And the results of this year's Bucket List are...

As 2010 winds to a close, I'm having to face the fact that I did not, in fact, accomplish all of the items on my bucket list for this year. Which is disappointing...but...not the end of the world. I certainly did more of these (sometimes silly and random) things than I would have done had I not bothered to write a list, so all in all, this was a successful endeavor. And, for many of the things I wasn't able to do this year, there's always 2011...which is approaching with incredible rapidity. So, I'll compose a new list...copy some 2010 tasks...come up with some new ideas as well...and we'll see how 2011 goes!

Here's what I did accomplish (or have begun working on, in some cases) from my 2010 list:

Have the Anne of Green Gables party part 2
Braid Birdie's hair on a fairly regularly basis
Learn about and put into practice what it means to be a godly/biblical woman

Go back to Florida [for a visit]
Finish watching the last episode of season 5 of LOST
Have the LOST season finale party

Babysit/hang out with little kids more
Have a summer Bible study with Sabrina and Everly
Visit a state where I’ve never been before (Arkansas, for Ian and Stephanie's wedding!)
Celebrate National Smores day on August 10th
Bake homemade bread
Get a library card
Update my blog more regularly
Go stargazing
Figure out how to register the van in TX and then do it
Get a TX driver’s license
Watch The Sound of Music
Acquire more children’s books
Memorize more of the Bible
Take a walk in a park
Write more
Volunteer for something
Go to a playground and play on the swings
Watch an episode of The Office, per Lee’s recommendation
Read The Mysterious Benedict Society books, per Teeko’s recommendation
Go on a boat ride of some sort
Go to Plato’s Closet
Go running in the rain.
Name the van. For reals. (Amanda the Spaceship)
Paint with watercolors
Go to a concert (Jack Johnson!!!)
Watch Lina sing at Carnegie Hall
Celebrate National Ice Cream day on July 18th
Watch the sunset with a friend
Go to a zoo
Get a hymnbook
Hang out with Kevin and Danielle

Overall, a good year (with still a few days left; perhaps I can still knock another item or two off this year's list)!

such a good week

181. Lots of fun opportunities recently to hang out with friends from church.

182. An afternoon spent driving around with a friend, finishing up Christmas errands.

183. New rubber boots!

184. Unexpectedly meeting up with my dear friends whilst Christmas shopping and getting to spend several hours together.

185. Reading this new book (or rather, the first of these two) by a crackling fire.

186. Going to the midnight showing of True Grit.

187. Taking my 12-year-old cousin to play bingo at an assisted living home in town with friends from church.

188. A wonderful new coat, just in time for cold weather (which finally showed up, after we hit the 80s last week).

189. A low-key Christmas, spent with my brother and my "Texas family". Don't think I've ever gotten to sleep in on Christmas before; 'twas lovely!

190. The crazy, amazing, gloriously awesome way that God has worked throughout all history to bring about redemption. (Check out this and this!)

'Twas the Monday before Christmas...

171. Utterly random text messages from a friend.

172. Super cute new earrings, made by a friend for me for Christmas.

173. Lots and lots of sleep, to [hopefully] finally get me over this icky sickness!

174. Paul made it home safely from Haiti!

175. Christmas break, which means a nearly empty town and thus a few weeks of calmer days at work.

176. Organized closets. Call me strange, but this just makes me so happy.

177. Just finished this book, which I've wanted to read since I was a child. Entirely different from the movie, but I absolutely love both.

178. Getting to go shopping for Heartline's new teen mom home with other ladies from my church. Such a blessing to get to be a part of something so beautiful!

179. The reminder that God's ways are so much higher and better than any plans I could attempt to come up with; His providence is amazing.

180. "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Just think about that; what incomprehensibly beautiful, incredible, wonderful, breathtaking news!

Haiti on my mind: an introduction

the day I met Lina

If you've known me for more than a few days (or even hours, or minutes), you likely know that Haiti is very close to my heart. When I was 9, God brought my youngest sister, Lina, into our family, and it's no exaggeration to say that her adoption has had a bigger impact on my life (and on my family) than any other event or circumstance I've ever experienced, besides God's gracious and merciful gift of salvation. I honestly cannot picture what my life would be like today had we not adopted Lina. Not only did I gain an amazing and beautiful sister on that chilly March day back in 1996, but God also set me on a path of invaluable experiential learning - among others, about disability, of caring for the least of these, and about the country in which Lina was born: Haiti, the land of contrast.

