4 Mar

Lessons from the Valley

Posted by Randy Carder in Daily Walk, Inspirational.

Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…..

 The Psalmist had been there; he had walked in that valley.  Have you been there too?  If so, you know the pain, the hurt, the fear of walking in that valley.  There are other valleys….the valley of the shadow of depression; been there have you?  Here’s one many of you have walked; the valley of the shadow of cancer; scary isn’t it?  Here’s one I walked last year; the valley of the shadow of despair, embarrassment, and unemployment. Have you walked that valley as have I?  March 3, 2009 is a day I’ll never forget.  After 9 years in a job that I loved, I had to walk away.  I walked away from the security of regular paycheck, the status of being very successful at my craft, loads of friends, colleagues and a place where I got my “need to be needed” fix met every day.  The job I left and the reasons for walking away are not as important as what I’ve learned in the past 365 days. 

I learned that you need others to walk with you through the valley.  I’m not sure if I would have made it this past year without some significant people walking with me.  My family, close friends, my restoration team and my counselor walked with me every step of the way.  There are just a very few people who know the whole story of how and why I had to leave my job last year.  I chose these people to walk the valley with me and they were glad to be my companions.

I learned that there is grace, peace and security in the valley. In my journey this past year, I experienced so much grace.  Through a time where justice should have prevailed, I received grace.  Grace is unmerited favor; getting something you don’t deserve.  Whatever definition you want to use, I got grace in big doses.  I found peace in the valley.  The events of 3/3/09 were the culmination of living under three years of extreme stress.  During that time, I kept up my “Superman” image.  I really thought I could handle all the stress and not be affected.  What I know now is that I was out of balance.  My spiritual life wavered, I wasn’t physically fit, and I was an emotional wreck.  On 3/3/09 I crashed.  My journey through this valley started that day and yes, I found peace.  I found security in the valley.  This valley was a place where I could rest, recuperate and be renewed.  It was only in the security of the valley that I was restored physically, spiritually and emotionally.

So friend, don’t be afraid of the valley.  The valley can be a good place but you need others to walk with you.  Don’t try to go it alone!  At the same time, try to see the purpose of why God has you walking through your valley.   

Be encouraged friends!

Randy

15 Feb

Come Down from the Mountain!

Posted by Randy Carder in Daily Walk, Encouragement.

     The air is thin; it’s difficult to breathe as you climb higher and higher.  You, and your climbing partners, are struggling just to get a breath.  Your chest aches, the muscles in your legs begin to cramp because there isn’t enough oxygen.  With each step you think to yourself, “Why did I think I could climb this mountain?”  You look around and realize that even the trees can’t survive at this altitude!  But your friends, those closest to you are right there, encouraging you to the top of the mountain.  There must be a reason for the pain; what’s so important about the top of the mountain?  What’s the big deal?  It would be so easy to turn around; no more climbing, no more muscle cramps, the breathing is easier in the valley.  But, you know there is something special at the top of the mountain, so you keep climbing.   When you reach the peak you understand why the pain of the climb was worth it!  The sky is bluer, the air is cleaner, and the view of God’s creation is nothing short of amazing!  All your senses are on high alert; this is something special.  It’s a moment to remember; one of those life-marker moments.  Then it hits you, you can’t stay here; you have to come down from the mountain!  

     We’ve all had mountaintop experiences.   Those special experiences are good and necessary for our edification, character development and simply our enjoyment.  For Jesus, one of those experiences is recorded in scripture when He took Peter, James and John, His inner circle, to the top of a mountain and gave them a glimpse of His future glory.  This was a mountaintop experience on steroids!  For me, the most important part of that story is recorded in Matthew 17:9, “And as they were coming down from the mountain…..”  There are three things I’ve learned about why coming down from the mountain is a very good thing.

