Lost Friends and Lost Sight

Most recently I have found myself on the backside of the mountain. I initially thought that the reason for such experience was to basically deal with my family concerns surrounding my father and the terminal illness he has been battling. At second glance, I realized that my experience is more multi-tasked than that. I now conclude that my desert experience is first in existence because I am Gods child; secondly due to the fact my Father is my hero; thirdly I have friends that I now say “lost friends and lost sight.” I write about the title of this blog because I really care about people and how people perceive each other. We better learn how to allow God to move without our interference; weeping will last for nights and not a night, and joy will be here some morning rather tomorrow morning.

When I think of all the things that matter, I realized that when anyone or anything is pressured by pressure what is on the inside usually flies out into the open. Most people seem to amaze me with how once they are in the tightest of jams, they say or do something to their surprise.

For instance, when I stomp my toe I usually would say “Damn it,” followed by a shit that hurts. But the other day a self examination came upon me through circumstance; when I was flying on my way back from Alabama visiting with my father and our aircraft dropped suddenly in the clouds about 200 feet I called out His wonderful name, Jesus! I guess I am improving, right?

Now I know we use the name Jesus as we use the phrase I love you. It is almost like it has no meaning after a while. The word Jesus can be used as a term to insult someone or make someone feel really good. For instance, “Darrin you are an idiot, Jesus Christ!” or as a term of endearment , “Oh Darrin Babe I love you so much, Jesus Babe, you mean the world to me Boo.” In that last sentence Jesus does not mean the world to the speaker, instead Darrin does although the name of Jesus is used. My point is just because we say the right things do not make us in the His right-eousness. All who name the name of Christ are not His; this brings me to my last of scattered points.

I have been watching friends totally spas over me not being online or even able to talk and visit with them a bit strange; these are the newbie’s as my friends really know and understand process. At any rate some of my new friends and acquaintances have even decided to move on, or question my intentions of our friendship. I often say if we had to sit in a room with a monk or a Buddhist I know who would win that debate.

You see we as Christian do not do well with silence. I recall in radio early on when I was a substitute for some local ministries on the then 92.3 WYCA Christian network radio station, silence was a bad thing. This makes a lot of sense on radio airways as your listeners can’t visualize what you are doing except that they hear what you are saying.

In Church I’ve notice this same attitude towards silence; I have been guilty of this in times past making certain something is going on-- it’s just natural as humans to be busy all the time especially in Western Society. For instance, if no one is speaking and if the spirit isn’t moving and really moving, the music should be playing or a Hallelujah should be pronounced from a far corner. In the more conservative circles of Churches I’ve witness the same thing as people sophisticatedly try to have announcements, anecdotes, dramas from the theatre club, or something to take place to make certain there are not any dead spots where silence prevails.

Maybe while you are sleeping you need something to noise/amuse you to sleep. When you awake maybe you need coffee or something outside of Jesus to get you going; needless to say business and dependence seems to push us on our downward tail spend away from God.

The prophet was looking for God in the world-wind because that is a pretty dramatic introduction and God is dramafied, correct? He also looked for God in other loud forms found in the weather but God was not there; thus God did appear in a still small voice. Whispering is not what most of us are accustomed to. In order to hear a whisper one must be still, quiet, and attentive. Well, I certainly hope that I could hear God if He whispered, don’t you. He said my sheep knows my voice and a stranger we would not follow. I have to be honest, it’s so noisy in my life at times if I don’t get to the dessert I will never hear Him (Jesus) speak, let alone know what He sounds like.

Jesus came into town with screams showered all about Him (Hosanna Hosanna) but He Himself was really calm cool and even laid back, chilling on a donkey; so much so that many said this is not or could not be the King of Kings. Paul said that I did not come with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but I did come with demonstration and power. So I suggest, keep the fete extravaganza for Carnival, Caribana, and Mardi-Gras…But when I need answers, give me Jesus and the sands of the fields.

