A Winner! (and a little Spurgeon)

Happy Saturday! I got so wrapped up in the holiday weekend that I realized I forgot to tell you that good ol' random.org picked us a winner for Annie Downs book, From Head to Foot!

Congrats Andrea E! Whoo hoo! You are the WINNER!! I know you will be so blessed by Annie. Did you all go see her blog? So full of energy, belly laughs and Jesus. Love her to pieces. Thank you all for entering to win!

Next week, I look forward to settling in to blogging again. For now, I'm resting with all my people, drinking coffee at Jesus' feet. I think a tree farm may be calling our name today. Or Sam's. They have a little concrete tree farm as you walk in the front door. {grin} We'll see.

I will leave you with my Charles Spurgeon devotional for today. I love this. Be blessed today...

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.

We have no other time in which to live. The past is gone; the future has not arrived; we never shall have any time but time present. Then do not wait until your experience has ripened into maturity before you attempt to serve God. Endeavour now to bring forth fruit. Serve God now, but be careful as to the way in which you perform what you find to do-"do it with thy might." Do it promptly; do not fritter away your life in thinking of what you intend to do tomorrow as if that could recompense for the idleness of today. No man ever served God by doing things
tomorrow.

Whatever you do for Christ throw your whole soul into it. Do not give Christ a little slurred labour, done as a matter of course now and then; but when you do serve him, do it with heart,
and soul, and strength.

But where is the might of a Christian? It is not in himself, for he is perfect weakness. His might lieth in the Lord of Hosts. Then let us seek his help; let us proceed with prayer and faith, and when we have done what our "hand findeth to do," let us wait upon the Lord for his blessing. What we do thus will be well done, and will not fail in its effect.

Going Home {Awesome Guest Post!!}

Going off to college is weird. For 18ish years, your life has pretty much looked the same. And then, in one day, you move off to the university of your choosing and life is different and weird.

But you know what else is weird [and I would submit is weirder than leaving for college]?

Going back home for the holidays.

You are changed. They are changed. Your room has changed. Your friendships have changed. And sometimes it feels like you have to squeeze and finagle back into a spot that used to be really comfortable.

I’m doing my own weird “go home for the holidays” this year, as I’ve been living in Edinburgh, Scotland working with Crossroads Church for the last six months. Though it’s been a while since Mom and Dad’s was my full time residence, it doesn’t mean it is going to be simple.

At the core of who you are, you are still you. What annoyed you before will annoy you again [with a vengeance, probably]. What you loved before will make you want to stay home forever- for example, a full fridge and clean folded clothes. [Can I get an amen?]

So let’s all circle our chairs up and have a chat about how to do this thing well.

#1. Be patient
Listen, I know you’ve changed. I know you feel like a different person than when you left. And truth be known, you are in a lot of ways. And while you’ve called Mom anytime you got sick or talked with Dad about the football scores, it doesn’t mean they know all that you’ve been through. They may ask questions like, “What’s that boyfriend’s name again?” when y’all broke up in October or “When is your calculus final?” when you’ve been taking statistics. It’s okay when that happens. It really is. [I still have people make Irish jokes all the time when I have been living on a COMPLETELY different island for half of a year.] Just be patient.

#2. Be kind.
Your siblings missed you. You may not know it or feel it, but it is true. They missed you. So be nice to them. Don’t jump right back into being the angsty teen in your home. Be cool. Treat them the way you treat your hallmates or roommates at school. And try to watch the Thanksgiving Parade with them without making derogatory remarks about the cartoon character they love. [Not to mention, you’ll get to see Ingrid Michaelson perform, so you win too.]

#3. Obey the rules.
A curfew? Are you kidding me? I know. It’s hard. But you are only there for a few nights for Thanksgiving. Breathe deep, calm down, and come home on time. If it makes you insane, have a talk with Momsie and Popsie before Christmas break. [A good report card will help with that conversation, I’m just sayin’.]

#4. Be fun.
You have the choice. I know you do. You can be frowny and sit on facebook all holiday break long. Or you can play Wii with your Dad and do a puzzle with your Mom and play outside with your siblings. Be fun. When you leave to go back to school, you want them to miss you, not celebrate your exit.

