Through the years, it’s been interesting to discover what items trigger a memory of someone I care about. The laundry detergent I use makes me think of one of my sisters-in-law, because she is the one I purchase through. My painted toe-nails remind me of my cousin, Carie, who paints a fun design on my nails each summer when I see her. And last summer, someone at church comment on my flip-flops. From then on, every time I put on the flip-flops, I think of her.

Why am I telling you all this? Because I believe that when someone comes to mind, that is the Holy Spirit prompting us to pray for that person. Therefore, doing laundry reminds me to pray for my sister-in-law. My cute summer toe-nails remind me to pray for Carie. And my flip-flops? Well, it just so happens that the person I had that conversation with and that I always think of now when I slip on those shoes moved out of state a few months ago. She and her husband are away from family for the first time while she is in grad school. She and I weren’t close really – more like acquaintances. But I tell you what. She is very dear to me now, through the power of prayer. I believe God has used each of these “silly little things” to remind me to pray for those I might not likely think to pray for throughout the day. Isn’t He cool?

At Christmas this year, our family carried on our tradition of “Mom taking each of the boys shopping, one by one, to shop for each other.” It’s a riot, it’s a little bit exhausting, and I absolutely love it. Each boy has a set budget, and an idea of what he’d like to buy as a gift for each of this brothers. He and I have one-on-one time while we shop together and he makes his purchases.

Last year, Malachi had a difficult time figuring out what to purchase that would fit into his budget and that his brothers would enjoy. He finally spotted a variety of mugs – gift packaged with marshmallows and hot chocolate mix. There were four different colors, so he could pick a mug for each brother based on what color he might like.

There was just one problem though. If he got one mug for each of this brothers, everyone would have a mug but him. I mean, he was in the giving spirit of Christmas, but still. He thought maybe he needed one of these cool mugs too.

Therefore, into the cart went four different mugs. Under the tree went the gift wrapped mugs: “To Asa, From Malachi”; “To Justus, From Malachi”; “To Elias, From Malachi” and in true Coppinger silliness, “To Malachi, From Malachi.” They had a blast opening their mugs and enjoying their hot cocoa packets. Anytime I make hot drinks for the boys, I serve them in their special mugs.

But here’s what I love best about these mugs. In the mornings, while the boys are still sleeping, I get up early to have my coffee and time with God. Each day, I choose a different color mug. Each mug represents the boys who owns it. The morning I am drinking from their mug, I pray very specifically for that particular son. Obviously, I pray often for all my boys. But there’s been something very special and powerful about spending specific prayer time for the son whose mug I am enjoying that morning.

I’m so grateful for the way God works. If He can use coffee mugs, flip flops, and even toe-nails to accomplish His purposes – I’d say we serve a pretty awesome God!

Now your turn. Share what you’re thankful for!  Leave a comment on this post letting us know how God is working in your life. If you’ve written a blog post about what you’re thankful for, leave the link in the comments so we can visit your blog to read about it. We love sharing and reading about God’s blessings!