Category: trust

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!

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

Its Your Thinking!

Several years ago I made a list of those things in my life that were in need of resolution, focus, and an action plan. Looking back they were simplistic in content but gave me a place to start. Today it is a part of my blueprint for “living above my circumstance.” I have included them at the end of this post.

I realize more a more, the battlefield in life, is my thinking. I have read and heard this from many sources over the last 30 plus years. Why it has taken me so long to understand this truth I can only attribute to my stubbornness, and fear.

Its amazing to me that learning for me always comes at a price. Consuming valuable resources, time, money, and often followed by dramatic disappointment. So let me offer you what I hope will be a place to begin, a place you and I visit regular, a place that is with you and I always. Our thinking.

Continue reading “Its Your Thinking!”