Stumbling Blocks and Stepping Stones

 Have you ever had someone tell you that they "can't" do something or that they couldn't make a change in some aspect of their lives because of their circumstances or situation? If we really sit back and reflect we may come to the realization that we are guilty of accepting our limitations as barriers to our progress. I've never been one to allow what appears to be a stop sign be a barrier, but over the years I have deepened my resolve even more. From my perspective, we can either learn from, adapt to, or deal with the roadblocks in our lives or if we choose to let those same roadblocks determine our destiny we will wind up settling for less than what God has planned for our lives. 

Today's Flat Tire title references two types of rocks, a stumbling block and a stepping stone. When you visualize the two do you see two distinctly different rocks or are those two invariably the same? Well, for me, I see two identical rocks, but I also see those two rocks having two completely different purposes. The stumbling block serves as a deterrent to progress. To hinder of stop us from going where we need to be, or to keep us from becoming who we were created to be, the stumbling block gives us an excuse to accept our limitations and thus accept defeat. Common stumbling blocks could include physical attributes, financial status, family background, or life's circumstance whatever that might be. Too often we allow a stumbling block to be our go to response as to why we aren't moving forward or taking on one of life's challenges. It becomes easy to lay the blame on something that in our mind we deem as impossible to overcome. This debilitating mindset allows us to fall short of our purpose and in our mind we have the perfect explanation for why we aren't moving forward, our stumbling block has ceased our progress. The common mantra becomes, "Well if you had to deal with ________________, you'd understand." The stumbling block mentality gives a person permission to accept defeat and limitations as a normal part of life. The good news is life isn't about limits, it is more about limitlessness. 

On the other side of the spectrum is the stepping stones mindset. When someone with a stepping stones mentality sees a pile of rocks blocking their way, they don't see a barrier, instead they see a pile of rocks that just need to be stacked up to form a tool for climbing up to the next level of life. Stepping stones are easily confused with stumbling blocks because they are one in the same rock. The difference is successful leaders look at that rock as a means to an end. When I think of the Bible story of the life of Joseph, he is a true example of someone who used stumbling blocks to build the stepping stones to lift him out of the pit that his brothers threw their youngest sibling in as a youth (Genesis 37). 

Joseph's life was full of stumbling blocks, from the aforementioned pit experience, to being wrongly accused in his master Potiphar's house, to his inevitable dissent into prison, Joseph took each stumbling block and stacked them up to create a set of stepping stones leading him to his purposed position of second in command to the Egyptian Pharaoh. (Genesis 41). At any point along his life's trajectory, many of us would have settled on the idea that life is just that way and that's just the way it is. (Stumbling block for sure). For Joseph, he never stopped believing that God had a purpose for his life and that ultimately as long as he kept working at it, God's plan would be fulfilled. (Stepping stones for sure). 

Towards the end of Joseph's story in the Book of Genesis, Joseph finally confronts his brothers regarding the toss into the pit and selling their father's favorite son into slavery. His brothers feared the worst, retribution was sure to be headed their way, yet Joseph's stepping stone mentality provided a means for forgiveness and reconciliation. In Genesis 50:20 Joseph explains it this way to his elder brothers, "You planned to do a bad thing to me. But God planned it for good, to make it happen that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." Today the question you need to ask yourself is "Am I using the circumstances of my life to be a stumbling block to what God intended me to do with the life He gave me to live?" Or, "Am I using those same stumbling blocks to build a staircase of stepping stones to elevate my life to where God purposed me to be?" Same rock, two distinctly different perspectives. 

Coach Carter

Take the Stairs

 Over the years I've developed a habit of taking the stairs instead of an elevator whenever possible. Between work travel and family vacations I get many chances to practice that choice, so on a day to day basis, choosing the steps just comes naturally. Now when I say I choose taking the steps you have to keep in mind that there are two options involved, walking up and walking down. Obviously one of these is a little easier than the other, walking down follows gravity so it doesn't require near as much energy. The direct opposite is true for walking up a set of stairs. Effort and energy have to be exerted for an upward ascent, but that upward march provides much more in the area of exercise and health benefits. Taking the elevator is quicker and requires much less effort on our part, but I would challenge everyone to take the stairs every now and then, be different and give it a try. 

This week's Flat Tire Thought was given to me while I was at a recent conference in the confines of the Great Smokey Mountains. The hotel site where the conference was located offers beautiful mountain views from one side and from the other side, the nighttime city lights twinkle and sparkle each night offering a picturesque view as well. I'll back track off my original claim of always taking the stairs by filing a disclaimer. When I check in with my bags I don't take the stairs, so riding up to the tenth floor to unload was a no brainer. From there the trip downstairs was an easy one, spiraling stairs on a downward trajectory made the 10 floor jaunt an easy task. From there checking in for the conference, networking with colleagues, and reviewing the day's schedule of events led me to the conclusion that it was time to head back up to my room to freshen up and grab my laptop before our first gathering. That is when today's message was shared with me. 

Walking up two or three flights of steps is the norm in most of my travels, but I had not given as much thought to this particular room assignment until I started up the stairs. My room was located on the tenth floor which created a much more challenging hike, that required a great deal more of my energy and stamina. The first four or five flights of stairs weren't anything out of the ordinary, but as I climbed upward towards floors seven through ten, I could really feel my lungs contracting more frequently, as the pep in my step seemed to falter just a bit. Walking up to the tenth floor was more of a challenge, but when I reached my room and reflected on my hike up the stairs I realized I had so much to be grateful and thankful for. 

