tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-173551032024-03-21T12:19:42.368-07:00take a breath, jump over the sideMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-22011432126475867102009-03-23T10:01:00.001-07:002009-03-23T10:01:07.803-07:00So much to do and my office is such a mess! Help!Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-42165908784310623582009-03-21T07:41:00.001-07:002009-03-21T07:41:28.989-07:00Whoa. Kael's Screaming has left Owen and I feeling shell shocked.....eeeech.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-69634169710059084692009-03-19T19:03:00.001-07:002009-03-19T19:03:32.828-07:00I am in awe at the devastation one toddler can unleash on a home. Shocking..Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-62008458095064768822009-03-18T17:36:00.001-07:002009-03-18T17:36:31.152-07:00time to get a new iMac I think. Anyone looking to sell an aluminium/g6?Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-85021971520855890642008-06-15T16:10:00.002-07:002008-06-15T16:18:27.252-07:00Hilarious<br /><br />This is Mike writing here. I couldn't resist it's just too funny not to share.<br /><br />Jessi woke me up in the middle of the night last night shouting..."Mike, Mike ahhhhh, ahhhhh!" Then she leapt out of bed and turned the light on. I thought she had went into early labour or maybe her water had broke. Then she started saying "There's a spider in the bed. There's a spider...it fell on me!!" So naturally being the awesome husband I am I started looking for the nasty beast so I could destroy it and protect my bride. I asked Jessi how big it was and she said it was about the size of her hand...then I thought....she must be dreaming....is she dreaming? There is no way a spider of that size would be in our room. Then she went on to say that it had fell from the ceiling. Ahahaha lol yup she was totally dreaming. Its was hard not to laugh even at 2am.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-48442690380904964192007-10-30T13:32:00.000-07:002007-10-30T14:05:34.405-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hDyLoWD8rvQ/RyeZknDQnBI/AAAAAAAAAAU/F2JuJfXjidE/s1600-h/mute-icon.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hDyLoWD8rvQ/RyeZknDQnBI/AAAAAAAAAAU/F2JuJfXjidE/s320/mute-icon.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127235555021593618" border="0" /></a><br />Mute<br /><br />Lately I feel like my life is on mute and I think its due to the absence of community. Its become increasingly clear to me that a lot of who we are is best expressed in community. We are designed to live with others, to interact, to serve and participate in other peoples lives. I feel like there is little opportunity for those things in my life at the moment. Outside of Jessi, Kael and the one friend I've made here, Jeff (Thanks Jeff for making the effort). I don't really have much of a community. I don't like that. It probably doesn't help that I work from home either. I need human interaction. I am not really sure how to change my life so I do have community. I probably don't even have time to change and find community. Blah... I heard someone say recently that "A life that is given in service to others is the only one worth living." Sounds good to me. God bring me a community.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-48828512656177496122007-07-18T09:48:00.000-07:002007-07-24T14:01:37.514-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hDyLoWD8rvQ/Rp5SUuxuPNI/AAAAAAAAAAM/Ea4h5onrgLA/s1600-h/Surrender.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hDyLoWD8rvQ/Rp5SUuxuPNI/AAAAAAAAAAM/Ea4h5onrgLA/s320/Surrender.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088595145082682578" border="0" /></a><br />Death, The fear of dying, losing control and surrender...<br /><br />For the last couple of years I have feared death more and more. Not just death, but sickness, or the death of loved ones around me. I suppose they are all normal fears. I used to try and come up with reasons for why people were dying...oh they have cancer <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">cus</span> they were a smoker or he had heart problems <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cus</span> he had a terrible diet, but then I noticed that perfectly healthy people got sick take for example Lance Armstrong who was diagnosed with cancer when he was an elite athlete. Those kind of cases blew my theory out of the water and fear crept in further, but God reminded/challenged me the other day to surrender myself, my health my everything to him again. Surrender isn't a one time deal. Its a continual choice or state of mind. There are so many things going on in my life right now that are out of my control that I would change in a second if I could, but I think <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">that's</span> why surrender