That's Why They Call It an Accident

     
     Two things predicated today's Flat Tire Ministry Thought, first the request for social distancing from the novel COVID-19 virus, and second Spring Break from my job. The combination created the perfect opportunity for my wife, to pen a list of projects for me to complete around the house and yard. Did I say a list, that noun doesn't do justice to the Santa's wish list that she gave me to complete in the span of only one week! Alas, it was either start marking items off the list or sit in front of a television watching repeats of the 2017 Pro Bowling Championship, I chose the former!
     So, this aforementioned "list" included things like decluttering, cleaning up, painting, landscaping, and at the tip top of the list was pressure washing the house. Now that one was kind of like knowing you need to go get a shot from the doctor because it will make you better afterwards, but just thinking about actually going to the doctor to get the shot kind of makes you cringe. So, that's the one I figured I would tackle first. Knock down the giant and everything else would pale in comparison. The areas of the house that could be reached from ground level were easy, it takes time and patience to assure you hit each strand of siding completely, but the tell-tale signs are readily available should you miss a spot. The challenge, which inadvertently provides our thought for this week came when I had to start climbing the extension ladder to reach the upper sections of the house and roof line.
     It's not that I have a fear of heights, I just don't like the wobbly feeling I get in my legs and knees when I'm around 30 feet off the ground. I don't think it is the fear of the 30 feet, but more the fear of what would happen should I fall that same 30 feet. I mean what's there to worry about, I was being supported by two aluminum poles with hand over feet rails and two little hooks that assured me the ladder was securely set in place? Add to that the fact that I was stretching up to reach those areas that my ladder just wasn't going to take me to, and out to hopefully avoid having to climb down and up again just to get an area that would only take a few small waves of the pressure washing wand. That's when today's FTM hit me. I don't think anyone climbs a ladder planning to fall off, yet statistics and research would tell us that a certain number of people on ladders fall each day. We can expand on that and find that not too many of us get into our cars and think about the possibility that today we may be on the receiving end of a car rear ending us or us rear ending a someone else's car. Riding a bike, taking a walk, taking the steps, going downstairs to grab a bite, none of those actions evoke thoughts of fear that today will be the day that_____, but for somebody out there falling down, tripping, or just being in the wrong place at the right time slaps us right in the face. We don't plan on negative things happening to us, that's why they call it an accident.
     Are you prepared in case an accident happens to you today? I mean where was my guarantee that I would scurry up and down that ladder as many times as I did and lean out as far as I did, and not have a heightened chance to be part of a statistic about people falling off ladders. If I had a crystal ball which told me that if I climbed that ladder on a particular day I would fall off, then I don't think I would be near that ladder on that day. Life's not like that though. We don't have accident insurance, and we definitely don't have a promise of a tomorrow, yet most of us live life like we have nothing to fear. Someone else falls off the ladder not me, right?
     Not trying to invoke fear, but actually think we all could be doing a little more on the front end of those accidents before they ever happen. Being prepared for an accident means doing all the prep work to provide the safest conditions before you start your day. With my ladder example I need to check the ladder for faults, assure the area is level where the ladder will stand, and then I must assure that the ladder is angled properly for the safest conditions. Even with the proper preparation, accidents happen. If we knew they were going to happen they wouldn't be called accidents.
     Each day we live is a gift. Each day we live there is the possibility of an accident happening to us. Not trying to be a defeatist about this, we can't sit down in a chair and fear doing anything because of a possible accident happening. Instead, we live each day confident that the One that made the day, has a plan for you today and every other day that we are given to live, breath, work, play, and yes climb ladders. To be certain, God's plans and our plans could very well be miles apart, yet His plans are created with an ultimate goal in mind, we should live out our lives attempting to fulfill that plan. The words of God shared by the prophet Jeremiah provide us with this assurance, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11, this is where we find the strength to go about each day without the fear of accidents befalling us.
     God has a plan for your life. His plans are made to provide us with hope. We place our faith in God that He will protect us and carry us through each day. Yet at times accidents still happen. Why? For those that place their trust in God, you get to the place where God's plan is what matters. None of us wants to die, yet it's safe to say all of us are going to at some point. Just the facts. If you don't have your house in order then maybe it's time to do so. Trusting in the One that made you doesn't provide you with a life insurance policy, but most certainly a life "assurance" policy! "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:3. Accidents are going to happen and when they do we won't be expecting them, remember that's why they call them accidents. It is our responsibility to be prepared in case that accident happens today. We don't live in fear, we live with the confidence that "Greater is He who is in me, than he who is in the world." I John 4:4. Have you purchased your "assurance" policy yet? There is no better time than today! 
Prayers for you and your family!