#5. Talk.
What have been the highlights of the first part of this semester? What has been hard? What have you learned about life, God, friendships? Talk about this stuff. Don’t be the strong silent college kid that alienates yourself from your family. Jump right back in and tell your people about your life.

#6. Be thankful.
Let your actions say what you feel on the inside- grateful for a loving God, a family, a roof over your head. Say thanks all week long. It will go farther than you know.

Seven is my favorite number, so I’m going to let you create #7. What else do we need to remember when going home for a holiday break?

**We’ll pick one commenter to win a free copy of Annie’s book, From Head to Foot! **



The winner will be announced on Wednesday! FUN!

Annie Downs is a freelance writer in Nashville, Tennessee and she is currently flying back there from Edinburgh, Scotland. (Seriously! Today!) It has been an HONOR to correspond with her via email. Her heart beats strong for Jesus, college-age ministry and the twenty-somethings out there. (I am pulling for her to come to Knoxville and lead a weekend retreat with CRU!) Like her on facebook and learn more about her time in Scotland (and the rest of life) on her blog (one of my favs). Thank you, Annie! xoxo

Leave a comment!

A Winner {and a prayer request}

Good Wednesday morning! Or should I say WIN-esday!! Yes, we have a winner for our Girlfriend's Guidebook: Navigating Female Friendships. Thank you all for you sweet comments. I hope you told your besties that you bragged on them. It was fun for me to read through each comment and thank the Lord alongside you.
In summary, here are a few of your words that described the friendships in your life: "Generous, kind-hearted, loves me with all of my flaws, encouragement, inspiration, my rock, right by my side, prayer warrior, as loyal as they come, Godly, gifts to me, they love me no matter how much of a mess I am."

Mmm. Sounds like a God thing to me. Love it.

So with no further ado...thank you random.org for choosing the winner this morning. Drum roll.....here is the chosen comment:

"I'm thankful for my sweet twin sister Kim, long time friend robin, and new friend Mary. they are all gifts in my life and are co-walkers with me on my journey with Jesus. true blessings! Jennifer M."

Jennifer M! You won!! Congrats! If you would please, post a comment at the bottom of this page with your email (I won't publish it) and I will contact you! Fun.

So. Before I go, can I ask you all a big blogspere friend favor?

Since Sunday, my five-year-old has been very sick with severe abdominal cramping and vomiting. We've been to his pediatrician and the ER twice. After every test known to man, they have all concluded he has a mean, nasty virus.

Yesterday afternoon, I thought we were out of the woods. After an "anything to make him happy" trip to the store, he enjoyed a Madden 12 rental from Blockbuster, Jell-O, Popsicles, cheese balls and watching Cars 2. He drank and ate and seemed a whole lot merrier.

Until - during the night he vomited, yet again. Again!

As most of you are parents, you know how hard to watch your children suffer in pain. I wish I could bear it all for him. But what I can do is intercede for him, take authority over this ugly thing and bear the weight in prayer. Mama Bear is all riled up this mornin'.

I have left you all with a few scriptures on healing. We all need this at some point, don't we? God's Word is alive and active. It brings life and healing. I am standing in faith over my little Ethan. Will you stand with me today? I would appreciate your prayers.

Have a blessed day, in Jesus Name.
-Becky

(Psa 41:1-3 NIV) Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. {2} The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. {3} The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness.

(Psa 91:14-16 NIV) “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. {15} He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. {16} With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

(Psa 103:1-5 NIV) Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. {2} Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits– {3} who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, {4} who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, {5} who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

(Prov 4:20-22 NIV) My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. {21} Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; {22} for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body.

(Isa 53:4-5 NIV) Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. {5} But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

(Isa 54:17 NIV) No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.

(Phil 4:6-7 NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. {7} And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

(Heb 4:16 NIV) Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

(Heb 13:8 NIV) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

(James 4:7 NIV) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

(James 5:14-16 NIV) Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. {15} And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. {16} Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

(1 Pet 2:24 NIV) He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

(1 John 5:14-15 NIV) This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. {15} And if we know that he hears us–whatever we ask–we know that we have what we asked of him.

