well much has happening.
I went to a Promise Keepers. My first. Interesting experience.
Becca had a death in the family. Her cat - Penny. But she and mom ended up getting (2) cutie pie kittens -- Dusty and Angel. Yes, i have met them. They are cute. But it was a tramatic experience for Becca & and her mom. But all is good now.
I have been asked how the training of Tigger is going. To date, he is doing a great job of training Becca. Heh heh heh. He tolerates and humors her trying to teach him things. Definately, that cat beats to his own drum.
All is good at Audio Systems Unlimited. Busy, busy, busy. The way i like it.
All is good at Watermark.
Two things i walked away from Promise Keepers with. 1. a renewed commitment to the basics. 2. Passion for something. I am sure i will expound on that at someother point.
gotta go for now.
are we at a point of no return while we are just dust in the wind?
C
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Monday, July 11, 2005
DISCLAIMER
the last post was a copy of an email i received.
I put it in to see what kind of response i would get.
Carter
I put it in to see what kind of response i would get.
Carter
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Hmmmmmmmmm.......
WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT TO TURN ON THE TV AND HEAR ANY U.S. PRESIDENT, DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN GIVE THE FOLLOWING SPEECH?
My Fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of Iraq regime has been completed.
Since congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our mission in Iraq is complete.
This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq. This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now to begin the reckoning.
Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short. The United Kingdom, Spain, Bulgaria, Australia, and Poland are some of the countries listed there.
The other list contains everyone not on the first list. Most of the world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening.
Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those nations on List 2 ceases immediately and indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs of the Iraqi war.
The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world Hell-holes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption.
Need help with a famine? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France.
In the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at home. On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your friends from the face of the earth.
Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France, or maybe China.
I am ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France, Germany, and Russia. Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well. Bon chance, mes amis.
I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded and crushed. I don't care about whatever treaty pertains to this. You creeps have tens of thousands of unpaid tickets. Pay those tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers and limos be turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I love New York ..
A special note to our neighbors. Canada is on List 2. Since we are likely to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not pissing us off for a change.
Mexico is also on List 2. President Fox and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment. I will have a couple extra tank and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I am going to put em? Yep, border security. So start doing something with your oil.
Oh, by the way, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA
treaty - starting now.
We are tired of the one-way highway. Immediately, we'll be drilling for oil in Alaska - which will take care of this country's oil needs for decades to come. If you're an environmentalist who opposes this decision, I refer you to List 2 above: pick a country and move there. They care.
It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens. Some will accuse us of isolationism.. I answer them by saying, "darn tootin."
Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America. It is time to eliminate homelessness in America. It is time to eliminate World Cup Soccer from America. To the nations on List 1, a final thought. Thanks guys. We owe you and we won't forget.
To the nations on List 2, a final thought: You might want to learn to speak Arabic.
God bless America. Thank you and good night.
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading it in English, thank a soldier.
My Fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of Iraq regime has been completed.
Since congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our mission in Iraq is complete.
This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq. This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now to begin the reckoning.
Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short. The United Kingdom, Spain, Bulgaria, Australia, and Poland are some of the countries listed there.
The other list contains everyone not on the first list. Most of the world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening.
Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those nations on List 2 ceases immediately and indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs of the Iraqi war.
The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world Hell-holes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption.
Need help with a famine? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France.
In the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at home. On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your friends from the face of the earth.
Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France, or maybe China.
I am ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France, Germany, and Russia. Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well. Bon chance, mes amis.
I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded and crushed. I don't care about whatever treaty pertains to this. You creeps have tens of thousands of unpaid tickets. Pay those tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers and limos be turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I love New York ..
A special note to our neighbors. Canada is on List 2. Since we are likely to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not pissing us off for a change.
Mexico is also on List 2. President Fox and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment. I will have a couple extra tank and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I am going to put em? Yep, border security. So start doing something with your oil.
Oh, by the way, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA
treaty - starting now.
