Why I Have A Jar of Coconut Oil In My Cupboard

I have a jar of coconut oil in my cupboard. I bought it several months ago. I didn't even know what I was buying it for. I suppose I had seen things on Pinterest, read articles, and heard from friends about how many wonderful things coconut oil can do. I didn't have any particular need for it though.

But, there it was, calling my name from the store shelf, making me feel like I had to try it to fit in, be a good mom or housewife, or to better myself in some way by giving in to this popular new thing to try.

But there it still sits, on my cupboard shelf, doing nothing but reminding me that I have not met some standard or tried some recipe that I should have.

Isn't this how it goes though?

So often, we as women especially, are made to feel like there are certain things that we should be buying, baking, wearing, or doing with our kids to be better, or to be "good enough". 

I am made to feel like I must do all of the things that this culture promotes if I want to succeed. 

In reality, I only need to make sure I do what God says, do what is best for my family, and take care of me. If I am in line with God's Word, and if I am seeking His will, I will not fail because I'm not on top of the latest health product or trend.

Maybe I don't keep up with behavior charts (though I keep trying them over and over). Maybe I don't feed my kids all organic foods (I'm lucky I get any kind of veggies in them at all). Maybe I have never used coconut oil! But I pray for wisdom in my decisions, I teach my kids to be kind, respectful and to love people, and I try my best to please Christ above everything.

Parenting is one of the biggest areas of life that is subject to the flood of unsolicited advice and the push to do things this way or that because that's how someone else did it, and it worked for them.

I love my kids and take care of them according to what I have learned works best for them. I have found that things that work for one kid, don't work for the other one. And things that I see some families do together would end up being a disaster for us.

And of course there are also the millions of meal plans, exercise routines, DIY projects, and "Get Your Life Together!" blogs that pop up in our news feeds and make us feel that "not good enough" feeling too.

I don't think all these things are bad. I just know that not ALL of them are good, or at least not all of them are good for all of us.

So be aware that just because something looks good on Pinterest , doesn't mean it's going to work for you.

So don't feel like you need to do what everyone else is into. That will likely change next year anyway!


Col. 3:1-2
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.


If I keep my mind on what everyone else is doing and saying, how can I focus on what God wants for me? That coconut oil, despite never being opened, is still sitting in my cupboard. I have let it sit there and remind me every day that I have failed at using it for something good in my life. I did not use it for great skin or hair, I did not put it in my coffee to boost weight loss, I didn't even rub it on my temples for stress relief! 

The truth is, it could have helped me in a lot of ways. But I did it all wrong. I wanted this miracle product, just because it seemed like this quick easy fix for something. Instead of focusing on the real Miracle Worker, I wanted a heavily promoted product to change my life. 

God has a plan for me. It's my plan. He has a path that He is calling me to, and it is different than the path of others. There are a lot of good roads out there. But the one He is leading me to, is mine. And He will equip me for that journey, no matter how difficult, how long, or how different it is from anyone else's path.


Deuteronomy 31:6
So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Be you! Go on your journey! Stop comparing yourself to others. Do better for you and yours. And if you do use coconut oil and love it, give me a call and I'll send mine over to you!

Mondays: Are You Surviving or Thriving?

Mondays have a bad reputation. Every Monday as I start my day, it's almost unavoidable to run into someone complaining about what day it is. You hear it at work, you see the memes on Facebook, sometimes the negativity even starts on Sunday. It has become this automatic given that because it's Monday, it's going to be hard, you won't like it, and you'll probably just barely survive.

I want to show you a different perspective.

You see, I think that most of the time when people dread the big bad Mondays, they are looking at what work is ahead of them, the struggles they went through last week, or the fun of the weekend that they have to leave behind. 

It makes sense. We look at our past and size up our future in light of it. But what if we learn from it instead?

In Isaiah it is written:

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." - Isaiah 43:18-19 

You see, we all have things that we go through that we don't want to experience again, or sometimes even think about. But we have a hope in the God who makes things new again! He can take our pain and turn it around! There's no need to fear the Mondays. We can walk through them with confidence that He "will make a way in the wilderness". We can choose to thrive instead of just survive!

According to most calendars in the U.S., Sunday is the beginning of the week. And in my culture, Sunday is a day people go to church, spend time with family, and recharge. What a great way to start the week! 

