Music and Truths

Missed Me?

2008-02-03T11:18:00.000-06:00

I haven't posted in a really long time!
At the beginning of October I took over a Starbucks store that had been without a manager for 3 months. Needless to say, it's been a LOT of work both physically AND mentally/emotionally.....but we are on a good track now and I am loving it!

Recently, I have discovered a whole NEW world of blogging and one that I am enjoying a ton! I've posted some of these links over to the side. They are mostly women who either LOVE decorating, being creative, being frugal, or all three!!
These women have inspired and strengthened me in different ways over the last few months and I feel like I know them EVEN though they have no idea who I am!
Meredith at Like Merchant Ships started it all....I can't even remember how I came across her blog but she is an amazing and Godly woman. I know I would LOVE her if I ever met her!

The Nester at The Nesting Place inspires me and frankly cracks me up! When I need a good laugh and some creative inspiration I visit her. We are so much alike in style and lazy perfectionism....the fact that she calls herself that makes me feel so much better about myself :-)

Now, if you REALLY want to laugh, go to Mrs Fussypants site and read about her adventures and thoughts on life. This woman is hillarious and should be published!!! You just HAVE to go there to see what I mean. LOVE HER! (gotta love the description of her blog "We can't both look good! It's Me and the House!")

Because their blogs have inspired me so much, I thought I would share some of my decorating, creativity with you...as long as you know that as much as I might appreciate things that are done well, that doesn't mean that I have anything unique or especially inspiring to bring to the table! I just thought it would be fun!

Watch for upcoming posts.....
Sam

thoughts on the culture

2007-09-29T21:50:00.000-05:00

Is it just me, or does it seem like almost everything around us is questionable for our kids.....
My husband and I find ourselves exhausted with constantly trying to evaluate each cultural influence our kids come in contact with.
Since our kids are almost 8 years apart, we are doing it in 2 different ways. With our almost 3 year old, it's a protective phase....we can control so much of what she is exposed to.

But with our 10 year old son, we have moved to a new phase and are flailing around trying to get familiar with it. This boy is desperately wanting to spread his wings....or at least try flapping them a bit! As he attends public school, he is exposed to SO much that we would not choose for him. But we know, we must constantly be teaching him how to evaluate things on his own and make some of those choices on his own. UGH! I so much prefer to be able to control everything myself. Yes, I know....not realistic.....and not healthy for him....but it's still what I would prefer if it were possible.
What video games are acceptable? How do we even know?
We only allow him to listen and buy Christian music--which so far he is fine with--but his friends at school listen to some INSANE stuff....ever heard of the band KORN? I looked up the lyrics and just about had a heart attack! Scary, scary stuff.
Kids at his school (5th graders) actually go on DATES! Yikes! Not happenin' in OUR house, that's for sure.
Lots of things to think about this year....and LOTS to pray about. How GRATEFUL I am for the Holy Spirit that the Father has given us to help us in this life. We need Him desperately....

Dennis

2007-08-31T05:31:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite customers was in yesterday......

Dennis is a Vietnam vet who comes in almost every day to see all of us at Starbucks. He knows every Starbucks partner's name in the store.

When you first talk to Dennis, it's hard to understand him....his words don't come out just right and he appears a little disheveled.....but for those who look past his appearance, there is a treasure to be found!

Dennis will strike up a conversation with just about anyone! I like to observe people's responses to Dennis because I think it's a test of character. Some just kind of mumble something back to him and then quickly go on their way, trying to pretend he doesn't exist. I can see they are looking for the fastest exit.......they miss out.

Then there are those who take the time to understand what he is saying and decide to engage him in conversation. Now, mind you, I DO feel for them a bit because they are not getting anywhere quickly once they have entered into conversation with Dennis, and there WILL be a time when an excuse will have to be made in order to return to the schedule of the day!....but Dennis is OK with that :-)

Turns out, Dennis is just about the most giving person most will ever meet.....my fellow Baristas have many stories of his financial sacrifices made for the benefit of those more needy than himself. He is compassionate, giving, kind and a true friend....hidden from those who might not appreciate those qualities to the extent that he deserves!

Every day Dennis comes in, you might overhear the following:

(use a growly, grovely, slightly southern voice with little space between words when hearing Dennis' voice)

D: Hey *Sam!! I need me some of that Paaaasion Taay! (translation: Passion Tea)

me: Sure, Dennis! I'll have that right up for you.

