J D Canter E Books

10/5–Can You Spare A Minute?

10/5–A little girl had been told many times by a childless old couple that if she would come and live with them, they would get her everything she wanted-a pony and cart, a piano, and the like. 

One day when the couple had been particularly urgent, her father said, “Don’t you think you had better go with them?” 

The little girl looked at him in alarm and cried, “Why, Daddy, don’t you want me?” “Yes,” he replied, “but I can’t give you very much, and they will give you everything nice.” “But I wouldn’t have you!” she said as she snuggled up to him.

October 5 is the perfect day to pause and remember the incredible power of gratitude. Gratitude doesn’t change your circumstances—it changes you. It shifts your perspective from what’s missing to what’s present, from what’s wrong to what’s right, and from what you lack to what you’ve already been blessed with.

When you begin to count your blessings, your burdens feel lighter. Gratitude turns an ordinary meal into a feast, a house into a home, and a stranger into a friend. It’s not about having everything you want—it’s about recognizing the value in what you already have.

Keys for Today:

Start small. Write down three things you’re thankful for this morning. Look around. Gratitude grows when we notice the little things—sunlight, laughter, a kind word. Speak it. Don’t just feel thankful—express it. A simple “thank you” can brighten someone’s day.

Scripture Inspiration:

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Today, let gratitude guide your thoughts and actions. When your heart is full of thankfulness, negativity has no room to stay.

And here’s a smile for your thankful heart:

Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants?

In case he got a hole in one!

So on this October 5, choose gratitude. It won’t just change your day—it will change your life.

October 4 is a good day to celebrate one of life’s greatest treasures—friendship. True friends are like anchors in the storm, encouragers in the valley, and cheerleaders on the mountaintop. They don’t just walk with us when the road is easy; they stand by us when the path gets hard.

A good friend makes your laughter louder, your burdens lighter, and your life richer. Friendship isn’t about how many people are in your circle—it’s about how much love, trust, and support flows within it.

Keys for Today:

Value quality over quantity. One loyal friend is worth more than a hundred acquaintances. Be the kind of friend you want to have. Friendship grows when we give as much as we hope to receive. Cherish the moments. Life is short; spend time with those who lift you higher.

Scripture Inspiration:

“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17

On this October 4, think of the friends who have made a difference in your journey. Take a moment to send them a message, say a prayer for them, or simply let them know you’re grateful. Friendships don’t just happen—they thrive when we nurture them.

And here’s a lighthearted smile:

Why did the computer go to therapy?

Because it had too many byte-sized problems!

So today, celebrate the gift of friendship. Be the kind of friend who shows up, lifts up, and never gives up.

Eccl 7:9. Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.

10/4start Your Day Off Right Series 

Quote:

Story:

 Fill Someone Else’s Cup

There are people who want you to fill their cup one day and then they’re back the next with their cup again for you to fill it back up! They seemingly never think about filling someone else’s cup up. 

They are definitely on the Me channel and only thinking about themselves! 

Philippians 2: 3-4 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 

If I put you up higher than myself, and you put me higher than yourself we should be eye to eye, and on the same level. If I fill your cup up then some of the overflow may rundown on to me! Start in today trying to make others your focus. It seems that nearly everyone wants to be served but few want to serve. 

To be the greatest in the Kingdom we must be first like Jesus, and be able to serve. To be great in the Kingdom you have to be willing to be servant of all. 

God loves humbleness and hates pride. Jesus was a King but took on the form of a servant. He left us the example to follow. That’s why Ok at the Lord’s Supper he girded himself with a towel and began to wash the Disciples feet. We have to lay our bib down to grab the towel.

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Scripture:

Acts 2:1-12

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

Humor: Greatest invention in the world…. Thermos Bottle

10/4–Can You Spare A Minute?

10/4–Creatures of Custom 

As a boy in the Middle West, I used to amuse myself by holding a stick across a gateway that the sheep had to pass through. 

After the first few sheep had jumped over the stick, I took it away; but all the other sheep leaped through the gateway over an imaginary barrier. 

The only reason for their jumping was that those in front had jumped. 

The sheep is not the only animal with that tendency. Almost all of us are prone to do what others are doing, to believe what others are believing, to follow, without question, the testimony of prominent men.

October 3 is a wonderful reminder that every new day is a gift—a fresh page in the book of your life. You don’t have to be defined by what went wrong yesterday, last week, or even last month. Each sunrise whispers the same message: “Begin again.”

Too often we drag the weight of the past into today, and it slows us down. But think about this—trees don’t cling to their old leaves. When autumn comes, they let them fall, making room for the new growth that’s ahead. In the same way, you can let go of what no longer serves you and embrace the fresh start today offers.

Keys for Today:

Release the past. Forgive yourself, forgive others, and move forward. Renew your focus. Ask yourself: What really matters today? Recommit to growth. Even one new step can change the direction of your journey.

Scripture Inspiration:

“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

No matter how yesterday looked, today you have a fresh chance. A chance to think better thoughts, take better actions, and be a better version of yourself.

And here’s a smile for the day:

Why don’t eggs tell each other secrets?

Because they might crack up!

So on this October 3, take a deep breath, leave the past where it belongs, and step confidently into your fresh start.

1 Cor 2;6-10. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

October 2 is a perfect reminder that greatness isn’t built overnight—it’s built through consistent, small steps in the right direction. Too often we underestimate the power of little daily choices. Yet, over time, those small choices create a big impact.

A river doesn’t carve through rock in a single day—it does so drop by drop, over time. Likewise, the decisions you make today—choosing kindness, staying disciplined, taking one more step toward your goals—are carving the path toward your future.

Keys for Today:

Stay consistent. Even when progress feels slow, every step counts. Celebrate small wins. They add up to bigger victories. Don’t despise the process. The journey prepares you for the destination.

Scripture Inspiration:

“For who hath despised the day of small things?” – Zechariah 4:10

Today, embrace the power of the little things. One positive choice can ripple into countless blessings. One act of kindness can brighten someone’s entire day. One small habit can change the direction of your future.

And for a touch of humor:

Why did the bicycle fall over?

Because it was two-tired!

So on this October 2, take your step—no matter how small—and trust that it matters. The big picture is painted with little strokes.