1st Edition
First Edition~ Praise and Coffee Connections! Connecting the Women of Praise and Coffee Nights!
Beautiful! Inside:
For Caffeinated Moms Like You
Praise and Coffee Nights Across the Nation
From Michigan to Florida Beautiful You Marriage is a lot Like Childbirth!
One Last Sip
That’s how I describe the dull-roar of women talking, laughing and praying as they share life with old and new girlfriends at the start of our evenings. It’s the same word I use to describe the groups of women huddled together at the end of an evening, heads bowed praying for one another. Who knew? God knew! Praise and Coffee Nights have exploded into far more than I ever dreamed...and yet, quite honestly, it has been in my heart for years. Women from all walks of life...all different ages and stages and church backgrounds...coming together to connect with each other and the Lord. Some for the very first time. I had no idea when I started Praise and Coffee Nights that they would evolve into what they are becoming. I am thrilled to hear about the friendships being birthed at Praise and Coffee Nights.
Moms getting together with the kids, women joining new Bible studies, friendships forming from chance meetings, how cool is that?! Women today are looking for “real” relationships, not the plastic ones we so often run across. We want the kind that are built on the reality that none of us “have it all together.” Where one mom can admit to another that she had an awful day with the kids and then find out that she’s not alone. Where working women can talk about the pressures and struggles they face trying to “do it all,” but knowing that they’ll never get it all done. Where life among girlfriends becomes a partnership, not a competition. Yes, I know that’s a tall order but it can happen. It won’t come naturally though, it will only happen in the lives of women who are will to set aside our own fears and insecurities in the hopes of helping someone else. It will cost us. It will cost humility and pride. We will
Sue Cramer ~ Founder of Praise and Coffee Nights have to stop comparing ourselves with the women we meet. 2 Cor 10:12 When they measure themselves with themselves and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding and behave unwisely. Amplified Bible I talked to a woman today that attends a Praise and Coffee Night but hasn’t been to a church in years. I think that these evenings are a safe place for women just like her to come and be touched by the Lord’s love through His women. Wouldn’t it be great if she finds a church home through a friendship she makes at a Praise and Coffee Night?! Sue Cramer praiseandcoffee@yahoo.com
Praise and Coffee Nights, where there are no church walls!
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For Caffeinated Moms Like You! By: Denise Dykstra
Email: Lifewithfourboys@gmail.com
Winter months can seem endless, yes? Here in the upper Midwest, we get bombarded with snow and the days are long, dark and the sunshine is hidden for days on end. I am cooped up in my little white farmhouse on the hill with my four boys aged 10, 7, 5 and 3 while my hardworking husband is out plowing snow and fixing plows in the snowstorms Michigan is sure to receive. Why is that after all the Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities, the weeks and months leading to spring, wonderful spring, last so long? If only Summer could last as long as winter seems to linger! I used to despise these months. Truthfully, they aren't my favorite now, I’m a a barefoot and sunshine type of gal. The winter months prove.... creative. As in, how do I haul the load of fresh washed laundry thru the house to add to the already huge pile of laundry while not being hit with the hockey puck and sticks? With four boys, I am always finding myself in the middle of one of the games. Truck races through doorways, huge forts they construct.... I find myself saying things like “keep the puck on the ground”, “don't throw your brother on the couch” and “I do not want to drive in the snow storm for to the emergency room so tone it down.” I keep butter fly bandages and super glue on hand at all times. And my coffee cup is never ever empty.
Sometimes (during winter) I look out the window and all I see is snow and clouds, bleak gray and white. It can really bring me down. Once I heard an unforgettable message about clouds, of all things. It was about the story of when the Israelites were leaving Egypt for an seemingly unending journey, God was in the cloud over them, the cloud was a constant reminder He was there with them, guiding them.
It’s just a season... When the day is driving me insane, I can look out at the clouds and pray spring comes extra early or be reminded that God is here with me. All is not bleak, it's just a 'cloud' season. Just a season. I am in the season where my boys are all work. They are running, screaming, jumping off couches with loads of energy. I would like to think that in this time in my life, exhausted and overwhelmed, I can just crawl to the feet of Jesus and spend hours of time with Him being renewed. But that's not the season of life I'm in. I'm in the season of life where my quiet time with God involves helping the boys with their “Word of Life” books or reading family devotions at dinner.
It used to be a season I just survived. Now I realized it can be a season to thrive.
One day I'll have the time, but this is my season to look out the window at the clouds and be reminded that God sees me. He is taking care of me.
All through the spring, summer and fall, we have fields to get ready for planting, sports, family get togethers, trips, harvest to be brought in...etc.