Coach Carter

Fear or Faith, It's a Choice

    
     There is a great deal of uncertainty today, but rest assured there have been periods in our history where the promise of a tomorrow was a question mark etched on the frontal lobe of many. Wars, famine, financial catastrophes, and yes disease and plagues are common occurrences in history, yet none of this matters right now, only the threat of the COVID-19 virus is on our minds. Day in and day out news, social media sites, the conversations we have (at a safe distance of six feet or on an electronic device) all include some form of mention of the Coronavirus. What is the correct response for mankind right now? When the reality that people are dying from this virus goes from numbers on a chart about other countries around the world, to increased numbers of cases in neighboring states and cities that border our homes, what is an acceptable response? Is there a right response? Well for those that believe in and place their trust in God the answer to those questions is this, as with every situation in life you have a choice to make you can choose fear or you can choose faith.
     Nothing more diverse on the spectrum of life than the two terms fear and faith. Fear causes man to make decisions based on the premise that we are alone in this world and any decision to be made has to be based on what will best serve me and thus increase my chance of survival. Think about the concept of Flight or Fight. When we face a situation that creates anxiety we are faced with a decision, I'm either going to stand up and fight what is standing in front of me, or I look at the situation and make the decision that I better lace up my Nikes and turn tail in the opposite direction. It's that simple. You make that choice, it belongs to you and nobody gets to make that decision for you. Let me assure you of one bit of knowledge before we go any further, you are not alone, and God tells us to not fear anything, because He is with us always.
     So that is where, in my mind the two, fear and faith diverge. If you are choosing fear, this current reality is a pretty anxious time for you. Your information is coming in at rapid fire speed and you are reacting at a comparable speed as each new warning hits your Facebook screen. Fear is not healthy. Fear is not of God; His word tells us this over and over again.
"The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1
 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
  "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”Deuteronomy 31:6
This is just the tip of the berg, over and over again God's word tells us not to be afraid, but what does that mean today? 
     Each day the updates provide new information about how the virus is impacting the world, how many people in each state have tested positive, and death totals for countries, states, and too soon that may include numbers from our communities if not so already. Isn't that a good enough reason to hit the flight button of self-preservation? My answer is no. There is a huge gulf between a response of fear and one of faith. Fear tells us to run and hide, lock our doors and shut out the world. Faith, on the other hand, isn't careless and nonchalant about the risks and dangers associated with this virus, but instead faith gives us the strength to seek the truth in what we read, to become familiar with the guidelines and recommendations provided by those in the world that are knowledgeable and trained. Fear produces anxiety about tomorrow or even today, where faith tells us that our God is in control of each day, He has a plan for each life, and His plans are for good not evil. Jeremiah 29:11 gives us an assurance of this "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Does this mean that just because I am a follower of Christ I can go out and have no concern about contracting this virus? Absolutely not. Using informed common sense, and taking necessary precautions is expected. If we know a great white shark is spotted at the beach where we are staying, I'm not going to get in the surf and say God will protect me from that shark! That's a good way to end up as shark bait! Instead, I'm going to stay on the beach, I'm going to let the water hit my feet and ankles, and I'm going to enjoy the sunshine and day that the Lord hath made. Psalm 118:24. 
     For the most part we have not as a nation endured times such as these. Those born in the early 1900's can share what living in the Great Depression was like. Our grandparents may have recollections of life during the World Wars and what sacrifices they faced here at home. Veterans of the Korean or Vietnam era can attest to the uncertainties of that period, while the majority of us can quickly capture the emotions of September 11, 2001. Others from around the world can share their experiences from the Holocaust, war, plague, and disease, but over and over there lies one common theme that has benefited and carried men and women, boys and girls through the fear that stood in front of them. Those that remain strong, those that didn't give up, those that chose faith over fear did so in one accord. They each chose to wait upon the Lord and not allow fear to rule their hearts and minds. By choosing faith over fear we can overcome the fear in this world just as Isaiah 40:31 proclaims:
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
You have a choice to make today. You will choose fear and (live??) each day like it is going to be the last day. Or, you can choose faith. Faith tells us that God is in control, that these are times like we have never seen, but not times like others before us have overcame and survived only to thrive as they moved forward. Fear tells us to hide. Faith tells us to be strong and courageous. Fear tells us to think of nobody except ourselves and to shut out everyone else so we will survive. Faith tells me that my life isn't about me. Whether I live or whether I leave this world tomorrow, God has a purpose and a plan and my job is to live this life He has given me to the fullest. Helping others instead of concentrating on self and seeking out ways to move this world closer to Him so they too can know the peace, the comfort, and the strength that my faith provides me each day that I live. 
Truly it is your choice, fear or faith, you decide.
Praying for faith to prevail!

