Beautiful Journey » Inspiration

Generosity

Michelle Angelie — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 01:48:49 +0000

Give and it shall come back to you. I always believe in that. I know of somebody that could be a living testimony of this principle. Because of the couple’s generosity, what used to be a simple home has now become an awe inspiring house that is still by the way open to friends not because they wanted to show off their Quoizel lighting but because they accommodate us everytime we have a band practice for church. And that includes a sumptuouse meal everytime. Thanks to you.

Best Family

Michelle Angelie — Fri, 28 May 2010 10:17:13 +0000

This year, specifically this month is the favorite time of my life so far. Though there were trials that came, but this family has been whole and united, standing strong and holding each others hands along the way. Family members living far came home. Even those family member who just lived near each other, never bonded like this before. I wanted to have a cardboard display that would say that this best family ever. I could not ask for more.

He Remains Faithful

Michelle Angelie — Thu, 27 May 2010 11:23:35 +0000

The house has been silent and clean most of the time since the kids does not have school yet. They spend most of their time at their cousins’ house. So I had lots of time to do some general cleaning and rearranging. I realized that I had lots of modern furniture house. Looking at them, I felt blessed. I remember before we moved out from my grandmother’s house, we left with only a bed, a TV set and computer. It never fails to amaze me that even if I am unfaithful, My God remains faithful and continues to pour out His blessings. I am thankful.

A Daily Cup of Coffee… Reflection 13

Michelle Angelie — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 10:41:51 +0000

Mr. Johnson heard a friendly knock at his front door. It was his neighbors, Mary Beth, with a panicked grin on her face. She had some guests coming for dinner in less than two hours and needed to borrow a cup of sugar to finish her pecan coffeecake. As always, Mr. Johnson was more than happy to lend from his cupboard. The next morning Mary Beth was back on his front porch with a more relaxed smile. “Mr. Johnson, I want to thank you for the cup of sugar last night. I saved some coffeecake just for you,” she said as she handed him a large platter. Since Mr. Johnson’s wife had passed away earlier in the year, Mary Beth had tried to minister to him in special ways. She would often have her children take over fresh-cut flowers from the yard or a plate of chocolate chip cookies she baked after school. Their family had invited him to the park to fly a kite and to catch lightning bugs in their backyard. These were simple things, acts of kindness that meant so much to Mr. Johnson.

God ha a plan behind every situation in your life…even when borrowing sugar from a neighbor. Romans 8:28 tells us that God works together for good all those that love him. There are no coincidences in God’s eyes, only divine appointments. Be ready to bless whomever God places in your life today with a heart that flows with love.

Lord, I am ready to be your servant of kindness today. Touch my heart to those near me who may need a prayer or an encouraging word. Help me to reach out in my community and reflect Your love for your people.

A Daily Cup of Coffee…Reflection 12

Michelle Angelie — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 12:01:42 +0000

Three-year-old Jason wanted to surprise her mom by making her coffee on Mother’s Day. He found some coffee bans and placed them into one of her favorite mugs. He added some water, milk, and sugar cubes. Jason then poured in some cola because it didn’t look dark enough. He beamed with pride as he stirred his gourmet beverage. After finding mom in her bedroom he announced, “Happy Mother’s Day! I made you some coffee all by myself. You can take a drink now mammy.” She stared into her mug, and then smiled at Jason as she took a small sip of his morning creation. With an unnoticed grimaced on her face, she swallowed. Jason’s mom bent down and gave him a hug as she said, “This is wonderful coffee Jason. You made me very happy. Thank you!” Jason didn’t know that coffee beans first need to be ground and then filtered with water. God gives us His living water everyday. He also gives us the Holy Spirit to filter out the waste and wickedness of the world. There are times when we may be given bitter coffee beans and lumpy sugar cubes just like Jason’s mom. Remember that God always offers us His patience and perseverance when we live with the lumpy things of life.

Dear Father, You have given me your Spirit to filter out anything that doesn’t honor you. Guide my life so that I always glorify your name. When I do face trials, help me to count it pure joy as I learn patience and perseverance.

A Daily Cup of Coffee…Reflection 11

Michelle Angelie — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:01:02 +0000

Only the bride was more beautiful than the flowers in a lovely seaside ceremony highlighted with Mediterranean culture. The couple had lived near each other all their lives and now would be husband and wife. After weeks of preparation, nearly the entire village attended the customary week-long celebration. The reception was held both outside and inside to accommodate the many guests. Both sides of the families and friends enjoyed the food and fellowship. Unfortunately, as with most weddings, a few things did not turn out as planned. There was a trip in a tent that had to be sown, one of the scheduled singers had a sore throat, and wind kept snuffing out candles. Then a special visitor was asked to help solve a shortage of wine for the guests. At first, involving Jesus with wine problem did not seem to fit into His purpose, but later Jesus knew in His heart that it was the right time to help. Jesus had the servants fill six stone water jars with water. The host was blessed by the jars now miraculously filled with new wine, which impressed all the guests. Jesus did not plan to bring attention to him as the celebration was for the newly wedded couple. God has chosen this wedding for His son’s first miracle and the start of His ministry. Jesus has been offering miracles of new life ever since.