  1.  We can’t live on the mountaintop!   Jesus taught us that our place is in the valley, not on the mountaintop.  He could have stayed with Peter, James, and John on the mountain; they even offered to build a shelter for Him, but He knew that His place was in the valley.  There are special experiences on the mountaintop, but it’s in the valley where life and ministry take place.
  2. We can’t depend on mountaintop experiences to sustain us!  The mountaintop was not designed to sustain us.  All the water, air, food, and vegetation is in the valley!  Everything we need to sustain our lives is in the valley.  If you are depending on mountaintop experiences to sustain your spiritual life, you are going to be starved!  Your spiritual sustenance is in the valley. 
  3. The mountaintop can be a dangerous place!  The Discovery Channel has a show about Mt. Everest and the people who travel there to climb the world’s highest peak.  One episode featured a group of climbers who were making their way up the last part of the climb.  One of the members of the climbing party couldn’t keep up so he fell behind.  The person in charge of those groups was at base camp and radioed him to come down the mountain because he knew that this guy wasn’t going to make the peak.  The man refused to turn back, ran out of oxygen, got caught in a storm, and died on the mountain.  Even those amazing mountaintop experiences can be deadly if we fail to see their purpose in our lives.

     It’s been my experience that trying to live on the mountaintop can be very destructive.  There is great stress and danger in using those experiences to define your success, purpose, and even your life itself.  The real living happens in the valley.   Celebrate those mountaintop experiences, but let’s remember to come down from the mountain!  There will be more to come about living in the valley.

Be encouraged friends!

Randy

10 Feb

A Simpler Life

Posted by Randy Carder in Daily Walk, Encouragement, Uncategorized.

“Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.” (Galatians 6:4-5 NLT)

A few years ago Pastor Rick Warren wrote the book, The Purpose-Driven Life.  That book changed my life.  The problem is that over a period of time, I reverted to my default of just “The Driven Life.”  Can you relate?  Anyway, because of that, I was forced into a major life change this past year.  You’ll hear more about that in an upcoming blog.  For now, I wanted to share this devotional written by Pastor Warren.  When I ran across it this morning, I had a feeling that someone would read this and get some much needed encouragement today.  That’s my prayer as I send it out to you.  Be encouraged friends! 

Randy

Those of us who have Type A personalities, feel like we have to get it all done, and then we crash and burn when we can’t do it all. If you want to simplify your life, you need to understand that it’s all about making choices – and then sticking to those choices, no matter how tempting it is to add more to your “to do”list.   It’s easy to forget this, but it’s true: You’re the only one who must assume responsibility for your time, and you’re the only one who can clarify what’s really important to you. The choices you make control your calendar and, as a result, your lifestyle. Your choices are far more powerful than your circumstances, and you have the power to simplify your life by making purpose-full choices.

The Bible teaches, “We are each responsible for our own conduct.” (Galatians 6:4-5 NLT) That’s why it’s so important to discover why God placed you on this planet: What is your purpose for being here?

In the long run, the donation of your life will count far more than the duration. In other words, it’s not how long you live – or even how much you cram into the length of your life – it’s about how you live, according to God’s purpose for you.

What now?

· Let your purpose guide what you do with your life. As you serve, serve where you know God intends for you to serve. Don’t just volunteer for anything or everything. As you pray about it, you may sense God is prompting you to start a “not to do” list!

· You have just enough time to do God’s will. You’ve been given just enough time to fulfill His purpose over the next 30 days. When you try to do more than God planned for you to do, it’s only natural that you’ll stress over your schedule.

· Does your list include rest? God doesn’t want you to burn out; in fact, he may want you to specifically add “rest” to your to-do list because he knows you’re trying to overdo it. Does your list include getting rest and having some fun?  If not, it sure should!

27 Jan

Things to Ponder

Posted by Randy Carder in Daily Walk.

  Most of us at one time or another just sit and ponder.  What are some of the things on which you have been pondering?  The comedian Jerry Seinfeld ponders about weird things like “when they ship styrofoam, what do they pack it in?” Jerry was pondering about people’s fears when he said, “According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two, does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

   Just this past week, the good folks at the First Baptist Church in Temple, Texas lost their historic church buildings in a fire.  My good friend, Gary Anthony, the worship pastor of the church, lost 25 years worth of ministry work product and memories!  I’m pondering what good can come out of that tragedy?  On a more personal note, the past 12 months have been a roller coaster for Pam and me.  After 9 amazing years, I left a church and ministry that I loved, was unemployed for 5 months, and restarted my career in public education.  It has been an amazing year.  As I’ve pondered these events, I realize that we really are Romans 8:28 people! 