But when you look at how many people view Monday, it's as if it were the start of this unwanted season we can't wait to just get through. But it doesn't have to be like that.

Monday is the next step of our new week. If we purpose ourselves on Sunday to start fresh, to renew our strength, and to get ready for what is coming, we don't have to fear our Mondays anymore!

So it is with our soul. We will continue to fear and dread the work that is ahead of us (our Mondays) unless we take the time to recharge and prepare ourselves in advance (our Sundays) to walk through it.

When we resolve ourselves to move on and face tomorrow with Christ, we know He walks with us every step of the way.

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." - Psalm 143:8

Of course this doesn't mean our troubles will disappear. But our focus needs to be on what goes beyond our circumstances. When we put our trust in Christ, we turn our eyes to what God is doing within us, not the mess that is surrounding us. 

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

So Mondays could be seen as a new beginning instead of a dreaded rerun of our struggles of last week. Mondays can be a second chance (or third, or 100th). Mondays can be good. Mondays can be beautiful. Could Monday be the new Friday? Well, maybe not. But it sure doesn't have to be as ugly as we make it out to be.

So today, on this Monday, let's resolve to pick ourselves up and try again. Grab an extra large coffee if you must, but choose to go about your day in Joy instead of darkness, and thriving instead of just surviving. Be renewed, strengthened, and restored. Don't let the lie of the dreaded Mondays take over your week. 

Happy Monday everyone!!

When Love Looks Like Jesus

I think a big struggle among Christians is that we love each other like enemies instead of brothers.

If we didn't turn our back on those that stumble,

Maybe they wouldn't fall so hard.

If we didn't desire our own success first,

Maybe no one would come in second place.

If we didn't forsake what is right for what is desirable,
Maybe we wouldn't be blinded to the suffering of those around us.

If we didn't disregard the well being of other people,
Maybe we wouldn't be so consumed by selfishness.

But if we loved like Jesus.

Oh, if we lived like Jesus.

We would walk into darkness,

Just to bring a friend out of it.

We would put others first,

Because that is how He loved.

We would love like brothers,

And live like we all matter.

We would do what's right,

And see the fruit in how we relate to the ones we love.

We would be the Love of God to everyone we know.

And then,

Maybe, the real enemy would die.

"So now I am giving you a new commandment: love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:34-35

Three Resolutions That I'm Making Every Day

It's the beginning of May. We're about a third of the way through 2017.

I know, it's not the typical time of the year that you hear about resolutions. But who says resolutions can only be made once a year?

I wanted to write about this because it's been so important in my life. So many people make resolutions at the beginning of a new year. But how many follow them throughout the year? Do they even remember what they were after a month goes by? Or four months?

I remember mine.

I will always remember mine.

These were my resolutions:

1. Seek God first, in everything.

2. Love my husband, and stand by his side always.

3. Be the best mom I can be for my children.

My resolutions this year will be my resolutions every year. Every day, every minute. There is nothing more important than these. Nothing. If you have a family, fight for these things, make them a priority, be mindful of them in all you do.

Seek God First

Matthew 6:33 says,

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 

"above all else"

There is nothing that should be above God. Not ourselves, not other people, not our job, not our good works. He comes first. Seek Him. Read His Word, pray, develop your relationship with Him. Do this above and before everything else. 

Actively make time for God. And then look what happens. Putting God first naturally leads to living righteously, and when these things are in your life, God gives you everything you need. 

Everything you need.

Deuteronomy 6:5 says,

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Not only do we need to love God, but we need to do it with everything we've got. It should be evident in our words, our actions, our Instagram posts, and the essence of our very being. Of course there are many areas of our lives. But if God's love is not shining in all of them, then either rethink your involvement in that area or reevaluate your role in it.

Love Your Spouse

This seems like a no-brainer if you are married. But I'm not talking about the kind of love people define with emotions or attraction. Marriage is deep. Marriage is work. Marriage takes more than feelings and common interests to keep it strong. This kind of love is a choice and a commitment. 

My pastor preached a sermon a couple of weeks ago and spoke of "The God kind of love". It's that kind of love that does not falter with circumstances or hurt. God loves us unconditionally. He's no fair weather fan. He gave His Son for us when we turned our backs on Him. 

