Caffeine Dependency

Post written by Veronica Kipfer.

Three months ago…. “beep, beep, beep, beep, bee…….”.

“Give me five more minutes…. five.. more…”

… 40 minutes later …

I have now sacrificed any sensible time to make breakfast, including brewing my own coffee. I rush to put myself together while hoping to match a pair of socks on my way out the door. Since five minutes turned into forty, I now have just enough time to frequent the local Tim Hortons for my large, double-cream-double-splenda with a hint of either mint or hazelnut. I know this small dose of caffeine will jump start my productivity once I get to work.

Thankfully once I get to work and the double-double is history, there are free coffee stations every 50 yards in our office. I buy half and half for the remaining 4 cups of coffee I will consume before the day is over. I will not drink Coffee mate creamers or use that powdered creamer at all. I learned that these creamers are made with hydrogenated oils, and are not even dairy products. It’s my personal opinion that the body can digest either half and half or milk better than hydrogenated oil. After researching hydrogenated oils I have decided It’s not something I want in my body.

Hydrogenated oil is:
Hydrogenated oil is oil in which the essential fatty acids have been converted to a different form chemically, which has several effects on the oil. Hydrogenated oil is far more shelf stable, and will not go rancid as quickly as untreated oil. It also has a higher melting point, and is often used in frying and pastries for this reason. Finally, the chemical structure of the oil is changed, which scientists in the 1990s began to realize could result in health effects.

I am learning the importance of independently being dependant in God. I cannot depend of God through someone else’s belief. Hearing great sermons or reading inspiration books is definitely profitable to my spirit, but until I make it personal, until I make it real to me, it will just be information. Once it’s been made personal I can begin to believe that information.

Let’s take a look at Abraham for example. He believed God. He didn’t believe in God. He just believed. His example of faith is what we need to mirror. Do we believe God and ever promise he has give us or are we acknowledging that God is real, and His word is real, and maybe it applies in some areas? We need to cash in on all the promises of God every time we gain more understanding in a certain area.

Learning to be dependant and trust in God in the plans he has for us needs to happen for breakthrough in finances, relationships, ministry, health, workplace, etc. We begin to realize that no matter what curve balls come our way we are still on the straight path because our trust is in the ONE who has it all under control…. we can live life at peace at all times. Settled. Knowing that everything will be ok, especially right now the way things are going in our world…. recession, foreclosures, H1N1, etc.

For a month and half now I have not had coffee, or caffinated teas. I chose to take a “fast” from caffeine because I was depending way too much in it’s ability to keep me alert and awake. I love coffee. Anyone who knows me will testify to that. There’s not a room in my house without a vintage mug, or something that resembles my love for coffee. So I hope you can imagine how hard this decision was. Instead I have transitioned into drinking herbal non-caffinated teas, or I will warm some apple cider mixed with water to cut back on the sugar in the cider. I’ve realized most of the time I was just craving a warm cup or something in the morning. I also increased the amount of water I drink in a day. Eating spinach on a regular basis has also given me lasting energy.

I have since believed that my help comes from the Lord, he is my sustainer, I sleep and awake again because HE sustains me. There is a time and place for everything, a time for every action under the sun. Psalm 121:2, Psalm 3:5 and Ecclesiastes 3:1.

I don’t miss the caffeine, but I do miss the coffee I will start drinking coffee again soon. I will not however have 5-cup days anymore. Maybe a cup in the morning, some around lunch and decaf at dinner. Most importantly I will not be depending on the caffeine to keep me alert and awake.

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