(3 John 1:2 NIV) Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.

The Girlfriend's Guidebook {a giveaway!}

There are ample books for women on dating, career, marriage and motherhood, but few thoughtful writings about the everyday handling of female friendships. Interesting, considering numerous studies show that female friendships are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. In fact, bonding between females has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and even fuel creativity.

How then can something so good for us, be so utterly complicated? While they are healthy female friendships are also deeply complex, often involving issues like control and jealousy.

Inspired by the highs and lows of a backpacking trip across Europe with foul gal pals, Marian Jordan's, The Girlfriend's Guidebook; Navigating Female Friendships charts a winning pathway through, "jealously, competition, control, anger, manipulation, and resentment -- just to name a few less than cuddly aspects of our personalities."

"When it comes to friendships, women often revisit feelings of insecurity and jealousy they haven't felt since the growing pains of high school." says Jordan. "We have thoughts such as 'What am I supposed to do when my friend is giving me the silent treatment and I don't know why' and 'How am I supposed to react when it feels like middle school school, and I'm the girl no picked to sit at the lunch table?'"

Informed by her faith, Jordan encourages deeper friendships built on Christ-like honesty and love, emphasizing the development of such qualities as loyalty, trustworthiness, compassion, and forgiveness. Jordan also makes it clear that The Girlfriend Guidebook should be read first with one's self in mind, recognizing that when we are freed from our own emotional baggage we will really be able to enjoy the journey! - PR by the book, Elaine Krackau

Whoa. Is any of that resonating with you this morning? Friendships can be so hard sometimes, can't they? How do we, as Christian women, deal with the obstacles that can come from female relationships? Can we embrace the hardships they sometimes bring as an opportunity to grow more into the likeness of Christ? I know the answer is yes. In the power of the Holy Spirit, the answer is yes.

The Girlfriends Guidebook: Navigating Female Friendships, complete with small group discussion questions, is a wonderful resource to have on hand. The deeper we grow in our walks with the Lord, the deeper we move into community with the body of Christ. Let us all equip ourselves well in this area. SO TODAY!! Let's have a GIVEAWAY!!

If you would like to enter to win this book here is what we'll do...

Since it is November, the month of giving thanks, let us be thankful for our friendships. Take a second to intentionally thank the Lord for the special friendships in your life. Your comment can be as simple as "I am thankful for Betty, Sue and Ethel. - Becky C."

I look forward to rejoicing with you! This giveaway will end Tuesday night at 9pm! The winner to be announced on Wednesday morning.

Speaking of friends...share this giveaway with one of yours! Also, be sure your name is with your comment. Blogger doesn't always tell me who you are. Thanks!!

I AM THANKFUL FOR YOU!

Walking Into Walls - The Winners!

Did you think I completely forgot about you! Never never.

It has been an over-the-top, busy day!

So with no further ado...Drum rolls please......ahem.

Congratulations Julie H. and Suzanne Halstead!! You won! You won!

And thanks to the handy dandy website www.random.org for choosing the winners.

Winners, please email me at becky.crenshaw@uscm.org. I need your addresses. The postman will be delivering your new book, Walking Into Walls, next week!

Fun!

Walking Into Walls - A Giveaway!

Stephen Arterburn, author of Every Man's Battle, has bundled years of counseling experience into a new book identifying reasons we habitually make poor choices. What is it with us? What do others realize about our sin patterns that we are too wrapped up in to see?


Do you struggle with hindered spiritual growth? Unhealthy relationships? Dissatisfaction with your life? Arterburn's wisdom and insight brings clarity to the "whys" of these problems.

In his book, Walking Into Walls, he identifies five blind spots that cause us to make poor choices – stubborn resistance, self-centered entitlement, justifiable resentment, blind ignorance, disconnected isolation. He then offers life-changing advice to help us conquer these self-defeating reactions – and make the changes permanent. {wow}

All of us crash into self-constructed walls and bloody our noses from time to time. These walls block growth, healthy relationships and overall contentment and happiness. Most of us are blind to our own self-defeating behaviors and attitudes, so we repeatedly walk into the same walls again and again. Best-selling author Stephen Arterburn leads us through the process of deconstructing the issues that built those walls as well as find the permanent healing that frees us to live the joyful life we were meant to live. - Worthy Publishing


From my coffee table to yours...

