scripture

Courage in Routine: Living With Purpose

May 16, 2026

The Quiet Strength Found in Daily Devotion

Every morning and evening, without fail, a blind diabetic dog named Clooney steps forward for his insulin shot—no flinching, no resistance, just quiet trust in the hands that care for him. His story isn’t one of dramatic escapes or viral heroics, but of consistent courage in the face of chronic challenge. For pet owners across Garland, TX and beyond, Clooney’s routine embodies a deeper truth: real strength often lies in showing up, day after day, even when the journey is long and unseen.

This faithful ritual reflects a common reality for countless pet owners navigating chronic pet health conditions like diabetes. These daily care regimens—medication administration, blood glucose monitoring, diet management—require patience, precision, and emotional resilience. Yet, it’s in these unglamorous moments that the bond between pet and caregiver deepens.

In this post, you’ll learn how to build sustainable care routines, recognize signs of treatment effectiveness, and strengthen emotional resilience when managing long-term pet health. You’ll also discover practical strategies to make pet medication time stress-free and how consistency becomes a form of love. Clooney’s story is more than touching—it’s a blueprint for living with purpose through routine.

The Quiet Power of Everyday Commitment

Courage isn’t always found in grand gestures—it often lives in the quiet consistency of daily discipline, much like maintaining essential health routines despite discomfort or inconvenience. Consider the choice to show up for a difficult but necessary treatment every single day: it reflects a profound inner resilience that resonates deeply with everyday challenges many face. Whether it’s managing chronic wellness regimens, sticking to financial discipline, or prioritizing mental health practices, the real triumph lies in sustained action over time.

In life, we all encounter tasks that are non-negotiable yet far from easy—filing taxes, maintaining home systems, or committing to personal growth efforts like therapy or skill-building. These obligations demand follow-through, even when motivation fades. The key is to reframe them not as burdens, but as acts of self-respect and long-term investment.

Treat necessary tasks as appointments with your future self
Break overwhelming routines into small, manageable actions
Anchor new habits to existing daily triggers for consistency
Acknowledge progress, no matter how slight

By embracing the routine with intention, you cultivate a life of purpose—one deliberate choice at a time. This mindset shift turns obligation into opportunity, especially for those in Dallas, Fort Worth, and surrounding Texas communities striving for clarity and control in their personal journeys.

5 Ways Consistent Action Builds Unshakable Resilience

When progress feels slow and motivation fades, it’s consistency—not intensity—that keeps you moving forward. Showing up daily, especially when discomfort knocks, is a powerful act of purpose. This commitment reshapes your mindset, strengthens emotional endurance, and builds long-term well-being. Here’s how embracing routine courage transforms your trajectory:

1. Turns Discipline Into a Daily Decision
Each time you choose action over avoidance, you reinforce a resilient mindset. Whether it’s waking up early to journal, making that tough client call, or sticking to your workout in Dallas heat, every small choice strengthens your ability to handle bigger challenges. Over time, discipline becomes less about willpower and more about identity.

2. Reduces the Power of Fear Through Exposure
Fear thrives in uncertainty. By consistently facing uncomfortable tasks—like speaking up in meetings or launching a new service in your community—you dilute fear’s influence. Repetition teaches your brain that discomfort isn’t danger, making future actions easier and more natural.

3. Builds Trust in Your Own Commitment
People who follow through, even when it’s hard, develop deep self-trust. Knowing you’ll show up—rain or shine in Garland or beyond—creates emotional stability and confidence that radiates into all areas of life.

4. Creates Momentum That Fuels Progress
Small, consistent actions compound. Writing 500 words daily leads to a finished manuscript. Networking weekly grows a referral pipeline. Momentum isn’t flashy, but it’s unstoppable.

5. Anchors Purpose in Everyday Choices
Living with purpose isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about aligning daily habits with your values. When routine becomes sacred, even ordinary tasks carry meaning.

