Never a Dull Moment

Besides cleaning my house, I wasn't sure how I would spend my week off. After posting comments about discussions that I had over dinner with Dr. David, a comment was made on my post by a lady I met at earlier in the year at a coffee shop and was blessed by being able to  pray with her husband and her. She mentioned how life has her in a different place. She is now the Executive Director The Institute for Anatomical Research! This was a sweet little reminder of the power of prayer!   Writing/blogging, it may be your time as I have been reminded that although I may not be aware of the excitement taking place, in life there is never a dull moment!

Music to my ears

For the first few years of being back in Colorado I listened to KTLF (90.5) and KBIQ (102.7) as these station played “my type of music”-- the music from my middle school and high school years. I was then told about KGFT (100.7), a teaching and talk radio station and became a huge fan of this station. A time came when listening to sermons and searching scripture was almost all I did it really encouraged spending time with God. I would love how screw sure that had recently been brought to light in my life was being discussed or even sang I'm bout on the radio.

While I was at Starbucks several times over the summer, I would  like would  turn one of the tables into my “ office.” I would chat with nearly everyone that came through the door knowing that potentially I would get to hear a story. More often than not I would run into “regulars.” This was before I had earned that  title  and would ask  a bartista  about a particular person  describing their characteristics. They would smile and say oh she's a regular. This all happened before I earned that title and eventually became friends with many of the other regulars.

One of the people was and is Bob1. He and I got into a conversation about music and he started bringing me all sorts of music out of his collection: Celtic, Folk, Irish, African, and other types of very calming music. I am very appreciative of Bob1 reminding me that there is power in more than listening to sermons. I was also able to meet up with the other Bobs, Bob2 and Bob3, and spend time sharing about life while simultaneously gaining knowledge from their years of wisdom. One day my helper had to go to a class and would not be at my house. The lady who came is from West Africa and liked Bob1’s Mamadou music as it is from Africa. Although I occasionally listen to it, I never thought I would have a visitor who was so thankful that I had it.
       Starting this blog months ago, and just getting around to posting it, life has shown me many things, however I did see Bob1 today and was able to share the excitement of how God used his music in my home!

Turn Around

Turn Around
          Waking up in an incredibly crazy mood I tried not to get out of bed until things were more calm in my mind, but that was not happening. I prayed and asked God to calm my mind and the next thing I knew I was at my mom's house for breakfast and everything was awesome-- breakfast, the time I was able to spend with my aunt and my mom, and I even made it home in time to go to Rocky Mountain Calvary’s second Sunday service! AWESOME, right?
    Arriving to Church I was a little sad that I missed fellowshipping with my 9 o'clock service friends but this was before I had any idea of what God had planned. I sat down and slowly people began to trickle in. Stephanie, friend from years ago who had been away on a mission trip, happened to be home! Minutes later Vanessa showed up and sat right next to me. I was so excited to share where God has me currently and was really excited to talk about education for her son as the two are very closely intertwined.
    Soon it was time for Church. One of the things that stuck out to me during the sermon was that Christians need to stop being a judge and a lawyer, but rather be a witness. After hearing  that, thoughts of how many times last week I found myself talking about myself and how God is working in my life. I felt like I wasn't giving the other person time to talk. I started to feel bad but was reminded that by sharing how God has shown up in my own life helps others.
          Last week was a little rocky. It seemed as though storms were  coming in from every direction of life. Although I am not sure how this week is going to pan out, it has already been off to a fantastic start! After the fun and exciting surprise this morning, I was reminded that Ministry is waiting after the storm. I reflected on that for a few minutes and Pastor Eric also pointed out how difficulties that we go through better equip us to help others when they are in similar situations. Although it may not be an instant gratification type event that you are able to see immediately, in God's Time, His purpose become evident. 

Though my morning did not start out wonderful, after fabulous things started to unfold I was reminded that I should always be prepared and looking for God’s great turn-around!

To go, or not to go?