Today I ask you and some of those who are confused about desert experience a few questions: Have you ever been alone with God? Do you understand what worship is? Jesus walked away to be with God in the garden, all who were with Him fail asleep. Moses went into the mountains to be with God alone, when he returned to the people the erected a golden image; this said Moses was there alone with God at least 2 days…lol ha ah ha. Enoch walked with God and he was no more. Abraham only took Isaac with him to go and worship God alone. The children of Israel were in the desert, but they all would not see the promise land because they murmured; this says to me go by yourself mane for real though! David was out with sheep when Jesse was asked about another son who would eventually be King! Point has been expressed.

What I am saying to all of my “Lost Friends” who feel that one of us have lost meaning or “Lost Sight,” when you are dealing with God you are better off by yourself until He has appointed ones to be in your world for that season.

Nothing is wrong with the meditation of one’s heart…

Love you much,

darrin carter

What Are You Trying 2 Say?

1 Corinthians 13 (The Message)

"1 If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. 2If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. 3-7 If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end."

You can't love me like you say if you keep records of my wrong doing, always looking back at past failures, flying off the chain when I disappoint you or let you down, and endlessly forcing your wells upon me.

Many of us try to distinguish God’s love from the way of man. But if you really want to know God’s love, then look at Jesus actions! Love is not love until you give it away…wait hold up, and someone has to receive it folks. I know we don’t think of that side of love.

Can I declare that I’m patient, yet have not one person to testify about the patience that Darrin Carter demonstrated to another? Understand this, fruit is essential.

One must not just repent, but must also bring fruits of repentance.

Matthew 3:7-10 7-10When John realized that a lot of Pharisees and Sadducees were showing up for a baptismal experience because it was becoming the popular thing to do, he exploded: "Brood of snakes! What do you think you're doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snakeskin’s is going to make any difference? It's your life that must change, not your skin! And don't think you can pull rank by claiming Abraham as father. Being a descendant of Abraham is neither here nor there. Descendants of Abraham are a dime a dozen. What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? Because if it's deadwood, it goes on the fire.

One must not only hear the Word, but must also be doers.

James 1:22-24 22-24Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don't act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.

One must not only profess that Jesus Christ is Lord, but must show to everyone by their lifestyles.

John13:34,35 34-35"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other."

When you say you love me, I see your mouth moving, but you aint saying nuttin--aint nuttin coming out…

Love and peace/darrin carter

I need a Woman!

John 15:12-14 (The Message)

11-15"I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father.

1 John 4:7; 1 John 4:8 (The Message)7-10My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn't know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can't know him if you don't love. This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they've done to our relationship with God.

Today if you are seeking a relationship with a man or a woman let me be clear to inform you that it is impossible if you are not an imitator of God’s love. We have to get over this idea of loving “because of.” Do you recall folks in your life who loved you when all was well but God forbid if you ever made a mistake? What about when you just had a difference of opinion, or frankly just piss them off? It’s funny how all that love is suddenly changed into a Cliché huh? It reminds me of an old song that had a hook that says, “You abandoned me, love don’t live here anymore.”

As I mature in Christ I am learning how to love like He loves. Today I strive to love with that “in spite of love.” In spite of kind of love means I will cover you when you are wrong rather than judge you. In spite of love in the Greek translation would be “Agape,” which is to say unconditional love. Yeah it’s easy to love someone who gets it correct by your standard all the time, but can you love your enemy, your unbelieving spouse, the one that hurts you on a regular without hope of change in sight?

I can hear the naysayers saying Darrin Carter it sounds good, but you don’t know what they did to me. I would say you are correct, but let me ask. Did they nail you to a tree; accuse you of a wrong that you were not guilty of and sentence you to die as a criminal? Did they embarrass you beyond measure after beating you all night long? Did they snatch your hair from your head and face just to prove you are worthless? Did they then reject your gift of forgiveness for their own sins and faults? Lastly, did they spit upon you and laughed as they watch you take your last breath? Probably not because you are reading this blog! You may feel like you are dead but I assure you it’s the shadow of death but not death.

My description above is a summary of how we handle Christ. Today I thank Love for loving me! We did not have any better character than those who mocked Christ on that day He gave His all. I promise you, Love came once and love can come again. When you get your love life together with the Father, I promise that your love life will get alright with man or woman; first God, then man/woman.

