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

Do it; DO IT

Famous quote from Ben Stiller.

When you get a chance, check out quiet rider's latest blog. He is speaking from the heart and has something stirring there!

I am reminded of a quote I hear one of our leaders at Watermark FREQUENTLY say, "They just don't get it." I really want to spend the rest of my life trying to figure out what that means. I want to make a life commitment to "getting it" on multiple levels. Prayer, worship, serving, reading, communicating, studying.....I am not sure if I will ever really get it.

Parent teacher conferences coming it. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT? Oh my goodness....Time is flying.

that's all for now.

From the bridge,
troll

2 gatherings day

WOW. What an awesome time today. We start 2 gatherings today. Very pleased with the turn out. It was great. Roach did a great job; the band sounded great; (it was good to see the rhythm master back in action-after the new baby and all); even though Deurty stuggled all week - it paid off!

Most of all, I had a great day with Becca. She was all geeked because she, her mom and stepdad carved pumpkins this weekend. Her mom found these really cool templates to carve by. So today, we did carmelled apples. That was fun. The Thompsons were the benefactors of that. It brought great joy to Becca to bring those over to their house.

Speaking of life groups, Gooch's parents were in from the east side. I am enjoying getting to know them. They are rich with stories. I cannot wait to hear more "Gooch" related stories. Anyway, we played Rook with them and the Johnsons. That was fun. Great time of conversation and food.

I am thinking about dedicating my new home. It is a concern of mine to really pray over the place where Becca and I will hang out hat.

Well, tomorrow is another day and an exciting week ahead.

Out,
C

Yesterday

It was busy yesterday.

Morning: Went to Holland to meet with a gentlemen to discuss some work. I missed a group meeting w/N8 and Jayz. Suck. I received some "positive" feedback over that.

Lunch: D&W and Jeff Johnson. Beat into the floor. Felt great.

Afternoon: Worked at home. boxes and stuff. But the cable is hooked up. No phone yet which sucks.

Dinner: Nothing special there.

evening: 1st accountibility group meeting at my house - Gooch and Jeff. I live for these conversations. We really dig into it. It is great to connect with these guys, hear whats going on and pray.

Last night: work.

That was a packed day. Now I am headed into GH to take care of business.

Out for a while
Carter

the move is nearly complete

WOW. what a weekend...

I finished making the necessary phone calls to get all things set up at our new duplex. It seems as if it is never ending. But it is coming to a close.

Have I mentioned how much I hate technical difficulties? Yesterday was a great gathering except for technical things that went haywire. Three things in particular. 1. our first flash did not work. Don't know why but the colors were all inverted so you could not see what was happening. 2. DVD shut down. We shut one of the DVD's off too soon. AARRGGHH! and 3. The last video was turned on too soon. That was a calling error on my part. AAHHHH!!!! I hate it. I hate because it always causes people to get ripped out worship. As one of the guys said yesterday - the errors made it feel like we were stuttering along. We will get better.

Becca had a great time at Moto last night. Moto is our 5th - 8th grade student ministry. Let me tell you how old it makes me feel.

Well, I need to get back to work.

From the tower looking high over the Grand River,
C

Programming day

Well, another great day! We have such a great programming team. IT is always great to hear what they are thinking! We had several missing today. You know who you are....we missing you!!!

We had a great gathering yesterday. Other than a couple technical issues, we had a great birthday party.

Did I mention I love my life group? My life group is great. I got in trouble last night for not incorporating them into my move. Now, let me say. I really appreciate that. I should have relied on them more. Which just brings an interesting point. I do have a problem with that. I can respond to people. But asking for help and relying on people is very difficult for me. I will have to get back to you on that. But, they are great because they support and love and pray and help and and and....to them I say thank you for not giving up on me!

Tonight, my daughter, Becca, is joining Moto. Moto is our church's 5th thru 8th grade student ministry. I had great conversation about this with Becca's mom. She is so supportive of this and so am I. Sarah and I have been committed to several things. School, church, extra curricular activities. We discuss them and evaluate them. This has made for a well rounded experience for Becca. We are also committed to family time.

Communciation is the key. Putting the child's interest ahead of our own. It has been hard work. It should be hard work to raise a family.

Anyway, gotta go get the Boo. She needs to get her homework done before she can go.

Out,
Becca's dad

new bloggers added

and another ones down and anothers ones down and another one bites the dust.

I met Dave Drury at SLWC in Spring Lake - the connections guy. I have enjoyed the limited access I have had with him and I just found out he is a blogger.

And a new website added - Vinmark Productions!