The Discipline of Inner Strength: How Routine Activates Your Spiritual Power

Many underestimate the quiet power found in consistency—especially when rooted in purpose. Drawing from the principle in 2 Timothy 1:7, which reminds us we were given a spirit not of fear, but of power, love, and self-control, disciplined daily habits become far more than task management—they transform into spiritual exercises. For professionals navigating high-pressure environments, particularly in fast-paced regions like Garland, TX, maintaining emotional and mental clarity is not optional; it’s foundational.

When we anchor our routines in self-control, we create space for focus, reduce decision fatigue, and strengthen resilience. This intentional structure fosters power—not as dominance, but as influence over one’s time and responses. Simultaneously, actions driven by love—whether serving clients with integrity or supporting colleagues—become measurable outcomes of a purpose-filled schedule.

Start by auditing your daily rhythm:

Identify one recurring task that drains energy and reframe it with purpose
Schedule 15 minutes daily for reflection or planning to reinforce self-control
Integrate small acts of encouragement into client or team interactions

This blend of discipline and intention reflects inner strength cultivated not in crisis, but in the routine. By aligning daily habits with deeper values, individuals and teams unlock sustainable performance grounded in courage, not coercion.

How to Stay Motivated When Your Routine Feels Overwhelming

What if I can’t find motivation to stick to a tough routine?
Motivation often follows action, not the other way around. Begin with small, consistent steps that align with your values. Even five minutes of focused effort builds momentum. Lean into faith—trust that progress is happening, even when unseen. People in Garland and beyond have discovered that daily discipline, not fleeting inspiration, creates lasting change.

How do I stay focused when distractions are everywhere?
Create designated times for deep work and silence non-essential notifications. Use intentional focus techniques like time-blocking or the Pomodoro method. Remind yourself of your greater purpose: this routine isn’t just about productivity—it’s about shaping the kind of person you’re becoming.

Isn’t discomfort a sign I’m doing something wrong?
Not necessarily. Temporary discomfort often signals growth. Whether you’re rising early for prayer, pushing through a workout, or building a new habit, lean into the challenge. The pain of discipline is lighter than the pain of regret.

How can faith support me in daily routines?
Faith provides an anchor. When energy dips, reconnect with your “why” through reflection or meditation. Believe your efforts are part of a larger journey, not just isolated tasks.

What’s the best way to regain consistency after a setback?
Acknowledge the slip without judgment, then recommit immediately. One missed day doesn’t erase progress. Stay aligned with purpose, not perfection.

Finding Strength in the Everyday

It’s easy to overlook the quiet power embedded in daily routines—yet within them lies profound courage. When you face each morning not with grand gestures but with consistency, intention, and quiet resolve, you’re practicing faith in motion. The act of showing up, staying committed, and moving forward—even when progress feels invisible—is a form of bravery often unrecognized but deeply impactful.

Consider this:

A disciplined morning ritual sets the tone for clarity and focus.
Consistent communication builds trust in personal and professional relationships.
Small, repeated decisions aligned with your values create lasting transformation.

These aren’t passive habits—they’re active declarations of purpose. In cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, and across North Texas communities, individuals are rediscovering meaning in structure, using routine as a grounding force amid life’s uncertainty.

As you move forward, take a moment to audit your daily patterns. Identify one routine that drains you—and reimagine it with intentionality. Replace mindless repetition with mindful action. Share your journey with others; inspiration multiplies in connection.

Courage isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s the steady rhythm of doing what matters, day after day. Keep going—your consistency is your strength.

Life Lessons in Puppy Managment

I would have never thought that being awakened at 2:30 in morning by two puppies needing to go out would change my view of how I live life. The normal, the mundane, the backdrop of our daily lives not to inspiring or uplifting, unless.

They are only 8 lbs. Clooney and 12 pounds Rosie respectively but run our lives as if they own Vilma, and me. Now 3 years old they have found ever changing ways to get us to do what they want. If it’s not right or interesting were not doing it that seems to be their code. Raw hide must be the right size and texture or it’s not worth their time. And oh by the way, it has to be new. No old rawhide for these ladies. They know I don’t know how, isn’t rawhide all the same, apparently not. We have several packages in our pantry of different brands shapes and flavors. Unless it right they won’t have anything to do with it. But when it’s right they will spend hours chewing until their exhausted.

