Asia right now, they are in full swing and need help. As a group we went out there Wednesday night and repackaged stuff. It was cool to get together and do that. I am sure our little part has an impact long term. We will be going back this week to continue.

I love my group. the relationships i am developing are awesome and i really enjoy going & participating. Jeff & Steve do a great job of leading. Jess and Kathy do a get job of hospitality.

That's for now. I have a Monoploy game to finish with the Boo.

Out.
cc

An evening with the Thompsons

i received a call today from steve inquiring about this evenings dinner plans. nothing on the dock so we enjoyed meatloaf and veggies at the thompson. Becca really wanted to watch "Elf" with the boys so she brought the movie with us. well, because of so technical difficulties we ended up back at my place watching the movie. i was having fun watching the boys, Zoe and Becca interacting. Becca was trying so hard to be the host with the most. that was fun. anyway, a good night -- two thumbs up.

So i am on deck tomorrow to speak about our life group. there are some mixed emotions about that. things i am dealing with and moving thru. Normally, i would not have a problem talking about it but for some reason i am struggling. more on that later....

well, it is late and i should get some sleep.

i am addicted to a Playstation II game called Ratchet and Clank. go team.

good night,
c

Wednesday already?

Just barely.

I am trying some different things this year -- in reference to that discipline thing. Gooch and I are trying something that he has had success at and I have not. I will fill details at another point (perhaps when I see success too).

Is it me or did Ben Afflick start dating Jennifer Garner because her name is Jenn??? Alias premier Wednesday. Long awaited. right.

I spent the evening in GR -- sorry Gooch for not calling. I meet with 3 other guys and talk business related stuff. Cool. They are great and i have fun in the process.

the unemployment department sucks. There is like all these rules and stuff.

Well, that is the random thoughts for the night.

Out and in bed,
C2

And so it begins...

The first gathering of 2005. Yup, i was at home sick. I thought I could shake it but no. But I did make it to life group tonight and it was good. We are growing as a group...it will be exciting to see how God blesses.

Speaking of tonight, we went around the group and asked what the focus for the year -- on individual level. Pick one thing and focus/make change/do what you gotta do for the year. I have been thinking about it and the vote is in....discipline. Discipline in health, reading, listening to God, journaling, praying...oh man. That is it for sure.

So i ask, does anyone else struggle with discipline? I do! I have always had a problem with authority -- long live the 80's --. It is something I had dealt with for a long time. So, doing the things I know I need it -- yes bites. But i am excited because I think i have the right support team with me to push me and hold me accountable. yup, i think so.

That's it. Gotta spend time with the Boo. School tomorrow ya know.

Slowly breaking,
c-man

Happy New Year!

and all that goes with that.

Had a great time with Becca last night. She was trying to talk me into "new" new year's tradition. For example: her friend told her that when the ball drops at midnight, she and her sister stuffs their mouths full of whip cream. I reminded her what happened to her at Moto and that was the end of that conversation.

the car has it's major repair taken care of. I hate cars. such a necessary evil. Anyway, one of the wheel bearings needs to be replaced yet. Then it will be good again for a while. I am anticipating that happening in the next two weeks.

I am thinking about selling my bass guitar. I need to contact the original owner to see if he wants it back. I am not using it much and feel like it is taking up space in my closet. And honestly, i could use the cash.

anyway, i am looking forward to tomorrow. gatherings and life group kicks in again. that will be good.

thats all for now.
C