God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love - no that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:9-10

This is the example of love that we have. He loved us first. Not because we loved Him or were faithful and obedient to Him. Just because He chose us and loved us.

I've been married to my husband for 13 and a half years, and we are still learning how to love each other. We've had some really rough times over the years. What held us together was choosing God first, and choosing each other next. These go hand in hand. Without actively making both of those choices, marriage can so easily fail.

Mark 10:6-9 says,

But ‘God made them male and female’ from the beginning of creation.‘ This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.” 

God created marriage to be lifelong. A husband and wife become one, they become part of each other. Be one with your spouse. Pray together, parent together, do life together. And choose to love and stand by each other every day, through every part of life.

Do your Best For Your Children

This also seems like it shouldn't even need to be said. Sadly, it does. For most, I think we have a natural tendency to love and protect our kids. But this is more than that. I'm talking about actively parenting with a goal of being the best parent you can be. That means sacrificing your time, money, and comfort to do what's best for them. Our children are the future. How we parent will not only affect them, but it will affect their future spouse, their future kids, and pretty much everyone in their circle. Who our parents are shapes us into who we become. Even the absence of a parent does that.

Making a point to invest in your children will be one of the most valuable things you do with your life. They were given to you so you could do this. If nothing else, we must raise our children to know and live God. This is our greatest task. Just as We see in Deuteronomy 6:5 that we are to love God with all of our heart, would, and might, it goes in to say this:

And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9

Time goes so quickly. They grow so fast. They take shape before your eyes. Parent on purpose, and don't let years slip by without making them count.

I have resolved to do all these things better this year, and I can say that I am in a better place with God, my husband and my kids than I've ever been before. But I'm not stopping there. I want to make every day better than the last. I want to resolve to live my life with these things as my ultimate goal. And everything in life that does not relate to these goals, is taking a back seat.

Make these resolutions your own today. Don't wait till next year. Today can be the beginning if a new life. You won't regret it. If you don't make them your priority, I guarantee you will not have all that you could in this life.

I believe God's greatest blessings are waiting for you if you do these things: Seek God first, love your spouse, and do your best for your children. 

Resolving to live in God's best will always be hard work, it won't always feel good, and it will take everything you've got, but it's worth it. 

Praying For Flowers

Sometimes I find myself praying for things, and then wondering why life gets harder. So I think about what it takes for flowers to grow.



A flower must first be planted. It needs the right soil in the right environment.
Firmly stand where you want to grow. Ground yourself in Truth and Love.


Then comes the rain. If it is not planted properly, it may wash away.
Soak in the rain. Let it nourish but not overcome you.


In the right timing, the sun comes out. And the flower can get the strength it needs to rise. Turn your eyes toward the Son. Then it's time to grow into what He has made you to be.



So don't just pray for flowers. Pray to be planted, pray for rain, and look to the Son. Then you will flourish.

Overcoming Emotions and Choosing Christ

"I am afraid to be rejected." 

"I don't feel like forgiving."

"I'm too hurt to love them."

"I want to do what makes me happy."



Have you ever had these kinds of thoughts?

Did you follow your feelings and act according to them?

The world tells us that what we feel is what's important. The Bible tells a very different story. God's way has purpose. He is very intentional. He doesn't act on emotion. He acts on truth, righteousness, and love.

 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 
Galatians 5:16-17 

I am so often guilty, as I think many people are, of leading with my feelings. If I am feeling sad, I may use that as an excuse to not be thankful. If I am angry, that might prevent me from forgiving. If I am afraid, I may not take the next step in the difficult journey God set before me. 

Feelings and emotions are part of our humanity. They can be beautiful, but they can also lead us astray. They can help us work through life, but they can also lie to us and bring us down the wrong path.

So how do we know which way to go? If we can't trust our feelings, what guides us?

Truth.

Where do we find truth? How do we know where truth lies when we feel our emotions telling us to walk in all different directions? How do we make choices and leave our fragile heart strings out of it?

Proverbs 3:5-6 says this:

 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

There's a choice we have to make long before we face these situations. If I decide to love my neighbor before he hurts me, then when that time comes I don't have to even think about what the right reaction is. I've already decided in my spirit that I'm going to love and forgive. If I decide I am going to be honest and walk in integrity, I won't have to make the decision to do that when I'm faced with a situation that makes me afraid to speak the truth and stand for what is right.

