Category Archives: Uncategorized

Uncategorized

Racing under the lights

Bristol with B

I took my youngest son, Britton, to his first NASCAR race on Saturday night.  It was an awesome sight, as B and I watched the event with 160,000 other screaming spectators.

We started watching from the infield- up close and personal to the cars, drivers and their crews.  It looked like an overgrown bee hive, with dozens of brightly-colored team members swarming around each car. 

With the drop of the checkered flag the 43 cars started racing around the oval track at breakneck speed. The noise level of the cars and the capacity crowd was deafening. 

Britton asked a million dollar question:  “Dad- what if these stadium lights were to go out?  None of these cars have headlights.”

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

Britton had asked a question that only someone with a clear, innocent mind of a child could ask. 

We had been close enough to the vehicles that he could tell that the headlights weren’t real. They were decals. If the lights of the stadium had gone out, the drivers, crew members and spectators would have been in grave danger. 

Isn’t life like this?  Our existence is a high-speed activity. We run from task to task without giving much thought to the meaning of what we are doing. We are simply racing around. When emergencies or troubles arise, we are ill-prepared to respond.

What about our headlights?

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12

Jesus calls us to know him. We have an opportunity to be filled with the illuminating power of God’s word. 

Troubled?  

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.  I Peter 5:7

Need hope?

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Jeremiah 29:11

Jesus is the light for the world. We are called to be filled with light (Matthew 5) and our only source for this is to seek Jesus. 

I struggle with just wearing a decal- when I need to be a light source. 

Pray for me to seek light each day. I need it. And please let me know how I may pray for you. 

God bless. 

Standard
Uncategorized

Orphans on an airplane

California 2015

The boys had no home.

I recently sat next to twin brothers on a flight originating from the west coast.  Their names were Eli and Jonathan.  They had just turned 12 years old.

I could tell that they were nervous about the flight.  They confessed this to me as I attempted to settle into my aisle seat.  They also mentioned that they were traveling by themselves.

Over the next hour I learned that Eli and Jonathan were flying to see their dad.  They had not seen them in over 10 years- since they were mere infants.  They had lived in various places over the course of their lives.  Grandparents, uncles, cousins, their birth mother and other relatives had provided temporary homes.  They had moved around frequently.

They had seen their mother engage in some bad decisions, and it was clear that they worried about her ability to manage relationships.

Their dad had been a distant figure in their lives…an occasional phone call from across the country.  Eli reached in his backpack and produced an old photograph of the brothers with their parents- probably taken when the boys were about a year old.  It was a well-worn picture, but it was obvious that it was precious to those boys.  It was the reminder of happier days for their small family.

Their father had called earlier in the year to see if they would like to spend the summer with him.  He had found a good job and was in a stable situation for the first time in years.  Eager to see him- the boys jumped at the chance to travel across the country to see what might be in store.  Eli told me that they had been praying about it.

Eli and Jonathan had hope.  Hope that a better, more stable life was available seven states away.  Hope that their dad would somehow be the missing link to a normal life.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.  Romans 12:12

Eli and Jonathan had seen more hardship in their twelve years than most of us have seen in a lifetime.  Despite the trials, they had hope for better days.  Hope in a father.

We can learn a lesson from these twins.  Despite the pain and hardship of this world, we have hope through a Father that will never leave or forsake us.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Jeremiah 29:11

I pray that Eli and Jonathan had a great summer.  I also pray that their dad can provide stability and a good home for them.  Most of all, I pray for their future…for today, tomorrow and next year.

Please pray for me in my role as a husband, father and son.  And please let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless you.

Standard
Uncategorized

Everybody is Undefeated in August…

IMG_6661

It’s an exciting time of year in the Carver household, as August brings the anticipation of a new football season. We talk about the returning players on our favorite teams.  We feel the excitement surrounding new additions to the rosters.  And we spend a great deal of time discussing our pre-season predictions.

This might be our year (we always say…)…with a little luck and some great coaching.

Sometimes things go wrong.  An injury sidelines a key player.  Turnovers and penalties stall drives.  A sudden big play turns a sure victory into a crushing loss.  Our teams hit adversity from unexpected places and our dreams of being undefeated slip away.