Grateful for my health that allowed me to successfully ascend those ten flights of stairs. Thankful that my knees allow me to still do all I want to do. I was even more appreciative when I took a few minutes to catch my breath and look around at the view this particular room offered. I had stayed at this hotel in the past, but my rooms had been situated more on the lower third to fifth floors. This upper level floor gave me a new perspective by allowing me to see further and at a higher level which was simply breathtaking. East Tennessee is a beautiful section of our state and the Smokies don't disappoint. I suppose the point I would like to share is I could have taken the elevator and I would have had the same views to take in, but I don't think I would have given much thought to my health and all that I am able to do that constitutes as a blessing. Thank you, Lord, for my legs that carried me up the stairs. Thank you for my vision that allows me to take in the beauty of nature and all other aspects of this world in which we live. And Lord probably most importantly, I thank you for the ability to realize how blessed I am in all aspects of my life. God is good all the time, and all the time God is good! 

So, what is the takeaway today? Take the stairs when possible? Well it's more than that, but yes take the stairs be different. Yet more than that, take the time to reflect on all that you have been given. Too often we forget the simple everyday blessings God has given us. The health of our bodies, the beauty of God's creation, and give thanks for the struggle that the upward set of stairs in your life. We learn and we grow through the struggles more than we do on a flat, laid out stroll, so start looking for the blessing instead of focusing on the struggle. As you travel in and out of each day, climbing upwards or even as your journey lands you in a downward trajectory do not lose hope, you are not alone. "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." I Thessalonians 5:18 Givethanks for the stairs in your life, God is taking you on a journey and He is right there with you! 

 

Coach Carter

Wisdom Spots

From where I stand the best approach to our physical health comes in the form of a preventive schedule which includes an annual overall physical, regular dental exam, and a yearly dermatologist visit, all done to ensure everything is working the way it should and there aren't unforeseen issues that need more immediate attention. Well, a few weeks ago I completed my annual skin check at my dermatologist's office. I had noticed what I would describe as something similar to a rash without any discoloration or discomfort near my ankles, so I wanted to be sure and inquire about that minor issue. Upon examination, my doctor informed me that in her opinion those were what she labelled wisdom spots. At first, I didn't read into what she was saying, and for those of you that are still under the 50-year mark, you too may not understand what she was telling me. I asked what I had done to obtain the tiny bumps and she looked at me with a simple smile and informed me that I had earned those little bumps by living out a life of 60+ years. In other words, I earned the wisdom spots because I was old! That "Aha" moment created a little chuckle from inside and from there she finished up her visual scan and I was awarded a clean bill of skin health.

 

After I checked out from the doctor's office and began my drive home, I reflected on the whole idea of earning those "wisdom spots" just by getting older. Of all the things I've been earning as I get older, the majority of them aren't making me feel that much better. I guess you could say I've earned readers due to my vision acuity decreasing, I've earned joint pains and body issues that can only be attributed to the longevity of life that I have been awarded. Yet, as I reflect on all the body aches and pains that have accompanied me in the aging process, it has been a blessing to gain certain mental strengths along the way as well. The doctor's label of wisdom spots being directly associated with growing older, opened my mind to the notion that wisdom in its purest form is gained through life's experiences over time and the application of those lessons learned (hopefully learned) is directly connected in our thoughts and decision-making process as life ebbs and flows. 

Unfortunately, the majority of the human race is not born being wise. In the Book of Job, we are reminded that "Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long-life bring understanding?" Job 12:12. In other words, don't we get it, as we get older our life experiences teach us what to do and what to say in certain situations where we might have had to learn the hard way in our younger days. For our younger selves’ wisdom is an elusive character trait. Our impulsiveness causes us to learn the hard way, through experience. So, knowing that we gain wisdom through our mistakes and downfalls, wouldn't it be "wise" to accept the darts and dings that we receive along life's journey for their ultimate good in equipping us with more wisdom to circumvent life today? 

In theory, we can probably agree with that philosophical stance, yet the hard part of understanding that life's ups and downs are what allow us to become the man or woman that God created us to be is that we have to endure those hardships, trials, and tribulations first. The problem there is most of us don't voluntarily sign up for our lives to be vexed with health, relational, or even financial troubles. Transversely, when those learning opportunities hit, our common response is "Why me Lord?" When actually the trial we are enduring has placed us into training for what we will eventually use as wise counsel in our own decision-making process and also for others as they seek wise counsel.

In the Book of James, we are presented first with a question and then a charge to all that consider themselves wise. "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." James 3:13. Let our good life be an example of the wisdom we have earned through our loyal commitment to God our Father. As we stay the course and endure what life throws our way, we gain an insider track to how God can use us not only as an encouragement after our challenging circumstances subside, but also while we are in the midst of life's storms and calamities. During those times we are not alone, God reminds us over and over again that He is with us and He will carry us through the valleys and shadows of life's not so good experiences. (Duet. 31:8, John 15:26-27, Psalms 23:4). 

