First, Know What and What is Not the Evil Empire

I frequently browse various job sites, Craigslist, etc., to see what jobs are available for a cartographer in Seattle. Today I was looking on Craigslist under the Customer Service heading. One listing was shown as "Brown Paper Tickets" so I clicked the link. The ad began, Hi! Brown Paper Tickets is the first and only free-trade ticketing service. We are the grassroots rival to Ticketmaster, and we need your help to overturn the evil empire! It went on to describe what skills the successful candidate must possess. The very, very first qualification insisted that the applicant be Proficient with Windows XP, sending and receiving e-mail, working with a multiple-line phone system, and other computer savvy projects as they come your way.

The very problem here is that Microsoft, not Ticketmaster, is the evil empire. Wake up people!

Truck hits Port-a-Potty in Ottawa County: Man inside

This is from WZZM Channel 13's Website...

Created: 10/17/2007 7:09:11 PM

Updated: 10/18/2007 8:38:34 AM

Ottawa County - A man who was using a Port-a-John when it was knocked over by a garbage truck is recovering from minor injuries.

It happened Wednesday at a construction site in Blendon Township.

The garbage truck was turning when the back end hit the portable toilet knocking it over on its side with the man inside. The man was able to get out on his own.

He was taken to the hospital with shoulder pain.

Project Mayhem

Wikipedia gives a brief synopsis of Project Mayhem. "As the fight club's membership grows (and, unbeknownst to the narrator, spreads to other cities across the country), Tyler begins to use it to spread anti-consumerist ideas and recruits its members to participate in increasingly elaborate attacks on corporate America. This was originally the narrator's idea, but Tyler takes control from him. Tyler eventually gathers the most devoted fight club members (referred to as "space monkeys") and forms 'Project Mayhem', a cult-like organization that trains itself as an army to bring down modern civilization."

Last night, Johnny Sherpa planned Project Mayhem for my house. He recruited a bunch of guys to move bricks and debris, remove more bricks from the front of the house, and to rebuild the inner structure of the wall that was damaged. The men humbled me by their unselfishness to do a lot of grunt labor, and their willingness to show an act of love to me and my family. These are a group of men I am proud to love and call my brothers. Not because of what they do for me, but because they would do this for anyone.

Exploring The Hidden Questions of Our Heart

from The Ransomed Heart - Daily Readings e-mail...

It is possible to recover the lost life of our heart and with it the intimacy, beauty, and adventure of life with God. To do so we must leave what is familiar and comfortable—perhaps even parts of the religion in which we have come to trust—and take a journey. This journey first takes us on a search for the lost life of our heart, and for the voice that once called us in those secret places; those places and times when our heart was still with us. The pilgrimage of the heart leads us to remember together what it was that first engaged us in deep ways as children: “. . . anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it,” said Jesus (Mark 10:15).

Our journey will take us to explore the hidden questions of our heart, born out of the stories of our lives. It is only by leaving home and taking a pilgrimage that we will begin to see how our own stories are interwoven with the great Romance God has been telling since before the dawn of time. It is on this pilgrimage that we begin to see that each of us has a part in the cosmic love affair that was created specifically with us in mind. Last, this pilgrimage brings us to the destination, set within all of our hearts, which in some way we have known, longed for, and been haunted by since we were children.

...Our journey begins by asking questions, putting words to the movements of the heart. “What is this restlessness and emptiness I feel, sometimes long years into my Christian journey? What does the spiritual life have to do with the rest of my life? What is it that is set so deeply in my heart, experienced as a longing for adventure and romance, that simply will not leave me alone? Does it have anything to do with God? What is it that he wants from me? Has he been speaking to me through my heart all along? When did I stop listening? When did his voice first call to me?”

(The Sacred Romance, 10,11)

Soccer

Saturday was an interesting soccer game. Sam played goalie for the first quarter and the third quarter. Even though he was scored on three times in the first quarter, he did an amazing job. A 6 year old can only make so many saves when the ball never seems to leave the goal area.

An interesting part of the game was when the ref came over to our coach and said, "please quit harassing me." Yeah, our coach was on him. Yeah, the ref is probably 17 and doesn't "teach" much on the field (as these kids are only 6 and 7). Yeah, the ref misses most of the calls. He, like us, is probably glad that there is one week left to the season. I bet he hates us.

Even though our team was beaten royally - I lost count after it was 8 to 0 - I was so proud of Sam. He played so hard.

Happy Birthday Nana!

Yesterday was Jean's mom's birthday. Jean's mom and dad came up for dinner, and were gracious enough to bring my mom. They got out of the van, and I could see the look of horror on each of their faces. Each of them looked very, very disturbed. It was because of the exterior of our house... I think Nana had a happy birthday anyway...