Enter to win one of these two books:

Leave a comment below saying, "I'd love to have one of these two books!"

OR

Share a Cup of Joe on your Facebook page. Then leave a message on the Word of God and a Cup of Joe Facebook site saying "I shared a Cup of Joe on Facebook!"

That is it!! I will announce the winner on Wednesday!! (Fun! I love giveaways!)

What Words Mark Your Life? (A Giveaway)

July is wrapping up and summer is soon to come to a close.

(I wish someone would inform the weather man of this.)

Summer has been many things for me. Overwhelming. Quick. Busy. Sacrificial. A bit of battle.

But as I sit at my kitchen table and type this morning, I look over my centerpiece and see a sweet woman. My grandmother, asleep on the couch. Wrapped in a wedding ring quilt and letting out an occasional snore... I am a thankful woman.

She's been through it. Massive surgery at 90. A huge move after 52+ years in her home.

But in true Ethel fashion, she bounces back.

Brent left for Colorado and she jumped at the opportunity to come stay with the boys and me. My only bed for her, a living room couch. (Her walker can't make the stairs.) But she'd sleep on the floor if she had to. She is quite the trooper.

I reflect on all of the words that mark my summer and think, "Wow Lord, we've covered some major emotional ground the past few months." I've been in warfare. Had to make sacrifices. Tested in obedience, trusting Him and endurance. To be honest, life has been just flat out hard.

But this morning, I can say, my world is marked by less oppressive language. Three words quickly come to mind.

Thankful.
Pursuit.
Worship.

These three words burn so heavily on my heart that I am determined to press into them and pray them through.

For starters...Worship.

Today, let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool. (Ps 132:7) Today, let us worship Him in Spirit and in Truth (Jn 4:24). Let us ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name and worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. (Ps 29:2)

Worship (shachah): in worshipping a deity; hence to honour God with prayers; to do homage; to submit oneself.

What are you doing right now? Will you take time to close your eyes, and give Him honor? The most Holy God. The creator of Heaven and Earth. The One who formed you in the most secret place. The One who was and is and is to come. Will you submit yourself to Him?

If you read this via email, there is worship music on my blog. Click, listen and enjoy.

Did someone say music? I am enthralled with a new CD.

Do you have Mercy Me, The Generous Mr. Lovewell?

Do you want one? Fun! A giveaway!


To enter the giveaway, think of the words that presently mark your life.

Maybe they are light and easy... Joyful! Summer! Happy! Love!

Or maybe they aren't so easy.... Drought. Sad. Lonely. Lost.

And once the Lord brings them to mind, pray. Meet Him in those words.

And worship Him. Even if its hard. Worship.

Share a comment with the words He gives you. Invite a friend to enter.

The giveaway closes Tuesday night at 9PM. Winner announced Wednesday! I can't wait to hear a piece of your heart.

Thank you for listening to a piece of mine.

(P.S. Our 31 Days of Prayer will be posted on our Facebook page today...)

Eat Your Peas For Mom: Winner

Happy Friday!

I loved reading all of your comments yesterday.

Here are a few exerpts of Mommy Celebrations and Reflections:

My mom is one of the most amazing gifts of God I have ever experienced in my life. She is one of those extraordinary people who makes you feel like you are the most important person in the world. - Lisa P.

