There is a part of me that is sad about missing summer. It came and went so fast. Wait a minute? There is no doubt in my mind that the weather is really screwed up right now. But we will take the sun and run I guess.
What a weird week? I am glad it is over. Today is day one and I am happy about that. Recap of the weekend.
Friday: Hung out with some friends and eat pizza and had great conversation. Little shout out to Fiona - the cat. MEOW!
Saturday: Slept in; made breakfast for the Boo; Last soccer game; Soccer team party; help a friend build a fence in his back yard then had a grill out; took the Boo to a movie (New York Minute); Hooked up with Becca's mom; Rounded the evening with some challenging conversation with Jeff and of course that involved a fire.
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday: Gathering. I left my house this morning feeling great about being on time. I have been slacking in being on time for setup. I get almost all the way thru GH and realize, I left my bass guitar at home. ARRG! FOR THE LOVE. Anyway, the band rock; Steve and Steve tag team was awesome; Video went well and as usual Jay and Ben were the Dynamic Tech Duo. Have I mentioned I love participating on the worship team? I do. Mike Morgan - you rock!
Tonight is Core Focus. A time where we gather as a team to review what's happening. Usually a very encouraging time and great to meet see how things are going.
I am struggling to fill out a questionnaire I need to fill out. It is for the up coming district board meeting I have at the end of the month. I totally understand why I need to fill it out. I just am rebelling against it. PRAY THAT DEMON OUT. I know it is childish. But I still don't want to do it.
Deur and I have been talking about the upcoming Willow Creek Leadership Summit. I am EXCITED about doing that. The 3rd and 4th of June I am planning to help out with a benefit concert in Muskegon. It is a benefit for the Muskegon Rescue Mission. It is an evening of praise and worship. Bunch of guys I have not seen in a while; it will be great.
Well, that's all for now.
Off like a dirty shirt,
Becca's dad
Sunday, May 16, 2004
Friday, May 14, 2004
Another Blogger added
Please welcome another good friend of mine to the blog-o-sphere - Matt Furr. Matt and I have known each other for a long time. He is married and lives in New York. In addition, He has one child and another on the way!
With all that spare time, he should have plenty of time to blog.
No pressure, Matt
With all that spare time, he should have plenty of time to blog.
No pressure, Matt
Thursday, May 13, 2004
I do not like the new look
It is not the look, it is the comment section. I like knowing who is sending what comment. I do not know why I am so block headed over this, it is difficult to manipulate the look of the blog. I have come to know this as a piece of myself. So it is personal to me.
With that said, I am behind on the blog stuff. So here is a recap.
Sunday afternoon: Hung out with the life group and the life group's leaders parents. That was fun. And Hey a shout out to Zoe - for looking so good Sunday morning. She had her baby dedication. That was cool. Anyway, good times at Thompson's house.
Monday: Normal hi ho out to work I go day. Monday night I put the finishing touches on my MLG outline. Watermark is offering the opportunity to have mini life groups (MLG). The focus is to gather in a smaller setting with a limited time and scope. Pretty cool concept. It allows people who have smaller chucks of time to commit an opportunity to be in a life group. Anyway, I will be leading some of these - which I am excited about.
Tuesday: Sent the MLG outline to Steve D. and Steve T. In a very encouraging way, ripped the crap out of it, and pieced it back together. I say that, knowing I am going to get some flack. I am exaggering. I asked for them to go it. I asked for the input. And they were both great about it. Just kidding guys.
I also participated in the Watermark Staff lunch. The main topic - how to define Life Groups. WOW! What a great conversation. Talk about tearing it down and building back up. I am very excited to hear how the conversation landed. I had to leave before the final draft. We will find out at the gathering Sunday.
Wednesday - Another day worked. I picked up the Boo at her dance class. We had dinner; did her homework; and went to play soccer together. We have a park very close to my house where Becca & I hang out a lot. I am committed to losing weight. So part of that processing is great out and exercising. So, Becca schooled me on the art of soccer. She is pretty go for her age and it was fun getting beat by her. Then we went home and I started on a survey I need to do for an evaluation coming up.