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NASV)

   This verse has been true in my life over the past year and I’m anxious to see how it is lived out with my friends at the First Baptist Church in Temple.  Here’s the point: God will use the difficult things in our lives to work for His and our good.  I don’t understand it, but He just does it; and I for one am very grateful. 

   I ran across a list of “things to ponder” written by Annette LaPlaca.  She’s a freelance author that has appeared in many publications.  This is her list, but I’ve added my comments.

  1.  Put first things first, like…FAMILY.  Major on the major thing!  I’m all for majoring on the major things, but it seems to me that we need to put our relationship with God first, then take care of ourselves and our families.  From my journey this past here’s what I’ve learned.  If I don’t take care of myself, I’m no good to anyone else.  There’s a reason why flight attendants tell you that if you have to use the oxygen masks during an in-flight emergency, put yours on FIRST then help those around you!  The point is that we need to take care of ourselves so that we can in turn take care of those around us. 
  2. Get out of the rut.  Do something out of your comfort zone!  You know what a “rut” is do you not?  A rut is a grave with both ends knocked out!  Living in the rut will get you where you’re going but the journey won’t have any joy!
  3. Laugh…sometimes at yourself!  “A joyful heart is good medicine;…” Proverbs 17:22 (NASV).  Google up Jerry Seinfeld quotes and have a good laugh!
  4. Serve…without fanfare.  Someone will always notice.  “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 21:28 (NASV).  Want to know what God’s will is for your life?  It’s the same as it was for Jesus, to serve and to give.  Go thou and do likewise!
  5. Be gentle.  Gentleness will beat abruptness every time!  The apostle Paul asks this question, “What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod or with love and a spirit of gentleness?”  1 Corinthians 4:21 (NASV).  Want to get the very best out of your spouse, your kids, your friends, your employees?  Put away the rod and be gentle!  “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” Proverbs 15:1 (NASV)
  6. Forgive!  Perhaps the most difficult thing to do….even for the best of us.  Ponder this point for just a moment.  Wrap your brain around this concept.  On the cross, Jesus pleaded with God to forgive those who treated him so badly, even to point of crucifixion.  With that plea, Jesus was including his disciples and friends who left Him at the time of His greatest need!  Have you been abandoned at the time of your greatest need?  Have you been slandered, ill-treated, broken and beaten down?  It’s time to forgive, just as the God forgives when we come to Him in confession and repentance.  “But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.” Matthew 6:15 (NASV). 

   So my friends, be encouraged with these words.  Join me today in some time of pondering.  Ponder God and His awesome works in our lives; ponder these 6 things I’ve shared with you and put them into practice, like today!  Leave me a comment and let me know what you are pondering today!

Be encouraged friends!

Randy

1 Jan

The Twin Realities of Christmas

Posted by Randy Carder in Christmas.

I’ve been thinking about this for a while; the twin realities of Christmas.  You know what they are:

The donkey carrying Mary to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus – The donkey carrying Jesus into Jerusalem where He would face a trial and execution

The angel chorus celebrating the birth of Jesus – The angel chorus crying at the crucifixion of Jesus

The swaddling clothes surrounding and warming the new born Jesus – The burial clothes surrounding the cold, dead body of the crucified Savior

The Birth of the Savior, a time for celebrating – Herod killing all the male babies of Israel, a time for suffering

The manger, made of rough-hewn wood, holding up the newborn Jesus;  the cross, made of rough-hewn wood, holding up the crucified Savior

The fun of the holiday season with family, friends, parties, gifts, celebrations – So many in the world who are sad and downtrodden because they don’t have family, friends, parties to attend, gifts or celebrations to attend

We celebrated like most of you.  We had family all around us, we gave and received lots of gifts (way too many for my comfort level), ate way too much and celebrated the birth of our Savior.  All the while there are those around us, some who we know intimately, who did not celebrate because they suffer grief over the death of a spouse or child, or they have no family, no friends, no cause to celebrate because they don’t know the Savior.