We are tired of the one-way highway. Immediately, we'll be drilling for oil in Alaska - which will take care of this country's oil needs for decades to come. If you're an environmentalist who opposes this decision, I refer you to List 2 above: pick a country and move there. They care.
It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens. Some will accuse us of isolationism.. I answer them by saying, "darn tootin."
Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America. It is time to eliminate homelessness in America. It is time to eliminate World Cup Soccer from America. To the nations on List 1, a final thought. Thanks guys. We owe you and we won't forget.
To the nations on List 2, a final thought: You might want to learn to speak Arabic.
God bless America. Thank you and good night.
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading it in English, thank a soldier.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Wednesday -- Olympics watch
Yes it is true. London wins the bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics. So here is how it shakes out:
2006 Winter - Turin, Italy
2008 Summer - Beijing, China
2010 Winter - Vancouver, Canada
2012 Summer - London, England
Anyone going?
Recap of the weekend. It was a three weekend - because of the 4th. Yeah. Good weekend all in all. Watermark had the center stage of waterfront stadium for Sunday morning. It was cool. I do not know how many were there, but it felt like alot. Steve did a great job. Mike was on fire. Jay McCammon -- what a rock!
The 4th -- grilling and chilling at the Thompsons. Oh yeah. It was kind of a rainy yucky day, but we made the best of it. we had a small fireworks display. that was fun to watch the kids enjoy it.
Thoughts on War of the Worlds? I will comment on that later.
So you want to be a Hilton?
Out,
C
2006 Winter - Turin, Italy
2008 Summer - Beijing, China
2010 Winter - Vancouver, Canada
2012 Summer - London, England
Anyone going?
Recap of the weekend. It was a three weekend - because of the 4th. Yeah. Good weekend all in all. Watermark had the center stage of waterfront stadium for Sunday morning. It was cool. I do not know how many were there, but it felt like alot. Steve did a great job. Mike was on fire. Jay McCammon -- what a rock!
The 4th -- grilling and chilling at the Thompsons. Oh yeah. It was kind of a rainy yucky day, but we made the best of it. we had a small fireworks display. that was fun to watch the kids enjoy it.
Thoughts on War of the Worlds? I will comment on that later.
So you want to be a Hilton?
Out,
C
Friday, July 01, 2005
Charles Schultz Philosophy
A friend of mine emailed this to me. I thought it was blog-worthy. Thank you, T!
Enjoy!
Charles Schultz Philosophy
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier? The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
Pass this on to those people who have made a difference in your life. "Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." (Charles Schultz)
Enjoy!
Charles Schultz Philosophy
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier? The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
Pass this on to those people who have made a difference in your life. "Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." (Charles Schultz)
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Do you remember...
your senior year high school song?
Ours was Don't stop believin' by Journey.
The other day someone asked me what would my song be today. Here are a few:
So much to say - Dave Matthews Band
Things can only get better - Howard Jones
Don't go away mad (just go away) - Motley Crue
Satisfaction - Rolling Stones
Keep your hands to yourself - Georgia Satellites (What the?)
Tom Sawyer - Rush (just because)
Spoken for - Mercy Me.
Thoughts? what was your class song or what would it be now?
later
C
Ours was Don't stop believin' by Journey.
The other day someone asked me what would my song be today. Here are a few:
So much to say - Dave Matthews Band
Things can only get better - Howard Jones
Don't go away mad (just go away) - Motley Crue
Satisfaction - Rolling Stones
Keep your hands to yourself - Georgia Satellites (What the?)
Tom Sawyer - Rush (just because)
Spoken for - Mercy Me.
Thoughts? what was your class song or what would it be now?
later
C
Friday, June 24, 2005
Signs or bumper sticks that irritate?
No, i am not talking a rash.
I have seen many. Here are 2.
1. God answers Knee Mail.
2. Free trip to Heaven. Details inside.
What signs or stickers have you seen?