So when your husband or wife does something hurtful, you've already made that commitment to stand by them "for better or for worse". If your child rejects you and turns from what you have taught them, you know that you are to stand in faith that God will work on them while you wait for them to come home to what is right. When you are treated unfairly or persecuted, you know you are to turn the other cheek. Is it scary? Oh yeah. Does it feel like darkness? Of course. Will people disagree with your choices? Most likely. But you made a promise. You stood before God, before any of those circumstances came up, and chose to walk in His ways.

So where do we get these principles? How do we know what truths to live by?

God's Word.

If you have Christ in your life, you have Truth in your spirit. He has written His Word on your heart. He has given us His Word to live by. If we make the choice to follow His commands, there's no feeling that can change that.

Psalm 119:105 speaks of God's word as a guide for us:

Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.

Is it easy? Absolutely not. Will we still have those hard to overcome emotions? Yes. All the time. So how do we overcome?

Choose Christ. Every day. Every minute if we have to. Choose Him before circumstances arise. Choose Him in the midst of them. Keep choosing Him after you start down the path.

Over, and over, and over again. 

When we have already decided in our heart to follow Christ, we no longer have to figure out what is right. We already know. It's right there in God's word. Everything He wants us to know, and every way He wants us to live. And when those temptations, circumstances, or trials come our way, we need only to follow the path that has already been set before us. 

What happens if we fall off the path? What if I follow my emotions and stray from what I know God has for me?

He waits for us.

Thank you Lord for your grace.


His Spirit is in our heart, cheering us on. His still small voice is reminding us that we belong to Him. Christ overcame it all, so that we could follow Him. 

Now, all we need to do is keep walking and follow Him. 

Four Things My Son Taught Me About Darkness and Pain

Recently my youngest boy told me that he was getting teased at school. He told me some specific things that some kids were saying and doing that made him upset. Of course this momma immediately contacted the teachers at the school. They quickly took action, and we haven't had another problem since. 

But there was pain that took place. And there is hurt that remains.

My boy can light up a room with his hearty laughter and bright smile....but someone told him he laughs weird, and now he feels badly about that.

He loves to be silly and play with friends....but someone told him he was weird, and now he is afraid people might not like him. 

A couple weeks passed since he had come to me that day when we talked again last week. He was struggling with behavior at home and he brought all of that hurt up again. He had the same worries still. 

He told me he thinks that there is more darkness in the world now.

Yes boy, there is.

As he told me all of his concerns and fears, my heart broke. He told me he bottles all of it up inside when he gets mad at kids at school. When he comes home, when he knows he's safe, he lets it go. 

The hurt comes out at home, and it's not pretty. 

I told him that yes, the world is getting darker. There is a lot of darkness out there that we all have to learn how to deal with. I asked him what he should do about it. He said, "Ask Jesus to help me."

Yes, boy. The answer is Jesus.

Jesus is always the answer. When we are weak, He is strong. When we get knocked down, He picks us up. When the world gets darker, He is our light. 

Nothing breaks a mother's heart quite like seeing their child hurting. But nothing fills my heart with joy like hearing him talk about asking Jesus for help. 

There are times when we as parents, need to let our kids pray, seek, and find God when they are hurting. I can't parent other people's kids, or prevent them from hurting my children. I can't even control the darkness that surrounds me as an adult. But I can show my kids how to pray to their Heavenly Father for comfort and solutions to their problems. I can show them how to love the people that hurt them. I can show them how to forgive. 

As a parent I draw a lot of parallels between God's love for me and my love for my children. My choices in life are not always the right ones. But I know that no matter how much I mess up, no matter what I'm going through, even when it hurts, God is there pointing me in the right direction. He shows me the example of Christ, and gives me peace in knowing He is there for me.

I didn't always know if I would be a wife or a mother. But now that I am, I take it seriously. It's an amazing responsibility and a blessing to be chosen for such a role in life. I have an obligation to lead my children, stand by my husband, and love them all like He does.

In a culture in which families are broken and kids are abused more often than I like to think about, we as Christian parents need to be more of a reflection of Christ than anything else to our children. 

