Something to Think About

     
Today's Flat Tire Ministry isn't solely about the COVID-19 virus outbreak. Nor is today's thought about how the pandemic is impacting the world we live in and also the world that we see mainly on television or through websites on a screen. No, during today's time I just wanted to share with you some data and then ask you to put things into perspective while asking the question of why we may be more complacent than what is apparent on the surface level.
     Death is real. Families across our state, nation, and around the world are being impacted and changed each day as we move through the novel Coronavirus' impact on society. I don't know how much of our response is based on solid prevention and to what extent our plans are centered on fear and anxiety?  I mean we should be taking the recommendations from world health leaders and applying those to our daily lives. Washing our hands for at least 20 seconds, staying home to comply with social distancing recommendations, and following guidelines by groups such as the Center for Disease Control CDC, World Health Organization WHO, and other infectious disease experts who spend their days and nights creating best practice recommendations for staying safe and healthy during this world health issue. Yet are we really taking the recommendations of health experts to heart or are we just living in fear and panic right now due to the barrage of daily news updates and death totals ticker-taping across the television screen or on your wall on Facebook?
     I don't think I've seen the recommendation to buy up as much tissue paper as possible. When did the CDC put out the memo to purchase as much ammo as possible from your local Walmart or gun dealer? How about the recommendation of spreading fear and panic on social media just to get a reaction of more fear and panic? I don't recall that one either. Hang with me, I'm about to get to the thought provoking point of today's FTM Thought just needed to set the stage for what's coming.
     The pandemic is real, the potential outcomes are reason to take care, and the reality that lives are being lost and that more lives will be lost each day is a not to settling fact that is true, but at what point in history did we become immune to other causes of death that are potentially within our hands to decrease totals, yet when you stop and think about the following data it's hard to figure out the root of our fear and can I say over the top reaction at this time in history.
     Okay, to set the stage I did a little math based on projections. As of April 11, 2020, there have been 16,570 deaths attributed to the COVID-19 virus in the United States. Prayers for the families that have lost loved ones during this outbreak. Next I chose a date of February 1, 2020 as a starting point for purposes of averaging the number of deaths related to the virus here in the U.S. So, roughly 70 days. Check my math if you like, it wasn't and still isn't my strongest suit. Taking the total number of deaths to date April 11^th, and dividing that by the number of days we have been really fighting the virus in the U.S. gives us the number of 236 deaths per day. This is terrible, trust me when I say I am not making light of death, the impact it has on a family, nor the impact this is having on our society mentally, emotionally, and economically. Instead I wanted to provide you with something to cause you to pause, take a deep breath (at a safe 6ft. distance from anyone else), and then sift through your reactions and responses to the COVID-19 outbreak.
      Here's some totals I researched from 2018 which apparently is the most complete year available. Not sure why I had such a hard time gathering 2019 numbers, but it is what it is. The number of deaths in the United States due to cancer in 2018 was 609,640. Over 700,000 families lost a loved one to a heart disease related death in 2018. Those two leading causes of death accounted for roughly 1.3 million deaths in 2018 right here in the United States of America. Doing the same math, but dividing by 365 days to account for a full year gives us a total of 3,561 deaths per day in the United States. Now what was our projected COVID total number of deaths per day based on current trends? I believe we are looking at 236 lives lost per day. Differential, over 3,300 more lives are lost each year due to two health related issues. Have we just become numb to the number of people that die each day