So my friends, how are we supposed to deal with these twin realities of Christmas?

I think God loves it when we party in His name!  He expects and desires that we PROPERLY celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.  It’s a good thing to party at Christmas, but at the same time, I think God expects us to do something about the twin reality of Christmas.  To me that means we spend less on each other and give more to those who have real need.  We spend a little less time with family and spend more time with those who have no family.   It means we travel less and give more.  Give more time, money, talent, energy, emotional and spiritual resources, and more of ourselves to those who don’t have a reason to celebrate. 

Pam and I have already talked about ways to deal with the twin realities of Christmas for December 2010.  Why don’t you think about how you can be a part of the new reality of Christmas?  Remember, we celebrate Christmas because it was the ultimate gift.   God gave us His only Son.  What are you going to do with this reality?  What are you going to change next Christmas?  Think about it and let me know.   This should be fun!

Be encouraged my friends!

Randy

9 Dec

How to Sell Your House in 5 Days and Other Spiritual Truths

Posted by Randy Carder in Daily Walk.

One Saturday in September of 2008, I spent about 4 hours mowing our rather large yard, cleaning the pool and trimming ivy and trimming about 1000 feet of curbs and sidewalks; ok, it was more like 200 feet but it felt like a 1000.  It was 105 degrees and thought I was dying of heat stroke.  I walked into the house and told Pam we should sell the house and move two blocks up the street to a house that was being restored.  She thought about it for about 5 seconds and said, “Ok.” 

We spent 2 months and $800 to do some fix up around the house.  Late one Tuesday evening, we stuck a small FSBO (for sale by owner) sign in the front yard.  Five days later, we had a good contract for sale.  We not only sold the house but we got more than the asking price.  I learned some lessons during that period that have some spiritual applications for us.  

Life Lesson #1:  Move when God Prompts

            I believe God prompted me to put our home of 11 years up for sale at just the right time.  I didn’t know what was going to happen, but I knew the time was right and we had to act.  We missed the mortgage crisis by about 60 days.  Many years ago, I promised God that when I felt a prompt from Him, I would act on it.  Since then, many times God has tested me on this promise and I’ve done my best to carry out my promise.  The blessings have been immeasurable.   Here’s the spiritual application:  God prompts us in certain ways at certain times for our good.  The Bible is full of men and women who acted on the prompting of God even in the midst of uncertainty and man’s ridicule.  During this Christmas season, the man Joseph is one such man.  He did EVERYTHING God prompted Him to do and became the earthly father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Life Lesson #2:  Listen to the Experts

            There’s a reason they call them experts.  One of the groups of people we listened to were all the experts on Home and Garden Television.  Pam and I love that channel and spend many hours watching their shows and heeding their advice.  They are the experts on buying, selling and maintaining our homes.  We listened and did everything they said and it paid off big time.  We listened to a good friend who was an expert in real estate.  He gave us awesome advice and we paid his firm to handle the paperwork for our sale.  They were the experts on buying and selling real estate.  We did everything they said, and it paid off big time.  One other person we listened to was the real estate appraiser.  We had an appraisal done on the house so that we could determine the best price for our home.  We did everything he said, and it paid off big time.  Here’s the spiritual application:  God is the expert; do everything He says and it will pay-off big time!   I’m not talking about a monetary pay-off.  God’s pay-off is in the abundant life here on earth and in the life ever after.

Life Lesson #3:  Timing is Everything

            Write these phrases down.  These truths work in selling or buying real estate, in business, in education, in relationships, in every facet of your life. 

