it is done.

It is Tuesday. and all is calm. I am waiting to head over to my nephews house. I am on uncle duty today. Big shopping trip planned -- thank you Jesus I don't have to do that. Cary's are great and it will be alot of fun.

I have been thinking about the events of the past week with the holidays and the environmental disaster. I cannot believe the amount of damage. Pray for them.

Car is in the shop. AARRRGGGHHH!. Remember the days when things cost in the "tens" unit? Now things cost in the "hundreds" unit. Thank God for the Johnsons who have continually stepped up in my life. Jeff is letting me use his truck and that is great for me.

Well, ta ta for now.

Unemployed and no car.

Merry Christmas!

I await the arrival of the Boo! I have not spoke to her today yet but i can almost predict what happened this morning. I am sure her mom is loving every minute of it.

Events of the day: well, after gift giving we will have lunch and goof around for the afternoon. alittle Playstation action and then it is off to Becca's aunts and uncle (miss you Furr's) for Christmas dinner. It will be an interesting dinner. It always is. Lots of people; the Cary boys being the Cary boys. Entertainment, entertainment, entertainment. Then we will come home; somehow recoop from the day and rest for the evening.

All that to say: May prayer is that Christ stays in Christmas and that you are all having a great one!

With that said,

Out,
Becca's Dad and Tigger's owner

Christmas Eve

what are you doing tonight? i hope you are spending well desired downtime with your families and friends.

i am finalizing details for tomorrow. finish wrapping up gifts. Watch the cat try to open them.

Becca arrives tomorrow at 11:00 am. after a week of her mom out of town, she was ready to see her again. ah a mother/daughter relationship. refreshing.

Can i be honest here? at the risk of being considered a Scrooge, i really hate this time of the year. And there is a multitude of reasons. One is that the holiday is more about the gift giving than anything. I honestly wish i would hibernate from yesterday until new years. it has not always been that way. There was the juggle of in law family and biological family and our own Christmas. Every family struggles with it. i am not sure the solution.

Anyway, enough. I hope that your Christmas celebrations are awesome! Filled with great time with family, friends and the Lord.

Out
C

Let it snow; let it snow; let it snow

Hey. I woke up this morning to a gentle snow storm going on. The woods around my place are beautiful when it snows. As I have said before, I am just thankful that it held off until after 12/15.

I went shopping yesterday. Aarrghh! That was an experience. Becca went to a friend's house so i took the time to shop. I try not to "cop" an attitude this time of the year. But it is easy to do. Huge amounts of money being spent. More time running around looking for the "right" gifts. Then there are the people EVERYWHERE. Some are in the same boat i am. Running around looking for the right gifts. Others have had enough and are just trying to get home and a little rude in the process. Needless to say, why do we celebrate Christmas again?

Making sure Christ stays in Christmas. That is a challenge. I mentioned this eariler but I am glad Becca is hanging out. She helps the mode.

Speaking of the Boo, she is trying to train her cat to do tricks. She is convinced he is making progress. She is trying to get him to come when called and sit in front of her. For this he gets a treat. I am not sure who is training who. More on that later.

Becca's mom is out on a little vacation in mucho warm weather. I only bring this up for two reasons. I am envious. And 2, we tried calling internationally to their resort they are staying at. ok. On top of all this Christmas stuff, I now have to figure out how to call internationally. That is not a big -- if you have all the digits to the phone number. It seems that 3 digits were omitted from the phone number we received. That is ok. I am resourceful right? I jump on the net; looking up the resort; write down the number. YEAH! ready to go. So I call. I get a voice mail system in spanish. Now, if I have Ross or Adam Knoll here that would not be a problem. But they were unavailable. At the end of the list, a message -- for english, press 10. YEAH. Then I had to listen to the list again -- in english. Finally, i get to a person. Only, there is no press 10 option. She was trying to be so helpful but we could not connect. So, after all that -- did not talk to mom and i have a larger phone bill.

Wow. am I really whining?

Anyway, gotta go make some breakfast. Bacon, "dripping" eggs, toast, and potatoes.

Enjoy the season.
c2

Last shift

It was a bitter sweet moment as I shut and locked the tower door yesterday. After running around cleaning and setting everything for winter, i cleaned out my locker for the next three months. In addition, I signed up for unemployment. that is fun.

well nothing new to report. Christmas shopping yet to do. Argh!

I am looking forward to seeing Becca again. She always has a refreshing look on the Christmas holiday. In fact, her attitude helps put me in the mood for Christmas.

