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Inconsistency

arrowwood 2016It’s still hot as blazes outside, but football is in the air.  The boys are practicing with their team.  Our daughter is working with the pep club on Friday nights to foster school spirit at the high school games.

It’s our favorite time of the year.

I recently caught an NFL preview on ESPN.  One of the commentators was discussing Cam Newton, the uber-talented quarterback of the Carolina Panthers.  Cam can beat you with his arm.  He can beat you with his legs.  He can beat you with his mind.  He’s a prototype quarterback.

Almost.

They went on to say that the only thing that’s disappointing about Newton is his inconsistency.  You never know which Cam will show up…good Cam (who is very good) or bad Cam (which makes big mistakes).

Those comments hit me in the heart.

What about my own consistency?

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.  I Corinthians 15:58

What would Jesus say about my everyday effort?  Do I work hard to further develop spiritual gifts?

I’m afraid that the commentator could say the same about me.  I need to be more consistent in my own daily walk with Christ.

What should my goal be?

And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”  Luke 10:27

Like Newton, I need to hit the field with purpose.  Reading the Bible.  Meditating on the words.  Praying for guidance.  Putting it to practice.

Please pray for me to be more consistent with my faith…and let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless.

 

 

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Award winners

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Last night I attended the awards dinner for the Tennessee Press Association.  The majority of Tennessee’s leaders from the news industry were present…from Memphis to Mountain City.

We celebrated excellence in media across Tennessee.  I presented awards for captivating photos, insightful editorials and quality writing.  It was a fun night.

What impressed me the most were the photos, articles and pieces that DIDN’T win.  It’s obvious that we have some talented media professionals in state- and unfortunately only the best of the best could be recognized as a “winner.”

Everyone enjoys being recognized for their work.  A life with Jesus gives us that opportunity.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.  Colossians 3:23-24

You might teach, you might build, you might work in a service industry…but whatever our vocation- we are commanded to do our best.

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.  Hebrews 11:6

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.  Galatians 6:9

The world may never recognize our service, but Jesus grants us an “inheritance as your reward.”  And that, my friends, is the ultimate prize.

Thank God.

Please pray for me to do my best for my workplace and my family everyday.  And let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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When your truck gets towed…

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My truck got towed this week.

I was eating breakfast at my favorite spot downtown- Pete’s Coffee Shop.  I’ve been going to Pete’s for the past twenty years.  If you and I have ever met for breakfast…there’s a good possibility that it’s been at Pete’s.

And for twenty years I’ve been parking in the same place.

But this week I walked outside after breakfast and couldn’t find my truck.

At first I thought it had been stolen, but a few quick calls around the city confirmed that it was safe and sound….in the city’s impound lot.

It’s my own fault.  Just a few yards away from my favorite parking space is a sign warning that cars parked along the street might be towed.  It’s as plain as day.

I had been warned by the signage.  I had seen it for twenty years, so  I knew the consequences.  I had become complacent.  “They’ll never tow me…”

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.  Hebrews 2:1

I tend to get complacent in my spiritual life too.  I get busy at work or at home.  Prayers get rushed and Bible study gets overlooked.  I start thinking less about my loved ones and neighbors and get consumed with self-interest.

And then I get towed.

The unexpected happens.  I am hit with a crisis that’s completely unexpected.  And it brings me to my knees…and back to Jesus.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15

Please pray for me to not get complacent in my walk with Jesus.

And let me know how I may pray for you.  God bless.

 

 

 

 

 

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Wrecked on I-40

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Her Dodge Charger lunged off the interstate- slamming into the guardrail at over 80 miles an hour.  The car spun around three times into incoming traffic, narrowly missing our vehicle.

I had noticed her minutes earlier.  I looked over at her passing car and saw that she was texting on her phone.  She almost hit an eighteen-wheeler before slowing down.

Minutes later she flew past me in the right lane- again…texting.

I swerved to avoid hitting her wrecked car in the aftermath.  From my rear view mirror I watched her safely emerge from her totaled vehicle.  She was lucky to be alive.

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”- Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring.  What is your life?  For you are a mist that appears and then vanishes.  James 4:13-14

I don’t know why that young woman was in such a hurry.  I do know that she wasn’t paying attention to the road.

