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Shots fired at home

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I seem to be on my worst behavior at home.

After a long day of work or a couple of days of travel- I’m often exhausted by the time I get to my house.

Our home should be a place of solace and rest.  A time to reconnect with my incredible wife and three great kids.  But I often let the stresses of the day continue to linger when I come home.

I can be short…dismissive.  Moody.  Quiet and reserved.  Withdrawn.

Dozens of tiring, negative thoughts preoccupy my mind and can keep me from fully engaging with my family- those that love me most.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.  James 1:19-20

My behavior demonstrates a lack of spiritual maturity on my part.  My family deserves my best.

One of my favorite verses to help me cope is found in Proverbs.

Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.  Proverbs 16:32

I’ve been spending more time in prayer on my drive home each evening.  It’s an attempt to give the stresses of the day over to God.  Jesus promises peace for those who honestly seek it.

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

No matter what you are struggling with- just give it up.  Ask for the help of Jesus and move forward with confidence.

Those that love you the most deserve it.

Please pray for me to be a better husband and dad.  And let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless.

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Wounds from the battlefield

Carver kids Neyland 2015

I have a friend who has completed a couple of military tours in Afghanistan.  He suffered a battle scar that he’ll carry with him the rest of his life.  While the incident did not end his life, he’ll carry this visible, physical wound around for the rest of his days.

I have not talked with him about the specifics of the incident, but he’s said enough about it to lead me to two conclusions:  1)  it provides a constant reminder of the pain and suffering that war brings, and 2)  he’s decided to let go of any regret associated with the incident and move forward with a forgiving heart.

That’s hard to grasp, isn’t it?  He’s daily reminded of the painful experience, but he’s eyeing the future with a sense of peace and forgiveness.

We all have wounds.  While they might not all be physically apparent, they are often lingering beneath the surface.

Wounds from painful past experiences.  Wounds from times when we struggle to forgive others.

And wounds from not being able to forgive ourselves- which are perhaps the most painful of all.

How do we mend wounds?

First, we need to remember that we have a caring, loving God.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.  1 Peter 5: 6-7

We also need to seek forgiveness- and grant forgiveness.

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

And we need to fill wounds with prayer and other healthy activities…constantly seeking the presence of Jesus.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  John 15: 7

I pray that you allow Jesus to address your wounds.  Mine too.

Please let me know how I may pray for you this week.  God bless.

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Uninvited dinner guest

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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. 

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Vertigo

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I passed out in my office last Friday.

It was vertigo.  I felt like the whole world was spinning around and I couldn’t stop it.  It didn’t matter if my eyes were open or shut…my body felt like it was spinning out of control.

The next 24 hours were frustrating.  In addition to the dizziness, I experienced headaches.  Bright lights caused my eyes to water.  I couldn’t focus on anything.

Fortunately, the symptoms were temporary.

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

This isolated situation created an interesting parallel to my entire life (lately). I’ve been presented with an unusually high number of distractions at work and home.  I’ve had lots of unexpected work travel and the kids’ schedules have been hectic.  Something had to give.  Unfortunately, what suffered were the activities I needed most.

My prayer life fell off.  I went several weeks rushing through my personal study of Matthew.  I was doing the bare minimum to prepare for my weekly men’s group.  I’ve been busy- but not about the right things.

It reminded me of the story of Jesus visiting the home of Martha and her sister Mary in the book of Luke.

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”  Luke 10: 38-42

The world will create chaos that distracts and confuses us.  Our primary focus should be on our relationship with Jesus.

We need less Martha and more Mary.

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.  Psalm 119:15

My prayer for the upcoming week will be for more focus on Jesus and less on the distractions.  Please let me know how I may pray for you.

God bless.

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Noise…

B and me Titans dec 13

I don’t know about you, but I love the stillness of the early morning.

I live with a group of sound sleepers, so mornings are often a time when I can read, pray and meditate.  To me- there’s nothing quite like a cup of hot coffee, a silent house and a good book or study to read.  I might study for my Sunday school class or catch up on a chapter or two from my Friday morning men’s study…but it’s my time to be still.  And quiet.

