Whether it is buried deep or boldly written-out for anyone to see –

Whether it is understood or indescribable –

Whether it’s forging ahead or left forgotten and unbelieved in –

Everyone has one — a longing — a DREAM.

Bruce Wilkinson calls this “universal and powerful longing a Big Dream. Like the genetic code that describes your unique passions and abilities, your Big Dream has been woven into your being from birth.”

I am awestruck by those who discover their big God dream, and then follow God in it. It takes heavy doses of courage to follow a dream — to step out into the unknown and take risks. I know, because I’ve spent so much time camped out on the edge of my comfort zone — afraid to take the plunge. This following of dreams isn’t about selfish ambition. Oh, no! Quite the contrary.

This following of dreams is about living out the plans that God has already laid out for us. It is about moving forward, taking action steps — even if courageously afraid — bringing God glory by living out the dream He has for us.

The family who created Avodah Coffee has inspired me. They sell coffee. Maybe they were born to sell the amazingly, delicious, smooth and comforting brew that I awaken to in the morning. But, I would venture to say it goes much deeper than that. Their passion is evident as they share, “The essence and mission of Avodah Coffee – and the basis for our name –  is our heart to serve… We are a family, walking together everyday as we journey through a lifestyle of Avodah.”

So what is Avodah? These words that answer that question, are their own:

The word Avodah is Hebrew, and describes action that is simultaneously work, worship and service. It means that the work we do is more than a job – that bringing the awesome to our customers is about serving you, the farmers who grow the coffee, and those who benefit from the organizations we support.  All this combines under a lifestyle of Avodah, through which all we do becomes an offering.  When you see Avodah, you know you’re getting great coffee with a great purpose.

I believe following a Big “God” Dream is so much more than just being successful or having the goods. It is achieving something remarkable for an eternal Kingdom purpose — to help other people — to point the way to the cross — and Avodah Coffee is doing all this. Just read their blog.

Their customer service has been world class, and of course, Avodah Coffee is simply delish! They have not asked me to say so. They have not offered any complimentary coffee for my review. No, I decided on my own. I knew I wanted to, the very first time I heard their story. I just needed to try the brew first. So, I bought some, drank some, and some more and loved it. Now, I am  – a SUBSCRIBER to their COFFEE.

Would you consider trying it, too, and then tell your friends?

You will not be disappointed.

GIVEAWAY Details Below

I am so very humbled and blessed to be linking-up here at Jennifer’s place…

and here, too…

Now for the GIVEAWAY.

The winner will receive a sample pack of 6 – 2 ounce packages of Avodah Coffee AND 1-12 ounce bag of my favorite blend, “Morning Brew”, shipped (only within the continental U.S.) directly to them, from Avodah Coffee. This is my gift to you, because I am that grateful for you. I would love to send you ALL something one day, but this time, I will pick ONE winner using Random.org.

*UPDATE*

The owners of Avodah — true to their mission — have graciously offered to take care of the GIVEAWAY. What we have agreed on, is offering another prize to a SECOND winner. What a blessing! The same guidelines apply.

To ENTER the giveaway, answer the question:

What is your dream?

Not the one you had while asleep last night, but the one like Bruce Wilkinson describes. The dream that is inseparable from your passion. The one that causes a little quake in your boots at the thought of even saying it.

Write your answer in the comments below or on A Life Surrendered Facebook page.

Here is what you can do to enter more times:

LIKE –> A Life Surrendered Facebook page. (If you already have in the past, just let me know in comments

SUBSCRIBE to –> A Life Surrendered

Use the LIKE & SHARE Facebook buttons below this post.

TWEET —> this by clicking here or use the

TWEET BUTTON below this post and copy this –> Enter a GIVEAWAY of a sample pack & 12oz bag of @AvodahCoffee from @lifesurrendered

 

I will need you to let me know, please, in a SEPARATE comment below for each thing you did – so I can COUNT it.

Here’s the fine print… I gotta tell you.

GIVEAWAY item will only ship within the Continental U.S.

Entry for the GIVEAWAY closes on Friday, June 15, 2012 at 11:59pm EST.

I will announce the winner on Saturday, June 16, 2012.

The winner will have until 12:00pm EST, Monday, June 18, 2012 to respond,

or another winner will be selected.

If another winner has to be selected, they will have 24 hours to respond.

Thank you for sharing your dreams.