Avoiding life's struggles with a mindset of growth is always advantageous, is it easy, no. Is it worth it in the long run? I would vote resoundingly yes! We can impart wise counsel on others, but just as I had to earn those wisdom spots on my ankles, wisdom is earned through experience. What we can do is help those struggling with life's challenges by encouraging them and sharing wise counsel that will assist them in their own quest for life's offer of wisdom. 

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:5.

Coach Carter

Weeks, Days, Minutes

Disclaimer to today's Flat Tire Ministries Thought: Today I am sharing a message on hope. References are made to substance addiction, divorce, and suicide as three instances where hope is lost. As in all of life's situations there are countless contributing factors and each addiction, divorce, or choice to end one's life is unique. I do not want to oversimplify the complexity of circumstances, yet the faith I have in my God tells me that hope is real and that hope can carry me through whatever life throws my way. Thank you for reading and sharing. Coach Carter

What is it that allows a person to become addicted to a drug? What is that final straw that breaks the camel's back and causes a husband and wife to call it quits and file for divorce? What is the breaking point where someone moves from a state of depression or sorrow and chooses to end their life? These are sobering questions for us all, yet I believe there is a recurring response to each of the questions posed above. When a person feels like there is no way around it, over it, or through it, it is possible that a feeling of hopelessness could enter someone's mind. I believe the moment we lose hope is the beginning of hopeless responses to life's situations and circumstances. Today, I want to encourage you, no, encourage is too light, I want to implore you to never give up and to never quit! The foundation of hope lies in our faith that God has a plan and it is our responsibility to fulfill God's plan regardless of what we are facing. May God's plan be fulfilled in us and through the life we are to live for His Kingdom.

A person can live without food for weeks. When it comes to fluids, the body can only last a few days without water. But, when the topic is hope, a person can become hopeless in a matter of minutes. How is that possible you may be asking? I haven't been there myself, but it is a reality that should not be experienced. Whatever creates that tipping point, the absence of hope is what allows a person to drop into a state of mind where there is no hope left to be found. I started today's message with three questions about addictions, divorces, and the tragic reality of suicide. That is not an all inclusive list of areas in life that are predicated by a loss of hope, but those three hit a cord with me and I wanted to share my thoughts with you today. 

We have been given the ability to choose life or death so we control that choice. Divorce ends just under 50% of all marriages. The choice to give up on your marriage is made with our free will in mind. Substance addiction controls the lives of roughly 50 million people in the United States. People do not choose to be addicted, but there is a choice that is made which continues the pathway of destruction that addictions create. Suicide ranks as one of the leading causes of death for people of all ages. Other than suicide all of the other top causes of death are health related such as heart or liver disease. A person can impact their heart or liver health, but for the most part those are diseases that we ultimately have little control over. Suicide is a mental decision option of which a person ultimately chooses. Where do these three life altering instances cross paths? I firmly believe the answer is found at the point where hope is lost. 

So where is hope nurtured and how is it that any two people in similar situations could have such a varying range in their responses to a life situation? For me, the difference is that my hope is grounded in a promise that has been guaranteed to each of us over and over again throughout the Bible. It sounds easy, almost too easy for me to sit here and proclaim that as long as you trust in God your faith will provide you with a hope that carries us through whatever life throws our way. Instead, I would counter that faith is based in believing, but from there trusting and walking with God takes more than just believing in God. James 2:19 tells us that even demons believe that God is real, but that doesn't mean the evil one places any trust in God. "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder." For me, faith is active, growing, developing a stamina which will be there when the trials and tragedies of life hit hardest. When life feels like it is impossible for us to handle, our faith provides us the hope we need through the promise Jesus shared in Mark 10:27 "... with man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." God is able to see us through where this world falls short. 

Romans 8:28 tells us that all thing work together for good, in Isaiah 41:10 God promises that He will be with us and give us strength, and in Luke 1:37 we are told that nothing is impossible with God. I could continue to share scriptures that support trusting in God. Those scriptures are only meaningful and useful if we place our trust in God and allow our faith to create a hope that won't fail. God has a plan, trust Him and allow God to see you through whatever comes your way! 

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

Coach Carter

Knowing, Growing, & Sowing

Earlier today Ethan, Bogi, and I got to spend a few hours paddling down the Holston River. It was a perfect getaway for the Labor Day weekend. Floating down a river for some rest and relaxation with my two boys was exactly what I needed. Floating down the Holston River also served as an inspiration for the introduction to today's Flat Tire Ministries thought. 

Are you just floating down the river of life, aimlessly allowing the current to take you where it may, or are you navigating and paddling downstream with a purpose and plan to have a positive impact on the world in which you live each and every day that our Lord and Savior has given us to live? In my daily devotional time I recently encountered a thought shared by John Maxwell which led me to today's title, "Knowing, Growing, & Sowing".

Above I referenced our trip down the river of life. For most of us that journey would include a destination. What Maxwell suggests is that life here on earth is not about a certain destination, but more about the continued journey we each make, and how we use the time we have been given as we navigate our unique life's journey. For our purpose today, the destination I'm referencing isn't the one we all hope to gain when this life is over, instead when I mention settling in on a destination, it is more in terms of a feeling like we have arrived at a place in life where we can just float along and all is good. What I want to share today is the realization that life itself is all about the journey and in that journey we have three responsibilities as we navigate the river of life. Knowing or realizing our purpose in life, committing to constantly growing our potential to impact more lives, and then ultimately sowing into the lives of others so that they will produce this same cycle of continuous service over self. 