And they will know we are Christians by our love.....
C
I have seen many. Here are 2.
1. God answers Knee Mail.
2. Free trip to Heaven. Details inside.
What signs or stickers have you seen?
And they will know we are Christians by our love.....
C
Thursday, June 23, 2005
a week and what?
So sorry for the delay.
Things are good. Just busy.
I will be glad to slow down a bit. ASU is busy. Because of that, there is need for documentation. I am more than buried right now.
Becca is at a day camp this week. It is an acting camp. "PULL MY FINGER." "HOW DID YOU DO THAT?" "I WAS ACTING!!!" whoa, flashback. Friday there is a presentation up in Muskegon. That will be fun! I cannot wait.
I have been trying to get some printer issues worked out at the Watermark Hub. AARRRGGGHHH!!! It is good to serve. It is not good to be frustrated while you are doing it. yep.
Lovin' my place. Good room. Great landlord. Good neighbors. ok cat. anyway.
4th of july coming up. And trip to East Lansing the next weekend. Yup, my 1st Promise Keepers experience. Thanks to Jeffer. You know who you are.....nothing but love for ya!
Gotta go for now.
One of my buddies, Dr. Mojito, recently, and on purpose, purchase a VW bug. He would not tell me what color but did tell me he has one of those "flowers" in it. hmmmmm. I am questioning some things with him.
Later,
CC
Things are good. Just busy.
I will be glad to slow down a bit. ASU is busy. Because of that, there is need for documentation. I am more than buried right now.
Becca is at a day camp this week. It is an acting camp. "PULL MY FINGER." "HOW DID YOU DO THAT?" "I WAS ACTING!!!" whoa, flashback. Friday there is a presentation up in Muskegon. That will be fun! I cannot wait.
I have been trying to get some printer issues worked out at the Watermark Hub. AARRRGGGHHH!!! It is good to serve. It is not good to be frustrated while you are doing it. yep.
Lovin' my place. Good room. Great landlord. Good neighbors. ok cat. anyway.
4th of july coming up. And trip to East Lansing the next weekend. Yup, my 1st Promise Keepers experience. Thanks to Jeffer. You know who you are.....nothing but love for ya!
Gotta go for now.
One of my buddies, Dr. Mojito, recently, and on purpose, purchase a VW bug. He would not tell me what color but did tell me he has one of those "flowers" in it. hmmmmm. I am questioning some things with him.
Later,
CC
Saturday, June 11, 2005
hazy, hot & humid
seems to be the way the weather has been described. It is Saturday morning and i am at the ASU office taken care of business. It is unusual for us to work weekends but we have some projects that need to get done. Thank God for overtime.
The Boo is on a marathon trip to Chicago. Becca's mom, aunt and 2 cousins are making the round trip to Chicago and back in a day. Becca's other aunt and uncle live in Chicago now. They are mucho closer and this will help promote more trips to Chicago. Anyway, Libby (becca's youngest cousin) turned 1 this week. So a trip was planned to go and visit. I said this in an earlier blog, but check out Heidi Furr's blog. There is a great pic of Libby doing what she does best!
This afternoon is a BBQ with my business partners in GR. There were several foundational principals by which Pulse Intermedia was created by. One is that we, as business owners, would get together outside of work. We are going to work together. We enjoy one another's company. So, we 1/4erly we get together (with wives and families) and do something. Fun will be had by all.
Driven Part 2 this weekend. I am on the keys and it should be exciting.
That's it for now.
CC
The Boo is on a marathon trip to Chicago. Becca's mom, aunt and 2 cousins are making the round trip to Chicago and back in a day. Becca's other aunt and uncle live in Chicago now. They are mucho closer and this will help promote more trips to Chicago. Anyway, Libby (becca's youngest cousin) turned 1 this week. So a trip was planned to go and visit. I said this in an earlier blog, but check out Heidi Furr's blog. There is a great pic of Libby doing what she does best!