Enjoy.

big bridge inspection

Tomorrow. I have not been thru one but I am on all day tomorrow, so I will get to experience one. Until then, all must be ship shape. I am afraid to even pass gas up here right now. Anyway, we will be hiding the trolls until everyone is gone.

Were you at the gathering last weekend? Man, I really enoyed it. I am looking forward to the next one. I think that is a reoccuring pattern. I really enjoy being there.

And speaking of enjoying, I spent some time this weekend with Dr. and Mrs. Mojito. I know this will shock you but there was fire, hotdogs, smores and fireworks involved. We had great conversation catching up. The Dr. has been mentoring me with some "ministerial" stuff in my life. And they live it out. Mrs. Mojito always makes Becca and I feel loved and accepted. Enough sucking up to them. Anyway - a little shout out to dr. & mrs. mojito!

Well, that's what's new! Oh wait, i have friend who is close to family that needs some special prayer support. You see, family has a child who recently had a bad accident involving a horse. Lots of left out details I realize, but please pray for the child and family.

Ta ta for now,
the moving man

Dave Matthews Band rocks

What can i say? I like Dave Matthews. I stumbled across the cd Crash the other day. Hadn't heard it in a while. Just a warning -- this is a long blog. Get a drink and snack.

It is time to start sharing about a ministry idea. Let me tell you where it started and where we are at today. Before Watermark was being formed, God had already started to deal with my heart and my good friend Jeff Johnson's heart. Jeff (and Kathy) and I have been thru some pretty amazing things. And it is this relationship that God has chosen to bless. Jeff and I were talking the other night about how God has really blessed our friendship. To Him be the glory. But as time went on, God started to deal with us on another level. Jeff and I were sensing that God was trying to teach us something.

Because of the work I used to do, I had started to develop philosophies our selling. One of the major points is that people buy from people. Relationship is critical to closing the deal. Education, communicate, and develop the relationship. Several of the salesmen who may be reading this know I would drone on and on about this.

This point is true in different aspects of life. This is the take away. People will come to know Christ because people around them connect, education and develop the friendship. We are the only Christ some people will ever see. This was a spear head for what we felt God was strongly pointing out to us. So jeff and I would dream and talk about what that would look like.

We decided to take this a little more seriously. We went on a mini-retreat. We camped out. tents, fire, grilling, worship music, confession, prayer. IT WAS AMAZING. I cannot remember how it all fell together, but that night was a turning point. We would discuss how incredible it would be to provide a non-threating environment for people to come to know Christ thru relationships with others. We started dreaming about a fire, food, music and message. And the idea of Camp Fire Ministries (CFM) was born.

About the same time, Jeff and his daughter, Lela, built a fire pit in their back yard. This has been a great starting point for lives being changed thru prayer, music, sharing and fire. The Johnson's have a great spot in their back yard where God has moved in many lives. Time and time again, we would get together and light a fire. Before you know it, people would just drop by. People who need to talk and pray and be encouraged. I am thankful to God that I have been there for many great times and thankful that He has given this vision to Jeff and I. I have heard some say, "you guys just get together, goof off and waste time back there". To those individuals I say, I forgive you for saying that. Because that is the farthest thing from the truth. Many lives have been changed because God met us there.

Then, a new concept in church came into our lives - Watermark. We would listen to Steve drone on (just kidding steve) about relationships, community, gatherings, post modern, opportunities to serve, spending life together, etc. This just seemed too ironic. God was confirming in our minds that we were on the right path. I can speak for myself on this - God released me from the "organized church" mentality and allowed me to experience Christ far differently....I could that that paragraph and write for awhile. Maybe later. This was so timely for me because it just solidified what God was saying all along.

So we prayed - collectively, separately, with others. We have drawn up ideas. What does this look like? I know this a long blog. But it is on my heart.

Jeff started doing speaking engagements. 1st Priority, FCA, church groups, youth groups. God provided and is still providing opportunites for him to challenge youth and adults for the cause of Christ. He is also active in the Youth Pastors network here in GH. This provides an opportunity to pour into the lives of youth pastors in this area.

The vision started to take shape. We have a burden for the next generation and a passion for local ministry. These two elements are the foundation for CFM. The local church is the hub for continuing ministry - outreach, evangelism, global, local. And the next generation is the church of tomorrow. That is where we are at. Melting these two areas together.

