Mission: Possible

 The 1960's - 70's TV series "Mission Impossible" was all about a top notch team of secret agents committed to saving the world while facing "impossible" circumstances and predicaments. Peter Graves was the star of the show and each episode Grave's character, Jim Phelps, would receive a tape recorded message describing their next assignment, "if they chose to accept it" right before the recording self-destructed seconds later. The premise of the show was that this elite team of specialists would do anything, whatever it took, even at the risk of losing their own lives, to save the world. Your current mission in life  may appear to be impossible, or it may be that you haven't figured out your mission in life completely yet,  but be assured, your mission is not impossible and you are not facing it alone. 

Each year we transition from celebrating the birth of Christ with the Christmas holiday to ringing in a new year the following week. A new year offers new challenges that can be counted as opportunities depending on your mindset, but overall as 2025 rolls onto the scene, we each will face "missions" many of which will feel impossible. The question is, "Are you willing to accept the challenge?" Read on if so!

During the time Jesus spent on earth, He spent much of His time prepping His apostles for what would ultimately be the greatest mission possible. I feel certain that the disciples felt somewhat overwhelmed and most assuredly under qualified mainly due in part to their background prior to becoming followers of Christ. In Matthew 4:18-22 Jesus approaches Simon (Peter) and his brother Andrew while they were preparing their fishing nets and asked them to become fishers of men. Additionally, Jesus met James and John who dropped their fishing nets choosing to follow Jesus. The other early disciples were carpenters, tax collectors, and other working class men of the time. None of the group were especially qualified to become "fishers of men" as Jesus proclaimed in His request for the men to follow Him. I'm not exactly sure how to term it, but I have to believe that their choice was one made out of pure trust and faith. Jesus said follow me and become fishers of men and they did. (Matthew 4:19)

From there Jesus spent His time here on earth living out the life of a "fisher of men" teaching His disciples how to carry out their mission. He didn't spend His days with those who were considered religious, instead Jesus spent His time with the broken, the beat down, sick, and lost. His "mission" was to save the lost and heal the sick of which there was no lack of wanting for those to help. As Jesus traveled from city to city, He shared with the disciples that there was no lack of work for them to do. During His time here on earth, Jesus challenged His disciples to pray for more help to assist in the work to be done. "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the Harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." Matthew 9:35-38. Sounds like that old Mission: Impossible challenge, barring one bit of vital information, if God is in it with us then there is nothing that can stand between us, or stop us from completing God's mission for the life He gave us to live. "For with God nothing shall be impossible" Luke 1:37

How am I so confident that you can and will fulfill God's mission (i.e. calling for your life)? Because you are not alone! God knew this was challenging work and He also knew you would need support along the way. In Matthew 28:16-20 Jesus shares His Great Co"mission" with His disciples. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." We may not physically see Jesus, but His promise is that He will be with us along our mission's journey. In John 15 Jesus details the types of struggles the disciples will have as they work to complete the mission He gave them to complete, but in that same chapter he reassures them that they won't be alone. In John 15:26 Jesus said "I will send you the Spirit who comes from the Father and shows what is true. The Spirit will help you and will tell you about me." All of a sudden what might have seemed like a mission:impossible, became a mission:possible, and that same mission is yours today.

Whatever you are facing in your life, challenges at your workplace, life circumstances with health or well being, relational, financial, whatever stands as a challenge to you serving God to fulfill His mission for your life, you are not alone and you will not fight the battle without support. When things look their bleakest keep this reminder from the Son of the Omnipotent and Omniscient God near. "I have told you these things, so that you may have peace in me. In this world you are going to have trouble. But be courageous! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Whatever you are facing, whatever the challenges are that make you feel like your mission in life is impossible, remember that you are not alone, you have a constant helper, and never forget that Jesus has already overcome the world!  With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26. "Mission: Possible"

Coach Carter

It's A Choice

 If you really sit back and think about it, life is pretty simple. Your life's trajectory all comes down to the decisions we make and the perspective we attach to those decisions. We are all uniquely born into the bodies we were destined to have, and each individual will have their own set of rivers to cross and mountains to climb, rain clouds and rainbows, ups and downs, victories and defeats. To some it may feel like your rainclouds are a lifelong companion following you around like a balloon tethered over your head. On the other hand, some folks have more than their share of the hardships and heartaches, but you probably wouldn't ever know it because they never complain about their life situations and they seem to just truck along on down the road. What's the difference? What causes one person to flip off the car in front of them when they feel they are cut off in traffic, while another person in the same situation drives up alongside the driver in question and throws up her hand signaling sorry about that even though they had no part in what just happened. One person is born with abnormal appendages, but thrives and pushes through, while another person with no physical conditions sits down and quits because life just isn't fair from their perspective. What is the difference? I believe the answer is a simple one, there are many aspects of the life we live that are set beyond any degree of control on our part. There are circumstances that take place throughout our lives, some good to great, others not so good, and still others terrible. You have your list and I have mine. What we all have to understand is you are in control of one thing, your mind. How you handle your life is up to you. Nobody else has that control over you, what I have learned, as simple as it is, is that it is all about what we choose to do with what life hands us. "It's a Choice".

Someone out there is already reflecting on the premise of today's message and they are thinking, "well you don't know what I've been through or what I have to deal with each day" to which I completely agree. Yet, I would counter that thought with "nor do you know mine". I have been blessed in the life I have been given to live, I am truly grateful for all I have experienced, all I have been given, and for all that I have accomplished thus far in my life. Has it all been a bed of roses with the red carpet rolled out leading me to my silver spoon and bowl full of cherries? The answer hear is a simple no. I have fallen down both literally and figuratively throughout my life, I have viewed life from the mountaintop and I have wallowed in dark, muddy valleys and through it all, how I approached my life's perspective boils down to a simple thought, "It's a Choice". 