Gotta run,
C

One more shift down.

***This blog has been edited, because i may have stepped over the line. to that individual i apologize.

Hey. Tomorrow the bridge operation closes for the season. So the closed down process has started. I will be the last one in the tower. So i get the finish the process tomorrow.

Man, did we have a great life group Sunday evening. We all gave good input. Anyway, we really discussed some great issues. It was good.

Not that i am not looking forward to the 19th, the gathering on the 26th is going to be good. Don't miss it!

All is good. Christmas shopping yet to do. Becca is dropping all kinds of hints. I am excited because I will be having her for an extended time over the next couple weeks. Becca's mom and step dad are headed out of town on a trip and i get the daughter. That is cool. Lots of one on one time.

Well, more later.
C

Changes

Well, once again changes. I feel like God is moving right now. Not sure what that means but...

I can tell you this. Last night was my last night shift before the 3 month "vacation". I am happy about that. I am thankful for the job but hate those late nights. I have two more day shifts until the bridge close for the season.

I have made some other decisions as well. I am done wrestling. Enough said.

Becca comes back tonight from the advance or retreat or that Moto thing. I am sure she is going to be tired. But i am excited to talk with about it.

Anyway, I need to make a few rounds before the end of my shift.

Peace,
C

Greetings!

Wisdom from Hank Hill - "that is the great thing about dying -- either you do or don't."

This weekend Becca goes to her first youth sponsed overnight event -- which we call an advance not a retreat. Sometimes i think i need a glossary to keep up. I am so excited for her. But this is one of many moments where i realize that she is growing up. I was speaking with her mom the other day and we were just amazed how many corners she has rounded in the last year. We are so blessed.

Our series is Christmas brings .... hope, family, new life, and worship. One of the pieces i am most excited about is the "family stories". Last week we heard an awesome story of hope. I love to hear stories like that. Check out recording online at iamwatermark.com. Well, don't look yet as I have not uploaded it. This week we are going to hear a story of family. It will be great too.

I am struggling with this scarcity issue. It has haunted me since hearing Thompson talk about it and Deur following up. It is not so much that they talked about it -- as i have been struggling with it for a long time. After all, i earned it. I should be able to decided how it is spent. Right? Unfortunately, that is not God's plan. We are suppose to be money managers for him. that's how it works.

You know i am really not sure how this plays out only it is something i am working thru. Notice I did not say wrestling with -- don't want to give you the wrong idea.

That's it for now.

From the tower,
c-man

the countdown is on!

it is true. the bridge closes for 3 months during the year. From 12/15 - 3/15, the bridge operation is down. This means a "3 month" "vacation" for me. Unemployment here I come.

Becca is down for the count. She has some sort of virus. I received the call yesterday morning. I called Becca's mom for a 2nd opinion. Two phone calls later I was headed for the doctor. This is not one of Becca's favorite things to do. This is how I know Becca i serious about illness. I think she would almost do anything else except the doctor. Anyway, she is home with dr. mom today and is doing ok.

I am thinking of taking some classes during the "vacation". We will see if finances permit. I would like to have something under my belt for the DBMD review coming up in about 5 months.

The Christmas holiday is coming up. Ready? I am not. Becca and I will be setting up our tree this weekend. that is always fun. After the 15th, i will probaly go see my folks. That will be interesting.

Well, i am still feeling the effects of the Roach being gone. Viva Roach!

You are the wind beneath my wings,
Carter

i'm a lumberjack and i'm ok.

well not really. i like to burn wood.

Last night was great. I had 3 giggling, screaming 10 year old girls in my car last night. It is cool. I am proud of Becca for inviting people to MOTO. You know I have often said Becca has her mom's looks and dad's personality. I am discovering that God is developing in her a unique person. It is awesome to see it unfold. When I picked them up, i noticed Becca was not looking good. Apparently, there was some activities that involved eating onions and whip cream. Need i say more.

I have some close friends who are really struggling right now. The wife's dad died recently and this is the first holiday. I am going there tonight to hang out with them. I really think they are close to coming to a gathering; which will be cool. They are catholic and have never been to another church other than a catholic church. I am wondering what kind of shock will happen when they do come. I have another friend who is struggling with some medical stuff. And another family who is in transition with children going to college and family stuff.

I am always amazed how God brings people in and out of our lives. He allows us to be his tools and instruments. I am amazed how he pursues us and wants to be in relationship with us.

When I was in sales, i can remember juggling multiple clients -- up to 50 or 60 -- and how out of control i felt. I would us Outlook to keep track of calls and appointments emails yada yada. I can remember thinking how am I ever going to get control. There is some truth there. I am not sure if i am done digging that out.

