ThinMint

-3- We are indeed surrounded by deceptive Christians. Some are deliberately wolves in sheep’s clothing, some are modern day Pharisees, some are buttinskies and some are simply clueless. Christianity is a very broad paintbrush. I’ve read articles, listened to opinions and watched videos that surprised me. These presenters spoke of things I shouldn’t believe, shouldn’t read, shouldn’t eat, shouldn’t wear, shouldn’t speak about, shouldn’t shop from, shouldn’t visit, shouldn’t be friends with… I do not find these kind of declarations helpful. You know what ends up happening when you start analyzing all these Christian influences? They contradict one another. Worse, they are belittling the Lord’s might by boxing Him into their own little ideas and beliefs. It’s so brash and unnecessary to try to put shackles on the Lord! God is perfectly capable of reaching someone through a particular song, sermon, denomination, bible version, person, location. God can send a message, a moment of comfort through others. He often does. What He will not do is cause confusion and conflict. His ways are perfect so His plans for our life can be trusted. Moreover, His plans are not going to look like someone else’s. For example, He might tell some they need to vote while He tells others it’s not time to vote. He will instruct a homeschooling family to use a certain curriculum, and instruct another homeschooling family not to use it. If we allow ourselves to get caught up in others’ assertions (opinions are not facts) then we are taking our eyes of the Lord. Worse, we are walking in spiritual disobedience. You know it will be a good source, a God-directed source, because it won’t leave you confused, fearful, perturbed. The phrase, “Be careful who you follow,” absolutely should apply to those who claim to be a Christian. Our priorities have changed dramatically since Felix’s miracle. We no longer give time to those who proclaim to be Christians, but consistently post filthy language, memes, opinions and “news.” We do not stay with those who make fun of and gang up on others in the chat. We do not pay attention to the doomsayers, handwringers and pessimists. We do not waste time with the haughty, the gossipers, the prattlers and the braggadocios. When considering different sources, ask yourself, “Is this helping me draw closer to the Lord?”

-2- I’ve been awake to some degree or another for decades. Many years ago, I got kinda freaked out about the star shape after doing some research. Shortly thereafter, I cut up an apple widthwise for an elementary math lesson. As each slice hit the cutting board, I became more and more excited. There it was: a star shaped centerpiece! My uneasiness melted away as I regarded God’s beauty and bounty. A few days later I stopped by a nearby country store. The owner had just received a delivery of various fruits from Florida. He pulled one from behind the glass door and with a twinkle in his eye he asked me if I knew what it was. I quietly told him, “Yes. It’s a star fruit. I haven’t enjoyed one since I was a kid.” He gifted me the fruit and the kids and I enjoyed it later that afternoon. These were God moments. Ones He created just for me so I was reassured of His presence, His divine control. Stars belong to God! He, Who cared enough to number and name each one (Psalm 147:4) created the star shape. He created the swirl pattern. We see this pattern in plants, animals, weather and it naturally occurs in some of the foods we eat. He created the rainbow. We see these displays after thunderstorms, and when the sun’s rays hit a bubble or puddle just right. He created the goat, the bull, the rat, the peacock. Our enemy is not very creative. It could only take what was made perfect and get those who hate God to use it for something ugly. As soon as I came to the realization that these things are God’s design, made corrupt by evil doers, I was determined to take these back for what it was created for: His glory! Though it is good to be aware of our enemy’s symbols, it’s also important to know that there is not a pedophile hiding behind every swirl. There is not a satan worshipper behind every “okay” and “peace” hand gesture. If we remain in Him, He remains in us. This means that we will be so in tune to Him, His voice, we will immediately know if something is off. I would encourage you not to read something nefarious into every symbol. The Holy Spirit will alert you if something is amiss.

