We have a new coffee that at our roastery in Vero Beach that actually comes from the Coco River in Nicaragua. Since our profits from our coffee business go toward our school project on the Coco River, this is a very nice connection.
As most of you know, we have been providing education for Miskito Indian children along the Coco River since 1985. This year 2022 is our 37th year educating children and adults in one of the most remote corners of Central America, where not too many outsiders have come.
.........Like the process of taking hard tasteless coffee seeds and transforming them into a pleasing, nutritious beverage that provokes good thinking along with good others-centered living, we are being transformed as well from self-serving individuals into a community of God’s Kingdom on Earth. For a coffee bean, it takes the application of heat to initiate that transformation. God uses ‘heat’ in our lives to allow us to realize our need for Him, and Him personally, not just the ‘blessing’ that He brings. Be it personal disappointments, relational issues, our economy, our health, or even the cultural climate that we find ourselves, He is the source of all we need and really all we desire in this life.
My Youngest daughter Moselle once went to an Encounter at our church when she was still in grade school. She came back from this experience and declared to us that, “Everything is different now! It’s all changed!”
Michael and I had a brief second of a thought, “How different can it be for this young little sweet life?!”
From that start until this day, she has led an extraordinary existence choosing the high and narrow road keeping, maintaining and living out the priority of her relationship with God and those around her.
As I drive to work each morning, I have a plan for what I need to accomplish for that day, where it is roasting coffee, leading one of our Bible study groups, repairing a piece of equipment, printing labels and signage, paying bills, or writing newsletters. What changes everything is when I pause in my thoughts and say simply “Lord this is your day. Please let it goes as you plan, and give me specific directions so that I can do the things you want me to do. Use me to make a difference in the lives of those you place across my path today.”
Once I make that declaration and request, the day is His, and the pressure is off for me to perform. Actually the flow becomes more pleasant and ultimately effective as I pay attention to His cues in each situation.
Tis the Season to be jolly”…..
Photo: Laura at the ancient hot spirngs pools at Heiropolis
A daily reminder for me because I understand that it is a privilege to have breath and life. Life is given to us as a gift and at any given moment it can be taken away. I have watched it come and go with loved ones near and far. We have shared with you some of our losses of dear ones which we are currently grieving a few.
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