This afternoon is a BBQ with my business partners in GR. There were several foundational principals by which Pulse Intermedia was created by. One is that we, as business owners, would get together outside of work. We are going to work together. We enjoy one another's company. So, we 1/4erly we get together (with wives and families) and do something. Fun will be had by all.
Driven Part 2 this weekend. I am on the keys and it should be exciting.
That's it for now.
CC
Thursday, June 09, 2005
What a week?
I think i expounded that this week is crazy busy. I know all of you are feeling the pains -- so i will not go any further.
But with everything, recitals, graduations, school activities, i find hard not to feel alone. At work, i am in an office all day with little conversation. At home (without Becca), i have the cat. He is not much conversation wise -- entertaining but not talkative. I am shifting gears -- I am not sure why but it is happening.
I am not going to put comments on because i want to be clear that i am not feeling sorry for myself or that i want people to comment. it is not like that. I am commenting about where I am at right now.
On an upnote, my landlord put in central air at my place this week. On my goodness, what a difference!!! unbelievable!
Had a great weekend with Dr. and Mrs. Mojito! Fire, food, beverage!!! And my business partner John was there too. Double whammy! Is that show still on?
No whammy! No whammy!
Anyway, Becca is going to her cousins birthday party (1 year) this friday or saturday. check out Heidi Furr's link to see pics.
Gotta go for now.
Sleepless in GH
But with everything, recitals, graduations, school activities, i find hard not to feel alone. At work, i am in an office all day with little conversation. At home (without Becca), i have the cat. He is not much conversation wise -- entertaining but not talkative. I am shifting gears -- I am not sure why but it is happening.
I am not going to put comments on because i want to be clear that i am not feeling sorry for myself or that i want people to comment. it is not like that. I am commenting about where I am at right now.
On an upnote, my landlord put in central air at my place this week. On my goodness, what a difference!!! unbelievable!
Had a great weekend with Dr. and Mrs. Mojito! Fire, food, beverage!!! And my business partner John was there too. Double whammy! Is that show still on?
No whammy! No whammy!
Anyway, Becca is going to her cousins birthday party (1 year) this friday or saturday. check out Heidi Furr's link to see pics.
Gotta go for now.
Sleepless in GH
Friday, June 03, 2005
Where the Streets have no name....
Yes i am listening to U2 right now. I love iTunes. no i really do. it rocks....
Looking forward to the weekend. even though it was a short week, it was one for the record books. yikes i don't want another week like this.
Playing keys on Sunday -- love that.
Wish i had more to say--but i don't.
More later....maybe....
c
Looking forward to the weekend. even though it was a short week, it was one for the record books. yikes i don't want another week like this.
Playing keys on Sunday -- love that.
Wish i had more to say--but i don't.
More later....maybe....
c
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
What a rough couple of weeks?
going thru the desert on a horse with no name....
It must just be the season, right? Schedule is out of control because every night and day is booked from now until almost the 4th of July.
AArrrrgggghhhhh!
Just say no!
It must just be the season, right? Schedule is out of control because every night and day is booked from now until almost the 4th of July.
AArrrrgggghhhhh!
Just say no!
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Fox Tech Trends
http://www.pulseintermedia.com/news.htm
My company was featured on our local news - Fox 17.
The link above will take you to our company website and you can see the news segment.
The guy interviewed is my marketing guy -- John Patton.
See ya
Carter
My company was featured on our local news - Fox 17.
The link above will take you to our company website and you can see the news segment.
The guy interviewed is my marketing guy -- John Patton.
See ya
Carter
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Sunday May 15,2005
Go to www.iamwatermark.com and listen to the last three weeks of gatherings. Awesome stuff.
After the gathering today, Becca had a friend, Cassie, over for lunch and hang out. It was cool. So i fired up the grill, and we had a great time. Well, the girls did. There was one moment when they were in Becca's room. Becca had fired up her fog machine. I opened the door and could not see the wall on the other side it was soooo foggy.
