Author Archives: kcarver1970

Uncategorized

Afraid

Back to school

Several years ago one of my son’s favorite questions was:

“What are you afraid of?”

JT was thinking about the sorts of things that most kids fret over. Storms. Godzilla. Bigfoot. The dark space under your bed. I would assure him that he would outgrow these fears as he got older.

I wish that were completely true.

The truth is that maturity and age only present a new set of items to fear. Tornados and monsters in the closet are replaced by concerns about career, health and relationships.

There are at least three situations that make us afraid as adults.

  • Rejection
  • Fear of the unknown
  • Past experiences

Rejection is the scariest for me, as the fear of being embarrassed or viewed as incompetent can be paralyzing. Even the slightest chance of being rejected can keep us from acting on an opportunity.

The fear of the unknown is equally difficult to overcome, as it can keep us in the realm of “what if something bad happens” instead of the better state of “what can the possibilities be.”

And the pain of past experiences might be the worst of all. We’ve all experienced prior hurt and disappointment. Since experience is the greatest teacher- these hard lessons can be hard to overcome.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

I need help remembering that I have a big brother…a loving Father that can give me strength when I am stricken with fear and doubt.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

Our futures are safe and secure. Our worries and cares can be offered up to a compassionate and loving God.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:3-4

No matter the size of our fears, we need to remember that we’ve got an even bigger God.

Please pray for me to release my fears this week, and let me know how I may pray for you. God bless you.

Standard
Uncategorized

Focus

"February 3, 2015:"

“Clear eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose!”

I’ll admit it.  Hollianne and I are fans of the television show Friday Night Lights.  Many of you have watched it.  The series is about a small Texas town consumed with the local high school football team- the Dillon Panthers.  The coach, Eric Taylor, continually has his players state a mantra for their team…”Clear eyes, Full hearts, can’t lose.”  It’s a unifying phrase for their team.  They shout it in practice, in the film room, in the weight room and during games.  It’s about focus.

Focus is important for athletes.  It’s important for us as Christians too.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  Matthew 6:33

It’s easy to lose focus in our everyday lives.

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.  Proverbs 4:25

Distractions are everywhere.  The Dillon Panthers struggled with pride, laziness, selfishness, arguments and envy on their annual quest for a state title.  We struggle in similar ways in our daily lives.  I’m guilty of each of these pitfalls, unfortunately.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  Philippians 4:8

Perhaps we should adopt this phrase for ourselves.  Focus for the Christian means:

Clear Eyes- But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?  1 John 3:17

Full Hearts- Let all that you do be done in love.  1 Corinthians 16:14

Can’t Lose- For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 1 John 5:4

Please pray for me for focus this next week.  And let me know if I can pray for you.

God bless.

Standard
Uncategorized

Sand

Spring Break family photo

Our family has spent time on the Gulf Coast of Florida this week.  It’s been a wonderful experience- filled with sunshine, warm temperatures and relaxing activities on the beach.

One of the most amazing sights has been the creativity of our fellow beach visitors.  We’ve seen amazing sand sculptures.  Castles, sharks, mermaids, elaborate starfish…even complete cities made out of beach sand.  The time and effort placed into this beach art was phenomenal.

It was equally disappointing for our boys, however, to see the sand artwork gone each morning.  Impressive and beautiful projects were simply washed away by the tide overnight.

And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.  Matthew 7:26

As beautiful and ascetically pleasing as the beach can be, sand structures are no match against wind and water.  They are fragile and delicate against the forces of nature.

Aren’t many of our own earthly pursuits similar to the sand structure?  If I could just drive that new truck….if I could achieve that promotion at work…if I could just live in that neighborhood…if I could just get my kids into that school.

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.  Colossians 3:2

These pursuits are made of sand.  They quickly wither and evaporate.  They are temporary.  I need to focus instead on the pursuit of character.  In the book of Galatians, Paul wrote of another set of traits that we should consider:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  Galatians 5:22-23

I have to concentrate on those traits that develop Christian character.  Traits that will help me prevail against difficult times.

Let’s commit to two tasks this week.  First, let’s read and meditate on Galatians 5.  Second, please pray for for us to recognize and commit to developing traits with eternal value.  We should do this for one another.

God bless you.  Let me know if I can pray for you.

Standard
Uncategorized

Not so easy like Sunday morning…Daylight Savings Time.

IMG_5421

I’ve dreaded this day for the past month…when we “spring forward” and lose that precious hour of sleep.  My kids are cranky and my head hurts during the transition.  But this is short-sighted, as the spring season represents some of the best examples of God’s sovereign majesty.

This is one of my favorite pictures.  It represents three generations of my family doing one of our favorite springtime activities…fishing on Kentucky Lake.  My dad (Big Keith) took me as a child, and he and I have passed along a love of fishing to my children.