is so great and so hard for us at the same time. We hate it when things are out of our control. My neighbours love to blast music...it drives me nuts, but I am even trying to surrender that to God because I can't control it. I remember when I had my genuine conversion experience. I knew that God just wanted me to surrender everything I was to him. The peace that came after I surrendered was the thing that I had craved more than anything, I just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">didn't</span> know it. You can't put a price on that. I guess salvation and surrender are almost synonymous. We taste the beauty of salvation only after we have surrendered. I don't think we are supposed to carry burdens with us, that's God's role<br /><br />So I felt like my fear of death left and peace returned when I surrendered again. Maybe we can always live in the peace that comes with surrender. That would be awesome. I know lately as I have become weary of religion/religious people I have cringed at the word surrender and probably missed the the true blessing and power of it. Thanks God for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bringing</span> me back.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-6708333631906708072007-07-14T08:58:00.000-07:002007-07-14T10:39:40.965-07:00sojourner trying to settle down...<br /><br />I've been in madison for 2 months now. Its taking some time to settle in. I feel frustrated about not having any solid friendships. Thats one of the bittersweet things about ywam. I have made some fantastic friends through the years, but now I'm lucky if I ever get an email from them. I am not mad at them...well maybe a little. I am not the best at keeping in touch either. Maybe friendships just come and go and thats just life. Are all friendships seasonal? Do we put too much stock in friendships? Why do we as guys isolate ourselves so much? Are we loners by God's design? I don't really want to start anymore friendships. I feel a little jaded almost like what's the point of having friends because they wont be around for long or I will be leaving soon. I have been trying to convince myself that I don't really need friends, but I know thats a dangerous thought. I know men get into trouble when they isolate themselves, I have seen it.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-69970619042871524962006-08-28T16:19:00.000-07:002006-08-28T16:23:12.501-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6%3DzqH%3AxxqUD7qRUrKxzX7BHpUUKxgXPol%3F87KR6xqpxQQ00xJP0xGnJxv8uOc5xQQQPaoG0PPaP0qpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPol%7CRup6G00%7C/of=50,590,393"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6%3DzqH%3AxxqUD7qRUrKxzX7BHpUUKxgXPol%3F87KR6xqpxQQ00xJP0xGnJxv8uOc5xQQQPaoG0PPaP0qpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPol%7CRup6G00%7C/of=50,590,393" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /> <p class="blogSubject"> and then there were 3 </p> <p class="blogContent">Kael Asher Oates was born at 3:13pm on August 24th weighing 8lbs 1oz after 39 yes THIRTY NINE HOURS of Labour (A c-section was the way Kael came into the world). Mother, Baby and myself are all doing great and glad to be home after 5 nights in the hospital. We are totaly delighted with Kael and incredibly excited to be parents.</p>for a few more photos check out www.myspace.com/mygoates<br /><p class="blogContent"><br /></p>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-11120277654924297092006-08-20T12:26:00.000-07:002006-08-20T12:28:26.259-07:00<p class="blogSubject"> 3 days late </p> Baby Oates this is your father speaking...its high time you make like a baby and head out.<br /><br /> So it would appear that baby oates is very much like his dad, often a little tardy. Yeah he was supposed to have been born on the 17th, but he's Jolly well taking his time. Jessi isnt even having any pains or twinges yet. Well he's got us all waiting impatiently for him. my mum texts me daily to see if there is any progress. I feel like we have nothing to do, but wait. Come on son.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-78070758158951328362006-08-19T16:49:00.000-07:002006-08-19T17:06:40.595-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1.snapfish.com/347926939%7Ffp355%3Enu%3D3265%3E645%3E7%3C6%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A857563%3B%3Anu0mrj"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://images1.snapfish.com/347926939%7Ffp355%3Enu%3D3265%3E645%3E7%3C6%3EWSNRCG%3D3233%3A857563%3B%3Anu0mrj" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.<br />Mark Twain<br /><br />I read this quote the other day and tho<a href="javascript:void(0)" onclick="return false;"><span></span></a><span onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ught</span> it was pretty challenging.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo taken by me.