I am sure I commented on this before. But I am working on getting licensed and ordained thru the Wesleyan church as a pastor - it scares me too just typing those words. At the end of this month I will be meeting with the District Board to talk about me, where I think God is heading and ministry in the Wesleyan church. A little scary meeting. Should be good though. I am half excited about it.
That's all for now. Need to run out and get some lunch.
From the point of no return.
Carter
With that said, I am behind on the blog stuff. So here is a recap.
Sunday afternoon: Hung out with the life group and the life group's leaders parents. That was fun. And Hey a shout out to Zoe - for looking so good Sunday morning. She had her baby dedication. That was cool. Anyway, good times at Thompson's house.
Monday: Normal hi ho out to work I go day. Monday night I put the finishing touches on my MLG outline. Watermark is offering the opportunity to have mini life groups (MLG). The focus is to gather in a smaller setting with a limited time and scope. Pretty cool concept. It allows people who have smaller chucks of time to commit an opportunity to be in a life group. Anyway, I will be leading some of these - which I am excited about.
Tuesday: Sent the MLG outline to Steve D. and Steve T. In a very encouraging way, ripped the crap out of it, and pieced it back together. I say that, knowing I am going to get some flack. I am exaggering. I asked for them to go it. I asked for the input. And they were both great about it. Just kidding guys.
I also participated in the Watermark Staff lunch. The main topic - how to define Life Groups. WOW! What a great conversation. Talk about tearing it down and building back up. I am very excited to hear how the conversation landed. I had to leave before the final draft. We will find out at the gathering Sunday.
Wednesday - Another day worked. I picked up the Boo at her dance class. We had dinner; did her homework; and went to play soccer together. We have a park very close to my house where Becca & I hang out a lot. I am committed to losing weight. So part of that processing is great out and exercising. So, Becca schooled me on the art of soccer. She is pretty go for her age and it was fun getting beat by her. Then we went home and I started on a survey I need to do for an evaluation coming up.
I am sure I commented on this before. But I am working on getting licensed and ordained thru the Wesleyan church as a pastor - it scares me too just typing those words. At the end of this month I will be meeting with the District Board to talk about me, where I think God is heading and ministry in the Wesleyan church. A little scary meeting. Should be good though. I am half excited about it.
That's all for now. Need to run out and get some lunch.
From the point of no return.
Carter
Monday, May 10, 2004
Friday, May 07, 2004
I received a harassing email today. I apparently have not blogged enough.
What a week. Yes, my birthday was this week. I fully expected more cards than I received - (2) to be exact - but I guess that is the way it is. My parents did not even send me a card. In fact, I talked to my dad on my b-day and he forgot. I received a call this morning wishing me a happy birthday from him. Better late than never I guess. I did receive two phone calls. Shout out to the Thompson family and Theresa V. for their efforts in making my birthday a little better. I really appreciated it! A special shout out to Jessica T. for the awesome cake - even though she did not think so. (I am single. Home made food of any type ROCKS!!!) I spent my b-day in the back of a car traveling to Indianapolis. As exciting as that sounds, it was not. Now don't get me wrong. The individuals I was with are great. We had great conversation; I napped a few times. To clarify, we needed to meet with some customers. So off we went. It is just difficult spending the day of my birth traveling. I am done whining.
Thursday night was spent getting a hair cut for the Becca. I don't know. But it seems that it is becoming more of a production to get the hair actually cut. There is the washing and drying; highlighting and trimming and styling and blah blah blah. She is worth it. Am I whining again?
CAMPFIRE THIS WEEKEND! Can't wait. If it does not happen at Johnson's, I am going to have a campfire some where. Watch you local news for updates.....
Tonight - low key. Games and ice cream.
Nothing spiritual today - except man it is a beautiful day here in west michigan.