just because heart attacks and cancer deaths have had a toll on so many families over the years and so those numbers don't matter anymore? Don't tell me that cancer and heart disease are different from the Coronavirus because we can't help prevent those. Think about the aforementioned recommendations given to us as methods to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. Now think about the Surgeon General's warning on that pack of Marlboros, I think it goes something like this, smoking cigarettes causes cancer. Really, a warning about contracting cancer is written on the side of a package that has to be voluntarily purchased and we can't do anything about the spread of cancer? Heart disease isn't the same you say? Each year health officials tell us to cut back on certain foods, embed daily exercise into our regimen, and to reduce the stress in our lives, all proven methods to reduce heart attacks or strokes yet the numbers tick progressively upwards each year. Where's the panic over cancer and heart disease? Shouldn't there be a widespread shortage of apples, oranges, and spinach? Shouldn't the back order on bicycles and tennis shoes be like 6 weeks on Amazon? Just something to think about.
     Well some of our readers aren't as convinced yet about my data and the eclipsing total deaths of two diseases, over 3,000 more each year, so let's add in three additional causes of death that we as a society appear to be numb to as their totals also climb skyward each year. In the United States of America, land of the free and home of the brave, the land where the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness is our mantra, 16,214 lives were lost to the hands of a murderer, 67,367 Americans lost their lives in a drug related death, and a total that should not be even on the data chart 48,344 individuals took their own life in what is probably recognized as the most advanced and prolific society in the world. Those three alone give us a total of 131,925 deaths mapping out across our grand country. Take that number and divide by the same 365 days and the total of deaths attributed to three not so novel causes of death outranks the COVID-19 numbers by over 100 each day.
     Can't take any steps towards reducing those numbers? Maybe we do, but those totals are going up my friends not down. Our interventions must not be effective would be my summation. So, what is the answer? What is the solution? Is being in a panic over the COVID-19 outbreak just because it is labelled a "novel" or new cause of death? When the health world creates an immunization, and they most certainly will, will the yearly totals of those that still die from Coronavirus just be another data point on the number of lives lost in 2020, 2021, 2022...?
      Should we be concerned? Yes. Should we be making all reasonable efforts to flatten the curb of COVID-19? Absolutely. Should we be putting more efforts into helping our teenagers find something to put their energy and efforts into that will give them meaning and a purpose in life which could possibly decrease the number of deaths related to drugs, crime, and suicide? Without doubt that answer is yes. Should we as a nation be placing our faith in something bigger than face masks and Facebook? There again the answer is a resounding yes.
     Faith, trust, and a promise should provide us with peace during this storm, and the example of how we should be living our lives each day, COVID-19 or not, is easily accessible. If you have a faith then you know what I am referring to, if you don't believe in something bigger than yourself, then you probably are stockpiling the Charmin as I am writing this post. Today is Easter Sunday for those of the Christian faith. There is no better day to turn to God than the day at hand, and today being the day it is gives us even more reason to place our trust in Him. Death is real, Jesus came to this earth to give us hope through His death. Hope that is grounded in faith, and faith that does not fail. I am praying for our communities, our states, and our countries, but that is not simply because of the recent outbreak of a virus. No, my prayers are for this world to not be complacent, to not ignore the obvious, and to embrace the cure for what truly ails this world. I will continue to believe and I will continue to pray for our world. What will you do?
Just something to think about wouldn't you say?
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”. Joshua 1:9

