Do-over (by Len Winneroski)

“A silent coffee cup often said more during any conversation than those doing the talking.” – Jerry Vanschaik, author of The Trier, A Week in the Life and Death of a Coffeehouse I am approaching the end of the seventh month since I retired from Eli Lilly, where I was a research scientist for 34 … Continue reading →

Forgiven (by Len Winneroski)

Today I would like to introduce you to my cousin, Billy Winneroski. Billy is a walking miracle, truly… I’m going to tell you the story about how Billy and I met in this morning’s manna, but I would STRONGLY encourage you to watch and listen to Billy’s incredible story of victory in Jesus in his … Continue reading →

Joy (by Len Winneroski)

“God doesn’t want us to live out of anything less than the joy of the Lord!!!” – Tom Miyakawa The past few weeks have been especially amazing in my walk with the Lord. God has opened doors and moved mountains, and I am excited to write about it, but not today. Today I want to … Continue reading →

Run Wild (by Andrew Winneroski)

I’m so proud of my kids. When a lot of their peers were chasing things of the world they were using their gifts to have fun and glorify God. I hope that they bring back TheLandOfBeef. What do you think? Please share and subscribe to their old channel if you want to see more! Run … Continue reading →

Word (by John Pulaski)

I want to introduce you to a new friend of mine, John Pulaski. John graduated from high school with my beautiful wife Ann. John is using his gifts and passion for music to bring God glory. If you like rock and roll please check out John’s music and describe to his Spotify channel. John said … Continue reading →

Coffee psi (by Len Winneroski)

“Whether you love or hate what you’re doing, whether you’re good at it or struggling, life is not a treadmill – it’s a moving walkway. There are no do-overs. We get a limited number of chances to do what we do, whatever we do, right.” – Howard G. Buffett God created each one of us … Continue reading →

Saltlips (by Len Winneroski)

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect,able to keep their whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make … Continue reading →

Your Burning Bush (by Len Winneroski)

 “Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn … Continue reading →

A Step of Faith (by Len Winneroski)

Life is a series of steps. Any parent will tell you that watching their child take their first step creates a memory that is burned deep into their synapses. Parents love to see their children grow and develop, and eventually become independent adults who pursue their own dreams and life goals. Watching our loved ones … Continue reading →

Too Driven to Listen (by Len Winneroski)

My wife is an excellent listener. I’ve noticed over the years that when people find the rare person like my wife, who actually listens to them, they latch onto those people and seek them out often. If you think about it, people get advanced degrees in psychology so that they can become professional listeners. Their … Continue reading →

Revival!

There is something wonderful happening in Wilmore Kentucky right now at Asbury University. A Wednesday morning chapel service that was supposed to last one hour is still going on 70 hours later! Students are experiencing God’s presence and love in a very real and tangible way at this very moment. My oldest son, Aaron, graduated … Continue reading →

Feed My Sheep (by Len Winneroski)

But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your … Continue reading →

Digital Detox (by Len Winneroski)

I just started a very eye opening real, paper book by John Mark Comer entitled, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, that was recommended to me by a friend. I am only two chapters into this book, and I already feel the need to share a few revelations that may be helpful to you too. John … Continue reading →

Really, Really Good News (by Len Winneroski)

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” – Isaiah 52:7 Christians use the terms “gospel” and “good news” a lot, but do we really know what they mean and where they … Continue reading →

Love One Another (by Joel Young)

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (John 13:34) This commandment given by Jesus at the last supper has always struck me as one of the simplest, yet the most profound message within scripture.  Notice that He calls this … Continue reading →

Fragile (by Nichole Munson-Isaacs)

Life seems to hand me friendships or relationships that, most of the time, are too heavy and awkward for me to carry. As I carry them, I imagine that they are like glass vases that sit in the entryway of rich people’s houses. These vases seem heavy to me because of past trauma in my … Continue reading →

The Love of Pets (by Joel Young)

Our family has a lot of pets.  In my household we have three dogs, and as I write this, I still find it hard to believe we have three dogs!  My mom has four cats and two dogs, and my dad has two cats and a dog, so I guess you can see where I … Continue reading →

The Stool of a Wise Man (by Joel Young)

When my great-grandfather and great-grandmother passed away, the adults in our family sifted through the house to take items by which to remember them.  You may be familiar with this awkward ritual.  Many looked for valuable items – things of monetary value.  Some, like my mother, looked for knick-knacks that sparked fond memories of her … Continue reading →

