BÉNIE

Sip in peace.

ELIAS

002

February 2026

IN THIS NEWSLETTER:

New playlist, Ask Aunty Benz, encouragement for your being,

and much more.

Happy Reading!

WHAT IS THE 47th CAFE?

The 47TH CAFE was divinely inspired to be a source of encouragement and hope for all, through the vicissitudes of life.

Be anchored in Peace at all levels of your being – spirit, soul, and body – so that you will live with fullfillment and contentment that cannot be shifted by the chaos of the world around you.

Philippians 4:7 says,

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Expect to be edified, educated, and empowered with every issue.

I welcome you to the 47TH CAFE. And as you read, sip in peace.

Be blessed!

FEBRuary Scripture

The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, And will say, ‘Destroy!’

Deuteronomy 33:27 NKJV

The Blog

Another year...an eternal journey

It's my birthday today!!

What's on my mind? Awe at the way God has crafted my story.

What's in my heart? Gratitude, as I recognize the undeniable evidence of His grace upon my life.

This birthday is especially significant because for me, it's a decade birthday. I left East Africa 20 years ago, about 10 days before my birthday. My coming was the beginning of God separating me from all that I knew, not only of my environment, but also of myself. 6 months before that transition, alone in the apartment I shared with a roommate in Dar es Salaam, I knelt in the living room and asked God not to leave me, and I vowed that if He would take me from that place, anywhere He takes me I would serve Him. I will be fulfilling that vow until the day He calls me back home...

Sip & Reflect...

Is this version of you the best version of you?

If yes, how can you continue to grow and learn?

If no, how can you begin to take steps towards change?

A sacred Place

This is an invitation to have a conversation with God, on behalf of ourselves, each other, and the world.

Here, we bring what’s present, real, and honest; not what’s polished.

You may pray through these slowly, over time, or return to one that continues to surface.

This month, pray for:

Comfort for those who are serving God apart from their families or loved ones.
Grace to be effective in the purpose of God.
For a steadfast mind that will recognize and reject distractions.
Opportunities to witness to people and share the love of Jesus Christ.

Sit quietly and allow the Spirit to reveal to you people and situations that He desires for you to intercede about.

Remain here as long as you need. There is no rush in this place.

Tea of the Month

Peppermint

Peppermint tea is made from peppermint leaves and is a caffeine-free herbal tea. It's relaxing properties make it ideal for digestion, and the mint is helpful in clearing the respiratory tract. It is also a great alternative to coffee as it wakes up your senses, improves focus, and gently kickstarts digestion.

Benefits of peppermint tea:

Digestive Health

Soothes stomach: Relaxes gastrointestinal muscles, easing indigestion, gas, and bloating.
Stimulates bile flow: Helps break down fats for better digestion.

Pain & Tension Relief

Headaches/Migraines: Menthol improves blood flow and relaxes muscles, reducing intensity.
Muscle Relaxant: Can help relieve cramps and general muscle tension.

Respiratory Support

Allergies: May help with symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes.

Decongestant: Menthol helps clear nasal passages and loosen mucus.

Mental & Mood Benefits

Reduces Stress: Calming properties help relax the body and mind, reducing anxiety.

Boosts Focus: Invigorating aroma can improve alertness, memory, and mental performance.

Other Potential Benefits

Antimicrobial: Contains antiviral and antibacterial properties that can support immunity.

Important Note: Though it is a refreshing drink, people with GERD or gallbladder issues should be cautious as it can worsen symptoms. It can also interact with certain medications so people on medication may need to consult a doctor before consuiming.

FROM THE BOOKSHELF

For February, we're reading THE GARDEN WITHIN by Dr. Anita Phillips. I first learned about the book when I was invited by my big sister to a talk that one of her friends was hosting in the city back in 2024. Her friend hosts talks where she interviews different guests, and for this talk the guest happened to be Dr. Anita Phillips, with the conversation being centered on her then newly released book.

Although I was familiar with Dr. Anita Phillips, I had not heard about the book, nor had I ever engaged with her content. She expressed some very interesting scientific facts about how what is happening in our bodies can affect our emotions, and when we don't understand this we can mishandle ourselves, and not know how to truly cater to ourselves. She went a lot deeper than that, and I determined that night this was a book I would read with my bookclub.

So, feel free to grab yourself a copy and enjoy the wisdom contained therein. And, if you'd prefer to read along with fellow growth-minded individuals, come join us in MUSINGS!

Bookclub pick for the month

Join Bénie's Bookclub

Music at the cafe

These are the sounds currently on repeat, speaking to all that the Lord does for us, all in His love. I'm holding these words in my heart as we kick off a new month and as I am added another year…know that God has the best ahead for you, and bask in His love for you.

What I Needed
Chandler Moore
Game Changer
Ada Ehi, Joepraize

Arms Wide Open
Misty Edwards

Listen on Spotify

AT the 18:30 Counter

ASK AUNTY BENZ

Question from Agata:

Why is it that some people have to cry to God for growth?

First, understand that God desires for us to grow. Your desire to grow is not greater than God's desire for you to grow – every parent desires the development of their child, and God is far greater than any earthly father.

Now, when you understand this, you realize that your cry for something does not mean you are ready for it. So when we cry to God for a certain thing, God, knowing our capacity, will begin to teach us other things that we need to grasp and know in order to be able to receive that 'thing' that we desire. Often times, because we have not seen the manifestation of the growth we desire, we miss the growth that is happening, unaware of the many lessons God is teaching us and the transformation that is happening in our lives. Here is my encouragement to you: continue to desire growth, and be yielded to whatever process that God takes you through, because that is the pathway to the growth that you desire.

Until next time,

BE

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CONNECT TO DIVINE PEOPLE

LEFT TO STEEP...

A question I've been unable to shake:

Are you truly satisfied in Christ Jesus?

There is soooooo much that I'm trusting God for, but this question cut through all the desire a couple of days ago and I have been unable to shake it. Is Christ enough for me? Do I live life as though I am missing something, or do I live life like one who has everything already – because I have Him?? Do I delight in God as He delights in His children?

May this month be full of peace for you, and refreshing.

May every weight and burden that you have carried be lifted as you release them to the Lord.

Receive His grace, His joy, and His strength for the purpose that He has ordained for your life.

This month you will experience supernatural help, from people and angels, because God is holding you by His right hand, and nothing and no one shall be able to stop the plan of God for your life.

I love you, see you on the next issue.