This weekend marks the beginning of a spring indoor soccer for my daughter. This is the same team she played with indoor and outdoor in the fall. It is always interesting to watch girls sports at this level - 9-10 year olds. A butterfly can disrupt the entire game.

Now I only mention this because the individuals played well. But the team still lost 12-1. I recently saw the movie Miracle. In the movie, the head coach makes a statement about how teams lose because they rely on individual talent as oppose to the strength of the team. I am thinking there is truth here somewhere.

One of the things I have been revisiting is the necessity of spending time with others. Or as a great friend would say, intentionally living life together. I am convinced that the strength of a group is found in the synergy created or chemistry of the group. The main ingredient being the Holy Spirit. As we invite Christ in to our activities, the more He blesses and participates.

because we need to know,
C-Dude

Going to see The Passion this weekend. I hope it will live up to the hype.

I have been on a path of re-discovery. The focus for me has been in my concept of the church and what is it's function? I have been reading several great books -- which are listed below. I stumbled on an article that had this to say. Thought for the day:

Christ did not equip the disciples to administer institutions but rather to carry out evangelism and discipleship independent of any institution. (Acts 1:8) The marching orders were evangelism and discipleship. Matthew 28: 18-20

WOW. What a concept? I feel like in some many ways I miss the point. Church should be for me, right? The music? The worship style? The sermon? It should all be about me, right?

I am slowly coming to the conclusion that an evolving needs to happen. (Can I say evolve and church in the same thought?) The way that we have traditionally "done church" needs to change. The gospel is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, Hebrews 13:8,but the way we present it, the way we communicate, the relationships we develop, has to change.....

I am thinking there is a sermon there somewhere.

skipping down the path,
C-MAN

I have changed the look of the BLOG. (sounds like a character from Star Trek)

Sorry for the delay.

This weekend in general was great. Weather was a little warmer, spent a great Saturday afternoon and evening with some good friends. And I think our worship team was on fire this week. The flow of the service, the message, the worship, the drama -- EXCELLENT. Then, to top it off, we had a great life group Sunday night. Only bad thing -- NO ALIAS. I am not sure what is happening there. There was a time you could count on a show running for x amount of weeks straight. No ALIAS. They are on; then reruns then not on. YIKES!

We are discussing a John Ortberg book -- Everyone's Normal until you get to know them -- in my life group. Last night was particularly interesting. We were reviewing chapter three -- the fellowship of the mat. Read the book. But here is an excerpt that spoke to me.

There is no ideal community. Community is made up of people with all their richness, but also with their weakness and poverty, of people who accept and forgive each other, who are vulnerable with each other. Humility and trust are more at the foundation of community than perfection.

I am still digesting that. I am reminded of my trip to NYC. There are many people out there hurting, alone and need some acceptance.

Looking for acceptance,
c squared.

Been out of town for a couple days. I had some business activities to tend to in the BIG APPLE. Always interesting going to NYC. Yesterday morning for example, I called a cab to take me to my destination. When I left the motel, I see two individuals stand on the street. Now I do not usually think anything of it,but hey its NY. They were arguing tensely about where the one guy parked his car. WOW. They were almost fist to cuffs. I jumped into the cab. Then a third person entered the argument. It was a black lady who was just walking down the street. She definitely added spice to the argument. After a few minutes of this, one of the guys jumped into the cab. He was my driver. Apparently, he had parked in front of a driveway. And the other guy did not like it.

All this to say, LET IT GO! It is not the big of deal!!!!!

I know. A long way to make a point.

Looking for popcorn,

C-MAN

I have added a section of books I am currently reading. Enjoy.

Thought for the day:

Is it just me or does anyone else find it amazing that our government can track a cow born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she sleeps in the state of Washington. Also they track her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country.

Look for the ACLU (American Cow Liberty Union) to change all that real soon. Cows have rights too.

At the risk of blogging too much in one day, I am.