Take this as simple as you want, or go deep and apply the concept to the most complex aspect of your life. It really doesn't matter, you are completely in charge of this one thing, you choose how you respond to anything that happens to you in this life that you are living. Eating a healthy diet, "It's a Choice". Exercising regularly, "It's a Choice". Overcoming a bad attitude about your life's circumstances. "It's a Choice". Do I choose to live life abundantly or do I choose to steal, kill, and destroy? "It's a Choice". Deciding to argue a point that does not impact your convictions or ethics. "It's a Choice". We could go on and on, but in every situation and every circumstance it comes back to "It's a Choice" and the good thing about it is, it is your choice. 

I was in a conversation with a friend and colleague the other day and during our chat we both agreed that God knew us before we were born, God has a plan and purpose for the life we have been given to live, yet at the end of the day, it is our free will to choose to seek out God's purpose for this life we are living. Joshua, who started out as second in command to Moses as they led the Israelites through the wilderness on a journey to the promised land, was thrust into the leadership role with the death of Moses. Joshua faced the same  opposition that Moses had endured, and at one point felt compelled to lay down his line in the sand. Idol worship had become an accepted way of life for many of the Israelites throughout the exodus from Egypt and as they meandered through the desert. After Moses' death, Joshua gathered his followers and presented them with this ultimatum, "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15. Basically, it was Joshua's choice and he made his choice. You have that same free will, "It's Your Choice". 

 Life can be tough, it may feel tougher for some folks, and it is tougher for some individuals. You may feel like you have a bowl full of cherries or you may have a bowl full of cherry pits. It doesn't really matter. What does matter is how you respond to any and all of life's circumstances and complications. Optimist or Pessimist, Half full or half empty, heads or tails, gazing forward or staring at what is behind, it is all a choice and the nice thing about it is the choice is yours. Regardless of life's situations and circumstances there is one choice that you will make that will determine your life's outcomes and ultimate destiny. Will you give your life to God? Will you choose to serve God or will you serve false idols? Will you look up to the mountains for your strength or will you seek pity and despair in the dark valleys of life? (Psalm 121:1-2). It's a Choice and it is yours! Choose life and choose to live it more abundantly! "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10. There is no better time than the present to make a change in how you think. It may be as simple as whether to argue or not, or it may be that you need to make a decision about how you approach each new day, whatever it is, you are in control of the most important aspect of the situation, it's a choice!

Coach Carter

 

Come and Get Your Love!

 I'm an old Marvel Comics fan. I basically fell in love with reading as a seven year old immersing myself in the likes of Spiderman, Captain America, the Hulk, and the Avengers. Over the last 10-20 years, Marvel starting turning those comics into movies and that has afforded me the opportunity to revert back to those childhood memories that Stan Lee and all of his colleagues created for followers of Spidey and so many other Marvel comic characters. One of those movies "Guardians of the Galaxy" features a ragtag collection of misfit heroes destined to save the world from evil forces. In the original feature film named the same, the main character struts around on a distant planet, dancing to a tune on his Sony Walkman cassette tape player. The song on his Walkman was a oldie but goldie from the 70's ""Come and Get Your Love" by a Native American group called Redbone. I always liked that song, but ever since I saw it in that movie, it seems like I have heard it more frequently on the radio over the past few years. Regardless of the reference to this old R&B song in the Marvel movie production and not due to the overall intent of the song's origin, I recently found a message tucked deep into the song's lyrics that makes this song even more finger snapping and toe tapping when it comes across the airwaves and livestreams! For me today's message is clear; don't limit God's availability, He is everywhere and in everything and if God wants to share a thought with you it can come from anywhere. Even an old rock and roll song from the past!

As alluded to above, we shouldn't limit the ways and places that God can share a word of encouragement, inspiration, or guidance and instruction. Moses received a message from God through a burning bush (Exodus 3:1-6), and God whispered to Elijah in the midst of a storm while he was hiding in a cave (I Kings 19:11-13). To magnify the understanding that God is with us even in our struggles, it is noteworthy to point out that Saul encountered God on the road to Damascus where he was blinded and eventually converted his life to that of a devoted follower of Christ and the Apostle we now as Paul. God can and does meet us anywhere He wants to, the problem is many times we aren't looking for or listening for God's message to us. 

 I had heard the classic tune "Come and Get Your Love" dozens or even tens of dozens of times over the years, but I certainly didn't ever equate that song with an inspirational song or hymn. Why, I doubt seriously that anyone has ever listened to that song and felt compelled to raise your hands in the air in worship to our Lord and Savior. That isn't what I'm saying at all. For me, that particular song has a good head bobbing rhythm and a melodic lyrical composition that just makes me feel good when I hear it. God's reminder to me comes through the title of the song and the line that is repeated over and over again throughout the song. Come and get your love! Come and get your love! God's love is always available and it is always present, all we have to do is reach out and accept it! 

In my walk of faith, I strive to have a deeper, closer relationship with God. I want to hear His guidance as he reveals my daily purpose and calling, so I have made a commitment to meet with God early in the morning before the distractions of the day gobble up much of my attention. It is during that quiet time that I receive God's instructions and that is where He speaks to the concerns I share with Him. Over the years, I have deepened my relationship and now I wouldn't want to go into a day without first sharing my morning with God. If you don't have a morning meeting time set with God, there is no better time than right now to do just that. But... don't think that in the still of the morning is the only place that God will speak to you. "Come and Get Your Love" did just that for me. 