D: You know, Sam.....I gotta have that Paaassion Tay because that's the only passion I'm gonna get!! (then he kindly repeats this, just in case you didn't hear him the first time)

me: Oh, Dennis! You are too funny!

D: (laughs really loud and looks around to see who might have enjoyed this little joke)

D: You know, Sam, you're doing a GOOD job! (he always remembers that I'm still learning everything :-)

The best of God's creatures aren't necessarily the most beautiful.

working and blogging

2007-08-31T05:30:00.000-05:00

I have found, as you have probably noticed, that working full-time and blogging don't mix so well......sorry for the time between posts! :-)

mommy moments.....

2007-08-11T21:48:00.000-05:00

I was rocking my youngest this evening as we were preparing for bedtime when it hit me--I knew it would, but I've been trying not to think about it. She will be 3 in October and I am having to leave her WAY before I am ready to. She only has 3 more years until Kindergarten and unless a LOT happens in the next year or two financially, I will be spending more days away from her than with her.

This will also be the VERY first time that I won't be consistently available to Gabe as soon as he gets home from school. My heart aches about this as well. I see him growing and maturing and pulling away from us already as he establishes his independence. I will really have to be intentional about spending one-on-one time with him on a regular basis. Maybe a bedtime routine with him will be a good connecting point....

I stood in our dark kitchen this evening as Phil and Gabe were watching TV in the other room and began to cry....one of those cries where you actually sob (although silently as I didn't want Gabe to be concerned). My precious husband has an uncanny way of knowing when something is wrong and came in and just held me. He's a good man and knows when I just need to cry for a bit.

As much as I might enjoy my new job, NOTHING could ever be as sweet (although difficult and tiring at times!) as being home with my precious kiddos.

Tonight I was reminded again of how really helpless I am as a parent!! I must be dependent on God and HIS divine plan for us as a family AND for our precious children.
I was reminded as well that the solution to all of my heart's concerns and worries is found on my knees......

Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."

grande, latte, caramel, no-whip, macchiato....WHAT????

2007-08-07T21:53:00.000-05:00

my brain is swimming with every kind of coffee drink you can imagine!
I've marked cups, made whip cream, washed dishes, made drip coffee, watched ENDLESS training videos, TASTED coffees and pastries (!) and made MANY new friends!
You gotta love a job that the goal is to make people feel great and want to come back and see you over and over!! It just doesn't get much better than that!!

The partners I'm working with at the store are awesome. Very warm and welcoming and ready to offer me help at every turn.

Tonight, my feet hurt, my eyes can barely stay open (worked a 10 hour shift today...) but I can't wait to go back tomorrow!

Good-nite from the coffee girl.

it's been wonderful....

2007-08-01T08:22:00.000-05:00

but now we are sad :-( My precious friend, Lori (and her canine companion, Abe!), left this morning for her home in Minnesota. She is an amazing person. Lizzie told Lori this morning..."you go back to Minnesota now I be sad." Lizzie snuggled and smothered Abe for about half an hour, all the while eyeing Lori, not wanting her to be out of site for too long.
We hugged her and Abe up but good!! Then they packed up and drove away.
It's going to be strange without her here....she's the best houseguest ever!!
Lizzie's going to miss "peaches with Lori" and I'm SURE Lori will miss the nightly bedtime ritual of "Walker Texas Ranger". Who wouldn't??
It's amazing how the Lord can knit hearts together.....she's my precious sister and friend.

new job....new way of life

2007-07-31T21:05:00.000-05:00

Well...I got it! Actually, instead of Assistant Manager, Starbucks offered me a Store Manager position and offered me more money than I asked for! Yeah God!!

This will mean a BIG change in our schedules and in the whole way we do life at the D'Angelo house!

I will have to be more organized and more intentional about almost everything in order for us to all stay connected. This will be a challenge, but I'm up for it!

My family is the most important thing to me next to my relationship with the Lord. My Mommy-heart is struggling with not being as available for my kids...in fact, I cry when I think about it too much...but I am trusting that God will help us with this adjustment. I know He understands.

he's not a little boy anymore...

