ShortCircuits: Random, Racing, and Ridiculous Thoughts on Life

The Pleasure and Patience of Agony

jamescartee@hotmail.com (James L. Cartee) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:34:06 PST

5^th of the Last 7

This year the Lord is teaching me patience on a new level. I am beginning to wonder if we must learn patience before we learn the pleasure of whatever God truly has in store for our next move in life. This would also involve the blessings of progress and personal growth in attaining that patience. Perhaps the longer the wait, the more agony we may experience, and therefore the greater the reward will be because with each passing moment we learn more patience, gaining a higher threshold each time. Hence there is pleasure in the agony of patience to the finish line. I am running my third and final race tomorrow in this twenty-one day challenge. I had a race each weekend of the twenty-one day Highlands challenge. At the finality of this weekend, I am learning that we may not be here tomorrow. The twenty-one day fast is not necessarily about the due diligence of drinking water living like Jesus in a desert for forty days and nights. I think it about lessons to take on as new seasons arrive for a new year. I have not been perfect in writing, running, and The Big Three each day, but I have made great strides! I am learning that goals take a moment by moment, step by step approach, moving forward. I often want to run the half-marathon today without training for the 5K first. Life does not work that way. We must work our way up through growing pains in agony, learning patience, to thus attain the pleasure in the reward of waiting for whatever God has waiting for us in the first place. Perhaps this is the twenty-one day lesson for me to walk forward with! I know most of us in our spiritual journey can relate to this process….we are after all humans who believe in the strength of the One who is Perfect. This process as a result gives us the strength in the patience that we need and perhaps even begin to want at the right moment in the right time. Celebrate with me in the agony we can experience together!

Laughter is Medicine to the Soul – It Keeps Us On Track!

jamescartee@hotmail.com (James L. Cartee) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:22:05 PST

Four of the Last 7

I stayed up last night looking at expensive camera equipment – like walking around Wal-Mart pretending to spend big money on Plasma television, there is something settling with a camera in my hand or my fingers on the keyboard writing (my current two favorite hobbies). The camera and Wal-Mart are truly my real happy places. I think we must remember our happy places in the bliss of smiles when everything else seems to just be stagnant. I am constantly told in the office that I am either crazy or that I am a mess, just meaning that I enjoy making others laugh saying ridiculous comments (respectful of course) to see their day shine even if under the skin mine is not so much. While many can look at life with an annoyingly positive attitude, which I am daily working on, my day routine does affect my mood at times. I have learned the hard way that we must settle into a vision where we know and believe that good things will happen. In belief we expect it to happen, knowing that God will come through. While you may not be laughing inside, laugh with God and those around you. There is no rocket science entry today but just a reminder that smiling and laughing can change your day even when you make others do the same. Growth comes with time and so do dreams with real hard work. But know that God provides good laughs as medicine to the soul to get through our own stagnant times.

Swing, Swing Away – You WILL Hit a Home Run Eventually!

jamescartee@hotmail.com (James L. Cartee) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:42:23 PST

3^rd of the Last 7

Have you ever felt like you were stuck? Today I spoke in conversation with an individual who said she was just tired of being “stuck” in life. I was not in a position to say that I agree with the potential client that I feel the same way because I am paid to portray that life is great and that everything is fine and that you should give your money to benefit those it goes to. Sometimes the counselor (ME) simply wants to say, “I understand how you feel more than you may know.” I sort of really do feel this way, stuck not really moving forward much in career, writing, photography, and/or even some ways in my spiritual life. I think we all ask, “When will I get that break?” With each inquiry for a new opportunity I send out, I ask myself this question almost every day in prayer or reflection. “God, I need you, and while I am extremely grateful for all that you have recently done for me, please answer my prayers so I feel fulfilled each day I walk on this Earth.” I would say that in relationship God and I are super tight, but in my everyday routine there is not much excitement. Things are not bad, but the wave is not so high that I am about to crash with glee and join Barnum-Bailey Circus.

