The More Things Change ...

 There's an old saying that the more things change the more they stay the same. The premise of this old adage is that although this world is continually advancing, maybe a little too fast in my opinion,  the core foundations and principles that balance this world stay pretty much the same. Clothing styles have drastically changed over my lifetime, yet basically outfits still consist of a top, a bottom, and accessories such as shoes and belts or purses and other accouterments. Another example of this adage can be found in the auto industry. Sure we have electric and self-driving vehicles today, but at the base level these vehicles still have four wheels, some type of motor, and inside almost any car you can find there is a radio situated on the dash somewhere. The life we are living fits into this category as well. The more society changes, the more people change and the more we learn to adapt to the new normal, the more things ultimately remain the same.

As we consider the concept of things changing while at the same time remaining the same, I'd like to share a story from the Bible that spotlights how in days of old and down through the history of man this theory proves itself to be as relevant then as it is still today. (The more things change the more they stay the same!) This particular story circles around a theme of coveting what our neighbor has. King David was a powerful and mighty ruler for the Kingdom of Israel. You could hypothesize that David could pretty much breathe the words. "I want ..." and there would be a host of servants readily beckoning his every desire. Some may be familiar with this not so glorious chapter from King David's life, so I will hit the high water marks from this II Samuel chapters 11-12 saga for the sake of respecting our time together today. While David was meandering around on a nighttime rooftop walk, he noticed a woman bathing on a nearby rooftop. She, Bathsheba, was beautiful and the King "wanted" her. His servants brought Bathsheba to his quarters, David took her and she ultimately became pregnant with David's baby. The problem was Bathsheba was a married woman. Her husband Uriah was a soldier fighting in King David's army. After David tried to conceal, unsuccessfully, the sinful betrayal by trying to get Uriah to be with his wife after bringing him home for a furlough from the fighting, the king gave orders to have Uriah sent to the front lines of the battle and ensure he would be killed in the line of duty to his country and king. This happened and David married Bathsheba, their child was born, but soon thereafter the child became sick and died as predicted by the prophet Nathan. This was definitely not a high water mark for the same man who slayed Goliath and scribed a vast number of the psalms filled with praises and worship to our God. This constitutes a firm example of the covetousness of man and leads us into how things may have changed today, but ultimately I believe you will agree they pretty much remain the same. 

Coveting by definition means an intense desire for something that belongs to someone else. In our society today covetousness rears its ugly head in so much of our daily culture today. Our neighbor gets a new ride, we have to get a newer ride. A five bathroom house goes up in our neighborhood and suddenly we have a "need" for a six bathroom house, even if there are only four people living in the house! Or, if we see that the biggest celebrity star just purchased a new custom designed Italian dress, we would do anything to have one just like hers! But our covetousness has found a totally new way of being expressed. Social media has created a global world at our fingertips where we can connect with anyone and or groups of thousands anywhere at any given moment. What that has created is a world where we want more symbols of acceptance than the person we envy and want to outperform on our site of choice. This envy runs deep creating our example of the covetousness of man in today's world. We want what someone else has whether it is the number of followers or if it is the total of likes our posting receives. The extreme measures that David resorted to may seem unrealistic in today's society, yet if we step back and reflect, the extent to which society is willing to go to reach their personal milestones may reveal that we are not a society far removed from the world of the ancient King David. The more things change the more they stay the same. 

So, some of our reading audience may be thinking, "I thought Flat Tire Ministries was supposed to be inspiring??" Not so much so far but, you are one hundred percent correct. Although the context of our message today has been a not so positive reflection on the nature of man, the potential for a positive outcome is most certainly readily available. The impetus for today's message was berthed in a resoundingly truthful scripture found in the Book of Hebrews in the New Testament. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8. The more this world advances, and as the reliance on technology and technological advances decreases the desire to stay founded in a faith that places trust and hope in things that may be unseen to the human eye, but all along things do remain the same! (Hebrews 11:1). The covetousness of King David cost him the death of a son, yet after David sought redemption from his sin, Bathsheba bore him another son that would go on to become known to mankind as one of the wisest men in history, King Solomon. And that same redemption from our sins is available to you and I today. 

Maybe your conviction isn't covetedness, it really doesn't matter, we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23). The sins of today are packaged in material purchases, the chase for non-tangible riches, and the lure of the ways of this world we live in, yet on a basic level they are still connected to the sins that have trapped humans throughout the annals of history. Although the sin remains the same regardless of how different it looks today, the loving mercy and grace of God has never changed and it remains unchanging today. As a matter of fact, the love of God displayed in the embodiment of the Son of God remains the same yesterday, and today, and forever! Knock, seek, and you will find Him, today, yesterday, and forever! Amen. 

Coach Carter

Backward Design

As a fairly new teacher in the late 1990's, I can recall the first time I heard the term "backward design" as it applied to instructional practice. Today it just makes sense, yet in 1998 when Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins published their book "Understanding by Design" the term seemed a little peculiar. Embracing the concept of backward design was fairly easy and applying the theory to practice, as I stated above, just made sense. There are three basic steps in the backward design process. Identify what the students need to learn, determine how you measure that they have learned what is being taught, and then design teaching strategies that will provide and promote the learning outcomes you seek. Why this was such a profound strategy in education I can't look back and tell you now because in all we do in education we start with the end in mind. Practical and applicable. 

Well, of course Flat Tire Ministries isn't an educational instruction platform, so as you most likely presumed, there is an inspirational connection getting ready to be shared, and if that is what you presumed then you are absolutely correct. Here we go. Reading in the Book of Romans I ran across this connector verse to today's message. "But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them?" Romans 10:14. Sounds like to me that the Apostle Paul may very well have been the originator of the "backward design" concept. Think about it, the end goal is that those we love, live with, and meet along our life's journey develop a personal relationship with God the Father of all creation. End goal. To get there we have to know what it takes to get there, and to know what we need to know, someone has to teach us or at best share with us the offer of life eternal through salvation. Kinda sounds like the three steps included in the backward design process. 

What encourages me and also challenges me is the part of Paul's teaching that says, "... and how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them." Folks, that someone is us. If nothing else I'm talking to myself. If you and I don't go about the business of sharing God's offer of life eternal in Heaven then how do we suppose others are going to reach that same goal? Just as Paul said, they can't call on who they don't know, so if they don't know then it is up to us that do know to share that same message with those who don't know. Jesus, in what is commonly referred to as the Great Commission, charged all that believe to,  "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19-20.  Not only does God expect us to tell others, but His Son came to this earth to direct us to go out to all the world and let them know about the saving grace that saves us from sin and ensures us that death is not the end, but actually the beginning of our eternity with God. 

I challenge myself and I challenge each of you to share God's message of faith and hope with someone you know or someone you meet this week. Keep that backward design in mind. How will they know about Jesus and the gift of salvation He made available, unless someone tells them. And how will you or I be able to tell them if we don't trust, believe, and then go out and share that message. That isn't backwards design, that is God's design. He made you on purpose for a purpose and that purpose includes helping others to obtain that free gift of salvation that Jesus made available to each of us through His life, death on the cross, resurrection and return to His Kingdom seat in Heaven. That my friend is not backwards, that is forward thinking, eternal by design!

Coach Carter

You Reap What You Sow

 I have many fond memories of summers from my childhood. A funny story came to mind after a recent devotional that focused on Galatians 6:7 which basically says, don't be tricked into believing it isn't true, you will reap whatever you sow. (My emphasis on the "you will" part of the scripture). My childhood memory most definitely supports the declaration of the Apostle Paul, so here we go!