Coach Carter 

 

Calm in the Face of Calamity

     
     Don't want to sound like I'm bragging, but I guess I am to a certain extent. At this moment in our country and around the world there are a great number of people who are going way out of their way to a heightened level of panic, I guess that is the word, in response to the COVID-19 virus. I'm not there. Now, I don't want to sound callous or aloof to the seriousness of this extremely contagious and potentially deadly disease, but what I am saying is that I have a calm in the midst of the extreme, I am walking at a pace not running in a race, it can best be described as a calm in the face of calamity.
     I guess the first thing that I find funny is that if you remove one simple vowel from the root of the word calamity and you would have the word calm. Interesting how two words with such a distinct gulf of meaning could be so closely spelled that you might actually miss that little extra "a" in there if you just glanced at the word calamity. Just as the two words are very similar in spelling, but mean something completely different, the feelings that I am experiencing coincide in much the same way. I am attempting to stay completely abreast of news and updates as the Coronavirus spreads across the globe. I fully grasp the idea that this is a highly contagious disease and for some the potential danger of catching COVID-19 could be deadly. I also understand that a more dedicated and extreme approach is necessary at this point to get this thing under control so life is probably going to look and feel somewhat different from where we were living just a few short months ago. That being said, the calm I have isn't man made, the calm I have is mine because of a relationship that I have with my comforter, God.
     There is one particular Psalm that speaks to this calm in the midst of turmoil, probably the most well-known psalm across the world. David, King of Israel, probably wrote the 23rd psalm later in life long after he had become king, which just speaks to the level of trust David had placed in his relationship with God. I feel pretty positive that most of our readers are familiar enough with this psalm, but I'm wondering how many of us can read it and relate to the confidence David exhorts through this message of peace in the face of adversity?
     "The Lord is my Shepard I shall not want", if I have a true relationship with God I am completely content, I do not want for anything. Are there things I would like to have, yes, is there fear that shadows around me causing my mind to worry or doubt? Yes, but when I place those things in context, when I sit down and allow my mind to connect with the peace that God provides, I come to a place where I don't need anything and I fear nothing not even death, I am at peace, I want for nothing that my God doesn't already now I need. "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." He, being God, is my provider. If I don't have this type of relationship then the type of peace David is expressing here isn't really possible. God provides me with a place of rest, God leads me out of the turbulent raging waves to a place of still, calm flowing water, God restores me when I feel I can't go on, and God leads me down the right path if only I will allow His light to illuminate my darkened way. This is how I have calm at this present time, this is where my peace flows from as I go about each day. 
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."
     I will fear no evil. Why? Because God is with me. If you can't feel this, if you can't understand what I am saying here, it just doesn't add up or you just can't relate, you are in need of a closer relationship with the Shepherd. David says even though he may be walking through the most challenging of situations he isn't worried because he knows that God's rod and staff are there protecting and guiding him. A shepherd uses the rod to fend off predators and the staff as a tool to guide and direct the sheep as they stray from the flock. God provides us that same protection and guidance if we are counted as part of His flock. You won't know that comfort if you don't have the relationship from which that peace flows, sorry I don't know how else to explain it, if you have it you know what I am talking about, if you don't it is readily available. "Ask and ye shall recieve" Matthew 7:7.
     "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Basically, if we have this relationship with God, we have this type of confidence that we can say "surely" goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. Surely, God will see me through this calamity, surely God has a plan for all of this, and surely God's plan is bigger than me and although I may not be able to grasp the "why" of it, I don't need to I need only trust and believe that God's plan is for good and it is my responsibility to trust in Him and continue living as best as I can under any and all circumstances. Surely God is in control and that is all I need to know. When I get to that place I can say I have a calm in the face of a calamity. I have peace and I have a comfort that is hard to embrace if you don't have that relationship with God the Creator. 
     Maybe you are reading this and you just can't buy it. I get it. I mean there was a group of men that walked, followed, and even lived with Jesus, and in the midst of a storm at sea they feared for their lives while Jesus slept peacefully underneath the deck of their boat. He was right there with them and they were afraid. We can experience fear, it is a human trait, but what did the disciples do when they were experiencing their fear of being overtaken by the waves and the storm? They went to Jesus and asked for his help. They drew near, they got closer to Jesus and what did He do? Matthew 8:23-27 tells us that Jesus rebuked the storm and it receded immediately. That is what Jesus can do in your heart, your mind, and in your storm whether it is the COVID-19 virus or some other type of calamity in your life. Turn to Him because He is there. You can experience calm in the face of calamity, you just can't experience it on your own. Draw near to God and you too will say "The Lord is my Shepherd I don't need anything else!"
Praying for each of you and praying for our country as we move through this temporary valley in life.