For a baseball metaphor, I think in these “sort-of type” circumstances you really must swing, swing, and swing away in hopes that a break will come. Pick up the bat, and keep going. I believe that I or you will eventually hit a homerun. It is a matter of probability. If you keep trying through perseverance, you will knock it out of the park. You must trust God and in doing so trust yourself and what you are doing. Tony Dungy would often say in many of his books, “We must do what we do and continue to do what we do” (day in and day out working for the championship). That same applies to you. The same applies to me. We must do what we do. Those who thrive on motivation do not feel Tinker Bell dust everyday where they feel like clowns they are so excited for each second we live. We all have our doubts in the hard work and the dreams we pursue. Those who are truly motivated are those who try even when they do not feel like it. They still swing no matter how they feel.

My challenge to you and myself today is this: keep swinging! Swing, swing away! And with angels in the outfield, the homerun will soon take care of itself with God’s blessing, at least that is my hope.

Which Land Is Easier - Overseas or Here in the United States?

jamescartee@hotmail.com (James L. Cartee) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:48:41 PST

2^nd of the Last 7

This thought often crosses my mind in regards to faith, whether we as Americans (or politically correct, United States citizens) have it so good when we have it so comfortable. Opportunities are ample for us. While there might be some repercussions my parents do not necessarily support because they do not want me to live at home forever, even though I would be totally cool with that, I could quit my job and do almost whatever I put my mind to. It may not be the most responsible thing to do, but over time with the support of my own network of friends and family, it might be doable! We are very blessed but also very naïve at the same time. We worry about really dumb miscellaneous petty thoughts like what a person thinks when we first meet, what I will order for dinner at a sit-down restaurant, or perhaps “I do not like the way that preacher talks; therefore I will not go to his church anymore.”

I am not sure such choices are so eternally good for us. We become picky. We become fickle. We in many ways really never have it that hard compared to so many countries around the world. Our stomachs are often full with a Crackle Barrel breakfast. Our gas tanks are filled so we can go to work to make a decent living. We go to school to make more money over time to be more comfortable with more things, more ambitions, and more goals all the while forgetting about our brothers and sisters in Christ who have absolutely NOTHING! ….yet we marvel at their faith on how they praise the name of God as loud as a tractor trailer passing on the freeway. Such individuals have audacious faith that have been challenged with no food, with no clothing, with no medicine, or with nowhere to sleep – they have no other option than to depend on God. They just do.

I even catch myself complaining about the stupidest circumstances when things really are great! Our God has given us so much that we should praise Him before things get to the point of desperation where we must come to Him. We should praise Him all the more because things are good. You might even find yourself receiving more blessings when you praise God for the blessings you already have!

I often hear about individuals who come home from overseas projects and missions trips with changed lives because of the other side of life they always knew about but never bothered to open their eyes to (consciously knowing in the back of their mind that people died of starvation or leprosy). I would encourage anyone to go overseas that has not already been there (in an Eastern culture where hardship is prevalent). See others who must become desperate for God in their desperate circumstances because they have no other option than to believe right now!

I admire the believer who has a yearning to worship and praise God genuinely without life-changing circumstances. Those rare people do not complain. They just believe, and as others in dire need believe in countries, that is how I want to believe. That is how I want to live. I have seen the world and thus benefitted from it, but in the New Year, I am pursuing God just because I want to, not because I need to or have to out of desperate and extreme measures. I am desperate for God simply because He loves me, and beyond that, like my open-eyed brothers and sisters in other countries, I realize that is the only passion that truly matters, the sacrifice of a Son on the Cross.