The sermon was extremely relevant today. It was on the subject of forgiveness. Family, self, God -- forgiveness from all sides. I have been on a change of focus journey. I accepted Christ just before my 17th birthday. Since then, I have been floating in and out of the legalistic side of religion. I attended a four liberal arts Christian college. Holy cow! That was a mouthful. I learned at an early age what the organized church is all about.

Foot note: I am not saying that the organized church is wrong.

I have found that focusing too much on the legalistic side of things can be counterproductive. In fact, I got caught up in it and it actually hurt my relationship with the Lord.

All this to say, I am finding that this journey freeing for me. I am finding that I am growing at a faster rate.

More on this.
Gotta go to my life group - intentionally.
C-Man

Today has been a great day. In fact, this morning was good. I took a needed nap. Just had a great dinner with some dear friends. And now I am waiting for my life group to get together.

It was great to see this family. They had stuck by me through some incredible times. Anyway, the reason my I mention it is because one of the older children was here. He and his new bride were in. They have moved back into the Grand Haven area. Again, I could go into a lot more detail. When I first met this child, he was anti church anti God and the whole concept. When the family would gather to pray over a meal, he would sit there without even closing his eyes. In fact, he verbal would say he did not want anything to do with.

Well, today, this guy and wife attended the same church as the parents. This is so cool because I know the journey this family has went thru and the kids came to this realization on their own.

My point is simple. Relationships are the key to seeing people come to know Christ. We are the tangible example of how people see Christ. The mom and dad could have beat these kids over the head with the bible and chose to love the into coming to church. That to me is exciting.

The encouragement we must take from a story like it is simple. Being an example is a full time job.

Peace,
Carter

Good Monday morning!

Sunday's gathering was awesome. Worship was great! Community time was great! Coffee was ....... and the message I think was right on. I have so much benefited from hear guys like Steve Deur, Steve Thompson and Nate Smith share their lives with us. There passion and vision for where the church should be is outstanding. Enough sucking up.....

I am juggling between several books currently. One is "Adventures in Missing the Point" by Brian McLaren & Tony Campolo. An excellent book! Pick it up....

C

Huge winter storm coming. I can hardly wait for that. My daughter woke up this morning and asked,"Dad, do I have school today?" I said Yes. She said,"I had a dream we were not having school on Thursdays anymore..." Oh to be young again.

Speaking of which, how was that Super Bowl half time show? I read a statistic that said the Janet Jackson picture (exposing herself) was the most searched subject in a 24 hour period! It was first only to one other - the Paris Hilton Porn video.

Now I am not sure how that makes you feel but I have some in different feelings about that. With all the internet has to offer, these were the top two searches in a 24 hour period ever.

Email me your thoughts - carterclark49456@hotmail.com.

Later, gotta go surf some more.......
Carter

Holy cow! It has been a long time since the last Blog. Sorry about that. Things have been a little crazy. Work is going well. I am in a good position and I am having fun; something that has not happened in a long time.

I just returned back from Philly, PA. I was doing a site visit a project I am working on. The place "fried" their audio system. And when I mean fry.....they had a sprinkler go off over the main amp/processing rack. In school, we learn that electronic devices and water do not mix. I was told one time that all electronic equipment is controlled by "black smoke". All electronic pieces have black smoke in them. Just do not let out the black smoke and things will be ok.

MEAP testing this week for my daughter. So it has been a challenge keeping well rested, well fed and motivated. Test taking is not the highest priority in her life. She is singing in a talent show on Thursday evening. Yes the proud dad speaks. I will be there with video camera in hand.

Did you check out watermark's website? Good job to all that have had part in its development.

Peace,
Carter

Check out Watermark's website: http://www.iamwatermark.com/index3.php

Like it; love it; Live it......

Snowing again in West Michigan. WOW! And no school today. My daughter's prayers have been answered.

Well, I have been working 1099 for a company. I was laid off in November. Since round Christmas, I have been working multimedia system design. Thank you Jesus. There are so many people out of work right now. Several people I know personally.

I was driving down the road, headed home from work and saw a car slightly off the road. It seemed as though the driver had just dropped off enough to get stuck. I do not usually do this but l felt like this one I should. I helped the driver get unstuck and had the opportunity to witness for a minute. It was really cool. Talked to them a little about Watermark. She had heard of it but was not sure. I feel like I planted some seeds.

