ThinMint

Challenge #42

Have a sparkling birthday, July Babies!

What Matters Most... What is it for you? Courtesy @MaireC

The main point I’m making, is that our goal should be improving our walk, our closeness with the Lord above all. When we walk so intimately with Him, we will be made aware of when and how to speak, and it won’t be our words, but His pointing to Christ. When we feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and frustrated, it’s an indicator that we need to step back, turn off the noise, confusion, and conflict in order to have rest in Him. We just cannot do it all. And we do not need to feel remorseful about that. Sometimes our sleepyhead friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors can be reached with compassion, some require hard facts, some are better served using humor. With God’s help, we’ll know how to present, when to pull back, and when to push forward –with gentleness and respect as Timothy tells us. In the spring of 2021 I felt God moving me away from trying to reach others. (I haven’t given up on those I care about but God moved me to a place of prayer for them.) He was also telling me to turn my attention to where it was needed the most: first, to take care of myself so I can prepare for my family’s sake; second, to do what it takes to promote freedom in my sphere of influence. I’m grateful I was obedient to Him, because when the worst crisis of our lives hit our home that fall, I was better prepared to handle it (since I wasn’t as stressed out as I would’ve been feeling like I needed to do this or that to wake up others). When Felix was hospitalized, I was focused on where I needed to be. I believe this change in direction a few months previously allowed me greater ease exploring my faith and allowed me to have an incredibly tender-loving period with God. In other words, I wasn’t distracted by the stress and burden of waking up others. And He doesn't want us to be distracted, stressed, and burdened either. Prayerfully consider re-directing your focus.

**This relevant Q&A is from the archives** Q: It’s really hard not to pass along important information to my relatives and friends even though some have stopped talking to me. Wouldn’t it be wrong to not tell them what’s going on? What do you do with your friends and family? A: Believe it or not there’s a lot to unpack in your questions! It’s interesting you used the word, “wrong” to describe not communicating certain things with your friends and family. Is the Holy Spirit convicting you? Or is guilt crushing you? You have to ponder the difference because there are two vastly distinct sources who bring something to our attention. Our enemy wants to confuse, confound, coerce, condemn. Our Heavenly Father wants to inspire us to change our way of thinking to be more aligned with His, and He wants to bring forth the fruits of the spirit inside us, often by tapping into the very talents and temperaments He’s gifted us. In my humble opinion, I don’t believe we are called to inform everyone of everything. For starters, how many of us get things wrong? We believe one thing then find out later that thing is erroneous. Have you ever felt embarrassed for sharing false information? I have! Another thing to consider is it might not be for us to take on “educating” others; it might be something God wants to bring about to draw those individuals directly to Himself. I’ve pondered 1 Peter 3:15 for many years: "... Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” How do you interpret this verse? As one who has long struggled to keep their personal opinions from blasting ad nauseam, this verse gives me pause. I interpret this to mean that I do not need to chase after others, making them listen to whatever opinions, insights or beliefs I have. And I certainly have no God-given authority to berate or belittle others [not that you are]. My prayers over the last few years have been asking God to guide me in all my interactions –with strangers and those known– to recognize when to speak (and give me the words!), and when to simply listen. I struggle, I fail, but with an eagerness to do His will and with His help, I improve. Maybe knowing when to be still and when to act has been a struggle for you as well.

Challenge #41

Real bombs, fake bombs, F-bombs... It's nice to know that this happens 🙂

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit Psalm 34:8 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Personal favor: Anyone in the Memphis area? If so, may I send you a personal message? Just leave a comment or send me a DM 🙂

An abiding prayer from @Kellstribe

The LORD is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him Psalm 28:7

👆🏼Sometimes you just gotta be silly 😁😊 Happy Friday, friends!

Happy Friday Anons! Say it back or you’ll wake up tomorrow next to Big Mike.