THE REFRIGERATOR CONVERSATION

Hello!

Welcome to Cager’s Coffee Break,

Have you ever opened the refrigerator, stared inside for twenty seconds, closed it—and then opened it again five minutes later? Nothing has changed. There wasn't a cheesecake there the first time. There isn't one now. But apparently, we're optimistic people. Sometimes we're looking for something without even knowing exactly what we want. Coffee drinkers understand preferences like that. Two cups can both be coffee and still offer very different experiences because origin, roast and preparation can influence aroma, body and flavor. That's part of what makes discovering a coffee you really enjoy so much fun. Life has seasons like that, too. We know something is missing, but we aren't always sure what we're searching for. Peace? Direction? Purpose? Reassurance? That's where faith points us somewhere deeper than another open refrigerator door. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Notice where Jesus tells us to begin seeking God first. Before worry. Before trying seventeen solutions. Before convincing ourselves, we have to figure everything out alone. Faith begins by turning toward God and trusting Him to provide the wisdom and direction we need. So tomorrow morning, before opening that refrigerator for the third time, brew yourself a cup of coffee, spend a little time with God, and remember—you may not know everything the day holds, but you know Who holds you through it. Visit Cager’s Coffee Hut at www.cagerscoffeehut.com, and remember to keep brewing kindness one cup at a time.

THE PASSWORD THAT APPARENTLY ISN'T YOUR PASSWORD

Hello!

Welcome to Cager’s Coffee Break,

Nothing tests a person's character quite like seeing: INCORRECT PASSWORD. Excuse me? I've used that password approximately 847 times. So, you type it again—slowly. INCORRECT PASSWORD. Now it's personal. You click “Forgot Password,” create a new one, and the computer announces: NEW PASSWORD CANNOT BE THE SAME AS OLD PASSWORD. Oh, so NOW you remember it! Coffee has a memory lesson of its own—not because coffee remembers passwords, thankfully, but because aroma plays a tremendous role in how we experience flavor. What our nose detects contributes significantly to what we perceive when we're enjoying that cup. Sometimes what we remember changes our experience, too. When life becomes difficult, faith invites us to remember who God has already proven Himself to be. Psalm 77:11 says, “I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.” When today's circumstances make you wonder where God is, remember yesterday's evidence. Remember the prayer He answered. Remember the door He opened. Remember the strength He gave you when you didn't think you could take another step. Faith isn't pretending today's problem doesn't exist. It's remembering that today's problem hasn't erased God's faithfulness. Now, if only we could remember where we wrote down that new password. Visit Cager’s Coffee Hut at www.cagerscoffeehut.com, and remember to keep brewing kindness one cup at a time.

THE AUTOMATIC-DOOR REJECTION

Hello!

Welcome to Cager’s Coffee Break,

Have you ever walked toward an automatic door, and it didn't open? Suddenly you're standing there wondering if you've become invisible. You step backward. Forward. Backward. Forward. Then somebody walks up behind you and—WHOOSH—the door opens immediately. Well! Apparently, the door has standards. Coffee gives us another reminder that timing and movement matter. During brewing, water needs enough contact with the coffee grounds to extract desirable flavors. Too little extraction can leave a cup tasting weak or sour, while pushing extraction too far can bring out less pleasant bitterness. There is a balance—and sometimes there is waiting. That's difficult for us because we like doors to open immediately, especially when we've prayed about something. But Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Waiting doesn't mean God has forgotten you. Sometimes the door hasn't opened because the timing isn't right. Sometimes God is strengthening us while we stand there. And sometimes the direction we expected isn't the direction He has planned. Faith says, “Lord, I trust You even while I'm waiting.” So don't panic because the door hasn't opened yet. And if it's an actual automatic door... try waving your arms. Faith is wonderful, but that sensor still needs to see you. Visit Cager’s Coffee Hut at www.cagerscoffeehut.com, and remember to keep brewing kindness one cup at a time.