We all have a story. We should share it.

Peace,
c-man

Saturday afternoon and it is snowing in Michigan....can you believe it. Saturdays for me are a time of reconnection. I intentionally slow the pace for at least one day a week. I get up, have some reading & prayer time (oh yeah and coffee). My daughter rolls out of bed later. She then puts the request of the day toghether. I like to take segments of the weekend and let her be in charge - not too much but enough for her to feel valued. She then rquests breakfast. At first this time was pretty quick. But now, she has figured out how it works. She pretty much orders and I cook it. Now she actually is helping cook the meals. Which has been great too.

We had lunch today with a dear friend. His name is jeff. I will ask permission to use his name later. He is the modern day Job in my opinion. It is always amazing the things God has done in and thru his life.

Today we were reviewing his day. With all the snow, he has been very busy as his job relates to the road and safety. These get up very early and take of business in our area and the roads. I am reminded how blessed we are to have people in the county step up and take care of business.

Tomorrow we continue our Story Tellers series. Should be excellent.

Later,
C

Today was awesome. I am not sure if it is because we are having church in the round, or the worship time was right on, or because God met us...but today was great. I am really enjoying getting together at Watermark.

I was asked to be part of the speaking time. Today, we discussed one of our main components - life groups. My slant was how does/did life group involvement impact my life. I can talk for several days I think on this subject. God has shown himself real in so many ways thru my involvement. From answered prayer to great conversation, God has shown Himself true. Interestingly, Seven people were very positive about the things I contribute. While three thought I should be in stand up comedy. I am still evaluating that stats.

It was also good to hear about others from Watermark who are being impacted.

It was also interesting to watch Steve Deur our lead pastor. He apparently injured his knee. Not skiing or playing baseball. No at a restaurant. And Russ's restaurant to boot. Sorry dude. I feel your pain.

Later
C

Well the end of another week is upon us. The weekend is looking promising. I am playing on a worship team this weekend. And WHOA I am speaking as part of the service.

I am excited about this.

Last Sunday two of our original members at Watermark spoke on where is God now. I tell you that was one of the most impacting services. They spoke from their hearts. Very cool.

We also had the challenge of setting the audio/video/lighting systems up to accommodate the service in the "round" or horse shoe as it were. Interesting. The band rocked, sound was great and I think it worked very well.

Back in the saddle again. Holidays were good. I spent some great time with my daughter and family. It is amazing!

Because I had some down time, I started thinking about life changing relevant material. For example, Which super hero is the most useless? There are several candidates. Wonder Woman (no offense to the female gender). I mean lets face it. Her only weapons - wrist bracelets, lasso, and invisible plane. Ok the bracelets can only reflect bullets. When used, the lasso makes a person tell the truth. And the invisible plane. Two problems - 1) how do you find it? and 2) why do you see her flying in the plane while in the air?

Honestly, I think the most useless one is Captain America. Ok cool costume, great voice and the shield. Now lets look at this a minute. He has no real super powers. So he cannot fly, see thru things or mind control. So for a moment, lets look at what would happen if some crisis happened overseas. So we would see Captain America take a taxi to the airport. Then he would have to check his luggage and the shield. Now we are on the plane. And again lets say a terrorist tries to take over the plane. Hey great I am sitting next to Captain America!!! Only then you realize he check his shield!

Too much time on my hand?

Happy New Year!

I just wanted to take a minute to wish all reading a great and merry Christmas. I pray your time with family and friends is excellent. But most of all, I hope you feel a renewal with the Lord Jesus. After all, this is the reason for the season.

I had the opportunity to Christmas carol with some friends. We went to the local hospital and walked the halls singing carols. It was an interesting experience. I have not been caroling in a very long time.

I wonder what types of traditions people are carrying on. Traditions that are handed down from generation to generation. Some how I think because of our changing family structure and values we are changing as well.

What types of traditions are we carrying on? What types of new traditions are we starting?

Merry Christmas!
Carter