Sharing the hope of life in Christ!

Where Coffee and Worship Collide {and I’m so blessed to win a ticket to Allume!}

by Melanie on May 16, 2012

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I can not believe I am even writing this post!

Last night, after I got my kids in bed, I settled in with my laptop (in my pajamas!) at 9 pm for a Twitter party with the wonderful Sarah Mae and my new favorite coffee, Avodah Coffee!

Avodah Coffee and Sarah Mae were giving away free coffee and even a ticket to the Allume conference that I have wanted to attend for years! (The lineup of speakers includes Ann Voskamp, Jessica Height, Sarah Mae, Darren Rowse, Sally Clarkson, Crystal Paine, and SO MANY MORE!!!)

Coffee + Prizes + Allume + Party = FUN so I was super excited!

As soon as I visited the Avodah Coffee website and read their vision statement, I felt an instant connection and desire to help them grow and bless others:

The essence and mission of Avodah Coffee – and the basis for our name - is our heart to serve.

Our purpose is to combine our passion for coffee with our passion for missional living. We desire to offer upscale luxury quality coffee at an everyday affordable price, and make the world a better place through our business.

Here at Avodah Coffee, all of the coffee we purchase is done so with sustainability and quality in mind. We choose the beans and craft our blends to bring you the best, while serving the people who produce the coffee by purchasing from companies and farmers who engage in ethical business practices – whether through official certification or openly practiced direct trade. In addition, we give a portion of the proceeds from every sale to charitable organizations that exist to change the world. (Vision statement from the Avodah Coffee website).

The party was SO much fun, and I met so many wonderful ladies, got encouraged like crazy, and when the party ended, I felt overwhelmingly blessed and refreshed! (And I hadn’t even won any prizes! — did you know friends can encourage one another like that? YOU can be the refreshment someone else needs today!)

I was so thankful because my husband was gone, it had been a rough day, and before the party I was feeling lonely and discouraged… I was truly happy for everyone who won a prize because just being there, being encouraged, and having fun was prize enough for me.

Then, Sarah Mae tweeted “But wait, there’s more!”

Avodah Coffee was generously giving away another (surprise!) Allume ticket to someone who would help promote their coffee!!!

They asked for ideas, so I just started rattling them off (here are my actual tweets):

create a fun coffee musical video and accept submissions online
I will SERVE the coffee at the whole conference!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m not proud, I’ll do about ANYTHING!
Hmm…. I could do design work, write about them on my blog, carry their coffee the whole time, wear their logo
ok I’ve decided to go ahead & get a #avodahcoffee tattoo on my forehead… hold on I’m getting inked

I was having so much fun chatting and laughing with the other ladies, that when I saw this tweet from AvodahCoffee, I almost passed out:

@MelanieAnneTN!!!!!!! Email us lady, you’re going to #Allume Social! #avodahcoffee

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, I am so happy and blessed to partner with Avodah Coffee to share their vision and wonderful products with my free ticket to Allume!

If you have any promotion ideas, I would be so appreciative if you would share them! Please visit Avodah Coffee on Twitter or Facebook and help me thank Avodah Coffee for their generous gift!!!!

…. and I hope that they don’t hold me to that whole “tattoo thing”

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The Church’s Dilemma

by Melanie on May 13, 2012

I see it in his eyes — the fear, pain, and hopelessness. He looks into my eyes bitterly, as his life slips away.

“You knew the hope of Christ and you never told me“, he says. His words cut a deep wound within me, as I feel the weight of his accusation.

“You were too afraid to speak the truth, to be labeled “intolerant” and you never said a word to me. Why?“

Then his last breath slips away, leaving me empty and begging God for more time.

—————————–

I see it in his eyes — the fear, pain, and hopelessness. He looks into my eyes bitterly, as his life slips away.

“I couldn’t come to you and ask about this Christ. He hated me too much“, he says. His words cut a deep wound within me, as I feel the weight of his accusation.

“You told me everyday that I was a sinner, that God would some day judge me, and that the wrath of God was upon me. Instead of running to Him for help, I ran away with all my strength. What did He have to offer me? … and you never said He loved me. Why?“

Then his last breath slips away, leaving me empty and begging God for more time.

—————————–

Sweet friends, the church stands between a great divide: sinners in need of a Savior, and a Savior we intimately know.

Rather than throwing a life-line, however, I think many times we are caught between telling a drowning man who is unaware that he is drowning that everything is fine and he is okay…. or shouting out to him that it is his own fault if he drowns.

God help us.

In fact, the dilemma of the church is not only limited to how we treat those outside the church, but also how we treat our brothers and sisters inside the church.