My mom spent lots of time teaching my sister and I about Jesus. She taught us the books of the Bible, read Bible story books to us, bought us cassette tapes (CDs weren't around in my early days...haha!) with memory verse songs that I can still sing to this day. - OmniVol

I have cherished my mother more this year after some scary health issues! I praise the Lord for her recovery! - Sheryl

I too am missing my mom this Mother's Day. She has been gone for 5 years. But I know she is in my heart always! I catch myself saying or doing things like she used to. It is at those times I think with pride "I've become my mother!" :) I'm not sure if my husband is as thrilled with that as I am. (LOL) I cherish my memories and try to keep my son's memories of her alive. Thanks for directing my heart and mind down the road of memories. It's been a bittersweet trip. - Paula

My Mom has always shared "life lessons" along the way. Some of my favorites are "never apologize for your grief. It is different for every person and everyone makes progress in their own time." Also, "the best thing you can do for your children is to keep your marriage strong and healthy." And finally, "never do, say, or write anything that you wouldn't want printed on the front page of the newspaper". - Ashley B.

I could go on and on. They were all so precious!

Thanks to random.org for picking our winner this morning...and the winner is:

Frugalissa Finds! Whose Mother, "prayed for her everynight."

Congrats Frugalissa!

I pray you all have a blessed day!

Thank again for all who entered to win.

Eat Your Peas For Mom: A Giveaway

Six years ago, I did not acknowledge Mother's Day.

Five years ago, barely.

Four years ago, slightly...

When you loose your mama, Mother's Day looses its meaning.

And becomes a painful day.

No one really prepared me for Mother's day. Christmas would be hard, yes. Thanksgiving, difficult. But Mother's Day knocked my wind out.

I am thankful for the groundbreaking truth that Jesus, heals the brokenhearted and binds up [our] wounds. Psalm 147:3

I am not over losing my mother. Never.

But the Lord has healed so much.

Today, I can talk about the day without crying. That is major improvement.

I wish I could buy a gift for my mom that would tell her how much she means to me. I wish I could recount to her all that she is and thank her for all she did.

I was a tough one to raise, I'm sure.

I can only tell Jesus, now. Maybe she'll get word. I don't know exactly how that works.

But I have much to be thankful for this weekend. I am thankful for my family. I celebrate my grandmother. I celebrate and honor my rockin' mother-in-law (I love you, Vicki). I adore my mentor, Debbie (I love you, Debbie).

And I celebrate YOU, as well!

If you are a mother, hats off to you! It is no easy task raising kids. Young or old, the challenges of child-rearing are very real and, at times, daunting. Amen?

And you know how I adore these little Eat Your Peas books by Cheryl Karpen. Well, today this one can be yours:



I may not be able to tell my mama...



Or...



But you may be able to tell your mama...



I'd love to give you this book. Either for yourself or for you to give to the one woman in your life who can never be replaced.

Your sweet Mom.



This weekend I will celebrate. Not only being a mother of three amazing little rascals, but I will celebrate the woman who gave me life. She was so awesome. Classy. Fun. She could make an amazing cherry-fluff salad and was the best back scratcher. I adored her.

Today, celebrate your mama in the comment box. What is one thing (or two or three) you love about her?

Your comment will enter you to win.

The giveaway will end at midnight. The winner will be announced tomorrow!

Mother's Day Giveaway - Tomorrow

God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:8

I feel like Paul.

Being out of the blogsphere for a few extra days, I have just missed you, doggone it.

So let's reunite....with a giveaway!

Tomorrow morning.



Come back for a chance to win a Mother's Day happy present.

You deserve it.

Be filled with the joy of Jesus today.

Easter Week Activity: A Precious Tree (and a winner)

He Himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. 1 Peter 2:24

Activity: "Make an Easter picture tree. Anchor a small branch in a pot. Have your kids look through magazines and cut out images that remind them of Jesus."
- Thriving Family magazine



Examples: A lamp because Jesus is the Light of the World. Or flowers because Jesus is so beautiful. As time went on, this got quite entertaining! "How about a car?! Jesus is the Way!" or "What about sand?! Jesus thinks of us more than all of those grains!" Clever ;)

Glue pictures on card stock or construction paper, attach short pieces of string, and hang the pictures on the branches.

(That's a proud little tree hugger.)


My personal fav... fruit on a vine.

John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."



This tree makes me so happy.



Isn't it adorable?

This was a great craft. Fun for the littles, but still thought provoking for older kids.

t brought me so much joy...the boys' minds swirling with thoughts of Jesus. Mmmm.

I'd love to hear what traditions you are doing this Easter! It's almost here!!