What does it look like? Well, in three areas. First, our gatherings. They will involve fire, food, worship and message. Simple. Provide an opportunity for people to connect with people. These times will be driven for outreach and connection. Secondly, we are intentional about helping the next generation. What the? By working with 1st Priority, we find a network of people who need direction, prayer, encouragement, accountiblity and connection. Opportunities to do leadership development. We are committed to using that conduit - for youth pastors, youth workers, youth themselves. Again, this will play out in many different ways - but using mini-retreats with fire, food, music and message. Thirdly, we are commited to worship development. There are many churches struggling with worship and technology. We are going to provide a service of evaluation and education for churches who are really looking into worship and technology. This will also play out in several different ways. One way will be working with a church from beginning to end and helping them develop a plan of attack.

Where are we at? we have started the formal creation of CFM. We have prayed about trustees to help govern the ministry and that is in place. Over the next year, we will be ratching up a notch and having some gathering times. We are looking for people to partner with us -- pray mostly; and get involved with our gatherings. We are not looking for financial support. We believe that God will work that out.

Wow. I will expand more as time goes on. This has been a dream, turned vision for about 4 years now. Like I mentioned earlier, we have seen success in the times we have already had. We are now just becoming more intentional about it.

We will be gathering a prayer team. If your interested, see Jeff or I. We would love to talk to you about it.

Thanks for your time.
Carter

The fog is lifting

It is foggy in Grand Haven this morning. As I was driving in, I could barely see in front of my car. The fog was thick! I round the corners to park my car and I could not see the tower. For a couple hours, I was having difficulty seeing the bridge. Then the sun came out. And the sky started to clear. I see the fog lifting now; it will be a while before it is completely lifted. Which just makes me think of what Christ does for us. We go thru live living with no direction; much like living in a fog. But it is not until Christ enters that we truly start see and the fog lifts.

More later.
The Fog Horn

Can Fall really be here?

It looks as though we are in for cool temperatures for a while. I am ok with that. No snow is still good in my book. In fact, from about 12/20 to 01/05 is really enough snow for me.

I am in the tower today. 7 am to 7 pm. I discovered if you open the doors and windows on the 3rd floor and the windows on the 1st floor, a monster breeze flows thru. Did I mention I am doing some odd CAD work on the side? Well, I am. It is good to keep my brain active while doing the tower thing.

Boxes, boxes, boxes. Need I say more. Except moving provides a great opportunity to "weed out" existing inventory if you know what I mean. I am enjoying that.

I think I may have mentioned I am taking on a different role at Watermark. Working with the programming team is great. The team is awesome. We think up some of the craziest things. But all in all, it is exciting to see where God is leading this community of believers.

What can I say? I am excited about the new stuff coming up. Here we are 1 year into this church plant, making more opportunities for people to know Christ. I say it that way because it is two-fold. to come to know and to know more. I really appreciate the attitude and heart which is a part of Watermark.

To God be the glory. Do you remember the mentoring relationships I was involved with? Since moving to this new job, I have had to be more intentional (that was for Gooch) about meeting with them. I recently had coffee with one of the guys at the ministry center downtown GH. You know, Jumpin Java. Anyway, after some conversation, the other guys showed up. After some conversation and confession from the one who is a Christian, the non-believer started talking openly about his life. to make the long story short, he accepted Christ. WOW. 9 months of conversation and relationship building. It was cool. He loves in Holland. So I made some calls to a good friend I know down there who will pick up the ball where I left off.

Were you at Core Focus? Great time with the group. One of the statements that stands out to me was this "you may be #15". I think it is in reference to a song. The moral or morale is this stay at it. Relationships can be difficult. God will provide opporunities.

Gotta get back to work.
Becca's dad

PS. I too share the same feelings expressed by others in the blogsphere. One of our greater minds has fallen and is no longer blogging. a moment of silence for N8. "PAUSE FOR SILENCE". thank you

Programming day

Hey,

Getting ready to move. It sucks. Boxes all over, cat's upset.

Getting ready for programming.

Gotta go.
C

It is Tuesday.

Man I am telling you. I had a great weekend and a great Monday. One of the things I am enjoyin about this new job is my schedule. I am able to take my daughter to school. That is awesome. I really enjoy that time.

Saturday was ok.

Sunday was awesome. The gathering was great. Thompson provide the teaching. It was great. Yes, for those that were there. my name does mean "one who drives a cart". I love to drive, but that is a whole different conversation. I went to lunch with a friend I had not seen in a while. That was great. Then I picked up The Boo. We just had some good down time playing games and stuff. Then the road rally. That was fun. We have a great life group. Anyone wanting to check it out - we meet on Sunday evenings usually at Thompsons. It is a great group. Thompson is a crazy driver. I did all I could to slow him down. But he is very competitive.

