The Coffee Mom's Devotional - Celeste Palermo

[goodreads]

Title: The Coffee Mom's Devotional: A Rich Blend of 30 Brief and Inspiring Devotions
Author: Celeste Palermo
Genre: Christian non-fiction
Rating: 4/5
# pages: 202
Date read: May, 2009

Celeste Palermo loves her coffee. Some might even say she's addicted to it. It definitely helps her get started in the morning, and gives her the 'kick' she needs to get on with her day. But coffee alone won't give Celeste the surplus she needs. She has to look elsewhere for that - not just to something else, but to someone else - the only One who's able to ensure that her cup runs over - and not just with caffeinated goodness either.

Fortunately Celeste knows exactly who to turn to for that, and through these 30 devotionals she encourages other busy moms do the same. Drawing on personal experiences from her career, her church life, and most importantly, her role as a wife and a mother, she shows that she's "been there, done that" and knows exactly just how difficult it can be for a busy mother to find the time to calm down and focus on God each day.

Because of this, Celeste Palermo timed the devotionals to last a cup of coffee. The coffee-break is already incorporated in many mothers' morning routine, and this book to allow the reader to have a spiritual and physical "pick me up" at the same time. It works too - each devotional took about 5-10 minutes to read, not counting the time spent in contemplation over the "Questions to STIR" and "Soul Sip Solutions" that conclude each coffee break.

I found The Coffee Mom's Devotional a refreshing change from many other devotionals I've been reading lately. It doesn't preach at the reader, but makes you feel like you've sat down to have a chat with a good friend. I found peace and comfort in the pages, and grew to care for both Celeste and her family, as I could recognize much of myself and personal life in their experiences.

There's no exegesis involved in the devotionals - instead they help you focus on God's blessings, and offer suggestions on how to continue spending your coffee break with God - even after the last page has been turned.

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