If you listen to the Spirit touching and moving on your heart, you can forgive and live. You can cause you dessert to be wet like an oasis! I found Love or Love found me, but it was only because I had a heart ready to speak and ears prepared to listen. Today is a good day, not because I am not in difficult times, but because I have been captured in love. I am not afraid of this feeling and frankly I am quite satisfied with it. I encourage you to only trust Him and know-- you had a debt you could not pay, and He paid a debt He did not owe…

Love Him and watch He love you back with an award consisting of that man or that woman. He did it for me and I know he can do it again.


Darrin Carter

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How Low Can You Go

As much as I would like to admit that I understand, know, and that I have arrived— I realize that I am still lost as to how humble one can become to match Christ Love. If you are like me, you probably find yourself happy and then disappointed. It's the common ebb and flow called life; especially if you have tendencies to be tripping, blessing yo-self, and making a way when God is taken too long. Some can relate to my previous phrase, while others dabble within their level of confidence — to the latter individual I say keep on living cousin...:

Now you are invited to come on a journey with me as I explore a truth that can assist an appreciation for the longing to become selfless, while accepting you will never reach this goal—yet it is better to die trying then not to try at all.

How many of you recall the idea, "I would rather believe in Christ and die to only discover that there is no heaven and hell, then to die only to discover that there is, but I have done nothing to prepare? Exactly.

1 Corinthians 15:9 NIV

"For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God."

After reading a passage like that I can easily conclude that Paul finally arrived, but in actuality the Apostle just begun. This reminds me of my first mission trip to Africa. I over packed clothes, brought along food, and would you believe packed water like no one's business. I had camcorders, cameras, and even favorite nonperishable snacks. During a layover in Europe I so wanted to check on my goodies as they were somewhat of my international security called "Comfort Zone." Little did I know that all of these luxuries were not helpful; instead to my surprise concealed ignorance about missions served as a hindrance.


Understand that a chefs last meal that he/she prepared, will not taste as poor as the first meal prepared by junior culinary skills. Hopefully, you are learning each time you encounter a task that "better" is calling out to you— except, you and I often settled for OUR "perfection" trapped in our own minds.


A few years matured in Missions I can say now I would travel with NO water, NO food, and very little clothing; after all I am there to serve and not to be served. When I switch from one aircraft to another, I have my entire luggage with me as I don't check in any bags if possible. This prevents me from having lost or stolen items, which could potentially frustrate the grace to serve.

Apostle Paul dared to grow as we find that he considered himself the least of 12, but as he increased in the knowledge of God he also increased in the knowledge of man finding himself not meeting the mark.

Ephesians 3:8 NIV

"Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,.."

Years after Apostle Paul made his statement about being the least of the Apostles, he managed to get lower. The above Ephesians quote from Paul denotes that although he found humility in expression to the Corinthians, by the time he reached those in Ephesus he was still digging to become a better slave of the Lord.

Yeah I am an ordained-licensed-minister —but still not there yet. I am also a believer who will and has traveled the globe for Jesus Christ —so, now what? I work for a trade association who diligently provide human services for those with mental illnesses and addictions —I am still not humble enough. I don't profit from my music career of CD's or videos —but standing beside Gods grace I am still not selfless enough. When it's all said and done the goal is transparency; we wait for the day that we can say earnestly "not I but the Christ that lives in me."

Yes I still get angry. Still have to deny my flesh; at times I don't want to even trust God. Although, I have come a long way… wait, stop right there. This is the key to winning. Once you have momentum to achieve you will continue to add victories to your life on the road to selflessness. This is why we persevere and find joy in the ebb and flow of our self inflicted thoughtlessness coupled with madd selfishness.

As believers we count, but I say we shouldn't. The scripture says if the Lord marks our transgression, who could stand? What is the point of counting when it means nothing in the end? Jesus explains to his disciples to forgive 70 times 70 in a day when one offends us. Why? Jesus was introducing the idea of selflessness and hopefully confuses our wisdom enough that we no longer try to impress Him with acts.