We also went to Craigs Cruisers for about an hour and a half. I only bring this up because there is a point in here. I guess i spent about $20.00. We played games and received about 1720 tickets. They split it up the tickets. I watched each of them carefully pick out the prizes they won. It was great to watch.
Then we decided to go out and feed the fish. Becca brought about $2.50 and they split that up. A quarter for a handful of "fish food". At one point another little girl came up. I witnessed Cassie taking this girl over to the fish food dispenser and showing her where to get the food. Then i watched as Becca and Cassie decided to give the girl a quarter to get some fish food. They laughed as Becca actually touched one of the fish.
When we got back in the car, I asked them what was the greatest part of the day. The answer was clear. The time spent feeding the fish.
I only mention it because i think there is a message in here.
Yup. to bed i go.
Carter
After the gathering today, Becca had a friend, Cassie, over for lunch and hang out. It was cool. So i fired up the grill, and we had a great time. Well, the girls did. There was one moment when they were in Becca's room. Becca had fired up her fog machine. I opened the door and could not see the wall on the other side it was soooo foggy.
We also went to Craigs Cruisers for about an hour and a half. I only bring this up because there is a point in here. I guess i spent about $20.00. We played games and received about 1720 tickets. They split it up the tickets. I watched each of them carefully pick out the prizes they won. It was great to watch.
Then we decided to go out and feed the fish. Becca brought about $2.50 and they split that up. A quarter for a handful of "fish food". At one point another little girl came up. I witnessed Cassie taking this girl over to the fish food dispenser and showing her where to get the food. Then i watched as Becca and Cassie decided to give the girl a quarter to get some fish food. They laughed as Becca actually touched one of the fish.
When we got back in the car, I asked them what was the greatest part of the day. The answer was clear. The time spent feeding the fish.
I only mention it because i think there is a message in here.
Yup. to bed i go.
Carter
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Finally....the rain comes
Yeah, wet and rainy here in West Michigan. We need it. It was putting a crimp in my fire burning plans.
Anyway, all is well.
I had mentioned a while ago that (3) guys and myself have started a multimedia company. We are having a great time. We have done some residential and some commercial applications. Things are ramping up in a good fashion. Not enough for me to quick my job -- but it will get there.
The coolest thing to happen, so far, is that we are going to be highlighted on Fox 17 Tech Trends. It is a spotlight that Fox does to highlight hip and cool technology. So, they finished the filming yesterday and it will air during the Fox 17 News at 10:00 May 17th. I am happy about the exposure we will get and the fact that we now are linked to their website.
Pretty cool.
Gotta go for now.
A legend in my own mind,
Carter
Anyway, all is well.
I had mentioned a while ago that (3) guys and myself have started a multimedia company. We are having a great time. We have done some residential and some commercial applications. Things are ramping up in a good fashion. Not enough for me to quick my job -- but it will get there.
The coolest thing to happen, so far, is that we are going to be highlighted on Fox 17 Tech Trends. It is a spotlight that Fox does to highlight hip and cool technology. So, they finished the filming yesterday and it will air during the Fox 17 News at 10:00 May 17th. I am happy about the exposure we will get and the fact that we now are linked to their website.
Pretty cool.
Gotta go for now.
A legend in my own mind,
Carter
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Cinco de Mayo
Wow! is it really May 5th already!
The 5th of May is not Mexican Independence Day, but it should be! Mexico declared its independence from mother Spain on midnight, the 15th of September, 1810. And it took 11 years before the first Spanish soldiers were told and forced to leave Mexico.
So, why Cinco de Mayo? And why should Americans savor this day as well? Because 4,000 Mexican soldiers smashed the French and traitor Mexican army of 8,000 at Puebla, Mexico, 100 miles east of Mexico City on the morning of May 5, 1862.
Huh. For me, it has a different meaning.