Back to the 2:30 wake up call. Clooney usually stands at the end of the bed and makes a sound like someone clearing there throat. It’s a bark but muffled, you know like hello excuse me are you awake. Thankfully they apparently learned this on their own after being shuffled off to the back yard each night any time they moved. There’s nothing in writing but Vilma and I know when its our turn to let the puppy’s out if we get the late night call. They have taken over our king size bed, and sleep anywhere they want. Different positions under the cover, on top of the cover on the pillow or not. I have even seen them upside down paws in the air sound asleep. It changes from night to night. Do dogs have preferences, I think they do. They even snore the little one sounds like my dad, go figure.

I rolled out of bed and the puppies were up and looking towards the door. That’s the “sign” we need to go out. I distinctly remember saying “come on lets go outside” several times. No movement. I picked them up and sat them on the floor and said again “let’s go outside”. Still no response. I walked down the hallway to the back door opened the door and said loudly “come on lets go outside” It’s just me in the kitchen with the back door open and the puppies are no where in sight. In the past if they didn’t respond I just carried them to the back door while saying those words I don’t say anymore in my head, you know swearing!

I am up and it’s my turn so I walked back down the hall to the bedroom, the puppies were standing by the bed. Vilma sat up in bed and said very dramatically “honey you have to say it more enthusiastically”. I said Vilma its 2:30 in the morning and enthusiasm is asleep. Vilma got out of bed and enthusiastically began saying ” come on, let’s go, outside, outside, outside, come on”. I headed back down the hallway looked behind me and to my surprise the puppies coming down the hall almost running with excitement all in their little bodies. All of that effort and motivation just to heard two puppies to the back yard to go to the bathroom. This is their response for just about anything when it’s exciting, fulfills a need, or contributes to there wellbeing. The difference “enthusiasm” just that little bit of motivation that moves us and puppy’s forward in life.

We all have preferences and sometimes just need a little enthusiasm or motivation to get us moving forward to where we need to be. To avoid accidents, getting into trouble, or even messing up our lives. Often times its fear that stops me/us from moving forward or quashes or enthusiasm. It seems over the last few weeks the words “I don’t know” have become a consistent part of my vocabulary. Not knowing how to fix the problem we all encounter, finding the right job, or not losing the one we have, maintaining good health, completing an overwhelming task, or staying focused and committed to our goal and purpose in life. Afraid of not being enough, having enough, providing enough or doing enough.

Psychologist tell us it is fear and the subsequent anxiety associated with it that is one of the most debilitating challenges for all humans. It affects our thinking as well as our physiology. Numerous books have been and continue to be written on the subject. One of my favorites is Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer Harrison House Inc. 1995. Another is Unlimited Power The New Science of Personal Achievement by Anthony Robbins Simon and Schuster 1986. Truly useful information and direction yet in my experience and my family’s, the single most powerful resource for leadership, encouragement and direction is God’s Word.

I keep a note book with scriptures from Gods Word that I read to strengthen, encourage, and often times defend myself from stress, worry, and anxiety. A few of them are listed below,

2 Timothy, 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of power, and love, and of a calm and well balanced mind and discipline and self control.

Joshua 1:9 Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageas. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

John 14:Peace I leave with you, My own peace I now give and bequeath to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let it be afraid, stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed, and do not permit your selves to be fearful, and intimidated, and cowardly, and unsettled.

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.

Our two puppies trust Vilma and I for their wellbeing. They have learned that trust through their daily experience of their needs being met. That certainty that they are cared for and by following, will always be rewarded. Preferences or what they want can be satisfying and yet in the larger picture following brings the greater reward.

Vilma and I encourage you to trust and follow your Heavenly Fathers guidance and direction in all things both great and small. The road ahead will not always be clear, or the path without challenges, yet be confident that following and trusting in Jesus Christ always leads to reward. The normal, the mundane, and the backdrop of our daily lives not to inspiring or uplifting, unless….!

Proverbs 3 5-7
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.

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.

Tellthemyourstory.org

dwightspeaks@gmail.com

The Right “Tuff”

Ryan is ready for some football. This is a shot of him at ...