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

Football is a great analogy for my life.  My hopes and dreams are easily hurt with adversity.  Stress, illness and unexpected conflict can take away joy from my days- and derail my plans.

Pain happens.  Hurt is a reality.  But there is hope.

With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.  Psalm 108:13

Jesus has promised to be with us and provide strength when we are weak.

For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.  Deuteronomy 20:4

We’ve got the One who overcame sin and death to bring salvation to the world in our corner.

So no mater what the day throws at you, take heart that creator of the universe is with you.  Jesus loves me, this I know.

Let me know how I can pray for you this week.  And please pray for me.

God bless.

IMG_6663[1]

Standard
Uncategorized

Uninvited dinner guest

angry-raccoon

Hollianne and I love to entertain. We enjoy having people over for dinners, cookouts or even hosting groups of our kids’ friends and teammates for a swim or an outdoor movie.  

We’ve recently met our match, however. 

In the wooded 40 acre wooded expanse behind our home lives a raccoon. A large, hungry raccoon. This creature waits until the dark of night before climbing our iron fence and rummaging through our backyard.  He turns over small tables and crawls over our furniture looking for a dropped morsel of food or a misplaced snack. 

He’s strong too, as he routinely moves barriers we’ve created to secure our trash. Daybreak often brings a task of picking up the remnants of his midnight snack- which he leaves littered across the yard. 

The raccoon even terrorizes our dog, Sky.  Sky refuses to go in the backyard after the sun sets. 

  
I can relate to this phenomenon in my personal life. There are uninvited traits and character flaws that expose my weakneses every day. Jealousy. Anger. Pride. These and other undesirable traits hide beneath the surface- waiting for the opportune moment to come out and hurt relationships with friends, co-workers and loved ones. 

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

I know these traits exist, yet it’s a struggle to confront them.

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

Fortunately, we have help. 

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

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I need to confront these traits and ask for help. I am weak, but He is strong. 

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

Please pray for me to have the courage to face those pieces of my nature that separate me from Jesus. Help me break down barriers that keep me from having good, meaningful relationships with others. 

And let me know how I may pray for you. 

God bless. 

Oh…and by the way…raccoons struggle to figure out the science behind a set of good bungee straps. Thank goodness. 

Standard
Uncategorized

20 years of marriage…an anniversary by the numbers

IMG_5103

Hollianne and I have been married twenty years today. Much has changed since 1995…along the way we’ve had three children, owned four dogs, lived in seven homes in four cities and two states.

One thing has been constant during these two decades…Hollianne is the greatest blessing in my earthly life. There’s not been a day where we haven’t touched, talked or communicated. She’s my rock and my very best friend.

She’s also taught me many life lessons through our marriage. While I could fill the pages of a book- I’ll chose to focus on the five greatest principles that I’ve learned since meeting Hollianne over twenty years ago.

5)  Be selfless

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.  Philippians 2:4

Let’s face it…we are selfish creatures.  It’s our very nature to look out for ourselves.  But marriage is about commitment- a bond between two people.  Hollianne has sacrificed over and over again for my career, our kids and the happiness of our home.  She’s constantly putting others before herself and has been an incredible example of selflessness for both me and our children.

4)  Forgiveness is a good thing

Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:13

Hollianne has shown me grace when I didn’t deserve it.  She’s been willing to forgive me when I’ve been selfish, demanding or just plain unlovable.  She’s taught me that it’s better to forgive (and forget) than to carry around the pain and burden of hurt in a relationship.

3)  Yesterday doesn’t define tomorrow

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5

Marriages aren’t always perfect…because people aren’t perfect.  There are difficult times in any relationship.  Hollianne has shown me that there are lessons to be learned from any situation.  She uses the past as a “teacher” and moves forward with wisdom and discernment for situations that we’ll face in the future.

2)  Invest in your marriage everyday

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

No matter what may be going on with our daily schedule, Hollianne makes me feel special.  It may be a note on my bedside table, a letter in my overnight bag or just a well-timed text.  She’s a busy mom, worker and community volunteer- but she always makes time to let me know that she cares.  I’m grateful for that.