Q: I feel so overwhelmed… The evil out there punches me in the gut… The symbols, the people… It feels like we are surrounded by a lot of deceptive Christians, too… I’m not sure what is real, what I’m supposed to believe… Who I am supposed to listen to… where I should shop, what I should boycott? … I am very worried about the future and my family… You seem to be optimistic… What are you doing that keeps you sane? A: You feel overwhelmed because it is overwhelming. If we lived near one another, I would invite you over. I would offer you a hug. We’d sit on the deck, sip something warm, eat some cookies. You could share anything on your mind. I would watch your shoulders rise as you unloaded what’s weighing you down. It’s sad we cannot do this, but there is something better. There is only One capable of meeting you no matter what condition you are in. He knows every chamber of your heart, every corner of your mind, every heavy sigh released, every tear shed and every unspoken word. There’s comfort in knowing that He knows us so well, and in knowing that we can talk to Him about anything. There is nothing too tiny about our lives, our feelings, our thoughts. There is nothing too shocking, too intimate, too embarrassing, too awful that we cannot share it with Him. We can share our doubts, our anger, our fear. He wants us to engage and emote, not hesitate and withhold. We’re familiar with, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). Something else to consider. He knows our voice, too. When the 99 bleat loudly, He hears our fragile cry among the din, and He answers, He rescues, He heals. I find, “On Living in an Atomic Age,” by CS Lewis quite applicable, his advice encouraging in its authenticity and simplicity. But, there’s something that is more substantial and satisfactory than what mere man can write. The Lord Himself tells us not to worry. He must have a reason for saying so, right? What does He know that we don’t? So we either trust Him or we don’t. If we bond to Him, if our arms are holding onto Jesus, then we are unable to hold on to worry. We either trust Him or we don’t.

NOTE: From the archives. Read a comment recently that made me think it might helpful to re-visit this. Yep. It’s a long response. I prayed for the Lord to guide the words. Any shortcomings are obviously mine.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

I choose to dance in the rain!☔️

👇🏼 TM: This isn't about highlighting celebrities or touchy-feel-goodisms. It's sound advice made worthy when we do because of Christ.

Got some links filled with encouragement for your weekend! Here you go... 📚 Considering homeschool this fall? Or, you're already homeschooling but it would be nice to hear how much weirder other families might be than yours? 😂 This is a slightly dated post from 2021 (when homeschooling went through the roof, sort of, but not really) and is still full of good stuff: https://copperlightwood.com/2021/08/weird-homeschool.html 🕰 For the one who feels like things are moving too slow, you're tired of the waiting, and you want to hurry up and smell the roses 😁: https://copperlightwood.com/2014/07/cover-me.html 🏎 OR for all you do-ers and go-getters who have a hard time slowing down, taking a break, trusting God with the pace of things...this post from the archives is for you (and me): https://copperlightwood.com/2019/07/pace-car-leaders.html 🧡 If you have a longing for something big and out of reach and you feel somehow less-than or undeserving, and you wonder what God is doing with you, here's something to consider: https://copperlightwood.com/2021/08/greatness.html

Please share all the good & inspiring, delightful, awesome, beautiful things: stories, memes, music, news, images, bible verses -all the goodness you see!

Reading Psalm 91 and praying in new ways has been exciting and eye-opening, comforting and fulfilling. Do you feel closer to the LORD? What did God reveal for you during this time? What are the next steps for you? Regardless if you joined me in this specific calling for July, I hope you will continue to push all your angst, concerns, sad thoughts, mixed emotions -all hardships onto Christ. In exchange, we get peace, direction, and unending Love. Praying blessings upon your household, friends!

This video was shared by Shannon Guerra many months ago. The message impacted me greatly. Prayerfully consider watching it and see if there's a message for you, too. We need to remember!