Coach Carter

 

Room to Grow

     Once while I was out in the yard doing some clean up and landscape work I ran into an old, dead shrub that I had been meaning to remove and replace for some time. As I began the work of digging up the root ball, my shovel hit something solid which brought my digging to an abrupt halt. Upon inspection, I found a black plastic container that the plant had originally been purchased in which the person who planted the shrub years earlier failed to remove during planting. Almost certainly, the shrub had died due to the fact that the roots could not continue to grow, entrapped inside the walls of the plastic container. It was impossible for the root system to expand and venture out to locate nourishment, and without a more entrenched root system the plant eventually dried up and withered away. If we aren't careful we can limit ourselves to the point that we dry up with no chance to grow and develop our potential in life.
      When the plant was first purchased at the nursery the plastic container served a valuable purpose. Without the plastic home water would just run off the plant and the roots would not receive the proper nutrients necessary for growth. But once the plant was purchased and a proper hole was dug to create a new home for the plant the smart thing to do would be to dispose of the container when the plant is placed in the ground. There the plant's root system could flourish and expand allowing the plant to gain strength and grow into an adult plant producing food, shade, and beauty for the eye to behold. It doesn't make sense to leave the plant in the plastic container which inhibited growth, who would intentionally put a barrier into place that would eventually eliminate any chance of survival for the plant when it's roots couldn't expand any further?
      Well, that is exactly what many of us do to ourselves in life. We put limits on our potential to grow, learn, and expand our scope of influence. Our self-imposed plastic containers come in many forms and varieties, things like doubt, fear of failure, insecurity with new experiences, memories of past experiences, and even a lack of trust all qualify as inhibitors to growth. Unlike the plastic container and shrub example the containers that limit our growth were never intended to help us in the beginning. Fear, plain and simple was created to limit us from taking chances and inhibits us from going out on the limb when we need to make the right choice. Just like a plant's root structure needs to spread wide to allow the proper amount of growth to occur, we too need that same room to grow and mature.
     Don't place limits on your potential. Don't allow fear or negative, past experiences delegate your potential for growth. What we see as barriers, God uses as stepping stones to where He wants us to grow if only we discard the plastic containers in our lives. Keep in mind what Jesus said in Luke 18:27 "What is impossible with man, is possible with God". Trust that God has a plan, His plan is bigger than anything we can fathom, and His plan will impact those it is intended to impact if we will only be obedient and move forward with full confidence! Allow yourself to grow!
Coach Carter