My parents first traveled to Haiti in 1998 -- for a quick visit, just to learn more about this place where their youngest daughter was born. When they stepped off that plane in Port au Prince for the first time, greeted by that now-so-familiar warm breeze and the cacophony of uniquely Haitian sights, sounds, and smells, I doubt they had any idea of what was ahead. A quick trip, that's all; just a glimpse into Lina's native culture so that someday in the future, when she was older, we might have a few photos, maybe some souvenirs, and a story or two to tell her about that distant country where her life began. In, out, done. Simple enough, right?

Ha. If I've learned anything over the years, it's that NOTHING involving Haiti is simple, and that God's plans are almost always very different (and oh-so-much better) than ours.

And so, my parents came home with photos, souvenirs, stories...and the news that we were adopting again. While in Haiti, they had stayed at Notre Maison, the orphanage for children with special needs where Lina spent the first 7 months of her life. Also at this orphanage were James and Andre, who were both about three years old at the time; my parents felt led to begin the adoption process for these two. Again, God's plans are often different from ours, and, while we did eventually adopt James, my dad's sister actually ended up adopting Andre (but that's a story for a different time, perhaps).

About eleven months after my parents' initial trip, I made my first trek to that place that I now consider my second home. I desperately wish that I had kept a journal on this trip; sadly, the only time I opened my Winnie the Pooh diary (don't judge.) during those two weeks was to shake out the ants that had invaded the unfortunately blank pages. I would pay a lot of money to have written documentation of my first impressions of Haiti, but alas, all I have are a few snippets of memories. Like passing out in the courtyard while waiting to see the judge about our adoption paperwork. And enduring much pointing and staring due, not only to my whiteness, but also to the multitudinous ant bites covering my face. And learning to shower in a bucket, and to save and utilize every spare drop of water. And my first experience with "Haitian Happiness." Ugh.

I also remember the beautiful children. Especially sweet Darlyne, who, despite her disability which prevented her from being able to speak or walk, scooted herself around on the floor, tenderly caring for the babies.

Darlyne

I remember the sweet, high-pitched voice of my new brother, who, though shy, could occasionally be convinced to repeat a few words in English; no one else has ever said "silly, silly, silly!" in such an adorable manner.

I remember seeing the stars from the roof of Notre Maison... If you've ever been to Haiti, you'll agree: there are no stars like Haiti stars. Magnificent. Particularly from out in the country (though it was several years still before I discovered this).

at the Baptist Mission

I remember sitting on the bench in the back of a rickety truck, making the long, bumpy drive through ridiculous traffic up to the Baptist Mission, marveling that James could sleep through it all.

I remember being so mad on Thanksgiving Day, thinking of all the feasting that was going on in the United States, while all the kids at the orphanage had to eat was peanut butter on bread. Life is not fair. But...there is hope: "The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble...For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever." (Psalm 9:9,18)

I remember hearing Lellen, one of the nannies at Notre Maison, do lessons with some of the children, singing songs and pointing out pictures and having the children repeat the English name (buh-TARE-fly!)

Mom and James

I remember waiting with my mom outside of a grocery store at dusk. A young Haitian girl came up to us, clearly asking for something, but all we could do was smile and say m pa pale kreyol (I don't speak Kreyol). The girl giggled and walked away.

On second thought, I guess I do have a few more memories from that trip than I realized. But regardless of what I do or don't specifically remember, there is no doubt that during those two weeks God definitely gave me a love for Haiti and her people that has been challenged, questioned, deepened, and continues to be refined. Through all of my experiences in this country (which range from amazing to horrible, thrilling to terrifying, kinda weird to utterly ridiculous, etc, etc), God has taught me so many life lessons. Some have been more easily learned than others; many have come out of difficult and often painful situations (but how wonderful it is that God redeems even these times!). Most of these lessons I am still learning...slowly but surely.

When I began this post, I was planning on writing about Heartline and a new aspect of their ministry that is currently in the works. I do still plan to write about this because I really am so excited about it (and about everything God is accomplishing through Heartline in Haiti), but that'll have to wait until later (tomorrow, perhaps?). If you want to go ahead and see what's going on (if you haven't already done so the other times I've posted these links; I'm telling you, I'm excited!), visit Heartline's website here, the blog about the new teen moms home here, and Heather Hendrick's post here.

Until then, can I just say... I am so utterly amazed at God's providence and the way He works. He truly is sovereign over every detail; the way He puts each piece together and what He does with them is just incredible. Forgive me, Lord, for ever thinking that I'm the one in control of my life!

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

of gratitude and mostly Christmasy sorts of things

161. Homemade Christmas cards (though I'm questioning my sanity in deciding to do this...I am so not crafty but am very much a perfectionist. Dangerous combination.)