As a youth growing up in East Tennessee,  summers never failed to provide a plethora of fresh vegetables and fruits on the vine or in a tree. This story focuses on one of those fruits on a vine, watermelons. There's nothing like slicing a chilled watermelon on a hot summer evening! The juice makes it easy to understand how the fruit got it's name, and the sweet nature of the fruit makes it a welcomed part of any gathering on a late Saturday afternoon. On the particular day that this story transpired, a group of family and friends had gathered on our front porch to enjoy a slice of that delectable treat. If eating watermelon is a memorable joy, then spitting the seeds would have to rank right up there near the top as well. Launching a seed into the air was always a race or the beginnings of a fierce competition with a light hearted outcome for all in attendance. The issue on this particular evening was the fact that our mom had recently made the decision to cultivate a flower bed across the front porch ground. She had dad till the ground, she planted the flower seeds, and then she continued to weed and water the row of upcoming sprouts. What mom did not realize was that during the recent watermelon soiree, several of the launched watermelon seeds found themselves situated right there in her newly formed flower bed. 

As the "flowers" began to grow, mom was a little confused about the vines that were starting to expand rather than a series of bright colored summer annuals. We didn't have the internet to search out the blooms nor the ensuing vine, but eventually it became apparent to mom and the rest of our family that these were not the daffodils that she had earnestly planted, but instead watermelon vines that had basically choked out the flowers and now owned what had suddenly transitioned from a flower bed to a watermelon vine garden. Not what she had intended to grow, but by weeding, watering, and nurturing the sprouts as they erupted from the rich fertile soil she was in actuality sowing into the growth of a watermelon patch. I suppose Paul's warning is applicable here, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." Galatians 6:7 In life, the same is true, we have to be careful what we nurture in our relationships, and our own personal development because what we sow is exactly what we will reap. 

My mom had the best of intentions as she watered and weeded what she believed was a bed of daffodils, yet what was sowed and nurtured was nowhere what she anticipated would be the outcome. Do we inadvertently do the same thing as we move in and out of our jobs, in our relationships, and ultimately in the very core of who we are to become? Life provides us with a multitude of opportunities to "sow" into the lives of others whether it is our children, our neighbors, or even into the lives of those we encounter on a daily basis. As my mom sowed the seeds and then nurtured them with weeding and watering we too should be sowing into the lives of others by planting seeds of God's goodness and offer of life eternal. We should be watering our relationships with mercy and grace coupled with a good example and sincere counsel. We are called to be there to assist others as they too weed out their own lives. The very next verse from Galatians 6 provides a caution about what we plant in the lives of others. "Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." Galatians 6:8. What we do each day is essential to our planting, nurturing, and harvesting. Our actions, our intentions, and our words are all part of the seeds we sow. In other words if we inadvertently plant watermelon seeds, don't expect daffodils to grow. Sow seeds that will produce what we need and what this world desperately needs. In Chapter 5 of the same letters to the Galatians, Paul provides a pretty good list of what we should be striving to sow into the lives of those we have the opportunity to sow. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23. Planting the seeds in the lives of others is of the utmost importance, yet if we do not plant and nurture seeds like those listed above then how can we expect to sow the same into the lives of others. "You will reap what you sow". 

Sowing seeds can be intentional or can happen much like the watermelon seed story my mother encountered. Regardless, we need to understand the concept of sowing and reaping in all we do. "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23. I can't emphasize it and reemphasize it often enough, you are a leader, regardless of whether you want the responsibility that comes with it or not, you lead someone every day of your life. You decide what seeds you will sow into the lives of those you lead, sow seeds that will provide a harvest that will benefit the world in which we live!

Coach Carter

 

Work Hard

 As the 2025-2026 school year was nearing completion, I was honored to be asked to speak at one of our middle school's spring athletic banquets. Having coached wrestling and volleyball for over 30 years, I am always excited to share takeaways that I have acquired over the years with student-athletes, families, and even other coaches. I would like to think my coaching developed over the years and my personal growth paid dividends to the athletes I have had the privilege to coach. Funny thing, over the years I have come to the realization that participating in athletics aligns itself so well with living a life well lived. The mental and physical aspects of training, practicing, and learning alone are habits that are transferable to pretty much anything we do ranging from learning our multiplication facts all the way up to the demands of life as a man or woman in this old world of ours. A recent conversation I had with a friend and colleague of mine brought some advice I shared at the banquet back to mind. Keeping in mind pretty much everything we do in life is relatable to the experiences encountered through organized athletic sports, I'd like to share my notes and thoughts from that speech for our time together today. 

Work hard. There's a quote out there that gained notority when basketball superstar Kevin Durant recited it over and over as a driving force in his own life. "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." There are folks all over the place that are beyond talented, but never utilized their talent to the level they could have if only they would have been willing to work harder than the next guy or gal. Give me ten athletes that will put in the time to learn and grow over one superstar that slacks off because they have more talent than anyone else on the court or on the mat. In life, we advance when we work hard at whatever is in front of us, you can get a job because of your talent. You will keep a job and advance in that job because you work hard! Do things that others aren't doing. Get up earlier than everyone else and spend time practicing while others are sleeping. What do you do after practice? Everyone goes home, showers, eats, and goes to bed. If you want to get ahead of others, do something beyond what is required or expected. I call that being committed. Being committed builds character, character builds hope, and hope doesn't fail. (Romans 5:3-5) 

Be accountable. The often stated phrase is true. There is no "I" in the word team. Don't blame your teammates, don't blame your coach, don't blame the other team, the weather, the conditions, or the day of the week, and especially don't blame the referee. When you point a finger at someone or something there are generally four other fingers pointing back at YOU. In life there are daily opportunities to shift the blame on someone else for our own position in life. Be accountable for the things you can control and don't look for ways to excuse yourself from the very place you find yourself at this moment in your life. If you don't like where you are, then change it. Get up, get out, and get going. No excuses, none accepted on the playing field and none expressed in life. Own your life and realize that God may have placed you exactly where you are so that you may fulfill the very purpose your life was created to serve. "So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God." Romans 14:12.

Be gritty. I love these three words, grit, resilience, and perseverance. Like water quenches my thirst, these three words provide me with fire in my body, mind, and soul. When talent, hard work, and the team have exhausted themselves, the ability to stay the course, never give up, and never quit will see you through. It is easy to give up, it is a challenge to stay the course, be the one that stays the course and leads the way for others to follow. The accomplishments of mankind rest on the shoulders of those that persevered through trials, hardships, and challenges that opened the door for less determined athletes to give up due to the difficulty of the challenge they faced. Never give up! "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9.

Believe. Lastly, but definitely most importantly, Believe in something bigger than yourself.When life gets you down, when you are beaten, and you've lost, it isn't over because "God don't make mistakes!" God made you on purpose for a distinct and unique purpose that only you can accomplish and that purpose may very well flow right through that loss or setback you experienced. "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." I Corinthians 16:13. 

As I stated when we started today's message, athletics and the journey of life mirror each other well. I always coached the athletes I worked with to apply everything they did in our practices to the life skills in their tool belts for living their lives to the fullest. I love my life, but life is tough. What wakes me up each day and fuels my inner energy tank are the qualities listed above. I want to work hard and I do. I don't want to look for someone or something to blame when things don't work out the way I envisioned them working out. If I get knocked down 100 times, I want to be that one guy who gets back up 101 times! And finally, if I didn't have God on my side I wouldn't have anything! Man or the things of this world cannot fill the void that is created for those who do not believe! This season may be over, but what are you doing to prepare for the next season you will face! 