So as a person struggling through life myself, helping my son come through this circumstance and pain has shown me these things:

• I will go through darkness. Whether it is my own doing or someone else's, life brings struggles with it. That darkness will affect us at some point in life. 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3

• God can bring us out of the darkness. No circumstance is too big for Him. And His love overcomes it all. 

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

• Even after the darkness has left, the hurt may remain. And that's ok. That pain is a reminder of the darkness that God can bring us out of, and His ability to help us overcome. 

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2

• We can let the hurt go when we are safe. We can feel safe enough to release the hurt to God. We can be comforted in knowing he cares for us and listens to us. He wants us to keep moving forward into the Light. 

Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

I like to think that I am the one who teaches my kids as we go through life together. In reality we teach each other so much. Sometimes it takes a situation that they are going through to point out things in my own life that I need to deal with. I don't know if I helped my son conquer what he was going through that day. He may need more time to heal from the darkness that touched his life. But we all have our mountains to speak to each morning when we rise. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to help my boy in that process. And he blessed me by showing me my own darkness and pain that I need to overcome. 

Now we both know that we will go through darkness. God can bring us out of it. It's ok for the pain to remain. But we are safe enough in Him to let it go. 

Fear Not

We live in a time when we are afraid to let our kids run around the neighborhood alone, we are afraid to give to someone who asks for help, we are afraid to choose the wrong career or the wrong spouse. 

We let the things that we fear dictate the paths we take. 

Sometimes fear might lead to something good. If we are afraid of consequences we might make a right choice. But I think in most cases, when we let fear guide us, we are likely to be blinded by darkness and oblivious to opportunity.

In Isaiah it is written,

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Isaiah 43:1-2

Does that sound like God wants you to be driven by your fears? 

Now, lets' be clear. It doesn't say we won't go through hard times. Actually, quite the contrary. It says "When" you walk through the waters, rivers, and fire, "I will be with you", "They shall not overwhelm you", and "you shall not be burned". So yeah, we're gonna go through it, but it also says He will be with us. 

You know that saying that "God won't give you more than you can handle?

Don't believe it. 

If God never gave us more than we could handle, why would we need to depend on Him? We have waaaay more on our plate than we can handle. But you know what? It's ok! Because we are not supposed to handle everything. He is. That's why we are to call on Him and that's why He comes along side us.

If I have to pass through waters or walk through fire, but I know God will be with me, bring it on. Because I know who God is, and I know who He made me to be. This is the God who created the universe. The God who parted the Red Sea, the same God who gave Joshua command of the his armies and made the walls of Jericho come tumbling down at the sound of their trumpets. This is the very same God who gave Abraham a son in his old age and fulfilled His promise through all of his many descendants. This God gave us Jesus, who is the Christ and the perfect Lamb that was slain and then raised from the dead to give us abundant life in Him for all eternity! 

So yes, we will have mountains in life that we can't climb on our own. But we don't have to! I know that I can accomplish much with a good cup of coffee and some motivation, but that's not enough! When we put our faith in Christ, He can move those mountains that build up in our lives. We don't have to climb them! Don't let the circumstances that built your mountain dictate your path. Let the One who moves mountains make your path straight.

We don't have to be afraid, folks! He has our back. When we submit to Him, we can rest in knowing that great things happen. In 1 Peter it says:

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 

It all sounds so simple, right? I wish I could say I never let fear guide me. I know that sometimes I worry about things even after I have prayed. That's why this next verse really hits home.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. James 1:5-7

Ouch! So if I'm praying for wisdom about my situation and I don't think God will really come through, He probably won't. I mean, why should He? He wants us to trust Him. He did create us. He gave us everything we have. He has forgiven us, and blessed us, and has given us life eternal with Him. And all He's asking of us is that we have faith and walk the path He laid for us. 

I don't know about you, but I think that's a good deal. 

So I'm going to cast my cares on Him. Every day. Every minute if I have to. Because we know those cares pop up every minute sometimes. I encourage you to pray. All the time. Constantly pray for God's peace, wisdom, and understanding. Then believe that He will give it to you. And see how your life can change for the better. 