162. Lunch with a friend from my Bible study.

163. A day of [forced] rest... Though it would have been preferable to have not been sick, I clearly needed a day of doing nothing but drinking tea, laying on the couch, and watching Pride and Prejudice.

164. So excited about Heartline's new teen mom home; also super excited to get together with other women from my church to shop for one the rooms in this new home!

165. This Christmas album, which has quickly become one of my favorites and which I've had on repeat for the past several days.

166. An afternoon outing to see The Voyage of the Dawn Treader with my Texas family.

167. An evening at the theatre watching a local production of White Christmas with friends from church.

168. My second year of celebrating Saint Lucia's Day with my Texas family.

169. The comfort (and thrill) of knowing that God places certain people and situations in my life for a purpose, even though it often doesn't make sense to me. It's neat to look back and see how this has been true in the past while realizing that it certainly must be true in the present as well.

170. Christmas lights.

thankfulness: 151-160

151. A wonderful conversation over coffee this morning with a sweet friend from church.

152. A phone call from Paul in Haiti, even though the connection was so jumbled I couldn't hardly understand a word he said. But, it sounds like he's doing well. And he was able to go to Port au Prince Fellowship yesterday and stay at Heartline for a day, which is super exciting. (Edit: And I just got an email for him, to make up for the lame-o conversation attempt; yay!)

153. I was able to attend a Haitian Creations purse party the other night and got to buy a purse to support Heartline's women's ministry! (If you are ever looking to support a ministry in Haiti, support Heartline! I seriously cannot say enough about this wonderful ministry!)

154. My "Swinging Christmas" Pandora station -- love it!

155. Decorating for Christmas.

156. Dinner with a friend.

157. My one-year-in-Texas anniversary was last Tuesday; soooo excited about this! It's been quite a year! Though it took me awhile to warm up to CS, I truly, truly love it here, thanks to dear friends and coworkers and my amaaaazing church.

158. Sweet, encouraging words from a fellow church member.

159. This music, by a friend of a friend.

160. A simple yet profound prayer by a child during Lifegroup.

Happy Monday :)

141. Getting to talk to sweet Carly on the phone and hearing her joyful giggle

142. A wonderful week back in Florida with my siblings (and off work!)

143. Being back in Texas (there's no place like home) :)

144. A fun Thanksgiving at work (yes, I worked, but it truly was an enjoyable day)

145. Late night laughter at Eyrie Park

146. Starting off the morning with a delicious soy cappuccino

147. Paul is off to Haiti again to work with Real Hope for Haiti, where he will be helping to care for cholera patients. Thankful that he has this opportunity; proud of his heart for those in need, particularly in Haiti.

148. The simple yet profound, convicting yet freeing truths expressed in last night's sermon (I'll try to remember to post the link when it shows up on the church's website; in the meantime, here's the passage we studied).

149. Fires in the fireplace and mugs of hot chocolate on chilly evenings

150. A brief visit with an out-of-town friend

Let thanksgiving be the habit of your life

It is always possible to be thankful for what is given rather than to complain about what is not given . . . Accept, positively and actively, what is given. Let thanksgiving be the habit of your life.

- Elisabeth Elliot, Love Has a Price Tag

131. So grateful to whoever (whomever? whatever.) from my church posts the sermons online; I was amazed and excited to find last night's message up just a few hours after the service and to then be able to listen to it before I went to bed. Also (as always) just so thankful to be part of such a beautiful, Gospel-centered church.

132. Time back in Florida with [most of] my siblings. It's been fun spending time with them again (I hadn't seen Danielle, Nahomie, or James in nearly a year!).

33. That Lina is continuing to recover well after her surgery. She's able to do sooo much, considering she just had major spinal surgery at the beginning of the month. She's still in pain and gets tired more easily than normal, but overall she's doing so well.

134. Fun times visiting with friends and their absolutely adorable little boys.

135. Lots of time to read this week! Just finished Treasure Island and Love Has a Price Tag; also reading this wonderfully fun childhood classic!

136. Thankful for a simple way to be a part of bringing hope to people in need, and so thankful for the Hendrick family and all they're doing in Haiti.