Coach Carter

Resolve to Succeed

 

I'd like to start out today's message of hope with the content of a letter written by Abraham Lincoln to a friend, Isham Reavis back in 1855 years before Mr. Lincoln's presidency and his battle to hold a fractured nation together during the Civil War. Apparently, Mr. Reavis was considering becoming a lawyer much like the pathway our future president of the United States had taken. The protege must have been questioning his choice to become an attorney and here is what Abe's advice sounded like: 

"If you are resolutely determined to make a lawyer of yourself, the thing is more than half done already. It is but a small matter whether you read with any body or not. I did not read with any one. Get the books, and read and study them till, you understand them in their principle features; and that is the main thing. It is of no consequence to be in a large town while you are reading. I read at New-Salem, which never had three hundred people living in it. The books, and your capacity, for understanding them, are just the same in all places ... 

Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed, is more important  than any other one thing. Very truly, 

Abe Lincoln"

Two lines are what really grabbed me and pulled me into Honest Abe's advice. The first was Abraham's recognition that if Isham had resolved to be a lawyer then more than half of the work was already done. Then to close out his mentoring session, Mr. Lincoln adds, "Your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing." Today's title offers a challenge to us all, resolve to succeed, shall we proceed?

Lincoln's advice to the law student is laced with him sharing that it doesn't matter if you read with others, or if he were studying in a larger town as opposed to a smaller community. He even goes on to say that the content of the books won't really change regardless of where you read them. The main thing according to the future statesman was to read, study, and read some more until he understood and knew all of what he had been reading. Applying this to today's work ethic and mindset, we don't necessarily need to find the latest and greatest tool on the market to support our efforts, regardless of what that may be, but at the end of the day, our resolve to finish what we start and to never give up in the face of adversity will have a more robust impact on our success than almost any other tool we incorporate. In other words, if you don't think you can do something, you are probably right. I'm reminded of the words of Henry Ford, "Whether you say you can or you say you can't you are most usually correct." You must have that dogged determination that just won't allow you to give in or throw in the towel!

You have to be willing to adopt a "mind over matter" mentality in my opinion. If you don't mind, it don't matter! There will be obstacles in reaching your goals, you will face mountains and valleys during your life's journey that should be a given, but how prepared you are to face life's challenges is where you or I are the difference maker. If we accept that challenges will exist, but we also hold firm to the belief that overcoming obstacles is just part of the journey, the obstacle itself is diminished. That my friend is our resolve. We accept life's challenge, but only because we believe that we have a destination to reach and we will do what we need to do to overcome challenges because that is what needs to be done. Our resolve is the gas in our tank when we are traveling towards our purpose in life. 

Competitive athletes will tell you that 80% of the outcome in their endeavors is mental. A weightlifter can't look at the bar with multiple plates on each side and say "I don't think I can lift this weight". Well I guess he or she can, but it is almost certain that if that is what is going on inside their head then they most certainly will not be able to lift the weight. That is no different for us in life's challenges. If we see the weight of the world as too much for us to bear, then almost certainly we will give in to the challenge that stands in front of us. In James 1:2-4 we are told to "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." Persevere, be resolved, see it through, you have a manifest destiny with God's purpose for your life. 

I have met so many people in my life that on paper should not have made it to where they are today. Over comers, over achievers, and the most unlikely to succeed that have truly exceeded anyone's expectations. Each one of those individuals have developed the resolve to be successful in their endeavors. Abraham Lincoln resolved to see this great nation persevere and that is exactly what happened. Even in the darkest days of the Civil War when it appeared that the divide was going to be too great to hold our nation together, our president held firm to his belief that the United States would remain one country. Whatever it is that you are facing today, it is up to you to decide will I overcome or will I succumb? Either way you will most definitely follow the path you choose. I choose to step up and resolve to succeed! 

Coach Carter

I'm Fine

Throughout history, perilous events have occurred that later historians have labelled as "defining moments" in either a person or an entity's makeup. Winston Churchill's "Never Give Up" rallying cry to the people of Great Britain as the German Blitzkrieg barreled on towards their tiny island country or, Abraham Lincoln's delivery of the Gettysburg Address setting his resolve to secure the union of the United States serve as grand examples. Or a defining moment might take on the complexion of the story of Christopher Reeves (Superman), who after being left paralyzed from the neck down from a horseback accident, went on to prove that indeed he was a true "super man". The list goes on and on, men women, countries, movements, this world is full of examples of overcoming adversity and thus defining their place in history. What I would like for us to focus on today isn't necessarily the defining moment of when the cast was set, but more of the "re-fining" that takes place during the event before the person de-fines themselves in this world as an overcomer extraordinaire. 

Before a person can experience a defining moment in their lives they must first work through the refining process. Let me expand on that idea for a minute with an example. Something bad happens, well isn't that just life? We all experience adversity, but it is what happens after the adverse situation that dictates whether the event will define us or if we will take what life has handed us and work in it and through it to come out on the other side stronger than we were before the adversity ever struck. If we allow the trials and tribulations of this life to define us then that opens the door for failure to creep in. We become the product of adversity and we become something else than what we were created for. I believe that God didn't create us to fail, but He did give us free will, and unfortunately if we choose to accept the outcomes of adversity as just the way it is, then we accept defeat and that defeat may very well de-fine us as a failure. The annals of history are clear, God did not create us to succumb to challenges that stand in our way of fulfilling God's preplanned purpose for the life He created you and I to live out. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." II Timothy 1:7. We were not created to be timid or fearful when adversity lands in our lap, in this letter Paul was writing to Timothy exhorting him to be courageous in the face of persecution and to use the power which God had planted in his heart to move forward and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world. The parable of the servants and the talents serves as a testament to the concept of a de-fining moment in lives of three servants. 

In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus shares the well known parable of the three servants who were given large sums of wealth, talents, by their master to oversee his wealth. The first servant was given five talents and earned five more talents. The second servant received two talents and after investing his master's wealth he doubled his master's two talents. The work that these two servants did to double their master's wealth is what can be labelled as their re-fining moment. They took a situation that held a 50/50 shot of being successful and through educated decisions and a committed work ethic they moved from being re-fined to a place of being de-fined upon their master's return. "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master." Matthew 25:21. These two men had a choice, they could take this as an opportunity to establish themselves as trustworthy and honorable, or they could have taken the route that the third servant chose which did not serve as a refining moment in his life. 

The third servant in our parable, made the decision to not enter into a phase of refinement when given this opportunity to excel. The third servant was given one talent. Modest in comparison to either of the other two servants, yet still an opportunity to refine and ultimately define his role in the master's mind. The third servant made the decision to basically dig a hole and hide the master's talent, because he was afraid that he might lose his master's wealth that had been entrusted to him. Remember from the scripture above (II Timothy 1:7), God did not and does not give us a spirit of fear, instead God equips us with power and self-discipline through which the servant should have placed his trust and went out and invested his master's wealth. That spirit of timidity prohibited the growth that the servant needed to re-fine him from being timid to be strong and courageous, just as God encouraged Joshua as he accepted his role after the death of Moses (Joshua 1:9). Instead, his decision to not accept even a small amount of risk, defined this servant as a man who failed miserably in a situation where he could have de-fined himself as a worthy and trustworthy servant. Instead the master retorted, "You wicked and slothful servant!" Inadvertently, the third servant labelled himself as "not up to the challenge" thus defining himself to his master and others as a failure. 

What adversity are you facing today that may very well be your opportunity to re-fine yourself to become the man or woman God wants to de-fine you as in His Kingdom? Ask yourself the question, "will this adversity define me or will I take this adversity, work in it and allow God to work through me to the point that I refine myself as a servant that will not give up nor ever give in! You've got this. "For when I am weak, then I am made strong." II Corinthians 12:10. 

