ThinMint

Just want to drop a little note to say thank you for all the kind words you give me. Because you are becoming Dear Friends, I think it’s important to confess I have my not so, ahem, “bright” moments 👇🏻

ICYMI: Here is a fantastic conversation with Marjory Wildcraft, outlining a 3-part system to feed your family in very little space! Marjory Wildcraft joins Christian to explore a 3-part system to quickly grow abundant food for your family. Marjory brings deep experience in organic farming, permaculture, agroforestry, indigenous teachings together with her unique perspective as founder of The Grow Network (grownetwork.com), where 150,000+ individuals share their own experiences in food production. We also discuss why animals are absolutely VITAL to a self-sufficient homestead. Join us, and start growing ridiculous amounts of delicious, nutritious food today! https://iceagefarmer.com/marjory

I have not had a chance to delve further into this, however a few things caught my eye and I wanted to go ahead and share 👇🏻

When Emails Aren’t Working - Go After the Donors If you want your voice to be heard, call your local politicians. They will ignore you until you tell them that you’re calling, writing and emailing the people who gave them money for their campaign. If you want to see who gave them money go to: https://media.ethics.ga.gov/search/Campaign/Campaign_ByName.aspx - David Cross

Today is a good day to remind ALL to consider NOT donating to any political official or candidate or entity who is NOT taking ACTION to FIX 2020. Exercise the power of the purse. Money is the lifeblood of politicians. Cut them off. Deny them the money IF they are NOT taking action to fight for the will of We The People. Anyone disagree?

If you are someone who doesn’t mind giving money to politicians, one of Lin Wood’s posts from today is relevant, which is included here. Below his post, is a suggestion I think is brilliant and effective 🇺🇸🦅

Don't worry. I won't go putting on airs. I'm a simple gal who loves a humble little cookie

When it comes to understanding a person in a position of influence or power, do they exhibit the ability to forgive or admit mistakes? Do they choose their words carefully? Do they use insincere flattery or manipulative tactics? Are they crass or regularly lie? How do they handle criticism? If they claim to be a Christian, what fruit do they bear? Do their words match the way they treat others? We all have said things we regret. When that happens, does this person want to make right with the people they have hurt? It's normal to not agree with someone on every point. Are some things trivial and of a personal preference that we can just let it be? When is it worth pointing out these discrepancies? There is such a variety of channels to follow, and the personalities behind them are just as diverse. As soon as the post goes live, the words and opinions are made vulnerable to censure. Sometimes it’s surprising what affects people. Remember The Mask Joke™ I posted last week? That night I received an unkind private message from someone who did not share my sense of humor. So please know that I’m learning, exploring and observing right along with you, and I am humbled by those of you who continue to give me a chance. As Mr Wood says, “I am doing my imperfect best.” Please give me grace to grow, and know that when I fumble, it happens spectacularly. It’s how I roll. Occasionally it’s embarrassing. I think I need a cookie now. Maybe two... 😊

When you want to understand a political or historical matter, or a person better, you must look at many opinions, perspectives and theories. Sometimes this means going out of our comfort zone for a bit. On the one hand, keep an open mind; on the other hand, maintain a dubious inclination. Lean on your own instincts and trust your gut. Yes, sometimes we get it wrong. However, more often than not, our initial gut reaction (not our emotional reaction) is the correct one. The key to being objective is to curtail our emotions and prejudices. When watching a video, listen keenly, understand body language and voice inflections, and note what’s not being said. If you’re a person of faith, pray for guidance. Opinions are not inherently good or evil, nor do they necessarily reflect the true heart of the speaker. Commentators offer their opinions because they want to bring you to their side. Some are more subtle than others, some have a nefarious purpose and some have an honorable purpose, but the end goal is the same: it’s to cause a change in your perspective. As you research look for patterns and ask a lot of questions. Look for the common denominator across many spectrums. As you read news stories and commentaries, note if they are able to offer evidence –real tangible, traceable, knowable evidence for their statements. Or do they ask pointed questions to get your own wheels turning?