137. Homemade applesauce...mmmm!!!

138. Phone conversations with my dear sister-friend-cousins.

139. A thoughtful and encouraging facebook message from a faraway friend.

140. Hot cups of tea on cold mornings.

(P.S. Once upon a time I said something about writing a "real" post. Right. It'll happen...someday. I hope. In the meantime, at least I show up on Mondays...right?)

and...Monday

I really do intend to write an actual, for-real blog post at some point. Seriously. I've even sat down and started to write several times in the past few weeks. Just haven't quite finished anything. It's a combination of being super busy and of having several somewhat vague post topics floating around in my head. But, maybe perhaps hopefully I'll have time soon; I'm heading off to Florida tomorrow for a week (i.e. I'm going to be off work for 7 WHOLE DAYS!). Yeah, I know; crazy, right? But anyway, in the meantime, here's this week's list of wonderful things for which I am so thankful:

121. This video of sweet Carly from Notre Maison, who is in the States receiving medical care. So excited and grateful God worked out all the details for her to come, and so thankful for the Celestin family who loved her before they'd even met her and who so diligently and faithfully pursued getting her here!

122. A lovely walk in the park with a friend.

123. Spontaneously spending the night with friends.

124. Playing tooth fairy for my 7-year-old cousin who lost a tooth on Saturday.

125. Peppermint marble mocha hot chocolate, to warm me up on a cool, drizzly day.

126. Random text messages that make me smile.

127. Vanilla tealight candles.

128. Evidence that my brother's fiancee surely has him wrapped around her finger :)

129. That God gives grace for each moment: "We appropriate the grace of our God -- in full and generous supply -- moment by moment by moment. One day at a time. Redeeming each hour. Drawing on His grace like a tulip opening to April sunlight, like oxygen in the bloodstream, like life itself. And leaving the future to Him." (Joni Eareckson Tada, "A Lifetime of Wisdom")

130. Beautiful Texas sunsets (even if they are coming ridiculously early these days).

overflowing with gratitude

111. Encouraging conversations via text with a faraway friend, celebrating God's faithfulness even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

112. Attending Breakaway for the first time and getting to hear Afshin Ziafat speak.

113. A fun morning at U Paint It with a friend from church.

114. That Lina's surgery went so well! She is already heading home (much earlier than expected)!

115. Living in a country where I have the privilege and the right to vote, without fear of persecution.

116. Late night visits with my dear friends, one night shivering over the ice cream we were crazy enough to eat, another night laughing over a stupid movie.

117. Cool weather = scarves and boots! (I mean, for Texas it's cool. But oh-so-lovely.) And. warm, cozy pajamas and lots of blankets to fall asleep under.

118. That my church is intentional about caring for orphans, both locally and around the world.

119. Laughter of children

120. The reminder that no matter the circumstance, no matter the trial, no matter how bogged down by sin we may be, as Christians, "our hope...is not a what, but a Who. The hope we wait for, our only hope, is the 'blessed hope -- the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ' (Titus 2:13) . . . It's all about Jesus."* What may seem utterly impossible -- what may BE utterly impossible for man -- is ENTIRELY possible with God. "Therefore...let us also lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."** Hallelujah!

* Joni Eareckson Tada, "A Lifetime of Wisdom" (I highly, highly, highly recommend this book!)

** Hebrews 12:1-2

Monday is for gratitude and giraffes*

"It is impossible that those grafted into Christ by true faith should not bring forth fruits of thankfulness."

Heidelberg Catechism**

101. Sweet time visiting with my nearly-twelve (!!!) year-old cousin Samuel as I drove him to his flag football practice.

102. After nearly a month, our dryer is all hooked up and working! Yay! Laundry just got immensely easier (no more ducking around clothes hanging from ceiling fans or improvised clothes lines, amusing though that was)!

103. Getting to work mornings for most of last week. First time this has happened in months, and 'twas lovely while it lasted (back to nights this week).

104. Attending my first "business meeting" at my church, and good conversations with friends afterward.

105. Joni Eareckson Tada, and the wisdom she imparts in this book.

106. The reminder that God has "blotted out [my] transgressions like a cloud and [my] sins like mist" and that because Christ paid the penalty for MY sins, I have His Spirit and am no longer a slave to sin. Incredible.

107. Forgiveness.

108. I've now lived in Texas for 11 months! And am excited to be here for the foreseeable future! (This is a record; normally by this point I've either already moved or have plans to do so shortly.)

109. That Miss Carly, one of the sweet girls at Notre Maison, now has her passport and medical visa and will be headed to Washington State this week for medical treatment/therapy! This is a beautiful answer to prayer!

110. Neosporin and bandaids. Yep. Necessary part of my life.

* For those who don't know, I wear giraffe earrings every Monday because they add a bit more fun (in my opinion) to the beginning of the week. Yes, I am silly (but then, that goes without saying).