Have you tried any of these? Or do you bring out the Resurrection Eggs?! Family dinner? Cookies? A special book? Easter baskets Sunday morning? Card for your mate? Do tell!!

And I didn't forget....The Giveaway!! Thanks so much for all of your ENCOURAGEMENT to me!! I am so humbled by all of you.

O.K. There were 19 entries. I asked Grant (I am actually thankful he is up so early today) to pic any number, 1 to 19. He chose...



...#15 Mommy Elizabeth!! Whoo Hoo!!

Congrats Elizabeth! Will you send me an email with your contact info? I will pop that in the mail today!

Eat Your Peas Faithfully: A Giveaway

Encourage one another and build each other up. 1 Thess. 5:11

I love encouragement.

I love giving it. I love receiving it.

I love hearing it. I love saying it.

I love reading it.



Cherly Karpen wrote and designed a book that does just this...

Encourages and builds up.

This book is P R E C I O U S.



Eat Your Peas, Faithfully: Simple truths and happy insights!

I am so thankful for you, sweet friend.

I am honored that you would join me on this blogging journey.

I love having a cup of joe with you.



Thank you for your faithfulness to the Father.

Thank you for your desire to grow more and more into His image.

Thank you for sharpening me. And challenging me.



Thank you for feeding on His Word, alongside me, on life's road.

Thank you for eating your (spiritual) peas, faithfully.

Enter to win this adorable "3-Minute forever book" today. It would make a great addition to your Easter basket.

Or a friends.

Leave a comment to enter.

(The giveaway will end at midnight. The winner will be drawn tomorrow. I want to mail it in time for Easter!)

A Gift for the Gifted

Now there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

I am so thankful that the Lord did not create us to be robotic in nature.

Same voice. Same face. Same gender. Same talents.

How dull.

No. He has blessed us each with our own gifting and talents.

Each gift a reflection of Him.

For example, Brent. Total stud when it comes to Scripture. He is a student of God's word. A natural learner. A deep thinker.

My friend, Cynthia, sings like a nightingale. She can lead a room of stone hearts into a place of deep, reverent worship.

My mentor Debbie...faith. Oh does she have it. Unshakable. Mountain moving. Steadfast. Uncompromising. Faith.

Tisha... Proverbs 31 all the way. Incredible seamstress, incredible homemaker, incredible cook. Oh, so Betty. (Betty Homemaker, that is).

I could go on. And on and on.... Encourager ... Servant heart ... Discernment ... Wisdom ... Joy ... Mercy showing... Prayer... Exhortation... Teaching...

Everyone is gifted. All of us.

Yes, you too.

God empowers them all [gifts] in everyone (v.6).

E.V.E.R.Y.O.N.E.

Not one believer is excluded.

So today, I am so excited to celebrate an astounding gift in my friend, Angela.

She's what Hollywood may call a triple threat.

Poetic.

Artsy.

And a rockin' photographer.


Isn't she a doll?

She has an inspired eye to capture God's creation; to freeze frame a moment that most of us might overlook and pause God's artwork in pictures.

And if that isn't enough, she can write a tear-jerking poem about it, too.



I am so blessed to own an original piece of Angela's artwork.

Also known as Angela's Heartwork.



Angela is currently hosting a giveaway on her blog for TWO 5x7 original pieces of your choice.

I am thinking...Easter....Mother's Day....Birthday. What a special present! Thoughtful. Personal. And potentially FREE!

You can't beat FREE!

I encourage you to visit my sweet friend. A trip around her Etsy site is truly worshipful.

And take some time today to ask the Lord..."Show me how have you gifted me, Lord! Where is it that you want to use me? How can I serve and exercise the talents with which you have equipped me? "

How exciting!

Love you all...

(P.S. Angela, I am so proud of your talent. I'm not entering the giveaway...I just wanted to brag on you! xoxo)

Hillsong Chapel: Yahweh (Winner!)

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

I wish I could accurately tell you how much your comments meant to me this weekend. Wow. I am so encouraged by all of you.

And now for my fancy-dancy drawing skills. No technology needed here folks...

