Author Archives: kcarver1970

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Too big for your britches…

My grandmother had some great sayings.  One she used often was to not “get too big for your britches.”  She knew an awful lot about youngsters getting out of order, as she raised two strong-willed (but good-hearted) boys.  Getting too big for one’s britches had multiple meanings…an inflated ego, a bad attitude or a smart mouth.  It was intended to tell a younger generation that they weren’t quite “grown” yet.

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” I Peter 5:5

This wise saying has stayed with me since youth.  We’ve all encountered those good folks who need the occasional, gentle attitude adjustment.  It might be pride – with just a touch of self-importance thrown in as well.

Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 26:12

And sometimes (ok…maybe more often than I like to admit) I need those attitude adjustments myself.

I recently received a call from an old family friend.  He brought up an exchange from our recent past in which, in his words, I had been insensitive and dismissive.  In reflecting back on that time, I remember being in the midst of one of life’s busy, stressful periods.  Perhaps it was a lack of focus…or pride…but whatever the reason, I had gotten too big for my britches.  It was unintentional, but I had hurt his feelings.

All I could do was to humbly apologize and ask for forgiveness…and to thank them for being a good friend.

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

I was grateful to have another chance with this friend.  It reminded me to be careful with words and attitude- as you never know how your response might impact another.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.  Ephesians 4:32

Thank goodness for forgiveness.  And, for people who remind us to wear proper-fitting britches.

God bless.

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Electric blankets

Remember the electric blanket?  This device will forever be etched into my memory as a child of the 1970’s.

For a time in my life, my mother and I lived in a one bedroom apartment behind my grandparent’s country store in Frog Jump, Tennessee.  I have several vivid memories of my home on Highway 88.  First, the “front door” led right into the meat department of the grocery store.  I also remember that mom slept on a fold-out bed, giving me the only bedroom in the apartment.  Finally, the frigid winds would push through the roof line and windows of this old apartment, bringing a chill draft across our home when the daylight gave way to nighttime each winter.

This is my first memory of the electric blanket.  My mom would come in and plug this scientific marvel into the wall about 5 minutes before bedtime.  It had three settings…low, medium and high (I was never allowed to use the “high” setting…there were limits to this indulgence).  There was nothing like sliding into a warm bed during those cold winter months.  Instant comfort.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4

We all seek comfort.  Comfort from stress.  Comfort from our physical ailments and mental scars.  Comfort from the pain associated with this world.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.  Matthew 11:28-30

We have a loving Savior that longs to take away our pain.  A generous God that loves us and invites us into His presence.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  Psalm 23:4

Seek relief from the pain in your life with the promise of comfort of our Savior.  It’s the ultimate electric blanket.

Let me know how I may pray for you.  God bless.

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Life lessons from next door

I was blessed to grow up next door to an incredible woman.  Katie Sue Fewell was my neighbor, my great aunt, and – most importantly- a tremendous role model.

Katie Sue was a high school history teacher in my hometown of Alamo, Tennessee.  She was the sister of my grandmother, Mary.  Katie Sue was the ultimate community servant.  Every blood drive, voter registration initiative and fundraiser that took place in our hometown had Katie Sue’s fingerprints all over it.

She was incredibly wise.  In looking back over her life, I recall four distinct leadership themes that Katie Sue demonstrated each and every day.  I’d like to share those with you.

Always wear the same size hat. (Humility) 

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.  Luke 14:11

Always wearing the same size hat means being humble.  Don’t let your accomplishments in life, family or career swell your head.  We need to remember that it can all be gone in a second.  Our lives…and our achievements…are temporary.  A humble, gentle spirit allows us to appreciate the gifts and talents we have received, and encourages us to use those talents to further God’s work on this earth.  Humility breeds a servant heart.

We are all turtles on a fencepost.  (Gratitude)

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  Colossians 3:17

You know the story.  A farmer and his granddaughter were walking across the expansive family farm.  They came across a turtle sitting atop a fencepost on the back of their property.  After surveying this sight for several minutes, the farmer looked at his granddaughter and said, “I don’t know how that turtle got up there, but I do know that it had some help.” Whatever we’ve accomplished in life, we need to realize that we’ve had help.  It may have been a parent, neighbor, youth minister or family friend.  And for this help- we should be grateful.  We should take the time each day to thank someone who has helped us along the way.

Bloom where you are planted.  (Perseverance) 

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.  James 1:12

Life has dealt all of us difficult circumstances at one time or another.  You can’t always predict what obstacles will come your way.  Life is hard, but we need to develop an attitude that looks for the best in any given situation.  Tough times will come, and we need to be prepared to dig in, work hard and make the best of these difficult situations.  Our attitude is the key to perseverance during difficult times.