Do you recall the parable of those who worked all day being frustrated about getting the same pay as those who arrived one hour prior to quitting time? Matthew 20:8-10 tells of this parable to help us understand that our mathematics are not aligned with God's grace. We simply can't comprehend the height, depth, breath, and substantial love the god has for us who believe and those of us who are yet to believe!

How often are we forgiven? No really how often do we repent; how often should we repent? You are correct if you say we are forgiven each time we ask for forgiveness. So why do we hold grudges? And why do we insist that our pain is greater than those hands that were pierced with industrial size nails that we used to hold in place the railroad tracks?

I use the Metro to travel to and from work you all and without fail each time I am on the plateform waiting for the train I always find myself looking at the nails which holds the tracks in place. These nails are larg and the thought of breaking through my hand both look and imaginbly feel so painful. I can't stand on the platform without thinking of how did his hands become so strong to hold the nails, because the nails could not hold him. When I think about what those hands had gone through so that I could lift mine in worship to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!

It's not fair, but it works in our favor! We should be persecuted, but God sent His son instead. We ought to be led before the slaughter as guilty; instead Jesus did that for us. We have no real reason to turn away from God, yet with His love He attracts us back to Himself.

1 Timothy 1:15 NIV

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst."

Now Paul is near death and his ministry is about to come to its close. His words still ring in my ears as if I was there. It's easy to breeze by such powerful voice if we are not listening for utterance from God. I can't believe how this man Paul found his way to nothingness. I contend that it would be both proper and logical to infer that if Paul did not soon die, he would have discovered more reasons to decrease.

Don't be discouraged as you look in retrospect. Take joy in the fact that you can get low. Take joy knowing that although it seems like you are already to the ground; I promise it's more because of a beat-down rather than a fall-down.

I encourage you to worship Him as you read these last lines. Summons your heart to His righteous court and demand of your life, how low are you prepared to go? Christ gave up His Glory, lived in this hostile environment for 33 years— which is a long time when you are away from home, went to the cross, then to the grave, to hell, back to earth, and now sits at the right hand of God- waiting for you and me to die that He may live!

With love,

Darrin Carter

On The Elevator - Remind Me of Chance

I got on the elevator at work about an hour ago and bumped into this guy that I see from time to time. He said Happy New Year Brotha? I said same to you. He then asked, "Did you do anything interesting?" Before I could even think about it I said brother I made it. He stared at me with hesitation and said, "That is really interesting" (looking really strange and hesitant). I further explained to him that I am so glad to be here (in 08) that I am somewhat beside myself.

As I was exiting the elevator he continued to stare and looked as if he was just hit with a reality that we all need every now and then! All the whistles are put away. The confetti is cleaned up and flushed. Some of you partied like rock star, while other's thanked God and shouted the welcoming of the New Year in.

My question is, have we forgotten about how wonderful it is to see this brand new year only a few weeks in to it? Top stories such as B Obama win in Iowa, New Hampshire Caucus, Redskins, etc… can really cause us to forget just like that.

I have a folks in my family who did not make it to see 2008 (my grandmother aka my mom- RIP); those who have deformities (my maternal mother); those with drug and alcohol addictions and the likes; each time I reflect on these lives whom I love very much I'm reminded that I am free from all of these issues of death, sickness, and dis-ease. The next thing that happens after my moments of reflection is the Spirit of Praise overwhelms me, not in a shout you'll but in action!

I know this may seem taboo to some and I hear your questions already such as, how can one get excited when their own mother has a born deformity plus their Big Momma dead you'll? My question is, why not get excited and rejoice and again I say rejoice! My mother tells me often, "I am glad you were not born with this disorder," My grandmother would say to me Darrin preach His words! And this is why I go to the nations, number one I can and number two I am thankful.

So we as Christians do not behave as the Mormon, Jehovah Witness, or the Catholic and give because we attempt to earn salvation or points with God; instead we give because we have salvation!

In 08 I dare you to still be saying in March Happy New Year! Say it to someone in June -Happy New Year! You will be threatening yourself to be institutionalized because that fact of the matter is, just as sure as children rejoiced over their gifts for Christmas, by time school returns the excitement wears off.