I’m guilty of the same thing, I’m afraid.  I can lose sight of the path I’m on.

I spend too much time chasing “things.”

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

These earthly pursuits can be distractions.  They can make me careless.

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

When I’m not concentrated on Jesus, I can wander into trouble.  How about you?

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

Pray for me to keep Jesus the priority for my life.  And let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless.

 

 

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Extra Steps

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The Carvers have started taking extra steps each day.

Call it fitness or competition, but all of us have become increasingly aware of how much we walk.

We’ve all gotten activity trackers, and while some of us are more obsessive about the numbers than others- all of us are working hard to move more often each day.

We’re parking further away from buildings.  We’re taking the stairs at school and work.  The little things add up quickly.

I need to take extra steps in my spiritual life, too.

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

I’m not constant in prayer.  I’m not even consistent.  Some days are filled with rushed prayers…quick words offered up as I drive to work, tuck the kids in bed or rush toward a deadline or meeting.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.  Psalm 119:105

God’s word is to be used to illuminate our daily walk.  A lamp.  Unfortunately, I don’t study the Bible as much as I should.  Work, activities and even family get in the way of my personal study.

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  1 John 4:11

It’s hard to love the unloveable.  I don’t often have the patience or desire to truly love those difficult people in my life.  And if I’m completely honest with myself, I know that I’m often perceived as the unloveable one…and need to be given grace.

I need to be diligent in my prayer life.  I need to be more disciplined in my personal Bible study.  And I need to be more forgiving of others- just as I need to seek forgiveness.

Pray that I work harder to make the extra steps in my spiritual life.  And let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless.

 

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Overpaid


My son, JT, and I recently attended an NBA game to celebrate his birthday. We loved the pagentry of the arena and the passion of the fans as their teams made a final push for playoff spots.

We investigated team rosters to better follow the action. Interestingly enough, the online information also included their salaries. These men were all earning between $1-15 million a year to play basketball.

Ironically, it didn’t seem that all of these players were working that hard. The offenses were incredible, but the defense was non-existent. Players weren’t getting back on defense and the lack of effort to guard the offensive players was startling.

JT remarked that his youth league coaches would demand more effort.

We agreed that the coaches weren’t getting their money’s worth out of their teams.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  Ephesians 2:8-9

It’s a good thing that God isn’t so critical of my performance.

I’m flawed. I sin.

I struggle with a hardened heart.

I don’t deserve the rewards that God has promised me.

Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21

But Jesus died for me. You too. He died so we could be saved from sin. And while I can never repay this sacrifice, I owe it to Him to put away all my sinful habits and to try and be the man that God desires.

I’m overpaid, but grateful.

Please pray for me to be more loving and forgiving. And let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless.

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Not making the team

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Our (not so) little guy, Britton, tried out for a highly-competitive travel basketball team last week.  So did about 35 other kids.

Unfortunately, only 10 boys could make the team- and B was one of the 25 who were left out.

He was crushed.  He’s watched our daughter, Carson, play AAU basketball his entire life.  He knows how much fun it is to travel with team members to cities all over the South and play in fun, interesting places.  On top of it all, he just loves basketball.

The truth is- basketball probably isn’t his best sport.  He’s big, strong and smart, but his feet and coordination haven’t quite caught up to his ever-growing body yet.  Give him some time…he’ll get it all figured out.  It’ll just take some maturation.

Isn’t it wonderful that there are no tryouts (or cuts) when it comes to God’s love?

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:37-39

Regardless of our flaws and imperfections, we are made perfect through the grace of Jesus Christ.  Through His blood we are all made complete…and can all serve together…on the same team.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  Galatians 3:28

Pray for me to be a good father and help my children navigate life.  And let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless.

 

 

 

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Creed

B and me Colorado 2015

I love the cinema story of boxer Rocky Balboa.  He’s the ultimate underdog who personifies hope, grit and determination.

I took the boys to see the most recent Rocky movie, Creed, earlier this week.  It’s the story of a young fighter, Adonis Johnson Creed.  Adonis is the illegitimate child of the former heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed.  Adonis never knew his father, as Apollo died in the boxing ring just before his son was born.  His birth mother also died when Adonis was very young.

