Proverbs1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.

      I honor my father-in-law, Roman Izaguirre.
      My father-in-law who is from and lives in Guatemala has been in the coffee growing business from birth, per se, as he comes from a long line of plantation owners. One of his purposes in life has always been to create a balanced blend of good tasting and aromatic coffee so that we all can enjoy the full pleasure and essence of a brewed tasty satisfaction. 
      His heart and dedication has been to make the best product by using the wits and intelligence God gave him and applying the years of learning in his craft. Creating the integrity of coffee has been his life walk to fulfil what Roman was created to do. 
      Isn’t that what God wants of us all? To do our best and give our all to the talent He has bestowed upon us. Each one of us was thought of by the Lord as individuals in His heart and was created with a purpose and on purpose. Psalm 139:16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. We were all given talents and capabilities that would bring honor to God, and be a blessing to others and ourselves. We have all been given a spiritual mandate to fulfil while we are on this earth. 
      Some of us have been given more responsibility than others but nonetheless we are capable of growing in what God has for us. Matt. 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
      My father-in-law – in my opinion – is a man of few words, but when he speaks there is a folksy and philosophical truth that comes across as wisdom. Like when he says, “If you don’t want the chickens to peck at you then don’t dress like a corn.” It sounds to me like he is saying you are going to reap what you sow in life so make sure you are being responsible for your actions. Gal. 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 
      Another Roman-isms is said this way, “Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are.” Is he not saying, “Choose your friends rightly because you will become like them. That is fine if the friends you have chosen are forthright and brave but if they are the dredge of society, what will happen to you?” Prov. 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. 
      Roman says, “Your neighbour can live close enough so that you can see his candle but not so close that when you speak you blow it out.” This sounds like live and let live, but remember to take care of your neighbour. Prov 3:29 Do not devise harm against your neighbor, while he lives securely beside you. All these insights were acquired and built into Roman’s character as he learned the integrity of coffee. As he did what God put him on earth to do. Ah! Satisfaction in life tastes good.
      I have noticed when different coffee farmers have come by Roman’s house for consultations on how to banish a blight or fungus that has attacked a coffee tree at a nearby plantation. As a father in the faith, Roman, has helped many of the young and old coffee farmers get a better yield and improve overall productivity by growing healthier trees for the good of the coffee industry and those of us who enjoy our everyday cup of blessing. “Go see Don Roman. He will know what to do with that coffee problem,” is the colloquial saying of the area. 
      Is this not like a man of faith who is now helping the next generation become strong at what God created them to be? Is this not using the talents God gave him to bring blessing in one part of life? Matt. 25:23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.
      Maybe Roman has not stood out like a modern day evangelist but these Roman-isms reflect gospel truth. All this wisdom acquired by keeping the integrity of coffee. He has created a special blend of life and a good tasting example for his family to follow. May we all glean a page from Roman’s life story and do what God put us here to do and do it well Col. 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. 
      May God bless my father-in-law. Because of him (and his wife), I have been blessed by a treasure of their lives – their daughter, Celeste, who is now my wife. She takes after her dad, a woman of integrity. May God’s face shine on you, Roman, and may the Lord bless you and keep you eternally well. I pray blessing upon you, Roman, and thank you for the lessons of life. In Jesus name.