2007-07-27T13:38:00.000-05:00

What happened to my baby boy? He's almost as tall as I am....and getting ready to start 5th grade...his LAST year of elementary school!!
Saying that time flies is SO cliche...but these years truly do pass quickly.
Gabe and I had an all-out cleaning/organizing session in his room this week. I cannot believe how long it took us (actually mostly me :-)...I didn't finish until around 8pm!
Here I was sitting in the middle of his floor going through all the Rubbermaid clear storage containers that we've always kept his toys in, and all I could think about was that he didn't "play" with any of these things anymore. No more Power Rangers and Rescue Heroes...no more Imaginext and Lincoln Logs. No more cowboy stuff and "toy" guns...(now it's only "airsoft" guns).
I figured out, in fact, that he really only needs books, a remote control car and airplane, a few token miniature soldiers (I think this was a sentimental thing for him), and a couple of yo-yos. OH....and of course, the Gameboy and a couple of games.

My boy is a great kid...he's considerate of others, he's VERY smart, he makes friends easily and wants to be with them as much as possible. It seems we have 10 year old boys over all the time. (my food budget is suffering...but it's worth it!) I'm enjoying him...
I love watching him when he doesn't know I'm watching. It's been like that since he was tiny. He's growing into a strong young man. He challenges us a LOT, he struggles with going too far in his "I'm just kidding"...but, he's becoming his own person.
His name means "Man of God" and that is our prayer for him. We've always known that his strong will is there for a reason...to stand up for what is right, or to stand up for a friend who is being picked on or, eventually, to fight for whatever God calls him to.
He may be getting ready to be taller than me, but he's still my sweet little boy with the light blue eyes and the most precious freckles you've ever seen. When God sent him to us, it was one of the happiest days of our lives.

sweet moments..........

2007-07-24T20:29:00.000-05:00

Thought I would share a couple of sweet moments from today. The doggie belongs to a friend that we were visiting! Elizabeth LOVES animals!

calgon??!

2007-07-23T19:14:00.000-05:00

2 year olds.....they can be the strangest, most difficult to figure out creatures. My sweet Lizzie is my little gift from God but I'm beginning to think that He must not know what my limits are....or maybe they are just much further out than I imagine them to be!
SOMETIMES though, the things she does end up making good stories. I thought I might share one with you.
A few weeks ago, on a Saturday morning, Lizzie and I were doing errands when we came across a great garage sale. I'm not normally a good garage sale-r...not much vision for things that are dirty, old or broken. BUT this day I found a treasure trove of things for Lizzie. We found princess books, a GREAT bag of puppets, a large miniature china tea set, and lots and lots of clothes in HER size in perfect condition! woo hoo!
Lizzie found a wagon full of Lego-type blocks that she really wanted. But we had JUST gotten her some blocks like those so I told her we would leave it for someone else to buy. We moved on to continue shopping. When I was finally ready to pay for my pile of goodies, I moved to the back of the garage to check out.
That wagon was at the FRONT of the garage not far from where Lizzie was waiting for me. As I finished up and turned around, I saw Lizzie, slowing pulling the wagon down the driveway. "Liz--zie", I said "bring the wagon back... it doesn't belong to us so we need to leave it here."
At that, she turned around ever so slightly to see how far away I was and then
OFF SHE RAN! Wagon handle clenched tightly, blond curls blowing, and blocks bouncing off the wagon onto the sidewalk behind her! "Excuse me a minute," I said "I'll be right back with your wagon!" A man who had just arrived at the garage sale was just standing in the driveway, laughing like crazy.."I'm sorry", he said "but that's FUNNY!" Yeah....if it's someone else!
I finally caught up to her 3 houses away and firmly told her "you will not get to play with anything we bought at this garage sale until you return those blocks and wagon, young lady!!"
"awww-wite." She slowly walked the wagon back up the driveway while I followed, picking up the spilled blocks along the way.
Oh...they joys of 2 year olds.

Sabbath

2007-07-22T13:52:00.000-05:00

I was reading form Hebrews this morning and saw something I had never seen before. From this experience, I wanted to share 2 things.

#1-even the most familiar verses can come alive with meaning when the Holy Spirit decides to reveal more to our hearts.....I think He does this sometimes just because we ask! I have been desiring lately to see the relevance of God's Word in new ways!

#2-the passage is Hebrews 4:9-11

"There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience."

There is so much here! I always just thought of it as "yeah, yeah...we are supposed to have a day of rest because God did when He created the world"....

but somehow this idea seemed so removed from my life today....I have had trouble really connecting to what He is saying to me personally through this..

Then, this morning, I had a revelation. I realized that He is not just talking about an earthly day of rest, but by observing a day of rest on earth, we are reminded of the eternal rest that will be ours someday.

It is so easy to lost sight of our eternal life.....we get so busy with our lives, our families, our needs, our jobs, relationship, housework, etc., etc., etc.,.............