Out,
C
What a week. Yes, my birthday was this week. I fully expected more cards than I received - (2) to be exact - but I guess that is the way it is. My parents did not even send me a card. In fact, I talked to my dad on my b-day and he forgot. I received a call this morning wishing me a happy birthday from him. Better late than never I guess. I did receive two phone calls. Shout out to the Thompson family and Theresa V. for their efforts in making my birthday a little better. I really appreciated it! A special shout out to Jessica T. for the awesome cake - even though she did not think so. (I am single. Home made food of any type ROCKS!!!) I spent my b-day in the back of a car traveling to Indianapolis. As exciting as that sounds, it was not. Now don't get me wrong. The individuals I was with are great. We had great conversation; I napped a few times. To clarify, we needed to meet with some customers. So off we went. It is just difficult spending the day of my birth traveling. I am done whining.
Thursday night was spent getting a hair cut for the Becca. I don't know. But it seems that it is becoming more of a production to get the hair actually cut. There is the washing and drying; highlighting and trimming and styling and blah blah blah. She is worth it. Am I whining again?
CAMPFIRE THIS WEEKEND! Can't wait. If it does not happen at Johnson's, I am going to have a campfire some where. Watch you local news for updates.....
Tonight - low key. Games and ice cream.
Nothing spiritual today - except man it is a beautiful day here in west michigan.
Out,
C
Monday, May 03, 2004
Well it is Monday morning. The 2nd day of the week. That is a habit I picked up for SLWC. Yesterday was DAY ONE. In some regard it is good to think of it this way.
Speaking of the weekend. The RECAP:
Friday night was great. Becca and I went to visit some dear friends. Not deer, Deurty, dear. It was great. Becca gets along great with their daughter. I get along great with the parents. They get along with me. It is a win-win-win scenario. Is that possible? Anyway, I was able to get some really needed insight into an issue I am dealing with. THAT WAS GOOD. The only thing I feel really bad about staying as late as we did. So to them I apologize publicly. I hope the soccer game went well.
Saturday - I am such a bad dad. It was cold. I went to the wrong soccer field. And Becca did not have a coat. In fact, I had a short sleeve T-shirt on and it was cold. The game was a Mulligans Hollow. Which for you non-Grand Haveners is right near the channel which leads to Lake Michigan. The wind and rain at times was cold. Did I mention is was cold? Thank God, Becca's responsible parent - her mom - was there to save the day. When it was all said and done, the score was close, we had hot chocolate and it was good and the girl was happy. Which of course makes dad happy.
So we went to the library to do some research on the movie Mean Girls. Becca really wanted to see it because of the actress whose name I am not remembering right now. Anyway, in this case, thank God for the internet. The reviews are not very good and certainly not appropriate for a 10 year old. So we saw Ella enchanted instead. Again, the girl was happy and dad happy too.
Sunday morning - Yes, I am pleased to announce, after several phone calls from caring people Sunday morning, that I made it to the gathering on time. WAAHOO! Thompson hit a home run as far as I can say. Great service. Band was on! The theme for the morning was on prayer. What is the prayer life all about? It is great to part of Watermark. It is always so funny. 9:50 rolls around - hardly anyone there. 9:55 - slightly more but still not many. 10:03 the place is rocking with people. It is funny to watch.
Sunday afternoon was all screwed up. No life group last night. Thompson's - group leaders - headed east for some lame reason. Ok, it was not lame - I am bitter. A friend of theirs showed up from England. I will pray about my attitude. Johnson's had a way busy weekend - including Jeff working second shift. They served all day for the Science O group. Which BTW, will be headed to the national competition. Again, congrats to Ross and all on that team!! That just left me and the kitten to hang out and relax.
On AMC, Star Trek III was playing. I only bring it up because the graphics were so lame. It is amazing how far we have come in the CGI world to make things look so real. Anyway, I am glad they found Spock. What would the rest of the saga be without him?
Off to work I go, hi ho hi ho
C-man
Speaking of the weekend. The RECAP:
Friday night was great. Becca and I went to visit some dear friends. Not deer, Deurty, dear. It was great. Becca gets along great with their daughter. I get along great with the parents. They get along with me. It is a win-win-win scenario. Is that possible? Anyway, I was able to get some really needed insight into an issue I am dealing with. THAT WAS GOOD. The only thing I feel really bad about staying as late as we did. So to them I apologize publicly. I hope the soccer game went well.
