Life Snippets #2

Well, my life has been pretty busy this past month or so. But also very incredible! God has worked so much in my life and has shown me so many awesome things. I have all the happies, people. And it's all because of Christ.

To begin with, the show I was in, Things We Couldn't Say, wrapped up on the weekend of March 10-13. The show was an original theater adaption from the book, Things We Couldn't Say, written by Diet Eman. It's a true story about a Dutch Jew, Diet Eman, who was alive during the Holocaust and the persecution that was happening to all of the Jews. Not many are familiar with Diet Eman's story, and this style of theater is so different from any show we have done, so I wasn't sure how the public would react. However, all of the shows went extremely well, and the public took the new story so well. Us as the cast heard so many good and encouraging comments from people who had seen the show, such as: "It was such a moving story! You all did great!", "It made me think so much. That's all I did on the drive home," "What a superb job of telling this story! Fantastic show," as well as many others. Hearing that so many people got something out of the show was so cool and amazing to us, and it reminded me of one of the reasons I love theater so much: it affects people. It moves people, it makes them happy, it makes them think, and it can even impact people's lives. If you think about it, theater is just another form of creative ministry to reach out to people by storytelling. People can connect to stories easily, and in turn, the stories can speak to them in a way other things cannot.

Later on in the month, the most challenging curve came my way. I'm not going to give detail, but God showed me that I needed to be focused on other things in my life and to be happy with all the friends I have, and getting to know people. That is, staying single. At first, I wasn't sure if I was understanding God correctly. I spent so much time in prayer to be sure of God's leading, and as always, He is faithful. He led me so smoothly out of that situation, and I felt the utmost peace about... everything. Just every single aspect of my life. And I've never been more happy. Day by day I see even more how God knew what He was doing, and that I followed his guidance just as I should. And since then, so many happy things have been happening in my life. I prayed for peace and guidance... and I received just that. If I received one major message out of all of this, its that God's way is always the best way. Through all of it, He was there, and I trust Him even more than I did before. We serve an awesome God, people! :)

On the topic of happy things, I just returned home from St. Joseph, Missouri from Midland Regionals (Bible Quizzing, of course. ;) It had been a little while since I quizzed, maybe a month, so I was so excited to get back into it and see my quizzing family again! Besides the fact that my team did so well(so proud :), I was so glad to get connected to all my quizzing peeps once more. It really is like a big family, and I missed so many people there. It was wonderful, and gave me even more anticipation for when we all leave for Colorado in a few more weeks for nationals. #asformeandmyhousewewillBiblequiz

Also, on my way home from church today, I stopped at Starbucks (big surprise, coffee), and saw this super cute mug! I'd been looking for a Starbucks mug for a while, but I was waiting to come across one that I really liked, and that wasn't ridiculously priced. So when my eyes came in contact with this beauty, I caved. And hey, it only cost me a solid $10. Not too painful, yeah?

Until next time, my friends. Have an awesome day and remember to smile and do something you like(:

Coffee

Three years ago, I never would have thought I'd be writing about coffee. I used to hate coffee, with quite a passion, too. But many reluctant sips later, I was spiraled into the world of coffee. The more I drank it, the more I loved it and became full with the same amount of passion I used to hate it with. I mean, come on. Coffee is SO GOOD. Give this post a thumbs up if you agree.

My coffee journey started with a gingerbread latte from Starbucks. I was out with some friends, Black Friday shopping, and we stopped for some coffee. I was about to order a hot chocolate when my friend really pushed me to just get a tall gingerbread latte, and give it a chance. So I did. And I loved it! I don't know what changed to make me like coffee. Time, maturing, I don't know. They do say that one's taste can change as they get older. Or maybe it was acquired after many test sips over the years. Whichever the case, I was hooked. And I've only gone up from there.

Though I do enjoy the occasional Starbucks drinks, I've really gotten into coffee shops lately. Not only are they so interesting and cool, they also have the most relaxing and welcoming environment. I love going to some of my favorite coffee shops to sit down and study for a while. And the coffee! I'm sorry if this offends any Starbucks lovers, but I have been to many coffee shops that taste far better than Starbucks. Sorry, not sorry folks.

That being said, I wanted to try and pick my top five coffee shops. Now, I say try because, believe it or not, this is quite the challenge for me. Each new place I visited seemed to taste even better than the last, and it all seemed to mingle together. After some thinking, however, there were a select few that stood out more than others. So, without further to do, here are my top five coffee shops based on taste and environment. (Take note that these are in no particular order because it was challenging enough to just narrow it down to five)

Top Five Coffee Shops

5. Parisi

When I came across this place in Union Station a few months ago, I immediately had to go try their coffee. And it is fan-TASTIC. Not only that, but the interior design and arrangement of the space is just so neat and pretty. Parisi also has this low buzz of energy that seems to snake its way around the room, and it makes for a great environment. Definitely go try it and see for yourself if you happen to live in the KC area!

4. The Roasterie Cafe

First of all, I find the Roasterie's design very cool. They serve what's called, "air-roasted coffee," and as a play off of words, airplanes are the main inspiration for the decor and design of this coffee shop. Some locations, however, have more to show on that than others. Nevertheless, this place is very neat, welcoming, spacious(depending on location), and the coffee is always spot on. I especially love their iced coffee.

3. Cafe Main

I will say, this cute little coffee shop definitely deserves to be on my top five. Cafe Main is one of the most coziest, warmest, and happiest places I've been. In regards to coffee shops, that is. Their coffee is some of the best I've ever had, they have a really neat upstairs lounge and study area, and to top it all off the baristas are pretty darn awesome both in latte art abilities, and personality. What's not to like?

2. Post Coffee Company

Post holds a special place in my heart. It was the first coffee shop I ever went to when I wanted to start trying more than Starbucks. I went with some friends, and they actually introduced me to coffee shops, so to speak, by taking me along with them. It wasn't long after that when I started exploring more coffee shops for myself. But anyway, back to Post. It's such a cute little place, and all the people there are always in a good mood. It's so refreshing. And of course...the coffee is top of the charts in my opinion. ;)

1. Quay

Oh, Quay! That lovely place that has a name which looks like it should sound like "kway," but is really "key." Quay is such a gorgeous coffee shop. Granted, most coffee shops are gorgeous in my opinion. But I especially love how this one looks. It's menu, seating area, decor, lighting, and the overall environment. This is absolutely a favorite! Nothing can beat a spiced latte from Quay coffee. Just saying. Go give 'em a taste. Or maybe the whole 16ounces.

Well, there you have it. I did it. Narrowed down my top five. However, as I continue to try other places, I know my list will most likely move around, shift, and be replaced. There are so many coffee shops to explore and try, it'll almost be like a never-ending adventure. I kind of like that.

So do you agree with my choices? Have any different, personal favorites? Any places you think I should try? I'd love to hear about it! Bring on the coffee chatter. :)