Spiritual Floss (by Len Winneroski)

I am so thankful for my church, Diversity Church, who’s catchphrase is Different People Same God. I have learned so much during the short time that my family has attended this wonderful church and started doing life with the people in that place. Pastor Jonathan (PJ) Ember just recently finished an excellent sermon series on … Continue reading →

Awakening (by Joel Young)

Have you ever had moments in your life where you feel your soul trying to tell you something? Forks in the road where you can either listen or dismiss. Sometimes it’s a subtle intrigue, or it’s a thought that keeps rolling around in your mind in different ways – where you know there is something … Continue reading →

Spiritual Immaturity (by Len Winneroski)

I think that building IKEA furniture is great spiritual maturity barometer. My family will tell you that one of my spiritual achilles heals is doing anything that requires tools. When I fix or build something, I usually end up speaking in a tongue that is more suited for a bar of soap than a man … Continue reading →

Baby Roe (by Len Winneroski)

Did you know that Norma McCorvey, known more widely by her pseudonym “Jane Roe,” never actually had an abortion? All three of Norma’s little girls were given up for adoption because she felt unfit to raise them. Norma only had a relationship with her oldest daughter, Melissa, during her lifetime. Little is known about “Baby … Continue reading →

Well Chuffed (by Len Winneroski)

I love my friends. I was catching up with a dear friend who lives in Europe this morning, who introduced me to a new phrase; well chuffed. Well chuffed means very delighted, happy or proud. It makes my heart smile to know that my friends are well chuffed. I believe that Jesus was well chuffed … Continue reading →

Significance (by Len Winneroski)

To be human is to long for significance. To wonder things like, does my life really make a difference to those around me? Am I in the right job? Will I be remembered by my family and the world after I leave this life or will I be quickly forgotten? To be human is to … Continue reading →

Skin Deep (by Len Winneroski)

I became a scientist because I have always been curious about how the world around me works. For instance, I think that most people can appreciate the beauty of a tree, but when I look at a tree, I want to know why the leaves are green in the summer and why they change to … Continue reading →

Ready for the Wind (by Len Winneroski)

I believe that one of the most misunderstood and underutilized blessings of being a child of God is the ministry and influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We pray to our Heavenly Father who is the Creator of life and the Universe, and we joyfully praise Jesus who died for our sins so … Continue reading →

Tomay’s Disease (by Len Winneroski)

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. – Matthew 6:34 Do you ever struggle with living fully in the moment because you are too focused on the “better” future? I call this Tomay Disease, and I have a bad case of it. … Continue reading →

Dry Bones (by Len Winneroski)

“Elisha died and was buried. Now Moabite raiders used to enter the country every spring. Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man’s body into Elisha’s tomb. When the body touched Elisha’s bones, the man came to life and stood up on his … Continue reading →

Father’s Day (by Len Winneroski)

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:48 Good morning dad. I love you so much. I’m looking through lots of wonderful pictures of families honoring their fathers on Father’s Day. I know these pictures make you smile too, because you created these families. I decided that I would take the … Continue reading →

From Burden to Glory (by Len Winneroski)

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” – Frederick Buechner The past few months have been a very special time in my life. I have developed new deep and meaningful friendships with several men who share my burden for the homeless and the … Continue reading →

Morning Kisses (by Len Winneroski)

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” – Mark 1:35-37 Silence is a gift that most … Continue reading →

Salt (by Len Winneroski)

Being a scientist is a blessing and a curse. For instance, have you ever thought about why salt tastes salty? I think that most normal people just grab the saltshaker and salt their food without really thinking or caring about why they do it. God made scientists differently. We tend to be a curious lot … Continue reading →

Lessons from My Mom (by Len Winneroski)

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. – Proverbs 31:28 Last year the Lord impressed on my heart to write a manna to share some of the important lessons that my dad has taught me over the years. This morning I’m going to attempt the impossible. I’m going … Continue reading →

Heart Health (by Len Winneroski)

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10 (NIV) One of the best gifts that you can give God, yourself, and others is self-awareness. … Continue reading →

Count the Cost (by Len Winneroski)

Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. – … Continue reading →

FAT LIP FORGIVENESS (by Laura Currier)

1 John 1:9 ESV If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our sins And to cleanse us from all unrighteousness I’m not exactly sure what went wrong. Maybe Sam had sat still a little too long on the loveseat snuggled up to his grandma….or maybe the cartoon we were watching … Continue reading →

Who is My Neighbor?

