News & Blog!

August 7, 2012

08/07/2012 12:57:00

This past month has been a time of re-vamping for us. I needed to take a step back, and take time out to get closer to God concerning the future of A Cup Of Faith and what it holds.

There were many questions concerning the focus, the heart of this Business and Ministry.

Why we are here?

What is our purpose?

What is the mission, the drive, the focus the HEART behind this Business and Ministry?

If we don't have these answers, it will just be another Coffee Roasting Company, and we have put everything on hold until we got the answers, no matter how long it took.

I am happy to say I believe we are getting the answers we were seeking! The focus, the drive behind why we are here, and the heart of A Cup Of Faith is being revealed, and we are working to adjust A Cup Of Faith and it's Mission statement accordingly. Of course, God will always be the main focus, and His love for everyone!

All I can say, for now, is that I am personally very excited about the direction we are taking, and the heart behind what we do and why.

We will reveal more when we have all the pieces in place, and I'm sure you will be just as excited as we are.

Thank you for you're continued patients, and support during these transitions!

-Margo

Owner of A Cup Of Faith Coffee Roasting Company.

New uses for old Coffee Grounds and Tea leaves!

05/14/2012 12:17:00

A friend on Facebook shared this with me and it is too good to not share with you!

"20 Ways to Reuse Coffee Grounds and Tea Leaves" by TreeHugger"

It takes a brave and hearty (and spartan) soul to give up coffee and tea in the name of food miles. Many do, but morning caffeine is the guilty pleasure that whispers in a voice too alluring for many to resist. One thing is for sure; it's generally a long journey for beans and leaves to travel from exotic climes to the kitchen counter -- so we may as well honor them with some extra chores before condemning them to the trash. For those who add their spent dregs to the compost bin, you can still do so in many of these applications once their mission has been accomplished.Coffee Grounds

1. Soften Skin
Exfoliate with a body scrub made of coffee grounds, coconut oil, and a little brown sugar. Gently massage it on in the shower, rinse, be soft.

2. Please the Flowers
Use coffee grounds as mulch for acid-loving plants – like roses, azaleas, rhododendrons, evergreens, hydrangea, and camellias – they like coffee grounds for the natural acidity and nutrients they add to the soil.

3. Sadden the Ants
Sprinkle coffee grounds around areas of ant infestation to deter them.

4. Deter Gastropods
Used grounds are said to repel snails and slugs, sprinkle in problem areas.

5. Simplify Fireplace Cleaning
Before cleaning the fireplace, sprinkle with dampened used coffee grounds -- which weigh down the ash and thus eliminate clouds of smoke-flavored dust.

6. Make a Sepia Dye
Soak used grounds in hot water and use as a dye bath for Easter eggs, fabric, and paper for a lovely, soft brown tinge.

7. Keep Cats at Bay
Keep kitties out of the garden with a mixture of orange peel and used coffee grounds distributed around plants.

8. Encourage the Carrots
To boost a carrot harvest, mix seeds with dried coffee grounds before sowing. The extra bulk makes the wee seeds easier to sow, as well, the coffee aroma can nourish the soil and help repel pests.

Tea Leaves and Bags
A Girl With Tea/CC BY 2.0

Some tips call for dried leaves, here’s how. When you’re finished brewing tea, place the leaves into a large strainer or colander. Press out as much moisture as possible, and then spread the leaves on paper. Let the leaves dry thoroughly, turning over several times in the process. Also note that wet tea leaves stain, so if you are using wet tea leaves on or near a porous surface be sure to test in an inconspicuous place first.

9. Tame Stings and Burns
Cool tea bags can bring relief when applied to bug bites and minor burns, including sunburn. For overall skin irritation, put spent tea leaves in a bath and soak.

10. Soothe Your Eyes
The tannins in tea have anti-inflammatory effects, which is why cool ones are often employed on puffy eyes. (The chill also helps with swelling.)
11. Feed the Garden
Use tea leaves as food for garden plants – green tea is high in nitrogen, and as a bonus, the leaves can ward off pests and insects. Also good for houseplants, add old tea leaves to their water.

12. Boost Potted Plants
When potting plants, place a few used tea bags on top of the drainage layer at the bottom of the planter before adding soil. The tea bags will help to retain water and will also leach some nutrients into the potting medium.