1st of the last 7 – Peace Upon Us – By Design

jamescartee@hotmail.com (James L. Cartee) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:09:13 PST

“Then you will safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid. Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.” Proverbs 3:23-24 NKJV

I am trying my very best to finish this last week with all the goals of 21 Days of Prayer that I had in mind at the very beginning. So far today, God and I are doing great, meaning that we are off to the right start. Over the past fourteen days, there were always a few days where I fell off, where I would not exercise, or I would find some excuse to not do one of the spiritual three truths, to exercise, to write, usually because I did not want to get up that early in the morning or that I did not want to stay up that late. The one thing I did not do was beat myself up. I have learned that guilt over time will destroy more than it will ever build you up. I guess it is true when someone days you are your best friend or your worst enemy.

If I ever lose sleep, it is because my mind is racing about the future, not being where I would like to be as a young professional. I do not worry about it, like fretting. I have come to grips with the fact that life is a step by step process, moving forward one minute at a time. Its takes time to get to the top. Before the age of twenty-nine, I may have even been naïve to think I would start on the top or that I would get the top easily because I know languages, have traveled the world, and got a Master’s degree. I am finding out that you have to crawl, scrape, and fight tooth for tooth and nail for nail to finish the race to do the Big Things in the States, to publish a national seller, to marry a Godly woman, to graduate with yet another credential, to start a photography business, to plant life, and to serve others through a self-initiated nonprofit….not losing vision in the discouragement of doing/facing something you do not necessarily like in the meantime. I know many of us get tired of performing tasks for the sake of paying bills, or at least I do.

I mentioned “peace upon us” because I believe it is “by design” to ask God for what we believe or see as impossible but to know deep down in our hearts that it is still possible with God in the works. The peace comes from the faith in knowing that faith factor of truth. Ask and receive. While we think it is not that easy, I am trying in 2012 to make it that way. By design, God wants to bring peace to our lives and our sleep by allowing and giving up the big things for His discretion and His timing. Confidently believing in this reality will bring the peace you may seek in knowing that God has a purpose for your life. Believe it, and do anything and everything with every tenacious bone in your body to achieve it.

Oh yeah, Aubie knows who’s number one – War Eagle, HEY!

The Definition of the Verb Engagement by MOM –

jamescartee@hotmail.com (James L. Cartee) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:57:26 PST

When I heard the word “engagement,” my heart sunk to the bottom of my chest because I thought my son of almost-thirty had moved out of our house to join the wife of his dreams, but then I realized my boss just wanted me to define a public speaking term.

The engagement of communication occurs on two accords: the individual and the group. Engagement is the capacity to relate from another’s perspective while in communication with that individual. You attempt to understand a paradigm where an effort to do so is reciprocated and gratefully appreciated from the corresponding individual where communication is asymmetrical (an active effort of speaking and listening two ways).

While the gift to engage on a personal level is trait all spend a lifetime to perfect (Important side note: I think that is called marriage.), engaging an audience of size moves with feeling and tapping into the emotions to motivate and inspire. If you are not able to engage an audience, then they may simply fall asleep. Even in the most trivial of topics, you must feel as they feel, do as they do, or get on the level of those you are speaking to. The honest observation of most public servants or leaders is that they can rarely relate to the lifestyle of those they speak to. Like the individual, you must connect on a group-wide scale within five minutes. Engagement in this element is the ability to relate, understand, and connect with audience members in a manner that changes lives and moves minds to work towards and through common vision. Engagement is a true gift that only few successful orators possess. It is a level of engagement that is more difficult to attain than individualistic engagement. Some of us are born to engage. Others are born to follow those who can.

While I would like my son to be engaged and move out, let’s just settle with this: Engagement is genuine connection through relationship. If you can relate, you can engage and therefore connect. It occurs on an individual and group level, the later being more difficult than the first.

*** Special Note: Do not tell Mom’s boss, but I think the author of this blog helped her with this homework assignment. ***

Okay, this is what Mom wished REALLY happened! This dude is a super smoother operator from the one and only Plains of Auburn.

Discover your second wind! What others think no longer matters.

jamescartee@hotmail.com (James L. Cartee) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:04:53 PST

WARNING: This picture is a joke. I have no idea whether this stuff even works....but for the sake of sanity, realistically, probably not.