Knowing. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7. In this verse from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus instructs us to seek out our purpose in this life we have been given to live. We all have a job or career, there is some semblance of a family in each of our lives, and we all have a calendar whether it is set up by the hour, day, month, or possibly a five year plan, but what drives our plans? Are we aimlessly floating or do we know exactly why we are paddling in a specific trajectory? Seeking God's purpose for our lives means we are spending time in His Word, then praying and meditating on how we should be applying what we have absorbed into our daily lives. Growing. When I consider  growing I think about what plants and animals need to grow and be productive. The nourishment we provide to a fruit tree will determine the positive or negative impact on the productivity of that tree. We are exactly the same as that tree. What we put into our bodies and our minds will have a direct impact on our influence on the world in which we live. We cannot expect others to grow if we aren't first growing our capacity to teach and grow others around us. Sowing. This is where the real perpetual impact of our journey takes place. We aren't asked by God to just sow into the lives of those who we are directly connected. The truth of sowing is that the more bountiful we sow the more bountiful the harvest will be. Additionally, the more bountiful our harvest is will directly impact what the future harvest will be for those we have nurtured and grown to become the next generation of sowers. "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." II Corinthians 9:6. 

If you know your purpose in life you are in a great spot. For those that don't necessarily know what you were destined to impact during your time here on earth then there is no better time than today to start seeking your purpose. As you establish your role and purpose you have the opportunity and responsibility to grow and increase your capacity to impact as many people as possible through your influence and service. Once you know and as you grow, it is important to sow abundantly and sow without ceasing!

Coach Carter

The Wisdom Of Winnie

"I always get to where I'm going, by walking away from where I've been." I owe a word of thanks to my nephew/son for sharing this nugget of wisdom with me this weekend. Bogi and I were on a call when he recalled a quote that he had heard. I expected a Ben Franklin or Abe Lincoln memorable moment, or maybe even something from a business leader or military figure, but instead Bo shared the words of a children's literature book character, Winnie the Pooh. Regardless of the source, there is a tremendous amount of truth in Pooh's message. 

Often in life we allow our past to dictate our future. We allow past failures to immobilize us and label us incapable or inferior. Yet, if we dig a little deeper, the truth is our past failures can be more of a tool in our quest to find our true purpose in this life. In other situations, we fall into the rut of complacency, where the easier route to take is to sit right where we are. Kind of the "if it's not broke, then don't try to fix it" mentality. It is our responsibility to move forward, God has a purpose for each and every life and in my opinion I doubt very seriously that anyone's purpose involves dragging along the mistakes of the past, or lingering in the fear of "what's next". If you want to get to where God purposed you to be, it is going to involve some forward motion. 

I've written about it before, but there is a reason why the windshield is so big and the rearview mirror is so small. We need to spend the majority of our time looking at what is ahead of us and utilize the rearview mirror as a small reminder not to fall into the traps of the past that may have delayed our journey at some point. Whatever happened in the past is behind you now. God's best life is yet to come, you just need to embrace it and go for it. I firmly believe that God has a plan for each person's life, it is your choice to submit and follow His plan. It is a choice that God allows you to make, choose forward progress. 

I love the words of Paul in his letter to the church in Philippe where he proclaims, "Brethren, I count not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14. Forgetting the mistakes and failures of the past, not allowing the comfort and complacency of yesterday to hinder my forward motion, I press on to the goal that God placed in my heart, mind, and soul when I was created. I'll get to where I'm going only if I leave where I was behind! 

I appreciate Bogi sharing that quote with me, encouraging words with a divine connection stoke the embers of my soul! There have been times when I felt like the past was an anchor around my neck weighing me down, not allowing me to proceed, but just as Pooh said above, when I make the decision to move forward, I have to leave the past where it belongs, behind me. Today, I pray that you will not allow the mistakes of yesterday to hinder your progress for today. You can make it to where you are going, you just have to leave where you are to get there! 

Coach Carter

 

Fill'er Up?

"Fill'er up?" I can distinctly recall that question being asked as Mamaw Whetsel rolled down the window on her 1963 Ford Falcon and CD Thomason darted up to see how much Fire Chief gasoline she wanted on this visit. On top of that CD would clean your windshield, check your oil, air up your tires, and report back his findings. This memory took place in the era of full-service gas stations. Definitely a memory from the past, full-service gas stations featured attendants who pumped your gas while providing a quick check up on your vehicle's condition. The nice thing about a full-service station was that the service was customary and basically free. A full tank of gas pumped by an attendant with a spot-free windshield, now who wouldn't go for that? Of course, those times have gone by the wayside as self-service fueling became the norm and multi-pump stations the likes of Buccee's have made it virtually impossible to offer any kind of customer service that would resemble those days of old. Yet, where gas stations aren't able to offer a full-service experience today, when our life’s tanks are low, we do have a free of charge offer to have our lives filled with the mercy and grace that God offers.

In society today, people are searching for something that will fill their tank. Wealth, material possessions, "likes" or reposts on social media, or the number of followers each seem to be drivers in the world today. When the material world doesn't provide us with a full tank then the next place to look is creating a new reality. Divorce rates inch higher and higher, drug and alcohol addictions are rampant, and the mental health crisis for children and adults is ever alarming. It appears the more we attempt to "Fill'er up" with the world, the emptier our tanks seem to be. How can that be? The answer is not to be found in the world, the Apostle Paul said it best in II Corinthians 12:9-10 "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."  Paul had realized the truth about living for Christ,  the truth that when I am weak and empty, the world won't be able to help me, but the energizing strength of Christ would give Paul all he needed to move forward and succeed. "Fill'er up!"

