Hope & Unexpected Connections

It's about having the right people for your journey.

Hope Matters

If you’re new here, I’m a Christian. As we approach the day set aside to observe the birth of Christ, we celebrate Advent, because Jesus’s coming was expected. What I don’t believe we spend enough time talking about is the unexpected events that happened prior to His birth, like Mary’s elderly cousin who was pregnant with the person who was just a bit older than Jesus and would be the one to tell people that the Messiah was out in those streets, and they better get ready for what they were about to witness. But I digress, Elizabeth and Zechariah were old, y’all, and about to have a baby. Most of us already know that Mary did not expect to be chosen to carry Jesus. My point is I don’t think we spend enough time talking about how expected outcomes are wrapped in the unexpected.

It is not lost on me that all the people whom I’m in deep relationship with were unexpected connections. I didn’t look at them and think, ‘Oh, they’d make a great friend,’ or ‘That looks like a person I need to connect with.’ Hello! I’m an introvert. I’m not looking to connect with anybody. So, it kind of has to happen this way for me. Yet, these are the best relationships of my life. God knew exactly whom I’d need and sent them to unexpectedly ‘invade my space.’ (If y’all are reading this, I still love y’all. 😆💜) To this day, Significant Other wonders how in the world I let him talk to me at all. *stage whisper* He loves to talk. 🤦🏾‍♀️

However, all this unexpected has resulted in having people in my life who love, support, push, and challenge me and bring me so much joy. God knew I’d need them and exactly when and where to send them. These unexpected connections are part of my expected outcome. I know there’ll probably be others who’ll invade my space, but I’ve come to recognize that some of them are people who, ultimately, might be part of fulfilling my purpose.

Hope Buddies, as we move forward in this season of joy, love, and peace, let’s not discount the unexpected. Some of the best gifts are wrapped in it.

Hope in the unexpected. ☕️

Coffee Matters

Alright, Coffee Buddies, let’s talk dirty…coffee machines. This is the time of year where there will be many gatherings. And if your people like coffee, show them some coffee love by making sure you’re brewing coffee in a clean machine. Even if no one is coming to your house, show yourself some coffee love. 😁

If you didn’t know you should do this regularly, here’s your sign. 🪧 Now, I’m not just going to tell you to do it and not tell you how. This is the method I use:

• Clean the carafe and inside of the coffee maker (as best you can).

• Fill the coffee tank with a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and clean water (I use filtered or bottled.), turn the pot on, and let it run through. Pour that out.

• Fill the coffee tank with clean water, turn the pot on, and let that run through. Pour out the water. (Do this twice.)

This does two things:

1. Cleans your machine. (As Son would say, “Obvi. 🙄”)

2. Makes your coffee taste better.

I’d like to tell you I do this once a month like I’m supposed to, but sometimes I forget. But anytime I make time to clean my coffee pot, I notice the difference and have something else to check off my list that makes me feel accomplished and like I know what I’m doing. 💪🏾

For each of you reading this, I pray all the peace, joy, and love you can stand as you spend time loving on your families and yourselves this holiday.

Now, tell me…

What are you hoping and sipping this week?

I appreciate you taking the time to read this hopeletter about my life and coffee. Please share with a friend who could use a little hope or coffee recommendation.