Does this picture make you angry? If you are like me, you may be asking yourself, “Why did he include THAT person in the circle?” I didn’t include them… Jesus did my friend.

Locked In (by Len Winneroski)

Isn’t it amazing how sometimes God can impress something on your heart, and then things start happening in your life to reinforce that this impression is from God? The past several weeks have been very emotional for me. A tidal wave of events, that are much too personal to express publicly, hit me all at … Continue reading →

Safe Harbor (by Len Winneroski)

We recently replaced our 2010 van with a brand new 2019 Subaru because we wanted to get a vehicle that is safe, gets good gas mileage and is all-wheel drive. We love our new car (no, I’m not being paid by Subaru to write this). It is amazing at how technology has changed since we … Continue reading →

Sleepwalking (by Len Winneroski)

Good morning world. I’m going to try something new. I’m going to try to compose a manna on my phone this morning using the WordPress app. I’m sure that my grammar and typos will be even worse than normal haha! I am so thankful for the handful of folks from around the world who take … Continue reading →

Turnkey Faith (by Len Winneroski)

And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. – Acts 4:31 I think that we can all agree that Moses played a major role in God’s story. Moses didn’t … Continue reading →

Words Matter (by Len Winneroski)

This past week I have been going through a lot of emotions which has led to an epiphany. WORDS are very powerful. In fact, WORDS are so powerful that I think that I am going to start duct taping my mouth when I get too emotionally charged. I’ve said a lot of WORDS this past … Continue reading →

Smudged (by Len Winneroski)

“What goes into a person’s mouth does not make him dirty. But what comes out of a person’s mouth makes him dirty.’ – Matthew 15:11 (Worldwide English Version) Has anyone ever said something to you that is impossible for you to forget? When I first became a Christ follower as a young adult I was … Continue reading →

Kindness cocked and loaded

Kindness cocked and loaded

Originally posted on Mental Sweat:
Say weird things. Say strange things. Say uncommon things. Let me give some backstory first. Our company did very well in 2017. Because of this all employees are blessed with a large bonus. We just found out how large that bonus is the other day. We are all excited about…

The Fuzz (by Len Winneroski)

Have you ever had a nickname? When I was a little boy they used to call me “The Fuzz,” or just “Fuzz” for short. I wish that I could tell you that it was the mean neighborhood bullies that gave me this nickname, but it wasn’t. It was the neighborhood moms. When I was a … Continue reading →

The Youth Leader (by Len Winneroski)

The past six months have been transformational for me. I have served in many different capacities within the church over the years, but none has been as fulfilling as being a small group leader for a group of ninth grade boys. It has been wonderful watching these young men tease and encourage one another, and … Continue reading →

The Speed of the Game (by Len Winneroski)

Well, it’s another big weekend of NFL football. Unfortunately the evil New England Patriots are making yet another run for a Super Bowl title and my Indianapolis Colts will be watching the games with the rest of us… on the couch. Football is a rough sport and teams often have to learn how to navigate … Continue reading →

Agile prompt

Originally posted on Mental Sweat:
When I think of agility I think about it in the athletic sense. To me it is the ability to move quickly and efficiently around obstacles to gain an advantage. Problems and pain arise in our life so quickly and out of no where. How valuable is agility in life…

Lessons from My Dad (by Len Winneroski)

Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. – Proverbs 23:22 It’s funny how the older you get, the wiser your parents become. I am a very fortunate man. I grew up in a home with two parents who were best friends. They worked hard … Continue reading →

Young Lions (by Len Winneroski)

The African lion is a carnivorous mammal from the species Panthera leo. If you have ever been face to face with an adult male lion in a zoo or safari, you know what a powerful and majestic animal that they are. A full-grown male lion can grow to a height of over 6 feet tall … Continue reading →

Chip or Dip (by Len Winneroski)

Have you ever wondered where the phrase, “he sure has a chip on his shoulder” comes from? Well according to my Google research; the shipwrights in the Royal Navy Dockyards were allowed to take scrap lumber home as part of their compensation. Naturally the workers stared taking big pieces of lumber that had to be … Continue reading →

Sophie’s Sign (by Laura Currier)