Today you may feel like you are running on fumes. God may feel distant or even non-existent, yet He is real and God wants to service your head, heart, body, and soul. You may have strayed from God's love or you may have never given your heart and soul to God the Father, but you can rest assured that God is real, God is love, and God wants to fill your life's tank with His free gift of salvation. In I John 4:4 we are reminded that "the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." With God all things are possible (Matt. 19:26), Christ gave His life for the sin of this world and now because Jesus willingly died for us, we have His offer to be full and never run dry!

If you feel like you are running on fumes or your tank is empty and you are stuck on the side of life's highway seeking roadside service, Jesus is asking you today, "Fill'er Up?"  

                                   

 "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

Coach Carter

Pedaling Uphill

 "We are on a journey!" I declared that proclamation to Ella and ChaCha, two of our granddaughters as took a Saturday morning bike and scooter trek to the library. Distance wise we were talking less than a mile each way, but with a 4-year-old on a scooter, and her 6-year-old cousin on a bike with training wheels it might as well have been a Spartan race course for this 61-year-old Poppy! I may be exaggerating a bit, we had tons of fun, checked out several books for each girl, stopped by a pizza spot to refill our tanks, and then we finished out the morning just in time to hit the pool for an afternoon of splashing and swimming. Good day, sleep came easy. But, that's not necessarily today's topic for our Flat Tire moment. 

Something that Ella has been dealing with on our biking excursions is the little inclines along the way when you transition from roadway to sidewalk. Those slight and modest inclines have been like a brick wall barricade as she pedals across an intersection to the next sidewalk area. When she gets across a street her inclination is to pause and timidly approach the upgrade, which in turn leads to her being stuck in place right there in the middle of neither being up the hill or down at the base of the ramp up. That in turn leads to a cry of "Poppy help me, I'm stuck." I, not wanting to be an enabler, decided it was time for Ella to overcome her mountain and so I talked with her about what to do at the next uphill approach we reached. What I told both girls is that when you reach any uphill struggle, you have to pedal faster and harder to make it to the level ground that awaits. As we crossed the next intersection, Ella checked for clearance and then pedaled her way across the street. She started up the ramp area, cheered on by ChaCha and I. "Harder, harder, keep pedaling, don't give up, don't stop you can do it!" I encouraged my little trekster as she overcame that "hill" and proudly pedaled on ahead of our entourage. I could sense the pride of her accomplishment when we stopped not far from there to catch a drink and cool down for a minute. Mission accomplished, for the rest of our morning walk, push, and ride, Ella pedaled through each and every intersection incline as we journeyed back home. 

I'm not sure if Ella and ChaCha were completely ready for one of my motivational talks on life being tough and that sometimes you just have to pedal a little harder to overcome the obstacles to reach your destination in life, but that is exactly what came to mind as I briefly stopped and noted this "Aha" moment for me. There are so many instances in life where pedaling uphill may feel more like pedaling on one of those stationary bikes where it doesn't matter how hard you pedal you are still sitting in the same exact place. I know in my own life there have been times when it was more like being on an escalator trying to go up hill on a downward ride. Progress just wasn't there. I suppose it is safe to say that in life you have  overcome several uphill climbs, or it may be that you are currently in an uphill struggle, or it could be that you will be pedaling through an uphill climb soon, but regardless of when it occurs, we all have or will be facing a time of pedaling uphill to overcome that mountain in front of us.

Regardless of what your struggle is, be it relational, financial, or possibly a health related uphill struggle, you are not pedaling alone! Just as I encouraged Ella as she pedaled up that slight incline in front of her destination, God is right there with you in life's uphill challenges. Everyone's hill is unique, and in your life it most likely is the focus of your morning, day, and night. Know this, just when you feel like you want to give up because the struggle feels like it is too much to overcome, keep pedaling you can't give up! There is a helper who is there with you encouraging you on whispering in your ear "Harder, harder, keep pedaling! Don't give up and don't quit! You can do it!" " The prophetic words of Isaiah share God's encouragement to each of us "So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed. For I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  Isaiah 41:10. Whatever it is you are facing today, pedal on! God is near and He will see you through! 

Coach Carter

Hope

 My morning devotional today was centered around Hebrews 11:1 which declares, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” The emphasis in my devotion was more of the literal application that we place our hope in Christ, I’d like to take the discussion about our “hope” a little different direction today as we delve into our Flat Tire Ministries Thought this week. 

Modern society’s definition of the word hope is different than the hope we read about in Hebrews. Today we use the word hope interchangeably with thoughts such as making a wish or some sort of good luck obligatory comment. “ I hope the Vols win today” or “ I hope everything works out for you and your family” are examples of our culture’s idea of hope. Or at least it appears that way to me.  