13. Quell the Cat Box Smell
Sprinkle used, dried tea leaves in litter boxes to help reduce the smell.

14. Eliminate Pet Odors
Sprinkle dried, used green tea leaves on your pet’s pillow, bed, in the doghouse, or other smelly spots to eliminate odor.

15. Freshen the Carpet
Sprinkle dry tea leaves onto the carpet, crush them lightly and let sit for 10 minutes, then vacuum. This will refresh the carpet and deodorize your vacuum cleaner and bag. (Especially helpful if you have pets.)

16. Treat the Dog
As an extravagance, loose leaf gunpowder tea is a treat for dogs to roll around in. It’s great for the aroma and luster it adds to the coat.

17. Freshen Mats and Beds
It is common in Southeast Asia to wash straw sleeping mats in tubs of water to which tea has been added. The tea works as a deodorizer, you can apply this method to yoga mats and air mattresses.

18. Save the Fridge
If you’re out of baking soda, place dried, used green tea bags or leaves in a small open bowl in your refrigerator to help absorb odors.

19. Wash Your Hands
Rid your hands of food odors (garlic, onions, etc) by rubbing them with wet green tea leaves, an instant deodorizer.20. Deodorize Kitchen Surfaces
Rub wet tea leaves on cutting boards and counters to remove food odors.For more ways to use old food:
20 Uses for Leftover Fruit and Vegetable Rinds and Peels
From Shoe Shining to Skin Smoothing: 7 Uses for Overripe Bananas

Happy Mother's Day 2012!

05/12/2012 10:50:00

Our Daughter has been so excited about this Mother's Day! In fact, this photo is of her, handing me some beautiful flowers she picked as an early Mother's Day gift.

What on earth did I do to deserve this?

To be honest, lately I have been a bit cranky, and still, our Children hug me and tell me they love me.

I have been feeling overwhelmed with laundry, dishes, meals, daily activities, people coming and needing to go to places,... and then having a Coffee Roasting Business on top of it all can be a bit much.

Despite all of this, my Husband patiently reminded me of all the things to be thankful for. He said, "I am thankful that all of our Children have all of their fingers and toes.... that they are healthy and happy.... that they are not missing.... "

He was right, and with that gentle rebuke,... I started thinking about the laundry, dishes, meals, juggling work, home and Family.

It is difficult, but,...

the never ending pile of dirty clothes just means we have a Family, and that they are well and able to get those clothes used and dirty!

The pile of dishes just means that we have food, to feed our Children, and even though they might not have liked what I put, they still were able to eat. I am thankful they can eat, and not need a feeding tube.

I am grateful that they are here with us. That my overly protective self is that way, so they are safe and home, (even when I get tired of the noise and just wish for some peace and quiet).

Sometimes I get tired of people needing me, but yet, it just means that they think of me when they are having hard times. I am grateful for them, and those opportunities.

Sometimes I get tired of my Husband's never ending energy! His ability to go camping, and fishing, and hiking, and bike riding,.... all in a day! But, I am so thankful that I have a Husband. My life would be incomplete without him. He truly is the love of my life.

Be thankful for what you have today Mom's. Be thankful every day.

Pray for Wisdom (Ephesians 1:17)

Pray for protection of your Family , and those around you. (1 Peter 3:9)

Pray for your Children's future or current Spouse (Isaiah 54:13, Isaiah 49:25)

Remember those who have no Children, or have Children that are missing. Pray for them! If you don't know what to pray, pray in the Spirit. God knows what they need!

Pray for Children that have lost their Parents.

Stay Humble, stay loving, forgive quickly and keep God first.

Blessings!

-Margo

God does NOT hate ANYONE!

04/18/2012 16:59:00

I was on Facebook today and saw this article. It talks of Christians going to the Gay Pride Parade in Chicago, having on t-shirts with, "I'm sorry" and signs with the same message for judging.

This is true LOVE!

God NEVER told us to go around judging anyone, or condemning ANYONE! We have our own issues, our own faults we need to deal with, within ourselves!

I am truly thrilled, to see a healing begin between Christians, asking for forgiveness, for something they may have done, or not.

That is a hard task, but love never fails!

www.timschraeder.com/2010/06/30/a-different-kind-of-demonstration-at-gay-pride/

"Grounds For Success" Affiliate Program!

03/21/2012 14:44:00

Some extra cash on the side never hurts.

Ask about our Affiliate Program, "Grounds For Success" TODAY and help take

A Cup Of Faith Coffee Roasting Company

to the next level!

