Enigma Intelligent News

Those Days Are Over
by Dave Carver
Cindy Martin Carver

At sixty, I've come to terms with a few things. I look in the mirror, and sometimes I still see that guy in his forties or even thirties—the one who could power through a weekend project, stay up late, and still bounce back like nothing happened. But these days, my body has a way of reminding me that those days are over.

My mind? Well, it hasn't caught up yet. It tells me I can still lift that heavy box, climb that ladder, or run up those stairs without a second thought. It whispers that I can work in the yard all day or tackle a home repair without taking a break. But then, by mid-afternoon, my back is tight, my knees are creaky, and I'm ready for a nap.

It’s not that I’ve lost the drive—far from it. The urge to do things, to push myself, is still there, as strong as ever. But sixty brings a wisdom that younger me didn’t have. I’ve learned that there’s a difference between what I can do and what I should do.

So now, I listen to my body a little more. I’ve traded those marathon yardwork sessions for shorter, more manageable bursts of activity. I take breaks, stretch, and stay hydrated like a pro. I no longer feel the need to prove anything to myself or anyone else. Those days are over, too.

Yet, there's a freedom in this new stage of life. I’m more in tune with what truly matters. I’ve learned to pace myself, enjoy the slower moments, and find joy in simpler things. My body may not move like it used to, but my mind still drives the adventure—just with a little more caution and care.

Over the past few months I’ve been feeling this more and more..Friends turning on us, who do we trust? Our leaders turning to drugs and alcohol, in order to cope, leaving us to carry on all alone.

Why can’t we trust anyone or anything?

All is not lost…

Spiritual Warfare: Battling the Unseen

By Dave Carver

There’s a battle raging all around us—one that we can’t see with our eyes, but we certainly feel its effects deep within our souls. This is spiritual warfare. It’s a real and often intense conflict that every believer in Christ will face at some point in their walk with Him. But what does it feel like, and how do we combat those overwhelming feelings that come with it?

The Nature of the Battle

Spiritual warfare can manifest itself in different ways. For some, it might feel like an inner restlessness—an unsettled spirit that leaves you feeling anxious or fearful without a clear reason. For others, it might look like a series of setbacks and temptations, trying to pull you away from God. It can be a time when doubts about your faith creep in, or when you feel distant from the Lord even though you are doing everything you can to draw near to Him.

Often, the enemy will strike at our minds. Thoughts of inadequacy, guilt, or shame can creep in, even after we’ve been forgiven by Christ. The accuser tries to remind us of our past, our weaknesses, and our failures, convincing us that we’re not worthy of God’s love. It’s in these moments that spiritual warfare becomes palpable—feeling like a heavy weight pressing down on our hearts and spirits.

The Strength of the Savior

As servants of Christ, how do we shake these feelings? The answer is found in the power and authority of Jesus Christ. We don’t face this battle alone. In fact, the victory has already been won on the cross. But in the midst of the fight, we have to remind ourselves of that truth.

Lean on God's Word: The Bible is our sword in this battle. Just as Jesus resisted the devil’s temptations in the wilderness by quoting Scripture, we too can resist by meditating on God’s promises. Verses like 2 Corinthians 10:4 remind us that the weapons of our warfare are not of this world but have divine power to demolish strongholds. When negative or fearful thoughts arise, combat them with the truth of God’s Word.

Pray Without Ceasing
Prayer is a powerful weapon. In Ephesians 6, Paul urges believers to pray in the Spirit on all occasions. We may not know exactly what to say when we’re feeling overwhelmed, but the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. Sometimes just whispering the name of Jesus is enough to push back the darkness and remind us of who is really in control.