Monday came. Broke in slow. Took Becca to school. Side note: I hate fund raisers. Especially those that involve candy bars. I think I personally supported Becca's class trip. Anyway, then we had program meeting. What a great meeting. We attacked some issues we are struggling with and came out with a great plan. This team is so passionate about reaching the lost. It is awesome. I sometimes feel really inadequate next to the team, but I am so glad I am a part of it. They certainly push the bar.

Well, its Tuesday. I am in the tower today. Until 7:00 pm. At which time I will go home and make sure the cat is still doing ok.

I am in the middle of packing. Anyone with ideas on where to get boxes (good boxes) please forward that on. I have a couple of weeks and I will be moving.

No other profound thoughts.

Watching the traffic go by,
Carter

Saturday September 18, 2004

What a beautiful day? I am in the tower today. Here until 11:00 pm tonight. There are many boats a floating today. There is a big festival - The Salmon Fest - this weekend here. So there are many more people around than normal.

So I was review the past week and looking forward to the week ahead. Tomorrow begins a new week. Not sure whether I was headed with that thought.

Kitten update: The kitten is doing great. Or should I say cat. In April, he could fit in my hand. In June, he weighed in at 6 pounds. In July, he weighed in at 9 pounds. Ok, this is the point where the vet scolded me for the cat's weigh. Well, we took him in this week and he weighs 12 pounds. But on an up note, he is declawed - front only - and that other thing that responsible pet owners do are both taken care of.

Tomorrow is going to be a great gathering. I really love Sundays. I look forward to them.

That's all for now.
Carter

Hello, my friend, hello

just called to let you know...

What the?

What a great couple of days. I met with the fellas for programming yesterday and sat in on the staff lunch today. I am slowly emmersing... what. I recently was asked to upgrade my responsiblities at Watermark. We have a need for a production director on sunday mornings. The PD will be responsible primarily for timing. In addition, there is a list of other things. Coordination and comunication. Encourage and accountibility. I am excited because I can help shape the vision during programming and then implement at the gathering. I am excited about that. I think it is something God has opened up. It is a logical next step for Watermark.

Today, we broke bread together. No really - lunch. Gooch, Nate, Wally, Pot, Roach and Mrs. Roach (what) and Jayz. What a crew. Creativity was flying. Deur was missed. Shout out to Steve. and a moment of silence................... enough. It was cool to hear what is going on in each life. Had a great convo with Pot about music composing and the passion in his life. As I sat there, I realized I was the oldest. Suck.

Anyone know what 242 is? More later.

I received some clarification today. Let me explain. I have had some conversations with the fellas what our culture at Watermark. It was really cool to hear about the next phase of development. Watermark is all about developing it's people; reproducing characteristics in people. I am was encouraged when they laid the vision out. All I can say is this: the future looks awesome. God is at work. I know I am not giving any details. To be honest, I am not sure the fellas are ready to annouce the next steps. Please pray for the guys. They are being stretched. Year two is going to be great.

I am watching the STUPIDEST show on tv right now. Fox is the one station that comes in clear. The show is called elimidate. I am not even going to go into the premise of this show. Avoid it at all costs. I feel my IQ falling.

Well, anyway, signing off
Carter

the weekend is here

I am just finishing up a long night at the bridge. I am having creativity block. Gooch wanted me to work on some video stuff for Sunday's gathering and I am blocked. No worries though. I will get a hold of him and brainstorm some things later tonight.

Pick up becca in a few hours; after I get some sleep that is. Spent part of last night at the Johnson's house. Yes, a flame was lit. Conversation was great.

No new revelations. I am struggling with my bible reading right now. I was talking to Jeff about this last night. We, Jeff, Gooch and I, have commited to reading the chronological bible and hold each other accountable. We are somewhere in the old testament in the Moses/Aaron domain. yikes.

Anyway, in another hour my work week is complete and I will have a few days off.

Out,
Carter

How you doin?

I am overlooking the Grand River today. It is amazing what you see up here. People are crazy driving across that bridge. I love it when I hear a horn honk. It is one of two things: I believe it is my fan club just saying hi - both positively and negatively. Because there is an increase in honking, I know the fact that I am a bridge operator is getting around. I like it when people wave and honk. I would like remind some that they need to wave with their WHOLE hand not just one finger. That you, Dennis Jackson for reminding all of us of that fact.