** Curtis Allen did a rap on the Heidelberg Catechism/Kevin DeYoung's book that is fantastic. And I don't even like rap.

Sleepy but thankful :)

91. This blog, written by the wife of the former deacon of music at my church. Aaron and Heather moved their family to Haiti in August (I am not-so-secretly envious of this), and Heather updates her blog regularly with very honest (and often quite humorous) glimpses into her heart as she and her family experience both the beauty and the ugliness of life in Haiti. Her posts are not only very well-written, but they're also simultaneously challenging and encouraging and point straight to God and the truth of the Gospel.

92. So thankful for the time I was able to spend with Lina in Nashville last week!

93. Re-reading a favorite childhood book

94. Conversations with friends about what the Lord is doing in our lives (whether we understand it, exactly, or not!)

95. Officially becoming a member of this amazing church tomorrow!

96. I can absolutely and confidently trust in God's promises. Like this one: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

97. Christmas Blend is back (err, well, for us Starbucks people, that is; guess the rest of y'all still have to wait a few more weeks). Anyway, excited for the upcoming Christmas season (though I still don't understand how it's possible that we're almost to November...)!

98. Band-Aids. A very important part of a klutz's life. I should probably buy stock.

99. Little kids; love them!

100. Cool, breezy nights.

Lina Lou

hey beth thank you for coming that was nice you are the best sister in the hole world. i wish i can come to texes to see paul. and the krafts. well i have a qustion can i come to texes to see your cat. if she donsn.t skrach me that would be good well i will come to vist you any time you want thanks love you bye love lina

Just got this email from Lina :) So glad I got to see her this week in Tennessee! She was selected, along with another boy from her school, to accompany their music director to Nashville to participate in a presentation the director gave on music and working with special needs kids. It's actually really neat all the director is doing to collaborate with other musicians and students with special needs from all around the world; maybe sometime (when I'm not exhausted and needing to get to bed), I'll write a post with more information about that.

Anyway, for now, here's a video of Lina leading the audience in a Kenyan song, along with Dr. David Akombo, who was participating via Skype:

Jesus, Thank You

This is one of my current favorite songs (from this album, which is actually full of beautiful Gospel-centered songs) that I've been playing over and over again. Anyway, until I have time to write an actual post, I thought I'd share these lyrics:

Jesus, Thank You
The mystery of the cross I cannot comprehend
The agonies of Calvary
You the perfect Holy One, crushed Your Son
Who drank the bitter cup reserved for me

Your blood has washed away my sin
Jesus, thank You
The Father’s wrath completely satisfied
Jesus, thank You
Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table
Jesus, thank You

By Your perfect sacrifice I’ve been brought near
Your enemy You’ve made Your friend
Pouring out the riches of Your glorious grace
Your mercy and Your kindness know no end

Lover of my soul
I want to live for You

But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

As it is written: "None is righteous, no not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless. No one does good, not even one." Romans 3: 10-12

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over former sins. It was to show His righteousness at the present time, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:23-26

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

a Tennessee Monday

81. Visiting my grandparents in east Tennessee.

82. Glorious fall-colored mountains and lovely weather, and the opportunity to spend an afternoon at Cades Cove (one of my favorite places on this earth).

83. My grandmother, who has Alzheimer's, walking into her kitchen as I pulled muffins out of the oven and saying, "I love you; it seems like it's always been like this." (Not entirely sure what she was referring or if she really knows who I am most of the time, but it was a very sweet moment.)

84. Visiting over tea with my lovely sister/friend/cousin Sabrina.

85. Seeing the sunset over the Smoky Mountains from the Foothills Parkway

86. A good conversation with my pastor

87. Encouraging texts to let me know a friend is praying for me.

88. "Hellooooooooo ma'am!" Never fails to make me smile. Thank you, Sir Green Shirt.

89. Technology, which allows me to listen to the sermon I missed last night while I drive across Tennessee this afternoon.

90. New music to play over and over on "Nonny" (my non-iPod) that keeps me focused on the Gospel.

Monday again!

This past week absolutely sped by; how it's Monday again already, I'm not sure! But, it is, so here's this week's glimpse at some of the blessings God's given me:

71. A brother who is not afraid to speak the truth to me in love, even when it's not easy for him to say or for me to hear.

72. The Gospel, and the reminder that there is never so much as a second in my life when I'm not utterly in need of my Savior.

73. Lots of opportunities this week to bake (and, consequently, a new blog!).

74. That Paul got back safely from Haiti last week.

75. Anticipation of my upcoming trip to Tennessee this weekend (so excited to see friends and family, and for the mountains and all the beautiful fall colors!)

76. That my washing machine is now usable (now just need to get the dryer up and running!)

77. A new candle

78. This month's hymn of the month at my church

79. That my hope is in Christ and that nothing is impossible for God.

80. Silly moments with friends

ever so thankful

61. The opportunity to make a quick trip to Houston to have lunch with my dad while he was in town for a business meeting.

