A woman sitting on a bench outside smiling in the spring

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!

January Scripture

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.

Isaiah 26:3-4 ESV

The Blog

Not a work in progress, A completed work...

a woman posed elegantly as she is sitting down on a high stool-like chair outside gainst a white wall

"Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

Psalm 139:16

Here we are, standing in a brand new year. Days are movin' by, the world is in turmoil...And where do we fit into all this? The only thing that keeps most of us going is the promise that we have from God that things are going to get better. And we believe it. Deep down, we really believe it. It's just that at times it seems a little slow in materializing...but then again the Holy Spirit, ever present and always faithful, reminds us of 1 Pet 1:7, that even gold cannot be compared to the priceless lessons that God teaches us. And so we get back up, dust ourselves off, and move on. Giving up is not an option...it is never an option...

Sip & Reflect...

What are 3 things you would like to be able to make space for this year?

What needs to shift – or be removed – for this space to be created?

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:

God's peace to cover the minds of His people. Pray especially for leaders of government around the world.
Ask God to reveal where He is inviting you into deeper trust this month.
Bring before Him any area where you’ve been striving instead of resting.
Pray for clarity of purpose and courage to obey what He is already speaking.

Sit quietly and allow the Spirit to remind you of who you are in Him, and to reveal to you what He is doing.

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

Tea of the Month

Chamomile

Chamomile tea offers benefits like reducing anxiety, improving sleep, aiding digestion, and, for women, easing menstrual cramps, due to its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. with the best times to drink it being before bed for sleep, after meals for digestion, and throughout the day for stress relief, thanks to its soothing effects from compounds like apigenin.

Benefits of Chamomile Tea

Promotes Sleep & Reduces Anxiety: Contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to brain receptors, inducing sleepiness and calm.
Aids Digestion: Helps relax stomach muscles, relieving gas, bloating, and upset stomachs.
Soothes Menstrual Cramps: Its antispasmodic properties can relax uterine muscles and reduce pain.
Supports Skin Health: May help with skin conditions like eczema due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
May Help with Blood Sugar: Some research suggests it can help manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Best Times to Drink Chamomile Tea

Nighttime (30-45 mins before bed): For better sleep, as its sedative effects help you unwind.
After Meals: To settle your stomach and aid digestion.
During Stressful Moments: Can be consumed any time to calm nerves and reduce stress.

Important Note: Chamomile is generally safe, but pregnant/breastfeeding women, young children, and those with kidney/liver disease should avoid it.

Music at the cafe

These are the sounds currently filling the room, the words I'm holding in my heart as we kick off this year, and as I look ahead to another birthday...I invite you to allow these words to fill your heart also, and for God's truth to be your delight, as you embark on new adventures with Him.

Build Your Home
Rashard Wright , Tim Bush
Build Your Church
Maverick City, Elevation Worship, Naomi Raine,

Chris Brown

Fear Is Not My Future
Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore

Listen on Spotify

FROM THE BOOKSHELF

Bookclub pick for the month

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!

Join Bénie's Bookclub

ASK AUNTY BENZ

Join the community forum

If you’d like a place to continue the conversation, our free online community is open. This is a space to connect with others who value faith, reflection, and intentional living that expresses God's glory through each of us.
You’re welcome to join us whenever it feels right.

CONNECT TO DIVINE PEOPLE

AT the 18:30 Counter

May this month be full of glory.

May you know God's truth in your heart, and walk ahead into this year with full assurance that He has already gone ahead of you, to the end of this year. God is with us here, at the beginning. He is with us, in every moment, second, hour, day, week, and month... and He is waiting for us at the end.

Every moment, He already has seen; every valley, He has already occupied; every victory, He already procured. It is finished.

So be of good cheer my friend, because no matter what comes in 2026, Christ has already overcome the world.

I love you, see you on the next issue.

Be blessed!

Sincerely,

UPCOMING EVENTS

BÉNIE

Sip in peace.

ELIAS