IMG_1702

It’s not just catching fish.  It’s the act of fishing.  You have the beautiful waters of Kentucky Lake.  There are incredible trees that that surround our portion of the Big Sandy River.  The dogwoods and redbuds are exploding with color.  There are sounds…water slapping the side of our boat, fishing line whistling in the wind, and the soft cries of hawks and other birds in the air.  Winter’s bitter temperatures can no longer mute the enthusiasm of the birds and the splendor of the trees.

On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.  Psalm 145:5

IMG_5451

Fishing represents a calming, pleasant experience for me.  Not lost in this satisfying experience are God’s fingerprints on everything.

You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.  Nehemiah 9:6

IMG_1682

Springtime symbolizes renewal.  And the ultimate renewal comes from an experience with Jesus.

But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.  Job 12:7-10

IMG_5454

May you take this day to experience the sights and sounds of the coming spring- and also to thank our God for the renewal He offers every day through His son Jesus.

God bless you.

Standard
Uncategorized

Secrets

IMG_3427

Our youngest, Britton, loves a good secret.

Let me clarify that statement.  Britton (a.k.a. B) loves to tell a good secret!  If you have something in our house that needs to be kept under wraps…birthday gift, family surprise or a trip location…it’s best to not let the big guy know.  With B there are NO secrets.  If he knows something, he tells it.  If he’s feeling something, you can see it in his face.  He’s one of the most transparent people I know.

How many of us have secrets that we don’t reveal?

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8

Hidden pieces of our character and our human nature that we don’t want others to see.  It might be anger, greed or jealousy.  I have them.  There are secret rooms in my heart that I need to address.

And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”  Mark 7:20-23

We all need to realize that there are no secrets with God.  He knows our thoughts and every weakness.

Secrets can consume us and keep us from walking with Jesus.  The best way to deal with secrets is to shed light on our problems.  Confess our weaknesses and ask for help.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9

We have the ultimate Counselor.

Please pray for me to rid my heart of secrets.  And let me know if I may pray for you.

And don’t tell B what you’ve purchased anyone for their birthday.

God bless.

Standard
Uncategorized

Clutter

Sledding 2014

Clutter.

That’s the one word that can most accurately describe the Carver household for the past few weeks.

It’s simple math…truly.

Three active kids + snow and ice + freezing temperatures for weeks on end + no school since before Valentine’s Day = Clutter.

If you drove up to our home for the majority of February, you would be met by shovels, snowboards and sleds on the front porch.  As you entered the front door- you would find piles of boots and gloves in the floor.  And the laundry room….wow.  The floor was overflowing with socks, shirts and wet snow pants.

It seemed that as soon as we could unload the dishwasher, we were loading it again.  It’s been a zoo.

While the weather has provided a temporary mess around our home, life can throw many forms of clutter that distract us from a true relationship with Jesus.

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.  Romans 8:5

Our lives are filled with worries about family, health and work.  We are often tired from the day’s events…and are continually looking ahead to a new day filled with challenges.

We need focus.

Jesus had focus.  He was focused on our salvation.  Oh, He had worries and concerns.  We know that he agonized about His death on the cross.

And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.  Luke 22: 41-44

We need focus in our lives.  We need to rid ourselves of any mental clutter and think about the focus of Jesus.  He endured a horrible, physical death so that we gain a gift of eternal life and salvation.

I need your prayers to live a life more focused on Jesus.  Let me know if I may pray for you.

God bless.

Standard
Uncategorized

Black ice

IMG_1414

I’m tired.

The ice, snow and freezing temperatures have worn me completely out.  The kids have been out of school for two complete weeks, and we are all feeling the effects of cabin fever.

Britton, our nine year old son, has been fascinated with the talk about “black ice”.  How can such a thin, transparent layer of water cause such havoc across the state?  He’s noticed abandoned cars and trucks stuck along the roadways, seen semi trucks jackknifed on the interstate and heard the warnings to cancel travel.  Black ice is bad news.

There’s an analogy to be made.  Sin can create an equally dangerous situation in our lives.

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.  James 4:17

If we are honest, we’ve all got patches of black ice in our lives.  Those bad habits and the dangerous thoughts that can cause us to stumble and fall.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.  1 John 1:8-10

We are imperfect people…born sinners.  I am worse than most.  But we can realize our brokenness, ask for forgiveness and the strength to do better, and rest assured that we have a loving Savior who will protect and keep us in His arms.

Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  James 4:7

Read His word.  Obey His commands.  Invite Jesus into every facet of your life.

The presence of Jesus…it’s the best de-icer around.

God bless you.  Please pray for me, and let me know if I may pray for you.

Standard
Uncategorized

Frozen moments

IMG_4829

I had a sneak preview of the future recently.

Carson, our daughter, was honored to be selected as a member of Knoxville’s Junior Assembly Class of 2015.  It’s an award based on grades, activities and leadership.  The culminating event involved a formal dance.  The women wore white formal dresses. The men wore tuxedos.  It was a bit fancier than most Saturday evenings spent by the Carvers, I can assure you.