62. A wonderful Sunday of fellowship with my Life Group, dear friends, and at church.

63. my new Lesley Gore pandora station. I anticipate this being the soundtrack to much future baking.

64. Fun with coworkers painting mugs during our store party.

65. Trying out new recipes!

66. Sunday afternoon book study with Sabrina and Everly

67. Perfect tea-drinking weather (so far today I've had two cups of Earl Grey and one cup of Vanilla Rooibus...mmm!)

68. Texts from friends, keeping me accountable about spending time in God's Word

69. Julie and Julia movie night with Sabrina, Everly, and Birdie

70. A phone call from my brother in Haiti while he was at Notre Maison; I was able to get an update on "my" baby (she's doing very well and can sit up on her own now!).

4 1/2 years with the green apron

Hard to believe, but it's been four-and-a-half years since I started working at Starbucks. I've barely ever lived in one city for that long at a time (and definitely have never gone that length of time without changing houses/apartments), yet here I've worked for this company for 54 whole months. Granted, I've worked at 5 different stores (one of them twice) in 4 different states and 5 different cities, but still. It's been good. Obviously the flexibility/transferability of this job has been a huge blessing with all of my moves. Also, I've met so many wonderful and fun people that I've been privileged to work with over the years, many of whom I consider friends, and I've had so many great experiences in each of these places. So, in commemoration of this "anniversary" of sorts, here are some photos from the three stores where I've been the longest: Archer Road in Gainesville (26 months altogether), North Park in Chicago (12 months) and Holleman/Texas (10 months and counting). I also worked at City Place in West Palm Beach for my first two months or so and in Alcoa, TN for about two months in 2008.

Archer Rd Part 1 (June 2006 - May 2007)

Chicago (June 2007 - June 2008)

Archer Rd Part 2 (October 2008 - November 2009)

Texas & Holleman (a.k.a. "The Happiest Place on Earth" - December 2009 - ??)

off-the-clock fun with coworkers

fun and tasty creations, courtesy of coworkers

(except for the whipped cream/caramel drizzle. That was me.)

Miscellaneous tidbits from my Starbucks experiences that are emerging from my oh-so-tired brain (and therefore are really quite random and probably not that interesting):

* Three of the eight managers I've had over the years at the various stores have been named Robert. Two of them even look alike.

* Consistently favorite drink: caramel macchiato

* Favorite coffee: Sumatra

* Store with highest percentage of amazing customers: Archer Rd

* Memorable quote, even years later: "It is what it is!" -- Gina D. (Thank you, that was brilliant.) :)

* Least favorite product: matcha powder. gross.

* Favorite Starbucks romance: Ryan and Gina :)

* Coworkers who most frequently made me roll my eyes: Tim and Leslie

* Coworker who's played the "meanest" trick on me: Sir Robert of the Green Shirt

* Best cup-decorator and caramel-designer ever: Aja

* Store with the least amount of drama: Texas & Holleman

* Another random fact: I didn't get my first brand-new Starbucks apron until I was in my third year (see above photo)

* Store with the best/worst tips: City Place/Texas & Holleman

* Store where I've been given the most nicknames: Texas & Holleman

* Most-recently-discovered yummy flavor combination: cinnamon dolce with pumpkin spice (Aja's ingenious idea!)

* Store where I've clopened the most: Texas & Holleman

* Store where I had the most consistent schedule: Archer (opens!)

* Store closest to where I lived: North Park

* Store where I have sustained the strangest injuries: Texas & Holleman

* Favorite Starbucks pastry: cinnamon swirl coffee cake (and the chocolate chip cookie. warmed up.)

* Favorite drink to make: iced caramel macchiato

* Least favorite drink to make: green tea latte (and at Christmas, eggnog latte)

* Favorite Starbucks utensil name: spoodle

* Newest store I've worked at: North Park (helped open it!)

* Oldest store I've worked at: Texas & Holleman

Edit (4/4/11): Texas & Holleman may have now bumped Archer out of its first-place position for best customers, most likely because so many of my customers are now people from my amazing church... And my current pastry addiction is the cranberry orange scone. Exciting, yeah?

fifty-one to sixty

51. Cooler weather (the high today is only 79, and it's a beautiful 58 degrees out at the moment!)

52. The ability to laugh at myself

53. That God can and does use even me (yeah, crazy!) to accomplish His purposes for His glory--in spite of my ignorance and ineptitude!