</span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-1155584339102171372006-08-14T12:35:00.000-07:002006-08-14T13:04:18.330-07:00I have just put another posting on my myspace blog entitled:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);">"I wish my boy would hurry up and come out"</span><br /><br />I suggest you read it and comment. (on myspace or blogger)<br /><br />once again you can click the link below to get straight to it.<br /><a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=85685940&MyToken=66a96c90-d4ee-4f5e-9d3e-127622664231ML"><br /></a><a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=85685940&MyToken=66a96c90-d4ee-4f5e-9d3e-127622664231ML">http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog&Mytoken=A41D110E-F0D9-4B7F-9D700A4F2DD094921180317671<br /></a>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-1154989336210392852006-08-07T15:18:00.000-07:002006-08-07T15:22:16.220-07:00So um I have posted several blogs on my myspace site...please feel free/obligated to check them out... Check it go on, do it NOW! <a href="http://www.myspace.com/mygoates"><a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&friendID=85685940&MyToken=66a96c90-d4ee-4f5e-9d3e-127622664231ML">Mike's recent blog's</a><br /></a>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-1150934023269234492006-06-21T16:51:00.000-07:002006-06-21T16:53:43.283-07:00<p class="blogSubject"> goodbye blogger, hello myspace <br /><a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.viewCategory&FriendID=85685940&BlogCategoryID=16"><br /></a> </p> <p class="blogContent">well...I have finally hopped on the band wagon...I am now on myspace. I was a bit anti myspace for awhile, but it seems that myspace has a lot more features than blogger...so blogger...its been real, but we're done. My myspace address is <a href="http://www.myspace.com/mygoates">www.myspace.com/mygoates</a></p><p class="blogContent">see you over there<br />M.</p>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-1145823760301650902006-04-23T13:17:00.000-07:002006-04-23T13:34:57.753-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/843/1671/1600/DSC02272.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/843/1671/400/DSC02272.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />I love this picture<br />I took it at at Notre Dame Catherdral in Paris. I think the guy holding his head is supposed to be John the Baptist...anyone know if its him or not?<br /><br /><span id="en-NIV-25216" class="sup"><br /></span>"I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." Luke 7:28<br /><br />Whats your interpretation on this verse? anyone?Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-1145739508599686242006-04-22T13:55:00.000-07:002006-04-22T13:58:28.636-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/843/1671/1600/Picture%20140.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/843/1671/400/Picture%20140.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Ready for Pensacola Beach<br />Yee Haw!<br />July '04Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-1145554452772160372006-04-20T10:30:00.000-07:002006-04-20T10:34:12.793-07:00Belugas rock! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/843/1671/1600/IMG_0192.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/843/1671/400/IMG_0192.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-1144367317832672472006-04-06T16:46:00.000-07:002006-04-06T16:49:00.263-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/843/1671/1600/DSC01369.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/843/1671/400/DSC01369.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">My bonnie wee lass. What a doll!</span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-1144197946163179092006-04-04T17:44:00.000-07:002006-04-04T17:45:46.176-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/843/1671/1600/Misc%20WIsconsin%20Summer%2004%20pics%20084.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/843/1671/320/Misc%20WIsconsin%20Summer%2004%20pics%20084.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family: georgia;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />ME IN 83<br /><br /></span>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-1144097693929147932006-04-03T13:41:00.000-07:002006-04-03T14:02:09.010-07:00Hmm I am thinking about adding a new feature to my page. It will be called "Photo of the day"<br /><br />I will display a random photo that Jessi or I have taken. If I am desperate I might add someone else's photo...<br /><br />Photo of the day April 3rd<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/843/1671/1600/DSC03579.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/843/1671/400/DSC03579.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Cheers to Stefan!