"Come, taste and see that the Lord is good." Psalm 34:8, "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden" Matthew 11:28, and in Romans 12:2 we are directed to "... not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." Even in the midst of the busyness of the day, God wants us to seek Him and His will for this life He has given us to live. The last time I heard the song "Come and Get Your Love" on the radio I didn't hear any other words in the song, except God's invitation to come unto Him and accept His love. "Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near." Isaiah 55:6. The good news is God is always near and He can always be found whatever is going on in your life or wherever we are at that particular moment. Come and get your love, God is ready to share His love abundantly and without limit today! His message was clear that day as I listened to this song in a completely different way, and it is the same message that is available to you and me today, "Come and get you love!"

Coach Carter

 

Growing Up or Growing In?

 I was listening to a sermon the other day and the evangelist asked a profound question, "Are you growing up or are you growing in Christ?" The question was just a small part of his sermon, but I found myself reflecting on the question as he continued towards his main topic. We all grow up, (I'm probably done growing upward, but know I have to be careful not to grow too much outward in my mid-section!) What really grabbed my thoughts was more of the juxtaposition of the two terms "up" and "in" for my life's trajectory. Our question today is whether we are still growing up or not, are we sincerely growing inward to God and His purpose?

There are a number of milestone stages that we each pass as we grow up. Newborn, infant, toddler, youth, teen, young adult, adult, and aging adult, all of which include markers signifying we are growing appropriately along our journey. Well, the stages of life haven't really changed that much over the thousands of years of man's existence. Babies nurse, and then progress to bottles, to which they move on to soft baby food before they eventually move into the meat and potatoes stage. To prove my point read what the author of Hebrews had to say about the progression of nourishment in regards to our spiritual growth. "Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil" Hebrews 5:13-14. You can take this scripture and apply it in a number of ways, but my thoughts are we may have progressed through the stages of life as referenced above, but have we progressed in our heart, mind, body, and soul? 

You may have established a relationship with God, but are you growing IN that relationship? I grew UP in church, I gave my heart to God as a child, was baptized and over the years believed I had checked all the boxes to be forgiven from my sins and ticketed for a one-way trip to the pearly gates of Heaven. But over the past ten to fifteen years I have been on a journey, I have come to the realization that there is a great divide between being saved and having a relationship with the God of all creation. If we aren't growing IN Christ then we may only be growing up and growing old. 

In I Corinthians 13:11 Paul states that "When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things." Paul's analogy is clear, but it is important to share that preceding and following Paul's bold statement, he writes about knowing "in" part and then the fact that following after Christ will allow him to know completely "in" the same way he is known by God. Growing "in" Christ involves developing our relationship in a way that we strive to know God's will for our lives and in turn understanding God's plan for humanity. 

As you grow IN Christ, life becomes less about you, and more about how you can better serve God through your service to others for God's glory. Knowing God's plan for your life is a journey, reading His word, meeting with God each day intentionally and purposefully, and then spending time in worship and study. As you grow closer, life becomes less about who you are, and more about who you are "in" Christ. We will all grow up and we will grow older each day that we live. The question of the day is more literal than it might sound. How are you growing IN your relationship with the God who created you with a divine purpose in mind? 

Coach Carter

 

GPS

 A few years ago, I wrote about how amazed I was with Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology and how just by inputting a destination you would receive instant directions including every turn and street name you would encounter on your journey. As I reflect on my former amazement, the level by which this technology has progressed goes beyond what my mind can figure out. I use the app Waze for my travels and although there are numerous features that are mind boggling, I suppose the one that makes me scratch my head the most is the ability of Waze to share with me my time of arrival down to the minute as long as I follow the directions provided by this GPS system. Basically, that means Waze knows the route I'm going to take, and this app somehow knows how long each red light is or even if I'm going to get caught by a red light. Waze somehow calculates the slow driver in front of me and the public transportation vehicle that makes three stops before the road opens up and allows me to continue my drive. I receive alerts almost immediately regarding potential hazards ahead and warnings that a certain radar gun may be up ahead. How all of this works is beyond my comprehension. Technology continues to evolve with the advent of artificial intelligence and other "smart" technologies. With all that being said and with all the advances in technology, there is still no comparison to the wonder of our God. If Global Positioning Systems (GPS) amaze me when it comes to directions, then finding the words to best describe God's Plan to Salvation (GPS) is beyond what our minds can conceive. 

When I think of God and His omnipotence it doesn't take me long to reach that point of asking "How does God do it?" How can God know every thought I have, every step I am going to take, and every plan I will  concoct in my brain? In the Gospel of Luke 12:7, Jesus tells us that even the hairs on our heads are numbered. If that is true for every person on this earth, for those who came before me and for all those that will come after me then the world's GPS systems begin to fail to compare. God is all knowing, all seeing, and all powerful. With that in mind, what do we have to fear? What worries do we have that God doesn't already know about even before they become a concern? God's Plan to Salvation (GPS) tells us that He has a plan for each of us to live out and His plans are always going to work out for good. Our good? Possibly not in the same way we might measure "good", but nonetheless good for God's honor and glory. "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.

Without hope and faith trusting in God's GPS can be a challenge. When things are going good and the road ahead is straight and smooth we find it easy to say we trust in God's plan for our lives. But, when the road is filled with potholes, when we are sitting on the side of the road with a flat tire, or even when we find ourselves lost with no clear path ahead, God's Plan for Salvation stands firm and His love for us will carry us forward as we endure life's struggles and heartaches. Is it easy to trust in God's plan when it feels like the world is crashing all around you? The more you place your faith in God and His plan the answer to that question is a resounding "Yes". 

Going back to our Global Positioning System technology, we input our destination and then we take off on our journey following each directional instruction along the way. For all we know, Waze could be taking us down the path of a cornfield in the middle of nowhere, but we trust that this modern technology, that we can't exactly explain how it works, is leading us to our desired destiny. At times in the past has Waze let me down? Yes of course, and there have been times when this world has let me down. The one constant I have in my life is the comfort and confidence I experience, because I know who is in charge and who ultimately sets our hearts GPS towards eternal life.

