and the Christmas holiday behind.
I cannot believe the whirlwind that has been my life for the last 2 weeks. Let me explain. After moving 1100 miles, i was blessed with some guys at work helping the unload process. Now is the challenge of getting out of those boxes.
i had negotiated a trip back to west michigan for Christmas to see my daughter. Let me tell you. I felt a little like the guys from planes, trains, and automobiles. I arrived at the airport saturday morning at 3:30 am. I did this to see if i could get my seating set and all that jazz. when the ticketing agent opened up, we all found out that flights going to chicago were canceled because of the snow situation in denver. I spent 2 hours trying to get re-routed on another flight another airline or even dog sled. But i was determined to be home for Christmas - u can count on me..... yada yada. I did find out that the only way home (flying) was to wait until the 26th. that was not acceptable. So i cashed in my ticket and rented a car. and off i drove back to michigan.
I arrive on Christmas eve. I had not done any shopping for becca so off i went. That was alot of fun. But i was able to get what i needed and rolled from there.
Christmas eve i was suppose to hook up with becca. My "ex" family always gets together on Christmas eve and has chinese dinner. Good times! I was still shopping and could not make the dinner. that was a bummer. anyway, i received a call from becca's mom early evening. I was already in route to meet them, but the conversation was becca is getting sick. Something she ate we all agreed. At the time of the call, she was in another restuarant worshiping the porclein god. we all agreed it would be better for the becca to head to the farm and chill for the evening.
Sidebar: the thompsons let me use their house while they were on the east side visiting family. Shout out to them for the use of the crib!!!! Also, i ended up with one of their towels. Sorry guys. Don't charge my credit card. i will bring it back.
So Christmas morning rolls around. I have a wonder breakfast at the Johnsons. that was awesome. I received a call from becca and away i went. We opened gifts at the farm. that was fun. Becca was totally geeked and Tigger was doing awesome. after a little bit, Becca's mom and husband decided they were going to visit some family. No prob as becca and i were trying to figure out what to do from there. As they were pulling out, they backed into my rental car. DUH! OUCH! that was a bummer. it was an accident. So i called the rental company to figure out what to do.
So becca and i chilled out the rest of the day and night.
The next day we spent a portion of the day dealing with insurance, police reports and the rental company. SUCK OUT LOUD! But becca and i were able to go and hang with the fischer clan. It was awesome to see them again.
by now it is wednesday, we, becca and me, are hanging - watching movies, eating at her favorite restuarant.
So i left on Thursday to OK.
And here i am.
Overall, it was great to see family and friends. Most of all, it was great to spend quality time with becca. I miss her in the worst way.
So, i am busy at home trying to get out of boxes. And i am busy at work - projects never stand still. I am trying to get my way around OKC. Also in search of a good church. should be an interesting journey.
More later.
Carter
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Well - i made it
Yes, it is true. i am in oklahoma. Giddy up! the trip was extremely long and i am tired but it is good to be here.
My place is cool. it will be good until i can figure out the lay of the land. Our company office is moving. SO i did not want to commit to a place and then find out i have an hour trip to work. Right now it is about 5 minutes. tough i know.
Becca and i are still dealing with the separation stuff. Pray for her. It will work it is just a difficult time for us. Also please be praying for another realtionship i am trying to work some things out with. A delicate time for sure.
God is good and so is the weather right now. I am flying back to Michigan for Christmas and then i don't know. this has all been a blur.
More later
Carter
My place is cool. it will be good until i can figure out the lay of the land. Our company office is moving. SO i did not want to commit to a place and then find out i have an hour trip to work. Right now it is about 5 minutes. tough i know.
Becca and i are still dealing with the separation stuff. Pray for her. It will work it is just a difficult time for us. Also please be praying for another realtionship i am trying to work some things out with. A delicate time for sure.
God is good and so is the weather right now. I am flying back to Michigan for Christmas and then i don't know. this has all been a blur.
More later
Carter
Sunday, December 10, 2006
How do we finish well?
And i break the blogging silence.
Since i made the annoucement to move, i have been wrestling with the issue of finishing well. I struggle with my own feelings of wanting to move on and not leaving the relationships i have. I am a creature of habit. my life is predictable from a schedule stand point. So the move is tough because in essence it is starting over.
I am concerned about the significant relationships i have made. How do you maintain them? how to sustain them? I am riding the line of i don't want the friendships to change and change being inevitable.
I have a couple i am close to. I have spent basically the last 10 years of my life getting to know. And for the last 6 years have spent basically two and sometimes three times a week at their house. they have a child the same age as becca and for the most part have really gotten along well. We spent some time over to their house this weekend and it is getting more difficult to leave their house. I spent most of this evening with talking to becca about not seeing this family and seeing how upset she is about that. You see the other child was spending time with friends in the neighborhood & not really paying attention to becca. Now that is normal and i am not saying i "blame" the other child but it was upsetting to becca. The question that kept coming up, "Does _______ realize we have just a week and everything changes?" So we are all trying to figure out how to finish well. Yet, i feel the pull.
I have a couple i am close to. i have been connected deeply for years. been thru alot. i cannot even break that statement down for you - it is so big. But i can tell you that we have spent many hours at a campfire dreaming, praying, worshipping, laughing and solving the worlds problems. This is a part of my life i do not want to change. Just like the last paragraph, these are relationships i do not want to lose. yet, i feel the pull.
I had some close relationships from work. The disconnect did not happen very well. I am not sure where those relationships are now or if they will ever be reconciled. You see i feel like i finished well -- 3 weeks notice, projects complete (except a programming thing)(an issue that could have been avoided), etc. Yet, i am sure if you asked them they would have a completely different opinion. You see, we were a pretty tight group. The team was strong. Then, over the last 9 months, some things happened and levels of relationships changed. I felt a real connection on one relationship while the other relationship changed for the worse. I have enjoyed watching the one friendship blossom while i have agonized over the other friendship dying. The funny thing is i can see the dying process happening in this one relationship - but i could not stop it. You cannot make some one see the destructive path they are on and denial is a powerful tool. With all that said, i still have good feelings about those relationships, about my employment and employer. I will always have good things to say. Yet, i feel the pull.
I spent some time over the holidays with my family. it was fun to connect and have meals. Becca and i had a great time. It was difficult to leave. There was one spot where i wished i had a camera. My dad is not the most emotional guy. It has only been since becca was born that i would hear i love you between the two of us. He and i made an "unspoken" pact not to part conversation without saying those words. Life if too short not to tell those you care about that you care! I have made the trip home to the farm many, many times. Every time i would leave, my parents would stand in the window and wave. This time was different. As i got settled in my car and made ready for the trip how, i looked up to see my dad standing on the porch waving. I will never forget the image. it is burned in my mind. I know it does not seems like a big thing but it was a moment for me -- never to forget.
Not to mention watermark. I have been part since close to the beginning and i mean before the church started, while we were having test sundays. The disconnect here is going to be hard too. I have enjoyed so much the relationships i have been blessed with. The team, the people, the experience of God here....i am going to miss.
the reality is that all of these relationships will change and that is my struggle because i do not want them too. Oh carter you will make new friends. Thanks for the encouragement but frankly i love the relationships i have! and that is my struggle.
Well, i am sure i will rant some more but it is late and i need to get some sleep.
Love your neighbors as yourself. hmmm lets practice that one for a while.
Carter
Since i made the annoucement to move, i have been wrestling with the issue of finishing well. I struggle with my own feelings of wanting to move on and not leaving the relationships i have. I am a creature of habit. my life is predictable from a schedule stand point. So the move is tough because in essence it is starting over.
I am concerned about the significant relationships i have made. How do you maintain them? how to sustain them? I am riding the line of i don't want the friendships to change and change being inevitable.
I have a couple i am close to. I have spent basically the last 10 years of my life getting to know. And for the last 6 years have spent basically two and sometimes three times a week at their house. they have a child the same age as becca and for the most part have really gotten along well. We spent some time over to their house this weekend and it is getting more difficult to leave their house. I spent most of this evening with talking to becca about not seeing this family and seeing how upset she is about that. You see the other child was spending time with friends in the neighborhood & not really paying attention to becca. Now that is normal and i am not saying i "blame" the other child but it was upsetting to becca. The question that kept coming up, "Does _______ realize we have just a week and everything changes?" So we are all trying to figure out how to finish well. Yet, i feel the pull.