Coach Carter

Life's Little Instruction Book Revisited

      Back in the early 1990's, H. Jackson Brown published "Life's Little Instruction Book", which started out as advice for his son as he grew into manhood, but soon became a feel good instructional guide for young and old alike. I actually purchased a copy and saved it for my son Ethan and gave it to him a few years ago. Filled with wonderful suggestions like, "Have a firm handshake", "Sing in the shower", or "Watch a sunrise at least once a year", Brown's little book gives surface level advice, yet pales in comparison to a similar literary work compiled by King David in Psalm 37.
     David's Little Instruction manual provides only seven precepts for a fulfilled life, yet those seven could easily be purveyed over the 511 advisory tips that H. Brown shared with his son. Real quick, nothing wrong with Brown's little book at all, just using that as a springboard into the guidelines for a committed choice to the life God would have us live. Not a thing wrong with "Floss your teeth" or "Teach a class", yet if we choose to abide in the advice that David provides in Psalm 37 we will probably end up doing pretty much everything Brown suggested to his son anyway! So, here we go a look into "David's Little Instruction Book for a Life Well Lived - Psalm 37"
     I teetered on whether to go ahead and copy the full psalm in today's message, but figured if I don't then maybe you'll take a few minutes to turn to the Book of Psalms and take in the full context of the Word. With that being said the first tip David provides is found in verse 1 - Don't get caught up worrying about what those who don't follow God are doing or how good their life looks on the surface. It is easy to start comparing your life to those around you, and when those who seem to be getting away with wrong choices are living a "better" life than you. Your life is for you to live and their life is for them to live, when you are going through what appears to be unfair circumstances or life events that seem to be working against you, keep in mind that God has a plan for your life and what is going on in your life is part of God's overall plan. It may not be for you to understand right now, but you can understand this, God has a plan you just have to live it and do so abundantly in the state that you are right now.
      Verse 3 provides the second precept to "Trust in God and do good". This is a challenge for many, life isn't always fair, but we choose how we approach and respond to every event in our life. Easy to say, more complicated when a major life event occurs. I get it, but do you get it? Trusting in God tells me that it may seem like the world is falling apart, yet if we are trusting God it more accurately is that the world is actually falling into place for God's plan to be fulfilled. Coupled with that thought is the advice to "Delight in God's ways" verse 4. Not saying to be bouncing around like Tigger when a loved one is facing a traumatic medical issue, or when your financial world is collapsing, but I believe what David is saying is to find a certain level of peace in knowing that God is in control. Our desires become not ours, but instead God's desires, his will not ours just as Jesus proclaimed in his prayer to God in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26). I didn't say it was easy, yet when you get there you will obtain peace in knowing that God's ways are always going to be for good.
   The fourth life tip from David is to "Commit to the Lord" found in verse 5. Being committed to anything means you are going to be making some sacrifices and when you are willing to sacrifice self for the sake of Christ, life's decisions start to change. I think about the apostle Paul, he was imprisoned in Philippi facing the possibility of being put to death, and his mind is set on serving God by saving others (Philippians 1:21-23). Just like so many servants of God throughout the Bible they forfeited their own life to be committed to and trust in God's plan for their life. Look at the lives of Joseph, Job, Paul, and yes Jesus, it is safe to say that none of them were jumping up and down about what they went through, yet they were committed to see it through and because of their commitment countless lives were and are still being changed today!
     In verse 7 David advises us to "Rest in the Lord". Find peace through patience. I have to admit I struggle with this one as much as any of David's tips. I'm sure most of us want resolution now. I mean let's identify the problem and then let's fix it. Not tomorrow, not next week, let's fix it today right now! That's not how it works in God's plan. We must come to a place where we are at peace, resting in our faith that God is in control. This peace is a challenge for me, because I want to be part of the solution, yet many times that creates a situation where I am part of the problem. Prayer, mediation, and a trusting faith tell me that God's way, God's timing, and God's plan are not going to always align with what I envision. That means I have to be willing to submit and trust in God's plan, peacefully and willingly.
     "Refrain from anger and turn from wrath" is David's advice found in verse 8. We aren't the judge, we aren't the jury, and this is not the People's Court. When things don't appear fair, remember that life is not about fair, it is about the ultimate outcome. God's timing is long term and we may not find it in the short term. Isaiah 40:31 tells us that those who wait on the Lord will mount up with wings like eagles! That is the promise that David is talking about here. It isn't our place to make the decisions about God's mercy and grace, he showed both on me and I most definitely did not deserve either. I am thankful I did not receive the anger or wrath of God when I probably most deserved it, show that same grace to those we want to show anger.
     The last piece of advice is one that directs us to do two things, "Turn from evil, and do good". What is evil? Do we have to be murderers to be classified as doing evil? Well our old buddy Paul gave us a short list that encompasses what we can probably label as "evil" in Galatians 5. Everything from idolatry down to hatred and discord are mentioned there and probably if we are honest we could place a check by at least one or two items on the list. But not being fatalistic, Paul then gives us the alternative option that David refers to as doing good. In the same chapter 5 of Galatians verses 22-23 Paul exhorts us to carry out the following actions; "love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." How are you doing on this list? Plenty of opportunities to live life more abundantly here wouldn't you say? 
     Currently we are all living in pretty much uncharted waters. The COVID-19 virus has wrecked what we know as normal, while fear and panic have quickly blanketed society. It would be hard to pin down exactly when David wrote this particular psalm, yet I would feel comfortable that if David were living today this is the exact advice he would give us today. Don't spend all day fretting over evil, trust in God and do good, be content in God's ways, commit to the Lord, rest in the Lord, refrain from anger and wrath, and turn from evil and do good! Now that's some advice we can all work on today and tomorrow! 
Praying for our country, other countries around the world, and for all that place their own safety at risk each day as they fight to save the lives of others. 
Coach Carter