Choose to be brave.  (Courage) 

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.  Deuteronomy 31:6

It’s easy to think about courage in a “Hollywood” sense.  We all dream about those life-or-death moments we see in the movies- and how we could be as brave as those characters on the big screen.  But how about everyday life?  What about those times at work or at home when we need to be courageous and take a stand- but we don’t.  It might be peer pressure or just avoiding a conflict- whatever the reason…courage is developed one small action at a time.  Being courageous develops integrity…and integrity comes from both public and private life decisions.  Be courageous- whatever the situation.

Humility.  Gratitude.  Perseverance.  Courage.

Katie Sue left this earth in 1999- over 15 years ago.  Her lessons and example live on.  I pray that all of us have the opportunity to be a”Katie Sue” for someone- someday.

God bless.

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Do you hear what I hear?

It’s 9:15 p.m. and my daughter, Carson, is outside dribbling basketball.  This sound signifies the end of another high school soccer season and the beginning of her sophomore year of basketball.  I love the sound of a basketball dribbling followed by the swish of a nylon net.   Some of my earliest memories involve my dad’s great basketball teams, crowded gyms and noisy fans.  There’s nothing like the sounds associated with basketball, and I love to listen to Carson dribble and shoot.

He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 11:15

What sounds are comforting to you?  Perhaps it’s your favorite musician.  The sounds associated with nature.  The soft whimper of a sleeping child.  All of us have favorite sounds.  It’s easy to listen, but it can be so hard to truly hear.

Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.  John 8:47

It’s hard, isn’t it?  Hearing is so hard.  We often listen for what we want to hear- not what we need to hear.

Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.  Proverbs 19:27

My own human nature is to be selfish.  It’s often difficult for me to turn away from my sinful desires and listen to God’s instruction for my life.

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.  Proverbs 19:20

Hearing must become a habit for all of us.  In order for us to have true spiritual growth we must be disciplined in our hearing.  We can’t just listen to the Lord’s instruction.  We need to read His word…meditate on it…and hear the application for our lives.  Hearing must be a habit.

But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”  Luke 8:21

Let’s pray for one another to be more intentional in our hearing.

God bless.

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No better than Peter

It’s easy to think about how we might respond in a life or death situation…when you aren’t actually in one.

I sometimes think about Peter and his terrible situation as described in the book of Matthew:

“Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.”  Matthew 26:31-35

We know what happened next.  Peter – who walked alongside our Savior and witnessed His teaching and miracles- denied his relationship with Christ.

I’m no better than Peter.  In fact, I’m much worse.  Peter was fearful of his life.  I don’t have that excuse.

I am given ample opportunities each day to tell of my personal relationship with Jesus.  I often, however, fail in this regard.

So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven.  Matthew 10:32

Being bold for the cause of Christ doesn’t always present itself like it did for Peter.  It often comes today in life’s small, quiet moments.  It happens in those times when we are faced with making an ethical choice…or a stand…when we think that no one might notice.

What am I afraid of?  Jesus died for our sins- and has promised to be our eternal advocate.  We should be bold in embracing our relationship with Christ.

I pray that I become more aware of my opportunities to tell the good news of Jesus- and that I have the courage to publicly acknowledge and embrace this relationship.

God bless.

 

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Changes

Early fall is my favorite time of the year. The chill in the morning air and the brilliant colors in the trees signify a gradual change of seasons. Summer is a fading memory.  Lake trips and afternoons at the pool are replaced at the Carver home by backyard bonfires, football games and Hollianne’s famous white chicken chili.

Like the seasons, change is an inevitable part of our lives.  Whether it’s our health, job situations, family structure- the only certainty in our earthly lives is that our lives will change.  It’s sort of disconcerting, isn’t it?  What’s accepted as a reality today can be gone tomorrow.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.  Hebrews 13:8 We have a great promise from our Lord and Savior.  A promise of hope, forgiveness and love.  Jesus Christ is the constant in our lives.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

With change all around us, we can be comforted to know that we may always call on our Lord for comfort and strength.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.  James 1:17

The Lord knows our past, our present and- most importantly- our future.  He knows our anxieties related to change.  Best of all?  He cares about us…more than we can ever imagine.

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.  Deuteronomy 31:6

Embrace change.  Wherever it takes us- God is already there. God bless.

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Comfort zones

Our son, JT, found himself in an interesting spot last week.  He was one of several hundred participants in a local cross country competition.  Soon after the race began, one of the other runners accidentally stepped on the back of JT’s running shoe- causing it to slip off.  The shoe disappeared in a heap of competitors.  JT had a decision to make. Would he quit running and look for his shoe or would he keep competing?  He quickly slipped off his other shoe and finished the 2 mile course barefoot.  He ran over rocks and asphalt but kept going.  I snapped this photo of him as he crossed the finish line…with one of his best times of the year.

Life presents us with many opportunities, but to take advantage of them we need to get out of our comfort zones.

Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.  Luke 14:27

Opportunities to witness for Christ are often uncomfortable.  It causes us to engage with others who have different backgrounds, interests and lifestyles.  But discipleship demands action and encourages us to approach others when presented with opportunity.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.  Matthew 5:14-16

We are asked to be a light to the world.  Don’t hide your talent or your excitement for Christ.  Witness to others and don’t wait until the “perfect” opportunity.  Get out of your comfort zone and get on the field of play.  Who knows?  You might run your best race of a lifetime.

God bless you.

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Walking off

I’m not a huge Yankees fan, but I have enjoyed watching Derek Jeter play during his final year as a major league professional.  On the field, Jeter has done things the right way.  Five World Series Championships.  20 seasons in the majors and 3,463 hits (and counting)…sixth all time.  But it’s how Jeter finished in his final home game in Yankee Stadium that caught the eye of America last week.

In the 9th inning of a tie game, Jeter- in what would be his last at bat of his home career- slapped a single into right field for the game-winning run.  On baseball’s biggest stage- with millions of viewers across the world watching- Jeter delivered a dramatic walk-off hit.  What a way to exit your professional career.

Don’t we all dream of such moments?  Finishing strong and going out a winner.  Wouldn’t we love to finish our earthly life in such a dramatic way?

For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’  Luke 14:28-30

Jeter worked hard daily in his quest to become the ultimate shortstop.  Our goal should be to live a life that reflects Christ. It’s a task that deserves daily preparation, work and refinement.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.  Phillipians 1:6

This isn’t easy. The world wants us to fail. We are filled with self-doubt, but we can be confident that God has supplied us with everything we need to finish strong.

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  Matthew 28:18-20

We can never be too spiritually mature.  Nor should we ever seek to be finished in our effort to spread God’s word.

Jeter retired from baseball on a glorious note.  While we should never retire from doing the Lord’s work, we know that we will have the same opportunity to walk off the field to glory.

God bless.

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Running on empty

B dawg football

I love this picture of our youngest child, B.  It was captured at one of his flag football games a couple of years ago.  He was running down the field as fast as he could- trying to make something happen.  B was trying to set a block for his teammate, but ended up plowing into his friend and knocking him down!  Hollianne caught the moment perfectly…eyes shut, teeth clinched and hitting his buddy with reckless abandon!

Ever feel like this?  I do.  Work projects, deadlines and daily life have us often scurrying around at breakneck speed.  Many times our projects or priorities change so quickly that we slow down just enough to change direction- and then hit the treadmill again.  Full speed ahead.  Eyes shut.  Teeth clinched.

It isn’t enough to just run.  We need to pursue a true purpose.  If seeking God is our goal, then we can’t afford to run with reckless abandon and a lack of focus.  We need focus and fuel to provide power and direction for our lives.

But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and all your soul.  Deuteronomy 4:29

Our lives should include daily time with our Lord.

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!  1 Chronicles 16:11

Continually.  Intentionally.  Each day should include time in prayer, meditation on God’s inspired word through the Bible and reflection on our true purpose- seeking the will of the Lord our God for our lives…and fueling this search with all of our being.

I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.  Proverbs 8:17

With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments.  Psalm 119:10

Let’s pledge to spend more time on focusing on our Lord.  Let our study, prayer and meditation be our fuel.

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

My prayer at this moment is this…

Dear Father- may we take time from our busy lives to reflect on Your goodness and mercy.  May we intentionally and continually seek Your guidance for our lives while on this earth.  There are distractions, but we ask for moments of clarity when tempted to lose our focus on You.  May we have the presence of mind to run toward You- and to realize that You will sustain us and provide for our every need.  It is through Christ Jesus we pray- Amen.

God bless you.  Let me know if I can pray for you- and as always, please pray for me.

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Winners and losers

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Ever notice how society paints us into two categories?  You are either a winner or a loser.

As a parent I see this illustrated often in the world of youth sports.  Hollianne and I spend quite a bit of time at fields or courts watching our children compete in a variety of activities.  The thrill of seeing them push themselves and improve is often diminished by the actions of other kids- but more often their parents.

It extends into our work lives too.  Office competitiveness often takes the place of teamwork and collaboration.  People need to “win” in order to succeed at a task- and in the process you will have to lose.  It might be taking sole credit for an idea or a project’s success, or it might be something more devious- as belittling a colleague behind their back to make themselves look better.

I win.  You lose.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

We are fortunate to have a presence in our lives that has leveled the playing field for us.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.  John 16:33

We can take comfort that Jesus came to earth and achieved victory over this world.  Sin and worldly strife are all around us in our daily lives, but we have peace and comfort through the One who has the ultimate power over darkness.

One of my favorite visuals in the Bible comes from Deuteronomy:

When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.  Deuteronomy 20:1-4

Can you imagine how the Israelites  must have felt upon hearing these words?  Do not fear- the Lord your God is with you….and will give you victory.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  I Corinthians 15:57

We are winners through Jesus.  He has fought the battle for us.  Let us take comfort in His love and protection.

God bless.  Pray for me- and let me know if I may pray for you.

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