Just being honest...

Today didn't start out that great...so...instead of being a bummer ALL day long, I read God's word and started talking to Him about it. Did it help? YEP!


When days like this come along, I love to list the things that I am thankful for. It is a great way to actually see what God has done in my life and helps put a smile back on my face and loving God more, and more, and more. :)


Today, I want to share my list with you:



-phone calls from my sister.


-teenagers who come to visit from 10 hours away.


-a husband who is trying his best at learning how to comfort me when I'm sick :) and doing a really good job.


-a mom who gives the best advice. ever.

-a dad I can call for help when I've hurt my back pulling weeds.


-teenagers...all of them.


-Butler First United Methodist.


-Moody for accepting my husband. :)


-great adult leaders who gives Kevin a cookie cake when he gets into college.

-friends.


-friends in Belfast, Northern Ireland.


-friends who call me.


-food in my fridge.


-spending beautiful days in Pittsburgh with Kevin, driving around, walking and enjoying bookstores while not having to buy anything. ;)


-3 years of marriage next week!!!!!!



-a job.


-sunshine.


-the Bible online.


-a car that works.


-dance.


-duffer.


-our house.


-having happy friends.


-a brother who can ALWAYS make me smile.





-Being able to see TWO old friends while in Fort Wayne last week! good times.

Ok. That is just a few and I added some pictures for fun :). I hope you're all having a great day.

What are you thankful for today?

Lesson's from Bud #1

Ok, I'm gonna warn you...it's a little long!

Yes, it's true...after 5 different Starbucks in 4 different states, I am saying goodbye.

I have LOVED working at Starbucks. I love the people, the fast pace, the coffee :), Howard Shultz, the multi-tasking, the fact that i was able to transfer so many times, and the people!

Have I mentioned the people? I am so incredibly thankful for the people, both partners and customers, that I have been able to meet and spend time with. Each Starbucks has been SO different, but SO great in their own ways. We have had customers that know us so well that they bring us cookies, Christmas and Birthday cards and even sit and have coffee with us when they are coming through on our break.

One of my favorite people, is Bud. I think that I have said things about him before , but I don't remember what...so just act like this is the first time :). Bud is 75 years old and it has only been 1 year and 2 months since he lost his wife to cancer. He comes to Starbucks every morning for hours, just sitting and drinking his coffee. Most of the time his friend Dave joins him. WE all know him and even celebrated his birthday with him, most of the customers walk in to say hello to us AND Bud. :)

Today, Kevin and I stopped by the store and there sat Bud. I sat down next to him and he gave me a hug and made a comment about how I had eye make-up on and no hat! haha and told me his daughter was making him go to Florida so he wouldn't be here in a week. He wanted to make sure that if I came to the store he would be there.

Starbucks is his family (and the people at Kings, where he goes for lunch...everyday!). Tears are beginning to come to my eyes as I think about him. I want so badly for him to know Jesus. Yes, we have talked about it...way more than once. He is just so lonely, the only thing I can do now is pray. Pray that the things I have said, he will remember and that there is someone else God is putting in his life to start where I left off.

That's the thing...God put people in our lives for a reason and we have THAT time to be Jesus to them. We never know how long that time may be. When those people leave our lives, it can be REALLY hard, REALLY hard. But PRAYER is such a POWERFUL weapon and if we pray, lives WILL be changed. I can't put myself down for the fact that Bud does not YET believe, I can PRAY...and I will. LOTS. Not only for him, but for all the others I know that don't YET know God and when I spend time with them...I will love them and be Jesus as best as I can.

If you've stuck with me the whole time to read this...thank you :) There is more I have learned from Bud, that will come soon!

love you!
Happy Thursday!