If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.    Proverbs 18:13

We need quiet time.  We are constantly barraged with words…e-mail, text messages, memos and junk mail.  We pass our time watching television, listening to talk radio and plugged into iTunes.  We are barraged by complaining co-workers.  Our children are shouting. Words fill our heads.  We long for peace, but can’t seem to get away from a constant array of unwanted and unwelcome messages.  Noise doesn’t allow us to think.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2

Quiet time allows us to focus on listening to God.  It allows us to read and meditate on His word- and focus on practical application for our lives.

The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.    Proverbs 10:8

Try to find a special place in your home or office that can serve as a personal retreat.  And I pray that you find some time to be quiet this holiday season.  Our God deserves it.

God bless you.

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The Drive to 55…a political approach to prayer

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I’m a proud Tennessean.  I love everything about our great state…from the beautiful mountains in East Tennessee to the cotton fields over in the west.

Recently our Governor announced a tremendous initiative called the Drive to 55.  It’s a plan to get 55% of our state’s population equipped with a college degree or advanced certificate by the year 2025.  The goal is ambitious and forward-thinking.  Let’s educate more Tennesseans and – and more importantly- make an investment in the future of our state and our children.  I’m happy to be working in a field that can assist the Governor’s efforts.

I’d like to take this in another direction for those of us who are believers.  What if we developed a Drive to 55 plan for our prayer lives?  What if we dedicated 55 minutes each week to focused, targeted prayer?  Think about it…that’s approximately 8 minutes a day.  It’s less than 1/6 of an hour.

And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.  Matthew 6:7

There are many of you that are already participating in a regular, scheduled prayer routine.  8 minutes might be just a fraction of what you are currently dedicating to prayer.  But many of us aren’t intentional about our prayer time, even though we have been instructed to utilize prayer.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.  James 5:16

There are many ways to focus your prayer time, but I want to suggest two simple steps.  First, create a record.  Keep a 3×5 note card with you at all times.  Put it in your wallet, coat pocket or your purse.  On one side of the card write “Thanksgiving” across the top.  All through the day be sure to record all the things that you are thankful for on this side of the card.  Your family.  Your job.  Your health.  Your relationship with Jesus.  Anything that comes to mind, write it down.

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.  Colossians 4:12

Write “Requests” on the other side of the card.  Use this side to collect the thoughts, ideas and requests you would like to take to the Lord in prayer.  How many times a day does someone ask us to pray for them…or for a family member?  Write it down.  See someone struggling at work or at school?  Write it down.  It will ensure that you never forget an item that needs prayer.

And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  Luke 11:9

The second step is to select a quiet time to reflect on your prayer list.  It might be early in the morning- or in the evening.  It doesn’t matter…just make it a consistent, regular and planned effort.

Get going.  You’ve dedicated 8 minutes of time to pray- so silence your cell phone and turn off the television and radio.  Focus.  Clear your head and work your way through your prayer card.  Thank God for those blessings that have come into your life.  Pray for the blessings that you’ve witnessed in others.  Be thankful for Jesus and His sacrifice for you.

Then flip the card over and offer your requests to God.  Don’t just read this list…pray over it.  Give yourself some time to meditate on each item.  At the end of your prayer list- don’t immediately jump into your normal routine.  Take a few extra moments to reflect on what you’ve just completed.  Listen to see what God might be placing on your heart.  You might be inspired to keep on praying.

Date your card, and then put it away for safekeeping.  Keep them handy so you can review them from time to time.

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

My challenge to you is this:  Let’s all participate in the Drive to 55 prayer journey for four weeks.  This will get us through Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday) and into the Christmas season.  8 minutes of directed prayer every day…for at least 55 minutes a week.  I think that you’ll see a difference in your prayer life…and in your relationship with God.  Maybe this will start a prayer habit in your life…a new routine.  The whole purpose is to be intentional about our prayer time.  We need it.

Send me suggestions for creating a good prayer routine that you’ve found useful.  I’ll compile them and share them at the end of our month of prayer.

I love you all.  God bless…and let me know what I can put on my prayer card for you today.

Keith

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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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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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