Choose to be re-fined so that you will be de-fined! 

Coach Carter

I'd Do That Again

 Think about it for a minute, can you recall a moment in your life where you spouted out a similar statement, "Man, I'd do that again!" Maybe you were just getting off the new rollercoaster at a theme park, maybe you had just finished what would probably be described as the best steak you have ever eaten,  or for me it could have been just as my kayak exited an extended run of technical river rapids. Possibly, you may have quipped, "If I had to do it all over, I'd do it the exact same way", or depending on the stage of life you are currently living you might have commented "looking back on my life, I wouldn't change a thing," Regardless of the memorable moment(s) that you would eagerly do all over again, we need to also give some attention to those things that occur in our lives that we would definitely not choose to have a "do-over". Personally, I won't be signing up for a second root canal any time soon, and I'm pretty confident there aren't many of us out there that would ask to persevere through financial, relational, or mental winters of life more than once. Ultimately, life is stocked with those times we would rank as definite do-overs, and conversely each person sharing in our moment together today could amass a list of not interested in experiencing again chapters of life. For our time together, I want to focus on a choice of sacrifice that made all the difference in the world and the somber truth that if it came down to it, He would do it again for you and for me. 

My inspiration for today's FTM came from a relatively new song that I've fallen in love with recently from the Christian artist Andrew Ripp, "I'd Do It Again" . As we discussed above there are experiences in life that we would eagerly welcome to do again and then there most likely exists a list of not so eager to experience again occurrences. The key message in Ripp's song is that Jesus went to the cross to die for our sins, and even after the excruciating pain and suffering He endured, it is paramount for us to know and understand that Jesus would gladly do it all over again. He will do that for you and He will do it for me, over and over again! Think about your own personal list of do overs, how many of those experiences that you would gladly sign up to do again caused you pain, suffering, or could have even possibly cost you your life? My guess is not too many. Those items would be found on our "not to ever experience again" list for sure. 

I mean seriously, who would want to be falsely arrested, especially when you lived a sinless life. Who would sign up for the round two experience of being ridiculed, beaten, tortured, and then ultimately condemned to be crucified although you had never committed one crime or broken any laws? Our "do it again" list is full of good for us experiences, but Jesus' list is all about this is good for you and me, which is a total mindset shift in our society today! Basically, what Andrew Ripp's song proclaims is that although Jesus died probably one of the most painful and excruciating deaths possible, He would endure it over and over again for you and for me! I provided a link to the song above, I ask that you watch the video and listen to the words, they inspire me, they humble me, they challenge me, and they help me keep etched in my memory what Jesus did for you and for me with His death on the cross. And as the lyrics offer us, Jesus will do it again and again, willingly for you and thankfully for me. 

There's no distance too far, there is no pain too great, no grave too dark, nor no evil he would not endure to be a sacrifice so we have the opportunity to live eternally! The pain of the spear that pierced His side, the thorns of the twisted crown they thrust on His head, or the blood that dripped from His nail pierced hands and feet, none of these deterred Jesus from calling out to God, "Father, forgive them,  for they know not what they do" Luke 23:34. Of course the last breath of Jesus was not His last breath. Three days later Jesus rose from the grave and ascended into Heaven where He sits at the right hand of His Father. Life is good. The sacrifice Jesus willingly made was not a one time event. Every minute of every day the Holy Spirit is whispering a direct message from Jesus to your heart and soul, He'd do it again for you and He would do it again for me. That, my friend, is love. 

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

Coach Carter

                                                                                                                      

The Status Quo

 The literal Latin translation of the term "status quo" is "the state in which".  Leadership guru John Maxwell extends that definition, quipping that the status quo is best defined as "the mess we are in". I tend to agree more with Maxwell's thought over the literal definition, keeping things at the status quo level may feel safe, but if we want to grow, the status quo can do nothing more than hinder the growth and progress of any endeavor or initiative. 

Throughout my career there have been two phrases that have made me cringe as the words came out of the speaker's mouth. "Well, we've always done it that way" and "Well, we tried that once before and it didn't work", both of which are the epitome of living in the status quo. If Miracle Grow fast tracks a plant's maturity, then these two phrases are like Roundup to creativity and innovation, i.e. growth. In anything I am involved in I want to improve, improvement indicates progress, and progress equals growth.  Before we go any further, let's look at the danger of living in the status quo of our lives. 

To me the very words, "we've always done it that way" invoke laziness. In other words, why doesn't the person just say, "I don't want to change because it will mean I have to do things differently". The fear is that it might take the person or group out of their comfort zone. Sitting on a couch is comfortable, but I haven't witnessed much progress being made while someone is sitting on the couch of life. Additionally, the mindset of "we tried that before and it didn't work" reeks of conformity to the status quo of being content in the mess we are in. Of course there will be attempts in any venture that are not successful, that is the nature of innovation and any transformation our world has experienced. Growth actually is experienced in the struggles of life. Look at the transformation of a seed. After being planted the seed first dies, I suppose you can rank that as a struggle. Yet, after it dies as a seed, a small, tender plant emerges and works its way up to the oxygen and sunlight that are necessary for growth. In another example, babies transition from crawling to walking, yet throughout that transition, there are numerous plops to the ground, (explaining why God gave us extra padding on our derriere) before transitioning to a full blown walking toddler. Side note: Excited to have that experience with Baby June, granddaughter number seven, who will be making that transition sooner than later! 

Any initiative we undertake in life is going to involve change. If the world had been content with the Model T car then we wouldn't have Teslas today. Ray Kroc is credited with making McDonalds a global empire in the fast food world, but how often do you hear people talking about Maurice and Richard McDonald? The two brothers started McDonalds in the 1940s, yet it took adding the growth mindset of Ray Kroc to see what the potential was for the hamburger giant. Someone had to say we aren't going to be satisfied with the mess we are in and move the restaurant chain forward, Ray Kroc did just that. Say no to the status quo and say yes to the change in your life that needs to occur. 

I can just about guarantee that there is an area of your life that needs to experience change or growth. You may not be looking for it and you may not want it, (status quo) but with some introspection and reflection, you could identify at least one area of your world that is sitting in the status quo quicksand pit of your life. At work, in your home, within a relationship, or it could be in your daily walk with God, where do you want or better yet need to grow? Paul provided this challenge to the early church in Rome, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." Romans 12:2. I don't want to crawl through life, I want to run, I want to grow, and I want to see the mess I am in, become the change I need to be in me! Say no to the status quo and live your life to the fullest! 

Coach Carter

 

Comfort-able

Comfort. There is a peace that we receive when we reach an understanding that God is in control of all things. That peace of mind provides comfort. Comfort in situations and circumstances that otherwise would certainly feel uncomfortable to most of us. Working through challenging circumstances, making difficult decisions, or losing a loved one all fit under the category of being uncomfortable. So, how does this comfort I'm describing take place when the world is compounding the stress of our life's discomfort? 

There is power in prayer. When I pray, I'm not just reading off my wishlist of needs, instead I approach my prayers in much the same way that I would talk with a friend. I spend a great portion of my morning time with God thanking Him for all He has done in my life and the lives of those I love. I give thanks to God for the blessings of health, my career, and all the opportunities that He has made available to me over the years that I have lived. I spend time each day asking God to forgive me when I fall short and I ask Him to teach me and grow me as a leader as I live out each day. And yes, there are times when I spend a considerable amount of time praying for peace in the storm I am facing, or strength to endure the adversity pounding on my door. Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30. At these times life may not be comfortable, yet Jesus tells us if we will bring our burdens and worries to Him we will find peace and we will experience rest. Comfort. 