That's Why They Call It an Accident

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

Coach Carter

Fear or Faith, It's a Choice

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

Coach Carter 

 

Calm in the Face of Calamity

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

Coach Carter

 

Room to Grow

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

Wear It Well

     
     I know a guy that wears a cross tucked away under his shirt and out of sight from everyday view. I asked him why he didn't wear the cross displayed on the outside of his shirt and his answer caused a bit of self-reflection on my part. As I share his mindset with you today, maybe it will cause a little reflection on your part as well.
    When I inquired about the methodology by which my friend chose to wear his cross concealed, I was thinking to myself, "Is he ashamed or embarrassed to wear his cross on display?" I mean if you are going to wear a cross don't you want everyone to see it so that they will know you are a believer? What would the purpose of wearing a cross be if it isn't to display and provide a message to those you pass in life and to those that you live and work with each day? What about those bumper stickers on our car or truck that proudly proclaim our commitment to Christ? Don't we want to tell others that we are Christians? Well of course the answer to these questions is yes. We want others to know, we want to share what we have with others so why wouldn't we wear our cross out in plain sight each day?
     Well, back to my friend's story. "Why don't you wear that cross where everyone can see it?" As I asked this question I figured his response might be a little awkward like I had put him on the spot and now he would have to admit that he wore in under his shirt because he didn't want to offend others or that he wasn't really wanting to bring attention to this aspect of his life. But instead, I received a personal testimony that is applicable to each of us in life. "I wear my cross as a reminder to me of what Jesus did for me, more than any kind of public announcement of who I am in Christ. I live Christ in this world every day. The actions I demonstrate, the choices I make, the way I work, and the way I conduct life are all ways that I wear my cross." That being said we delved into a discussion about what wearing his cross is all about in his life. You see we want others to see Christ in us, we want others to want what we have been given, and yet we have to show them what we have that would be so desirable they would want it and work to obtain it.
     What he told me was that regardless of what your profession is you don't have to go around with a sign hanging off your neck letting people know what you do for a living. When you walk into a classroom it is pretty obvious who the teacher is, and if you go on a construction site it doesn't take a great deal of deduction to pick out who the crane operator is and who the plumber is. We can be identified by the work we do wherever that may be. "That's the way it should be with my faith", he shared.
     I got what he was saying, but that only led me to deeper inquiry.  Being able to be identified as a teacher, a construction worker, cook, welder, or a nurse is easy in their element, but where is it that I am working as a follower of Christ? "Everywhere you go, whatever you are doing, you are living your life as a servant of Christ. So, you have to wear your cross every single day, every interaction, every situation, and with every person you meet." As with the principle mentioned above, it should be obvious who the Christian is in those situations. You and I are living the life that Christ challenged us to live over 2000 years ago. Giving of ourselves for the sake of others, never placing self before God, and sharing His good news through the life we live and the way we handle life's curve balls and pit falls. Those are all crosses that we wear each and every day of our lives.
      My friend finished up his response to my question about his cross with this disclaimer. "There's absolutely nothing wrong with wearing your cross on display. It's great that we want to put stickers on our automobiles and around our office or home. My question for you though is this, how are you living that cross you're wearing?" Bam, what a question? Thus, the self-reflection began. Am I judging others when that is clearly not my job as a follower of Christ? Am I loving my fellow man in the same way that Christ loves me? Do I see the color of my fellow man's skin instead of a child of God created in the same exact way I was created? If we are wearing a cross had we better make sure we are wearing it well? Should we be sure that what we are displaying to others is the same kind of unwarranted, undeserved, and unconditional type of love that was shown to each of us on Calvary's Cross?
     Long after my friend and I had parted, my reflection hit me hard. Literally or figuratively, if I am going to display that cross which represents what Christ did for me, then I better be prepared to live it each day and to live it well for others to see Christ living in me and through me. So, wear your cross on display or as my friend chose to do by wearing it as a reminder to self of what was done for him, and for you, and for me. Just be sure you wear it well!
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

 Coach Carter