Anyway, I was reading this morning in 1 John 4 (from the Message). And here is the take away for me:
20 If anyone boasts, "I love God," and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won't love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can't see? 21 The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You've got to love both.
How many times in life do we do this and not think anything of it. I found myself in a bad situation not too long ago. Now, we can debate the situation, how it was handled, and who is on who's side. But, i would rather look at my reaction to the situtation.
I was working with an individual, whom at one point i had great respect for. But things started to erode that confidence and things happened. I felt like God was saying enough. Move on.
But i allowed this to build up. I would talk to my "peeps" about it and it consumed my thoughts. It started to eat away at me and lets not forget -- God had already provided a different path. So, i let it hang out there. I confessed to God and apologize to those i dragged thru the mud with me on this. I am ready to move on. I pray someday God will allow me to reconcile that relationship.
So i ask -- if we are here to see people come to know Christ. And the way to do that is to develop relationships. Where are your relationships at? Where is God directly you to go and you do not? It is a hard path but the "right" one.
Later,
cc
The 5th of May is not Mexican Independence Day, but it should be! Mexico declared its independence from mother Spain on midnight, the 15th of September, 1810. And it took 11 years before the first Spanish soldiers were told and forced to leave Mexico.
So, why Cinco de Mayo? And why should Americans savor this day as well? Because 4,000 Mexican soldiers smashed the French and traitor Mexican army of 8,000 at Puebla, Mexico, 100 miles east of Mexico City on the morning of May 5, 1862.
Huh. For me, it has a different meaning.
Anyway, I was reading this morning in 1 John 4 (from the Message). And here is the take away for me:
20 If anyone boasts, "I love God," and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won't love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can't see? 21 The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You've got to love both.
How many times in life do we do this and not think anything of it. I found myself in a bad situation not too long ago. Now, we can debate the situation, how it was handled, and who is on who's side. But, i would rather look at my reaction to the situtation.
I was working with an individual, whom at one point i had great respect for. But things started to erode that confidence and things happened. I felt like God was saying enough. Move on.
But i allowed this to build up. I would talk to my "peeps" about it and it consumed my thoughts. It started to eat away at me and lets not forget -- God had already provided a different path. So, i let it hang out there. I confessed to God and apologize to those i dragged thru the mud with me on this. I am ready to move on. I pray someday God will allow me to reconcile that relationship.
So i ask -- if we are here to see people come to know Christ. And the way to do that is to develop relationships. Where are your relationships at? Where is God directly you to go and you do not? It is a hard path but the "right" one.
Later,
cc
Friday, April 22, 2005
What is a billion
The next time you hear a politician use the words "billion" casually,
think about whether you want that politician spending your tax money. A billion is a difficult number to comprehend, but one advertising agency did a good job of putting that figure into perspective in one of its releases:
A billion seconds ago, it was 1959.
A billion minutes ago, Jesus was alive.
A billion hours ago, our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.
A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes at the rate Washington spends it.
think about whether you want that politician spending your tax money. A billion is a difficult number to comprehend, but one advertising agency did a good job of putting that figure into perspective in one of its releases:
A billion seconds ago, it was 1959.
A billion minutes ago, Jesus was alive.
A billion hours ago, our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.
A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes at the rate Washington spends it.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
One (of many) thing that bothers me.
I enjoy listening to music. The weather is getting "nicer" and the windows are coming down in my car. Turn up the radio and let it crank. With public radio comes advertisements. Now before we go off the deep end, I do not mind advertisements; sometimes it is good to break up the flow. There is one type that bothers me the most. It is the one with the last 10 seconds of "disclaimer". I hate listening to that mess of words - the assault of letters and information that cause my mind to hurt.
Anyone share that same thought?
enough for now,
Carter
Anyone share that same thought?
enough for now,
Carter
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
The Barbarian what?
Sunday night, we watched a video from the Willow leadership conference. The segment we watched was Erwin McManus call the Barbarian Way. I know we watched it at a Core Focus recently. I am here to tell you if you have not seen it – call Steve Thompson and ask to see it.