Hi. It’s getting a little hot under the Telegram collar lately. I think one of the reasons we are caught off guard when learning indelicate information about another, is we tend to view the unfavorable information as useful. We might believe that knowing negative information can protect us, thus we may find ourselves taking an inconsequential quarrel between others seriously. We must prayerfully consider what has merit and what requires a wide berth because as Paul shows us, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder are attitudes that will cause distraction and division (2 Corinthians 12:20). So how can we contradistinguish* the insignificant from the valuable? While we can’t control what other people say about us or someone else, we can control how we respond, we can hone our instinctual abilities to readily recognize the inaccurate, and become proficient with our research skills. *Yes, this is a real word and I’ve been super excited waiting to use it! 😃 Sounds like this is a celebratory moment. We should probably have a cookie 🤔

Have a beautiful sleep and morning, Sweet Friends. I'm off to cuddle with my Kindle, say my prayers then visit Dreamland.

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Why am I sharing this with you? As a reminder that God knows the earthly things that bring us joy. That He is the One who plants those special interests, those favorite things in our hearts. He knows the sweet memories those precious things, those treasured moments will give us. As a reminder that even in the midst of a chaotic world, we can still experience child-like joy. We can share our cherished memories and pass our blessedness along to our children. We can still have our jaded hearts made tender. As a reminder that we can simultaneously prepare for uncertain times and plan as if there will be joyful times.

A little backstory to the below picture... My non-bio dad was given a brand new Lionel electric train set in the early 50s when he was a kid. I got to enjoy this set the few times he set it up for my brother and I while we were growing up. I was smitten! The precious few times my brother let me hang around during Train Time, I relished setting up the buildings, cars, trees, people -I wasn’t allowed to touch the tracks and rarely got to run the transformer. I desperately wanted the train for when I was older, but was always told by The Grownups that the train would be passed to my brother. Fast forward about 20 years... I inquire about the train. I’m firmly told by my sister-in-law that I cannot have it, cannot even borrow it because it would be going to their son. 10 years later I ask about it again. I’m told I can have it -if I’m willing to buy it. Hurt and angry I decline. My brother tells me he’s working with a buyer but is willing to sell it to me. Again, I decline. The sale falls through. Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago, I ask about the train set again. My brother suspicious, asks me what my plans are for it. Ignoring the insult that he doesn’t trust me, I tell him I want to enjoy it with my kids and said I would gladly pay for shipping. This past Thursday 5 of the 6 boxes arrived. Saturday afternoon we unpacked the boxes.

There’s a lot more I want to share in the coming days. For now, my soul needs to rest. I’m sure yours does as well. Don’t be shy. If you need something, ask. If you need God to refresh your spirit, ask Him. If you need Him to renew your mind, ask Him. If you want to connect with someone you miss, ask God to restore what’s been lost. Find something this weekend you can delight in, something that lightens your mood... seek the beauty, the goodness, the wondrous. Blessings to you and your families ♥️

Something to think about this weekend as you continue to work on your preps. First, make an inventory list of your preps. If you’re storing some items in bins, have a system for labeling, and write down the items in each bin. Take an inventory of any coinage you have, and of your pantry, your medicine cabinet, your closets -wherever you are storing items. This will show what you’re lacking, of course, but also look at the lists for what you’ve been able to put away. Be encouraged! Second, think of seemingly insignificant items that might stress you out if you couldn’t replenish it for 30-60 days. For me, I need lip balm and lotion for my hands during the colder months. Also for me, I need chocolate. Even if I don’t eat any, knowing it’s there is comforting. Great news: chocolate freezes well! Maybe you enjoy grilling so make sure you have the propane, coals and fluids needed. Maybe you like to garden/begin your sprouts indoors so make sure you have your heirloom seeds. Maybe you enjoy a specific beverage or love to knit, sew or do woodworking or do something mechanical. Whatever it is: comfort food, books, hobbies -make sure you have enough supplies to see you through the next few months.