I see many Christians judging not only the world around us, but also other Christians and it breaks my heart. Would the person in the pew next to you be able to confess his p*rnography addiction? Would the lady in the choir beside you confide that she had an affair on her husband? Would the teenager in Sunday School confide in you that he has started trying out drugs?

Do we allow Christians to confess our sins to one another in order to repent and pray for one another?

We are too busy arguing about doctrine, authors, musicians, baptism, and so many other things that we create an atmosphere where anything less than perfection is unacceptable. We don’t allow others to fall because it will hurt our image as the “church” and tarnish our great reputation. Shouldn’t we encourage one another in the faith even in that means confessing to one another and praying for our brothers and sisters who struggle with some secret sin?

I have to think that Satan is loving every minute.

… because we are missing the point.

So what is the point? Should we shout to “sinners” about how wrong they are? Or, should we duck down and tell others that sin is relative, and we’re really all doing okay? Or, possibly we should just give up and act like we don’t even know who Jesus is?

No.

Sinners are not just the ones outside the church. Sinners are also the ones who sit on pews. They serve in church. They look cleaned up on the outside when the inside is falling apart.

Do we yell at those “sinners” and tell them God’s wrath is upon them? Do we love them like Jesus and give them the hope only he can give?

Sadly, I think we do neither, and it breaks my heart.

When the mentality of Christians become “us” (Christians) vs. “them” (non-Christians), we all lose. Apart from God’s great love in my life, I am just like the “other side”. Apart from His grace and mercy, my life is meaningless and empty.

How do we best communicate His hope to a dying world? How do we love our brothers and sisters to live transparently in His hope? How do we “stand firm” while living out His love to others?

By knowing Him. By seeking Him. By first worrying about our own hearts before condemning others.

… and let Him lead from there.

If God says “Speak”, then I will speak.

If God says “Quiet”, then I will hold my tongue.

If God says “Listen”, then I will listen to my those who just need someone to talk to.

If God says “Feed”, then I will give out of my abundance to provide for those in need.

This is not a war to be won on a political level, but this war is one to be won on a heart level. I think we have to reach others with a combination of sharing the freeing truth of God’s Word, but always spoken in love.

The world is hurting and begging for hope. If you are in Christ, you know His hope! You have the answer to all they are searching for, but sweet friends, we have to be so careful to give them that hope. Hope without Truth is a lie, and in order for others to know His hope, we must share His truth. Likewise, Hope without Love is shallow and empty. We must share God’s love to fill all of the empty places.

What is your answer to the dilemma? What will a dying sinner say to you?

… sharing with friends at:

the Better Mom

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Fresh Produce Clothing {Review}

by Melanie on May 12, 2012

Y’all, I have just found the most comfortable top in the history of the world.

Just last night, my husband was teasing me about my old ratty pep-club t-shirt I kept (since 8th grade!) and still wore when we got married. It’s been 12 years since the shirt “disintegrated” as my hubby likes to call it.

… and I still miss that shirt.

When I was asked to review the clothing from “Fresh Produce”, I was immediately in love with their beautiful, fun colors and casual, relaxed style… but I had NO idea that their clothing would be so comfortable!

I had the opportunity to review the short-sleeve “BFF Top” and could not believe how comfortable this top is!

I like the longer length on the shirt and the detailed seam. The cut of the sleeves is very flattering and feminine.

The material is very light-weight and will be perfect for vacation!

Be sure to check out their site where they offer women’s resort wear, womens caribbean clothes, and plus size t-shirts.
Fresh Produce now ships to over 200 countries, so women outside the US can enjoy the colorful styles, too!

What’s your most comfortable shirt?

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Lessons from Mommyhood

by Melanie on May 10, 2012

… thank you to my sweet friends on Facebook and Twitter for helping me write this post! If you are missing out on the fun, please join us there too!

1. I learned what it means to truly love someone unconditionally. ~ Pauline

2. How to put together enough Lego ships to possibly be an official NASA expert

3. That God really did make each of us unique, like my beautiful boys… and that instead of comparing myself and never measuring up, I should embrace our differences

4. NEVER look around when toddler throws a fit and instead focus on the needs of the child. ~ Island Girl

5. That some of life’s greatest gifts are not planned or even imagined.

6. That the toilet seat in my house should actually stay UP. (Trust me on that one… I live with all men, and I appreciate it just being up. I’ll get over putting it down, but the alternative is …um… gross). — Yes, that’s from me.

7. That I am far more of a sinner than I EVER thought I was! ~ Sara

8. NEVER to leave Windex in reach of a toddler

9. I’ve learned how good of a mother my own was…..because it’s not always easy being Mom! ~ Anna

10. I’ve learned that motherhood is by far the scariest thing I have ever done — the fear of something happening to my child is greater than any fear I’ve ever felt.