Saturday - I am such a bad dad. It was cold. I went to the wrong soccer field. And Becca did not have a coat. In fact, I had a short sleeve T-shirt on and it was cold. The game was a Mulligans Hollow. Which for you non-Grand Haveners is right near the channel which leads to Lake Michigan. The wind and rain at times was cold. Did I mention is was cold? Thank God, Becca's responsible parent - her mom - was there to save the day. When it was all said and done, the score was close, we had hot chocolate and it was good and the girl was happy. Which of course makes dad happy.
So we went to the library to do some research on the movie Mean Girls. Becca really wanted to see it because of the actress whose name I am not remembering right now. Anyway, in this case, thank God for the internet. The reviews are not very good and certainly not appropriate for a 10 year old. So we saw Ella enchanted instead. Again, the girl was happy and dad happy too.
Sunday morning - Yes, I am pleased to announce, after several phone calls from caring people Sunday morning, that I made it to the gathering on time. WAAHOO! Thompson hit a home run as far as I can say. Great service. Band was on! The theme for the morning was on prayer. What is the prayer life all about? It is great to part of Watermark. It is always so funny. 9:50 rolls around - hardly anyone there. 9:55 - slightly more but still not many. 10:03 the place is rocking with people. It is funny to watch.
Sunday afternoon was all screwed up. No life group last night. Thompson's - group leaders - headed east for some lame reason. Ok, it was not lame - I am bitter. A friend of theirs showed up from England. I will pray about my attitude. Johnson's had a way busy weekend - including Jeff working second shift. They served all day for the Science O group. Which BTW, will be headed to the national competition. Again, congrats to Ross and all on that team!! That just left me and the kitten to hang out and relax.
On AMC, Star Trek III was playing. I only bring it up because the graphics were so lame. It is amazing how far we have come in the CGI world to make things look so real. Anyway, I am glad they found Spock. What would the rest of the saga be without him?
Off to work I go, hi ho hi ho
C-man
Sunday, May 02, 2004
A friend sent this to me. I thought it was good enough to blog.
TWENTY TRUTHS TO REMEMBER IN 2004
1. Faith is the ability to not panic.
2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.
3. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.
4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still. So He can untangle the knot.
6. Do the math. Count your blessings.
7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
10. Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.
11. The most important things in your home are the people.
12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.
13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.
14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
16. We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast,so enjoy your precious moments.
17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it, otherwise it's just hearsay.
18. It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.
19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage
and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.
20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are.
TWENTY TRUTHS TO REMEMBER IN 2004
1. Faith is the ability to not panic.
2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.
3. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.
4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still. So He can untangle the knot.
6. Do the math. Count your blessings.
7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
10. Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.
11. The most important things in your home are the people.
12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.
13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.
14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
16. We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast,so enjoy your precious moments.
17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it, otherwise it's just hearsay.
18. It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.
19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage
and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.
20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are.
Friday, April 30, 2004
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Well, I had made the statement I would update on the weekend later. It is much later and I am willing to comment. We had a great celebration Friday night. Lots of people over to the Johnson's house to celebrate the life of Lela. It was great. Great conversation; great worship music; great food; and pockets of prayer. That was awesome. Jeff took a few minutes and shared some things. It was a very pleasant time.
Saturday was great daughter time. She had a soccer game where they did very well. Then we hung out. Played some games; watched a movie. It was great one on one time.
Sunday, as you know, I overslept for the gathering. I cannot tell you how disappointed I am for doing that. I really miss it. The afternoon was spent cleaning and not doing much. Sunday evening - birthday celebration at the Johnson's and on to life group. Pretty lame group Sunday night; I don't mind saying. Hung out and had a great time.
Jeff and I had a camp fire Saturday night. Some great conversation and accountability for two guys trying to figure out what they want to be when they grow up. We felt the Spirit. I will fill in more details as time goes on - ministry, life, CFM that kinds of stuff.
for now, I am out
C
Saturday was great daughter time. She had a soccer game where they did very well. Then we hung out. Played some games; watched a movie. It was great one on one time.
Sunday, as you know, I overslept for the gathering. I cannot tell you how disappointed I am for doing that. I really miss it. The afternoon was spent cleaning and not doing much. Sunday evening - birthday celebration at the Johnson's and on to life group. Pretty lame group Sunday night; I don't mind saying. Hung out and had a great time.