The hope that the author of Hebrews was talking about centers around faith. Disclaimer, the deeper the faith the clearer the understanding of hope in our context today. Without faith it is hard to comprehend the true essence of hope. In our conversations today the word hope isn’t based on a maybe/maybe not mentality, true faith creates an assurance of something that we can’t necessarily see, yet our faith provides peace and comfort because we know God’s will is about to be fulfilled in each and every situation. Paul shares his explanation for hope through our faith in Romans 5:3-5 “Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.”  Does this mean that as long as we adhere to hope things are going to always work out the way we want them to? I’m sorry but that isn’t hope and it most certainly isn’t faith, that is more of rubbing on the magic lamp and being granted three wishes over and over again. 

So, if hope doesn’t produce wins for the Vols, and it doesn’t guarantee us that our loved one will be healed from their terminal illness, what is hope and how does it reveal itself in our lives? True hope is grounded in a faith that rests in our heart, mind, and soul that gives us the strength to face any and all circumstances and challenges knowing that God is in control and at the end of the day, His will will be done. Paul said hope doesn’t disappoint because when we trust God and place our faith in God then we believe that God’s plan, as difficult as it may be to accept, is bigger and broader than any plan we could ever imagine or conceive. Remember earlier when I said the deeper your faith the better you can understand the true meaning of hope? Well, Jesus, Son of God and son of man is our example of placing our hope in God our Father beyond compare.  

Jesus, knew He could impact this world teaching, preaching and modeling what a Christian life is, and evidence of that was bountiful during the time Jesus walked this earth. As Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, He knew what kind of impact He was having on mankind. Jesus also knew that what He was getting ready to endure was going to be painful to the extent of costing Him His life. Armed with that knowledge, Jesus prayed to His Father, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me. Nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Jesus knew that God’s plan needed to be fulfilled, regardless of the pain and suffering He would endure, Jesus knew that God’s plan through His death on the cross would have far reaching implications and outcomes beyond anything that His momentary suffering could produce. 

We can’t fathom God’s plan for our lives, plain and simple. Placing our faith in Christ means that we trust that God’s plan is being fulfilled through whatever it is we have to endure. God gives us that hope, a hope that says, “Father, not my will, but Thy will be done!” May your faith in God fortify your hope through whatever life situation you are going through today! Amen.

Coach Carter

Building a House

 My father was a contractor. Evidence of his years of labor can be found all across Hamblen County, and also around the southeast as he transitioned from being a residential contractor to that of a commercial builder across the mid-south landscape. I believe it would be safe to say that there wasn't one home or building that Joe E. Carter constructed where the cornerstone to the foundation didn't receive precise attention. If that pivotal starting point was not set with attention to detail, then the whole foundation would be out of square and thus increase the possibility of the building collapsing. So, without really saying it, ensuring the foundation is set correctly was an early indicator that the structure would be able to withstand the storms of nature that would inevitably place stress and pressure from every side. Whether you are a builder or not is uncoincidental, yet setting your foundation by the cornerstone of faith, is critically important as you live, learn, and grow. 

 

There is a classic children's book titled "The House That Jack Built" where whimsical event after event  occurs is traced back to the house that Jack built. In much the same way, our goal in life should be that each decision we make, every plan we devise, and our life choices that follow all relate back to the cornerstone of our faith. When our life's decisions are out of square with the Chief Cornerstone, we risk seeing our plans crumble and eventually fall. 

 

Jesus shared a parable in Matthew 7:24-27 in which he stresses the importance of building on the "rock" or cornerstone in life. “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Basically, we have two choices build our faith on the sand of this world which has no consistency or strength and eventually watch your faith crumble and fall, or we can choose to build on the firm foundation of the Rock, which is Jesus the Cornerstone of life eternal. 

 

As you make your own personal decision of where you will build your faith, I believe it is advisable to look to the Carpenter on choosing your building site. Choose the Rock and from there ensure your life is squared and aligned with the Cornerstone of our faith. The winds may blow, the earth may quake and the storms will come, but through it all, we can rely on God who set the original Cornerstone in place to create our firm foundation! 

Coach Carter 

Solitaire = Solitude

 

Once during a return flight home, I noticed a gentleman seated cattycornered to me playing a game of Solitaire on his laptop. Now, during an extended flight you have numerous options for what you can do, read a book or magazine, watch a movie or show if available, play a game such as my flying neighbor was doing, or sleep. One additional option is to strike up a conversation with the complete stranger seated beside you. The majority of the options presented are for you and you alone, hence the game of Solitaire is aptly titled, because it is a game for one person pitted against a deck of cards. Given, the limited opportunities to move about freely and engage on a plane aren't overflowing, the concept of living life alone is easily highlighted in the journeys of a plane traveler. In comparison to the world we live today, it is much easier to live in a mindset of solitaire, but Solitaire in this case is synonymous with the word solitude. 

 

Although I started today's FTM Thought with a trifle anecdote that took place during one of my flights, the idea of living life in solitude isn't a lifestyle to embrace for us as servants of God. We weren't designed to live life alone, from the beginning of time, God's plan was for man to not live life alone. (Genesis 2:18). With all of the modern technology literally right there in your hands, it is easy to pull away from society and set all of our attention on the index card sized computer screen to which we are attached. A keynote speaker at a conference I was attending this past week was making a point about how attached we are to our phones, Crystal Washington motivational speaker, asked the audience how many people sleep with their phone? Many replied that they didn't sleep with their phone but that it lays on a bedside table or area within arm’s reach during the night. The majority of that same group did not think that sleeping with their phone in such close proximity was a problem. Washington quipped, "If you slept with a beer beside your bed within arm's reach every night that would be a problem!" Too often when Missy and I are out to eat at a restaurant as you scan the dining area, couples and even families are all solitarily entranced with their personal screens. They are there together in complete solitude. 