I have a couple i am close to. i have been connected deeply for years. been thru alot. i cannot even break that statement down for you - it is so big. But i can tell you that we have spent many hours at a campfire dreaming, praying, worshipping, laughing and solving the worlds problems. This is a part of my life i do not want to change. Just like the last paragraph, these are relationships i do not want to lose. yet, i feel the pull.
I had some close relationships from work. The disconnect did not happen very well. I am not sure where those relationships are now or if they will ever be reconciled. You see i feel like i finished well -- 3 weeks notice, projects complete (except a programming thing)(an issue that could have been avoided), etc. Yet, i am sure if you asked them they would have a completely different opinion. You see, we were a pretty tight group. The team was strong. Then, over the last 9 months, some things happened and levels of relationships changed. I felt a real connection on one relationship while the other relationship changed for the worse. I have enjoyed watching the one friendship blossom while i have agonized over the other friendship dying. The funny thing is i can see the dying process happening in this one relationship - but i could not stop it. You cannot make some one see the destructive path they are on and denial is a powerful tool. With all that said, i still have good feelings about those relationships, about my employment and employer. I will always have good things to say. Yet, i feel the pull.
I spent some time over the holidays with my family. it was fun to connect and have meals. Becca and i had a great time. It was difficult to leave. There was one spot where i wished i had a camera. My dad is not the most emotional guy. It has only been since becca was born that i would hear i love you between the two of us. He and i made an "unspoken" pact not to part conversation without saying those words. Life if too short not to tell those you care about that you care! I have made the trip home to the farm many, many times. Every time i would leave, my parents would stand in the window and wave. This time was different. As i got settled in my car and made ready for the trip how, i looked up to see my dad standing on the porch waving. I will never forget the image. it is burned in my mind. I know it does not seems like a big thing but it was a moment for me -- never to forget.
Not to mention watermark. I have been part since close to the beginning and i mean before the church started, while we were having test sundays. The disconnect here is going to be hard too. I have enjoyed so much the relationships i have been blessed with. The team, the people, the experience of God here....i am going to miss.
the reality is that all of these relationships will change and that is my struggle because i do not want them too. Oh carter you will make new friends. Thanks for the encouragement but frankly i love the relationships i have! and that is my struggle.
Well, i am sure i will rant some more but it is late and i need to get some sleep.
Love your neighbors as yourself. hmmm lets practice that one for a while.
Carter
Sunday, November 19, 2006
and the winds of change start to blow
Hi all
yes i have been keeping quiet about some things. one is a job change in my future. i needed to keep it quiet but the cat is out of the bag. i am moving to a company called Spectrum Design Group in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. There are a dozen reasons why and this decision comes out of hours of prayer. I leave my old employer with good feelings and honestly i am going to miss the guys i work with there.
As time goes on, i will fill in my detail. But for tonight, Becca and I went to a Watermark gathering tonight called Core Focus. This is a time for people who call Watermark home to come, hear stories about what is going on thru Watermark. It was so cool to hear about how God is using our laundry facilities to impact peoples lives. It was awesome to hear about the vision of our new church planters. Yes, Watermark after 3 years is birthing another church. HOW EXCITING!.
I was reluctant to go. I see myself as such a minor part at Watermark. We all have our role to play in the body of Christ, right? I have just been playing my part. So i just wanted to go to OK and leave my "family" at Watermark behind. Well that was not in the cards. They took the opportunity to talk about my move, to pray over me and celebrate the decision. It was pretty cool. i am so thankful for a place where i am accepted for me!
Well more later.
Carter
yes i have been keeping quiet about some things. one is a job change in my future. i needed to keep it quiet but the cat is out of the bag. i am moving to a company called Spectrum Design Group in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. There are a dozen reasons why and this decision comes out of hours of prayer. I leave my old employer with good feelings and honestly i am going to miss the guys i work with there.
As time goes on, i will fill in my detail. But for tonight, Becca and I went to a Watermark gathering tonight called Core Focus. This is a time for people who call Watermark home to come, hear stories about what is going on thru Watermark. It was so cool to hear about how God is using our laundry facilities to impact peoples lives. It was awesome to hear about the vision of our new church planters. Yes, Watermark after 3 years is birthing another church. HOW EXCITING!.
I was reluctant to go. I see myself as such a minor part at Watermark. We all have our role to play in the body of Christ, right? I have just been playing my part. So i just wanted to go to OK and leave my "family" at Watermark behind. Well that was not in the cards. They took the opportunity to talk about my move, to pray over me and celebrate the decision. It was pretty cool. i am so thankful for a place where i am accepted for me!
Well more later.
Carter
Friday, November 10, 2006
I am back
after a short period of time. i am back.
don't get me wrong. i liked iWeb and the mac setup
i just like not having to store everything i do.
so here i am enjoy.
Carter
don't get me wrong. i liked iWeb and the mac setup
i just like not having to store everything i do.
so here i am enjoy.
Carter
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
changing it up
i am leaving the blog world
not really check it out!
http://web.mac.com/carterclark49417
please change my address!
not really check it out!
http://web.mac.com/carterclark49417
please change my address!
Thursday, June 08, 2006
it is really not June already???
where is time going? i cannot believe that it is summer time already. I am really looking forward to summer and spending time with the Boo.
So, i have a question. When faced with life changing decisions, what do you do? What steps do you take to make the decision?
People will tell me to seek God first. I have no idea what that means. That is the heart of the quesiton. How to seek God out. Is it as "easy" as just sitting in a room and listening for God to speak?
I had the opportunity to help out a friend with a speech he was giving. He spoke to the 2006 graduating class at Grand Haven HS. One of the things he wanted to communicate (and did well) is find yourself in God and then follow Him where he leads. i am excited to what the next few years show. Our kids are being raised with a far deeper understanding of what and who God is.
Anyway, deep rant there. Becca's last day of sixth grade is tomorrow. Her dance recital is tomorrow. cool stuff.
Gotta run.
Reporting from GH,
Carter Lee Clark
So, i have a question. When faced with life changing decisions, what do you do? What steps do you take to make the decision?
People will tell me to seek God first. I have no idea what that means. That is the heart of the quesiton. How to seek God out. Is it as "easy" as just sitting in a room and listening for God to speak?
I had the opportunity to help out a friend with a speech he was giving. He spoke to the 2006 graduating class at Grand Haven HS. One of the things he wanted to communicate (and did well) is find yourself in God and then follow Him where he leads. i am excited to what the next few years show. Our kids are being raised with a far deeper understanding of what and who God is.
Anyway, deep rant there. Becca's last day of sixth grade is tomorrow. Her dance recital is tomorrow. cool stuff.
Gotta run.
Reporting from GH,
Carter Lee Clark
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
been a couple
Hidi ho!
End of the school year stuff going on. Band Concerts; Honors Choir Concerts; Dance recital! yes, the year is coming to a close with a bang. for the 2 or 3 of you that read this i apologize for not being available or returning calls. it has been busy and will not stop yet.
Things are ok at work. Weird vibe right now. I cannot put my finger on it, but it is definitely there. I just feel like i am continually fighting for position. I am not sure what that means. It is a situation where there is a partnership that has been in existence for a while, which is ok. I am cool with that. They are comfortable with the way the work with each other. Therefore it is difficult to break thru that. And one of the partnership is "overly" protective of his position and passive/aggressively protects it. I feel like i can help more in the organization but I am having difficulty figuring out how. There are so few of us at the office. it is hard not to stumble over each other. but still not anything to complain about. With all that said, I still love what i do and who i do it for.
Other than the schedule, Becca is good. we spent most of the holiday weekend catching up on homework. We did make a trip to the Fruitport Old Fashion Days carnival. I really do not like carnivals. they are a hole for which money just gets sucked in and never to return. But Becca had fun.
Only wednesday and i am looking forward to the weekend.