1)  You never stop growing together

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.  Proverbs 27:17

Marriage is a long-term commitment.  You both mature and grow in your relationship.  And, if you are lucky, you have a spouse that helps you in your spiritual growth.  Hollianne is that person for me.  She’s an absolute truth-teller and keeps me in line when I lose focus.  We learn and grow from each other.

I’ve learned a lot from Hollianne over the past 20 years.  May God continue to bless our marriage- and may I grow to be the man that she deserves.

Please pray for me- and let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless you.

Standard
Uncategorized

I’m the greatest…I think.

fishing

I remember a situation that happened over twenty years ago.  My supervisor asked me to represent him at a state-wide meeting in Nashville.  I was just going over to take notes for him, but I was so honored to be asked to represent my office.  I was proud to be recognized for my work- and I felt as if this was a “reward” for my efforts at the office.

Imagine my surprise, however, when I was called upon to give remarks on behalf of my boss and the work of my office.  There I stood- in the middle of a crowded room- stammering and tripping over my words.  I was unprepared to make a talk that day and I left the meeting embarrassed and with a healthy dose of regret.

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.  Proverbs 11:2

It was a great lesson for me (and a long ride back to Knoxville).

Has this ever happened to you?  We feel self-sufficient and overly confident in our ability to handle life.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.  Romans 12:3

We need a grounded approach to life.  We must continually examine our lives for shortcomings and ways to improve.  We all need a dose of humility every now and then.

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

My prayer for this week is for us to have humble hearts…and look for ways to lift others up.

Please let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless.

Standard
Uncategorized

Coaching lessons from a Blue Devil

IMG_5582

What are the qualities of a good coach?  We immediately think of people who can develop great game plans…or individuals who are flexible and can make quick adjustments during a game.

The horrible shooting tragedy that occurred in Chattanooga last week gave me a new perspective on coaching.

Our Governor, Bill Haslam, was visiting Erlanger hospital to visit the wounded from last week’s attack on the Navy reserve center.  The wife of one of the wounded soldiers stopped the Governor and informed him that her husband had always admired the Duke University basketball team- especially head coach Mike Krzyzewski.  A comforting message or word from the coach- she said- would mean so much to the critically-wounded soldier.

This set a plan in motion.  Within a couple of hours the story surrounding this soldier had reached Durham, NC and the head of the Duke basketball program- Coach K.  The coach’s travel schedule was hectic, but he created time to contact the soldier’s wife and others caring for the soldier at Erlanger hospital.

He also recorded a special message for the wounded soldier:

This is Coach. I have an important message for you.

You’re on a great team down there in Chattanooga, with all the doctors and the medical staff. But I need you to do your part. I need you to be strong.

The basketball season starts in the fall. We want you sitting courtside.

We want you ready to get into the game.

The young soldier heard the message late in the day.  It was a lift for all involved…the wounded, the family and the hospital staff.  Coach K took quick action.  He engaged.  He understood the situation.  He was empathetic and encouraging.

Sadly, the solider died the next morning.  Coach K’s contact and sincere encouragement, however, had been a real lift in the spirits for all involved- including the wounded serviceman.  He had made a difference.

We all have the ability to be a coach.  What other things do good coaches do?

Set Vision

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Good coaches trust God to guide their plans.  They listen diligently for God’s instruction when leading others- and go confidently toward their goals.

Engage Others in the Process

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.  1 John 3:16

Coaching and leading are about relationships.  You can’t be an effective coach without engaging others.  We exist to help and serve.  We need to demonstrate to others that we care about their lives, hurts, fears and successes.

Develop the Talents of their Team Members

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35

Good coaches recognize the gifts and weaknesses of their teams.  They constantly work to help individuals better- either on the court, in the office or at home.

Stay Calm

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.  2 Timothy 1:7

Good coaches keep calm when the world seems to be falling apart.  They are in touch with God’s ever-present sense of peace and wisdom…and they feed off of this strength.

All of us have the ability to coach.  It may be with our children, a neighbor or a family friend.  I pray that we all look for ways to engage and encourage this week.  Showing the love of Jesus to others is, after all, a contact sport.

God bless you.  Please let me know how I can pray for you- and remember the people impacted by the attacks in Chattanooga last week.