For me praying is an ongoing part of my day. My morning time with God is the most important part of my day, yet prayer is not restricted or limited to a certain time of the day. God is with us and available to us 24/7. So, the question begs to be asked, "When do you find yourself praying?" For some people praying is associated with something they do when they are in need. I often say people commonly pray during hardships and heartaches, and the good news is that God is there and He hears us when we pray. Sickness, sadness, or times when we are scared make life uneasy, or un-comfortable. Even the mighty King David knew that the God who is for us is the same God who is with us. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4. Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Even when relationships are strained, God comforts us. Even when we are destitute and lost, God comforts us. Even when our health suffers, our business fails, or our lives get turned upside down, God comforts us. There is no valley too dark or too low that God isn't there right beside you, walking with you, providing peace each step along the way. Comfort.

Somebody is out there today that doesn't feel like God is there. You can't find rest and you don't have peace. Guess what? God hasn't moved and He hasn't left you alone to deal with your life's situations. If you are feeling all alone, maybe it is you who has moved away from Him? Or maybe you haven't formed that one on one relationship with God yet so knowing what and how to pray is foreign to you. Trust me when I tell you God is near and He is eager to have a personal relationship with you. As you lean into a personal relationship with God, you will find that He is always near (Psalm 34:18) and He is always available to give your tired and weary self peace. Comfort. 

When life feels like it is spinning out of control or when you just need reassurance that you are not walking alone, God is near, He is in control, and He has a plan. Trusting in God and walking with Him is the answer to your discomfort. In God you are "able" to find "comfort". Comfort-able. 

Coach Carter

Walk by Faith

 

Funny how things work. Almost exactly a year ago I wrote a blog entitled "Blind Faith" with the emphasis being on trusting God even though we can't see His plan. As I sat down to write this week's message the title "Blind Faith" was what I was thinking, but it sounded so familiar I decided to do a search of all the posts that I've been blessed to share over these past 10+ years of penning Flat Tire Ministries Thoughts. Sure enough, the April 27, 2025 post popped up on my screen. So, long story made short, I still have a message referencing blind faith, but definitely a different viewpoint for the concept in our message today. I've aptly swerved and renamed today's message "Walking by Faith", I hope it serves as a blessing to you as much as it has me! Read on. 

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1. There really isn't a better title for today's message than "Blind Faith" but nevertheless the concept can still be our focal point in our time together. As we get started, I think we need to have a clear idea of what is meant when we say someone has "blind faith". The term represents "a deep level of trust, often without evidence" according to the U.S. Dictionary. Hence another term, "walking by faith" as it is often used in reference to a person that "blindly" adheres to their walk with God. If I walk by faith fully trusting in God's plan, I am in essence walking in blind faith, because I haven't seen God, so my faith in God is based not on what I have seen, but instead on what I believe. For me walking by faith is similar to someone without sight that boldly moves forward trusting that the path forward is laid out in front of them. 

Visually impaired individuals are a model of bravery to me. I can't imagine what it is like to take that first step forward with no idea of what you are about to step out to. To do so you would have to have a great deal of faith that the road ahead is there, call it blind faith if you like, but I deem it courageous and admirable. Completely trusting in God requires that same boldness. For those that place their full trust in God and the teachings of His Holy Bible choosing to follow and adhere to His commands requires a certain degree of "blind faith". 

We can see the results of God's hand. All of creation was breathed into existence by His command "Let there be light and there was light". Genesis 1:3. The miracle of a newborn child, a star racing across the starlit night, or even the roaring crash of a mighty wave as it approaches the shore. These are all visual examples of God's hand, but they are not God. Our faith, blind as it may be, trusts that God created all of the aforementioned along with everything else we see, hear, or even sense. Love is felt and experienced, we don't see "love" but we feel it and we trust in it. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not die, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. Whosoever "believeth" shall be saved. For some people "seeing is believing" for those who trust in God and place their faith in Him, the evidence is not in seeing God, but believing in God! Hence blind faith walking!

But how does all of this apply to your own daily walk? You may be dealing with health matters that far exceed what any other person around you deals with on a daily basis. You may have hit rock bottom financially and you can't see the day of light from the pit you are experiencing. Drugs, alcohol, or any other addiction, I don't walk in your shoes, but there again you don't walk in mine. We each have to walk in our own shoes. So, not that what you are dealing with is better or worse than your neighbor, but singularly relevant, whatever you are walking through you can be at peace because you are not walking alone! Just as Hebrews 11 goes on to explain, men and women down through history walked by faith, blindly trusting that God was real and that God was right there beside them along their journey. By faith Noah, by faith Abraham, by faith Moses, by faith Samson, David, and all the others that followed up to you and I all walk blindly trusting in our Lord and Savior's plan for this life He has given us to live. 

If you are not trusting God then you are living life blindly as well, but that walk is dark and lonely. Allow yourself to develop a faith that walks through darkness without stumbling or getting lost. Walk by faith not by light and allow God to direct your path, (Proverbs 16:9). God's love is unlike anything we experience outside of Him, He has a plan for your life and He walks alongside you each step you take. 

"What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived - the things God has prepared for those who love him" I Corinthians 2:9

Coach Carter

Which Way Do I Go?

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." Proverbs 3:5-6

This couplet has always been one of my favorite sets in the Bible. There are two parts to the thought, one a directive and the second a promise.  The first portion of this verse exhorts us to trust in God and not in our own abilities, thoughts, or plans. The second section of Proverbs 3:5-6 provides a promise that God will direct our steps if we seek His will and follow Him. Life gives us the decision to make on our own, we can choose the dark, bumpy and curvy road or we can allow God to lead us on the narrow but straight and smooth interstate of life. 

Staying with our analogy of roads and highways, think about your travels and the routes you have taken to get from one place to another. In my own experience I have traveled the back roads of Northeast Tennessee my whole life and I can attest to the curvy, up and down nature of the roads I have encountered. Add to that, when the sun goes down and the moon is not on full display, those curvy roads become even more hazardous due to the lack of adequate lighting and signage. If you aren't familiar with the backroads you are traveling, especially at night, drivers are forced to slow down and focus a little more intently on the curves up ahead. In much the same way, when we choose to make our own decisions in life we often find ourselves on the backroad of life experiences where things can be much more treacherous, filled with curves, blind spots, and embankments that lead to dark valleys below. 

On the other hand, when I choose to travel the highways or interstates the roads are well lit, with an abundance of signs, flashing signals, and markers that explain which way to go and how far away I am from my destination. A marked difference in traveling conditions for sure. If I again apply this to our ability to allow God to direct our way, His way is illuminated well through His guidance found in the Holy Bible and the by the nudging of His Holy Spirit. You are not alone when you choose to travel with God. 

Jesus talks about this himself in His teachings found in the Gospels."Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14. Basically what I believe Jesus was saying is there are two routes you can choose, one road is dark and if you choose that road you are basically on your own. Rarely are there flashing warning signs about the drop off ahead on most backroads just as the ways of this world don't come with warnings or "Danger Ahead" signs to help us in our times of adversity or affliction. Yet, if we choose to take the well lit path, the interstate of life, God is there shining His light and providing us with a roadmap to follow. 

That roadmap is Jesus. "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6. No one finds his way on his own. Nobody can drive blindfolded on a dark, curvy backroad and not end up at best in a ditch. The way is broad and it may feel good at first, but that way of life doesn't end well. The "way" described by Jesus is the only way to find the light we need for our travels to be safe equipped with the guardrails and well lit warnings of the danger that lies ahead. The good news is there are only two paths to choose between. The even better news is you have the opportunity to choose which road you will travel. Make the right choice today, choose His way. His way is illuminated and straight. Even when you face obstacles on His path He will be with you as you navigate and complete your journey! Drive on. 

