Freebie :: Starbucks Coffee 7/4 Only



Today only, Starbucks will offer its customers a free tall coffee with no purchase necessary.

In a full-page ad Sunday in major newspapers entitled "How can America win this election?," Howard Schultz, Starbucks' CEO, said that "there is something wrong" with America and "the deficits this country must reconcile are much more than financial, and our inability to solve our own problems is sapping our national spirit."

 "In 2012 America needs to win the election more than either party does. It is time now to join together as Americans. It is time, whatever our differences, for us to strive and succeed as one nation-indivisible," Schultz wrote in the ad that said Starbucks would offer free coffee on July 4, "to spark the conversation in our stores."

I'm not much of a coffee drinker, but I wanted to share this with all you. I find it interesting and encouraging that such a large corporation in America would welcome an open discourse on the state of our country in its stores. I especially enjoy Shultz's statement regarding political parties.

Enjoy your cup of Joe and this wonderful day!

What I Gave up for Lent :: And How it Put Things in Perspective

This year for Lent I gave up Starbucks.

Now, for most people, giving up Starbucks may seem rather trivial, but to me, I was giving up my little bit of happiness in a cup.

As a homemaker, some days can be more trying than others. On those days, I usually swing by the nearest Starbucks and purchase myself a quick pick-me-up. As I would sip my drink, this lovely sensation would wash over me and I would feel at peace for those few moments. The day instantly became better.

But without Starbucks, what would I turn to on those not-so-great days? What would I do without a mermaid cup full or chai or mocha?

Giving up Starbucks for forty days was no easy feat!

I found myself turning more to the Lord; asking him for guidance, peace, or understanding. My experience of giving up something I perceived as necessary or satisfying turned me more towards God. I was already going to him with the big things in my life, but sometimes it was the smaller, daily things I needed more help with. Why was I turning to a corporation and not to Him?

To be honest, I didn't realize I had been using Starbucks as my outlet for the little things. After giving up their mochas-any-way-you-want-it, I didn't want them anymore. As a treat from a friend or in passing with my husband, they will be nice, but they won't bring me the comfort I came to expect. Drinking a cup of chai now is just something else to drink.

I must admit, my friend Kathe brought me a chai one afternoon while I was watching her boys. I couldn't turn down a sweet gesture from one of my closest friends. However, I didn't turn to Starbucks for comfort, and so while drinking this tea I had a completely different experience. I didn't feel the sensation of peace I had come to enjoy; I just tasted the chai. From now on, my sense of peace would be coming from the Lord.

And he will be their peace. ~ Micah 5 :5