focus – Page 3

When this is the ongoing “result” it’s time to “let go” and move on.

When this is the ongoing “result” it’s time to “let go” and move on.

They act as if you don’t matter. Your family or a friend but your still an outsider.

What you say has no weight or concern even if there’s proof.

Prefer others over you in their actions.

Do not include you in the conversation.

Think and act as if it’s ok for you to be harmed by others “it must have been your fault”

“If you were more like us you wouldn’t have these problems”.

Your experience or expertise is of no value and often questioned. Even if there is proof!

Ignore you over others in a group.

Talk about you to each other but do not talk to you.

Invite you and then ignore you.

Call you for a favor but never reciprocate.

Listen to your concerns and then explain them away and how you misunderstood in the first place.

Talk to each other about your failure and come to the conclusion you deserved it.

Talk about prayer but never take “physical” action to actually change anything.

Ask you how you are doing only to take that as gossip to others.

………..

Quote: Marc and Angel Chernoff “Getting Back to Happy” 2018 Penguin Random House Publishing LLC

“If someone has the opposite effect on you, because they are inconsistently inconsistent, and their actions never match up with their words, it might be time to let them go. It’s always better to be alone than to be in bad company. In the end true friendship/family is a promise made in the heart, silent, unwritten, unbreakable by distance, and unchangeable by time. So don’t just listen to what they say, watch what they do. “

“It’s just words”.

Dwight L. Carter Sr.
Writer, Speaker, Author.
www.tellthemyourstory .org
dwightspeaks@gmail.com

Breaking Through: Monster Trucks and Spiritual Dreams

Dreams, I am amazed how often I have them and especially the ones I remember. For me they often seem to be meant to encourage, direct or break through. I have no scientific documentation, to base my assertion on but I do have friends and family that have had similar experiences. I remembered John Travolta played in a movie several years ago where a bright light in the night sky projected on to him, knocked him down in the street, and when he woke up he was significantly smarter and able to suggest solutions to significant problems. Just to be clear ( LOL) I have not been struck by a bright light in the night sky and my family and friends have not indicated they have seen any change in my intelligence. I do however hope that my experience just like the character in the move will help you to break through what’s been holding you back.

Recently I dreamed I was running away from something or someone and I was very agitated. I was in what seemed to be a monster truck. You know the ones that are so high you need a ladder to get in. Large tires, cramped seating space, flashy exterior, and above it all. Its all about power, brut force, and able to over power and muscle through anything. I was driving, up high, in what seemed to be a warehouse. I could see tools and materials on the ground below me. I was looking for a way out of the warehouse. I saw many open doors/exits but because I was up so high I could not get through the doors.

I saw two men outside of the truck door on the drivers side. One was large the other was small. The larger one reached inside the cab of the monster truck and grab the GPS off of the dash. I took the keys from the ignition and began hitting him on the head with them. As this was happening something with numerous legs or tentacles attached to my head. Something like a centipede but with a hard shell. The smaller man told me to dismantle the legs and pull them off one by one from the grip they had on my head. As I began doing so I noticed it did not hurt like I had expected. As I thought about this dream when I woke up I came to the conclusion this is how it applies to me.

The monster truck represented my self will and desire for significance. I had been determining my own way and direction ( the GPS) and not totally depending on Him. I desperately wanted to get out of the warehouse (where my way of doing things had taken me) where I felt trapped and frustrated and be able to use the tools that were clearly available to me. There were numerous open doors or exits but being up so high ( my own self imposed need for importance) I could not escape. To do so would require steeping down from the drivers seat and not in control of the course or direction.

The large man is my Heavenly Father reaching in to my life to take way what I had been using for my direction and purpose ( the GPS). I stubbornly attempted to hang on to the keys (control) and used them to assert my will. The smaller man is the Holy Spirit and directed me to began dismantling those thoughts, and ways of being that had become so attached to my mind. In doing so I experienced freedom and relief, not pain.