Coach Carter

What If the Answer Is "No"?

What is the purpose of prayer? Have you ever given thought to how you pray, when you pray, or even what you pray for? To me, prayer is part of my relationship with the Creator of Heaven and earth, the omnipotent Father of all creation. Nothing that exists was created outside of His Hand, and there is a purpose to everything that happens in the world we live in. There are different types of prayers. Prayers of thanksgiving for all that God has done, is doing, and continues to do in our lives. Prayers for guidance or direction with decisions we are facing, or often our prayers can be focused on support for family, friends, or others we are directly or indirectly connected to. I'm guessing that the most frequent type of prayer is one where we are requesting help from God for divine intervention in our own adversity or affliction. In my personal prayer life, I strive to intertwine all of these in my daily prayers. I don't want my prayers to be all about me, and I definitely don't want to fail to thank God for his omniscient presence in my daily walk. Additionally, it is important to include intercessory prayers for the needs of those that I love, live, and share life with each day. Today's question isn't necessarily about what you pray about or even when you pray, today I'd like to pose a question, What do you do when you pray and God's answer to your prayer is "No"? 

I suppose you could say there is a certain level of expectancy that God is just going to snap His fingers and answer our prayers when we ask Him to come to our rescue. I mean didn't Jesus tell us in Matthew 21:22 that "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."? Well, yes and no seem to be an appropriate response to that mindset. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus shared another thought around this idea of ask and receive. "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24. Over the years I have struggled with understanding this concept. On the surface level it sounds like in the verse from Matthew that Jesus was telling us all we have to do is ask for whatever it is and we will receive it; pray, snap, it is done. We can all attest to the fact that that is not how it works. In the verse from Mark the clarifying phrase for me is "believe that you have received it and it will be yours." Believing that you have received it for me says ask for an answer to your prayer and accept that whatever the outcome of the situation is, God has a plan and a purpose. If we believe with that level of trust and confidence in God's divine power, then we can accept that God has heard our prayer and He is working in and through whatever is going on to a result that will carry His plan forward. That is hard for us, when we pray for healing and it doesn't happen what is our response? When we ask God to restore a broken relationship and resolution doesn't happen, do you trust that God's plan will be fulfilled and it may not be done right now? Whatever the situation or circumstance, how do you respond when the answer to your prayer is "No"? 

For some, praying and receiving a "no" response results in the person turning their back on God. "I asked and you didn't heal my family member, so I'm done with religion." Another perspective to a "no" response is that God is punishing you by not answering your prayer. That way of thinking is counter to God and His way. In the Book of Job, we are introduced to a true, blameless man of God named Job (Job 1:8). Satan seeks to discredit Job by hitting him with all levels of destruction and loss. Job loses his children, his material possessions, and even his own health and through all of that Job maintains his unwavering trust in God. As hard as it had to be, Job submitted to God and His provision. Job took the stance that "... God teaches people through suffering and uses distress to open their eyes." Job 36:15. To accept an answer of "no" to our prayers is hard, yet it is possible if only we will trust, obey, and allow God's plan to be fulfilled in us and through us. 

Accepting God's wisdom and his omniscient plan for this life that He has given us to live allows us to look at a "no" response and trust that God has a plan. I can tell you, that won't happen without having a relationship with God. The two earlier responses of turning your back on God or feeling that God is punishing you for all the bad you have done are reactions that can be accomplished without a relationship with God. The only way to accept adverse outcomes to a prayer request is through a relationship with God that understands and accepts that God's response may be yes, it may be not right now, and it may end up being "no". A "no" response does not mean God has turned a deaf ear to our plea, it simply means that God hears you and He will answer your prayer, but it is our duty to trust that the outcome of any situation is going to be part of God's plan. Our humanness will not allow us to see God's plan, that is why our response has to be one of trust and faith that will see us through. One day it will all be revealed. Will it happen while you are here on this earth? I can't answer that one, but I can hold on to my faith and trust that my God is faithful and that today's "no" may be tomorrow's "YES". 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Coach Carter

How to Be Content

 "The fountain of content must spring up in the mind;" is the beginning of a quote by the late18th century English writer Samuel Johnson describing his take on how to attain happiness in life. Sadly, Johnson did not do a very good job of taking his own advice, yet his advice does serve as a steady reminder of where our contentment and just as importantly, our discontentment resides. The circumstances and the situations we deal with today may be out of our immediate control, but the perspective we take and the outlook we present are 100% ours to decide. 

There is a parable that I adhere to in my own theory of perspective = reality that aptly describes where being content originates. There once were two separate travelers, each seeking a new town in which to settle. As the first man prepared to enter a new city he encountered a wise, old man sitting outside the city gate. "Sir, what are the people like in this city?" he inquired. The older gentleman replied with a question, "What were the people like where you came from?". The traveler snorted and bellowed out "The people in the city I just left were a bunch of wicked, evil people. They gossiped and lied all the time. They were a bunch of thieves and liars." The wise man replied, "You will find the people to be the same in this town." After hearing this the traveler made the decision to keep searching for a city that was more like what he was looking for. Along came the second traveler and as he came upon the same elderly wise man near the gate, he too inquired about the type of people he would find in the city. The wise sage reissued the same question to this man. "What were the people like where you came from?". To this the traveler excitedly shared that the people in the town where he previously resided were, " Oh, it was wonderful, we had dear friends there and the town was so supportive of each other. There was never a lack for anything because the town was always eager to assist the people living there." As you might guess, the wise old man repeated his earlier response, "You will find the people in this town to be the same". I'll just say, if you didn't feel that last line coming, you may need to be doing more than just reading today's message! Regardless of your current circumstances, you have the ultimate ability to determine how you perceive your life's current state of being. 

Samuel Johnson's quote continues, "... he, who has so little knowledge of human nature, as to seek happiness by changing any thing, but his own dispositions, will waste his life in fruitless efforts, and multiply the griefs which he purposes to remove." I can't walk in your shoes, I do not deal with the issues you deal with in your current life's journey, nor do you fit into my size 9 1/2 treads. "To each his own" aptly describes how we should view the list of issues each of us deal with on a daily basis. I say that because I do not want to oversimplify what you are going through that may be well outside of my own experience. What I am saying though is regardless of what you are dealing with, YOU are the one who gets to decide how you will handle it and what your perception of the quality of life you are currently living is. I've said it countless times in my life, I am a relentless optimist and when it comes to the cup being half full or half empty, I can honestly say, I'm just glad I have the cup. I'll find something to put in it! I may have to dig a well, squeeze a coconut, or tap a hole in the dam, but I'll find something to drink! In my opinion, my optimism is a direct reflection of my faith in God's love and commitment to "never leave me nor forsake me" Hebrews 13:5.

To each person their "thing", which could actually be several things that have just compounded over time, is the worst situation possible. And it may very well be. That being said, regardless of what you are dealing with, it is also your choice on how you perceive your life's circumstances. I reference the Apostle Paul here because He is my beacon of hope when life seems to be full of despair. Paul endured so much in his walk with Christ and through it all he made the decision to believe that God can and does use our hardships to help us find contentment in Him. Paul had a thorn in his side. What kind of thorn, was it a literal thorn in his side or was it a figurative thorn similar to one of the varied thorns you may be dealing with today? Paul doesn't elaborate, but believe me he had several complications and issues in his life that he could have been talking about, the point is it doesn't really matter. Paul went to God not once but three times asking Him to remove the thorn and thus relinquish the painful condition he endured. Although Paul asked God to remove the thorn, who wouldn't, he also made the decision to trust in God's omnipotent power and boast of his personal decision to be content in his pain. "... I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong." II Corinthians 12:9-10.