More later
Carter
End of the school year stuff going on. Band Concerts; Honors Choir Concerts; Dance recital! yes, the year is coming to a close with a bang. for the 2 or 3 of you that read this i apologize for not being available or returning calls. it has been busy and will not stop yet.
Things are ok at work. Weird vibe right now. I cannot put my finger on it, but it is definitely there. I just feel like i am continually fighting for position. I am not sure what that means. It is a situation where there is a partnership that has been in existence for a while, which is ok. I am cool with that. They are comfortable with the way the work with each other. Therefore it is difficult to break thru that. And one of the partnership is "overly" protective of his position and passive/aggressively protects it. I feel like i can help more in the organization but I am having difficulty figuring out how. There are so few of us at the office. it is hard not to stumble over each other. but still not anything to complain about. With all that said, I still love what i do and who i do it for.
Other than the schedule, Becca is good. we spent most of the holiday weekend catching up on homework. We did make a trip to the Fruitport Old Fashion Days carnival. I really do not like carnivals. they are a hole for which money just gets sucked in and never to return. But Becca had fun.
Only wednesday and i am looking forward to the weekend.
More later
Carter
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
DaVinci Podcast
go to iTunes podcast directory and look for it. it is hosted by Josh McDowell.
I am downloading it now.
More later.
C
I am downloading it now.
More later.
C
Friday, May 12, 2006
Thoughts....
The Rules of Chocolate
-If you've got melted chocolate all over your hands, you're eating it too slowly.
-Chocolate covered raisins, cherries, orange slices & strawberries all count as fruit, so eat as many as you want.
-The problem: How to get 2 pounds of chocolate home from the store in a hot car. The solution: Eat it in the parking lot.
-Diet tip: Eat a chocolate bar before each meal. It'll take the edge off your appetite, and you'll eat less.
-If calories are an issue, store your chocolate on top of the fridge. Calories are afraid of heights, and they will jump out of the chocolate to protect themselves.
-If I eat equal amounts of dark chocolate and white chocolate, is that a balanced diet? Don't they actually counteract each other?
More World's Thinnest Books
Everything Men Know about Women
Everything Women Know about Men
George Foreman's Big Book of Baby Names
To All the Men I've Loved Before - by Ellen Degeneres
Mike Tyson's Guide to Dating Etiquette
Spotted Owl Recipes - by the EPA
The Amish Phone Directory
-If you've got melted chocolate all over your hands, you're eating it too slowly.
-Chocolate covered raisins, cherries, orange slices & strawberries all count as fruit, so eat as many as you want.
-The problem: How to get 2 pounds of chocolate home from the store in a hot car. The solution: Eat it in the parking lot.
-Diet tip: Eat a chocolate bar before each meal. It'll take the edge off your appetite, and you'll eat less.
-If calories are an issue, store your chocolate on top of the fridge. Calories are afraid of heights, and they will jump out of the chocolate to protect themselves.
-If I eat equal amounts of dark chocolate and white chocolate, is that a balanced diet? Don't they actually counteract each other?
More World's Thinnest Books
Everything Men Know about Women
Everything Women Know about Men
George Foreman's Big Book of Baby Names
To All the Men I've Loved Before - by Ellen Degeneres
Mike Tyson's Guide to Dating Etiquette
Spotted Owl Recipes - by the EPA
The Amish Phone Directory
I hate not feeling well
Yes, for the last two days i was home with a bug of some sort. Hate that! i normally can work thru most illiness but not this one. Wednesday morning i met our installers at a job site, met with a customer and reviewed the project with installers. I was starting to get a headache on the way back to the office. I made it have way to Zeeland before having to pull off the side of the road. To make the long story short, i stayed home Wed and Thursday.
In between naps, i saw some "must see" daytime television. Ok, talk about brain rot. it is truly amazing how much garbage is on TV. I finally shut it down and started reading the book "Hoot". Becca has been strongly encouraging me to read it so i picked it up. It looks good (between naps).
Mother's day coming up. what are you doing for mom's day?
And what about the hurricane weather we are having? Yikes!
that's all for now.
C
In between naps, i saw some "must see" daytime television. Ok, talk about brain rot. it is truly amazing how much garbage is on TV. I finally shut it down and started reading the book "Hoot". Becca has been strongly encouraging me to read it so i picked it up. It looks good (between naps).
Mother's day coming up. what are you doing for mom's day?
And what about the hurricane weather we are having? Yikes!
that's all for now.
C
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Happy Birthday to me!
yes today - Cinco de Mayo - is my 40th birthday. Wow. i have lived to see 40. Lordy, lordy look who is 40? me.
I spoke to my best girl Becca last night. It was great to hear her voice. She is doing just great and i am really pleased. Grades are up. She is singing in an honor's choir at school. I am just so thankful she is doing the things she is doing!
ASU is really busy. That is the company i work for. Great company. I love what i am doing there. It is great to help create something so vital for ministry to continue. I think i have one of the most awesome bosses around. I really enjoy it!
Watermark is doing great too. I am playing bass on Sunday. That will be great. I am excited about that. I am not excited about the departure of our worship leader and his wife - mike and joni morgan. Now before we go further i just have a problem with important people in my life leaving. And i know this is important for mike to continue in school and follow what God is leading him to do. I still do not like it. I have known Mike and Joni for years. I have had interaction with them on different levels. And it has been good. I will miss joni's laugh and over all awesomeness (if that is a word). And i will miss mike - his leadership, his passion and overall coolness. To mike and joni -- i love you guys and will be thinking of (and missing) you often!
Another couple i think the world of is leaving too. Jason and Judy DeRoche are taking a ministry position at a church in Kansas. (there's no place like home...there's no place like home.) Again, i am excited for them as this will be great for them. And the Heartland Christian Fellowship is blessed to have them on staff. Big shoes here to fill! I have said it before and say it again -- Jason, Judy always in your camp! and there is always a place at the campfire for you two!
So what are the big plans for the 40th? go to work, struggle thru a problem with a customer and then i am headed over to Johnson's for a grill out and a fire. Pretty low key! which is ok with me.
Well, i need to head to bed.
Good night!
C
I spoke to my best girl Becca last night. It was great to hear her voice. She is doing just great and i am really pleased. Grades are up. She is singing in an honor's choir at school. I am just so thankful she is doing the things she is doing!
ASU is really busy. That is the company i work for. Great company. I love what i am doing there. It is great to help create something so vital for ministry to continue. I think i have one of the most awesome bosses around. I really enjoy it!
Watermark is doing great too. I am playing bass on Sunday. That will be great. I am excited about that. I am not excited about the departure of our worship leader and his wife - mike and joni morgan. Now before we go further i just have a problem with important people in my life leaving. And i know this is important for mike to continue in school and follow what God is leading him to do. I still do not like it. I have known Mike and Joni for years. I have had interaction with them on different levels. And it has been good. I will miss joni's laugh and over all awesomeness (if that is a word). And i will miss mike - his leadership, his passion and overall coolness. To mike and joni -- i love you guys and will be thinking of (and missing) you often!
Another couple i think the world of is leaving too. Jason and Judy DeRoche are taking a ministry position at a church in Kansas. (there's no place like home...there's no place like home.) Again, i am excited for them as this will be great for them. And the Heartland Christian Fellowship is blessed to have them on staff. Big shoes here to fill! I have said it before and say it again -- Jason, Judy always in your camp! and there is always a place at the campfire for you two!
So what are the big plans for the 40th? go to work, struggle thru a problem with a customer and then i am headed over to Johnson's for a grill out and a fire. Pretty low key! which is ok with me.
Well, i need to head to bed.
Good night!
C
Monday, April 17, 2006
He is Risen.....
How do you answer that statement? what is your first response?
I had a great weekend. I had a rehearsal on saturday and then hooked up with the Becca. We had a great saturday afternoon. Before that though, i was in the prayer room at the Hub (watermark offices). Watermark had a 24/7 prayer time the week before Easter. I signed up for Sat at 1:00. what an amazing time! taking an hour out for just praying and listening and reading what people have written on the walls. Amazing. I makes me want to do it everyday!