It's Not My Right, and He Gave It To Me Freely

There has been much talk about rights and freedom and protesting about things some feel are owed to them. With that all flooding my eyes and ears, these scriptures stuck out to me as I was reading my Bible.

 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. - 1 Peter 1:3-5 

This passage speaks of a living hope that we are born into, not because of anything we have done, or because it is owed to us, or because it is our right.

It is because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

He sacrificed himself, and suffered greatly for the sin in our hearts. He took upon himself what we deserve. Yes, we deserve what He went through. But He paid for it, willingly. We have no right to salvation. But He freely gives it to us.

It goes on to say that we are also born into an inheritance in heaven. This is not an inheritance of earthly riches or privileges we seek as people of the world. But an inheritance of salvation that will never fade away.

It is eternal, and priceless, and we are not worthy of it.

I am greatly humbled when I think of the things Jesus has done for me. He gave me something I could never earn. I don't have a right to salvation, but through Christ, I have been saved. For that I am grateful.

So I am going to focus on the things that I have that I don't deserve. I am going to rejoice in what has been given to me. I will use my voice to praise God for His goodness, and His mercy, and His love. In 1 Thessalonians it says,

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

When I'm drinking my coffee in the morning and reading God's Word I am in awe of Him. 

I can't help but be overwhelmed by how even though He knows of my darkest moments, in His greatness He reached down and offered me life. He gave me "new birth into a living hope" and I don't deserve it.

His gift of salvation is mine. I haven't earned it, it was not owed to me, it's not my right, and he gave it to me freely.

And for that, I owe Him my all.

Angela Christine

Better With Jesus and Coffee

Welcome to the Better With Jesus and Coffee blog. I'm a full time coffee loving christian wife and mom  who has a deep love for Jesus and believes everything looks better after filling my cup with caffeine and the Word of God. I am married to my first love and we are raising four kids together, three of which are on the Autism Spectrum. My hope is to encourage and challenge others with a mixture of God's wisdom and my own perspective on life.

I'm not a loud person. I don't like to be in the spotlight, or the trend setter. I'm mostly introverted and only really come out of my shell with people I am close to. But I like to listen, I like to observe, and I love seeking out truth. So when I have something to say, you can trust that I have spent much time with the thoughts I'm expressing and have planned out my words carefully.

I've been told that I write well, and that what I have to say encourages, inspires, and challenges others. When I speak something passionately, you can bet that I am speaking it because of some struggle or circumstance I am going through or have gone through in the past. And often times I'm preaching to myself more than anyone else.

I grew up in a Christian family. We attended church regularly, I went to a Christian school through eighth grade, and my parents taught me how to trust God and love Jesus. They led my family with an example I wish everyone had. Without the upbringing I had, I don't know if I would be the same. They weren't perfect of course, but growing up watching them love Jesus and love people left an impact on my brothers and I, and to this day every one of us is doing the same. One of my biggest reasons for creating this blog is to share with others the things I've learned about God, and the things I continue to learn through scripture and a relationship with Jesus. I believe my life has purpose, and part of that purpose is to reach others with the love I have found in Christ.

My husband and I were 15 and 14 when we first started "dating". I write that in quotes because technically I was not permitted to date yet, so we told people we were just friends, but we all knew what we really were. We got married eight years later and now have three boys, one girl, a dog and thirteen years under our belt. As I mentioned, our boys are on the Autism Spectrum. They have many struggles and strengths just like anyone else. But they're journey is different than the typical one, so ours has been too. My daughter is our youngest, yes, she probably does get spoiled. But with those big brown eyes, you can't tell me you wouldn't do the same.

The last thing about me I will talk about here, is my love of coffee. When I was growing up my dad would have a cup of coffee before work in the morning. I always loved how it smelled, but I tried it once as a kid, and thought it was awful. Fast forward to my college years. I had a friend that loved to go on adventures to the local Borders book store and sit with books and a cup of coffee. Well, I would go with her and she always wanted me to drink coffee with her. One day I gave in and discovered I actually liked the stuff. Although I didn't become fully committed until I was a mom trying to survive on very little sleep and never ending days, that was the beginning of my relationship with coffee. Currently many of my friends automatically think of me when a coffee meme shows up on Facebook and I am known to always have my coffee travel mug in hand at least until late morning. I joke about getting a holster for it, maybe someday I'll find one.