Did that camping thing this weekend with the Boo. It was so much fun. Within 1/2 hour we had the camp set and ready for fire. So we jump in our swimming attire and headed off to the pool. Becca is part fish - no really I am convinced somewhere in her background is a mermaid. In and out up and down. She had a great time. I thought I may as well jump in. Right? Holy cow, Batman. THAT WATER WAS FREEZING. Do you think that fact came up while talking to Becca? NOOOO! I am often amazed at the intestinal fortatude (that was for Gooch and Deur) that kids have. Their ability to adapt and adjust not only physically but mentally or socially.

Did I mention I met my neighbors camping? talked about life, camping, the weekend. We shared some smores. Talked alittle about Jesus (hey - they brought it up). By the end of the two days, I think I had the opportunity to pray with a couple of them about things in their life.

Which again brings me to the point that I know I have brought up several times. Look for the opportunity to get to know someone. Share part of your life, your story. Look for God to move and then walk thru the door. I am sure it was alittle awkward for them when I started talking. It was for me. Yet God provided an opporunity to talk, get to know, and influence. Now I do not know what will happen as a result. I know this: I was able to plant some seeds. I pray God will not let the seeds die. Only He knows the outcome.

Sign off from the Bridge
C

The long weekend is here.

I had a great fire side session the other night Jeff and Gooch. I love these guys because we are like minded on lots of issues. We challenged eah other in areas we need to be challenged in. One of the areas is in reading scripture. Guy, I have such a rebellious spirit this way. Once I start reading , it is great. I am walking away with some new to chew on and think about. And i that process, God speaks. The problem is I hate actually sitting down and doing it. I know what you are thinking. Goodness, you are 38 years old, grow up and get it done.

I totally agree.

Jeff and I really feel like the time is now to launch our ministry idea. We have been baking this idea for quite some time and it is finally taking shape. If we are all ministers, what does that look like for you? Your spouse? Your family? Your extended family? Your job? What does that look like. We are convinced that our passion for the next generation is growing more and more. Jeff has a burning passion for youth pastors and leaders, local mission, and serving the community. I have a passions for worship and technical excellence and the emerging church. We both have a passion for the lost. I know I am "skiming" over detail. Jeff and/or I would love to talk to anyone who is more interested in detail.

I guess we have really bought into the Watermark philosphy. You are a minister. Go and "be the church".

I am rambling. I guess what I am saying, and have said before, is this - watch for the opportunity. God will provide the right time, the right person in the right place for you to develop relationships. If we watch how Jesus handled things, he listened; he prayed; he interacted; he served; he provided leadership and vision; he taught; he touched people lives with his message: God is relentlessly pursuing us. He wants to be in right relationship with us.

More thoughts later,
C-man

What a beautiful day?

I am in the tower today. Unbelieveable! there is a slight breeze and the sun is shining. I love watching traffic - water and autos. I turned down a trip on the Lake this morning. Jeff and Tim - friends for long time - were out on the "pond" this morning. I am glad I did. I was sick this morning bad.

This was the first time the cat - Tigger - saw me sick. It is pretty funny, now. Then it wasn't. He could not figure out what was happening. Tigger is an interesting cat. He does some amazing things. More later.

I mentioned eariler I am reading a new book. The book is good. It has helped me focus some things differently. Which always puts me in an evaluation mode. Time is such a precious commodity. We crave more of it and there is only so much. I was conversing with a friend of mine the other day. We were talking about her daughter who just started the 9th grade at a new school. I say new only because it is a different location and different schedule. She was telling me about the summer and the things they were doing together. I could not help to think where did the summer go? What am I doing to make an eternal difference with my own daughter and family. I hate these times in my life because yes it is necessary to go thru but is a painful process.

I am regrouping right now. New job; new cat (well not so new but new experiences); new place to live; My schedule is out of control. Help I have fallen and cannot get up. What? Sorry about that. With the new job, I have alot of time to reflect. God has been showing me new things. It is good. more later.

Well, I need to get back to work.

Plans for the weekend? Make sure you spend it with family and friends.

C

School is back in session

I have been receiving several emails this week from people confessing this: we are so happy school is back in session. I do enjoy the school year. There is a routine to it and a schedule. There is a rhythm.

I hate what it does though. It takes up so much time during the work week. School and homework and extra curricular...do not get me started. Becca's mom and I have be extremely conscience of the amount of time Becca spends outside the classroom. I am convinced she is a better person because we monitor it so heavily.

You may ask why is this coming up? Well, let me tell ya. Gooch gave me a new book to sink my teeth into. Not really; i don't chew on books. So far it is pretty good. The premise is changing up chaos for connected relationships. Now I have not gotten too far in yet - so don't quiz me Gooch - but what I have seen thus far looks great.

Take time; spend with the important ones in your life.

Uncle Carter