Yesterday was great too. Three Gatherings on Sunday. we had a choir which sounded great. the band and choir were on fire if you as me. After that Becca and i headed home for a small meal. We had a larger meal over to some friends house. PRIME RIB! what more can I say?
well it feels like spring now. I am looking forward to nice weather, thunderstorms, smells and sounds of spring.
Wishing i was golfing,
carter
I had a great weekend. I had a rehearsal on saturday and then hooked up with the Becca. We had a great saturday afternoon. Before that though, i was in the prayer room at the Hub (watermark offices). Watermark had a 24/7 prayer time the week before Easter. I signed up for Sat at 1:00. what an amazing time! taking an hour out for just praying and listening and reading what people have written on the walls. Amazing. I makes me want to do it everyday!
Yesterday was great too. Three Gatherings on Sunday. we had a choir which sounded great. the band and choir were on fire if you as me. After that Becca and i headed home for a small meal. We had a larger meal over to some friends house. PRIME RIB! what more can I say?
well it feels like spring now. I am looking forward to nice weather, thunderstorms, smells and sounds of spring.
Wishing i was golfing,
carter
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Thought for the day
After starting a new diet I altered my drive to work to avoid passing my favorite bakery.
I accidentally drove by the bakery this morning and as I approached, there in the window were a host of goodies. I felt this was no accident, so I prayed ...
"Lord, it's up to you, if you want me to have any of those delicious goodies, create a parking place for me directly in front of the bakery.
And sure enough, on the eighth time around the block, there it was! God is so Good!"
I accidentally drove by the bakery this morning and as I approached, there in the window were a host of goodies. I felt this was no accident, so I prayed ...
"Lord, it's up to you, if you want me to have any of those delicious goodies, create a parking place for me directly in front of the bakery.
And sure enough, on the eighth time around the block, there it was! God is so Good!"
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Happy Birthday, Becca - one day later
well it was a great birthday for the Boo (and Dakota Smith).
We had dinner with the Fishers and the Hilsons. The Furrs and Carys could not make it. but they were missed. it was a good meal and good conversation. And becca enjoyed her gifts.
It is amazing to me that she will be a teenager next year. all the things i have seen and done in the last 12 years. it is truly amazing.
Anyway. big weekend coming up!
Carter
We had dinner with the Fishers and the Hilsons. The Furrs and Carys could not make it. but they were missed. it was a good meal and good conversation. And becca enjoyed her gifts.
It is amazing to me that she will be a teenager next year. all the things i have seen and done in the last 12 years. it is truly amazing.
Anyway. big weekend coming up!
Carter
Monday, April 10, 2006
Monday, Monday, Monday
well another week starts. what a long week last friday? yes you heard me. it felt like a whole week in one day. I, and two of my co-workers (my boss included), went to the Kalamazoo area for a site visit and then to northern indiana to correct a problem with a system. The 1st part of the trip was great (except that it rained and it was muddy). Accomplished what we wanted to with the trip.
The 2nd part of the trip was rough. even though we were able to correct the problem -- it seemingly took forever to do. In fact, my boss was really late for a dinner party at his house -- kudos to his wonderful wife (and daughter) for holding the fort down until he arrived.
Great weekend. It was awesome playing on Sunday. I really enjoy that. I have always struggled with the motive for doing things. Let me explain. I used to be more interested in being someone's friend so i could say i was that person's friend. I wanted to be Steve Deur's friend so i could drop his name in conversation. You should see people in awe over that!!! heh heh. I wanted to be Nate Smith and Wally Harrison's friend because that somehow made me cooler (which in reality it did.) But i can honestly say that i have been prayerfully delivered from that. Thank you Jesus. It was that same way with music. I just enjoyed more that i could say i am part of the band. But again, i am glad i am over that. i can honestly say i am enjoying the worship experience more for the "right" reasons. Which is great!
Well, Becca's birthday is tomorrow. That will be fun! big 12! man am i getting old.
Carter
The 2nd part of the trip was rough. even though we were able to correct the problem -- it seemingly took forever to do. In fact, my boss was really late for a dinner party at his house -- kudos to his wonderful wife (and daughter) for holding the fort down until he arrived.
Great weekend. It was awesome playing on Sunday. I really enjoy that. I have always struggled with the motive for doing things. Let me explain. I used to be more interested in being someone's friend so i could say i was that person's friend. I wanted to be Steve Deur's friend so i could drop his name in conversation. You should see people in awe over that!!! heh heh. I wanted to be Nate Smith and Wally Harrison's friend because that somehow made me cooler (which in reality it did.) But i can honestly say that i have been prayerfully delivered from that. Thank you Jesus. It was that same way with music. I just enjoyed more that i could say i am part of the band. But again, i am glad i am over that. i can honestly say i am enjoying the worship experience more for the "right" reasons. Which is great!
Well, Becca's birthday is tomorrow. That will be fun! big 12! man am i getting old.
Carter
Thursday, April 06, 2006
what an "interesting" couple weeks.
Well here is the what is happening....
We had teacher conferences last week. That is always an interesting time. Becca has her mom for some classes. So i sat across the desk from my ex-wife. I am so thankful i have a good relationship with her. Life would be so difficult without that. Becca is doing well in school. Having a little struggle in science but i and her mom are very pleased.
So Becca has been on spring break since last wednesday. and will be on spring break until next monday! i am not sure how that happened -- but 12 days off for spring break -- nice.
Last Friday, i played hookie and becca and i hung out together. I made breakfast -- couple eggs, bacon, and toast -- and we launched into our play day off. We visited the Mongolian Barbeque. Love that place. Food is great. I get to assembly. i am happy. I do not even get up to go prepare anymore. Becca is learning the fine art of spice. That is great. She does not like it but she is not afraid to try it. So, i had a prime rib meal with minced garlic, salt, pepper, soy sauce, a smige of curry, and an egg. it was very good. loved it.
After lunch, we went to visit the butterfly exhibit. that is always cool to see. We took lots of pictures. Becca even had (2) butterflies land on her. Cool. While we were there, we went thru the children's outdoor exhibit. That was fun too. especially since the weather was ok. it was great to be outside. i have serious cabin fever.
more later
C
We had teacher conferences last week. That is always an interesting time. Becca has her mom for some classes. So i sat across the desk from my ex-wife. I am so thankful i have a good relationship with her. Life would be so difficult without that. Becca is doing well in school. Having a little struggle in science but i and her mom are very pleased.
So Becca has been on spring break since last wednesday. and will be on spring break until next monday! i am not sure how that happened -- but 12 days off for spring break -- nice.
Last Friday, i played hookie and becca and i hung out together. I made breakfast -- couple eggs, bacon, and toast -- and we launched into our play day off. We visited the Mongolian Barbeque. Love that place. Food is great. I get to assembly. i am happy. I do not even get up to go prepare anymore. Becca is learning the fine art of spice. That is great. She does not like it but she is not afraid to try it. So, i had a prime rib meal with minced garlic, salt, pepper, soy sauce, a smige of curry, and an egg. it was very good. loved it.
After lunch, we went to visit the butterfly exhibit. that is always cool to see. We took lots of pictures. Becca even had (2) butterflies land on her. Cool. While we were there, we went thru the children's outdoor exhibit. That was fun too. especially since the weather was ok. it was great to be outside. i have serious cabin fever.
more later
C
Monday, March 27, 2006
Bob & Tom
I am not a big bob & tom fan. i was flipping thru the radio stations this morning and heard a news story. last thursday, a man went to a strip club. Now that is not where the story ends. The man took his 4 year old son with him! now that is not bad enough, he left the child in the car and told him that monsters would eat him if he got out of the car.
I am not sure how to react. Outraged is the first thought! I mean really what was the dad thinking?? Wow, what is that? Maybe a child should be left in a car, thinking monsters are going to eat him while his dad gets his jollys in a strip club.
Wow, where are people's heads these days?
Well, what a get weekend we had. I did some spring cleaning. I played at the gathering -- that was fun.
Becca has a big science test today. we spent time studying.
Carter
I am not sure how to react. Outraged is the first thought! I mean really what was the dad thinking?? Wow, what is that? Maybe a child should be left in a car, thinking monsters are going to eat him while his dad gets his jollys in a strip club.
