LECTURE 1

Spring Break is on the Horizon! Hallelujah!

2006-03-09T07:27:00.000-08:00

I cannot wait until march the 24th, cause yes Mel, i am planning on leaving that morning and spending a good solid week there! All i have to say is there better be some nice hot sun waiting for me to soak in when i arrive . . . and a lot of free-time to hang out, fresh flowers, a lot of your home-cookin, and . . . and there better be fresh flowers there!

2006-03-01T09:44:00.000-08:00

COFFEE 101

2006-02-28T07:44:00.000-08:00

Geography is a flavor. You can tell a lot about your favorite coffee if you know where it was grown. The three main growing regions below represent the source of all Arabica coffee beans, each one producing its own distinct flavor profile.

Central and South America produce far more coffee than any other growing region. Coffees from Latin America are celebrated for their great balance, medium body and clean
finish. A tangy brightness and consistent quality also make them ideal foundations for blending. Single-origin coffees from this region typically include coffees from Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia.

From the mountainous eastern half of the African continent and the Arabian Peninsula come some of the world's greatest coffees. Arabian coffees are legendary for their
berrylike flavors and winelike qualities while those from Africa are remarkable for their floral aromas and citrusy tastes. Some of the finest come from nationstates Kenya, Ethiopia and Yemen.

Last, but not least, are the Asian coffees. These are the 'heavyweights' of the coffee world, providing deep, sturdy 'low notes' when used in blends and as single-origin coffees, they are perennial favorites.
A large percentage of these coffees come from Pacific Islands like Indonesia and are typically lively with herbal undertones. Asia’s coffees are popular for their full body and mellow, earthy flavors.

Since working at Starbucks, my coffee knowledge has grown tremendously. Most would consider me an expert and thats ok.

QUICKFACTS

1. The Caramel Machiatto was about to be dropped from Starbucks beverage line, because no one bought it. But, after Meg Ryan ordered one in You've Got Mail, the drink exploded in popularity and is now one of the top 5 most ordered drinks.

2. While most people prefer a bolder tasting coffee, there is actually more caffeine in the milder roasted coffees.

. . . oh, looks like that is all the time we have for today. Until next time.

Your Not Alone

2006-02-24T07:31:00.000-08:00

Aaahhhh, this morning's post is all about the Lord, my "abba", my papa, my daddy . . . because you know what? . . . we're not alone. Your not alone and right now the peace of just resting in that has never become such a reality before. No matter what your going through, no matter where you've been, where you seem to be heading, no matter what people - even religous people - tell you who you are what you should do or should feel . . . . your not alone. and all that junk, that weight that we and the world puts on us can just be lifted off. He's breaking off that spirit of rejection and replacing it witht the spirit of adoption.
And this is what is so amazing about our God, that he doesn't just see filthy rags! He is not like the world or anyone in it! It's so hard to comprehend, it's so messed up thinking for us, because all he see's is his son and his daughter and his only desire is to be with you. The whole gospel, all of it, is about this one thing . . . your not alone.
You don't have to strive anymore, you don't have to cheat anymore, you don't have to lie anymore, cause your a son, a daughter of the living God! Your not alone! You are not his business partner, you are his son, his daughter. You don't have to make connections with man! You don't have to strive to make people like what you do! . . . He's breaking off rejection so you and i can just cry out and say "DADDY!"

So now focus your attention on the Lord . . . . Give him your heart, give him your wounds, give him your hopes, give him your questions, give him your dissapointments, come, come before the Father . . . press in!

. . . And because you are sons, God sent he Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father. " So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. Galatians 4:6-7

. . . because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
Romans 8: 14-16

I'm a Genius! mmwwpphh!

2006-02-21T07:45:00.000-08:00

Seriously, i just pulled out a 97% on my Physics exam. One would think that i wrote the book, but i really didn't. I guess when your good, your good. Am i right or am i right?

Top 5

2006-02-16T18:40:00.000-08:00

So we are at it again. I am tagging all of you because we all participated and got a good laugh at it.... So here it goes. Same rules....
ok, i'll do it this time.

Top 5 most frustrating things...
firstoff, I could probably list about a hundred work related things
5. going to the doctors office. you pay $200 to walk in the doors, they ask you whats wrong and then they tell you exactly what you just told them, but with a few medical terms thrown in there. take my wrist for example, just a twice mis-diagnosed, 2-week, no 3-6 month, oh wait, it's been 11 month injury and counting . . . I'm sick of it.

4. People who complain.

3. Spending time making some awesome concoction(if you know me, i usually get very excited about my food) and turning around for one sec to turn back and see ohhh . . . Sara . . . Jesse . . . or Briana . . . taking a big bite or drink out of it! I am totally sick of it!

2. Gossip

1. Know-It Alls! This is so annoying to be talking to someone who believes themselves to have a higher intelligence level then Einstein...who believe that everything they say is right and that anything you say is wrong . . . . . One of the best things in the world . . . is too be able to prove a know-it-all wrong about something!

Top 5 most comforting things...

5. my pillow, i am notorious for my pillow. Frankly, my friends are sick of it, cause i bring it wherever i go if i am sleeping over. There is just no matching a down pillow--with jesse's softer than soft old black cotton pillow cover.

4. Sadly i could fill all five of these with food stories, but there is no way i could not mention my favorite morning pastime: studying my bible while drinking a quad americano and a maple oat scone.

3. Putting down one of my Amplify chocolate, bananna, chunky peanut butter, glass-free, protein smoothies after a long day.

2. A good combination of the water and a nice warm sun. Much of my childhood summers was spent at the Mayville pond, i mean pool, and basically i love it.

1. and the grand finale takes me back to Mayberry . . . . . laying down on our hardwood floors, with my head on my mom's legs watching a show or playing cribbage, a diet coke on one side and a bowl of pretzels on the other.

Here and Now

2006-02-09T11:04:00.000-08:00

Right now i am sitting at my table typing on my computer and eating a venison garlic sausage sandwich on my favorite brownberry oatnut bread. . . Hubba Hubba!
I just got done going to the Y with my new friend Andy or as i call him "Cade" from Starbucks. Starbucks has been one of the best things God has done for me. I love my job! The only bad thing is that i have now gone from a coffee drinker to a coffee fiend! One Free pound of coffee a week, during work as many Free White Mocha's, CDL's, Americano's and Fraps as i can put down! plus, 30% discount when i'm off! . . . seriously, could there be more a blessed job?
I am just about to finish my last bite . . . (i made sure that i got the top of the bread with all the good oats) . . . . aaahhhhhh . . . . .shoot dang.
So, now i have to muster up some discipline and use these next few hours to get some serious studying done for my 5:00 class, cause as soon as i get done with that i have to head straight over to the Bucks to work until close. Until next time, peace.

Jerimiah 23:29 "Is not my word like Fire!" declares the Lord, "Like a hammer crushing a stone into pieces?"

New Years Resolutions . . . .

2006-01-30T11:01:00.000-08:00

Does anyone have any? or have you already given them up? . . . . i have personally never really gotten into the whole thing but this year i want to change a few things in my life and am very serious about them.

Res 1: to become the firey, passionate, can't hold it inside any longer light that my father made me for! It's time we care enough about our family members, friends and the people God has placed in our paths to reach out and be bold and just tell them the TRUTH!

Res 2: to actually practice my guitar and get better. i am talking, like once my wrist is healed, playing a few hours every week.

So, now i want to hear of some of your excellent goals for 2006!

getting started . . .

2006-01-24T09:22:00.000-08:00

alright, after reading my sisters ridiculous blogs i can't help but join in on the fun.