Use It!

Do you want to fulfill your God-given destiny? I encourage you to take the gifts and talents God has given you and help someone else. If you're passionate about running, help someone else learn to run. Don't limit how God can use you to minister to others. Ministry is not just leading worship or preaching from a pulpit. Ministry is using your talents to serve Him and meet the needs of other people.
I recently led a running group from Faith Family Church. I had six runners complete their first half marathon, all in times that far exceeded their expectations. There is greatness in using your gifts and talents to serve other people. Whatever talent God has given you, use it and expect God to show up big! Read the story of the widow in 1 Kings 17:8-16. She overcame her fear and gave the only food she had in her house to the prophet. God used her little bit if meal to save her and her son. So use what you have an expect God to move!

What is Important to God?

What is important to God? People. We honor God when we serve people. Life is not just about self; it is about dying to self. While it's good to improve ourselves, we need to constantly refocus our priorities and daily schedule so we can live a life of servanthood. Ask yourself, "Why am I doing what I am doing? Is my attitude and motive for doing this pleasing to God?" Proverbs 16:2 " All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but his motives are weighed by the Lord".

I enjoy running. It helps me keep my flesh under control and teaches me areas where I am weak. During a group run a few weeks ago, I ran for the Gatorade at our pit stop. I put my hand out, grabbed the cup and poured myself a drink. The next runner grabbed a cup and passed it to the person next to her before getting a drink. The Holy Spirit spoke gently to me, reminding me that I did not put others first. A subtle, gentle reminder that crucifying the flesh is not just about running long distances, but serving others while I'm doing it!

God's heart is for helping people. I challenge you today to live your life selflessly, not selfishly. Phil 3:7 "Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Lord and master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant. I encourage you today to prioritize your life, check your heart attitude, and put serving and giving to others first-

place in your life!

9-11 Prayer "Double Portion"

My prayer for anyone suffering from loss, especially the loss of a loved one, is Isaiah 61:7-9 "... and so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed.”

On September 10, I completed my second Bradley Smith Memorial 5K Run. Bradley's parents have taken what the enemy meant for harm and are turning it around for good. The Smith's have raised thousands of dollars to help young people with college scholarships. They are receiving a double portion of God's grace, love and mercy as they give to young people in honor of their military hero and son, Bradley. In the above photo, you can see God's grace shining through the Smith's faces; they are people that the Lord is blessing with a double portion!

(In the photo, left to right, me, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, my husband, Kyle and son, Zach.)

Be Strong!

How can we overcome intense trials and traumatic experiences? By clinging to and trusting in Jesus. God can cause good things to emerge from adversity, difficulties, and trials. Don't yield to the tendency to be paralyzed during difficult times but rise to the occasion and fight! Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, casting all your cares upon Him because He cares for you.
Confess God's word out of your mouth. Say out loud, "Romans 8:28 says that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose, and I believe that this trial will work out to my benefit because I put my faith, hope and trust in you Lord!" When we overcome adversity and overcome the trial, we become mature, complete and stronger!
Take what the enemy meant for harm and use it as a platform to propell you to the next level in your walk with God. Genesis 50:20, "You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good for the saving of many lives." Are you ready to go to the next level? Now stand up and fight!

Distractons in Life

Distractions in life don't occur when you're on vacation. Why? You bring exactly the clothes you want to wear. You don't have to open up your closet and see hundreds of shirts and pants and things you don't wear on a regular basis. You pair down your wardrobe to bring the things you really love to wear. You think about what you will eat, drink and wear. Maybe you just relax on the beach and read a good book.

I encourage you to start to get rid of distractions in your life, those things that clutter your life but don't produce fruit. It may seem like a simple thing to do, but it will produce profound results. I believe the reason Jesus went out early in the morning (Luke 4:42) was to be by himself without as as many distractions.

Today make your task list and do the things that are most important on your list first. Concentrate on getting rid of distractions and prioritize your time to maximize your day and increase your fruitfulness. Then relax, take a deep breathe, sit back, and sip on an ice cold glass of green tea.

"...and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25

The Simple Things in Life

Never underestimate the power of the spoken word. Proverbs 15:23 "What a joy it is to find just the right word for the right occasion!" Five years ago today my daughter, Amber, went to heaven to be with Jesus. When I think back about the time surrounding her passing, I remember the words of encouragement spoken to me by friends. Simple, heartfelt words and cards saying, "I'm praying for you." A phone call. A visit. It didn't take much, but the impact of these gestures was profound.

I recently helped my friend, Gail plant flowers. She is sprucing up her house to sell in a tough market. Gail and the rest of her family can't join her husband in another state until the house sells. Planting flowers with a friend may seem insignificant, but I am trusting that God will multiply what I gave and make a profound impact. I prayed while I planted, trusting that God would bring just the right people to buy the house. I encouraged Gail. Take what you have and give it in service to God. The impact you make will be profound!

The Biggest News!

The biggest news in the McCarter household took place on May 29. It was the wedding of my son, Zach, to his highschool sweetheart, Claire. Zach and Claire are passionate about Jesus. Both worked hard in school and graduated at the top of their class with degrees in political science. Zach is stationed at Scott Air Force Base working in intelligence. Claire works at McKendree University in student affairs. True love can and does still wait; Zach and Claire are proof of that! Thank you, Jesus for blessing and rewarding Zach and Claire. God has blessed them richly because they have honored and served Him. Isn't God amazing!

Stretch into It!

After recovering from a knee injury, I finished running my 10th big race, the Country Music Half Marathon. Long, steady stretching has been key in my recovery. It hurt to stretch my injured muscles, but the outcome has been profound; I can now run again! Christianity is a stretching process. Just when you think you've got it all together, the Holy Spirit will allow you to be stretched beyond your comfort zone. Without stretching an injured athlete can lose his/her range of motion and may never fully heal. Without stretching a Christian will never reach his/her full potential. Next time you feel the stretching of the Holy Spirit, lean into it! You will be able to do things you never dreamed were possible!