I played quarterback on the 6^th grade football team at Bullock Elementary School. Mr. Shearer was our coach, I have not forgotten his wisdom and leadership. I am amazed how the today me is often built on the lessons learned by the past me. Something I have learned to remind myself of often.

There were 2 teams in my 6^th grade class, the A team and the B team. There were so many of us that wanted to play, and apparently that was the case at other elementary schools as well, we even had our own league. The A team had the bigger faster 6^th graders. My B team buddies and I were the ones who were not as fast or as big or supposedly as tuff. I my self however was fast and tuff “thank you very much” just not as big and tall as my best friend Mark Mayfield who quarterbacked on the A team.

We practiced on the same field as the A team and sometimes scrimmaged against them. On occasion one of us would be out matched and over powered by one of the A team guys and some level of pain or humiliation would have to be endured. Coach Shearer would always somehow end up at your side or looking over you as you lay on the ground from such an event and would loudly and vigorously say “tuff-it-out, tuff-it-out you’re ok, catch your breath, get back in the game”. Toughing it out or toughing up were the ways Coach Shearer recommended to overcome and endure challenges and pain on the playing field. I haven’t thought about that for a long time.

I have found over the years “since the days at Bullock Elementary” that occasionally I have been run over, knocked down, humiliated, and sometimes just plain stepped on in my adult life. The playing field is a lot larger now; the competition sometimes faster, the pain more intense and not winning can have far reaching consequences. Yet like Coach Shearer there has been someone at my side to encourage me, pick me up, dust me off, and say “tuff-it-out, tuff-it-out, your ok, catch your breath, get back in the game”.

Having the right tough is important in life. Those challenges and unexpected bumps and bruises are oftentimes Gods way of bringing us closer or refocusing our priorities on Him. A greater understanding of life and our purpose can be found through a personal relationship with God. Out of that flows everything else, family, friends, and your life’s work.

The next time your find yourself being knocked to the ground and its third and long, and you just don’t know how to you will reach the goal line, ask your heavenly coach to give you the right tough.” tuff-it-out, tuff-it-out, you’re ok, catch your breath, get back in the game”! Good advice from the past for today, wouldn’t you agree.

Psalms 28:12 Who is the man who reverently fears and worships the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way that he should choose.

Pslams27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the refuge and stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid.

Psalms 91:2 I will say of the Lord He is my refuge and my fortress. My God on Him I lean and rely and in Him I confidently trust.

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

Thank you Lord

For those moments or days or even weeks of brokenness

Those moments of overwhelming uncertainty and distress

For providing the strength if only moment by moment to get me through

For changing my circumstance

For ministering to my spirit

For speaking to my heart and my mind

For repairing and healing all of me

For placing my footing on solid ground once again.

You have broken those chains that bound me

For through Your grace I am new

Thank You Father that you know me

You care for me

Your Holy Spirit is my treasure

Your Word is my Lamp

Your Power of prayer is within me

And I declare you as my Protector and Shepard

I give you my all and surrender my will

Please shape me and make me

Tested by your fire to purify my desire.

Necessary pain is the ingredients for change

To serve, To encourage, to challenge

To glorify your purpose you have placed in me.

Lord please make it so

My biggest enemy is my own will and my thoughts

Tame them change them and replace them

To no longer be the same but changed by your design

In Jesus Name

Amen

Author: DLCsr
tellthemyourstory.org
06/26/2019

The Blessing 2019

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.

May you reach the purpose for which you were created.

May you have courage above your pears.

May you have more passion for the things of God than others think is necessary.

May you dream more than others think is practical.

May you expect more than others think is possible.

May you choose wisely without earthly biases.

You have people to in influence you have not yet not met.

You are strategically placed where ever God takes you by His grand design. Just so you can become everything He made you to be.

That place is the place you can grow best,

That place is a place you can be most fruitful.

The place where the future is changed because of your presence and His.

May you see vistas that others don’t even know exist.

May you see God in every petal or every flower and every blade of grass. For each of them are designed by His hand.

May you bless your children and they become giants in the Faith under The Mighty Hand of God.

You won’t fail, you were made by God to be hear, for such a time as this.

“Selah stop and think of this.”

“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.

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.

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