God's Plan to Salvation is fail proof. We may not be able to see every turn, every hazard ahead, or every trap that we may fall victim to, but God is in control. His plans are not our plans, "My plans aren't your plans, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my plans than your plans." Isaiah 55:8-9, and without trust and faith we will fall into a mindset of asking God "Why?" or doubting God's omnipotent power. As for me, if it is so easy for me to trust an app on my phone with directing my journeys, each and every turn and road along the way, then I am sure of this one thing. I will walk with God and I will trust His ways and His will, and I will stand firm in my faith that God's plans for my salvation will never fail! 

Coach Carter

Do Things Others Don't

 "I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate."  Romans 7:15

Quite the dilemma wouldn't you say? The Apostle Paul in writing to the church in Rome, explained that he faced the same types of decisions and choices that the Gentile Christians faced each day living within the immoral culture of the Roman empire. Paul knew what he was doing was wrong, but instead of taking the road less traveled, many times he sunk into the pattern of the world which ultimately leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). Paul was appealing to the Christians in Rome to be different and do the things that others won't or don't do on a regular daily basis. We are faced with that same challenge today, and the same comfort Paul found in Christ is the same comfort and strength you and I are freely offered each day. 

Think about the things we do each day just because it is the accepted thing to do. A healthy diet is a no brainer, but check out the drive-thru line at the next fast food restaurant you pass. As a society our nutrition choices are not the best in the world. Large dosages of sugar and caffeine in our beverages and high sodium and fats in our meal selections, so why the long lines at your local hamburger joint? Because it tastes so good! Right? 

Another example of choosing wrong over right that also impacts our health would be in the area of exercise. We know the right thing to do is to get outside more, head to the gym regularly, and to stay active, but too often our commitment to staying active is displaced with the recliner, the internet, or the TV. Soon we will be making those New Year resolutions, but how many of those will make it into the first week of the new year? 

Today's title is "Do Things Others Don't" a rallying cry for action in the face of passivity. We have become a nation of "if it makes you feel good, do it" people. Regardless of the outcome, if you want to do it go ahead and do it. I'd like to offer a suggestion on how you can help invoke a completely different mindset, a cultural shift to a world where we do what we know is the right thing to do and even if it hurts a little or makes things a little uncomfortable we do it because we know it is the right thing to do! 

In the apartment building where Missy and I now reside there are four floors, we live on the second floor. The property boasts three strategically situated elevators, and four stairwells. My guess is the elevators are probably used four to five times more than the stairs especially the upper 3rd and 4th floors. I haven't completed a formal study on the use of the stairs, but I can support my hypothesis with visual evidence that I have uncovered. I take the stairs, it's pretty easy to choose to walk up one flight of steps to the second floor. A few months ago, I added running up the four flights of steps on alternating days, and what I found was that the wear and tear on the white painted steps that is evident on the stairs between the first and second floors is almost non-existent on the third floor steps and the stairs leading up to the fourth floor are basically snow white with hardly any sign of wear. Choose the stairs folks! The smile that it puts on my face when I know I'm doing something that will benefit my health and the fact that the stairwells are generally empty motivates me to stay the course and take the steps. In a similar strain, during my work week I've started a habit of taking a cold shower after I complete my devotions, prayers, and daily workout. Is it easy to hop into a cold shower? No, but man, oh, man does it feel invigorating after I jump out of the shower! 

Do either of these habits make me better than anyone else? Nope. Do these choices make me think more about taking the narrow path that not so many people choose to take? Absolutely yes. Does it inspire me to make better choices in other areas of my life that will have a positive return on my investment? Resoundingly yes again! Turn the TV off more and read or engage in conversations with your spouse or children. Choose to walk the few blocks to the store or restaurant rather than hopping in your car for the two minute drive. Get up earlier to exercise your mind and your body, having that quiet time with our Maker has made such a difference in my life. When you are asked if you would like to donate or round up your change, do so because you might inspire the next person in line behind you. Sacrifice more, serve more, give more, and do more for others than you do for yourself! "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize" I Corinthians 9:24. Notice in this scripture Paul says that he runs in such a way that he has a chance to win the prize. Paul isn't saying the effort is always going to put you in the winner's circle, but it will place you in a position so you are in contention to win the race! (See I Corinthians 9:27). 

Do I make these choices for the betterment of self? Yes, but trust me, the world doesn't want you to do what is best, those in the world want you and I to be more like them so it is easier to make a distinction between their worldly selves and the person God wants them to be! Praise God more, Worship God more, and Serve God more each and every day! "Do Things Others Don't"!

Coach Carter

Do You Hear or See a Band?

 I recently heard an interview on a radio talk show with Alex Van Halen, drummer for the 1980's-1990's rock band Van Halen. When I was in high school and the years directly following, I was a huge Van Halen fan. David Lee Roth's on-stage antics paired with the legendary electric guitar play of Alex's brother Eddie made Van Halen an instant hit with young people of the day. 

What stuck with me from that radio interview was a comment Alex Van Halen made about concerts in general. He said something like, "People don't attend a concert and say "I heard Van Halen in concert last night." Instead, the common statement goes more like, "I saw Van Halen in concert last night." From there he went on to point out the paradox in those two statements. Obviously, the music and vocals are what draws us to a song or band, yet when we go to their concert, it is more of the overall performance that created the sense of euphoria that Van Halen followers enjoyed for decades and still do today. What Alex Van Halen said almost made me feel like he was sharing a riddle, "What is it that you go to hear, but ultimately it is what you see that brings you back for more?" 