Standard
Uncategorized

When your kid hurts

IMG_6315

My kid is hurting.

We’ve spent the better part of two years trying to diagnose and treat a sports injury for one of our children.  It’s been a frustrating 24 months…with one treatment followed by another in an effort to alleviate a painful, nagging condition.  We’ve driven to sports medicine clinics all across the state in an effort to find a solution.

We should count our blessings.  While it’s been frustrating, the condition is treatable.  There are many other children facing much more serious situations than what our family is experiencing.

You know the feeling.  Perhaps it wasn’t a sports injury for your child- but there are many “hurts.”  Maybe they’ve experienced disappointment or rejection from a difficult situation at school. Perhaps your adult child has lost a job or experienced stress with their family.  Regardless of the age or situation- it’s tough to see your kids struggle.

We want to protect our children- to shower them with love and take the hurt away.  This response is natural.

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

Just like we long to protect our children, God cares and wants what’s best for us- His children.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.  Psalm 118:6

What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?  Romans 8:31

While on this earth we will always long for comfort.  What a blessing that this help is unlimited and available to all.

Please pray for me to be more aware of those who need to be comforted. And let me know how I may pray for you.  God bless you.

Standard
Uncategorized

Labeled

IMG_6227

“We are what we believe we are.”  C.S. Lewis

Our family has been on an extended trip across the West.  One of the first impressions we make on people we encounter is the “uniqueness” of our accents.  We are immediately labeled as Southerners…and all the preconceived notions that come with it!

Have you ever felt labeled?  Sometimes we just can’t outrun our past.  Perhaps we’ve made distinct impressions on others because of something that we said or did when we were younger.  Maybe it was a mistake we made- unfortunately- in front of a large group of people.  Labels can be hurtful and damaging.

Jesus was labeled.

And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there, and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works?  Is not this the carpenter’s son?  Is not his mother called Mary?  And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?  And are not all his sisters with us?  Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offense at him.  But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” Matthew 13: 53-57

Despite hearing His teachings and seeing the miracles, many Nazarenes could not fathom the greatness of Jesus.  They had known Him from his youth.  How could this ordinary man be the key to salvation and eternal life?

Of course- this scene from Matthew and many others captured in scripture did not define Jesus.  He was labeled all of His life.  Ordinary.  A fraud.  Common.

But Jesus knew His purpose and mission and He fully embraced His calling.

How are you labeled?  How do labels limit your effectiveness in your walk with Jesus?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12: 1-2

I need to remember it’s not where I started- or even where I am.  It’s about where I want to be.  I want to be a Christ-follower.  That’s the label I want.

Please pray for me to lay aside all obstacles that keep me from pursuing the truth.  And let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless.

Standard
Uncategorized

Freedom

IMG_6215

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.  1 Peter 2:16

It’s the biggest birthday party of the year.  Tomorrow marks the annual celebration of our nation’s independence.  We show our American pride through parades, firework celebrations and red, white and blue-themed parties with friends and family.  We are a young bunch…a nation established just a little over 230 years ago.

July 4 is an important date to recognize our freedom as a country, but each day of our lives presents an opportunity to celebrate the independence granted through Jesus.

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.  Galatians 5:1

The apostle Paul wrote these words to the Christians in Galatia.  The birth and death of Jesus had freed people from the Jewish ceremonial laws and restrictive customs, but the citizens of this region had taken advantage of this independence.  They were falling away from the truth and were turning to false teachers and doctrines.

Paul encouraged the Galatians to return to the freedom created by Jesus.

For you were called to freedom, brothers.  Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  For the whole law is fulfilled in one word:  “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  Galatians 5: 13-14

I am no better than the Galatians.  The world is filled with temptation and sin.  We have choices in life, and I find it difficult to make daily choices that reflect a walk of truth, love and compassion.  With freedom comes responsibility.

My prayer for today is that we all walk toward Jesus.  Let us continually seek truth- and let us have the strength to continually live lives worthy of the freedom given to us from Jesus.

Please pray for me to have this strength.  And let me know how I may pray for you.

Celebrate freedom and independence from sin today.  It’s the best birthday gift ever.

God bless.

Standard