11. I’ve learned that motherhood is by far the greatest joy I have ever experienced.

12. Motherhood is HARD WORK. All moms are “working moms”.

13. Your kids come first! You have to die to self. ~ Musings of a Minister’s Wife

14. That I’m not a “Cool Mom“, and I am completely fine with that.

15. You are responsible for the life or lives you bring into the world until your last breath. ~ Cathy

16. When playing children are suddenly quiet, be afraid. Be very afraid.

17. When you hear your children say “Uh oh!” or “Shh! Don’t tell Mom!” — Again, be afraid. Be very afraid. And go there. NOW.

18. I learned to be more forgiving! They forgive me for messing up so much. They love me and live out their forgiveness without holding grudges! ~ Joanna

19. You would give anything including life for them because they mean that much to you. ~ Faith

20. That all I want to accomplish in this life is to be a good mommy.

21. I’ve learned that I can’t raise my children on my own, and I am so thankful for my husband and family who loves and helps my children.

22. The thing I have most learned is that life is short–kids don’t stay little for long and you need to love & enjoy them each day you have them with you because in time they will leave. But they will always remain in your heart. ~ Cheryl

23. That as much as you love them, you can’t shield them from pain. ~ Leslie

24. I’ve learned that I CAN discuss bodily functions, eat dinner, and NOT get sick. ~ Jennifer

25. Sometimes Mommy cannot “fix” things, and kids just need to be held and loved.

26. That when your child is hurt, threatened, or bullied — the “Mama Bear” WILL come out.

27. Mothering has taught me to pick my battles wisely and not to sweat the small stuff…..it’s just not worth it. ~ Juanita

28. I’ve learned that I will never be a perfect mother. I will make mistakes. I am thankful for God’s grace. ~ Barbie

29. I know that I can’t teach my son everything and it’s not a character flaw. ~ Sandy

30. That children need lots of free time and space to use their minds and imaginations, and not to stuff their schedule full of commitments.

31. It turns out that it really DOES matter when they had their last bowel movement.

32. To savor each and every second of each and every day. It really does go by too quickly.

33. I learned that I don’t have to have a spotless house. People get that I have three kids and I have to choose between spending all day cleaning or all day playing with my 3 little ones. They’ll only be little for so long. I can clean my house when they grow up ~ Diana

34. I’ve learned to always give children a “5 minute” warning — for example, if we need to leave the park in 5 minutes. This gives them a heads-up and avoids arguments when they have to leave unexpectedly. Great parent advice I read from Brad Pitt!

35. When all else fails, smile. ~ RJ

36. I learned to be thankful for sleeping the whole night through! ~ Amy

37. When your children hurt, you hurt too. That sometimes those little ones are stronger than we think and smarter than we give them credit for. The best thing though is when they do something good or right without being told, that warm feeling you get inside when you see it or hear about it…. that is such a wonderful moment. ~ Helen

38. Baby kisses are the sweetest gift on the planet…. second place is baby grins before teeth.

39. I’ve learned that my children see me when no one else does. It is important that I am genuine and authentic in everything I do. The last thing I want my children to see is a “fake”.

40. That you never stop worrying about them no matter how old they get, and cherish each moment, you never know if you’ll have another – each one is precious and wonderful in its own right ♥ ~ Heather

41. That your family is your most treasured possession. Enjoy every moment, time goes way to fast ~ Colleen

42. Never say never because you never know. 2) Don’t judge the parenting style/decisions of another because until you have had to face what they’re facing you just don’t know how you would handle the same situation. ~ Nicky

43. God gave us children to give us a small glimpse of His great love for us.

44. Vomit really isn’t that big of a deal.

45. I’ve learned the importance of teaching my children to try their best, while not expecting them to be perfect (and trying to teach them not to expect themselves to be perfect).

46. That I will never be the perfect mom. I will lose my temper and do things that make me cringe the next day, and that I will need to ask for much forgiveness.

47. You’ll never go to the bathroom alone again!!! ~ Emily

48. That many of the things that come out of your mouth you never could have imagined saying. “You do not need to test the size of a bead by sticking it up your nose!” ~ Amanda

49. GRACE. Oh, how God uses our children to teach us, as much or more as we teach them. When they’re young, they’re in training and learning. So I try & remember not to get upset with them so easily for not having mastered things that I have simply because I’m an adult with life experience. I make mistakes -always have, always will – and so will they. Allow for that! ~ Kristi

50. That there really is nothing like a mother’s love.

What lessons would you add to the list?

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