Wow, where are people's heads these days?
Well, what a get weekend we had. I did some spring cleaning. I played at the gathering -- that was fun.
Becca has a big science test today. we spent time studying.
Carter
Thursday, March 23, 2006
SAHM
So, the stay at home mom is the newest threat to society???
Over the years, religion in general has taken an awful lot of shots. The philosophy of a moral absolute truth has been beaten pretty bad. The concept of marriage has been skewed & stretched to an almost out-of-control state. Most of these conversations come out of the political left or the feminist movement.
i heard part of the Good morning America interview with the women who made the comment that the stay at home mom is the newest threat to society.
How far will Satan go to destroy the family??
Over the years, religion in general has taken an awful lot of shots. The philosophy of a moral absolute truth has been beaten pretty bad. The concept of marriage has been skewed & stretched to an almost out-of-control state. Most of these conversations come out of the political left or the feminist movement.
i heard part of the Good morning America interview with the women who made the comment that the stay at home mom is the newest threat to society.
How far will Satan go to destroy the family??
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
thought for the day
The ox is slow -- but the earth is patient
i am not sure what that means. but it just sounded cool.
i have been preoccupied with some personal things going on for the last few weeks. So i apologize for the delay. Most notibly some friends of mine are dealing with some things - medical things - that just suck out loud. It is just another situation in my life to see God move.
I was talking to one of them this morning. Several cool things came out of the conversation. Day by day. that was the first thought. Not looking ahead -- just day by day. Another was this thought. we do not know how we are going to get thru this situation but we do understand the process. you see this is a couple who has been thru alot: family and friends members dying, financial pressures, etc. But they understand the power of prayer and the God we serve. They understand how God works and His faithfulness. Yeah.
i am confident of this -- the voice sounded down, but the heart and spirit is not beaten!
C to the C
i am not sure what that means. but it just sounded cool.
i have been preoccupied with some personal things going on for the last few weeks. So i apologize for the delay. Most notibly some friends of mine are dealing with some things - medical things - that just suck out loud. It is just another situation in my life to see God move.
I was talking to one of them this morning. Several cool things came out of the conversation. Day by day. that was the first thought. Not looking ahead -- just day by day. Another was this thought. we do not know how we are going to get thru this situation but we do understand the process. you see this is a couple who has been thru alot: family and friends members dying, financial pressures, etc. But they understand the power of prayer and the God we serve. They understand how God works and His faithfulness. Yeah.
i am confident of this -- the voice sounded down, but the heart and spirit is not beaten!
C to the C
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Hollywood
I did not watch the Oscars. I am not in touch with my feminine side to do that. But i did catch up on some articles and listened to talk radio shows the day after. With all the hype, one would think that there was some huge discovery being made. the hype leading up to the Oscars would make you think a new cure for cancer was happening. It is amazing to me how much the hype does not match the actual event.
Why do i bring this up? i am curious about the amount of influence Hollywood has on the general public. Hollywood has a long standing tradition of bring social issues to light. From the racial issues to youth-in-asian to just this year two gay cowboys, Hollywood brings that stuff up for all to see. i did happen to hear George Clooney speak. He said -- something like -- we should be proud of the fact that we are the extreme left on issues.
There were other parts of that speech i cannot remember. But i wonder what was he really saying. i wonder how many people watch what happens in Hollywood and basis their decisions on what they hear.
It is so important for us to engage with people. the influence we have in our own little circle is extremely important. I am not saying we need to march and hang posters that say "God Hates Fags". (that is a whole other thought i will not address right now.) I think a consistent, humble, Christ-like mentality is the key.
later,
C2
Why do i bring this up? i am curious about the amount of influence Hollywood has on the general public. Hollywood has a long standing tradition of bring social issues to light. From the racial issues to youth-in-asian to just this year two gay cowboys, Hollywood brings that stuff up for all to see. i did happen to hear George Clooney speak. He said -- something like -- we should be proud of the fact that we are the extreme left on issues.
There were other parts of that speech i cannot remember. But i wonder what was he really saying. i wonder how many people watch what happens in Hollywood and basis their decisions on what they hear.
It is so important for us to engage with people. the influence we have in our own little circle is extremely important. I am not saying we need to march and hang posters that say "God Hates Fags". (that is a whole other thought i will not address right now.) I think a consistent, humble, Christ-like mentality is the key.
later,
C2
Monday, February 20, 2006
DO NOT MURDER
Three words that most of us do not struggle with, right? Go to the Watermark's website or iTunes store and download the teaching from yesterday. And then lets talk. WOW. I will never look at those three words the same way again.
We are in the middle of a series called Life is Waiting. It is a study of the ten commandments. It has been great, challenging and eye opening.
I once worked with a guy who was nicknames "brother loop-hole". He was looking for a loop-hole in everything. I have learned a great deal of good things from him.
So here is the the thought of the day. At the risk of looking for the loop-hole, i ask the question "when is it murder or just sharing ones burdens?" You need to listen to the teaching because what i am about to write is a huge paraphrase and i will not do it justice. The word murder has a much deeper meaning. The fact of the matter is words have a powerful effect of people. The thing that we heard on Sunday is that back biting, calling people names etc. is considered murder.
Matthew 5:21 (from the Message)
21"You're familiar with the command to the ancients, "Do not murder.' 22I'm telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother "idiot!' and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell "stupid!' at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.
Wow. how many times in my life have i called someone a name? sarcasticm, anger, just off color -- just trying to be funny??? I am sure i could not tell you how much i have done it in the last month let alone a lifetime. Yesterday's teaching was a difficult one to hear. An area i really need to work on.
I used to work for an "interesting" person/company. Most everyone that worked there would agree. In fact, there was a website created while the company was going out of business. the purpose was for former employees to comment on their experience there. Some of these comments were not good. And it was attended. For the record, i had nothing to do with the site. I was told about it in a blind email. I did read it and thought about making comments.
I have two guys i am close to. I value their option HIGHLY. Some conversations go great and others i leave totally tick off. But it is all good. While i was working for the company that went out of business, i vented ALOT to these guys about things that were going on there and the owner.
I guess to make the blog alot longer than it needs to be -- where is it sharing a burden or "murder"?
I am certain i will be replaying this and praying my way thru.
Thoughts?
Carter
We are in the middle of a series called Life is Waiting. It is a study of the ten commandments. It has been great, challenging and eye opening.
I once worked with a guy who was nicknames "brother loop-hole". He was looking for a loop-hole in everything. I have learned a great deal of good things from him.
So here is the the thought of the day. At the risk of looking for the loop-hole, i ask the question "when is it murder or just sharing ones burdens?" You need to listen to the teaching because what i am about to write is a huge paraphrase and i will not do it justice. The word murder has a much deeper meaning. The fact of the matter is words have a powerful effect of people. The thing that we heard on Sunday is that back biting, calling people names etc. is considered murder.
Matthew 5:21 (from the Message)
21"You're familiar with the command to the ancients, "Do not murder.' 22I'm telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother "idiot!' and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell "stupid!' at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.
Wow. how many times in my life have i called someone a name? sarcasticm, anger, just off color -- just trying to be funny??? I am sure i could not tell you how much i have done it in the last month let alone a lifetime. Yesterday's teaching was a difficult one to hear. An area i really need to work on.
I used to work for an "interesting" person/company. Most everyone that worked there would agree. In fact, there was a website created while the company was going out of business. the purpose was for former employees to comment on their experience there. Some of these comments were not good. And it was attended. For the record, i had nothing to do with the site. I was told about it in a blind email. I did read it and thought about making comments.
I have two guys i am close to. I value their option HIGHLY. Some conversations go great and others i leave totally tick off. But it is all good. While i was working for the company that went out of business, i vented ALOT to these guys about things that were going on there and the owner.
I guess to make the blog alot longer than it needs to be -- where is it sharing a burden or "murder"?
I am certain i will be replaying this and praying my way thru.
Thoughts?
Carter
new blogger added.
Hey, my boss and his wife recently had a baby. there names - Tim and Stacey Heneveld. And the new bundle of joy -- Abby Rose.