Jeff and I had a camp fire Saturday night. Some great conversation and accountability for two guys trying to figure out what they want to be when they grow up. We felt the Spirit. I will fill in more details as time goes on - ministry, life, CFM that kinds of stuff.
for now, I am out
C
I am in a rough mood this morning. I did not sleep well and that sucks. The kitten was a source of my lack of sleep; but not the primary. I am struggling with a decision I need to make. I am sure it will adversely effect several relationships I have and it sucks.
Prayer for direction would be great.
And on that note, much work needs to be done.
C
Prayer for direction would be great.
And on that note, much work needs to be done.
C
Sunday, April 25, 2004
I am a loser. I got up this morning and was feeling great about going to the gathering. Jumped in the shower, shaved, got dressed, played with the kitten, I decided to sit down for a minute. I woke up to a call from Steve T. asking me a question about the multimedia. I thought I better not put my head down again. Next thing I knew, I was getting another call from Thompson asking another question and yes it was 11:00. yikes!
more on the weekend later.
I am blogging more than Thompson,
Heh Heh Heh
C-man
more on the weekend later.
I am blogging more than Thompson,
Heh Heh Heh
C-man
Friday, April 23, 2004
So this week's gathering will be about worship. I am excited about that. Don't miss it; it will be good.
At the being of the every, I always go thru a process of review. What good/bad things happened over the previous year? It is a good time of reflection and it helps me focus on the upcoming year. Around my birthday, I run thru the same process. Only it is longer period of time review. I look over previous journals, pray, talk to close friends to identify good/bad habits I am developing.
So that time is here again. It is usually difficult for me because the issues I feel God wants me to tackle are tough ones. No pain, no gain, right?
Why don't children come with owner's manuals? Or a video or CD series? As part of this process, I evaluate how I am doing as a father. This is why the manual would be handy. It is amazing how many new things I learn about my daughter. I was thinking of Deurty's revelation about his kids. He stated he cannot assume he knows his children without spending time communicating with them. This is so true! Amazing. I thank God for my daughter. She is a great kid. I just don't want to screw up with her. You know, I am not sure where this boat is floating. I guess I a=m trying to work out in mind own mind some things and I just needed to get it on paper. Thanks for reading.
All that to say, it is Friday; I am vertical, converting oxygen into carbon dioxide; and the weekend is here. Thank you Jesus. I did not have to travel to CA either. That little trip has been postponed.
More later
C
At the being of the every, I always go thru a process of review. What good/bad things happened over the previous year? It is a good time of reflection and it helps me focus on the upcoming year. Around my birthday, I run thru the same process. Only it is longer period of time review. I look over previous journals, pray, talk to close friends to identify good/bad habits I am developing.
So that time is here again. It is usually difficult for me because the issues I feel God wants me to tackle are tough ones. No pain, no gain, right?
Why don't children come with owner's manuals? Or a video or CD series? As part of this process, I evaluate how I am doing as a father. This is why the manual would be handy. It is amazing how many new things I learn about my daughter. I was thinking of Deurty's revelation about his kids. He stated he cannot assume he knows his children without spending time communicating with them. This is so true! Amazing. I thank God for my daughter. She is a great kid. I just don't want to screw up with her. You know, I am not sure where this boat is floating. I guess I a=m trying to work out in mind own mind some things and I just needed to get it on paper. Thanks for reading.
All that to say, it is Friday; I am vertical, converting oxygen into carbon dioxide; and the weekend is here. Thank you Jesus. I did not have to travel to CA either. That little trip has been postponed.
More later
C
Thursday, April 22, 2004
I am looking for feedback. I have been hearing ALOT lately about being relevant. What does that mean or is this another "christian ease" thing?
In other news, I went with some friends to see Riverdance last night. Wow. What an experience. Leave it to the Irish to create dance where you can dance and not spill your beer. Sound was great. Lighting and effects awesome. Band was incredible. Media was right on. The crowd was lively and that impacts the performance.