One of the comments Erwin has made “The greatest enemy to the cause of Jesus Christ today is Christianity.”
I want to really absorb that thought. Could it really be true that we, as Christians, are one of the biggest problems of people coming to know Christ? I think there is some real truth there. I am still seeking after that.
The older I get the more I think before I react. I am not sure if that is wisdom or the fact that I have been cut off at the knees too much. So I sat there Sunday night thinking about the video and listening to the other people in the group. I was so moved by what I had just seen and heard that I did not want to speak. I found myself in a place where God and I meet. I could not help to think that this video was meant for me.
This is the thing I am trying to come to grips with. How could anyone watch this video and not be moved to change? Our prayer time should have been more about confession and change and then about others. Confessing about how we have allowed ourselves to move so far away from where God really wants us to be: on the frontline doing His work. The frontline of meeting people where they are and just developing relationships. Letting God change lives instead of looking at people as targets. Then asking God not to let us forget what we just heard and fall into old habits of what the church has taught us to do.
One thought that Erwin talked about was how he, as a young Christian, would talk to others about Christ and how they would respond. In addition, he commented how inadequate he felt because his knowledge base was so limited. Yet, he continued on. What I pulled from that is the urgency of the moment. The need to develop the relationship and then not be afraid to pray with someone or talk to them about Christ. I am confident we could all go to seminary, learn everything about Christ and the bible; and still not feel prepared to talk to someone about Christ. And in that process, more people would be lost.
Yeah, it is heavy on my mind. Deur, Smith, Thompson, Harrison, Da Roach, Morgan all have communicated their passion for the lost and the need for us as Watermark (and beyond) to engage in the lives of others. We need (I need) to sense the urgency and follow Jesus.
The next time you are in a group, at Meijers, or soccer game: count off 6 of 10 people. It is likely that those 6 do not have a relationship with Christ or for that matter may not even want to.
Pray. Pray. Pray
Carter
One of the comments Erwin has made “The greatest enemy to the cause of Jesus Christ today is Christianity.”
I want to really absorb that thought. Could it really be true that we, as Christians, are one of the biggest problems of people coming to know Christ? I think there is some real truth there. I am still seeking after that.
The older I get the more I think before I react. I am not sure if that is wisdom or the fact that I have been cut off at the knees too much. So I sat there Sunday night thinking about the video and listening to the other people in the group. I was so moved by what I had just seen and heard that I did not want to speak. I found myself in a place where God and I meet. I could not help to think that this video was meant for me.
This is the thing I am trying to come to grips with. How could anyone watch this video and not be moved to change? Our prayer time should have been more about confession and change and then about others. Confessing about how we have allowed ourselves to move so far away from where God really wants us to be: on the frontline doing His work. The frontline of meeting people where they are and just developing relationships. Letting God change lives instead of looking at people as targets. Then asking God not to let us forget what we just heard and fall into old habits of what the church has taught us to do.
One thought that Erwin talked about was how he, as a young Christian, would talk to others about Christ and how they would respond. In addition, he commented how inadequate he felt because his knowledge base was so limited. Yet, he continued on. What I pulled from that is the urgency of the moment. The need to develop the relationship and then not be afraid to pray with someone or talk to them about Christ. I am confident we could all go to seminary, learn everything about Christ and the bible; and still not feel prepared to talk to someone about Christ. And in that process, more people would be lost.
Yeah, it is heavy on my mind. Deur, Smith, Thompson, Harrison, Da Roach, Morgan all have communicated their passion for the lost and the need for us as Watermark (and beyond) to engage in the lives of others. We need (I need) to sense the urgency and follow Jesus.
The next time you are in a group, at Meijers, or soccer game: count off 6 of 10 people. It is likely that those 6 do not have a relationship with Christ or for that matter may not even want to.
Pray. Pray. Pray
Carter
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