The wrong idea at the wrong time produces failure

The wrong idea at the right time produces stress

The right idea at the wrong time produces frustration

The right idea at the right time produces success

 

Obviously when we sold our home, it was the right idea at the right time.  We had great success and in an amazingly short period of time.  Here’s the spiritual application:  God has blessed us with everything we need to have the right idea at the right time, thereby producing success.  Think about your life right now; your job, your family, your relationships, your private world.  Are you experiencing failure, dealing with stress and feeling frustrated?  If you are, then maybe you are not in the center of God’s will.  What is God’s will for your life, you ask?  God’s will for your life is to fulfill His purpose in you.  That purpose is to give Him glory.  You can give God glory in your family, in your job, in your relationships, and in your private world.  Notice I didn’t say anything about what job you have, who you marry, where you live, what church you attend.  It’s all about giving God glory in all you do.  Focus on that, and let God bless you with all the rich blessings and success He desires to pour out on His children. 

Be encouraged friends!

Randy

24 Nov

The Necklace

Posted by Randy Carder in Inspirational.

   The first three books of the New Testament are full of earthly stories Jesus told that had a heavenly meaning; we call them parables. According the the Bible scholar, Charles Ryrie, there are 29 parables.  Jesus, the master teacher, understood that people would understand His heavenly meaning if He talked to them in stories out of their own experience.  One of parables is found in Matthew 13:45-46; “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls and upon finding one pearl of great value, sold all that he had and bought it.”  Ryrie says that the parable of the pearl indicates the incomprable value of the kingdom which will cause a man to do everything possible to possess it.  My words:  Man is always searching for meaning and purpose in life.  We hold on to things which we think have great value and will give us happiness, when all the time God has the greatest gift for us.  All we have to do is to give up that which we think is so valuable.  Following Christ always will cost us; the value of following Christ far outweighs the cost; so few are willing to pay the price.   

In what are you putting your trust and to what do you give great value?  Is is possible that we are holding on to things that are temporal and of lesser value when God wants to give us things that are permanent and of the greatest value?  Here’s a modern day parable for you.  I’m not sure who wrote it, but the heavenly meaning is clear.  Read on friend and be encouraged! 

The cheerful little girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them, a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box.

   “Oh mommy please, Mommy.  Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please?” 

   Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl’s upturned face. 

   “Jenny, it costs one dollar and ninety-five cents.  That’s almost $2.00. If you really want them, I’ll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday’s only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma.” 

   As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.  Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere, Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath.  Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.  Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night as he finished the story, he asked Jenny,

   “Do you love me?” 

   “Oh yes, daddy. You know that I love you.” 

   “Then give me your pearls.”  

   “Oh, daddy, I can’t give you my pearls. But you can have Princess, the white horse from my collection, the one with the pink tail. Remember, daddy? The one you gave me. She’s my very favorite.”

   “That’s okay, Honey, daddy loves you. Good night.” And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.  About a week later, after the story time, Jenny’s daddy asked again,

   “Do you love me?” 

   “Daddy, you know I love you.” 

   “Then give me your pearls.” 

   “Oh Daddy, I can’t give you my pearls. But you can have my baby doll.  The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is beautiful, and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper.”

   “That’s okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one.  Daddy loves you.”

   And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.  A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian style.  As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek. 

   “What is it, Jenny? What’s the matter?” 

   Jenny didn’t say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said,

   “Here, daddy; this is for you.” 

   With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny’s daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny.  He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her the genuine treasure. 

   So it is, with our Heavenly Father. He is waiting for us to give up the cheap things in our lives so that he can give us beautiful treasures.  Isn’t God good? Are you holding onto things that God wants you to let go of? Are you holding on to harmful or unnecessary partners, relationships, habits and activities that you have come so attached to that it seems impossible to let go?  Sometimes it is so hard to see what is in the other hand but believe this one thing; God will never take away something without giving you something better in its place.  The greatest gifts happen when you share love and touch others.

Be encouraged today friends!

Randy

14 Nov

The Only People Who Like Change are Wet Babies!

Posted by Randy Carder in Change.

It was Friday evening, on my way home I received a call from my sweet wife Pam.  I always call her when I start my 40 minute commute from Killeen to Temple each evening.  This time she called and told me that she was cooking a very special dinner for us.  Wow, was I ever excited.  Pam is an awesome cook; one can just take a look at my 250 pound frame and see the results of her feeding me for the past 32 years!  The anticipation of a culinary masterpiece kept my attention all the way home.  I know what you’re thinking now; what in the world does this have to do with change and wet babies?  Read on friend.