He cares about our little white farmhouse on the hill that looks invisible with all the snow. He knows what is inside. He is aware of the blessings
that He gave me and the timing of it all. And I feel His prodding to pray...in all things. Then I begin to list my blessings. Honestly, I don't always like listing them. I have to wrack my brain...I have to drink more coffee. Some are obvious like...thankful for health, for a husband who is working, for our home. Sometimes they are little things that mean all the difference to a snowed in mom.... toilet paper, marshmallows for cocoa, enough milk for cereal. When I focus on the “thankfully”, the day goes better. My attitude is better. I appreciate the time that I can just 'be' with my boys playing Uno, baking cookies, watching old movies, working on photo albums. I focus on enjoying the season my boys are in before it is gone and realizing I missed this joyful growing up time. Knowing the blessing of remembering God is with me all the time instead of just seeing just drab clouds....
Denise shares life with her husband and four boys on their hobby farm in Michigan. You can read more about her life and adventures at: www.LifeWithFourBoys.com or contact her at: LifeWithFourBoys@gmail.com
Praise and Coffee “Connections” ~ www.PraiseAndCoffee.com
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Praise and Coffee Nights Across the Nation ~ One Cup at a Time (ok, maybe two)!
Plainwell, MI
Allendale, MI
Clio, MI
Jacksonville, FL Andover, MN
And growing!!!
East San Diego, CA
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
From Michigan to Florida! Melissa Mashburn of Mel’s World and I met online a couple of years ago. We hit it off right away so it was super-exciting to me when she decided to start a Praise and Coffee Night in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Mel’s groups meets in a darling coffee shop called ‘The Coffee Scene’ and I was honored to be able to visit her Praise and Coffee Night in October.
Sue Cramer and Melissa Mashburn
What an incredible evening. The worship, the coffee and the friendships were fabulous! Women from several churches gathered to lift up the name of the Lord together, church walls came down and it was beautiful. Check out Melissa’s website at: www.MelissaMashburn.com and if you are in the area, stop out to a Praise and Coffee Night!
Praise and Coffee “Connections” ~ www.PraiseAndCoffee.com
Connections
Volume 1, Issue 1
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Beautiful You ~ becoming the beautiful woman God has called you to be!
(Judges 6:16).
I have never met a woman that did not want to feel beautiful. So, why don’t we? We are all born with a beautiful spirit. But, it seems that over the years, due to our circumstances and environments, some of us, even most of us, lose that beautiful spirit, at least for periods of time. Every single one of us has fallen into the enemy’s trap of being much less than we are created to be. So, how do we regain our beautiful spirit? How do we become the beautiful woman God has called us to be? Being and feeling beautiful begins with a healthy, God-centered self image. Christian women sometimes think that speaking negatively about themselves shows humility or holiness. It doesn’t! Think about what you are thinking about! Philippians 4:8 tells you to “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable” and to “think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Negative thoughts and words about yourself do not line up with God’s word! Gideon displayed a poor self image (Judges 6:15), when he doubted his ability to do what God had called him to do. The Lord told him: “I will be with you”
You are nothing without God, but you have God! In Jesus, you are everything you need to be! He created us in His image and He is continually shaping us, conforming us into His character.
There are two very important things you need to do to obtain a healthy self image - accept and love yourself. Self acceptance is crucial and necessary in fulfilling your destiny. We can’t be someone we’re not! God has a good plan and a purpose for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11) and a specific way and perfect time for it, but not all of us experience it. Many times we live far below the standard that God intends for us to enjoy. Let God be God in your life! Give Him the reins. He knows what He is doing. You were not created to mimic somebody else. He gave us all different looks, gifts, talents, personalities intentionally.
You have a bigger purpose than you can imagine. God needs you to be happy with the person He created you to be so you can accomplish His purpose. We need to agree with God that when He created us, He created something good. There will never be another person exactly like you and He sees you as His special masterpiece.
Despite our faults and weaknesses, God loves us anyway. God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8).
We must learn to love ourselves – not in a selfcentered or self-indulgent way, but in a balanced, godly way, a way that simply affirms God’s creation as good and right. God wants us to see ourselves as priceless treasures. He wants us to feel good about ourselves. Leviticus 19:18 tells us to “love your neighbor as yourself”. If He wants us to love our neighbors, certainly He wants us to love ourselves! So, how do we maintain self acceptance and love? First and foremost, we need to beautify our spirit by having a strong relationship with God. God wants an intimate relationship with us. It is important that we prioritize and spend one on one time with God. Ephesians 6:18 tells us to “Pray in the spirit at all times and on every occasion.” It doesn’t say to pray only when we’re in despair or when it’s convenient. Pray at ALL times and on EVERY occasion! Secondly, we need to beautify our mind by studying and meditating on God’s word. The enemy wants to control how you think, which is why you must keep your mind strong and your thoughts in line with God’s word. Romans 8:6 tells us that “Letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death, but letting the
Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. So, everyday set you mind on the right course by agreeing with God and not your flesh! Lastly, beautify your body by living a healthy lifestyle. God gives us opportunities and wants the best for us, but if we’re not healthy or don’t feel well, we cannot do or be our very best. After all, your body is the temple (the very sanctuary!) of the Holy Spirit. Our bodies belong to God (I Corinthians 6:19, 20). Glorify God with your body by maintaining good health.