Inquire at info@ACupOfFaithCoffee.com.

(If you think that's exciting,... wait until you see what we have in store for you April - May 2012!)

Coffee Syphon!

03/12/2012 20:44:00

I am very excited to have received something I have been waning since I went to Boot's Coffee Roasting School, over the weekend.

My wonderful Husband and Children have given me my first Siphon!

This Coffee brewing method is known for making an incredibly smooth Cup of Coffee, as well as being beautiful.

It's a bit slow, using a alcohol burner, but still produces a Coffee that does not disappoint!

We made our first few batches over the weekend. I would suggest using a bit less freshly ground Coffee than what is suggested.

Also, make sure your grind is a bit smaller than what you use for regular drip.

If you are serious, and maybe a bit daring, you should do some research on this wonderful Coffee brewing system.

Spring cleaning!

02/23/2012 14:42:00

I must say, I have been pretty disappointed with this winter. It has felt more like a never ending fall than winter with the warmer weather. Either way, Spring is right around the corner, and with that comes Spring cleaning!

Aside from the personal side of life, we will be doing some Spring cleaning with the website, and making room for new and exciting ways to purchase our Coffee!

First off, we will not, be selling in stores at this time.

To find our Fresh Roasted Coffees, please visit us at our website: www.ACupOfFaithCoffee.com.

If you want to purchase coffee, but don't need it shipped because you live in the Smithville area, please email us at info@ACupOfFaithCoffee.com. We can make arrangements for delivery.

Second, we have discontinued our line of Single Origin Coffees.

They have not been asked for as much as our Blends, and we feel it is time to let them go for now, until the demand increases.

Next, we will be making changes to our pricing. Our line of Fresh Roasted, Organic and Fair Trade Coffees have been underpriced for a while now. I know you aren't thrilled with this idea, but we feel it is necessary to finally make the price reflect the quality of our products.

This change will happen starting March 1, 2012.

Other than that, we are very excited with some of the upcoming new ways to make purchases from A Cup Of Faith! We will keep you posted on our Blog, as well as our Facebook and Twitter.

Thank you for your continued support!

-Margo

Let Faith Arise!

01/02/2012 18:38:00

There are so many hardships going on all around the world.

Maybe you have been struggling,

maybe the only thing you have been feelings you think you have is sadness, hurt, let down, abandoned,... hopelessness.

Maybe you are wondering where God is,...

maybe you are even upset with Him, wondering why He hasn't stepped in and fixed everything.

He said, "Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 AMP.

He has not left you.

He has not abandoned you.

Ha has not turned His back on you.

Get alone with Him, go somewhere quiet, soften your heart towards Him. He loves you with an everlasting love!

"The Lord appeared from of old to me [Israel], saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn you and continued My faithfulness to you." Jeremiah 31:3 AMP.

"Therefore also now, says the Lord, turn and keep on coming to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning [until every hindrance is removed and the broken fellowship is restored].

Rend your hearts and not your garments and return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in loving-kindness; and He revokes His sentence of evil [when His conditions are met]." Joel 2:12-13 AMP

Don't give up on God,

because He has NEVER given up on you.

We are more than willing to pray for anyone.
Notice we said FOR anyone,... not against.

Email us at info@ACupOfFaithCoffee.com.

Here is a song that really speaks to my heart, "Let Faith Arise!" by Chris Tomlin

http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FJ0J9CNU

Blessings to you and your Family.

-Margo

Freeing Your Mind From "Can't"- by Jesse Duplanits

12/17/2011 16:01:00

Just a great message from Jesse Duplantis!

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Jesse Duplantis- Freeing Your Mind From "Can't"

You can do more than you think, because a greater power lives in you! Regain your confidence in God's power to do the impossible in this powerful post-Hurricane Katrina message from Dr. Jesse Duplant...

Excitement is in the air!

12/05/2011 12:08:00

I don't know about you, but the thought of Christmas just being, what seems to be, right around the corner is exciting!

We are eager to reveal the new Christmas Blend, which will be this week. This will be a limited edition, so one it's gone, it's GONE! Keep a close eye on our website, Facebook or Twitter for the release date!

Today, we are roasting:
Dark & Mellow

Citrus Delight

Care Free

and a larger batch of our "Christmas Blend 2011" for more cupping. Again, we will have this up for sale this week!

Fresh Roasted Coffee!

Thank you for your continued support, and Merry Christmas!