Stacey started a blog tracking the life of Abby and being a new mom.
Check in out!
Stacey started a blog tracking the life of Abby and being a new mom.
Check in out!
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Sunday morning..
and all is well.
Sunday mornings are usually very quiet around my place. it is a good time to read and reflect.
i am not sure where i was headed there.
Anyway, have a great Sunday...
Peace
Sunday mornings are usually very quiet around my place. it is a good time to read and reflect.
i am not sure where i was headed there.
Anyway, have a great Sunday...
Peace
Monday, February 13, 2006
this is a new statement
I was talking to my daughter this weekend. and a subject came up i was a little surprised at. She said, "dad, i have a quesition for you."
I said, "fire away, becca."
She said, "are you becoming a pirate?"
Wow, what kind of question is that? Well, let's review.
1. i have a beard that looks like a pirate.
2. i love talk like a pirate day.
3. i enjoy a Cap'n Morgan and coke drink once in a while.
4. i have a parrot at home. Well, he is a conyour but close enough.
5. i have new houseshoe style ear rings.
6. i have a favorite computer game -- Ages of Empires II. one of my favorite parts of the game is the "sea" battles. they are cool.
Conclusion: yes i am becoming a pirate.
I said, "fire away, becca."
She said, "are you becoming a pirate?"
Wow, what kind of question is that? Well, let's review.
1. i have a beard that looks like a pirate.
2. i love talk like a pirate day.
3. i enjoy a Cap'n Morgan and coke drink once in a while.
4. i have a parrot at home. Well, he is a conyour but close enough.
5. i have new houseshoe style ear rings.
6. i have a favorite computer game -- Ages of Empires II. one of my favorite parts of the game is the "sea" battles. they are cool.
Conclusion: yes i am becoming a pirate.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Well.....
i did it.
i have pierced ears!! Yes both of them! It is something i have wanted to do for a long time. And so last night it happened. I did not pass out. I did not cry. It actually was not as painful as i thought it would be. Becca was the one encouraging me to do it.
Good week so far. Becca and the Fisher clan was in Florida over the weekend. So it was a long weekend for me but she had a great time and that is what is important. But they are back and i am looking forward to seeing her.
thanks what i know. Except -- Thomps is my hero!
later
Carter
i have pierced ears!! Yes both of them! It is something i have wanted to do for a long time. And so last night it happened. I did not pass out. I did not cry. It actually was not as painful as i thought it would be. Becca was the one encouraging me to do it.
Good week so far. Becca and the Fisher clan was in Florida over the weekend. So it was a long weekend for me but she had a great time and that is what is important. But they are back and i am looking forward to seeing her.
thanks what i know. Except -- Thomps is my hero!
later
Carter
Monday, January 30, 2006
yeah!
I realize this is just a joke -- as i checked thru snopes.com -- but it is still too funny!
For all of us who feel only the deepest love and affection for the way computers have enhanced our lives, read on. At a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated, "If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25.00 cars that got 1,000 miles to the gallon."
In response to Bill's comments, General Motors issued a press release stating: If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics (and I just love this part):
1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash twice a day.
2. Every time they repainted the lines in the road, you would have to buy a new car.
3. Occasionally, your car would die on the freeway for no reason. You would have to pull to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, restart it, and reopen the windows before you could continue. For some reason you would simply accept this.
4. Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left turn would cause you car to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to reinstall the engine.
5. Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast and twice as easy to drive -- but would run on only five percent of the roads.
6. The oil, water temperature, and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a single "This Car Has Performed An Illegal Operation" warning light.
7. The airbag system would ask, "Are you sure?" before deploying.
8. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lift the door handle, turned the key, and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.
9. Every time a new car was introduced car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.
10. You'd have to press the "Start" button to turn the engine off.
For all of us who feel only the deepest love and affection for the way computers have enhanced our lives, read on. At a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated, "If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25.00 cars that got 1,000 miles to the gallon."
In response to Bill's comments, General Motors issued a press release stating: If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics (and I just love this part):
1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash twice a day.
2. Every time they repainted the lines in the road, you would have to buy a new car.
3. Occasionally, your car would die on the freeway for no reason. You would have to pull to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, restart it, and reopen the windows before you could continue. For some reason you would simply accept this.
4. Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left turn would cause you car to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to reinstall the engine.
5. Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast and twice as easy to drive -- but would run on only five percent of the roads.
6. The oil, water temperature, and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a single "This Car Has Performed An Illegal Operation" warning light.
7. The airbag system would ask, "Are you sure?" before deploying.
8. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lift the door handle, turned the key, and grabbed hold of the radio antenna.
9. Every time a new car was introduced car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.
10. You'd have to press the "Start" button to turn the engine off.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
A friendly conversation
I have been in contact with some of the gang i used to hang with in high school. This is an excerpt from a conversation i have been having from one of those friends.
Okay...imagine we are "God's Antfarm"....he is watching us move about our world in our hurried fashions or walk about in wonder. What would bring Him the most pleasure?? Would not He want us to experience the many wonders He has provided, rather that saying, "Hey thanks, but I just don't have time for these things....I am just going to keep thanking you and assume their nice." It's like when I am teaching math. (No...I am not saying I am a math Goddess) Is it the kid who stares at me like I am "so cool" that makes me feel like I am doing something productive with my life? No...it's that argumentative hyper little shit in the corner who questions the theories, who has to experience the problem solving in their own way, who comes in the next day with a question they hope (and sometimes I can't) answer. It is the kid who comes in the next day with this useless long division problem they had to tape two pieces of paper together to solve (and got it way wrong anyhow...but I can't bear to tell them that). That is the kid who I am reaching. That is the kids that is enjoying the world I am providing for them. I am not trying to slam religion, although I am much more cautious than the rest of you in this area, due to my background. I am also not saying to question your faith, absolutely believe in whatever your heart allows you. Instead, I am trying to say that we have been given so much in this world...nature, friends, relatives, education, entertainment, relationships, and I don't think that we are meant to chose only one and go with it alone. To chose one, and SHUT out the other areas is turning away from the gifts of this world. This...is my thoughts...
She goes on to say after another friend chimes in on the conversation:
You will still talk to me when Darin pretends I am a "dead goat"! (Talk for someone you no longer speak to because they aren't a Jehovah anymore!)
Dead Goat? What the?? She explains. "JW" is Jehovah Witness.
And the "goat" thing, let me explain. When you are a "JW", you are a "sheep", everyone else are "goats". When you leave, you are not only a "very bad goat", but also "presumed and treated dead" by the continuin JWs. The vocabulary is, well, interesting!
Wow. I am taken back by this whole conversation. I am struggling how to respond. My first reaction is frustration that a group of people would treat someone as if they are dead because they left the church. Sympathy for the gal writing this is another.
I may edit this later and add more thoughts. Stay tuned.
Thoughts??
Okay...imagine we are "God's Antfarm"....he is watching us move about our world in our hurried fashions or walk about in wonder. What would bring Him the most pleasure?? Would not He want us to experience the many wonders He has provided, rather that saying, "Hey thanks, but I just don't have time for these things....I am just going to keep thanking you and assume their nice." It's like when I am teaching math. (No...I am not saying I am a math Goddess) Is it the kid who stares at me like I am "so cool" that makes me feel like I am doing something productive with my life? No...it's that argumentative hyper little shit in the corner who questions the theories, who has to experience the problem solving in their own way, who comes in the next day with a question they hope (and sometimes I can't) answer. It is the kid who comes in the next day with this useless long division problem they had to tape two pieces of paper together to solve (and got it way wrong anyhow...but I can't bear to tell them that). That is the kid who I am reaching. That is the kids that is enjoying the world I am providing for them. I am not trying to slam religion, although I am much more cautious than the rest of you in this area, due to my background. I am also not saying to question your faith, absolutely believe in whatever your heart allows you. Instead, I am trying to say that we have been given so much in this world...nature, friends, relatives, education, entertainment, relationships, and I don't think that we are meant to chose only one and go with it alone. To chose one, and SHUT out the other areas is turning away from the gifts of this world. This...is my thoughts...