54. Multiple opportunities recently to share the reason for the Hope that is in me

55. That even though I wish I myself were in Haiti, I can at least read stories from those who are.

56. Girl time with the lovely Sabrina, Everly, and Birdie which involved chocolate (of course) and finally getting to watch Letters to Juliet again.

57. This book, which Sabrina, Everly, and I used for our summer book study (though summer has turned into fall and we still have a final meeting left).

58. Swinging in the twilight on a cool autumn evening.

59. That I have no guilt in life, no fear in death (this is the power of Christ in me) / From life's first cry to final breath, JESUS COMMANDS MY DESTINY!

60. For my "Texas family", my church, several of my coworkers, my "flogos" Bible study group -- all those God has put in my life who encourage me and challenge me to grow in my faith and in my walk with Him.

September flashback

Photos from September 2009:

just 'afore Paul moved to Texas

typical, in so many ways :)

Birdie and me

He clearly thoroughly enjoyed his visit to Forever21

sportin' our oh-so-cool shades from Forever21

aren't they the cutest?

me and Jubilee

oh how I love these two

my pseudo-uncle and aunt

leaving to fly back to Florida;

little did I know that the next time I was in Texas, I'd live there!

Of klutziness and caramel frappuccinos

I am an utter klutz. If there is something in the general vicinity of my feet, you can be fairly sure I'll trip on it. If anything has the potential to be spilled, it's almost guaranteed that I'll do just that. All items with which I come into contact that are the least bit hazardous will undoubtedly leave me scratched, bruised, or in some other way injured.

It's nearly inevitable these days, and I'm not really sure why. You'd think that accident-proneness would be something you'd grow out of as you age; instead, in my case, I seem to be growing more and more into it. I really don't remember being a klutz when I was younger, but there is no questioning the fact that I am one now. And my klutziness tends to lead to such funny/ridiculous/strange mishaps, too -- ones that you wouldn't hardly think possible, yet, because they happen to me, are hardly surprising.

Such as the frappuccino incident of last week... I work at Starbucks, and last Wednesday, about an hour before close, we got really busy. There were only two of us working, and I had a line of about 15 drinks on my bar (with a line of customers to the door who were still waiting to order). Needless to say, I was trying to move as quickly as possible to get all those drinks made and all the customers happily back out the door. All was going surprisingly smoothly...until I came to one particular caramel frappuccino that, though seemingly innocent, was actually a little fiend in sweet, sticky disguise. Ok, so, that may be a bit dramatic, but still. Beware of the Caramel.

Anyway. Back to my story. After putting all of the ingredients for this particular frappuccino into the blender pitcher, as I was reaching for the lid, I somehow managed to splash the pre-blended frappuccino up my nose, across my face, and into my ear (where I could feel it trickling down and puddling). Gross. And ridiculous. I mean, seriously; who in the world manages to spill something in their ear? Clearly, I am a very "talented" klutz.

However, I didn't have time to reflect on the incident at the time, as I still needed to blend that particular frappuccino (minus the portion that was in my ear) and knock out the rest of the drinks on my bar. Which I did, and to my immense relief, there were no further mishaps during the remainder of the night.

When I got home, though, I could still feel the sloshing of the frappuccino in my ear, so I decided to try to rinse it out with eardrops. Didn't work. Nor did my subsequent attempts with Qtips, rubbing alcohol, water, and more eardrops. So for the next nearly-48 hours, I had a very plugged-up ear, out of which I could hear very little. Most of the time it felt like it just needed to pop, like when you're on an airplane. But no amount of yawning or chewing gum achieved this, either. I felt like I was hearing everything from inside a tunnel, which was rather disorienting and incredibly distracting. All this because of a silly frappuccino.

Finally, Friday night, my pseudo-uncle, who is a doctor, looked at my ear and discovered that there was quite a simple solution to my dilemma: all he had to do was flush my ear out with a syringe of warm water. Such a relief; within moments, my ear felt normal again, and it was amazing how clear everything sounded! Though this was a bit of an anti-climactic ending to my ridiculous "injury", I was (and am) so very glad to have that over and done! If nothing else, I've certainly gained from this experience a deeper appreciation for my sense of hearing, a wariness of frappuccinos, and, perhaps, a greater realization of the ridiculous possibilities that come with being a klutz. All I can do is shake my head and laugh. Oh, Beth...

August in review (yes, I realize September is already almost over)

Starbucks game/movie night with my fabulous coworkers

Joey's birthday

Paul and I took a day trip to the Guadeloupe River

love these girls!

miscellaneous moments at Eyrie Park

my birthday

Jack Johnson concert!!!

so thankful

41. My wonderful church, and the opportunity to connect with other women and be taught during the semi-quarterly LifeGivers meeting.

