You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placedground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, 'Tell me what you see.'

'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots.

She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee.

The daughter smiled, as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?'

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor.


If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.


When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity?


Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Today in Jr. Bible Lab (5-7 years old), we sang "I've got Peace Like a River" (with all of the movements)....If you've never heard it, it's quite an aerobic workout when you add "joy like a fountain" and "love like the ocean"... but I digress.

We followed it with "Roll the Gospel Chariot" Once we were done, I said..."Boy oh boy, Miss Cindy is tired!" The kids said, "Why???" to which I said, "well, because Miss Cindy is OLD!!" A little blonde haired, blue eyed boy named Owen said, "Why isn't your hair old???

Our other teacher, Raiza about fell out of her chair.

You have to love the innocence of children...AND Preference by Loreal, 4R Dark Auburn!!!!!

Looking toward the new year, I thank God for my good friends...they celebrate the good times, help you through the rough times...stand by you at ALL times! You know who you are and I count you as my richest blessings!!!!

for those of you who have been following my posts...

My friend from work, Jane LePree, who has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Cervical Cancer has taken a turn for the worse. She finished 12 weeks of chemo and radiation but the cancer is still there. She returned to work on a part time basis a few weeks ago. Yesterday, we rushed her by ambulance from work to the hospital in debilitating abdominal pain. After a battery of tests, they determined that she had something (not stones) blocking her kidney function. It may be a complication from the cancer. Not too sure. They were doing surgery today to determine the cause of the blockage and to put in a stent.

I am still having discussions with her of a spiritual nature. She has shown interest in attending Skyview CoC here in Clearwater and I have offered to go with her, but her health just hasn't allowed it.

Please keep both her physical and spiritual wellbeing in your prayers.

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Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

here's my new entry

talk amongst yourselves