In comparison, our relationship with God isn't necessarily about "seeing" God, He is everywhere, but a true relationship with God is something that we experience with all of our senses even if we can't see God in person. We experience the joy of God by serving others and giving of ourselves for the benefit of someone other than ourselves. Jesus gave us the perfect example of this by washing the feet of His disciples in John 13:1-17. Jesus shared that by serving others before self is a sure way to receive a true blessing. In Psalm 34:8 we are told to "Come taste and see that the Lord is good", a true relationship with Christ engages all of our senses, so much so that the psalmist invites us to taste the goodness of God. Even if we can't see God in person today that does not mean we can't see God. As I stated above, God is omnipresent, He is everywhere you turn and He is in everything we taste, hear, smell, feel, and yes, even what we see. 

II Corinthians 4:18 tells us that we must "fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Paul isn't telling us that we can't see God, did you catch his directive, "fix our eyes", Paul is telling us that we can see God in the unseen, the wind as it sways tree limbs back and forth in a storm. We can see God in the love we share with those who need it the most even when they deserve it the least. And we can see God in nature. Sunrises, sunsets, baby horses, and warm summer rains all share the beauty of God and His creation. 

God is alive. Don't ever think that if you can't see God in person then He must not be a real being. God is alive in you and in me. I see God in the smiles of those I love and I see God in the purpose He has given me to fulfill. If you can't see God and you question whether God is real or not, I invite you to come and taste and see, the God of all creation is here today. He was, He is, and God will forever be! 

Coach Carter

U.S. vs Them

I have had the privilege of being in our nation's capital this past week and it has been a true humbling experience to say the least. In town for a national recognition of one of our schools, there was some down time each day that provided us with opportunities to sightsee the monuments and legislative homes to our governmental leaders. I had visited Washington before as a school group chaperone and as a parent of small children, but honestly, this was the first trip in which I could stand at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial and really take in the magnitude of what stood before me. Walking the length of the Vietnam Memorial to see the countless names of men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice brought a tear to my eye. To feel the magnitude of our country's role in preserving peace at the World War II Memorial lead me to walk a little taller and speak a little bit humbler. We walked the halls of the United States House of Representatives, the same halls that democrats and republicans alike have strolled together discussing and at times, I am sure, arguing topics of national security and plans on how to keep this great experiment thriving for all Americans. Young or old, man or woman, darker complexion or lighter hue, this country is known worldwide as the land of the free, and the home of the brave! Our differences make this country unique, but the common threads that bring us all together are the red, white, and blue threads that when sewn together create a symbol that represents all of the United States of America, or the acronym U.S.A, or even more commonly known as the U.S. My question today is when did our American flag become a symbol or US vs Them instead of it representing U.S. the United (all of US) States of America?

Before I go any further, I want to ensure our readers that this is not intended to be a political statement, but instead a plea for Americans, ALL Americans, to pause and reflect on what our country stands for and who it stands for each and every morning as Old Glory is hoisted to its deserved position on flag poles around our great nation. 

The United States of America is woven together through the diversity of a geographic quilt that provides purple mountain majesties to might oceans along our continental boundaries. Deserts and tropics, icebergs and grain fields, plus more climate regions than I can count on my ten fingers! The beauty of our country's landscape is its diversity and uniqueness. Some will claim that the plains of our Midwest are the best part of our country, while others are certain the mountains and valleys of East Tennessee are truly God's chosen country, (GO VOLS!). Regardless of my own personal bias, as my travels have taken me across this country's beautiful landscape, the pride and awe I experience, provide me with an ever growing respect for this land I love, and that same diversity unites US and has created a country that is the envy of the world. 

Just as this country is a portrait of geographic diversity, our subcultures within this great country harkens the U.S. to be a beacon of light that illuminates the dark shadows of hate, fear, and division. America the greatest nation in the history of this world is known as a vast sea of US's woven together in a bond of unity by the very differences that have somehow become a rallying cry for it is "US vs Them". But who is this enemy that soldiers up on either end of the spectrum of our ideological belief system? 

To me it feels as if our county, has fallen into a pit of quicksand, slowly encroaching, ever engulfing US into a spiteful sense of liberality versus a homage to conservatism. Or US vs Them. I don't have the answer to this dilemma, but I do know who holds the answer to all of life's situations and circumstances, his name is Jesus and He holds the answers on how we should move back to a country that stands as US. It would have been really easy for Jesus to have created a world where the lines were distinctly drawn between the US's and the Them's. The Roman Empire was very similar to the plight of our country today with a broad spectrum of beliefs and lifestyles that would have been hard for Jesus to accept let alone tolerate, but guess what He did? Jesus did not want us to be judges or juries, but instead He wanted US to be a light of love, compassion, mercy, and grace just as He and His Father had shown those same qualities to those who persecuted and eventually condemned Jesus to death on the cross. Jesus did not condemn those that were different, instead He encouraged and demonstrated love for all regardless of the color of their skin, the religion that they had followed, or even the lifestyle they had chosen. Did Jesus agree with all lifestyle choices? Absolutely not, but He did not create an US vs Them mentality either. What Jesus did demonstrate was compassion for those He saw that were hurting. Jesus shared empathy for those that He met who were living in sin or whose life had been impacted by choices or circumstances out of their control. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" Matthew 11:28.

So, what is our calling today? If our differences are what make us who we are, then what are we to do as a country that has such differing opinions on the spectrum of who is right and who is wrong? I believe we look to the words of Jesus, and from there we roll up our sleeves and get to work. "When he saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Pray the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into the His harvest field." Matthew 9:36-38. The United States of America has been referred to as the "Great Melting Pot" because of our unique make-up of this country's heritage. In such a conglomerate of peoples coming together it is certain that we will encounter differing viewpoints and beliefs from our own. I believe God is calling US to be His light and His laborers in the field. I pray that God will use me in whatever way I can to expand His kingdom, will you join me in becoming the true country of US? 