 

This life of living in solitary solitude isn't relegated to our cell phones, in our larger metropolitan cities there are people literally living on the streets. It is too easy for us to walk by or possibly step over a homeless person and just keep on walking, as if we just stepped over a log that has fell across our path. My nephew/son Bo, served our country in the Air Force and while he was stationed in the horn of Africa at Djibouti, he shared with me the desolately impoverished state of that area of the world. Children walking around naked, skin and bones, laying in the doorframes of buildings much like our favorite canine pet. The big difference there, we invite our dogs into our homes, bathe and groom them, and feed them without them even whimpering. We live in this world together in complete solitude. 

 

And probably most problematic for our society is the choice to live life in solitary solitude. We choose to live outside of God's plan for us to live in a community of believers. His church, His people, His family shares, gives, and serves each other, especially those who are in need. The term "neighbor" does not only reference those who live next door, Jesus commented on watching out for your neighbor several times during His life on this earth. In Luke 10:27 Jesus answers the crowd "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." In Mark 12:30-31 Jesus is quoted saying, "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these." And notably, one of the best examples of Jesus's advice to not live life alone is His parable of the Samaritan and the man lying in the ditch after he was beaten and robbed. In these instances, Jesus directed us to live life together in complete union, personally connected to Christ and personally connected to our fellow man. 

 

I think back to my airline companion who completed his full journey without saying a word to anyone, but then I also reflect on how often I too go through opportunities to connect and in my busyness, I fall short of God's plan for this life He gave me to live. My challenge today is to myself as much as it is to each of you. Don't spend your days playing Solitaire in solitude, find someone to share God's good news with and live life as God intended for us to live it, together, unified not isolated. Where Solitaire is a game for one, the game of life is not one to be played alone. Engage!

Coach Carter

Life Savers

 

 When you hear the word lifesaver what comes to mind? Most likely one of two images cruise across your frontal lobe, either a fruit flavored candy or a pool accessory used to assist struggling individuals in over their head. Well, today I'd like to bring a different image to mind as you ponder on this life changing term. 

 

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is quoted as saying, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it." Luke 9:23-24. Well now, isn't that quite the paradox? I can't think of too many things in this world that by losing them you in essence secure the thing that you lost. Common knowledge tells us that when we lose something there is a probable chance that we may never find it. Yet, in this case, Jesus says that to "save" or find eternal life you must first give up or "lose" your life. I suppose the question then is what do we have to do to "lose" our life? 

 

Losing your life in this context isn't referring to a literal death, but instead, symbolic ways that we give our life to gain more back in return. Sacrifice, self-denial, and service or we could call them the "Selfless S's" are all about losing self by doing for others. The dictionary defines sacrifice as "an act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy." When we talk about self-denial the focus is more on what I can do for others, instead of what can others do for me. And the third term, service, references the idea of helping others especially those who may be less fortunate than ourselves. The Bible is full of examples of men and women of God who lived out the Selfless S's in their walk with God. Ruth, made the choice to go wherever Naomi, her mother-in-law went and to live out her life with her even though her husband, Naomi's son, had died and she really had no commitment to Naomi (Ruth1:16-17). 

 

If you haven't figured it out over the years, Paul is a Bible hero to me. His service to God in spreading the Word of God and establishing Christianity across the Mediterranean coast and into Asia Minor. After Paul's conversion on the Damascus Road, he spent the rest of his life serving Christ. Not only did Paul expand the church, but he also served Christ by recording thirteen books of the New Testament. But, ultimately we have the primal example of being a life saver thru the life and teachings of Jesus. 

 

Jesus lived a sinless life, humble, sacrificing selflessly, and denying His own life so that we can today receive eternal life with Him in Heaven. If there is need of a model of self-sacrifice through both service and denial of self, Jesus lives it out in His prayer to His Father just before His arrest and impending crucifixion. "And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." Matthew 26:39. 

 

 Basically, Jesus said I am willing to save humanity even if it is going to cost me my own life. 

That is the life I want to live out. Am I successful doing that every day, no I am human, but do I have a model to follow and a desire to live out this life I have been given as a servant leader, most certainly. Today, I ask you to make that same commitment to serve God without a thought of how it will impact yourself positively or not so positively, and to do so in a sacrificial manner that basically says "Thy will be done, not my own". (Matt. 26:39).

 

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20

Coach Carter

 

 

It Takes Two

 

You may have heard the old saying "It takes two to Tango", which delivers the point that just as it is impossible to tango without a partner, it is just as impossible to get into an argument without a willing partner. We won't always agree with everyone's point of view, but in our time together today, I'd like to suggest that even when our perspectives disagree, there is a path available that seems uncommon in the world we live today. 