I started writing tonight, really writing. That is an extremely good thing. It have been awhile since I was plagued with true and lame writer’s block.

I read a quote recently in a bathroom (like that makes it totally legitimate right?) that said something like: “Most give up on their first breath before they realize they have a second.” I think that might be true for many of us on our dreams. We put down those dreams. We give up. We make excuses. We pay bills. We exist. We survive.

Today I gave up in a spiritual still giving my best. I almost took a nonchalant attitude, like I did not care about the results. Instead of living tight within my own skin, I relaxed, just kind of going along with the day instead of stressing trying to make the day go in a certain direction. We can control the direction of the car, but God will ultimately control the weather.

In order to continue my big book (the memoir about living with bipolar disorder), I needed to have closure. I made two decisions recently that brought closure on certain things. I will perhaps make a third soon as well, walking away from something that has not fulfilled me for quite some time now. Life is too short to put up with it.

As someone who thrives on productivity, I often stress deadlines to have so much of something done by a certain date. A good book sometimes takes several years, but if it reaches over 50,000 individuals, then we are cooking with grease. Time is not a stressor unless you make it one.

I just got done reading an article on a blog on the difference between nice guys and jerks – it is obvious jerks tend to not care what others think of them. I am not suggesting you become a jerk with women, but if the only person you seek to please is God in an audience of One, then the rest should take care of itself. I think seeking the counsel of others is extremely wise, but I also think sometimes you must make your own decisions and face whatever lies in front of you, sometimes alone with God without worrying what others think. I have a friend that always reminds me, “If you only fear God, what else is there to fear?” ……makes sense I think!

I am a writer who wants to be a national speaker and author for Christ and ministry purposes. I am a photographer studying intensely in night classes. I am a faithful follower and believer. I am constantly networking and applying for new opportunities so I can pursue a day job that not only pays the bills but fulfills the passions within my heart. I am driving the car forward, and it is just a matter of time before God shows me a rainbow.

Stay perseverant until you feel that second wind! You can, and God will pick you up when the time is right!

Trying to stay focused – Have you ever felt this way?

jamescartee@hotmail.com (James L. Cartee) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:39:12 PST

What do feelings say about us? I think that feelings can sometimes be misguided, for instance the way you think you feel about a girl who feels nothing in response to you.

This year has started off on a good note, including the first week with 21 days of prayer. I had some ups and downs where I fell off on some of my goals, like not running yesterday after completing the Snowball 5K Saturday morning. I felt like chilling while focusing on some other tasks I needed to complete in the day’s time, however I completed 6.6 miles today on the elliptical and then walked the dog for an extra mile. So that was really like two days of working out depending on how you look at it I guess.

I try not to be legalistic in my walk with the Lord, but I do many spiritual things out of routine or discipline. I desire for my walk with the Lord to be fresh, exciting, and yearning in ways to just spend time with him, not because I have to, but rather because I want to. While I would like the next two weeks in finality of 21 days of prayer to be disciplined, I really just want a fresh connection and purpose with God, to begin anew doing something from day to day that I am passionate about. I am not necessarily talking about reading The Purpose Driven Life six more times but rather the feeling of being driven by something other than just doing it. Quite frankly I am sick of just doing life just because (I think we all feel this way sometimes), and that twist in my stomach affects my pursuit of God in quite frankly floating day to day as if not much matters. When you try to make it matter, it is almost like it matters less because the more you try the more you realize you are in a slump of some sort where feelings just don’t fly.

I think the best way to describe it is that I have often “just not felt like it” – all I do is go to work each day (that I am not honestly very fulfilled with), come home, eat, work out, maybe watch some television, read, write, or whatever and then do it all over the next day. The routine of the routine gets very old. Today I just kind of sat quietly with my hands in the air just wondering, “What’s next? And when?” …... staying true to my course but also pleading for God to step in.