Adonis is trained by Rocky Balboa, who finally gets Adonis a shot at the boxing title.  Near the end of the title fight Balboa asks Adonis what he wants to prove.  Adonis replies, “I’m going to prove that I’m not a mistake.”

What a profound statement.  Adonis had carried that burden around with him all his life.  Angry about being an illegitimate child…unwanted.  A mistake.

Have you ever felt like a mistake?  Someone unloved or unwanted?  What burden are you carrying around?

For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.  Galatians 3:26

There are no mistakes in Jesus Christ.  Everything and everyone has purpose.

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

Take comfort that the Creator of the entire universe loves you.  You are no mistake.  You were created for a specific purpose- and you and I need to seek it.

My prayer for this week is to let go of the self-doubt that keeps me from seeking God’s plan for my life.  Please let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless.

 

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Skipping Thanksgiving

FullSizeRender[1]I think that we’ve skipped Thanksgiving this year.

If you’ve walked into a large retail store or shopping center since Labor Day, you’ll know what I’m talking about.

We’ve jumped from Halloween straight to Christmas.

Last year Americans spent $7.4 billion on Halloween.  That’s billion with a B.  Empty stores are rented and filled with Halloween costumes and decorations for two months following Labor Day.  It’s a big business.

And before Halloween is over, the Christmas push begins.  Holiday songs hit the radio airwaves and decorations take over as much as 25% of the space on retail shelves.

And somewhere sandwiched in-between is Thanksgiving…although you wouldn’t know it by the commercials, advertisements and store aisles.

Thanksgiving.  The holiday that’s traditionally been about friends, family and fellowship.

Thanksgiving is my favorite time of year- as I’ve been blessed in many ways.

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

I’m grateful for Hollianne and my children.  My mom and dad are both still living and available for guidance and counsel.  We’ve been blessed with good health in 2015.  I have a fulfilling job and a supportive, loving group of friends and family.

Take a minute and do an inventory of the good things in your life.  We all face difficulty and strife, but there are blessings for all of us.

I urge us to a couple of things before the Thanksgiving holiday.  First, write down three things for which you are grateful.  Then take the time to write a note (or two) to those folks who have assisted in these blessings.  Maybe it’s your aunt or a former teacher.  Perhaps it’s an old friend.  Write them a short note and let them know how much they mean to you.  Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude to others for helping you along the way.

Next, think about those who need a lift this time of year.  Maybe it’s your neighbor who was widowed last year.  Or perhaps it’s a single parent from your office…or seniors who are unable to leave their homes because of health reasons.  Reach out to them and provide some cheer.  Invite them to eat with your family on Thanksgiving day.  Or perhaps they just need a phone call of encouragement or a visit to provide dinner.  We can help by lightening a burden that they are carrying inside.

I pledge to do these things in the week leading up to Thanksgiving.  I hope that you’ll join me.  Perhaps we can provide a blessing to someone- just as we’ve been blessed.

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 as a husband, father, son, friend and worker.  Help me be a blessing to someone this week.  And let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless you.  Happy Thanksgiving.

 

 

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A life worth living

Grady Bogue Keith Carver graduation

I’ve had a knot in my throat all week long.

My good friend Grady Bogue died two years ago this week.  I miss him everyday, but this particular week is always a tough one for me.  I cannot imagine how difficult it is for his family.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.  Psalm 116:15

We’ve all been influenced and touched by special people in our lives. People who have lifted us up when we fell down.  Men and women who served as examples for us…through their words and actions.

I met Grady as a professor, but over the course of twenty years he became a mentor, advisor and good friend.

Grady was ethical, fair and treated everyone with respect.  He always used the right words on every occasion.  He was an intellectual giant, but a humble servant.  I stated in his eulogy two years ago that he was a champion for the underdog.  While he is gone, his lessons and example remain.

For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.  1 Corinthians 15:22

Cancer took Grady’s body, but it could not take his spirit.

We need to seize everyday, every moment to make life better for others.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.  Ephesians 2:10

Life is fleeting.  Try to make your life one worth living.  A life that inspires others.

“O death, where is your victory?  O death, where is your sting?”  1 Corinthians 15:55

I pray that all of us discover our God-given gifts and talents to help others.  It’s our duty…and our friends and loved ones deserve it.

God bless you, Grady.  I miss you.

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