42. A surprise gift of flowers from a friend, just to say thank you.

43. A cute card and fun letter from a dear friend.

44. The opportunity to go to my first college football game ever.

45. The fact that God teaches me even through yucky days and miserable failures.

46. The wit and wisdom of Elisabeth Elliot (and her newest-to-me book, which is already one of my favorites).

47. Getting to sleep in today!

48. The Bible study that my "flogos" group is starting to go through on this passage; I am really excited about this!

49. Beautifully expressed words of wisdom from a friend, and the fact that God seems to be teaching both of us the same thing right now.

50. Raspberry peach cobbler.

Life lessons

I had a terrible day Friday; one of those oh-so-fun days when every little thing at work seemed to go wrong and when I felt like I just plain couldn't do anything right. I was (kindly) informed of several things that I should've done differently/better, I dropped everything I picked up, spilled everything I touched, and just couldn't quite get it together the entire day. Several miscommunications early on in the day added to my confusion and left me feeling frustrated and lacking control. To complete this downward spiral, I then took my negative emotions out on a friend. All in all, I was a horrid mess of negativity, and, though I knew that I needed to take every thought captive to obey Christ (rather than letting every little thing nearly leave me in tears), I still chose to dwell on my mistakes and frustrations. I just couldn't "let myself off the hook" for things not going smoothly. Because, along with over-thinking everything (which I blame on the engineer "gene" that runs on both sides of my family) . . .

. . . I am by nature a people-pleaser and a perfectionist and have always struggled with trying to live up to certain expectations which, a lot of the time, are probably self-imposed more than anything. When I fail to meet these expectations, then, I make myself miserable because I feel like I've let everyone down. Rather than finding my security in Christ and in the fact that I belong to Him, I look to people for affirmation and try to measure up to what I perceive their expectations to be. You'd think that I've been a Christian long enough to know better than this, but clearly this is something God is still working on with me.

Friday night as I was thinking back through my day and realizing how poorly I'd handled things, God started to connect the dots for me and to show me that such days can be valuable life lessons, if only I would quit being so self-absorbed and focusing on how bad I felt about things. Interestingly enough, several aspects of the awfulness which was Friday relate directly to topics that were discussed earlier in the week at both a women's meeting I went to at church and then at my Bible study a few days later: that of finding security in Christ, focusing on that which is pleasing to Him, and learning from mistakes but not dwelling there.

First of all, my worth is found in Christ, and I am complete in Him; I don't need to (nor should I) base my identity on what other people think or say about me. I love this quote from Elisabeth Elliot: "Where does your security lie? Is God your refuge, your hiding place, your stronghold, your shepherd, your counselor, your friend, your redeemer, your saviour, your guide? If He is, you don't need to search any further for security." And as John Piper points out, "God made us who we are so we could make known who He is. . .The meaning of our identity is that the excellency of God be seen in us." Therefore, what does it matter what other people think about me? Ultimately, it makes no difference whether or not anyone thinks I'm nice or pretty or can carry on a decent conversation; what matters is that in everything I say and do, I reflect Christ and bring glory to His name. I ought to echo Paul's statement in his letter to the Galatians: "Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant."

Second, my thoughts need to be on whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable -- these are the things on which I should focus, NOT on my frustrations or hurts or the faults of myself or others. Although there is a time and a place to deal with such things and to respond in a way that is pleasing to God, so often further problems could be avoided if I would remember all that God has done for me:

I will remember the deeds of the LORD;

yes, I will remember Your wonders of old.

I will ponder all Your work;

and meditate on Your mighty deeds.

Your way, O God, is holy.

What god is great like our God?

Psalm 77:11-13

Thirdly, and similarly, I cannot let myself dwell on my mistakes. When it is an issue of sin, I need to repent and, as appropriate, make amends, but I must not wallow in guilt. It is for freedom that Christ has set me free! In His incomprehensible love and mercy, Christ has forgiven me and remembers my sins no more. If He doesn't continue beating me over the head with reminders of my sins, who am I to dwell there? So, whether my failure is a sin or if it is merely an expectation that I didn't meet, I accomplish nothing by reminding myself over and over of how horrible I am. L.M. Montgomery wisely said, "We should regret our mistakes and learn from them, but never carry them forward into the future with us."

So, those are some of the lessons that I think God is trying to teach me out of my miserable Friday (likely there are more that I haven't realized yet). He truly does cause all things to work together for good for those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose; how amazing is it that He uses even the messes I make to teach me more about Himself and (if I learn these lessons) to make me more like Him! May I "grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2 Peter 3: 18