<br /><p class="MsoNormal"> Stefan co-led with us in Morocco and Scotland and He's a great guy it was a privilege to lead with him.<br />By the way he's drinking mint tea, its not an alcoholic beverage...honestly.</p>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-1144007801231948052006-04-02T12:52:00.000-07:002006-04-02T12:58:15.703-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/843/1671/1600/AHistoryOfViolence-Poster.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/843/1671/320/AHistoryOfViolence-Poster.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>A History Of Violence<br /><br />Saw it last night. Hmm...Don't think I would recommend it. As the title suggest its pretty Violent.<br /><br />It was an interesting story though. Original. Viggo did a nice Job.<br /><br />Had fun with you, Leigh and Ang, even though the movie was a bit out there.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-1143941889136806622006-04-01T17:30:00.000-08:002006-04-01T17:38:09.150-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/843/1671/1600/Garnett.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/843/1671/320/Garnett.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Confused<br /><br />I am having a bit of a hard time lately. I haven't got a clue whats happening with this whole house thing. <br /><br />We have been living out of the same back pack for the last 3 months. We really want to get settled and unpack our stuff thats been in storage since we left Vancouver Jan 1st. We are very greatful to Randy and Rita for letting us use their guest room, we just need our own space...soon.<br /><br />I don't know if God's wants us to have a house. Are we supposed to hold out for some miracle? Should we write a bunch of newsletters asking for donations or should we just get an apartment? Ahhh so confusing. I need some answers.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-1143851236239538802006-03-31T16:12:00.000-08:002006-03-31T16:32:04.536-08:00<p class="MsoNormal">aaarggh!<br /><br />We were supposed to find out the gender of our wee bundle of fun today, but they didn't tell us anything. It was so weird the doctor doing the ultra sound wouldn’t communicate anything to us. She didn't even tell us if the baby was healthy or not. She said it was too early to tell the gender. I wasn't allowed in the room with Jessi for the longest time. Jessi had to ask to see the baby on the monitor other wise I don't think the doctor would have shown us. I am mad...Its my baby tell me the gender...tell me its ok and fine and all of that stuff. They were more interested in seeing the baby for themselves. <br /></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal">We did get to see the heart beating. That was pretty awesome. It looks like a little jumping bean.<br /></p>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-1142831895476250542006-03-19T19:52:00.000-08:002006-03-19T21:18:15.496-08:00WE NEED A MIRACLE!<br /><br />Well as you probably know Jessi and I have been house hunting. We only started after we felt that God was prompting us to do so.<br /><br />So one week later we are learning that we need about $200, 000 (£100,000) for the down payment...sweet huh?<br /><br />Yes we do indeed need a miracle for this to happen. Trusting God for $2500 for outreach is hard enough reach never mind 200 grand. Wow. I suppose if we had never seen him provide for all of our outreaches that we wouldn't have the faith that he could do this.<br /><br />At this point my faith is very up and down. I mean I know he could provide the money in a second if he wanted too, but the hard thing is knowing whether or not wants to. <br />A certain well known book title comes to mind "Is that really you God?"<br /><br />Well we could really use your prayers and encouragement right now. So please throw some up for us.<br /><br />ThanksMichaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17355103.post-1142092769847976572006-03-11T07:45:00.000-08:002006-04-01T17:58:30.406-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/843/1671/1600/DSC03826.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/843/1671/400/DSC03826.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /> I'm Back<br /><br />So sorry that I haven't Blogged FOREVER. I have just returned to Vancouver from Morocco and Scotland.<br /><br />Jessi and I had a great time with the dts...they were a fantastic bunch.<br /><br />Jessi and I stayed in Scotland an extra 10 days after the dts team left so we could hang out with family and friends and sell all of our furniture that had been in storage.<br /><br />Above is a picture of me with my favourite person and in my opinion the coolest Castle in Scotland its called Eilean Donan.<br /><br />well i think thats enough for now i dont want to be over zealous.<br />more later...maybe.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04362588238946966983noreply@blogger.com6