My Day Off So Far

We are selling our house soon. The brick on our house has issues. Well, much of our house has issues, but that is another story. The front steps have been pulling away from the house since we've owned it, which has pulled the brick retaining wall away from the house. Some water has also gotten behind the brickwork on the front of the house. I am not sure which came first, the water behind the brick or the steps pulling away from the house. I think it is the steps pulling away from the house. The step raiser people are still another 2 weeks out. I can't really do much more in terms of repair, or destruction for that matter, until the steps are raised. back into place to halt their sinking and pulling.

Corner Gas

We have simple basic cable. We probably only have cable tv because we need cable internet for Jean's job. Having basic cable and cable internet is the same cost as having just cable internet.

Superstation WGN began airing Corner Gas this fall. Most nights the air it really late, long long after I fall asleep. But, on Wednesdays they air it earlier in the evening. Corner Gas is set in a fictional town called Dog River in Saskatchewan Canada. It has similar flashback humor as Scrubs, but it is funnier. At least funnier to someone who has the same Canadian humor that I do. It's a good, good funny.

Catalyst 2007

This was the best Catalyst ever. For me, it was the best group of speakers that have been lined up, and they delivered. WOW! Thursday in the parking lot David and I prayed for Catalyst. Part of my prayer was just being thankful for David taking me to Catalyst for the first time in 2002, and realizing how God has used that to change my life and direction significantly over the past 5 years. God really used Friday morning's talk of "Practical Atheist" to rock me and where I have been during the last 12 months or so.

A Belated Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

Catalyst Eve

Yesterday I was sitting at my desk at work at about 4:15 PM and it hit me – this could be my last Catalyst Conference for a very, very long time. I got choked up.

Last night I asked Alina if she was going to take me to the airport. She said, "No. I can't drive." This morning Jean and the kids took me to the airport. Jean drove. The flights were uneventful. The didn't crash or anything. A very small plane out of Grand Rapids to Fonzie's town. I remembered during the flight that I hate the feeling that the plane has just stalled...

Right now, I'm camped out in the Atlanta airport. I'll probably be here until 5 PM or so until David gets out of work and picks me up. Until then I will read a little, watch a DVD or two (I only brought Fight Club, and the 2006 Catalyst Sessions – I watched nearly all of Andy Stanley between Milwaukee and Atlanta), and IM with Jean.

Dropping Weight Pt II

Not only am I dropping weight, but our household is dropping weight. We are getting rid of a ton of stuff we just don't use or need. Not only is the money nice, but we don't want to have to transport a bunch of unneeded burdens with us across the country.

We're in a bit of a slow spell right now. We've sold a lot of the goodies. Tools. Toys. Electronics. Right now, the big prayer request is the sale of the blue beast. In my prayers I tell Jesus that He may know a reason why we need to keep it that we just don't see, but for as little as I can see it would be nice to be rid of it.

Sam

Sam is funny. Yesterday he spent the rest of his afternoon with me at the office. After he finished his homework he wanted to go see Ann in another part of the office. I figured he wanted to go because she gives him food. And, these days, Sam is always hungry. I told him he couldn't ask for food. On his way to Ann's desk I called her and said that I told him he couldn't ask for food. They talked for a while. She asked him if he would like some gum. He said, "Sure." She said, "Do you think we should ask your dad?" She told me he winked at her and said, "He won't care." Later, Ann grabbed his ear and said, "Sam, you are SO CUTE!" He shrugged his shoulders and said, "I know." Oh Sam.

Farside

Dropping Weight Pt I

Today before my workout I weighed myself and measured my girth. The scales tell me I have lost 14 lbs. this summer, and my tape measure shows that I've taken 3" off my girth. I feel great! But, my clothes don't fit. Jean teases me when I wear jeans. "Your poor pants," she says. "My poor hips!", I reply.

What is my secret? Eating a little less, bike riding while my family sleeps, as well as with Johnny Sherpa and the rest of the boyz on Tuesday nights prior to study, and a big bowl of ice cream before bed.

Could it Get Any BETTER?????

Last night was a great night. A great ride. Small group was powerful. I had an awesome, awesome talk with Jean when I got home. I felt like I was on a high last night and this morning. I knew that the enemy would try to thwart this joy. So, I knew I needed to relish it as long as possible.

THEN...

This morning I got an e-mail from a friend in Atlanta. He has an extra FREE Catalyst ticket for me. Jean totally wants me to go. My boss okay'd it. Even Tim Jackson is letting me go.

So, I'm leaving early next Wednesday morning, Oct. 3 and will return Saturday afternoon Oct. 6

Meriwether is Awake Again

Many of my brothers have asked that I start posting again, especially with the season of preparing for the great move westward. Here you go...

Ah... Christmas

Christmas seemed to go in a blur. We were in pretty good shape considering all that there was to do, but, we were still busy. Busy. Saturday morning I left for Lansing at about 6:40 AM to complete a Christmas gift for my mom. I got back late in the afternoon and we went caroling with friends. That was great. Sunday, we did the whirlwind clean on the house so that we could celebreat Christmas with my aunt Sue. She's my favorite aunt. She, her boyfriend, and my mom all came to the Christmas Eve service with us at church, and then we went out for Chinese afterwards. Eating Chinese on Christmas Eve has become a weird tradition for us.

Christmas morning the kids slept in. They have never ever been early risers for Christmas. We read the Christmas story, open gifts, ate coffee cake that we made together as a family. Then, we were off to preparing for more company. Jean made a sweet looking, and tasting, apple pie for dinner, as well as a mint chocolate chip pie. When the chores were done, Sam and I went across the street to the school to launch his glider.

Then, the company came. Jean's mom and dad, and my mom. After visiting with them for a bit, Sam and I fixed a plateful of goodies for snack, then went downstairs to play video games. That time with Sam was the best part of my entire holiday. Just being. Hanging with him. Not having to do anything to prepare, not having to entertain anyone. Just enjoying being Sam's dad.

Afer about an hour, nearly the entire extended family was downstairs. Shalom felt shattered. The rest of the night was good, too. But, not the same as being able to just "be" with my immediate family.

Most of my friends have jobs in ministry or industry where they have this week off. What I wouldn't give to have this week off. To just "be" with Jean, Sam, and Alina.

Strength

I received this story of adventure from one of the Adventure Racing e-groups I belong to. So powerful.

Some of you may have heard about Danelle and her accident. I just spoke with Gary, her dad, and got some details. She is okay, but is in pain and has a long recovery ahead of her.

Danelle was trail running with her dog Taz in Moab and took a fall on black ice near the Amasaback trail. She broke her pelvix and was basically immobilized. Some lucky factors came into place for her though, as she was where someone wouldn't normally go. She had a couple of gels and some water and was able to get to a puddle for more hydration. Her neighbor called Gary when she happened to notice thelights on at Danelle's house and Gary called the Moab police. Rescuers found her truck immediately but not her. They searched for her on foot and ATV's and came closr to not immediately finding her. Danelle ended up spending two nights out in sub zero temperatures and was found on the third day by rescuers who were led to Nellie by Taz. She came close to spending a third night out, which Gary thinks may have been the end of her.

She was transported to Grand Junction and is now at Denver General Hospital, where she will have surgery on Tuesday.

Obviously, the positive side is that she is okay and alive, but Gary says it will be a long emotional, physical, and financial recovery. She may need help down the road in many ways, so keep your ears open and feel free send a card, give a call, etc. The hardest part may be after surgery when she needs friends most.

I hope you are all well.
Dave

A Good Tired

It has been a long week, but a good week. A good good week. Monday morning we returned from St. Louis, and I got to go to work just for the afternoon. Monday night Jean had an eye appointment and I spent time with Sam and Alina.

Tuesday night was orienteering. It was the greatest one to date. The course rocked. Better yet, our worship time and small group time was awesome. I hate the phrase, "God showed up" because God is always present. Sometimes, we are allowed to see his presence. His presence was seen in each of the groups Tuesday. Guys are hungering for a deep, true, relationship with Him. Not just a religious empty relationship, but one that moves the heart into motion and life.

Wednesday was my late day at work. Which is never great.

Last night was our First Thursday run through with the men's ministry leaders for this event. It gave me goose bumps watching the movie. We previewed the movie for our kick off next Thursday. But, it was more than the movie itself. It was being with guys who have passion. More than that, it was being with a God who has passion for those he came to rescue. Those He desires to breathe the breath of life into so that they might become alive, a livng soul.

Tonight is set up for the Porn and Pancakes event at church. The event is sold out. Guys want to be rescued and to help rescue others from what seemingly is like an odorless gas, that slowly kills without being recognized.

The best part of the week, though, were the moments I had with Jean, and Sam, and Alina. Though the week was busy, time with them was enjoyed. Time just being able to listen to Jean's heart and her joys and hopes, as well as hold some of the burdens that weighed on her. She is so tender. As she talks it is as if the tenderness of her heart flows through her eyes. Wow I love her. The thing I love most, possibly, is that she doesn't have to try. She just oozes beauty naturally. She is not a pretender. She is real and tender femininity.