It was no surprise that my oldest girl would gift me with this cute mug for my birthday. I love it! In fact I like my coffee so much that we have a fully stocked "coffee station" in our bedroom; complete with a mini fridge to store creamer. We own not one, not two, not three but 4 coffee pots. One for the kitchen, one for the bedroom, an extra in case our kitchen pot breaks, and one to take on vacation because otherwise you might get stuck with a mini pot and that will never do!

On the extremely rare occasion that a friend sees me without a cup of coffee in my hand it does not go unnoticed. And, yes you guessed it, I have tee shirts and décor indicating that Jesus, coffee, and grace is all I need. I, like others, have joked that "He-Brews" is an indication God drinks coffee. While all these cute sayings and quotes are fun, they really are JUST that...nothing more than fun. As I sat this morning sipping my favorite Hazelnut flavored brew and reflecting on what I am currently reading in Genesis I couldn't help but wonder if my kids will remember me reading my Bible as much as they remember my coffee habits. Will my faith and my love for Jesus be what stands out most when they think of me years after I'm gone? Will they understand that Mama needed Jesus way more than coffee? I am in awe of the men we read about in the first few chapters of the Bible.

Like Enoch, I want to be remember for my walk with God. Like Noah, I want to find favor in the sight of the Lord no matter what is going on in the world around me. I am challenged today to live the life that God has created me to live; to "bear fruit' that lasts as John 15:16 says. I don't want to forget that we live in a world filled with people who still need what Jesus came to give. I don't want those people to ever believe that I value coffee as much as my Savior. I want them to want what I have in my heart, not what I carry in my hand. I have teased before about needing an IV for my coffee but I am already connected to "The Vine". He is truly all I need Like the song says, "I need you, oh I need you. Every hour I need you. My one defense, my righteousness, oh, God how I need you." I still love my coffee but not like I love my Jesus. I'd give it up in a heartbeat if it meant just one person could know God the way I know God. When my days get crazy, and they usually do, it's my knees I get on and my Bible I reach for not my brew. When my 4 yr old comes screaming down the steps because her 5 yr old sister hit her, my 8 yr old says his 10 yr old sister called him ugly and stupid, my 13 yr old races up the stairs yelling how rude I am and that she hates me all because I said she had to finish her school work, the door bell is ringing, and my 12 yr old needs help with Math it's Jesus that gives me strength. It's scripture hidden in my heart that settles my spirit and allows me to sift through the crazy.

Don't worry, friends I'm not implying God wants us all to surrender our morning "hug in a mug"...chances are the next time you see me I will STILL have my favorite brew in hand. It is, however, my prayer that I will be remembered for more... that Jesus, in me, is what others will see and I will spend my days living only for Him. "John 15:5 "I am the vine you are the branches... apart from me you can do nothing." Are you connected to the vine? Is he your source or are you relying on something else that will leave you feeling deflated, defeated and empty inside.

How do others see you? Today, I hope you will find a way to fill your cup with the only one who truly satisfies and that it overflows on those who know and love you.