The choice is yours. You will decide whether you will thrive in your circumstances or if you will sit down in the middle of your very own pity party puddle and sulk. It is easy to be discontent, I don't know why it is so much easier to be beat down by our own mind, but as I used to tell my athletes it is much easier to drag someone down, rather than pull them up. I believe the same is true for our disposition, it is easy to be brought down when the going gets tough, but it is a challenge when we are stuck up to our necks in quicksand and it doesn't appear that a helping hand is available to pull us out to dry land. I choose to do whatever I need to do to keep on going! I'm gonna look for a hand from God when there are no other hands in sight and I am going to hold on to His hand whatever comes my way. Will I be content in the quicksand pits of life? No, but I will be content in Him who gives me the strength to endure and overcome whatever man has placed in my way! In God I am content and I am made strong! 

Coach Carter

From, Through, For, and To

I don't think anyone living in the U.S. of A. could say they didn't know this is Easter weekend. I mean enter any retail store and you'll find colorful Easter bunnies stationed beside bright rainbow colored plastic eggs, and a plethora of assorted chocolate bunnies and sugary sweet delicacies. Clothing stores boast their Spring apparel and mixed in amongst the shorts, bathing suits, and flip flops, there are an assortment of Easter outfits as they were often referred to back in the day. Over the Easter weekend there will be egg hunts, family meals, and time to share laughter and make memories. Don't get me wrong, I'll be boiling my eggs and eating my share of the ham and rolls, but in all of the celebration of Easter, I certainly do not want to forget why we celebrate the Easter weekend. The Son of God, Jesus Christ, came to this world with the full understanding that His life would be all about sacrifice. As we celebrate Easter today, it is my prayer that we keep His sacrifice at the forefront of all we do today.

For me, Easter is all about four little prepositions, from, through, for, and to. The Apostle Paul provides the context for our conversation today. In Paul's teachings to the early church in Rome, he shared this reassurance of the sovereignty of our Lord and Savior, "For from Him and through Him, and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen." Romans 11:36. Bringing out the old English teacher in me, it feels appropriate to clarify the role of a preposition in the English language. By definition a preposition serves to express the relation between two words such as, the man is "on" the bus, or the girl went "out" the door. My purpose in defining what role a preposition plays in our vernacular is simple, each of the four listed prepositions above directly support how our relationship with our triune Father should be lived out.  King David presented a rhetorical question that he in turn answered himself in Psalm 121 that is applicable to our first preposition "from". "Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord the Maker of Heaven and Earth." Psalm 121:1-2. Everything we have ultimately comes from above. God is merciful and He blesses us even though we haven't earned it or deserve it. If this is true then the forgiveness we received for the sins of this world surely did come by way of Jesus dying for the sins of this world. Again Paul penned our second reminder using the preposition "through". "For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit" Ephesians 2:18. The blessings we receive whether it be a hot meal on the table, or a brand new Easter outfit, came to us by way of Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross. It is through Him our sins are forgiven. (Colossians 1:14). The third connecting preposition is "for" and this three letter word brings our relationship completely together. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16. If there is one key verse in the Bible that explains why we celebrate Easter this might very well be it. Back to our definition of a preposition explaining the relation of one thing to another,  God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are the only reason we can be forgiven of our sins and promised eternal life in Heaven. And finally on this Easter Sunday, before the eggs are hidden in the grass, before we sit down for our ham or turkey, my prayer is that we remember who is responsible for the gift of salvation we have received. "To God be the glory, honor, and praise." Romans 11:36. Jesus made the sacrifice that was necessary for us to be saved from our sins over 2,000 years ago. His sacrifice placed us in direct relation to receive forgiveness for our sins. Share the Good News with someone you spend time with today. For it is all from Him, Through Him, For Him, and To Him that we live today. 

Coach Carter

  

Are You an Inventor or Just a "Ventor"?

A valuable lesson I've learned over the years is that just because I am the leader of a school, a department, or even a school system, I don't always have all the answers to every question or situation. Leadership is developed through experience which in and of itself develops resilience, knowledge, and hopefully wisdom. (I say "hopefully" only because it depends on what we do after an experience whether it becomes wisdom or not. There is a definition of insanity that applies here if you'd like to explore that one.) Problem solving is a key attribute in leadership and developing that skill is one that benefits both the leader and those that he or she is leading. As a leader of leaders, one of the best strategies I have found in building problem solving skills is to provide the person with the issue at hand to be directly involved in the pursuit of an effective solution. There is one school of thought that holds to the idea of "Don't come to me with a problem unless you have two or three potential solutions", which sounds great in theory, but if the person had the best solution in hand why would they be coming to you for help? I recently had one of our principals reach out to me about an issue he is dealing with in his school. One of the last things he did in his email request to meet was state that he would bring some possible solutions with him for when we sit down to talk. For me that only expedites the process and provides us with more time to explore and dissect his potential solutions, while also providing me with more context of what type of outcome he is pursuing. What I bring to the table is a vast array of experiences that help guide our conversations and allow us to shoot holes in proposals that may have hidden land mines just waiting to happen. Here, past experience serves as the teacher of wisdom. Although each situation has its own nuances, similarities between past experiences and a current issue at hand offer a golden opportunity to talk through those possibilities before landing on the path forward. Remember, "the more things change, the more they stay the same!"

Today's Flat Tire Thought asks the question, are you an inventor or just a "ventor"? Well, I made up the word "ventor" and I also gave the word its very own definition. A "ventor" is a person who comes to a person they envision as being able to take care of whatever it is that is creating a hardship for said person. Now, don't get me wrong, I value and appreciate my colleagues coming to me to work through their thoughts and matters of concern, yet a "ventor" is someone that doesn't really have a possible solution, they just want to get their frustration off their chest and in the process gain some magical wisdom from the person "in charge". Well, if that was the proper way to develop problem solvers the old proverb about catching a fish for someone or teaching them to fish would not hold true and I believe we all can agree it is much better to teach others how to fish for solutions to their problems rather than setting the hook yourself all day long! 

I stand firm by my assertion above that just because I am the leader, that doesn't mean I have all the right answers. So, if I as a leader don't have all the answers the question begs to be asked, is there a better source to reach out to when there is a problem to be answered? In my own walk, there are friends, colleagues, and mentors that I reach out to when I have my own head scratchers to solve, and when that happens I always try to follow my own advice and go with some potential solutions in hand. That being said, do you have somewhere to turn when even your dearest friend or confidant can't seem to walk you through to a plausible solution to your problem? I turn to our God, He is closer than a brother and His knowledge and wisdom go beyond compare (Proverbs 18:24 & Proverbs 3:19).

I am so guilty of coming to God through prayer asking Him for answers to the issues I am facing in my life each day. Not that God doesn't want us to do just that, "Ask and it will be given to you' seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8. The God we serve is omnipotent and omniscient, yet in His infinite wisdom, he desires to see you and I grow in our own wisdom and knowledge so we can in turn invest the same in those we live, love, and work with each day. How much would you or I grow if all we had to do was come to God and "vent" our own frustrations or issues to Him and then just sit back while God lays out the perfect solution. If that were the case, who would need AI anyway, right? God is not artificial intelligence, the God of all creation knows all, yet rather than give us the answers to our dilemmas at the very moment we vent out our frustrations, God wants us to grow and become the leader in our world of influence we are designed and destined to be. 

