J D Canter E Books

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” – Lewis B. Smedes

Forgiveness isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes it feels downright impossible. When someone has wronged us, the hurt cuts deep. The memory lingers, and resentment quietly takes root. But holding onto bitterness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean that what happened was okay. It doesn’t excuse the offense or diminish the pain. What it does mean is that you’re choosing peace over poison, freedom over frustration, and healing over hatred.

Think of forgiveness as a gift you give yourself. It frees you from the burden of carrying anger and allows you to move forward with a lighter heart.

Here’s the truth: everyone makes mistakes. We all fall short. The same grace we hope to receive should be the grace we’re willing to extend.

The Bible reminds us in Ephesians 4:32 —

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

So today, July 19, why not let go of that grudge that’s been weighing you down? Forgive—not because they deserve it, but because you deserve peace. You deserve joy. You deserve to be free.

Today’s Challenge:

Think of someone you need to forgive. You don’t have to call them or even tell them—but take one step in your heart toward releasing the pain. Whisper a prayer, write it down, or simply say, “I choose to let this go.”

Your future will thank you.

Proverbs 6:6-8. Go to the ant, thou sluggard;
consider her ways, and be wise:
Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,
Provideth her meat in the summer,
and gathereth her food in the harvest.

In a world that often celebrates self-promotion and loud success, humbleness may seem like a forgotten virtue. Yet, true greatness often walks quietly. Humbleness isn’t about thinking less of yourself—it’s about thinking of yourself less.

Humbleness doesn’t demand the spotlight. It listens more than it speaks. It serves rather than seeks to be served. It understands that every person has value and that we all have room to grow.

Jesus Christ, the King of kings, washed the feet of His disciples. He chose a manger over a mansion. A cross over a crown. If the Son of God displayed such humility, shouldn’t we strive to do the same?

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” – James 4:10

Humbleness opens the door to wisdom. When you’re humble, you’re teachable. You admit mistakes, learn from them, and keep going. Pride resists correction. Humility embraces it.

A short story to remember:

A bamboo tree spends years growing underground, developing strong roots. Then, almost overnight, it shoots up and becomes one of the tallest plants. Without those hidden years of growth, it would topple at the first wind. Humbleness is like that—quiet preparation for lasting impact.

Let your success speak for itself. Let your kindness shine louder than your achievements. True leaders lead by example, not by ego.

Remember:

It’s not how high you climb, but how grounded you remain that shows true character.

In a world filled with noise, chaos, and constant change, there remains one steady, unshakable force: love.

Love is not just a feeling; it’s a choice, a commitment, and a powerful action. It’s the one thing that grows when we give it away. Love doesn’t just transform others—it transforms us.

Whether it’s the quiet love of a parent, the enduring love of a friend, the forgiving love of a spouse, or the selfless love shown to a stranger, love is what brings meaning to life.

When you lead with love:

You speak with kindness. You listen with empathy. You serve with humility. You forgive with grace. And you live with purpose.

The Bible tells us, “Now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is Charity (1 Corinthians 13:13). Why is love the greatest? Because it outlasts pain, bridges division, and conquers hate. Love is what Heaven is built on and what earth so desperately needs.

But here’s the challenge:

Love isn’t always easy. It asks us to be patient when we’re frustrated, generous when we’d rather withhold, and courageous when we fear being vulnerable. But the rewards? They’re priceless.

Love heals wounds.

Love builds families.

Love unites communities.

Love reflects the very heart of God.

So today, let love lead you. Speak love, show love, live love. Not because it’s easy—but because it’s worth it.

You never know what kind of battle someone is facing—but your love might be the very thing that gets them through it.

Call to Action:

Today, send a message to someone just to say you care. Hug a little longer. Forgive a little quicker. And never underestimate the impact of a heart that chooses to love.

Is 40:28-31. Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard,
that the everlasting God, the LORD,
the Creator of the ends of the earth,
fainteth not, neither is weary?
there is no searching of his understanding.
He giveth power to the faint;
and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
and the young men shall utterly fall:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.

 

7/17–Start Your Day Off Right Series

Quote:

NO ONE gets to write your story but you.  Steph Curry

Story:

I have written a lot lately about animals and insects because they are so amazing. When they come to earth they are hardwired with what they need. Nobody tells the birds that it’s time to fly south for the winter. They just come with the knowledge that they need.

Man, when he arrives on the other hand, only knows how to cry when he is hungry and not much else. Everything else is learned.

I know there’s many versions of the eagle and the chicken but I will tell the version that I know. An eagle’s egg got mixed up with some chicken eggs. It hatched out with some of the other chickens. Since the eagle couldn’t see himself he thought that he was a chicken. He pecked on the ground and only jumped a few feet. He imitated everything he saw  his brothers and sisters do. 

One day, while outside with his mother, he saw a  majestic eagle fly above them. He wished so much that he could do that and fly so high. He told his mother that he would give about anything to be an eagle and be able to fly that high! She told him that he was a chicken and would always be a chicken.

You could be an eagle if you wouldn’t be so much of a chicken!!

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Building Take Skill, Tearing Down None https://www.amazon.com/dp/1521429154/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_VXDY5HFW067SCAW65DCJ

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DaleCantrell

 

Scripture:

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings as eagles;

they shall run, and not be weary;

and they shall walk, and not faint.

7/17 Can You Spare A Minute?

Watch your Words because if we think small, talk small, we will be small.

So don’t say you are nothing then you are suggesting Jesus died for no reason 

Have you ever looked back and wished you could rewrite a moment, a decision, or even a whole chapter of your life? You’re not alone. We all have regrets, failures, and moments we’d rather forget. But here’s the truth: your past does not have the power to define your future unless you give it permission.

Think about it. A mistake is not a life sentence—it’s a lesson. A failure is not a finish line—it’s feedback. And regret is not a roadblock—it’s a reminder that you’re capable of better, stronger, and wiser choices going forward.

What truly defines you is not what happened behind you, but what you choose to do next.

Let this sink in: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” – C.S. Lewis

That’s where your power lies—in your next step.

It doesn’t have to be big. It doesn’t have to be flashy. But it has to be intentional. Every mountain is climbed one step at a time. Every comeback starts with a single decision. Every great story turns on one pivotal moment when the hero chose to rise again.

So today, instead of looking back in frustration, look ahead with faith.

✅ If you’re tired, take one small step forward.

✅ If you’re confused, take one small step toward clarity.

✅ If you’ve fallen, take one small step by standing up.

Your life can pivot today—not by fixing everything overnight, but by believing in your ability to move forward.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to keep moving.

Take your next step. Your comeback starts now.