She goes on to say after another friend chimes in on the conversation:
You will still talk to me when Darin pretends I am a "dead goat"! (Talk for someone you no longer speak to because they aren't a Jehovah anymore!)
Dead Goat? What the?? She explains. "JW" is Jehovah Witness.
And the "goat" thing, let me explain. When you are a "JW", you are a "sheep", everyone else are "goats". When you leave, you are not only a "very bad goat", but also "presumed and treated dead" by the continuin JWs. The vocabulary is, well, interesting!
Wow. I am taken back by this whole conversation. I am struggling how to respond. My first reaction is frustration that a group of people would treat someone as if they are dead because they left the church. Sympathy for the gal writing this is another.
I may edit this later and add more thoughts. Stay tuned.
Thoughts??
Monday, January 16, 2006
Thoughts for 2006
I stumbled across this -- thought you might enjoy!
New Rules for 2006
1. New Rule: Stop giving me that pop-up ad for Classmates.com! There's a reason you don't talk to people for 25 years. Because you don't particularly like them! Besides, I already know what the captain of the football team is doing these days: mowing my lawn.
2. New Rule: Don't eat anything that's served to you out a window unless you're a seagull. People are acting all shocked that a human finger was found in a bowl of Wendy's chili. Hey, it cost less than a dollar. What did you expect it to contain? Trout?
3. New Rule: Stop saying that teenage boys who have sex with their hot, blonde teachers are permanently damaged. I have a better description for these kids: lucky bastards.
4. New Rule: If you need to shave and you still collect baseball cards, you're gay. If you're a kid, the cards are keepsakes of your idols. If you're a grown man, they're pictures of men.
5. New Rule: Ladies, leave your eyebrows alone. Here's how much men care about your eyebrows: do you have two of them? Okay, we're done.
6. New Rule: There's no such thing as flavored water. There's a whole aisle of this crap at the supermarket — water, but without that watery taste. Sorry, but flavored water is called a soft drink. You want flavored water? Pour some scotch over ice and let it melt. That's your flavored water.
7. New Rule: Stop f***ing with old people. Target is introducing a redesigned pill bottle that's square, with a bigger label. And the top is now the bottom. And by the time grandpa figures out how to open it, his ass will be in the morgue. Congratulations, Target, you just solved the Social Security crisis.
8. New Rule: The more complicated the Starbucks order, the bigger the asshole. If you walk into a Starbucks and order a "decaf grande half-soy, half-low fat, iced vanilla, double-shot, gingerbread cappuccino, extra dry, light ice, with one Sweet-n'-Low and one NutraSweet," ooh, you're a huge asshole.
9. New Rule: I'm not the cashier! By the time I look up from sliding my card, entering my PIN number, pressing "Enter," verifying the amount, deciding, no, I don't want cash back, and pressing "Enter" again, the kid who is supposed to be ringing me up is standing there eating my Almond Joy.
10. New Rule: Just because your tattoo has Chinese characters in it doesn't make you spiritual. It's right above the crack of your ass. And it translates to "beef with broccoli." The last time you did anything spiritual, you were praying to God you weren't pregnant. You're not spiritual. You're just high.
11. New Rule: Competitive eating isn't a sport. It's one of the seven deadly sins. ESPN recently televised the US Open of Competitive Eating, because watching those athletes at the poker table was just too damned exciting. What's next, competitive farting? Oh wait. They're already doing that. It's called "The Howard Stern Show."
12. New Rule: I don't need a bigger mega M&M. If I'm extra hungry for M&Ms, I'll go nuts and eat two.
13. New Rule: If you're going to insist on making movies based on crappy, old television shows, then you have to give everyone in the Cineplex a remote so we can see what's playing on the other screens. Let's remember the reason something was a television show in the first place is that the idea wasn't good enough to be a movie.
14. New Rule: No more gift registries. You know, it used to be just for weddings. Now it's for babies and new homes and graduations from rehab. Picking out the stuff you want and having other people buy it for you isn't gift giving, it's the white people version of looting.
15. New Rule: and this one is long overdue: No more bathroom attendants. After I zip up, some guy is offering me a towel and a mint like I just had sex with George Michael. I can't even tell if he's supposed to be there, or just some freak with a fetish. don't want to be on your webcam, dude. I just want to wash my hands
16. New Rule: When I ask how old your toddler is, I don't need to know in months. "27 Months." "He's two," will do just fine. He's not a cheese. And I didn't really care in the first place.
New Rules for 2006
1. New Rule: Stop giving me that pop-up ad for Classmates.com! There's a reason you don't talk to people for 25 years. Because you don't particularly like them! Besides, I already know what the captain of the football team is doing these days: mowing my lawn.
2. New Rule: Don't eat anything that's served to you out a window unless you're a seagull. People are acting all shocked that a human finger was found in a bowl of Wendy's chili. Hey, it cost less than a dollar. What did you expect it to contain? Trout?
3. New Rule: Stop saying that teenage boys who have sex with their hot, blonde teachers are permanently damaged. I have a better description for these kids: lucky bastards.
4. New Rule: If you need to shave and you still collect baseball cards, you're gay. If you're a kid, the cards are keepsakes of your idols. If you're a grown man, they're pictures of men.
5. New Rule: Ladies, leave your eyebrows alone. Here's how much men care about your eyebrows: do you have two of them? Okay, we're done.
6. New Rule: There's no such thing as flavored water. There's a whole aisle of this crap at the supermarket — water, but without that watery taste. Sorry, but flavored water is called a soft drink. You want flavored water? Pour some scotch over ice and let it melt. That's your flavored water.
7. New Rule: Stop f***ing with old people. Target is introducing a redesigned pill bottle that's square, with a bigger label. And the top is now the bottom. And by the time grandpa figures out how to open it, his ass will be in the morgue. Congratulations, Target, you just solved the Social Security crisis.
8. New Rule: The more complicated the Starbucks order, the bigger the asshole. If you walk into a Starbucks and order a "decaf grande half-soy, half-low fat, iced vanilla, double-shot, gingerbread cappuccino, extra dry, light ice, with one Sweet-n'-Low and one NutraSweet," ooh, you're a huge asshole.
9. New Rule: I'm not the cashier! By the time I look up from sliding my card, entering my PIN number, pressing "Enter," verifying the amount, deciding, no, I don't want cash back, and pressing "Enter" again, the kid who is supposed to be ringing me up is standing there eating my Almond Joy.
10. New Rule: Just because your tattoo has Chinese characters in it doesn't make you spiritual. It's right above the crack of your ass. And it translates to "beef with broccoli." The last time you did anything spiritual, you were praying to God you weren't pregnant. You're not spiritual. You're just high.
11. New Rule: Competitive eating isn't a sport. It's one of the seven deadly sins. ESPN recently televised the US Open of Competitive Eating, because watching those athletes at the poker table was just too damned exciting. What's next, competitive farting? Oh wait. They're already doing that. It's called "The Howard Stern Show."
12. New Rule: I don't need a bigger mega M&M. If I'm extra hungry for M&Ms, I'll go nuts and eat two.
13. New Rule: If you're going to insist on making movies based on crappy, old television shows, then you have to give everyone in the Cineplex a remote so we can see what's playing on the other screens. Let's remember the reason something was a television show in the first place is that the idea wasn't good enough to be a movie.
14. New Rule: No more gift registries. You know, it used to be just for weddings. Now it's for babies and new homes and graduations from rehab. Picking out the stuff you want and having other people buy it for you isn't gift giving, it's the white people version of looting.
15. New Rule: and this one is long overdue: No more bathroom attendants. After I zip up, some guy is offering me a towel and a mint like I just had sex with George Michael. I can't even tell if he's supposed to be there, or just some freak with a fetish. don't want to be on your webcam, dude. I just want to wash my hands
16. New Rule: When I ask how old your toddler is, I don't need to know in months. "27 Months." "He's two," will do just fine. He's not a cheese. And I didn't really care in the first place.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Christmas Party
Yes, it is true. Our companies Christmas party is this Friday. I think we should call it a "Martin Luther King Day" party. Not sure what happened there but it is this Friday night. should be good time.