When I walked in the house, the smell from the kitchen was intoxicating!  Pam was making Shrimp Creole!  AAAEEEE (that’s for my Cajun friends!)  What an amazing supper!  We had a great time sitting in our lovely dining room, just her and I sharing a great meal and wonderful conversation.  Now, what if I came home each Friday evening and Pam served me the same Shrimp Creole meal?  No changes, no substitutions, just the same meal every Friday night for months.  At first, it would be amazing, but after a few weeks, I might be wanting something different.  Ya think?  After a while I would want a CHANGE!  Change is good, it is exciting, it is necessary.  Without change, every organization will suffer and die!  A couple of years ago, Bob Burroughs wrote about change in the church; focusing especially on our Sunday worship experience. I based what he wrote about change in the church and expanded it to any organization of which we are a part.  Our families need change; our businesses need change, our communities and certainly our country needs change.   Many thanks to Bob and his keen insight on change and it’s importance.  Read on friends.

Transfer my meal word picture to your organization.  Whether it be your church, your business, your community or your family, change is necessary because it is the precursor to growth.  Change is difficult and sometimes it hurts but it is necessry for growth.  What if the people in your organization came to work every day with the same format, same surroundings, same job expectations; are they not experiencing the Friday night menu of sameness?

Change has become a word that is not welcomed in our churches, families and organizations.  Not many are willing to rock the boat!  When things are going well, we get comfortable; We are moving along and everyone is with us; then things start to get stale because nothing changes.  When Pam moved into our new home (built in 1926) last January, she went to work right away getting furniture arranged, accessories in the right place, etc.  You know what happened; we had to make changes!  It’s 11 months later and we’re on our fourth bedroom arrangement, thrid dining room arrangement and third living room arrangement.  I’m writing this from my man cave that has been rearranged at least three times.  Change is good!  When things are running smooth; when everyone is on board; when the opposition is kept at bay, why change?  Whether your organization is successful or floundering, here’s six reasons to change the way you do business.

1.  Change can stimulate the experiences of your people.  New ways of doing things, new work surroundings, new and expanded job opportunities can and will stimulate the creativity of your people.

2.  Change can bring your people to new insights, challenges, and thoughts.  Is your organization, family, church, community caught in a rut?  A rut is just a grave with both ends knocked out!  Staying in the rut will keep you from new opportunities and will only succeed in deepending the rut!  Make some changes and get out of the rut!

3.  Change can move your people to see things differently.    I work for a really large organization with 6,000 employees.  It’s a very large ship and change is difficult to make in large organizations.  When this ship changes course, it takes a while and creates a very large wake in its path.  However, it can and is being done.  Change is a function of leadership.  Whether your organization has 6 or 6,000 people, change moves people to new heights!

4.  Change can cause your people to think in new ways.  This result of change is especially needed in our churches today.  I love our traditions and our music, but without change, the church can die.  God’s church should always be looking for new ways to bring the gospel to our world!  The gospel has not and will not change, but our methods of communicating the gospel must change because culture changes.  With the advent of computers, email, the world wide web, we now have the opportunity of communicating the gospel of Jesus Christ with people around world in milliseconds.  We could not do that a generation ago!  We now have the technology, the resources and the creativity to reach the entire world with the gospel.  Change things in your organization and people’s creative juices will begin to flow.

5.  Change does not have to be dramatic.  Small changes can have a huge impact.  When Pam and I changed our bedroom arrangement for the fourth time, it was really just a few small changes but it’s impact on how we viewed our living space was huge.  This week, make some changes in your work place.  Here’s a thought; paint some walls, rearrange some furniture, put some different art on the walls, clean the bathroom!  You’ll be surprised at how small changes can have a huge impact.

6.  Change does have to be well planned.  Changes that are spontaneous sometimes can backfire.  Moving people from current job responsibilites without planned notice can and will have the opposite effect you want.  Most people DON’T like change.  Like the title says, “The only people who like change are wet babies!”   Even those who resist change the most, will buy in if the change is well planned.  In my first principalship, I made some personnel changes that were not well planned and it backfired.  Had those changes been well planned and thoroughly communicated, the result would have been much different.  To have full buy-in on changes, get all your stakeholders in on the change process.  Decisions on change made in behind closed doors are certain to fail.  Plan the changes well and you’ll see great things. 