I have been thinking. (whenever you read those words, be afraid. be very afraid) I found myself doing this last night. I have a hard time just sitting and enjoying a show. This spills into other parts of my life. Movies, tv, concerts, church. So where am I going? Performance worship, technical excellence and the spirit of God. I am sure there is a balance with all of these. I am trying to find a balance. Thoughts?
This weekend is a celebration of a girl's life. The Johnson's are having a gathering at their house celebrating the life of their daughter, Lela. It was a year ago Lela died. What a great kid. I have seen God be so real in this last 2 years with this girl, this family, and that couple. I have mixed emotions. Jeff and Kathy (the Johnsons) are wanting a very positive night. I cannot help to be sad though when I think about her.
Well, it is time to do some work.
I am out,
c
In other news, I went with some friends to see Riverdance last night. Wow. What an experience. Leave it to the Irish to create dance where you can dance and not spill your beer. Sound was great. Lighting and effects awesome. Band was incredible. Media was right on. The crowd was lively and that impacts the performance.
I have been thinking. (whenever you read those words, be afraid. be very afraid) I found myself doing this last night. I have a hard time just sitting and enjoying a show. This spills into other parts of my life. Movies, tv, concerts, church. So where am I going? Performance worship, technical excellence and the spirit of God. I am sure there is a balance with all of these. I am trying to find a balance. Thoughts?
This weekend is a celebration of a girl's life. The Johnson's are having a gathering at their house celebrating the life of their daughter, Lela. It was a year ago Lela died. What a great kid. I have seen God be so real in this last 2 years with this girl, this family, and that couple. I have mixed emotions. Jeff and Kathy (the Johnsons) are wanting a very positive night. I cannot help to be sad though when I think about her.
Well, it is time to do some work.
I am out,
c
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
I cannot believe it has been almost a week since I blogged last. Yikes. It is not that I do not have anything relevant to say; it is finding the time to do so.
My bug right now has to do with the gas prices. I am SOOOO annoyed with it. It is ridiculous that we are paying so much money for a gallon of gas.
Whine whine whine. I know. I know. The real issue for me is this: 1. I am captive because of the car. I do not have an alternate form of transportation. 2. I just had my taxes done. And as usual a check had to be written for that. 3. My b-day is coming up. This is a big one - license renewal, car plates renewal, registration renewal. Oh much money is leaving me right now and it sucks.
Whine whine whine
broken in Spring Lake
My bug right now has to do with the gas prices. I am SOOOO annoyed with it. It is ridiculous that we are paying so much money for a gallon of gas.
Whine whine whine. I know. I know. The real issue for me is this: 1. I am captive because of the car. I do not have an alternate form of transportation. 2. I just had my taxes done. And as usual a check had to be written for that. 3. My b-day is coming up. This is a big one - license renewal, car plates renewal, registration renewal. Oh much money is leaving me right now and it sucks.
Whine whine whine
broken in Spring Lake
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
I was talking with a friend the other day. He had commented that he had read my blog and wanted to be more like me in his intentional relationships. I said what the.....I did not realize that people actually read this mess and some are even influenced by it.
So I starting thinking - which is usually a bad thing for me but - that I am no one special. I am a new creation in Christ. Not because of something I did but because of what He did. So then I was thinking, what would I pass on to others not as far down the path as I am. Learn. Read. Pray. Worship. And look for opportunities.I am not the person I am today because of something magical, but because of the experiences I have had.
So I stopped for gas this morning on my way to work. The gal behind the counter was someone I had not seen in a long time. It was cool to reconnect with her. She was sharing she is taking classes at SLWC. And I came up in conversation. Now, at this point, a million things run thru my mind. WoW. The insecurity that follow. I said whut? She commented that one of the pastors was talking a situation while I was on staff there. It was the 1st time I went to an "on call" situation. As a staff member at church, you have to opportunity to minister. One way was the "on call" phone. This is a cell phone that people could call if they are struggling or need prayer or to talk to a pastor. Guy, I hated that phone. I was intimidating for me. Insecurity, yada yada. What would I say if someone need prayer????? Anyway, This was the 1st pregnancy I went to and this pastor was with me. Now Pastor Pete is a great guy. I have benefited from my relationship with him, his insight and his wisdom. So he and I went on this call together. We barely made it in, prayed and out before she had that baby. In fact, the dad barely made it.
