I’ve been on a mission to eat healthier and exercise more.  Sounds simple – but for me it’s not easy.  Anyhow – breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.  I eagerly jump out of bed to start my day with coffee and cream,  (my fit and healthy friends tell me cream is a good thing and I am happy to believe them) and maybe scrambled eggs with a little avocado and spinach, or maybe some plain yogurt (whole, of course) with some blueberries and maybe even a piece of whole grain bread with peanut butter.  I don’t get it, but somehow you can lose weight on this stuff.

So, this morning I got up a little earlier to have a cup of coffee with the Lord.  I laid out my Bible, my pens, my Bible commentary, my devotionals, and was all set to go.  Well, that one cup of coffee turned into two, and then three, and I pretty much took down the entire pot.  Then suddenly I looked at the clock and ah!  I was running behind and had to scramble to get out the door to get to my Bible Study on time.

Once I was in the car I had not driven 5 minutes when it occurred to me that I had forgotten to eat breakfast.  I practically turned around and even considered skipping Bible Study.  I cannot function without my breakfast.  Immediately my stomach began to growl and hurt a little and I felt a headache coming on. (I was kind of dramatic about it) How could I possibly make it until 12:00??  I considered that many people make a habit of fasting and concluded I should live through it. Once I arrived at Bible Study I shamelessly grabbed five pieces of candy from the candy dish hoping it might tide me over.

I have to tell you what I learned today.  I may not have had my breakfast, but my entire day was different.

As I sang in worship, the words reached into the deepest part of my soul. The morning speaker covered verses I was familiar with, yet I learned things I had never seen before. I was challenged and inspired by the women in my small group.  I was filled.  But it didn’t end there.

After Bible Study, I drove (over the speed limit) to meet my cousin Jule for lunch and more importantly to EAT.  Before we ordered, my cousin gave me a birthday card and I read it and thanked her.  Then she took the card away from me and said,  I want to make sure you hear every word of this, Jackie.  This card was specifically meant for you.”  She proceeded to read the card right out loud – every single word – and my heart was filled to the brim.  Our conversation was so rich I didn’t even notice the food I was eating.

Once I got home my husband invited me to an early dinner (very early) and I wasn’t hungry but was oh-so-happy to sit across the table from him and talk.  (Please note that he is a tax accountant so to be invited to dinner any time of the day is a miracle in itself)  My morning cup of coffee was spilling into my entire day.

And it occurred to me… had I started my morning with breakfast, instead of having coffee with Jesus, I might not have had the same kind of day.  I didn’t have my favorite breakfast, but the Lord Himself sustained me.

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” – Matthew 4:4

 We have the amazing privilege of being able to tap into God’s power simply by sitting down and sharing a cup of coffee with Him.  The more we are filled with Jesus the more life we will have. He replaces our anxiety with peace and fills our empty places with joy. He gives us reason to hope when we have long given up. He removes fear and makes us courageous. He offers guidance when we have lost our direction. And He makes us feel all wrapped in love as we experience His presence in our lives.

One cup of coffee can change the entire course of our day.

“God’s best for you is closely linked with this daily meeting with Him.” – Stephen F. Olford

***Mom/daughter-in-law blog will be posted in a few days – you won’t want to miss this one…!***