As soon as I stepped in the door she saw me and her little bare feet came running. I waved “hello” and signed her name but Sophie didn’t seem to notice. This girl was on a mission. Grabbing my hand she pulled toward the playroom. There in the corner hung the hammock swing…Sophie’s happy place! … Continue reading →

Right in Front of Our Eyes (by Len Winneroski)

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. – Romans 1:20 Have you ever looked all over the house to find something that was already in your pocket or hand? This has … Continue reading →

Mamma’s Boys (by Len Winneroski)

When he (Jesus) had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. – Mark 1:19-20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to … Continue reading →

Wimp or Warrior (by Len Winneroski)

Bullies stink. Thank God I grew up in a loving home with parents and a brother who always stuck up for me. They also were brave enough to tell me when I was wrong. It’s not easy growing up in this fallen world as a short, fat boy with red hair and freckles. Kids can … Continue reading →

Pride Lurks in Beauty (by Len Winneroski)

Have you ever noticed that when you walk into a room full of people your eyes are “naturally” drawn to the most handsome man or the most beautiful woman in the room? Or if you are walking through a parking lot aren’t our eyes “naturally” drawn to the most expensive and beautiful car in the … Continue reading →

Chewbaccan Gift (by Len Winneroski)

“Joy is the serious business of Heaven.” –  C. S. Lewis This past week an ordinary mother named Candace Payne posted a video of herself laughing hysterically while wearing a talking Chewbacca mask on her Facebook page. Amazingly, this silly video went viral and Candace has helped millions of people get in touch with their inner … Continue reading →

Spiritual Obesity (by Len Winneroski)

As I approach the half-century mark in age I’ve been thinking a lot about my life. I guess that you could call it a mid-life crisis of sorts. Last year I bought a 2013 Dodge Challenger, which I drove for a few months and sold when common sense caught up with me, and this year … Continue reading →

Mad Scientist Coffee

Dear friends, I’ve decided to take coffee and my faith to the next level and I’ve purchased a couple of Behmor 1600 drum roasters.  I’ve been roasting Fair trade coffees from around the world for friends and family. If you would like to learn more about the next step in my coffee adventure check out … Continue reading →

Living Memories (by Len Winneroski)

Memories are an interesting thing. There are some memories that bring a smile to my face and warmth to my heart, and there are other memories that I can dredge up that make me sad or angry. Have you ever noticed that memories that are correlated with periods of intense emotion, like the birth of … Continue reading →

Broken (by Len Winneroski)

I like to pretend that I have it all together. I mean some days I feel like my mind is as sharp as a razor, my faith is as big as a mountain, and I can walk on water. But the truth is, other days I walk around in a fog, my faith is more … Continue reading →

Poisoned Catalysts (by Len Winneroski)

About five years ago I wrote a manna entitled Kinetic Faith. This devotional was about the role of catalysts in chemical reactions and life reactions. Catalysts bring two things together to make something new. The catalysts don’t become part of the new, larger, molecule, they release the new chemically bonded chemicals to go off to join together two … Continue reading →

The Selfie Generation (by Len Winneroski)

I know that I’m about to sound old, but what’s the deal with selfies? I was just laughing over a post by one of my son’s friends about the correct way to take and post a selfie. We live in a digital, social media crazed, generation. In today’s world if you have a phone you … Continue reading →

The Chum Bucket (by Len Winneroski)

I just got back from spending the weekend with 23 middle school students and some amazing adult leaders in beautiful Brown County Indiana. The leaves were all changing color for fall, so the views around the Walnut Hills Retreat were stunning. We had perfect weather for outdoor devotions, campfires, s’mores, hiking, paddle boating, canoeing, and … Continue reading →

Man of God (by Len Winneroski)

What is a man of God? How does a man of God differ from a man of the world? Is the title “man of God” reserved for priests and pastors? This morning I was reading 1 Timothy, chapter 6. Paul referred to Timothy as a “man of God” in this letter and laid out some … Continue reading →

Love and Truth

Good morning friends. Our dear friend and sister in Christ, Becky Rommel, has been under attack the past week on social media for sharing her view about gay marriage. Please join me in praying for Becky and her family. The campaign for gay marriage has been portrayed as a campaign for love. I see very little love in … Continue reading →

Freedom

I am so thankful for the men and women who have sacrificed life and limb so that we can live in a free country. We can say what we think and don’t have to agree with one another. It seems that lately we are free to express our opinions as long as they don’t offend … Continue reading →