So my friends, when considering your Friday night menu, let’s not eat Shrimp Creole every time.  Let’s consider making some creative, necessary changes and watch all the good things that can and will happen!

Be encouraged my friends,

Randy

11 Nov

People Who Make a Difference

Posted by Randy Carder in Inspirational, Veterans.

photo (2)    Today is Veteran’s Day.  In 1918 in the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, an armistice was signed to end what we call World War One;  a deadly war where 53,402 Americans died and many thousands more survived the difficult conflict.  Today, I’m thinking of my dad, a Korean War veteran, and the other men and women who served their country with valor.   

   The son of Laura and Roy Carder from Altus Oklahoma, my dad was a handsome, tall, strong man who loved his family and his country.  He is not only my hero but he is an American hero.   In a small, simple house in Dumas, Texas hidden in the attic among Christmas decorations and all things usually stored away from view, was a small, tan colored suitcase.  Probably not opened in years, it held all the mementos of the short military career of my dad, Bob Carder.  The suitcase, covered in dust and the musty smell of being stored away for years was waiting to be discovered by a small, curious boy who loved finding hidden treasure.  Never in my wildest dreams would this young boy have know what treasure was waiting to be discovered.  You see, my dad never talked about his war experience.  I know now why so many combat veterans don’t want to talk about their experiences; many too gruesome to recall.  

   Opening the suitcase was like finding a pirates treasure.  Photos, items from Korea, and a small, black, rectangular leather box rimmed in gold leaf.  The black box didn’t seem too interesting so it was set aside while the photos and other items were looked over.  What a treasure!  My dad had been in Korea during the war.  He was a boss….a tank commander with men who looked up to him for courage to do battle.  I never knew…….then I picked up the box.  So simple yet it felt so good in my hands.  The clean, smooth leather cover smelled so good.  I knew this was something special yet it was supposed to remain hidden but I couldn’t put it down.  Slowly, I opened the black box.  Inside was a simple medal.  A bronze-colored 5-point star hanging from a red, white and blue ribbon.  The medal, about 15 years hidden from view, looked brand new.  Edges of ribbon were clean and perfect.  The 5-point star free from blemish…..it was perfect. 

   The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. When awarded for bravery, it is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces and the ninth highest military award (including both combat and non-combat awards) in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations.  My dad, an American hero, had been awarded the Bronze Star Medal for bravery in combat during a battle in the Korean War. 

   My dad, a farm boy from Oklahoma, is an American hero.  You see, just like my dad, there have been thousands of American heros you’ll never hear about but they have made a difference.  Here’s a test for you:  Name the five wealthiest people in the world; name the five last Heisman Trophy winners; name the five last Noble Peace Prize winners; name the last five best actor Academy Award winners; name the last five Super Bowl or World Series winners. 

   How did you do on the test?  Here’s the point, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.  They are not second-rate achievers!  They are the best in their chosen profession, but eventually the applause dies and the fans go away; awards tarnish and glory fades.  Achievements are fogotten, accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.  What counts is the difference you make in the lives of those around you. 

   My dad made a difference that day when he saved the lives of those in his command.  Because of my dad, those guys were able to come home, get married, have kids and make a difference of their own.  Somewhere in this country there are people living good lives because my dad made a difference during the battle.  He continues to this day making a difference.  A long teaching career well over, yet there are men and women living good lives because he made a difference.  A church and community doing well because he made a difference.  A family doing well because he made a difference.  As you battle today, are you making a difference?   

   Here’s another test for you:  Name five teachers who helped in your journey through school; name three friends who helped you through a life storm; name five people who have taught you something worthwhile; list those people who have made you feel appreciated and special; name five people you call when trouble comes. 

    Here’s the lesson:  The people who make a difference in your life are NOT the ones with the most credentials, the most money or the most awards.  They are the ones who care.  So, to my dad, Bob Carder, an American Hero, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a man who has made a difference!

