Carpenter's Refuge

03/08/2026

Like most things in life, we can use social media for good or bad. While we cannot change others, we can change who and how we interact. You can love and care about someone without choosing to see their daily rant about anyone and anything they don't understand or with which they disagree. It's important to manage what you see on social media and what you expose others to. Remember, God is always with you, and yes, He sees what you share on social media.

Before posting or sharing something on social media, I strongly encourage you consider the following:

Is this true? - You might have to do some research. (Proverbs 12:22)
Is it helpful? - If it's true, will it benefit others? (2 Thessalonians 3:13)
Is it inspiring? - How will this affect others? (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Is it necessary? - Is this important? Does it need to be shared? (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
Is it kind? - Remember, we are called to speak the truth and do so in love (Ephesians 4:15)

If your sentiment (or share) does not meet these criteria, it might be best to delay the post, perhaps indefinitely. (2 Peter 1:5-6)

Life is short. Time is precious. Social media should not be a source of strife. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, always. God bless.

01/23/2026

Motivational speaker Jim Rohn said, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." Long before that, God said, "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." Proverbs 13:20 ESV. (See also Proverbs 17:17, 18:24; 1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Corinthians 6:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Whether you realize it or not, whether you like it or not, the people you choose to spend time with influence your thinking, self-esteem, and even your decisions. It's not a matter of chance but a conscious choice to surround yourself with people who embody the qualities you value - those whose words and actions reflect integrity, honesty, kindness, and care. You deserve people in your life who genuinely care about you - people who challenge and encourage you to be the best version of yourself.

Consider those with whom you spend most of your time; do you respect and admire them? Do they demonstrate integrity, honesty, kindness, and care in their words and actions? If not, it might be time to make some changes. I'm not suggesting you cut people out of your life entirely, especially if they are family members or coworkers. Instead, I encourage you to consciously limit the impact their opinions and behaviors have on you. This could mean seeking out other perspectives, setting boundaries, or spending less time in their company. The goal is to increase the influence of those who 'help' you instead.

Consider yourself; what kind of influence are you in others' lives? Are you a person of integrity, honesty, kindness, and care? Do you do the right thing even when it might not be popular? Are you willing to speak the truth even when someone might want to hear a lie? Are you kind and caring? Do you help others when they are in need? Are you helping or hindering others?

What kind of person do you want to be? Who do you know who possesses the qualities you want to develop? These are the people with whom you should focus most of your time and energy. You are influenced by those you spend time with, and you, in turn, influence them. The people you surround yourself with will either help or hinder you; you will either help or hinder them. Choose Wisely.

God bless.

10/09/2025

11/13/2024

Please consider helping a dear friend and her son in Florida! Please read their story!!

I want to wish our dear friends Bella & Shiloh a VERY Happy Birthday! Sad… Christopher Admire needs your support for Restore Hope for Bella & Shiloh's Future

10/17/2024

01/13/2024

The Lord's throne is in heaven. Psalm 11:4.

08/30/2023

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