Sidebar--Fox has some of the dumbest shows and commericals i have ever seen. Right now in the tower there is not much to do. So there is a TV. The only station that comes in clear is Fox. AARRGGHGHHH!

I do think we should do more 80's music.

c-man

the blog sphere is growing

I have added two other bloggers to the sphere.

The Smith family is near and dear to me and my daughter. They live in the land of the Dutch and they are one of the coolest families around. Greg is a great source of insight for me and I really appreciate his relationship with the Lord, his wife, his family and others. Read on!

Mrs. Roach is also added. Judy is married to the Roach and that would be enough to merit blog space. She has a heart of gold and is growing as a believer, new bride and in ministry. She and Roach are moving soon back to Canada and will be missed here in West Michigan. Enjoy.

C-man

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

Hi all

sorry to all of you who have faithfully checked my blog. I will certainly be more attentive. Gooch once told me, (as the Blog-Master) if you do not blog a few times a week....it is not worth it. Now I am not sure I subscribe to that but I will be more intentional about it.

Wow! what a great couple of weeks. Here we go .... the week and 1/2 in review:

MOTO: Becca is loving Moto. I cannot tell you how much she is loving it. I cannot put a finger on it. Whether it is something she is doing herself or what. But she sure loves it. Becca has been a force inviting people. I am afraid I am going to need reinforcements to get all the kids she is inviting. THAT IS A GREAT PROBLEM TO HAVE. It is humbling in a way. She is being the church and I love it. I had mentioned at Core Focus last week that Becca's mom and I have had some conversation about it. That is cool too. Sarah (Becca's mom) is very supportive. In fact, there is a Moto get together that Sarah has already signed up Becca for and Becca is geeked! I love my family and the communication we enjoy. It saddens periodically that the marriage did not survive; but I am glad that we have made the best of it. Sidebar: again, i have a great set of in-laws; which I hugely appreciate. You know who you are and I love you! I feel closer to them than my own family.

CORE FOCUS: Speaking of Core focus, we had a going away/appreciation time for Roach and Mrs. Roach. Man, it was so cool to see the body surround these two servants and love them. Some funny some serious but all awesome. An image that will be in my mind again has to do with the kids. At one point, Deur had invited all the kids to come up and say something to the DeRoches. Wow. Little children come unto me....power. But one moment will be there forever. Right at the end of the "kid time", Ryder Smith decided to give Roach a hug. I started to get emotional on a few levels. Ryder not afraid to love and express love. His heart shown in the act. Roach receiving it. The size difference. It was a cool moment. It makes me think of how much God loves us and how really small we must be. And yet, he pursues us. wow. So to Jason and Judy, I am on your team. I am praying for you and know God will continue to bless you and all you do.

Well i need to finish this later.

Until then,
C

False Alarm

i made a note about an email i received. no worries.

what a nasty day here in west michigan.

Good day programming yesterday. we have some challenges ahead with the holidays coming up.

Thats all for now.

the week in review

the week was good on some fronts.

Programming meeting: i love the new Watermark offices. Thank you, Jesus. Gooch gave me the tour last week. The important stuff - pop, water and snacks. Heh heh heh. Really though, the offices are really nice. It is a quiet environment to do what we do.

Parent/teacher conferences. Yes, the 1st marking period is over. And it is time to meet with the teacher. Another great conversation. Becca is doing well in school and is enjoying herself as well. I pray that we can keep that drive alive in her.

Accountibility - yes, this was a week to get together with Gooch and Jeff. We end up wrestling with each other. And that is always good. We had an addition this week. A friend who is struggling with some things. God proves himself so real in those times. We talked and prayed. It was awesome.

Bible triad - hey, N8 & Jay opened there bible triad up and invited me. We talked about what it would look like and that was cool. We read a chapter of the bible and make notes. Then we get together weekly to discuss. It should be great. In addition, we met at a restuarant in Spring Lake. A whole group of Spring Lake Wesleyan people were there. It was good to laugh for a minute with them and reconnect.

Saturday a great day with Becca. She is cool to hang with. I am enjoying the relationship she and I have. I thank God for it.

Well, it is Sunday. I have worked all night and I am playing this morning. I will go home; take a shower and try to do my best. Should be interesting.

I found out some disturbing information this morning. I need prayer on. It came thru in an email and I need to process it thru - with God's help. Pray for me.