WOW. How to tie all this up? The fact of the matter is this. I am the person I am today because of hundreds of growing and teaching moments in my life. God has provided people and situations to cause me to grow - much of the time while I am kicking and screaming. I have resolved myself to certain things. One of them is serving. I look for the opportunity and do it.
Get immersed.
Ranting and raving,
c-ster
So I starting thinking - which is usually a bad thing for me but - that I am no one special. I am a new creation in Christ. Not because of something I did but because of what He did. So then I was thinking, what would I pass on to others not as far down the path as I am. Learn. Read. Pray. Worship. And look for opportunities.I am not the person I am today because of something magical, but because of the experiences I have had.
So I stopped for gas this morning on my way to work. The gal behind the counter was someone I had not seen in a long time. It was cool to reconnect with her. She was sharing she is taking classes at SLWC. And I came up in conversation. Now, at this point, a million things run thru my mind. WoW. The insecurity that follow. I said whut? She commented that one of the pastors was talking a situation while I was on staff there. It was the 1st time I went to an "on call" situation. As a staff member at church, you have to opportunity to minister. One way was the "on call" phone. This is a cell phone that people could call if they are struggling or need prayer or to talk to a pastor. Guy, I hated that phone. I was intimidating for me. Insecurity, yada yada. What would I say if someone need prayer????? Anyway, This was the 1st pregnancy I went to and this pastor was with me. Now Pastor Pete is a great guy. I have benefited from my relationship with him, his insight and his wisdom. So he and I went on this call together. We barely made it in, prayed and out before she had that baby. In fact, the dad barely made it.
WOW. How to tie all this up? The fact of the matter is this. I am the person I am today because of hundreds of growing and teaching moments in my life. God has provided people and situations to cause me to grow - much of the time while I am kicking and screaming. I have resolved myself to certain things. One of them is serving. I look for the opportunity and do it.
Get immersed.
Ranting and raving,
c-ster
Monday, April 12, 2004
Ok I do not usually do this. But I ran across this story and thought it was interesting:
They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-three
students filling into the already crowded auditorium. With rich
maroon gowns flowing and the traditional caps, they looked almost
as grown up as they felt.
Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and moms
freely brushed away tears. This class would not pray during the
commencements ----- not by choice but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it.
The principal and several students were careful to stay
within the guidelines allowed by the ruling. They gave inspirational
and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance
and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families.
The speeches were nice, but they were routine...until
the final speech received a standing ovation. A solitary student walked
proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a
moment, and then, it happened. All 92 students, every single one of them, suddenly
SNEEZED!!!!
The student on stage simply looked at the audience and said,
"GOD BLESS YOU, each and every one of you!" And he walked
off stage...
The audience exploded into applause. The graduating class
found a unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future
with or without the court's approval.
Rollin, rollin, rollin
c-ster
They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-three
students filling into the already crowded auditorium. With rich
maroon gowns flowing and the traditional caps, they looked almost
as grown up as they felt.
Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and moms
freely brushed away tears. This class would not pray during the
commencements ----- not by choice but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it.
The principal and several students were careful to stay
within the guidelines allowed by the ruling. They gave inspirational
and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance
and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families.
The speeches were nice, but they were routine...until
the final speech received a standing ovation. A solitary student walked
proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a
moment, and then, it happened. All 92 students, every single one of them, suddenly
SNEEZED!!!!
The student on stage simply looked at the audience and said,
"GOD BLESS YOU, each and every one of you!" And he walked
off stage...
The audience exploded into applause. The graduating class
found a unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future
with or without the court's approval.
Rollin, rollin, rollin
c-ster
Friday, April 09, 2004
I am looking forward to this weekend. I love weekends. My weekends consist of spending time with my daughter, life group and gatherings at Watermark. Pretty awesome ways to spend weekends. This is always a great one though. It is Easter weekend. A weekend reserved for Easter egg hunts, marshmallow bunnies and chocolate. WHAT? No, this is the weekend for celebrating Christ's resurrection from the grave. What hope that brings? The knowledge that Christ did what he did for us.