Knowing that God desires for us to come to Him when we have problems that are weighing us down, and understanding that God wants us to grow and gain knowledge and wisdom through our experiences, what is the healthy balance between dependency on God and reliance on God. For me, I believe God expects us to depend on Him just as we depend on water to survive, God is our Living Water. (John 7:38). Yet, just as we should go to our leaders here on earth to help us work through potential solutions to our problems, hence "inventors" of solutions, God is there to direct our steps and illuminate our path (Psalm 119:105). It is our duty to call on God in all situations and circumstances, the Apostle Paul encourages us to "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."   I Thessalonians 5:16-18, and in James 1:5 we are instructed, "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". 

My daily prayer is that I am always more of an "inventor" rather than being a "ventor" and I also pray that I will always be a positive thought partner for those I work alongside each day. Yet, I know that there is only one true problem solver and He is always available for both you and I as we traverse life's journey each day! Keep on seeking His will, and keep on knocking on His door! Amen. 

Coach Carter

"Be Like Mike"?

 The "Be Like Mike" Gatorade commercial campaign from the 1990s convinced youngsters, and some not so young youngsters, that if they wanted to be more like basketball star Michael Jordan, drinking Gatorade was a big part of the process. Great marketing campaign, Gatorade saw an iconic legend in the making and they positioned themselves right there alongside Michael Jordan's thirst quenching image. As it was in the 1990's it is still the same today in 2026, people are desperately looking for someone to "be like". Sports figures, glamorous movie stars, or possibly even more current social media influencers garner thousands or possibly millions of followers who dream to be like ______________. (You fill in the blank). The question begs to be asked, if the world wanted to be like Michael Jordan then and the world wants to be like X, Y, or Z, is there a firm, more reliable example that we should all be striving to be like? 

I would like to suggest that there is an example that exists and His example has been available for us to follow for over 2,000 years. Jesus came to this world and lived a sinless life. Now that example may be hard for us to follow, the Bible even tells us in Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God". We aren't and can't be sinless like Jesus, but in comparison, I can't drink Gatorade and suddenly start doing 360 dunks either. I can't be Michael Jordan, that job has already been taken, and I can't be Jesus either. I just have to strive to be more like Him, "Be Like Jesus". 

The early followers of Jesus had a real life upper hand on us, they actually walked with Jesus, listened to His teachings, observed His healings, and learned first hand what Jesus lived out when He, by example, displayed to them how to forgive and to love even in the most extreme circumstances. Jesus was arrested without committing a crime, convicted by a mob jury and sentenced to death, beaten and tortured by Roman soldiers, and laughed at in His pain and suffering. (Luke 22-23). What did Jesus do? Before we hear the answer to that question, we need to compound the pain and suffering by adding being nailed to a wooden cross so that he could be crucified as demanded by the mob that had gathered that day. And what did Jesus do? First, we know what He didn't do, Jesus did not seek retaliation. His purpose was not to condemn or punish people, Jesus came to this world to save it not destroy it. "The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28. While Jesus hung on a cross between two convicted criminals, suffering the pain and agony of crucifixion, beaten, downgraded, mocked, and spit upon, Jesus quietly whispered a prayer to His Father in Heaven, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do". Luke 23:24. "Be Like Jesus".

After Jesus' death on the cross, it would have been plausible to believe that the movement He had started would sputter and eventually fade out for whatever religion came next. His resurrection provided the evidence that this was not just another man, this man Jesus, was truly more than just "another man". Men like Peter, James, John, and eventually Paul who converted from being a persecutor of Christians to the author of the majority of the books in the New Testament, lived out the example that Jesus displayed. One minor character's story found in the Book of Acts truly exemplifies the impact Jesus had on His early followers. In Acts 7:54-60 we read about Stephen who was stoned to death because he was sharing the Good News of life eternal through the redemption of sin which the death of Jesus provided to us all. Stephen's unwillingness to break from his trust and faith in God is an example many would shy away from today, but it was something else that I read in the account of Stephen's death that glared out at me that needs to be shared. As the blunt impact of heavy stones crushed his body, Stephen prayed. And what did he pray? Lord have revenge on these people who are murdering me, not a chance. Stephen who in moments would take his last breath cried out "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." Acts 7:60. "Be Like Jesus".

Stephen was a minor character in the Bible, his role in demonstrating that the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross was not lost is a major story worth sharing. Today, you will make hundreds of choices and decisions that will influence or impact those you love or share life with in many different capacities. What example will you display? Will you live a life that looks like the way of this world, or will you choose to... "Be Like Jesus"? 

Coach Carter

Failure Defined Differently

 The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines the term failure as "a lack of success". There are numerous varying meanings for the word failure such as, not reaching a measurable objective, an inability to perform, or giving way under pressure. The root core of the word failure is a feeling of not living up to the expectations of the person who is experiencing the "failure".  I prescribe to a different definition of this word that so many people allow themselves to be labelled by. For me failure is best defined as "an opportunity to learn and grow". Failures can define a person in a positive or negative sense, but that is up to the person. Rather than allowing what others may perceive as a failure to define us, choose to use the experience as an opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. 

Learning from our failures i.e. mistakes, is a part of life's normal process in growing and becoming the person God created you to be. When we make a mistake, we gain an opportunity to figure out what went wrong, what we did that messed up, and gain additional knowledge so that mistake doesn't happen again. In my role as a teacher/coach the vast majority of student/athletes I have coached do not come onto the playing field having mastered every aspect of the sport they are embarking upon. My hope is the young person has a mindset of wanting to grow, which ultimately will traverse through many wins, losses, setbacks, and advances. It is essential that the student/athlete doesn't give up when things get tough, but instead they embrace the struggle as a viable part of the learning to succeed process. 

The old expression, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me" aptly fits in our conversation around growing through our mistakes. If we are fooled or tricked by someone once that is on them for tricking me. If it happens a second time then I obviously did not learn from my previous mistake and learning, which leads to growth, did not happen. I have to accept ownership for my lack of learning from my negative experience. To put this more in context for our discussion today, if I don't learn from my mistake and it happens again, that is the bedrock foundation of what we would label as a failure. As in any classroom or sport, making the mistake is not the issue, not realizing you made a mistake and thus not correcting your mistake is where true failure creeps into the equation. We fall down, we get up, we analyze why we fell down, and we take the corrective steps to learn and adopt new strategies that will keep us from falling down due to the previous reason for our fall. 

I'm pretty sure most of us have heard of the "school of hard knocks". In essence life's bumps in the road equal the classroom of lessons learned and skills attained. Without education, there is no learning. Without learning there is no growth, and with no growth there is no progress. We stand still in our mistakes and if we persist in our mistakes we actually begin to lose traction and slide backwards, losing any positive momentum we may have experienced. 

The Apostle Paul put it this way in this discussion regarding failing, getting back up, learning from mistakes, and then continuing to press forward, "I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." Philippians 3:12-14. I can almost hear Paul on the sidelines shouting out the same support for his "players" that He learned through the greatest "Coach" of all time, "Don't give up, Don't Quit, and Always Do Your Best!"  Paul doesn't say things are perfect and obstacles are obsolete. Instead Paul's message to the Christians in Philippi was, I haven't learned it all and at times I get knocked down, but you can't keep me down because I am chasing after the perfection of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. You will get knocked down and you may at times feel like a failure due to your circumstances or situation, but remember this, failure is temporary while you are learning from your mistakes. Progress and change occur when you learn from your mistakes, take corrective action, and then launch yourself right back in the life God purposed you to live!

Coach Carter