Carson looked stunning.  She and Hollianne had picked out the perfect dress.  On the day before my baby girl had played a hard game of basketball in her West High uniform and athletic shoes, and by the next evening she was transformed into an elegant, beautiful young woman in a white winter formal and heels.

The highlight of the evening for me was the Father/Daughter dance.  The dance only lasted five minutes, but it gave Carson and me the opportunity to talk about her day, her year at West High and share a funny moment or two about growing up in the Carver household.

I wanted to freeze this moment in time.  Frozen.  Yes…I wanted time to stop.  I suddenly realized how fast time was passing.  Today she was a high school sophomore, but in her beautiful dress and in this elegant location I couldn’t help but think about a possible wedding day in the future.

Today’s events are too quickly becoming yesterday’s distant memories.  Where had the time gone?  I wished that the days could slow down.

It reminded me about the importance of the moment.  Every moment of every day.  My sudden feelings of melancholy regarding my daughter did not develop all at once, but over a lifetime of moments.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  1 Corinthians 13:4-7

We are called by Jesus to be relationship people.  We are called to love others…to invest in their lives.  We need to take time out of our busy days to create moments with the others around us.  Neighbors, teachers, brothers, parents, co-workers…all of these people deserve patience, love and support.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.  1 Thessalonians 5:11

Let’s pledge this week to invest in those around us.  Let’s create moments with others that can turn into lasting memories.  As Jesus followers, we owe this to one another.

Please pray for me, and let me know how I may pray for you this week.

God bless.

Keith

Standard
Uncategorized

Obligated to share

B share

I live in a home with a wonderful wife, three great kids and a needy dog.  It’s just crazy at times.  Five people and a hyperactive mutt residing in one small space.

There are struggles with sharing bathrooms, the kitchen, the television and even closet space.  The boys don’t like to share toys and Hollianne gets frustrated when she can’t find a favorite blouse- only to find it kidnapped in Carson’s closet.  I get grumpy when the family has consumed all the coffee creamer or my vanilla bean ice cream.  And I hate sharing the remote.

While we often get frustrated with the inconveniences of sharing, we actually have it pretty good.  The kids have enough toys to keep the whole neighborhood happy.  We all have clothes to keep us warm and comfortable.  And I’m almost embarrassed to admit that we struggle over “shower time” in the mornings when we have three full bathrooms.

We are blessed.  Many around us, however, aren’t.

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16

We live in the most prosperous nation in the world, but take a look around.  If we open our eyes we’ll see others across our neighborhoods, cities and region who are not as richly blessed.  Single parent families.  Families struggling to obtain the basics and barely keep their families fed and warm.  The unemployed.  The underemployed.  Good people just down on their luck…and the breaks keep going against them.  These folks are right in front of us.

But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?  1 John 3:17

We have an obligation to help our neighbors.  It’s a command.  Jesus and his followers preached the need to share throughout the New Testament.

And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”  Luke 3:11

My prayer today will be for an awakening…a new awareness of those around me in need.  People I can help.  Families that I am commanded to love with a generous, giving heart.  No matter the situation, I always have plenty to share.

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”   Luke 6:38

Pray for me…and let me know if I can pray for you.

God bless.

 

Standard
Uncategorized

Walk like an Egyptian…

IMG_2981

Sometimes I can be so stubborn.  I’ll admit it…I’m stuck in my ways.  My old habits and ways of thinking are often hard to change.

I have spent some time in the book of Exodus this week- and it’s given me some new insight into my resistant nature.  Moses had pleaded to Pharaoh on multiple occasions to let his people, the Israelites, leave Egypt.  Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, however, and despite plagues of frogs, gnats, flies, livestock, boils, hail, locusts and darkness- Pharaoh still would not let Moses and his people leave.  Egypt had been devastated with disaster upon disaster!  It finally took the tragic death of the firstborn of all Egyptian families for Pharaoh to relent and allow a passage out of Egypt.

During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Up!  Leave my people, you and the Israelites!  Go, worship the Lord as you have requested.  Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and go.  And also bless me.”  The Egyptians urged the people to hurry and leave the country. “For otherwise,” they said, “we will all die!”  Exodus 12: 31-33

It was a pretty drastic wake-up call, for sure.

Upon reflecting on this situation, I realize that I’m truly no better than Pharaoh.  There are so many areas in my life where my heart has been hardened.  There are relationships that I need to mend.  Situations where I’ve been hurt and I need to forgive and forget.  Times when I have had the opportunity to show mercy- but my stubbornness and pride wouldn’t allow it.  In Pharaoh’s case- God had hardened his heart.  I don’t have this excuse.

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.  Proverbs 28: 13-14

Let us all search our lives (and hearts) for those areas where we need to change.  And pray that we have the courage to address these areas.  I need your prayers in this regard.

As always, let me know if I can pray for you.  God bless.

Standard