The Metro Times Atlanta June 2018 | Page 2

Page 2

AWAKE COFFEE COMMUNITY

WELCOME TO AWAKE

Noelle Cosby Founder and CEO Awake Communities Int .

You have asked so we are answering . “ Who is AWAKE Communities International and what do they have to do with The Metro Times ?” In short we are a young community of passionate leaders dedicated to seeing communities and individuals thrive through training and inspiring youth and young adults to pursue their God-given destinies and learn to serve the cities they live in . How we do what we do is the real news .

“ Welcome to AWAKE !” This is the greeting you can expect to receive when you visit our craft coffee house , artisan market , and community gathering place located at 862 Main Street in historic Olde Town Conyers , Ga . Over the last five years we have been perfecting our culture and building relationships with our community through coffee . We have served our ethically sourced coffee and teas along with genuine conversation to many in our city coupled with creating sustainable resource to support our internship and young leaders training program as well as other non-profits through many awareness events , global initiatives , and fundraisers . While training youth and young adults to root themselves in healthy relationships and pursue their individual purpose through our marketplace internship and leaders training is our number one focus our community initiatives are a close second .
Our AWAKE School of Marketplace Leadership , officially launching in the
fall will become the center of all we have worked for up to this point . The program exists to equip students called to various careers paths with individual coaching and classes the lead them in discovering their purpose and destiny while giving them practical tools and service opportunities to launch into a successful future . Our coffee house is the perfect hands-on classroom for our interns and student and will serve , as it has the past five years , as a venue for our expert roasted ethically sourced craft coffee , meaningful conversations and an environment where integrity and character are built in young lives everyday . Our team of community leaders and coffee lovers lead the school and are excited to see the students dreams become a reality . Another venue for our students to create and learn has become this publication , now known as “ The Metro Times .”
In late 2017 we acquired the “ eMetro Times ” through an in-kind donation from Alcovy Media , a local media management company . We have since learned that the venue of news media is a great resource to help tell “ good news ” stories while encouraging the young leaders we train to engage in healthy communication through journalism and creative design work . We chose to rebrand as “ The Metro Times ” in order to tell the stories of the entire area we serve and give all of Metro Atlanta a chance to experience a different type of news . As a non-profit the paper is now supported through underwriting grants and community donations . Our underwriters are the reason we can continue to spread good news and support our leadership team in all they do for our students .
You can of course find out more about us online at awakecoffee . co or by stopping by our location . In fact we are so excited to meet our readers that you can receive an iced drink of choice on us with this article in hand all summer long . Just let our team know it ’ s your first time in . We can ’ t wait to serve you !
Thanks again for your questions and for your continued support to help us continue to # drinkcoffeelovepeople

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DEVOTIONAL

FUN IN THE SON

When I examine myself and my methods of thought , I come to the conclusion that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than my talent for absorbing positive knowledge .” -Albert Einstein

This is the time of the year when we can infuse our daily activities with adventure , exploration , and imagination in His beautiful world .
The wisest man to ever live , Solomon , told us in Proverbs 17:22 ( TPT ) that “ A joyful , cheerful heart brings healing to both body and soul . But the one whose heart is crushed struggles with sickness and depression .” Chemically speaking , our designer created us with endorphins , dopamine , and serotonin , AKA : “ happy hormones ” that are emitted during physical activities and fun . They actually combat the “ stress hormone ,” cortisol . How often does a laugh or a fun game in the midst of a stress-filled day completely shift your mindset from one of despair into one of excitement and peace ? It can completely dissolve all of your worry that can so easily tailspin your day into a disaster .
I would like to propose that God ’ s design of play and imagination are essential factors that allow us to experience a full and lively relationship with Him . It is the antidote to our stress and anxiety , which stifles our ability to abide with
JUNE 2018
the Father . We do not have to be taught to play because it is innate in all of us . From the very first time our mother hides her face in her hands and throws them open , shouting : “ Peekaboo !” babies respond . They immediately smile and are drawn into the play .
I firmly believe that when we genuinely participate in childlike play it is evidence that we are walking in child-like faith . It screams to others that we know without a doubt that He is our Provider , our Sustainer , and that all things work for the good of those who truly love Him . I am convinced that when we throw the ball , swim , or even just enjoy the presence of our Daddy we create the very sinews that help hold together the relationship of a Father and a Son , both in the spiritual and the natural .
I have always imagined Jesus reaching over the side of the boat and splashing Peter or John as they sail the Sea of Galilee . They probably cracked jokes about the day as they sat by the fire . As serious and deep as many of Jesus ’ teachings are , the gospels are also peppered with His witty and sly remarks to pharisees or other challengers that we often can ’ t help but smile and laugh when we read .
Our Father is still , even today , having such a sense of humor with the way He communicates with us . The other day a wonderful lady was giving Lauren and I a word from our God and in the middle of the word , He told her to tell us to “ Buckle up kiddos !” How fun and exciting for us to receive that we ’ re on the edge of a new adventure !
Father , I ask for enjoyment of our days with child-like play that can deepen our appreciation of others and especially You . I cancel stress and worry and ask that you bless us all with fun experiences and unexpected adventures in our lives from now on ! Amen .
So I encourage you to crack jokes with your peers , take a jump-shot next time you have some trash to throw away , and maybe even laugh with God .
Tyler Roberts Business Announcement Executive