Claim Your Identity in Christ

The enemy’s goal is to distort our perception of who we are. He wants to make us believe that we’re alone, unloved, or defeated. But when we remind ourselves of our identity in Christ—as children of God, redeemed and righteous—we take back the ground the enemy tries to steal. We are not fighting for victory; we are fighting from a place of victory.
Guard Your Heart: Proverbs 4:23 instructs us to guard our hearts because everything we do flows from it. Be mindful of what you allow into your mind and heart—whether it’s media, conversations, or environments that might give the enemy a foothold. Staying spiritually alert and surrounding yourself with people and influences that encourage your faith is key.

Walking in Victory

Though spiritual warfare can feel intense and disorienting, it’s not permanent. God promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). When we feel the weight of the battle, we must take refuge in the Lord and lean into His strength.

In moments of deep spiritual struggle, it helps to take a step back and reflect on God’s faithfulness. Look back at all the times He has come through for you, even when you couldn’t see a way forward. Remembering His past deliverance can fuel our faith in present trials.

We also need to remember that we’re not alone in this fight. As members of the body of Christ, we’re surrounded by a community of believers who are also fighting their own battles. Encouragement from others, their prayers, and their support can uplift us when our own strength feels depleted. That’s why fellowship is so important.

The Final Word

Spiritual warfare is real, but we serve a God who is far greater than anything the enemy can throw our way. The fight may be fierce at times, but the outcome is assured. When we root ourselves in Christ, wield the Word of God, and remain vigilant in prayer, the enemy has no choice but to flee.

We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37). Keep fighting, keep trusting, and keep looking to Jesus—the author and finisher of our faith. Let His peace guard your heart and mind, and rest in the victory He has already won for you.

I’m asked often - “How do you come up with your columns?” Or “I didn’t know that you could write” ..sadly the latter is because many have never taken the time to get to know me. Anyway here are my thoughts on the creative process …

The Alchemy of Writing: From Thoughts to Words
by Dave Carver

Writing is often viewed as a solitary endeavor, but it is, in essence, an intricate dance of creativity and craftsmanship. The process of transforming abstract thoughts into tangible words is a journey marked by both inspiration and perspiration. It begins in the mind, where raw ideas swirl and coalesce into something vaguely coherent, and it ends in polished prose, refined through meticulous editing.

The creative process starts with the genesis of thought. These initial sparks can arise from a myriad of sources—an observation, a fleeting emotion, or a question that demands exploration. At this stage, thoughts are fluid and formless, existing as potential rather than substance. They are often incomplete and scattered, requiring a great deal of mental organization and clarity to bring them into focus.

Once the core idea begins to solidify, the next step is to translate these thoughts into words. This stage is akin to sculpting; words are the chisel that carves out the narrative from the block of abstract ideas.

Typing or writing them down is a physical manifestation of this mental process, where language starts to shape and give form to the conceptual. Here, the challenge lies in choosing the right words—words that convey the intended meaning and resonate with the reader. Each word must be carefully considered for its nuance and impact, as it contributes to the overall texture of the narrative.

With words assembled into sentences, the task shifts to crafting paragraphs. This is where coherence and flow become crucial. Sentences must connect logically and seamlessly, guiding the reader through the writer’s thought process. Paragraphs should be more than just a collection of sentences; they need to encapsulate a distinct idea or theme while maintaining a smooth transition to the next segment. This structural phase demands an understanding of both the micro (sentence level) and macro (paragraph level) aspects of writing.

Editing is where the real refinement occurs. The first draft is rarely the final product; it is merely a rough sketch of the intended piece. Editing involves scrutinizing every sentence, evaluating word choice, and ensuring clarity. It’s a process of peeling away the extraneous and honing the essential, much like polishing a gemstone. Each revision brings the work closer to its final form, revealing the true brilliance of the initial concept.

In essence, writing is an iterative process that transforms ephemeral thoughts into enduring text. It is a blend of inspiration and discipline, requiring both the creativity to generate ideas and the diligence to refine them. Through each stage—thoughts, words, sentences, paragraphs, and edits—the writer navigates the complexities of language and expression, ultimately crafting a piece that communicates, engages, and endures.