Well, the Becca made the honor roll at school. Pretty cool. I need to figure out a way to reward her for the effort. thoughts?
Anyway, I am looking forward to this year. I have made some positive changes Health-wise and financially which will make a big difference this year.
Work is good. Busy as usually.
That's it for now. More later!
C
Well, the Becca made the honor roll at school. Pretty cool. I need to figure out a way to reward her for the effort. thoughts?
Anyway, I am looking forward to this year. I have made some positive changes Health-wise and financially which will make a big difference this year.
Work is good. Busy as usually.
That's it for now. More later!
C
Friday, January 06, 2006
Friday night
Hiho! Kermit the frog here! What the?
Well, i am wishing i was home right now but i am not. You see, i am finishing a video dvd for a friend. I am having some problems with the equipment in the rendering process. Unfortunately the real problem is that i am impatient. I know find i hard to believe but i am. so i thought while my computer i rendering i would blog.
The Becca is down with the flu. So much so that mom drove her to emergency yesterday afternoon. Apparently, Becca was throwing up so much that she became dehydrated. Pretty scary since i work in Zeeland and could not break away. But by last night Becca and mom were home and all was looking mucho better. I spoke to the Boo tonight and she sounded fine.
New Years day! What an interesting day. Becca and I spent New Years Eve with some friends. rang in the new year and headed home. Yeah we were both tired. Next morning, we had one combined gathering. That was cool. I played -- always a good time. Then we had some down time before the Hilson, Hempinstal, Fisher, Cary, Furr Christmas (white elephant). That was interesting. We had great food and lots of laughs. Especially when the white elephant gifts came out. In fact, you will all be impressed to know that i actually received a "white elephant" as my white elephant gift. I have named him Jumbo and he seems to be getting along with Tigger the Cat.
Well, the video only had another 30 minutes to go.
Go X-box 360! (yeah right)
Later
C
Well, i am wishing i was home right now but i am not. You see, i am finishing a video dvd for a friend. I am having some problems with the equipment in the rendering process. Unfortunately the real problem is that i am impatient. I know find i hard to believe but i am. so i thought while my computer i rendering i would blog.
The Becca is down with the flu. So much so that mom drove her to emergency yesterday afternoon. Apparently, Becca was throwing up so much that she became dehydrated. Pretty scary since i work in Zeeland and could not break away. But by last night Becca and mom were home and all was looking mucho better. I spoke to the Boo tonight and she sounded fine.
New Years day! What an interesting day. Becca and I spent New Years Eve with some friends. rang in the new year and headed home. Yeah we were both tired. Next morning, we had one combined gathering. That was cool. I played -- always a good time. Then we had some down time before the Hilson, Hempinstal, Fisher, Cary, Furr Christmas (white elephant). That was interesting. We had great food and lots of laughs. Especially when the white elephant gifts came out. In fact, you will all be impressed to know that i actually received a "white elephant" as my white elephant gift. I have named him Jumbo and he seems to be getting along with Tigger the Cat.
Well, the video only had another 30 minutes to go.
Go X-box 360! (yeah right)
Later
C
Monday, January 02, 2006
blogstipation
ok, ok i stole that from the thomps. but is it really stealing if you acknowledge it?
Wow, so much has happened since 12/10. Both holidays have zoomed by. Times with family and friends has zoomed by. One death and funeral of a friend.
The holidays are always a stressful time for me. I know it is for others but i did not know how to start this segment. It is a very divided time. I certainly would love to spend the entire time with my daughter--that would be heavenly. But i need to divide that up accordingly. I would love to spend time with my brothers. But things like that do not happen enough. This one is going to sound weird, but i would even love to spend time with my ex-in-laws. They are a cool group (who let me hang around) what can i say? I would love to spend more time with my church family. Again, some really cool people there.
But that is not what happened. Oh sure some of it did. Gatherings still went on. I saw my in-law family for a little bit. I spent some really great time with the Becca. During all that two significant things happened. 1. The death of a friend. 2. Time alone with God.
I am not going to spend a tremendous amount of time on the death thing. I am finding myself really struggling with it. A 19 year old goes to bed one night, falls into a coma and 43 days later goes home to be with the Lord. Now there are ALOT of details left out of that story -- i realize. But it just shows how fragile life really is. I head the opportunity to work on the "sidelines" during the whole thing. It was amazing to see God work -- for that i thank Him...
I am still working my thoughts thru - as you can see.
TAWG. When i was on staff at a church, we were required to take 1/2 or full day once a month & be alone with God. I miss those. For me, i had music, a journal, some books (including a bible) and some music writing paper. (and a pillow - because i often found myself taking a nap). Amazing times. Very intentional & focused. It seemed like it would take forever to shut my brain down enough to really hear.
So why is it difficult when i have time and don't do it. hmmmm. Why is it difficult to just be alone?
One of the things the Deur family does at Thanksgiving time is rent an arena. Ok maybe not an arena but a large space and have Thanksgiving dinner. They invite alot of people to this. And i understand it is a great time. Maybe a couple years ago, i found myself "thanksgiving-less". (Matt - look that up for me a let me know if that is a real word.) I was approached by a friend. He said, "You should go to the deur family thanksgiving. they are always taking strays." Now let me say that i was not offended by that and i am writing this because here is my point. Is it that i feel like a stray? A wayword cat tossed out in the snow, meowing at a door.
From the Message, Romans 5: 6-8 reads:
6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Hebrews 11:1
1The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see.
A daily walk is critical to any friendship. Without disciple, we will not connect. Which is the same with God. One of my goals for the new year is a greater commitment to prayer and time listening. I do not know how successful i will be but i am going to try.
Wow that was scattered. Hope you enjoyed.
later,
c
Wow, so much has happened since 12/10. Both holidays have zoomed by. Times with family and friends has zoomed by. One death and funeral of a friend.
The holidays are always a stressful time for me. I know it is for others but i did not know how to start this segment. It is a very divided time. I certainly would love to spend the entire time with my daughter--that would be heavenly. But i need to divide that up accordingly. I would love to spend time with my brothers. But things like that do not happen enough. This one is going to sound weird, but i would even love to spend time with my ex-in-laws. They are a cool group (who let me hang around) what can i say? I would love to spend more time with my church family. Again, some really cool people there.
But that is not what happened. Oh sure some of it did. Gatherings still went on. I saw my in-law family for a little bit. I spent some really great time with the Becca. During all that two significant things happened. 1. The death of a friend. 2. Time alone with God.
I am not going to spend a tremendous amount of time on the death thing. I am finding myself really struggling with it. A 19 year old goes to bed one night, falls into a coma and 43 days later goes home to be with the Lord. Now there are ALOT of details left out of that story -- i realize. But it just shows how fragile life really is. I head the opportunity to work on the "sidelines" during the whole thing. It was amazing to see God work -- for that i thank Him...
I am still working my thoughts thru - as you can see.
TAWG. When i was on staff at a church, we were required to take 1/2 or full day once a month & be alone with God. I miss those. For me, i had music, a journal, some books (including a bible) and some music writing paper. (and a pillow - because i often found myself taking a nap). Amazing times. Very intentional & focused. It seemed like it would take forever to shut my brain down enough to really hear.
So why is it difficult when i have time and don't do it. hmmmm. Why is it difficult to just be alone?
One of the things the Deur family does at Thanksgiving time is rent an arena. Ok maybe not an arena but a large space and have Thanksgiving dinner. They invite alot of people to this. And i understand it is a great time. Maybe a couple years ago, i found myself "thanksgiving-less". (Matt - look that up for me a let me know if that is a real word.) I was approached by a friend. He said, "You should go to the deur family thanksgiving. they are always taking strays." Now let me say that i was not offended by that and i am writing this because here is my point. Is it that i feel like a stray? A wayword cat tossed out in the snow, meowing at a door.
From the Message, Romans 5: 6-8 reads:
6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Hebrews 11:1
1The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see.
A daily walk is critical to any friendship. Without disciple, we will not connect. Which is the same with God. One of my goals for the new year is a greater commitment to prayer and time listening. I do not know how successful i will be but i am going to try.
Wow that was scattered. Hope you enjoyed.
later,
c
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