I am amazed at how this simple yet detailed dream speaks to me. I needed to understand how I arrived at my current destination and how to correct my course. Proverbs 3 : 5-7 instructs us to Lean on trust in and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight and understanding. In all your ways know, recognize and acknowledge Him and He will direct and make straight and plain your path. Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn entirely away from evil.

I hope you will be challenged and encouraged to join me in letting go, surrendering self and following Christ. Courage and obedience produce great rewards.

May God bless your life as you pursue Him. May Gods love and kindness direct you as we are renewed and strengthened as he does a new thing in our lives, the journey to our new life is on foot, led by the Spirit and Gods Word, to serve Him, and others.

Dwight L. Carter Sr.

“A trust broken cannot be repaired, but does provide a new beginning.”

A simple yet profound phone call changed my life. Little did I know I was about to experience a betrayal I could not have ever imagined. An offer to resolve a problem, a need fulfilled at an opportunity of vulnerability, words from a trusted source.

Words are powerful, they have influence, especially coming from someone in authority or someone who fills a respected role. An experience that changed my thinking, willingness, and how I process information before I allow someone into my circle of trust. A change that has made its way to the roots of my mental, physical, and spiritual way of life.

Growing up it was easy to trust the people around me. My Father, Mother, Sister, Grandparents, Aunts, and Uncles. My well being was at the heart of their concern, evidenced by what they did or didn’t do, or said, or didn’t say. The clarity of their actions matched the words they expressed. If I was told an action was going to be taken it happened? Whether it was punishment, reward, instruction, or support, I could count on it. No manipulation, half-truths, or blatant lying. Just the truth, truth you could count on, and most of all trust

I have experienced 3 layoffs, and let go without cause twice in my work life. The layoffs were over a 22 year period as a sales rep in the ever cyclical oilfield. I loved that line of work. The other 2, one by a sales manager that took my efforts and applied them to her boyfriend, my coworker to boost his sales. They did marry after I was let go but I also learned they were both fired not to long after that. Him for code of conduct violations namely paying someone to inflate his sales numbers and her after being demoted for participating in the scheme, decided to retire and become a minister. I didn’t see that coming. The second was either my age, or my salary, my performance, or maybe she just didn’t like me. I had been top perform the 5 years prior to joining her team. After 40 years as a professional in the workforce, numerous life experiences, and conversations with other professionals, I guess that’s just about par for the course.

Oh I have also been kidnapped at gun point in my own car, survived a major Automobile accident, had a 10,000 lb. blowout preventer underneath a drilling rig, being held by a hydraulic support system slip 6 inches (another few and I would have been a spot in the mud), survived a brain tumor after 9/1/2 hour of surgery and back at work in 6 weeks. My point in all of that is, at this point in my life as they say, I am a seasoned veteran. The people, places, and things in life, the good, the bad and the really bad at times have broken me. Yet provided an opportunity to rebuild, and thankfully, made me stronger.

So I have some experience in the difficulty’s of life, and let me just say it’s worth remembering, who our Heavenly Father is and the purpose He has for our lives. Luke 4:18:says, “He has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor, He has sent me to announce release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth delivered those who are oppressed, who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity. ”

Encourage others as a way of L. I. F. E. this is my purpose, and opportunity’s to fulfill that purpose are presented daily. Transforming the past, present, and future by the renewing of the mind through stories, true story’s that challenge the heart and engage the mind.

Start today to let go of the past, but don’t forget the lessons. A greater vision of ones purpose is available through Gods word and prayer, in spite of what ones day, to day circumstances in life may be. Look for those opportunity’s to set self aside and surrender to Gods perfect will for your life. Manage your thoughts and focus on His will and plan for your life. Opportunity’s to serve and “trust” Him and others will show up unexpectedly with purpose. Those divine appointments that minister to you and encourage others.

“Eyes and heart open, there is no better way to live”.dlc

May God bless your life as you pursue Him! May Gods love and kindness direct you as we are renewed and strengthened as He does a new thing in our lives, the journey to our new lives is on foot, led by the Spirit, to serve Him, and others.