Actions Speak Louder than Words

The following story is a reprint of a story that was published originally by Taylor University. Although I have never had the pleasure of meeting Chris, I am friends with his dad. I hope that you are as blessed by this story as I was the first time that I read it. We would do well … Continue reading →

Awesome coffee, awesome vision, awesome people

Good morning manna and coffee community! My friends, Joel and Julie Workman, are in the process of gathering funds to launch into ministry with their family in London through the Greater Europe Mission (GEM).  Please check out their ministry page, Workman Adventures, by clicking HERE. They are looking for ministry partners to pray for them and … Continue reading →

Spiritual Fresh Air

Originally posted on follow the light:
 It’s a beautiful day here in Texas; bright sunlight surrounds us and the temperature is hovering around 72 degrees. I just came back from taking a walk and feeling the warm sun shine on my face. I opened all the windows to let the fresh air in, and the…

Hearts on Fire (by Len Winneroski)

I’m not the handiest guy in the world but I fix stuff sometimes because I’m cheap. One of the things that I replaced recently was our ventless gas logs. We live in Indiana where the temperature can range from -20 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit from one week to the next during the winter. The old … Continue reading →

Houston, We Have a Problem

Originally posted on h.o.o.d:
Good morning h.o.o.d! One of the authors that has impacted me greatly over the years is Patrick Morley. If you have never read any of his books men, I’d highly recommend them. Pat leads a ministry called maninthemirror.org that’s on a mission to wake men up to the fact that we…

A powerful little book….

Originally posted on h.o.o.d:
I know a lot of you men out there don’t have time to read, or just don’t like to read. Please consider taking 20-30 minutes to read this little 53 page book. It could change your life and the life of your kids. “So let me say this…

Wrestling with God (by Len Winneroski)

I was a horrible wrestler in high school. During my first year as a wrestler, I got pinned every single match. I went out for wrestling because I was too little to play football or basketball and I really wanted a varsity letter jacket to impress the girls. Wrestling was hard. I had to lose … Continue reading →

h.o.o.d (by Len Winneroski)

I have been blogging for a few years now. To be honest, there’s been days that I’ve asked myself why I even bother. I mean most of the comments that I get about my writing are from spammers. On an average day, 5-10 people from around the world take the time to read what I … Continue reading →

Do Men Need to Lead? (by Len Winneroski)

Yesterday I was scrolling through my Facebook traffic and saw the following comment from my friend Crissy, “If I ever wrote a Christian book it would be called “The Need to Lead; narcissism exposed.” This comment grabbed my attention. When I went back later to read all of the follow-up comments, I read, “Would it … Continue reading →

Muscle Cars (by Len Winneroski)

I have loved muscle cars ever since I was 16 years old. I think that this love affair began when my uncle Dick came to visit us back in 1982 with his yellow 1970-something Chevy Camaro. My uncle was not perfect but he was a cool dude. During one of his visits he caught me gawking … Continue reading →

Stains (by Len Winneroski)

There are certain words, like the words pus, zit, fart, diarrhea and stain, that I tend to avoid in normal conversation. There is really nothing wrong with these words, they just are not all that… you know… pleasant. We like pleasant words. Pleasant words make us feel safe and in control. Words like pus, zit, … Continue reading →

A New Year (Debrah S. Bernier)

Another year beginning, dear, Without you by my side. I miss the way you walked with me- Without breaking your stride. I miss looking into your loving eyes, While feeling you heartbeat, too. I miss you so very badly, That I don’t know what to do. But even though I miss you, This one thing … Continue reading →

Blind Luck (by Len Winneroski)

I just finished reading Stephen Hawking and Leonard Mlodinow’s books,  A Briefer History of Time and The Grand Design. I have always loved physics. I obtained a minor in physics from Central Michigan University. I mean, isn’t it awesome that Einstein was able to show the world how energy is related to matter (E = … Continue reading →

New Free Books Page

Friends, I’ve added a new page to manna and coffee with links to free books that have been written by the manna and coffee contributors if anyone is interested. Link

The Vow (by Len Winneroski)

One of the greatest moments in a parent’s life is the moment that their child decides to accept God’s call on their life to follow Jesus. We had one of those moments recently, when my twelve-year old daughter turned to me out of the blue and said, “Dad, I’m ready to be baptized.” After probing … Continue reading →