God has a specific and wonderful purpose for each and every one of us. He loves us and needs us to be our authentic selves. Accept and love who He has created you to be. There could never be a more beautiful YOU!
Casie Dussia is a small business owner and a personal trainer that ministers to women’s soul, mind and body. She lives in Southwest Michigan and enjoys life with her husband John and son Jase. Casie is a vital part of the Praise and Coffee Ministry in Plainwell, MI and has a continuing segment at our evenings called, “Beautiful You!”
Email: CasieDussia@charter.net
Praise and Coffee “Connections” ~ www.PraiseAndCoffee.com
Connections
Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 5
Marriage Is A Lot Like Childbirth! Let's talk childbirth today gals. I've never met a women who didn't love sharing her birthing story. Isn't it a rule for every baby shower that some insensitive woman must share her story of excruciating pain for 58 hours only to then need a csection....all while this new mommy-to-be faints in the corner at the thought of her precious birth playing out more like a horror movie. I have 4 children, I birthed three of them and adopted one from China. And just in case you think I skated childbirth on that one...you try a 14-hour flight with a two-year old that barely knows you and doesn't really like you yet. You wonder why adoptions are so expensive, it's because you get an epidural before you fly home! I've also been a labor coach several times. It all started with volunteering at our local pregnancy center and then when friends would get pregnant, they figured I knew what I was doing so I would come along and help coach them too. It saved a lot of marriages as I calmed the mom during contractions and instructed the husband on the proper moments to step away from a birthing mom and just be quiet. Pushing is a very important part of the birth. If a women will push effectively, it can really help things along. However, many times-due to the incredible pressure of a large head coming out of your body- women don't push very effectively. A good push involves a deep breath, tucking the chin and pushing as hard as possible. The most important thing about that deep breath is that you need to hold it through the whole push. If you scream, holler, even whistle, it makes the push less effective. My job at this point (as a coach) is to say, "no noise, use all your energy to push!" And sure-shooting, if she will hold her breath and push, she'll bring that baby forth much quicker. Oh I know -you all have stories and incidents where you did all the right things and it still took days...I know...but we're talking "in a perfect world" scenarios today. Work with me girls I'm trying to make a point about marriage! I've said all that to tell you that sometimes, when we are "pushing" through hard and frustrating times in our marriages, we need to keep quiet...shut our mouths....no noise!
talking about in counseling, I'm referring to the constant belittling that flows from the mouth of someone that says they want God to do a work in their marriage. Sometimes even through a simple prayer request a woman can destroy her husband's reputation. What do you need "birthed" in your marriage? Criticizing our husband does not help bring forth any good in our marriage. If you are trying to "push" past the hurts you've experienced in marriage, you might need to be quiet about how much pressure you're feeling. 1 Peter 3:1 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives Without words. Powerful. Instead of telling him all the ways he should change (like I used to do), maybe we should quiet our mouths and busy ourselves to DO what God has called us to do as wives. Is this hard? YES! But go back to that birthing mom a minute...I can't make her stop yelling when she needs to push, she has to choose to look at me and follow my instructions. I've had some moms close me out by shutting their eyes and carrying on hysterically, they tend to hyperventilate and end up in worse condition. But if she will look at her coach and do as I instruct, she'll get through it much better. God is our "coach" ladies! When we are getting to that point of incredible pressure, He is saying, "look at Me!" Listen to what I'm telling you and I'll get you through this. No noise! Use all your energy to do what is right, not waste it on useless hollering (complaining and criticizing). Fix your eyes on your coach! Hebrews 12:2-3 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Push girls, push! You just might birth something beautiful!!
It always breaks my heart to talk to a woman who loudly complains and rehearses the wounds of her marriage. I'm not
Sue Cramer
Praise and Coffee “Connections� ~ www.PraiseAndCoffee.com
praiseandcoffee@yahoo.com
One last sip... Minty White Chocolate Coffee Goodness! Ingredients: 8 oz white chocolate, chopped 3 1/2 cups milk 2 cups brewed coffee 6 hard peppermint candies, crushed fine 1/2 tsp peppermint extract 2/3 cup whipping cream Preparation: Beat chilled cream with crushed mints until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate for about an hour. Meanwhile, heat milk to a simmer, add coffee them mix in chocolate. Whisk until chocolate is melted and smooth. Add mint extract and stir through. Pour into mugs and top with minty whipped cream.
If you would like to start a Praise and Coffee Night in your community: 1. Check out our website www.PraiseAndCoffeeNights.com it has lots of great information! 2. Email your home address to PraiseAndCoffee@yahoo.com and we will send you out a leader packet.
Praise and Coffee Nights ~ Connections 1085 Pine Ridge Dr. Martin, MI 49070 www.PraiseAndCoffeeNights.com