Be encouraged my friends,

Randy

6 Nov

Five Life Lessons

Posted by Randy Carder in Daily Walk, Encouragement, Life Lessons.

Good morning friends.  My heart is heavy today because of the mass murder that occurred at Ft. Hood, Texas yesterday, November 5, 2009.  I work for the Killeen Independent School District just a short distance from where this unspeakable crime was committed.  Yesterday, during the event, we were all huddled around our computer screens watching the live news feeds and anxiously waiting to hear about friends and family on post.  Nine of our schools were locked down from 1:30-7:15pm.  We are all so proud of our staff at those schools who took excellent care of the children during this very tense time. 

When I woke up this morning, my first thought was about the events of yesterday and wondered what we could learn.  I searched some of my files and ran across this writing.  Again, not my composition but I share it with your for your encouragement today.  My comments are added.

1.  Remember the Cleaning Lady
During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one:  “What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?”  Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50’s, but how would I know her name?  I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. “Absolutely, ” said the professor. “In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say “hello.” I’ve never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.  My words:  I started my present job in the Killen Independent School District in July of this year.  Becuase there were only of a few of us on 12 month contracts, the building was fairly empty; except for the janitorial staff.  The first two people I met were Thomas and Mary (not their real names), our janitors.  I remembered this lesson and made sure that I learned their names.  They helped me move all my stuff into my office.  As I was decorating the walls of my office, in addition to my diplomas, I decided to hang my ministry credentials.   Mary saw this and asked if I were a minister.  I told her I was and she immediately asked if I would pray for her son; which we did, right then.  Friends, every conversation we have is an opportunity for ministry.   Learn their names!

2.  Pickup in the Rain
One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960’s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance, and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man’s door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read:

“Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband’s bedside just before he passed away… God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others.”   Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.  My words:  Ok, I don’t know if this is a true story or one of those modern myths, but the point is clear.  When confronted with an opportunity to help someone in distress, you NEVER know what might happen.  More than likely, you’ll get a “thank you” and that will be enough.  This side of heaven we’ll never know how our service to others has affected others for eternity.  Serve someone today.

3.  Always Remember Those Who Serve Us
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. “How much is an ice cream sundae?” he asked. “Fifty cents,” replied the waitress. The little boy pulled is hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. “Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?” he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. “Thirty-five cents,” she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins. “I’ll have the plain ice cream,” he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies.. You see, he couldn’t have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.   My words:  I went to luunch with two of my colleagues yesterday.  We went back to a restaraunt where we had been only one time before, just a few days earlier.   We sat at the  same table and had the same waitress.  She not only remembered us but somehow remembered what we each had to drink.  I was amazed at her.  She had big smile on her face and obviously loved her job.  She was there to serve our meal, but instead she blessed me.  She earned a big tip from me.  Today, as you have opportunity, encourage those who serve you by being a big tipper!

4.  The Obstacle in Our Path
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king’s wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand!  Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.  My words:  What obstacle is in your path today?  I know some of you are battling disease, grief, lonliness, and heartache.  Your obstacles seem insurrmountable.  As you deal with the huge boulder in your way, know that God has a reward for you.  It may be during this life or in the life after, but there is a reward!  Keep striving to move that boulder! 

5.  Giving When It Counts
The story is told of a young girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, “Yes I’ll do it if it will save her.” As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, “Will I start to die right away”. Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.  My words:  Last night before I came home, I went by Scott and White Hospital here in Temple to give blood.  Ten of the soldiers who were shot yesterday were transported here for treatment and the call went out for blood donors.  I got to the hospital at about 6:45pm and couldn’t even get in because the line to donate blood was so long!  Those who serve us by putting their lives in danger needed our service yesterday and people from Central Texas showed up!  Here’s the lesson, today you’ll have an opportunity to give of yourself to help someone.  It may seem like a small thing, but in God’s economy, all those deposits we make are huge!  Be a servant today, give of yourself and let God do a great work through you.

Be encouraged my friends!

Randy

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »