Brad,
I think having Matt M. come and chat with us would be awesome. I really like the idea of ethics and integrity. I hope that you cancer some good rest for your week. Other gentlemen, dont forget that we are back at grants place tonight again. Don't forget that if ya want some beer...bring some scrilla!
As for prayers, like I said last week if you could pray for me to have patience and be less. Critical of others.
See y'all tonight,
G
Monday, January 31, 2011
This Eve
Hi fellas, I keep forgetting about this blog and checking in today for the first time this week, good stuff going on here! Praying for you guys who've expressed need for it, and all of you for that matter. And Marcus, I think scripture memorization would be a good practice for me and I'd welcome the challenge/accountability to go about it with the dudes.
A heads up, I won't be joining you tonight, my plate is a bit too full and I need to decompress. I'll miss you guys.
For next week though, I talked to Matt McGary yesterday about meeting with us and he said he would be all about it. Matt's a heck of a man and has a ton of wisdom to share, especially in the area of business and living with integrity. What do you guys think? Give me the word and I'll book him for my place.
A heads up, I won't be joining you tonight, my plate is a bit too full and I need to decompress. I'll miss you guys.
For next week though, I talked to Matt McGary yesterday about meeting with us and he said he would be all about it. Matt's a heck of a man and has a ton of wisdom to share, especially in the area of business and living with integrity. What do you guys think? Give me the word and I'll book him for my place.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Money, Memory, Meat, and Marriage
Doug, that's a really tough spot man. I've been in similar spots of wanting to give but still needing something in return. I will be praying for you and wisdom. I may have missed it, but is she a believer? It's a good thing that God is in control, and will bring about all that will glorify Him through this.
Guys I would really love to memorize scripture. I find myself wishing I had scripture to recall when battling temptation and I think this group could be a great opportunity to have "iron sharpening iron" with scripture memorization. I'm open for verses/chapters that people feel led to. I personally like Phil. 2: 5-18, 1 Tim 6: 11-16, or 2 Tim 3:1-7.... or any sections you guys like. What do you all think?
Also, in regards to food for next week - Meat and veggies sounds great. If you're going to buy meat, I highly recommend going to Haggen and not Fred Meyer. I was informed yesterday that Fred Meyer buys meat that is less than safe sometimes. Also, and more important to me, is that Haggen is buying from local farmers, including people like my boss who owns a small herd of cattle. --- random thought but change starts with small groups.... or man groups.
Lastly, I left on Monday still really chewing the cud over the idea of someday keeping something from my wife. I really don't like the idea, and have been reflecting on that a lot. How are we to be one flesh when there is a secret. If pain is felt in only half the body and communication of that pain is not transferred to the other half, we might say that the person has had a stroke, or is at least not a wholly functioning body. (this discourse falls under philosophizing i realize). but I'm on a search for any scripture that condones or supports "protection" of the spouse or relationship by way of truth censorship. When I am finally married, I desire my wife to be my best friend, which i would describe as the person I pursue all areas of life with. I missed Matt Shaver's talk, so I don't know the exact context for what he said. I heard on Monday that he was specifically referring to pornography. I can understand the concept that if a husband is dealing with pornography, he needs to have a man in his life to discuss the issue with and be challenged by, not just expect his wife to carry that (predominantly-male) burden. If that struggle came to me I would definitely want a man in my life to counsel and challenge me, but not at the cost of exclusion of my wife.
- these are the thoughts i've had, and so instead continually mulling them over without input, i subject them to the blog and the thoughts of y'alls.
Love to each guy in the group,
Marcus
Guys I would really love to memorize scripture. I find myself wishing I had scripture to recall when battling temptation and I think this group could be a great opportunity to have "iron sharpening iron" with scripture memorization. I'm open for verses/chapters that people feel led to. I personally like Phil. 2: 5-18, 1 Tim 6: 11-16, or 2 Tim 3:1-7.... or any sections you guys like. What do you all think?
Also, in regards to food for next week - Meat and veggies sounds great. If you're going to buy meat, I highly recommend going to Haggen and not Fred Meyer. I was informed yesterday that Fred Meyer buys meat that is less than safe sometimes. Also, and more important to me, is that Haggen is buying from local farmers, including people like my boss who owns a small herd of cattle. --- random thought but change starts with small groups.... or man groups.
Lastly, I left on Monday still really chewing the cud over the idea of someday keeping something from my wife. I really don't like the idea, and have been reflecting on that a lot. How are we to be one flesh when there is a secret. If pain is felt in only half the body and communication of that pain is not transferred to the other half, we might say that the person has had a stroke, or is at least not a wholly functioning body. (this discourse falls under philosophizing i realize). but I'm on a search for any scripture that condones or supports "protection" of the spouse or relationship by way of truth censorship. When I am finally married, I desire my wife to be my best friend, which i would describe as the person I pursue all areas of life with. I missed Matt Shaver's talk, so I don't know the exact context for what he said. I heard on Monday that he was specifically referring to pornography. I can understand the concept that if a husband is dealing with pornography, he needs to have a man in his life to discuss the issue with and be challenged by, not just expect his wife to carry that (predominantly-male) burden. If that struggle came to me I would definitely want a man in my life to counsel and challenge me, but not at the cost of exclusion of my wife.
- these are the thoughts i've had, and so instead continually mulling them over without input, i subject them to the blog and the thoughts of y'alls.
Love to each guy in the group,
Marcus
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Ethics and money....
I'm hoping you guys can pray for me about a small but troublesome decision....
I've been babysitting for a family quite a bit these past two weeks. Around three days last week and a little over three days this week (note: these are 9-hour days). It looks like this will probably turn into me getting paid to watch their kids for a total of 20ish hours a week starting in the first week or two of February. My pay would come partly through a DSHS program and partly from both parents, both of whom are now working (as of last week). The general situation until now was everyone involved is barely scraping by....
The mother has said she wants to pay me something for all of this. I haven't been doing it to get money, I've been doing it to be helpful while unemployed. I know she can't afford to give me any amount out-of-pocket that would approach a reasonable hourly rate. Last week she gave me $50. It was a little hard to take but I knew she would feel bad if I didn't let her give me something.
She asked me to come up with a figure to ask her for. Of course I'm inclined to tell her just to give me what she can afford, but I'm afraid saying that will cause her to give me more than she can really afford. I don't know the details of her budget, but I do know that she's getting her first paycheck in a couple of months, she has standard expenses that are more than she gets in child support (her other source of income) and her car is currently broken down. If I refuse to take any money until it comes from DSHS, she will have a big problem with that and either insist on paying me or try to stop having me take care of the kids.
So I think the kindest thing I could do is ask for some amount. I don't quite know how to come up with that number though. You can pray that I figure that detail out and also that it is clear weather I should commit to solve there childcare problem until summer, pending DSHS funding. It's one of those situations that would be so much nicer if money wasn't wrapped up in it, but unfortunately we are all poor enough that money is an integral problem in the mess for everyone.
I've been babysitting for a family quite a bit these past two weeks. Around three days last week and a little over three days this week (note: these are 9-hour days). It looks like this will probably turn into me getting paid to watch their kids for a total of 20ish hours a week starting in the first week or two of February. My pay would come partly through a DSHS program and partly from both parents, both of whom are now working (as of last week). The general situation until now was everyone involved is barely scraping by....
The mother has said she wants to pay me something for all of this. I haven't been doing it to get money, I've been doing it to be helpful while unemployed. I know she can't afford to give me any amount out-of-pocket that would approach a reasonable hourly rate. Last week she gave me $50. It was a little hard to take but I knew she would feel bad if I didn't let her give me something.
She asked me to come up with a figure to ask her for. Of course I'm inclined to tell her just to give me what she can afford, but I'm afraid saying that will cause her to give me more than she can really afford. I don't know the details of her budget, but I do know that she's getting her first paycheck in a couple of months, she has standard expenses that are more than she gets in child support (her other source of income) and her car is currently broken down. If I refuse to take any money until it comes from DSHS, she will have a big problem with that and either insist on paying me or try to stop having me take care of the kids.
So I think the kindest thing I could do is ask for some amount. I don't quite know how to come up with that number though. You can pray that I figure that detail out and also that it is clear weather I should commit to solve there childcare problem until summer, pending DSHS funding. It's one of those situations that would be so much nicer if money wasn't wrapped up in it, but unfortunately we are all poor enough that money is an integral problem in the mess for everyone.