Dwight

And We Are Changed

In Priscilla Shirers book” And We Are Changed Encounters with a Transforming God’ ( Moody Publishers 2003) she asks the reader to remember when God performs a “Lazarus miracle in our lives, we should be changed and drastically different”. She asks the reader to remember when;

He:
Resurrected my hope -2006
Resurrected my marriage -2/18/09
Resurrected my finances -09/ 2006
Resurrected my children’s spiritual life -2008
Resurrected my career -01/2006
Resurrected my health -03/2002
Resurrected my heart for him -2002

I wrote in my copy the dates above when those important needs became answered prayers. Encounters with our Heavenly Father are often dramatic life changing events. Yet more time than not a result of an unexpected opportunity to minister to serve to stand in for someone in need. I am always amazed at those divine appointments that show up unannounced yet with an impact as I travel on business. It often happens when my self is tired, or struggling with my own challenge.

I had the opportunity to share this with a housekeeper at the hotel I was staying at several months ago. I had been staying in the same room for several days on business. I was early getting back to the hotel and she was just coming out of the room. She had tears in her eyes and quickly wiped them away as if embarrassed and explained she was leaving me a note. I am sure she saw my bible open in the room each day while I was out and as she was going about her work. She told me the note just said “would you pray for me”. I don’t recall a time that has ever happened.

I talked with her a moment and found that she had something stolen from her and was not sure how she was going to resolve it. It was clear to me that many things had been stolen from her; it was evident in her expression. I have seen that expression in my own mirror, on several occasions.

I started to say “I will keep you in my prayers” yet found my self saying “would you mind if I prayed for you”. Her surprise gave way to tears, both she and I, and standing in the hallway, I said a simple prayer for guidance, direction, and a resolution to her trouble.

She had lost $80.00 as a result of trusting a co worker to borrow something out of her locker. The co worker took the $80.00 she found in the locker and then left and quit. I asked her to pray about it for 24 hours and then leave me a note and I would leave $80.00 at the front desk in an envelope if it was not resolved. She thanked me.

I did not hear from her and did not see her again before I left a couple of days later. I choose to believe that God answered her prayer in a way only He can. That missing $80.00 affected three people that day. One who trusted and then was in need ( her), one who deceived and stole from another ( the coworker), and one who had, but needed to give ( my self).

“There is much to learn that will take a willingness to not know.”
It has been 18 years ago those words came into my thoughts while laying face down on the carpet in my small apartment. Praying and crying uncontrollably for something, someone had stolen from me. I was angry when those words registered to my mind. I stopped my crying to yell out “what does that mean”. I have learned that not always knowing the why, but always obeying is sometimes the better choice. I left a note for the housekeeper at the front desk on the day of my departure and is attached below.

Dear Carole,
David was just a Sheppard boy and yet God used him greatly as a result of his heart. The bible says he was a man after Gods own heart. As I see it, he had an openness to Gods will and a willingness to set aside self. He became king and yet made mistakes that cost him dearly. We are all human with all that comes with that. My mistakes have been many. I have had numerous challenges where someone, something or even my self has caused great pain or insurmountable challenges in my life.

Forgiveness of self, others, and our sins is a part of a greater closeness to our Heavenly Father. There is a peace that comes with surrendering self to Gods will and not our own that is miraculous. Even when things do not look any different at the moment, there is a knowingness in your heart. Sometimes the challenges in our life are Gods way of binging us closer to him. We sometimes have to fall flat on our face with no where to go or turn within ourselves. Abraham Lincoln was quoted as saying “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day”. At that point our heart becomes willing to surrender to God and his perfect plan for our lives.

The Christian Life is not an easy road but then life is not easy. 2nd Corinthians 18:9 We were under great pressure far beyond our abilities to endure. So that we despaired even of life. In our hearts we felt death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.

1 Peter 5:7 says casting the whole of your care, all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all, on Him; for He cares for you affectionately and cares about “you” watchfully.

May God bless your life as you pursue him! May Gods love and kindness direct you as we are renewed and strengthened as he does a new thing in our lives, the journey to our new lives is on foot, led by the Spirit, to serve Him, and others.