Day 30 Father God – Help us remember. Help us remember the stories of those in the Bible who were devoted to You and how You were faithful to them. Help us remember that You keep every promise You declare. Help us remember the original creation, how You created us to walk intimately with You. Help us remember and connect deeply to what Christ did for us. Help us remember how You made the impossible, possible. Help us remember that You intervene for us in ways we cannot imagine nor deserve. Help us to remember the relieving power of forgiveness and the grace You generously pour over us. Help us to be intentional, purposeful, bounteous, and effective in our words and motives. In the name of Jesus we pray these words to You. Read Psalm 91 how the LORD instructs

Day 29 A Bold Prayer... Father God - We thank You for healing us from head to toe. We thank You for purging the bad memories, ill thoughts, and horrible images from our minds. We thank You for turning our thoughts towards You, for helping us seek You out first and beyond. Thank You for purging the darkness that hides in the deep and unknown crevices of our hearts. Thank You for untangling us from the webs of deceit that we weave for ourselves. Thank You for blocking the lies of our enemy so the words that go forth from his forked tongue do no harm against us. Purge and cleanse, heal and renew our heart so that it beats strong and healthy for You, and for the Kingdom work that lies ahead. Thank You for guiding our thoughts so that we speak life. Thank You for the prompt reminders so we recognize any harm that is about to leave our mouth. Thank You for helping us corral our emotions and control our responses so that we do not hurt others. Thank You for giving us the words You would have us speak so that we help others. Thank You for aligning the systems inside us, for making them work the way You intended. Skeletal. Muscular. Cardiovascular. Respiratory. Nervous. Central nervous. Digestive. Urinary. Endocrine. Lymphatic. Reproductive. Integumentary. Thank You for making straight what is crooked. We thank You that our organs will function properly. Thank You that all inside us that beats, moves, and produces, will do so normally, healthily, and the way You intended. Thank You for giving us strong and healthy feet to stand expectantly and joyously before You, and to walk confidently in the tasks You deem us worthy to carry out with Your help. We thank You for putting Your power, Your light, Your love inside us. We thank You for producing fruits of the Spirit in us so that others see You. Thank You for healing us! For moving on our behalf! For blessing us so thoroughly that we are able to bless others! We claim restoration, reconciliation, and revival in the beautiful name of Jesus! Read Psalm 91 how the LORD instructs

Day 28 Father God – You are Faithful and True. When our thoughts whirl, when our labors stretch and strain, when our courage flickers, You are our Rock and Redeemer. Amongst the chaos and confusion You are our Sanctuary. Your children, Your lambs, seek their Shepherd. Guide us to safety, bring us through the storm unharmed. We stand firmly, confidently upon the promises of Psalm 91. In the name of Jesus we lift our voices. Read Psalm 91 how the LORD instructs

Day 27 Father God – We pray for relief from the hurting. Enwomb those of us who grieve and weep. We ask for Your peace to cover our thoughts and for You to bring good from the painful. Thank You for being near the brokenhearted and being our strength. Help us cope with abandonment, loss, and rejection, and remind us that nothing can snatch us from Your grasp. We exchange our resentment and anger, and our shame and guilt for Your grace and unending love. Make it well with our soul. This is what really matters. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Read Psalm 91 how the LORD instructs

Please share all the good & inspiring, delightful, awesome, beautiful things: stories, memes, music, news, images, bible verses -all the goodness you see!

Day 26 Father God – We know that this land has been set apart. Long ago, men and women trusted Providence to establish and progress a settlement that reflects His goodness and glory. And You have planted and plowed, grown and separated for Your divine purpose. We are the beneficiaries of Your comforts and gifts, and we thank You for the bounty and beauty you have given us. Though Your children understand the privilege of living here, we are not exempt from the scourging and we have become vulnerable to the pilfering of our freedoms. We call on You now, like the Pilgrims, Colonists, and Pioneers before us, to intervene, sustain, and flourish us as You did for them. We call on You to tear down and blot out those who oppose You and Your children. We dedicate this land, this nation to You, and we trust You to gather us safely under Your wings as You revive and restore. It is in the name of Jesus we pray to You. Read Psalm 91 how the LORD instructs