Next Mon
Dudes, i figured since i have a computer in my hands i'd like to post a little something so we can get started on plans for food for next Monday. I know some of us are doing a paleo/low carb/healthy eating diet and i'd love to make sure we can include everybody to enjoy a meal together. so where should we begin? a meat: Beef/Chicken/Pork/Fish and then maybe a veggie...or just straight meat? anyway, are there any suggestions that we could all work together on to make?
Hope all is well...Love you guys and know that i appreciate you all very much.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Man Group - Jan 24
Grant Driver Says: "Yea my place tonight. And we talked about just doing pizza correct?
Nice work on the blog Garrett."
Nice work on the blog Garrett."
Proposition
Firstly...Brando thanks for your post brotha and opening up the discussion about our constant prayer.
Secondly,
In accordance with Brandon's newly passed proposition Man Group 1-1, Section A, Paragraph Z, I have some praise. As I was saying last week around our fire (which caused all of my clothes to smell extra weird and a touch on the toxic side due to our pressure treated lumber) things are starting to pick up for music. As we have three shows coming up this month and more on the way for next month, I would love to ask for your guys prayers that I would continue to stay motivated and focused on actually making my dreams and passion a reality and not just settling into what is comfortable. And as far as shows go...Feb. 11th is our CD Release show at The Amadeous Project on Cornwall street at 8pm and Feb. 26th is at Boundry Bay at 11pm. We would love to see you all there.
And finally part C,
Being we have a few musicians, and at the risk of sounding a bit cheesy, I was thinking this morning that maybe we should do a worship night one of these groups? What do you all think?
G
Thursday, January 20, 2011
things to keep in mind and perhaps toss up to the Big Guy
Gentlemen: last monday I pronounced that i would like to start a thread, or, i guess its now a blog about what we are struggling with and what we are thrilled about as individuals. So this is my attempt at such said things.
It was great to hear people being vulnerable (quick as it was) around the campfire last monday. and I would love to hear/see more of it.
Recently, Jessica and I have been dealing with some negative attitude issues. To be more specific Jess is very overwhelmed at school and work and she doesn't feel equipped to fulfill her duties as a girlfriend, student, employee, etc and thus feels as if she is failing in all aspects. As a group i would love it if you guys would pray for the both of us so that we can hold each other up and strengthen one another. I have found it easy to lose sight of the Lord in our relationship as well, and know how important it is to stay focused on Him.
I realize that as i type i am opening up my girlfriend to a level of vulnerability with you gentlemen that she may not be comfortable with. However, i know that this is a safe place where i feel comfortable sharing anything. So thank you for being such a great community in my life.... it takes a village...no no no it takes a Man Group to raise a guy like me :) Guns. Beer. Fire.
and more guns. 'Merica
Whitey
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Work Opportunity
I thought maybe Fred and one of you sports fans could work this as a side gig:
http://bellingham.craigslist.org/tfr/2166228612.html
http://bellingham.craigslist.org/tfr/2166228612.html
Matt's Chat
Ok boys, below are my notes from our chat with Matt Atkins. This is by no mean everything that Matt talked about, but I tried to get the general idea. We will be meeting at Grants place on Holly and ding Pizza and beers. If you are wanting to drink some of Grants beer, please bring him $5 so he can keep generously providing cold draft beer for us.
G
Matt's Chat:
Deal with your shit!
What are you insecurities?
Why is that?
Probably because you are not in control?
Learning what your vocation is vs your occupation. As in what is it you are/do VS. what is your job.
Think about focusing on vocation then figuring out what occupation can fulfill that.
John 14 & 15
Cooperation with God rather than "if I repent of my sin then God can work in my life" which is a cause and effect faith.
Are we deathly afraid that God wants to live with us?
Create a context where you and you wife can share your spiritual journey. Lear to relate as christians. What does it mean to be christ followers.
G
Matt's Chat:
Deal with your shit!
What are you insecurities?
Why is that?
Probably because you are not in control?
Learning what your vocation is vs your occupation. As in what is it you are/do VS. what is your job.
Think about focusing on vocation then figuring out what occupation can fulfill that.
John 14 & 15
Cooperation with God rather than "if I repent of my sin then God can work in my life" which is a cause and effect faith.
Are we deathly afraid that God wants to live with us?
Create a context where you and you wife can share your spiritual journey. Lear to relate as christians. What does it mean to be christ followers.
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