Which brings me to the movie the Passion. I blogged a while ago about it. This is just a follow up note. I wonder how many non-religious people went to see it. I am curious how many Christians took the time to drag a friend along to see it. I am embarrassed to admit that I have encouraged some to see it, but did not go with them myself. I have had lots of conversations about it -- mostly with Christians. I think this is one of the problems with the organized church today. We are comfortable talking and communicating within our circle, but not outside it.
I was at a meeting last Wednesday night. The purpose of the meeting was to coordinate volunteer effort to impact a local ministry effort. Sidebar -- I am a supporter of global outreach. I defend the concept. I believe in the concept. I just think we miss the point when it comes to what the mission field is. We have MANY MANY MANY hurting people right here in our local communities. Sorry about that -- little passion showing thru. The guy coordinating the effort is a good friend of mine. I know his heart on this issue. His whole drive has been to pull the community together, combine our resources and change peoples lives. He is well connected with several local missions agencies and is well respected by them as well. As he addressed this pitiful small group. Sidebar -- Ok I am sore on this point I realize. The meeting was well promoted in this church and there were 10 guys who showed up. Ten guys who said I will serve. Show me the way. I will drop that point --for now.
Anyway as the meeting started and Jeff began to share his heart, there were several guys starting to stir. You could clearly see they had something to add. So, Jeff opened it up for conversation. It was amazing to me to see us come to consensus on several things. 1. The church remains divided. We are so concerned, as believers, about our own church walls that we do not see the opportunities to minister. We put on those blinders and say oh well they can handle it. Or if the wesleyans are involved I want no part..... We need to get over ourselves. 2. We must come together. We need to put our differences aside and serve one another. Together Everyone Achieves More. Think about the local outreach impact on our community if we all came together and choose to serve as -- what -- Christ called us to do.
I am as guilty as the next. That does not mean we should not look for the opportunity to serve, to touch someone's life, to share or pray with some one.
I think I could preach a sermon.
Have a great Easter celebration,
Becca's dad.
Which brings me to the movie the Passion. I blogged a while ago about it. This is just a follow up note. I wonder how many non-religious people went to see it. I am curious how many Christians took the time to drag a friend along to see it. I am embarrassed to admit that I have encouraged some to see it, but did not go with them myself. I have had lots of conversations about it -- mostly with Christians. I think this is one of the problems with the organized church today. We are comfortable talking and communicating within our circle, but not outside it.
I was at a meeting last Wednesday night. The purpose of the meeting was to coordinate volunteer effort to impact a local ministry effort. Sidebar -- I am a supporter of global outreach. I defend the concept. I believe in the concept. I just think we miss the point when it comes to what the mission field is. We have MANY MANY MANY hurting people right here in our local communities. Sorry about that -- little passion showing thru. The guy coordinating the effort is a good friend of mine. I know his heart on this issue. His whole drive has been to pull the community together, combine our resources and change peoples lives. He is well connected with several local missions agencies and is well respected by them as well. As he addressed this pitiful small group. Sidebar -- Ok I am sore on this point I realize. The meeting was well promoted in this church and there were 10 guys who showed up. Ten guys who said I will serve. Show me the way. I will drop that point --for now.
Anyway as the meeting started and Jeff began to share his heart, there were several guys starting to stir. You could clearly see they had something to add. So, Jeff opened it up for conversation. It was amazing to me to see us come to consensus on several things. 1. The church remains divided. We are so concerned, as believers, about our own church walls that we do not see the opportunities to minister. We put on those blinders and say oh well they can handle it. Or if the wesleyans are involved I want no part..... We need to get over ourselves. 2. We must come together. We need to put our differences aside and serve one another. Together Everyone Achieves More. Think about the local outreach impact on our community if we all came together and choose to serve as -- what -- Christ called us to do.
I am as guilty as the next. That does not mean we should not look for the opportunity to serve, to touch someone's life, to share or pray with some one.
I think I could preach a sermon.
Have a great Easter celebration,
Becca's dad.
Thursday, April 08, 2004
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