Just a sharpie and some paper... (Note: I have to wrap blue tape around my pens so they don't disappear in Brent's office. Ahem.)


All the names go into the pot...


In comes my little hands....


Emily Stewart... Congrats friend!!


It is on it's way!

Thanks again for all of your entries and encouragement.

I raise my coffee mug to all of you this morning. Here's to another year of JoyfulJava!!

Love love love.

It's a Birthday! With Presents!

I am so excited....it is a bloggy birthday!

A Cup of Joe is turning ONE tomorrow!

Last night I sat and reflected on what the Lord has done in my life in ONE YEAR.

Take a minute to do that. Wow.

I am so thankful to Him. And so in love with my God. Mmm.

And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. 2 John 1:6a

I made a commitment to Him, to obey Him, no matter what it looks like. I commit to offer myself as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1).

Not because He is an Iron Fist God, but because I love Him. My love leads me to obedience.

Disobedience doesn't mean "harsh punishment"....it means I'm missing out on something He has for me. Heaven forbid it.

If I had talked myself out of this blog, I would have done just that....missed out.

Is the Lord giving you unction to move into an unfamiliar place? DO IT. Oh, he will NOT let you fall. His plans are so much greater than our eyes can see.

Here's my first blog post. Kind of embarrassing...
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Let me just start by saying.....this was God's idea.

If you know Jesus, then you know what he does....makes us do crazy things. Outlandish at times! Out of our comfort zones....Like starting a blog...a blog about me and Jesus drinking coffee, at that. SO! This blog is NOT about me....its about Him and this amazing journey of life.

So, how did it all come about? In the mornings, I get up....make coffee, grab my Bible, journal, computer and spend time in the Word. So many of you do the same thing. But every now and again I feel as if I have no place to go.

Do you know what I mean?

I go through seasons of life where I just HAVE to be in a Bible study! I crave fellowship with other women and love the structure a study offers. Other times (usually at the end of that study) I am just ready to be on my own with the Lord. Just go wherever I want to go in the Word, journal, pray, etc.

But after a while of that I get lazy.

And distracted...I start to google. And facebook. And look at Ebay....and craigslist...and iTunes. And if you asked me if I had a quiet time that day I would say, "yes, I sat quietly for a time :)" But let me tell you....when I have a place to go, a verse to read, a moment with the Lord, it is NEVER a waste of time. Some days we all need a place to start. In light of that, this blog idea kept coming up during our little chats in the morning...I pushed back and God pressed in. So here we are.

Our times over coffee in the morning are often the best times of my entire day. So rich and life-changing. One thing about the Word is...it doesn't take much. Even if you haven't cracked your Bible in years, He is faithful to bless you with his Word.

No matter where you are, where you've been or where you think you're heading.
You now have a place to start. I invite you to join us for coffee in the mornings.

Grab a cup of joe and let the Word of God transform your life....as it does mine.

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So...Thank You. Thank you for joining me. He has used YOU to transform my life.

And what is a birthday without PRESENTS?!

I bought this CD for you last night. By far MY MOST FAVORITEST worship CD in years. I mean it.


Hillsong Chapel: Yahweh

So I'd love to share it with you. Leave a comment to enter.

The drawing will close Sunday night at 9pm. The winner will be announced Monday morning!

Thank you for joining me on my journey. Thank you for your friendship, encouragement and comfort. I love the body of Christ. The distance of the country can not keep us apart!

Literally.

and the winner is....

I'm sure there is a more official way of doing this. Websites are dedicated to randomly choosing giveaway winners.

But given the craziness of my life at the moment, I'd like to introduce you to the latest in giveaway technology...ahem.

Let's call it littlehands.com (ha)

I wrote your names down....


And in come the little hands! Sweet Ethan folding and literally dropping your names in the pot.

Stir 'em up and out comes the winner......

Loretta!! How fun!! Congrats friend!!

Please email me with your mailing address and I will pop your book in the mail today.

For those of you interested in buying the book, Love and Respect for a Lifetime, click here. I am sure it is also carried at your local Christian bookstore. It is a great Valentine's Day idea.