Dwight

A calling to be and do, something I would have never imagined…

It has been almost 30 years ago that I experienced my first company layoff (I have been through 3), and found it necessary to return to Dallas from Houston. I was distraught and uncertain of my future. That has unexpectedly, come to be a familiar scenario in my life. I am amazed how the Holy Spirit continues to encourage me through my thoughts, and a prompting to write them down, especially in times of distress. I wrote this while sitting in a recliner contemplating my future at my Grandparents house. It was somewhat simplistic but from my heart.

Sometimes I Forget

Can you be what you really want to be? That person in your mind’s eye that is happy

successful, steady, in need of nothing and at piece with life.

If only I could contribute in a meaningful way. To really be who it is I desire to be.

That person of great vision and unlimited resources whose very presence

adds depth and purpose to anyone and anything he is a part of.

Sounds a lot like being in the very center of Gods will.

Sometimes I forget that all that is required is a willingness

and faith

Dear God,

Please grant me the privilege of being at the center of your will and forgive me when I forget.

If in your life those troubled times sneak up on you, push you down, and at times seem to walk all over you.

Let Gods Word be your place of comfort. Your Heavenly Father may be trying to teach you that “you cannot live by all these other things; you must look to God for your daily strength. Not all the other things that keep you going”. Welcome Encouragement and direction that came to me in prayer at the height of an overwhelming event in my life.

This seemingly insignificant moment in my life where spirit and mind were in line with Gods Word has been the Genesis of where I am today. At a place not of my choosing where I realize a calling to be, and do, something I would have never imagined “writing and telling stories”

Writing did not come easily to me in my younger years. It showed up in my early 30’s. I was asked to provide an updated customer report for my manger, in regards to the largest drilling contractor in our region. In turn it was to be sent his manager, who was the regional manager for an international oilfield product and equipment company. Something I had never done before, pressure, you bet.

At first it took a great deal of thought, and revision. Then I realized I was writing to impress and out of fear of failure or rejection instead of offering a sincere, accurate, assessment of what was so. The revised document flowed smoothly, it was from my personal experience in the field as well as from my conversations and time spent with those who were depending on the product and its purpose. I received approval and significant recognition from those above me who depended on just that for their decision making process. A powerful lesson for myself, one that I rely on even to this day.

My purpose in life;

To instruct and encourage others through life experiences, the successes and the failures. To say what’s so in the world around me. To assist others through writing and speaking in not only succeeding in life but often avoiding the pitfalls I have so often fallen into. Most importantly by sharing Gods Word as the manual for L.I.F.E..

Psalms 3:5-8

5: Lean on trust and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind, and do not rely on your own insight and understanding: In all your ways know recognize and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. 7: Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn away from evil. 8: It shall be health to your nerves and sinews, and marrow and moistening to your bone.

Dwight

May God bless your life as you pursue Him! May Gods love and kindness direct you as we are renewed and strengthened as He does a new thing in our lives, the journey to our new life is on foot, led by the Spirit and Gods Word, to serve Him, and others.

“The events of life are often surprising, shocking and often overwhelming.”

Image result for image life resurrected

Several months ago while traveling on business I met a pastor who although retired was shepherding a small church in a rural area. Our conversation began while I was inspecting the damage done to his home from a recent storm. As we walked around his property I noticed small dog on the patio deck. As we went through the gate and into the back yard this well groomed well mannered dog came bounding down the steps of the wood deck.

He came and sat in front of me, anxiously anticipating acknowledgment. Our dogs are not so well mannered, like most dogs they are jump, jump, jumping for attention. This pup was different, a seemingly calm knowingness and acceptance of what was to come. I was compelled to gently speak to him and bend down on one knee to pet him. That’s when I noticed it

Continue reading ““The events of life are often surprising, shocking and often overwhelming.””

That moment when everything around you has left you depleted, afraid, and unsure.

Everyone around you sees it, so should you.