Don't forget there is nothing better than to have chance. 2008- If you are reading this, you are included in the many names that have that forever fleeing time called second, third, and God only knows how many chances we have…

Clarity Disclaimer --in case you don't know:

Jehovah Witnesses: I care about their souls seriously. My dad is an Elder of the Watch Tower Society and has been for over 25 years. He is individually responsible for planting many, many Kingdom Halls throughout Central America and Asia.

Mormons: My son plays basketball for one of the Maryland Mormon groups each summer and these folks over there are really nice people with really big hearts for youth. I enjoy these people each time we hang out.

Catholics: I attended Catholics schools for all of my first schooling years, plus my Undergraduate Degree is from a private Catholic University with monks and all. Catholics provide most of our hospitals, schools, and humanitarian aid throughout the world and as for Christians, no other organization on the books gives more services then the Catholic denomination.

My point is narrow and I think you understand.

Love/darrin carter

Meditation of Heart

I visited one church a few months ago and to my amazement the Pastor appeared not to have experience in leading an unbeliever to the Lord. I was thinking to myself here is a sister that wants Jesus but no one capable of leading her to Him? The call to salvation was made and she began to walk to the front of the sanctuary, I immediately stood to my feet and walked to the back of the Church - face to the wall where I cried with joy and thanksgiving (without causing confusion in this conservative gathering.)

As I stood there with my back to everyone I was waiting for the famous "sinners prayer" to begin. I only heard things like, "oh this is so wonderful", "come on you'll give God a praise," and the repetition of like phrasings. Then out of nowhere the organ player started to make the organ scream, the bass player joined in, and then the ever loud drums began to clang in my ear. People were dancing and shouting and that was it.

After the church service concluded I was thinking ok, now a team will come and get this person and take her to the back office space for refreshments, and provide her with a real explanation of salvation, plus pray with her. NOT!

This lady was still in tears. I am thinking, how can the service end like this - this lady have not given her life yet to the Lord. Just when I thought the service was done everyone was asked in the spirit of giving to prepare an offering. The Pastor asked everyone to follow the ushers as they would provide direction for a speedy process. We began to walk around towards the front of the sanctuary to give in the offering. As I approach where she was standing, I was listening intently for the Lord to give me something to say. After the offering was collected, I thought to myself how I will connect with her? At once the Pastor started with the benediction and prayer for the offering.

Immediately after the closing prayer this lady and I eyes met. I wanted to say something to her so bad but I did not receive a green light, I felt empty yet anxious. Then the Pastor announced for all the visitors to lift their right hand. I and a few others raised our hands including her. The Pastor welcomed us to come again and then dismissed the congregation saying hug and love somebody before you leave. I leaped in my heart saying YES this is my chance to connect with her.

I hugged several people touching each one with love, but trying desperately to reach her not sure of what I would even do once we connected. Then, there she stood in front of me; I wanted to wiz her off of her feet and welcome her as a sister that I have missed all of my life. Yeah that would have freaked her out right – not to mention the conservatism that I notice in this church. But when I stood in her presence, I looked in her eyes and Jesus was staring at me. Still tears were in the wells of her eyes and I began to smile and cry saying welcome to my family and may God keep you all of your days. We hugged and I left out very excited but still somewhat confused.

I walked briskly; crossing the parking lot weaving in and out of parked cars trying to reach my car to talk with God about this experience. I unlocked the door, sat down, turned the ignition, and for a while rested there thinking. I said in my heart to the Lord - what was that Daddy? The Lord replied to me, do you recall the thief on the cross? I said yes Papa. He said, do you recall what I told him? I said yes Papa. He said the same with this one and millions of others. I see the sinner heart without the restating of a "sinner prayer." The Spirit of God continued to deal with me saying often times the "sinner prayer," misses the point and is long and repetitive, plagued by decorative words, and results in a meaningless ritual.

I love God so much today and I hope you know how much He loves you.

Luke 23:42-44 ESV
42And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." 43And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

1 Peter 3:1-3 NKJ 1 Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—

Darrin Carter