The Rolling Thunder Podcast

In this episode, Chuck talks about how hard it can be to hold on to what matters and let go of what doesn't. We tend to remember the wrong things—mistakes, regrets, and burdens—and forget the truth, the blessings, and the ways the Lord has carried us through. Scripture calls us to do the opposite. To remember God's faithfulness, His provision, and His promises, while learning to lay down our past and trust that it's been covered. There's a balance in that. Remembering keeps us grounded and grateful. Forgetting—when it comes to sin and failure—is what allows us to move forward with freedom. As it says in Philippians 3:13, "forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead," we're called to keep our focus forward, trusting in where He's leading next. It's not easy, but it's necessary. Remember who He is. Forget what's been forgiven. Walk forward in faith.

Easter is a reminder of what matters most. Not just the resurrection, but what it represents—grace, sacrifice, and a love that never wavers. It is a time to slow down, gather with family, and be thankful for the blessings right in front of us. The same way we make time for the woods, we're called to make time for the people we love and the faith that guides us. Being around family on Easter carries a different kind of weight. It is about presence. About gratitude. About remembering that everything we have is given, not earned. "He is not here; He has risen, just as He said." — Matthew 28:6 Hold onto that. Keep the Lord at the center, and don't take a single moment with your people for granted.

First Light 30 - Wisdom. Chuck looks back on his first turkey hunt, when a bird worked its way up the ridge and into range, but in the moment he froze and never pulled the trigger. It was a missed opportunity, but one that stayed with him. That hunt taught him how turkeys move, how quickly a moment can come together, and how important it is to be ready when it does. Life carries the same lessons. We all have moments we wish we could have back, but those are often the ones God uses to shape us. Through failure and missed chances, He builds patience, awareness, and wisdom for what's ahead. "For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." — Proverbs 2:6 What felt like a mistake in the moment became a foundation for the future. The same way in life, God uses every step, even the missteps, to prepare us for what's next.

There's something about spring that just feels different. The air is lighter, the woods come back to life, and a fresh sense of hope fills the days ahead. It's a season everyone looks forward to — a reminder of new beginnings, restored strength, and time spent in the places we love most. In this episode, Chuck reflects on why that feeling runs deeper than just warmer weather and green fields. Spring reminds us to slow down, appreciate what the Lord has placed in front of us, and keep Him at the center of everything we do. That sense of renewal, gratitude, and purpose is what fuels our spirit and guides our path. It's more than a season — it's a reminder of where our blessings come from and the faith that carries us forward.

In this episode of First Light, Chuck talks about the importance of making plans while trusting God with the path ahead. Preparation is part of wisdom, and taking the right precautions when stepping into the future helps us walk with confidence and clarity. While we can't control every outcome, being thoughtful, patient, and intentional in our planning allows us to move forward responsibly. Chuck reminds us that faith and preparation go hand in hand, we do our part by planning carefully, and we trust the Lord to guide our steps, open the right doors, and carry us where we're meant to be.

In this episode of First Light 27, Chuck dives into something we all wrestle with — people. Our purpose isn't complicated, but it is challenging: love others, be kind to everyone, and lead with patience even when it's not returned. In a world that's quick to judge and quicker to react, we're called to slow down and let love surround the way we treat people. The Bible reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 that love is patient and kind. It doesn't envy, it doesn't boast, it isn't proud. That kind of love changes how we handle conflict, how we speak, and how we show up daily. And in John 13:35, we're told that people will know we belong to Him by the way we love one another. At the end of the day, our faith isn't just something we talk about. It's something people should feel when they're around us. Patience in frustration. Kindness in disagreement. Grace when it's undeserved. People matter. And loving them well is part of the purpose we were created for.