Coffee Inspiration: Pour A Cup of Blessing

“Bless the Lord Oh my soul, and forget not all his benefits…” (ESV) Psalm 103:2

How do we always know that Jesus is readily seen in our lives by others? Is it by our deeds and actions? Is it by our words of encouragement and sharing our faith in Jesus Christ?

On January 1, 2017, this was the question that the minister posed to the congregation as we pondered what it meant to each of us. He asked for individuals to share their experiences of how and when God made it clear that He was using them as a testimony of their faith to reach individuals who perhaps were struggling and who needed to learn more about God’s grace and faithfulness.

During this one hour service, I received a text message from our former foster son who is married and lives quite a distance away from our current residence. He shared that while they were in their church service–at the same time as ours–they began singing the song, “Make Me A Blessing” and he remembered “the blessing you are in my life” and wanted to share that thought at that exact moment. Talk about God’s timing!

Needless to say, it touched my heart and I shared that with him after the service. As I shared my thoughts with the congregation on “how do we know if God is seen in our lives by others”, I was overcome with memories and thoughts of having had our former foster son in our home for a number of years and how truly thankful I was that God had used my husband and I to show him the love of Christ.

We never know during our life’s journey what effect and/or impact we will have on others at the time; however, my husband and I have been shown and blessed with knowing that God has truly used us throughout our 40+ years in ministry and that we actually got to see some of the “fruits of our labor” with the many lives that God has brought us into contact with. Even a small word of encouragement could leave a significant impact without our realizing it as well.

“Eternal Blessings: A man may lose the good things of this life against his will; but if he loses the eternal blessings, he does so with his own consent.”–Augustine, “Thank Heaven for Coffee and other little pleasures”

May the God of grace and glory bless your lives and use you as a blessing to others.

Blessings,
Yvonne

Coffee Inspiration: Pour A Cup of Joy

“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”–Nehemiah 8:10

“Clap your hands all peoples! Shout to God with songs of joy.”–Psalm 47:1

How many of you remember the coffee jingle from the ’60’s, “Chock full of nuts is that heavenly coffee” or the expressions “pour me a cup of joe” and “…good til the last drop?” I was recently reminded of these expressions and my heart was full of joy.

During the holidays, I ordered two special mugs and added a personal touch with the individual’s name on each one. They didn’t come in time for Christmas but I sent them a few days later. The individual text’d me and said they loved them, and that she was “pouring a cup of joe” in her new mug. I text’d back saying, “Now you will always think of me.” She replied, “I think of you all the time. I don’t need a mug for that.”

As soon as I saw her message, my heart was full of joy at her words and we agreed to talk on the phone at a time that was convenient for her. When we did talk, I had my cup of coffee in hand. My cup has the words, “Be strong…the strength you need comes from God.” Nehemiah also reminds us of being strong and that the “joy of the Lord is our strength.”

Right now, everything is going along smoothly; but I have no doubt that my faith will be tested by life’s circumstances and that God will continually remind me that the joy we need to have in our hearts comes from Him. Joy plus an attitude of gratitude is my new motto for this coming year. It is a reminder that God is with us–that our lives matter–and that we can make a difference in others’ lives as well.

“Coffee is best served…black
…or with cream
…or with sugar
…or flavored with vanilla, chocolate,
hazelnut, peppermint, spice, etc.
…or with dessert
…or with breakfast
…or with a SMILE.”–From “Thank Heaven for Coffee and other little pleasures” by Barbour Publishing, Inc.”

May God richly bless and keep you in His loving care and enjoy your special “cup of joy” each and every day.

Blessings,
Yvonne