God's Word is SO relevant to our lives!!

He wants us to take a day of rest so that we are consistently reminded of the eternal rest that is ours. He wants us to take time out so we don't forget our "hope of glory"!

This becomes increasingly important as we live in a time in which it is easy to get discouraged, overwhelmed, depressed, etc...it's so easy to have "short-term" vision.

But if we obey Him and weekly take time to rest and reflect on Him and His provision for our eternal rest, how much HOPE does that bring to our lives? How much more energized are we to continue to "do good" when we weekly adjust our vision to the eternal!

Gal 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Not all of us can take Sunday as our day of rest...but don't count yourself out from this blessing! Choose a different day for your family to be reminded of our eternal rest!

stayin' alive

2007-07-19T22:42:00.000-05:00

I started exercising today. It wasn't much, but it was moderately paced, sweat inducing and painful, so I guess it was successful.
Why is it that something so simple is so hard to get in the habit of doing? Once I get started, I actually enjoy it. It's that getting started thing...I think it's universal.
Lizzie threw a MAJOR screaming, wild-eyed fit today....it was hairy. Luckily, for Lori, she did it with me and not her. I think I must have just stared at her like she had gone crazy.....I hope this is a short phase...

Phil started a blog tonight...now THERE is a blog that will be full of humor :-) He cracks me up and has for the last 15 years! When Phil's around, fun definitely follows. :-) I love that about him!

Check him out at philbert68.blogspot.com

a majestic awakening

2007-07-17T23:45:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday morning, I was preparing to lead woship. It was earlier than I usually get up (5:30am!) and because I needed to stay awake and spend some time with the Lord, I decided to sit out back on our deck. It was a beautiful morning.

I spent a number of minutes just watching and listening to the wonder of creation....it's amazing what you hear when you are quiet for more than a minute or two. The busy chatter of the birds seemed to increase slighty....it was then I noticed that as the sun was getting ready to rise, creation was gearing up. Slowly and steadily, the beams of light began to illuminate everything. Every leaf on the tree was touched by it and as I watched in wonder, it occurred to me that He had planned this all. He knew where every vein on the underneath side of every leaf was and he was causing them all to glow! As the sun continued to make it's way above the horizon, it was as though Creation was playing an anthem for the King.

But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Job 12:7-8

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. Psalm 19:1-4

These verses come alive in view of what I experienced that morning....
He is so present....Creation daily testifies of Him.
Oh....the wonder of it all.....

transition

2007-07-16T07:41:00.000-05:00

We are in transition right now....
About a month ago, Phil and I came to the conclusion (with help from our financial advisors) that I need to go back to work full-time.
This has been a difficult decision to come to...but completely necessary. The bright spot is that we have an awesome financial plan that will take us where we want to go and will finally bring us into a place of fiscal responsibility!!
Dave Ramsey.com has become a beloved friend. We find our resolve threatened almost every day so reading stories of other's struggles, determination and success is absolutely crucial to ours! Of course, more important than all these efforts is prayer.
Phil has decided to be a man of prayer...it is amazing to see the changes in him since he began this. He struggles from day to day with his positive outlook and to hang on to hope that we will be successful with all these changes in our lives......but he is now turning to the Lord in prayer when he finds himself in this mindset! What a blessing. He inspires me.

I have a 2nd interview with Starbucks on Wednesday. I am interviewing to get into their management training program. I am excited about this opportunity. They are on the 100 Best Companies to work for and the pay and benefits are great.

Of course, a side benefit is that this should raise my "cool" factor a few degrees...maybe it's still possible even at 38! Or maybe I'm delusional...

thoughts....what thoughts??

2007-07-14T23:03:00.000-05:00

so I'm blogging now.....weird......
I keep thinking....am I too old for this?? But, I guess I still have random thoughts, so why not! In fact, the older I get, the more random the thoughts. maybe this is a bonus......

Today, my great friend, Lori (who is staying with us for a month and blessing us tremendously!), showed me her blog and showed me how to get started.
I've always wanted to keep a journal on a regular basis but with a very active and irritable 2 year old and a 10 year old who finds amusement in taunting her, I have very little time to write. I can type MUCH faster than I can write so maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to keep this up.
And I might as well remind you right now, no matter how much I would like to be, I'm NOT cool....even if I DO blog :-) At my core, I'm just (as my sister reminds me often).....a cheeseball. I'm not sarcastic, ironic or profound.
Just remember, I told you so.