Coach Carter

"Free"

"Buy one get one free", "Free to the first 100 callers", "Free to do what you want to do". When we are told that something is free, what does that really mean? In a literal sense, I suppose the word "free" means that there is no cost associated with what is being given away, but I would contend that just as the old saying goes, "there ain't no such thing as a free lunch!", everything has an associated cost regardless of whether it is paid for out of your pocket or not. 

We could spend a day or two naming all the things that are supposedly given to us for "free", but trust me, "free" does not mean there is no associated cost. You may not have to pull out your debit card at the moment you receive something for "free", but at some point there was a price paid for anything of value even if you aren't the one chipping out the payment. My hope today is that by the end of our time together today you won't be looking for a free lunch, but instead you'll be looking for someone to thank for that supposed free meal you just received!

One example of this concept that is near and dear to my heart is a "free" public education. I believe there are a lot of people out there today, that have confused the term "free" public education with the idea of being entitled to be educated. Let me set one thing straight education is not free. The individual receiving the education is expected to work as hard as possible to obtain said education, and through hard work, a commitment to excellence, and striving to persevere education can and is obtained. The person providing the education doesn't just come to the classroom and pour out a wealth of knowledge and then magically everyone just learns the concept or standard being taught. The opposite is closer to the reality. Educators  analyze student data, research, plan, collaboratively plan, deliver, and then after teaching their hearts out, they evaluate the outcomes and then work to find ways to support those who didn't master the skill and extend the learning for those that performed well. Countless hours of preparation on both the student and teacher's part is required and trust me there is nothing in that equation that comes free. The problem is when the entitlement tells us that we deserve that education without the effort described above. "Give me an education" is not the mindset that leads to success. Commitment + Dedication on all parties involved are essential elements in  a free public education. 

If the idea of a free public education resonates well with me, then the free offer of forgiveness and salvation are the core of who I am. The Apostle Paul supports this idea with this verse from his letters to the church in Ephesus, "For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift" Ephesians 2:8. We are saved because God gave us something we didn't earn and we don't deserve. We are given salvation because God gave it to us freely and without any other payment except faith. The price for our salvation was paid for by Jesus as He gave His life as a sacrifice for our sins. We receive salvation because Jesus paid the associated cost for our sin debt. 

Our faith leads us to actively share the Good News of God's mercy, grace, and His offer of salvation to the world. It is a free offer, but only because the price has already been paid. Jesus ensured we have a path that leads to salvation. I agree there is no free lunch and in the case of our free offer of life eternal in Heaven, the investment in your life was made on Calvary's Cross. Accept God's free gift, you will forever be changed! 

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23

Coach Carter

"That's Not Fair"

 Ask yourself what does it really mean when someone quips "That's not fair?" Literally, that's someone saying, "Hey, I didn't get my way". On a much deeper level though, what that little phrase figuratively says is that we are a "me first" society where the only thing that matters is whether we get what we think is right regardless of the much bigger implications. To me, if everything in life was "fair" then wouldn't every person be getting their way? But how can that be possible? If one person gets their way doesn't that mean someone else doesn't?? Where the world says "That's Not Fair", the teachings of Jesus provide a perspective that is not so "me" centered. Let's take a look.

Regardless of your Biblical knowledge most people have heard the proverb of the "Prodigal Son" Luke 15:11-32, yet an  overview is pertinent to our time together today. A wealthy man's younger son asks his father for his share of what would one day be his inheritance and from there the young man goes out in the world and squanders it all away. Living in the streets and eating with the pigs, the young man decides to go home and ask his father to let him at least be a servant where he could have a roof over his head and food to eat. From the moment the father sees his younger son off in the distance the man is rejoicing that his son had returned home. A celebration ensued and the son was welcomed back into his position as a beloved son. And they all lived happily ever after, right? Au contraire mon frere. If this story is about a "younger" brother then where is the older brother in this story? Well the older brother stayed home with his dad, working the fields, overseeing day to day business, and pretty much filling the void from his brother's choice to go out in the world. Can you see where this is headed? Yep, when the older son comes in from the day's labor in the fields and sees the father roasting a fattened calf and placing one of his father's robes and rings on the younger son's hand, his response is ...., you guessed it, "That's not fair". The father explained to the older son that it isn't about being fair, the younger son messed up, but he realized he messed up and came home repentant and humbled wanting to be a servant in his father's house. What would a loving father do? Exactly what the father in the parable did. "But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." Was it fair that the son got to go out and waste his father's fortunes and then come home and be treated like a prince while the older brother worked and remained loyal to the father and he couldn't even get a goat roasted? In the Kingdom of God, it isn't about what it is fair, it is all about what is right. Don't we want to be forgiven when we make mistakes? Don't we want to be given a break when we get pulled over for speeding? Don't we want to ask for forgiveness of our sins and then be forgiven? 

Our next parable, possibly not quite as familiar as the "Prodigal Son", yet just as appropriate for today's topic of fairness. Found in the Gospel of Matthew 20:1-16, this parable shares a story of the owner of a vineyard who agreed to pay some daily workers a set amount for a day's wages. As the day progressed additional workers joined the laborers in the vineyard and worked alongside the folks who started early that morning. At the end of the day everyone lined up to receive their wages unprepared for what happened next. As each person approached the paymaster everyone received the same amount of wages. In other words, the men and women who started out early that morning received exactly the same as those who started mid-afternoon. You know what's coming, and you are correct, "That's not fair" was the cry of the folks who labored all day as they watched others that had worked less receive the same amount as they did for a full day's work. When the disgruntled portion of the labor team approached the owner of the field, once again the grace of Jesus's teachings shines through. When confronted about the "fairness" of his decision to pay everyone the same, the owner's response was, "I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?" (Matt. 20:13-15.) If there is a moral to the story here, it would have to be that we should be grateful for what we have been given and not worry ourselves with what others have been given. That is not ours to worry about and we should be thankful for what we have been given!

