What I Love about My Local Coffee Shop

I do have a teapot and some tea mugs to share with you today, but first I want to talk about a quaint little place I call  ‘my cozy little get-away’.

           

We have a few different coffee houses in my mid-sized town, but I find myself hanging out more and enjoying the atmosphere at my local independent coffee shop. We used to have a tea house, but it closed a few years back. So I’ve been limited in that choice. I really enjoy going to this specific coffee shop to have a chai or lunch with a friend, get on my laptop with free wifi, and shop around in the connected bookstore. I find myself going a little early and lingering a little longer. Maybe it has to do with the fact that it is owned and run by my alma mater, Grace College. Maybe it’s the idea that there are mostly young college students that spend their time there (even though it is open to the public). Maybe it’s because it’s the only coalescing Christian bookstore and coffee shop in town. I think it’s a combination of all the above. It’s a small venue, compared to its competitors, which gives one a homier and relaxed feeling. I've even seen a teapot or tea cup available for sale in their store a few times. Of course, flavored lattes and cappuccinos are the most popular refreshments sold. But they also make my favorite vanilla chai, have an assortment of flavored bagged teas, along with a variety of smoothies, soups, and pastries/desserts. 

I really have fallen in love with the place and just felt like sharing some pictures.

 Relaxed seating area

 A busy day in “The Tree of Life” Coffee shop and café.

The connected bookstore makes buying readiing material convenient.

The store even sells an assortment of clothing items.

 A corner of the café, where photos and signs are for sale, too.

Here are some beautiful nativity displays available, too.

Here is a cute Christmas teapot they currently have for sale.

There are also matching tea mugs, a bowl, and serving tray

Laptop, chai, and a book! What a great combo!

Do you have a special place that you like to go that is your "special get-away"?

Because we don't have any local tea houses, I'm hoping to be able to visit some larger cities nearby and check out some of their tea houses sometime soon. And hopefully I 'll get the chance to give my thoughts on these, as well,  Until then, this coffee shop will do just fine!! : )

Have a great day!

 

Linking up at

The Battle that Rages: Attitude and Trust

As a whole, I usually have felt like I have overcome negativity, but learning to trust and having a positive attitude often seem to collide with each other for me when I'm faced with them together, especially when things aren't going well in my life. It's amazing how praise and gratitude can be so easily influenced by my circumstances (or even by my mood). 

 

Source: be-the-change.tumblr.com via Ann on Pinterest

I've tried to write down at least one thing every day that I'm grateful for. I've been doing this for almost a full year now, and still, there are days it's a great struggle. In fact, today is one of them. I've been racking my brain to write something down, but my mind keeps traveling to negative and worrisome thoughts.  I pray for God to take care of my every need and to give me peace about it, but then I struggle to trust Him fully with it. My mind almost has a mind of it's own, if that makes any sense. I know Satan wants my mind and my life, and the only way I know to battle against him is on my knees!

I'm still working on my gratitude list. Today, I may not be able to write anything inspiring down, but I am thankful for one thing for sure.....God is our conqueror and more. That reminds me of the Scripture verse - Romans 8:39

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."

  (source)

 

Source: be-the-change.tumblr.com via Ann on Pinterest

I'm also reminded, in order to keep my mind and heart grateful, that I must "pray continually." And "be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)

So today I am praying, praising God (through reading the Word). I'm reading Psalms 103, to start. And I'm remembering that God is my conqueror!

 

(source)

This weeks list of blessings and His grace:  

335.    Having a tasty chicken Caesar salad for lunch! Yum!

336.    Technology that allows my son to record his music.

337.    My son’s friends – some pretty awesome young people!

338.    That God will continue to work in my son’s heart to make wise decisions, concerning his dating relationship.

339.    "Grace, which is the hard floor that catches me when my knees give in. It’s the net that holds me, keeping me from falling into the endless abyss."(I read this on another writer's post and felt it fit my situation well) to read it, go here.

340.  Psalms 103
341 .  God is my conqueror!

 

I'm linking up with the following blog hops:

Multitudes on Mondays