Also, I can't say thank you enough for all of your sweet condolences regarding my grandmother, Mildred. I am so encouraged and feel so loved on by you. The service is this evening and the graveside is tomorrow. I covet your prayers.

A friend gave me this Scripture the other day and it has blessed me so.

So for the present you are also in sorrow; but I will see you again and then your hearts will rejoice and no one can take from you your joy, gladness or delight. - John 16:22 AMP

Amazing.

Thanks again and CONGRATS LORETTA!!

Life is Short...Love Hard

My grandmother, Mildred, was unashamed when it came to affection. A little lady with soft skin. Who gave the very best hugs.

Her forehead pressed against mine, she'd hold my face in her tiny hands and sing, "I love you a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck."

And she meant every word.

She loved deeply. Even deeper than a bushel. Or a peck.

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:13

My grandmother lived her life in the affection of Christ. His expression of love marked her life.

Love one another: (agapaō) to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly

Mildred welcomed and loved dearly, all those that the Lord entrusted to her. A woman of faith. An affectionate, serving wife. A student of God's Word and a lover of His people.



Yesterday morning, my precious grandmother met Jesus.

Her faith now sight.

Today, I can't help but think of her legacy.

Her legacy of love.

Not the love of this world, but the agape love of Christ.

This morning, I write from a very raw place. My heart grieving the loss of this precious woman. My ears wishing I could hear her sing to me ... just once more.

But I am so thankful for the lesson that resonates today...

Life is so short. Love hard.

As for my marriage, the Lord entrusted Brent to me for a lifetime, but today I see a lifetime as not very long. Love hard.



I want to be a student of the man in my life. I want to study him and learn how to love him in a way that speaks to his heart most.

Each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:33

Brent wants my affection, yes, but even more, he receives love through my respect.

"Here is the secret to marriage that every couple seeks, yet few couples ever find"...



"Unconditional respect is as powerful for him as unconditional love is for her"...



"...it's the secret that will help you achieve a brand new level of intimacy." - Love and Respect for a Lifetime, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

This Biblical truth is one that my sweet grandmother knew... and as a result she enjoyed two thriving marriages. One to my grandfather, who died of Lou Gehrig's disease, and her second marriage to Everett, a railroad Engineer.

Both men adored her. And I have to believe it is a result from her desire to meet their heartfelt need. Respect.

"Respect is a man's deepest value." - Love and Respect for a Lifetime

I am thankful today for a glimpses of my mortality. I am thankful for the reminder that I only have this marriage for one lifetime. Love Hard. The little things that cause me to be upset with Brent are so small in comparison to the gift he is to me. I am leaving a legacy. My children will remember something of me....

Let it be a legacy of Love and Respect.



I would love to give you a copy of this book. It is a breath of fresh air. Small and easy, but absolutely full of Biblical, healing truth regarding marriage.

A blogsphere friend of mine, Lissa*, commented yesterday saying that this book changed her life. Wow. Weighty words from a woman who walked the rough terrain of marriage. And overcame. Praise Jesus.

Lord God, thank you for the legacy of love that my grandmother left to me. Thank you, for giving me, for giving all of us, the opportunity to leave the same legacy. To love and respect. Let us see Today as the day. To love hard...for life is so fleeting. Help us today to have an eternal mindset. And to be intentional: To PURSUE LOVE. TO PURSUE RESPECT. AND TO PURSUE YOU. In Jesus Name, Amen.

If you'd like to win a copy of this book, you could do a few different things:

1) become a new follower of The Word of God and a Cup of Joe (let me know if you do this...I can't always tell)

2) Share this post with a friend via tweet, facebook or email

3) Share a Cup of Joe on your blog

4) just leave a comment (make sure I have your name and email)

Let me know how you enter. I am so excited about this.

The winner will be chosen and announced tomorrow morning! (I'd love to get the book mailed to you in time for Valentine's Day. xoxo)

(Please pray for my family as we grieve and make arrangements. Especially my sweet Daddy and Aunt Marsha, as they cope with the loss of their mother.)

*Lissa posted a blog this morning on my kitchen and dining room! How neat :)