I ran across these verses (Isaiah 40:29-31) on the shirt I acquired by completing the 5K Snowball Run. I think this might be a good place to stop until my entry tomorrow. If you feel as I do, perhaps you will find comfort in these words.

²⁹ He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

A Toast for Jason Coffey, a true man of faith and best friend:

jamescartee@hotmail.com (James L. Cartee) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:11:30 PST

To my friend Jason Coffee on the best day of his life (besides the day I was born of course):

I deeply regret that I will not be in the presence with Jason tomorrow, with my only requested responsibility was not to lose the cubic zirconium ring he bought.....kidding here.

I on a twenty-one day quest to seek God and truly become the man he intends for me to be in 2012. With that commitment, I have in some ways limited travel, luxuries, treats, and extras that I would otherwise indulge in.

That being the case, I wanted to express a toast:

Jason Coffey could quite be the most honorable man I have ever met. He stands by a friend even when I am wrong or not even in my right psychological mind. His loyalty as a person does not waver even when things get hard.

If I remember correctly, I got sick from savory indulgences my freshman year at Carson Newman (I once heard they would kick you out of school for that – oh well.), my twenty-first, and my twenty-fourth birthdays. Even though irresponsible with my great decision those nights, Jason took care of me, made sure I got home, and perhaps most importantly, wanted me to have a good time....you see, that might sum up Jason. He sacrifices his wishes for the sake of others, often giving up his own desires to serve those he gives those things up for. I would say he may have even have exhausted himself physically on numerous occasions to do so, but Jason was never exhausted spiritually. His fire and hunger for Christ goes unmatched to most that I know.

I am a member of Church of the Highlands (part of the Association of Related Churches) in Birmingham, Alabama and have seen God work in brilliant ways in how this church brings salvation to thousands. I have often dreamed of such a presence in Chattanooga, Tennessee that grows at an exponential rate, saving souls, adopting orphans, empowering those with disabilities, and lifting the southeast corner of Tennessee in service for Christ unlike any place of worship ever has.

I know that Jason would the first person I would approach about such a mighty endeavor because He is THAT kind of man that God will use in extraordinary ways. Regardless of where the future takes us, I am grateful and honored to call Jason my friend and brother in Christ.

He touches the lives of every hand he shakes, and any girl would be blessed to have him. So take care of my boy!

I wish I could be in Chattanooga tomorrow and send you my best.

I am in constant prayer for you. I love you more than you may know. And as long as I am alive I will be here to serve you in any way that you may ask because after all Jason did so for me for so many years.

I heard Virginia is for lovers. I might move there so I can meet a girl like Catherine. Then I can officially move out of my parent's basement.

God Bless.

James L. Cartee III

Days 5 and 6 - No Super Sermon Here.

jamescartee@hotmail.com (James L. Cartee) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:42:41 PST

Yesterday was kind of a slow day for me waiting for a long weekend. It becomes lethargic and even boring at times when you are constantly in something you are not passionate about doing while pursuing your passions in hope that the passions will one day pay your bills. Your hope lies in obedience to where you are that God will hear your prayers, that once you have stood the test you will be somewhere you like or even perhaps with someone you care deeply about. That is the road post I currently face....taking one step at a time hoping I will get to an arrived destination that brings promise and fulfillment on an eternal mission in a ministry of some kind.

If I have not had a perfect day in this twenty-one day challenge, I have not beaten myself up - I truly think that is a source of the enemy. I have just tried to stay the course to do better tomorrow, focusing on becoming a master of the little things so the big things take care of themselves.

I have my first 5K EARLY tomorrow morning. All of today's goals were attained even in the midst of super chills in the low 30's with a walk in preparation, reflection, and prayer for tomorrow's big day.

I also had an amazing phone call with a good friend who could be possibly writing the foreword to my big book and hopefully big break. That was an encouraging step in the right direction.