Both of the examples above were part of Jesus's teachings during His time here on earth. The idea of "That's Not Fair" isn't new, but the lessons that Jesus taught weren't the norm then and they still are not the typical stance today. We are more accustomed to the mindset of it's me first and then everyone else can have theirs after me. In the mindset of those who love and follow the precepts of God's love, the words of Jesus at the end of the workers in the vineyard parable should ring true in our hearts and minds. "So, the last will be first, and the first will be last" (Matt. 20:16). 

It wasn't fair that Jesus had to die on the cross for our sins, yet He was willing to do just that so that we might be saved. Beyond being fair, Jesus went even further and asked His Father to forgive the very ones that crucified Him. With His final breath Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34. As you traverse along your day today and throughout the week, take the opportunity to look for things that may not seem fair in this world today, but through the lens of a servant of the Living God, things may be exactly the way they should! Grateful and thankful for all God has given me and for all He has done for each of you! 

Coach Carter

My Portion

"I say to myself, "the Lord is my portion; Therefore I will wait for him." Lamentations 3:24 As I read this verse in scripture my thoughts conjured up an image of the four compartment trays that our family has used for large family gatherings such as Thanksgiving. It's hard to imagine, but our national holiday that is set aside for us to reflect on all we have and all we have been given is just around the corner. My how 2024 has sped by! Yet I digress, the compartment trays are generally chosen because they allow us to place varying food items in their own individual compartment. This in turn keeps the gravy and vegetable juices from merging together and creating a murky mess. Three of the compartments are similar in size, typically small and squarish in shape, but the fourth or main compartment is visually  larger. In my mind this particular aspect of the design of the compartment tray is such that we can fill the largest part of our tray with the food item that we want the largest portion of. In the case of Thanksgiving, for me that section of my tray would be reserved for the turkey and dressing. For others it might be for ham and rolls, or others may choose to fill that larger section with a healthy portion of mashed potatoes and gravy. In much the same way, in life our heart and mind serve as a compartment tray for what we value and desire more of. Our question today is what are we filling that largest portion of your heart and mind's compartment tray with each ?

Just as with our compartment tray analogy above, we all have compartments in our hearts and minds that we fill with what we want the most. Looking back at our scripture from the Book of Lamentations the author states that he wants the biggest portion or compartment on his tray to be filled with the Lord. Have you ever stopped and reflected on what resides in the biggest portion of your heart, mind, and soul? 

One way to evaluate your life's compartment tray is to take a survey of what takes up most of your day and time. Is it work? Do you spend more of your day and the majority of your waking hours focused on your job and what you have to do next, or what deadline is looming? Or could the largest portion of your day be focused on what you spend your time doing outside of work? For many people, they work for a living and they live for the weekend. Sports, hobbies, or other personal interests may fill that portion of your life's compartment tray.  Maybe your heart's portion is focused on social media and likes? We live in a world where the electronic device in our hand could definitely be or become the portion of our lives that controls what we do and who we are. Keep in mind the words of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Our job is to ensure we don't allow the things of this world to fill the largest portion of our heart, mind, soul and body. Thinking in terms of our "Turkey Day" tray we don't fill the largest portion of our plate with cranberry sauce, do we?  No, because without the turkey, the cranberry just doesn't fill us. Today take stock of what you give the biggest portion of your day to and where you focus your efforts and energy. Life is more than what we "want", it should be all about what God wants us to do and what He has planned for us to be. If your life's compartment tray is pouring over with self-gratification or the world's values have your soul's tray weighed down, it may just be time to reevaluate what resides in the largest portion of your heart, mind, and soul. If you don't like what you see, then ask God to help you reconfigure your priorities and place the first things first. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

Coach Carter

Open-Heart Surgery

 Over the years I have had several friends and acquaintances who found themselves in need of an open- heart surgery. Blockages in the arteries or ventricles restrict the flow of blood, creating a situation where blood is not effectively reaching all areas of our human bodies. This lack of blood flow creates life-threatening situations which must be addressed before a person has a heart attack or stroke. Open-heart surgery isn't going to be the first option unless it is deemed that the risk of surgery is outweighed by the risk of not having the surgery. Surgically opening the chest cavity and exposing the body's lifeline does not go without risk, yet failing to have open-heart surgery can lead to dire outcomes. The benefit of having an open-heart surgery is obvious, what was once blocked is now clear, which translates to a "healthy heart". 

It goes without saying, but we can't live without a heart. The heart is a vital organ that keeps our blood flowing and our bodies functioning. But the heart also has a different role in the lives we live that is more in line with what we might label our soul or spirit. Many ancient cultures saw the heart as the center of the soul and life's decisions flowed from the heart rather than from the brain as science tells us today. Although we know that our brains are the central command post for thinking and planning, we agree that our emotions and the decisions we make originate somewhere else than in our minds. "Follow your heart", "I love you with all of my heart", having a "change of heart" or having a "heart to heart conversation" all demonstrate that whether we can scientifically explain it or not, the heart is also home to our moral compass of right and wrong. 

So, since we are moving way deeper than science on this one, we need to look at what God says about our hearts in relation to the life we live each day. In Matthew 6:21 Jesus shared that "... where your treasure is, there your heart will be too", and in Proverbs 3:5-6 Solomon instructed us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding". Those two examples alone let us know that God wants our hearts to be free of blockage, otherwise His love and His plans for our lives cannot flow freely from our thoughts to our ultimate life choices and decisions. 

The question we must each ask ourselves each day is what is blocking our heart from living our lives for God? Jesus made it clear in Matthew 5:8 when He said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God". Blessed are the "pure" in heart, in other words, blessed are those that don't have blockage limiting God's influence on the decisions they make from the heart each day. Are you in need of an open-heart surgery to remove the world's blockage? Remember what you treasure is exactly where your heart will be focused as you make decisions each day.

Whatever we place in front of our relationship with God should be considered a blockage. That blockage in turn taints our thought process and turns our decision-making flow to the channels of this world instead of allowing God's commands and instructions to guide us throughout each day. To live out the life God purposed you to live, it is necessary to allow the Great Surgeon to perform a spiritual open-heart surgery on your heart and soul. That is where we find peace and where we begin to live each day based on what God wants instead of allowing our decisions to be bade based on the world's view. In Philippians 4:7, the Apostle Paul tells us to bring everything to God and in so doing God's peace will freely flow through our lives. Removing the blockages of this world allows God's peace to flow. Paul finishes this thought by sharing that when we remove the world's blockage then, "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Which translates to a successful open-heart surgery of our soul! 

Coach Carter

Triple T's Build Triple C's

 "Eat your vegetables." I can distinctly remember that directive coming from my mother's lips what seems like a thousand times when I was a young lad. I wasn't all that much interested in broccoli or carrots back then as the advent of cheeseburgers and pepperoni pizza were fast becoming my palette's best friend. As I grew older and a tad bit wiser, I realized that my mom's constant reminders about eating those items on my plate that I really didn't want to eat was another example of her love and care for my health as my body and mind developed. She knew that I didn't like the look, texture, and possibly even the taste, but she also knew that my body would develop healthier and stronger if I would follow her advice and guidance. (Side note: I love broccoli and carrots and pretty much any other vegetable you place in front of me today, Yum!) But, isn't that way life is? Those things that are good for us that we don't like at the time we receive them, shots, discipline, a speeding ticket, or even a swift kick in the derriere, are the very things that we need to turn us into the man or woman that God designed us and purposed our lives to be. 

So, today's Flat Tire Thought isn't about eating your vegetables for their health implications, but in just the same way that things we don't necessarily like to eat have tremendous positive health attributes for us, many things we go through in life aren't pleasant and pain-free either, but at the end of the day they are what allow us to grow and mature into the person God wants us to be. Tests, Trials, and Troubles are, for the most part, painful to the point that we strive to avoid them if at all possible. I've yet to see any lining up for a health complication, nor have I witnessed folks signing up for their business to fail or for their livelihood to dry up and fade away. Divorce, disease, drug addictions, or a death in a family are also part of the Triple T's we are looking at today. That is not an all-inclusive list, but I believe you get the idea. Our faith, or lack there of, gets tested regularly. At times the test is a one time deal, other times it is an ongoing struggle that lasts longer and at times never goes away. Those are tests of our will and can help us build our hope in Jesus. The daily grind builds our stamina, but those hardships and trials that linger on and on and don't seem to ever go away, well those are the tests, trials, or troubles we are talking about today. 

The Apostle Paul endured much in his life. Blinded during his conversion, stranded at sea, beaten numerous times, and imprisoned for his faith, Paul kept right on serving God. As I have studied Paul's life, there are not many instances where Paul asked God to remove the hardships he was enduring instead he embraced them, but there is one instance where Paul provides an example of how we should respond in the face of adversity. In Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth, Paul shares that he had been tormented by an intense pain in his side and that the pain was so severe that he asked God to take the source of the pain away on three different occasions. Removal of the source was not God's reply, instead the answer to Paul's prayer request went more like this, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” II Corinthians 12:9. At that point Paul came to a realization that is so critically important to our message today. Paul realized that the pain he was enduring was meant to take the focus off of himself and to place his faith and trust in the God who doesn't do things by coincidence. God has a plan and that plan may very well traverse through the pain you are enduring. At that point Paul changed his mindset, he went from Poor Pitiful Paul to an overcomer through the strength that can only come from our Maker. Note Paul's change of mindset in the following scripture, "So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." II Corinthians 12:9-10. Growing through adversity is our key to success. 

If the key to growing is enduring tests, trials, and troubles then Paul gave us the recipe on how to turn those Triple T's into Triple C's. So, what are the C's? Capabilities, Closeness, and Character are all key attributes to enduring trials and tribulations in our life. Capabilities, as we begin to turn adversity into opportunity  we learn to look within our skills and abilities and turn those into tools to support us in our growth. I have referred to it as the "What's in your pocket?" mindset. God gave each of us a set of skills and talents, but too often we overlook those as the very tools which can help us endure and overcome our tribulations. The second "C" Closeness is referring to our personal relationship with God our Father. I'm not saying that we should be waiting on trials and tests to happen before we get closer to our Lord and Savior, but during those times it is often the comfort of being close to God that sees us through. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13. Lastly, our Character is refined through our adversity. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4. It is through the fire that glass is made. It is through adversity that the seed sprouts from the ground, and it is through hard times that our character is shaped and defined. The good news is God is right there with us, drawing us closer and opening our minds to the capabilities of what talents and skills God placed in us at our creation that will assist us in shaping our character for what God has planned for us to do to glorify Him and expand His Kingdom. 

Are you facing a trial today? What challenge are you facing that seems too insurmountable to overcome? Would you say you are in trouble and you don't know where to turn or what to do? My prayer today is for anyone who in their mind answered "yes" to any of the three preceding questions. Personally, I don't have the words or ability to get you over or through your "T", but I do know the One that can and will turn your tribulation or trial into an opportunity to learn more about yourself, grow you closer to the One that made you for just such a time as this, and through it all He will turn you into the man or woman of God that you were created to be! 

Coach Carter

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