That moment when everything around you on the road of life has left you depleted, afraid, and unsure. We have all been there. Greatfull for the times someone in the distance intervened. Held disaster at bay until care, compassion, and the love we needed arrived. Be encouraged your best days are just ahead.
Dwight L. Carter Sr

https://www.facebook.com/TheAnimalBible.net/videos/1377935668975697/?t=24

May God bless your life as you pursue him! May Gods love and kindness direct you as we are renewed and strengthened as he does a new thing in our lives, the journey to our new life is on foot, led by the Spirit and Gods Word, to serve Him, and others.

“Just for today”

Being thankful is a dramatically powerful part of our thinking. Thankfulness in spite of our circumstances changes our physiology. Changes our moment by moment behavior. Creates a purpose and provides direction for whats next.

Just for today I will!

Give thanks in all I do

Give thanks in all I see

Give thanks in all I hear

Thank you Lord for all you have done for me!

I hope you will join me, please listen and be encouraged!

What you think about matters: ”Thoughts are our actions in rehearsal”:

What we think about most finds its way into our actions. Be careful what you think about most! Do you allow your mind to keep those thoughts that are positive, that give encouragement to you, that are worth your time and create a sense of well-being and accomplishment? Those that don’t kick um out!!!

A seemingly never ending cycle of wants, or needs driven by what I allow my mind to think about most. Its interesting to me that what “I want” often times seems to be elusive, out of reach beyond my grasp. What “I” don’t want seems to show up everywhere, easily available, promoted, and a part of everything. This same scenario, thought process or something similar shows up often, doing something or being somewhere I don’t want to be.

Several years ago I was in the Northeast on business and it was 19 deg. That alone is reason to pause and consider “what in the world am I doing hear” LOL. I am away from home, family, comfortable things and in addition not feeling well. I often times find that I allow my “self” to become agitated frustrated, wanting something more or sometimes wanting something less. A seemingly never ending cycle of wants, or needs driven by what I allow my mind to think about most.

On the other hand, it’s amazing to me that if I consider all that God has blessed me with or a specific prayer that has been answered just in the last few months it changes my outlook. I often find that out of that comes an opportunity to re think or observe what I do or how I handle something or situation. Sometimes it’s just an opportunity to say to my self “just for today” I can do this. My heavenly father knows my name, He knows my need and His plan for the life He has given me. His timing is everything His way is perfect and above all else.

I remind my “self” stay focused, move forward, don’t stop, let it in”. That ever present sense of my Heavenly Father, and His Holy Spirit, gently moving me forward, at a pace and direction led by the spirit not pushed by the flesh. His will not mine. I am nothing without Him a long over due realization that did not come easy. Flesh and bone without purpose or meaning, dust in the wind, in need of guidance and direction. I highly recommend reading the entire book of Ecclesiastes. An observation from someone with access and who experienced all the world has to offer. An excerpt is listed below (King Solomon’s wealth and wisdom were considered to be greater than any of his time).

King Solomon
Ecclesiastes 1
14. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.
Ecclesiastes 12
13. Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.

I often find that a negative outlook, with ongoing comments about meaningless things, or a focus on self, things that are petty, or vulgar, seem to stifle, or block creativity, focus and strength. A person or group that is upbeat, positive, and has a more dynamic view of things gives energy. Opens up the space to contribute, look for opportunity’s to make a difference, overcome challenges, encourage others, and be excited about life’s opportunities.

The life that I desire is that, a life lived with excitement and anticipation. An ongoing determined, commitment and resolve for excellence. A love for God, my wife, my family and those I meet along life’s path to encourage or help. It is being in the very center of Gods will. A life filled with an acknowledgment and witness of Gods promises.

So whats your plan? Here’s Mine. Its time to look for those opportunity’s to set self aside and surrender to Gods perfect will my/your life. Manage your thoughts and focus on His will, and plan for you. Prayerfully ask for His will and direction each day. Opportunity’s to serve Him and others will show up unexpectedly with purpose. Those Divine appointments that minister to you and encourage others. I hope you will join me, I’m counting on it!