Out,
Carter

it has been a week

since my last blog. And even longer since something of substance.

I have commented earlier that I have been struggling. I have a thing about authority. I have had it for a long time and have learned to deal with it. Therefore, when i feel like God is moving, it usually causes me to rebel. That is my issue. Now it does not happen often; but when it does it takes me a little time to work it out.

What I am discovering is on multiple levels. How important prayer is. How important worship is. How important obedience is. How important serving is. I was in GR last night for a meeting and i was reminded again that there are homeless people in the world. Today, I was watching a commercial bringing attention to the fact that this next week is national homeless week. It makes me ashamed that we need a national campaign to draw attention to the homeless.

As I listened to Thompson last week and Deur this week, i am reminded of the passion for the lost. Deur was right on this week. Being the church is much more than a slogan. it has to be imbedded in our lives. I want to be moved to change.

On the path,
Carter

one more added

as i live and breathe, one more blogger added. only this time in the female gender - Kathy Johnson.

Kathy is a dedicate wife, mom and nurse and always shows a heart of compassion.

rock on, kj

Four more years!

Well, the nation speaks and Kerry calls "W". I hope all of you reading this took the time to vote. It is a honor to do so.

It was a beautiful day in West Michigan. I am not sure how many more we will have before snow flies. Needless to say, i spoke to the Boo today and she is feeling better. I am happy about that. It disturbs me greatly when she is ill. Helpless....

Jeff and I hung out last night. We agreed that God is stretching me right now. Let me explain. I have had a "sucky" attitude lately. I was telling my accountibility homies (jeff & gooch) that I have been mad at the world lately. It is my nature to rebel. Anyway, I know God is breaking me for a reason. To listen and obey is a tough thing for me.

It will be good to see Deur again. I miss the guy. (in a heterosexual way). God is showing Steve some great things. I cannot wait. If fact, we have rearranged some things for Sunday in anticipation.

Can't wait.

bridge operator.

Halloween is over

Too much left over candy. Then Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I hate the holidays.

I listened to Steve Thompson's message on Scarcity this weekend. Some awesome stuff there. We upload all of our messages to www.iamwatermark.com. It is great to hear the sermon so quickly.

Well, I am home today. Becca has strep (?) throat. Actually, this was a crummy weekend. Trick or treating was Saturday evening. About halfway thru, the wind kicked up and it started raining. Which is probably why Becca is sick. We went back to the Cary's to divide and conquer the candy. Sorted and examined and traded with the other kids. Becca still hasn't eaten much candy.

So, the gathering was out of the picture. And so was life group.

This morning was spent at the doctor's office and getting a precription. I wish I would have taken stock out in the "pink" drug. I would be rich today.

So I am caring for my daughter today. I like it even though I do not feel like I am getting anything done.

That's all for now.

Carter

new blogger

we will try this again. Dave T. is a good friend who has been on the journey for a while. Great head on his shoulders, awesome sense of humor and wonderful wife and daughter!

Enjoy
c

thoughts from the week

What a great gathering today.

Batman came to visit. We did our promo for the next sermon series. And Nate did a superior job. I am most pleased that there are even amounts of people in each gathering. I like it.

Core focus is going on. I did not go. I am a slacker. So I spent time with the Boo and carved some pumpkins.

I never see anyone I know at Meijers; until tonight. I saw Wade and Michelle & their new baby. It seems like alot of couples I know right is having children. Makes me think, I know what everyone was doing march of 2004.

Anyway, I have been thinking about this whole post modern time. I had a conversation about this with a friend of mine last week and he shed some light on it. We were bantering about the whole movement. He said something like we can never forget where we come from.

Which made me think about some things. I think as post modern christians we also get arrogant about what we are doing. We are so quick to comment about how the church is not doing things "right". How they do not know what they are doing. Blah blah blah.

I have issues with the organized church. But please do not mistake those issues. The church has been seeing people come to know Christ for a long time. And probably will continue to see people come to know Christ. Just because we drink flavored coffees and dress down at church, does not mean we are any better. I have been a believer for 21 years. In that period of time, I have seen swings in the church. For example, the rise and fall of choirs in youth ministry, the promise keepers movement, Willow Creek and the seek driven model just to name a couple. With each swing, leaders have said this is the "right" way. And yet, there is a new "way" every time we turn around.

I know that the gospel is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I think the way we present it was be relevant to the society at hand. In addition, I think we cannot point fingers and create dissention because we think we are "doing it right".

I am not sure where I am going in this thought. It has been on my heart and thought I need to start working it out.

More later
C