 

Biblical truths are not ours to pick and choose, but how we approach situations is completely up to us. We have some advice to follow provided by the Apostle Paul. The church in Corinth struggled against the worldly culture of the day and Paul had to basically "coach'em up" on a wide range of topics on how to live life as a new Christian, ranging from what was okay to eat, who it was okay to marry, all the way down to not arguing and bickering with others. "Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels, and the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful." II Timothy 2:23-24. Basically, if we desire to be God's light in a dark world, then what good will be produced by us arguing and quarreling? Getting into an argument means that two people both believe they are correct in their stance. Arguing establishes that you believe you are right and you may even have the proof to support your stance, but it is safe to assume that the person on the other side also believes they are correct and most likely they have some supporting evidence for their conviction. Who's right? Who cares? We are not the judge and we are not the jury. If it feels wrong to you then stay away from it. Other than being able to say, I was right, what gain is there in winning an argument? 

 

Whatever happened to the idea of "we will just have to agree to disagree" as an acceptable way of nullifying an argument? Paul spent a whole chapter in the Book of Romans explaining that there isn't anything to gain by arguing with someone. "Therefore, let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister" Romans 14:13. We may disagree, and we may have our facts to back us up, but at the end of the day, it is God who will be doing the judging, don't attempt to take His job. (Romans 14:10-11). Am I suggesting that we be acceptable to an "anything goes" mentality? Absolutely not. 

 

Arguing about who is right and who is wrong, may win a battle here and there, but the war will wage on. The real battle is not "who" is right or wrong, but instead it is the battle between right and wrong, good and evil, Godly or worldly. To win the war we must be willing to live out right and allow the world to see God living in us and through us. If we enter a discussion with a mindset of I'm right and you're wrong the outcome will most likely be one that creates a barrier between you and the other person. How can we ever expect to share God's message of forgiveness and acceptance in a world of judgement and dissent? If our hope is to make a difference in this world who is it that we hope to make a difference with? The people that think and act just like you? Not a hard assignment if that is your goal. Instead, our goal is to reach those that need to hear about the God we serve and the unconditional love He offers each of us. 

 

Tough choices require more effort than the simple. Arguing is simple, one opinion plus one opinion equals two differing opinions, thus you can easily have an argument. The challenging thing to do is take two different opinions and try to look at the other person's opinion from their point of view. Empathy, sacrifice, and perspective will serve you well if you allow them. The next time you feel that a disagreement is headed your way, remember it takes two to tango and it takes two to argue, be the bigger one and choose the path less traveled. 

Coach Carter

Made for More

Over the years I have happened across lines in songs that have just really pumped me up. When that happens, it isn't like it takes me hearing the song ten or fifteen times before it strikes a chord, instead, the first time I hear the words it is like someone just gave me a shot of pure adrenaline and I can't hardly contain myself. Well, it happened again a week or so ago and I wanted to share my takeaways from the song lyrics and also share a link to the song so you can join me in worship for the gift that we have received. 

 

I was actually driving up the road on a return trip from a visit with my granddaughters when a song I hadn't heard before came across the airwaves. As I listened to the lyrics and eventual chorus, my energy levels received a boost, my fingers starting tapping the steering wheel and before I knew what was happening I was singing out loud praising God for all that He has done in my life and for all that He still has in store for me to do! Hallelujah, I get giddy just thinking about it! Now you may listen to the same song and you may really like it, but it may not do for you what it did for me. That's okay too, but I believe if you put some thought into what God is capable of doing in you and through you, then it might just bring a smile across your face as well. 

 

 In particular, this excerpt from the song “Made For More”, by Josh Baldwin is what pumped my spirit and encouraged my soul:

 

'Cause I wasn't made to be tending a grave
I was called by name
Born and raised back to life again
I was made for more
So why would I make a bed in my shame
When a fountain of grace is running my way
I know I am Yours
And I was made for more

 

Why would we allow our past mistakes, our pent-up frustrations, or even our current circumstances dictate to us how we live our lives? Why would we allow shame to take up residence in our hearts and minds and hinder us from fulfilling God's purpose for this life He has given us to live? Well guess what? I'm not. I'm not going to tend a hole in the ground when the God of all creation has a job for me to do. A job that He designated distinctly for me at the creation of time. Think about that for a minute, the God who created the moon, sun, stars, sky, earth, water, trees, plants, animals, and everything else that exists, created a plan and a purpose for Chuck Carter's life. And God did the same thing for you, and you, and you, and everyone else on this third rock from the sun! 

 

If you grasp the magnitude of that and you don't get a little pumped, then you still aren't getting it in my opinion. Maybe you don't believe that God has a purpose for your life because you have failed Him so many times and you are failing Him right now. Not a disqualifier. Check out the lives of David, or Paul, unlikely heroes from the Bible, flawed and failed, yet at the end of the day, MADE FOR MORE! Could it be that you don't believe you have a skill that can be of use to God? Moses, charged with leading the Hebrew people out of Egypt, tried to convince God that he wasn't the man for the job due to a speech impediment and even more importantly the murder of an Egyptian task master, but God had a different plan, MADE FOR MORE! And guess what? You were MADE FOR MORE too!

 

As Baldwin's song so eloquently puts it, you weren't made to be tending your grave, going through the motions of life and then you die. No God has a plan for you to fulfill, you choose how that plan will be carried out, but regardless His ultimate plan will be fulfilled. My prayer is that you seek His will for the life you are living. Seek God and ask Him to open the windows of your soul and allow you to better understand what your purpose is. The life you have been living is groundwork for the job God has for you. Remember, God doesn't make mistakes, He made you for more!

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2). 

 

Coach Carter