Lord, help me understand good timing when it comes to helping out others. Help me seek to understand others before I react in important situations. Thank you for being a Gog of miracles.

A Daily Cup of Coffee…Reflection 10

Michelle Angelie — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:53:49 +0000

Adam was ready to pop the question. He was in love and very nervous. Parents approved, pastors had prayed, while friends agreed “Rochelle and Adam were meant for each other. As Adam sat alone at the café, he thought back to the day they first met…He seemed to know from the moment on that she was the right girl for him. He had prayed for a godly woman. He thought God had answered his prayer. This did seem to be the right time, but he still had questions…all he knew to do was turn back to God in prayer. “Oh Lord, this is such a big decision. Thank You fro bringing Rochelle into my life. Let me know for sure this is the right thing to do, so I will never doubt her or you in the future.” Adam quietly opened his eyes after praying. As he lifted his cup to drink, he saw two overlapping rings on the table made by the bottom of his teacup. In his heart he felt God has given him a sign of reassurance through the interlocking rings that symbolized the unity of love in marriage. Later that night at an elegant restaurant, Adam hinted about someday sharing the same china patterns on their dishes. Rochelle then lifted her tea bag from her cup only to discover a diamond engagement ring. Adam received all the confirmation he needed when Rochelle accepted his proposal.

God created marriage as a reflection of His love for us. The Bible tells us that Christ is the bridegroom and the church as His bride. God has already invited us to be joined with Him in fellowship forever. All we have to do is accept His proposal is say, “Yes, Lord…I do…”

Lord, keep me still in your peace, string in your faith and overflowing with your love. Make my paths straight and make my footsteps firm. Grant me wisdom with every decision I need to make in life as I look to you and your plan for me.

A Daily Cup of Coffee…Reflection 9

Michelle Angelie — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:36:19 +0000

Nine year-old Joey hoped to win a new bike for selling the most magazine subscriptions in the school fundraiser. He worked two weeks going door-to-door in his neighborhood. Joey was quite disappointed when he finished third in the contest. His Dad tried to encourage Joey as he taught him a lesson on perseverance. “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” Dad said. Joey took his words to heart and decided to set up a lemonade stand in his front yard to earn money for a bike. His best sales came through when his Grandpa helped mount a portable stand on Joey’s red wagon so he could take it right to where people were thirsty. After selling to neighbors working in their yards and to kids playing at the park, Joey earned enough money to buy his dream bike.

Jesus knew where thirsty people were also. He went to the city and told anyone who was thirsty to come to Him and drink. He offered eternal life to those who believed in His name. He gave himself as living water to the thirsty of the word. Jesus knows where thirsty people are today. If your cup has never been filled with salvation, come and drink. If your life needs refilling, know that Jesus follows you wherever you go and He is ready to fill your cup.

Dear Father, You have refreshed my soul with your gift of eternal life. Pace in my heart a thirst for righteousness-a yearning for all that comes from you. Thank you for refilling my cup of faith.

A Daily Cup of Coffee…Reflection 8

Michelle Angelie — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:43:20 +0000

A young man had been walking along a desert trail for several days when he came upon the oasis. There were no luscious trees or visible reservoirs of water…only a rusted hand pump near an old shed. Others had told that his only chance for survival was to stop at the oasis and replenish his water supply. He approached the pump with a slow walk, parched from the late afternoon sun. He saw a large cup of water with a sign nearby that read: “Please use this cup of water to prime the pump. You will be able to pump as much water as you need from the well. Then, kindly leave one cup of water for the next traveler that comes along.” Like most of the wearied travelers, the man was tempted to drink the water in the cup to quench his thirst. Instead, he poured the only water available to him in faith to prime the pump. Soon, after several pumps of the handle, cool water began gushing from the underground well.
God asks us to test Him with the same principle in our lives. He promises us in the Book of Malachi that when we offer Him our tithe of time, talent, and resources, the floodgates of heaven will open with more blessings than we have room to store. It takes faith to give to God from what we have today. Remember, God has promised to return His blessing many fold to those who are faithful.

A Daily Cup of Coffee…Reflection 7

Michelle Angelie — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:31:34 +0000

A strong bond of friendship cannot be formed overnight. It takes time and in some instances-it may take a lifetime. Rebecca West describes friendship as a “definite process, involving talking to people and listening to them for hours at time.” Think of friendship as a cup that must be filled. The cup contains many shared experiences. A listening ear, a caring heart, comforts in times of grief, and joy shared in the triumphs of life-all help fill the cup. Samuel Johnson illustrated it this way, “We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship is formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over, so in a series of kindness there is at last one which makes the heart run over.”

Our friendship with God is no different. Although He knows everything about us because He created us, we need shared experiences of faith with God to be able to know Him as a true friend. Pour trust, obedience, and whole hearted devotion into your friendship cup with God. He will cause your cup to run over with contentment, joy, and blessing in your life. You can then turn to close friends and family and help fill their cups with God’s merciful heart and perfect love.

Lord, thank you for laying down Your life for me. You’ve shown to me genuine love and care like no other friend ever could. Guide me by your Spirit to read Your Word, follow your commands and fellowship in prayer so I can know You even more intimately as my true friend.