To go, or not to go?
For reasons unknown, I woke up crying not sure if I should I go to church.as I would be missing Spruce Hill Community Church (the Cowboy Church). The sermon last week was clearly God speaking through Pastor Boyd to me. As I'm writing this I realize that I was totally putting limits on God-- thinking that He couldn't speak to me through Pastor Eric’s Sermon in the same way He did through Pastor Boyd's sermon last week- silly me. At one point last week, Pastor Boyd was talking about how one may be suffering and the reason are not immediately obvious. This week Pastor Eric mentioned how Faith disregards apparent impossibilities. He also mentioned how God uses the weak and the foolish to confound the wise. All of this hit home in more than one way. This all supported by scripture and examples were given in the sermon (which is posted below for your listening pleasure). After the service I realized that I sat right behind a beautiful friend that I have not seen in a very long time. This made me extremely excited and this was only the beginning of the end.
         I have been rather sad that the Steve Sprenger, the former  missions Pastor had moved to Uganda and I had not yet met the new Missions Pastor. I finished speaking with the pastor and was headed back to my chair to make sure I picked up the huge mess I created by looking for pens during service. I cleaned up and found there were a couple think that I had left on the ground. After picking them up I was greeted by Dan, the new Missions Pastor. Little did I know that my day would be full of more excitement and the sermon’s relevance was only beginning. Homeward  bound , I arrived at the bus stop realizing I missed the last bus and had an hour to wait. At this time I was hungry but remembered I had food at my house that needed to be eaten.
         I started dictating the morning’s events into my phone with no regard for the person who was also at the stop waiting. The man overheard me dictating into my cell phone about the sermon and mentioned that he was also leaving from the RMC’s service. We chatted a bit about the sermon and mentioned that Mark 3 is a very powerful chapter. Finally arriving at Starbucks to get tea for tomorrow, I begin dictating into my phone heard a bartista say “Bonnie.” Indeed it was my beautiful friend Bonnie and we had a few minutes to talk. It was only after those few minutes that Bob1 arrived. but he explained that he can only stay for a few minutes because he was going to see the Philharmonic. After Bob 1 left I remembered that I had valuable coupons that expired today! I needed to go across the street from where I had just came from.
          I remembered these few errands that needed to be run so I took off.  The ladies at Q-doba were so fun to chat with and the lady who was Mexican was incredibly patient (the Church crowd must have already been through). I now had great food for work tomorrow and needed to quickly grab a pair of good walking shoes for work.  Again I met a fabulous young lady who helped me pick out shoes. I was very indecisive about this because I actually do walk at work-- outside of work I spend the majority of time getting around town in my hot rod (electric wheelchair). After purchasing an item from my two-item list, I was headed home.
         Crossing the last major street to get home I saw a man in a manual chair who looked very tired. I asked if I could help him and he asked if he could grab my chair and have me pull him up the hill on Union. We began talking when a couple stopped by and said, “We want you to eat with us, is Chipotle okay? “ How do you tell a whole family that they can’t bless you?  So Mo (a person I met on the bus 3 years ago) and I headed to Chipotle.  After the young (3rd grade) bilingual boy prayed in Spanish over the food, the parents explained how they were blessed and were looking for ways to bless others.  Although the father and son knew English, the mother explained that her English was weak.  We talked about God, Church, California, and theme parks. This was such an incredible day!  Praise God for protecting and providing….Yes Yram, I saved plenty of room for the amazing soup left at my house.  Oh and on my way across the street I ran into my niece!  I am so ready for this week, weekends are too full….wait, that was only today. And I wondered if I should go to Church?!?

East Coast

This was written by my mother but was way too hilarious not to share...
Ok... so yesterday we fly into DC pick up a rental car and begin to drive to Maryland. Sounds easy enough right?  It was suppose to be a 40 minute trip... that took 5 hours!
I was driving, my sister Suzette, her boyfriend Lenny and my daughter Kimi, were co-navigators.  To make a very long story short. We have seen way more of downtown DC than planned, got half way to Richmond before we realized we were going the wrong way, only to then see more of DC.  I can now be a tour guide, as long as you want to the Washington moument...4 times in one day!
Now you must know we were in contact with my nieces the whole time. They are telling us to use the GPS!  I told them  " I didn't get GPS with the car because we have our phone's GPS. .. and it lies!!"
Finally pulled into the Landmark Mall and told them to come get us.
Once they arrived, my niece said "auntie give me you phone. " I handed it to her and said "THE GPS DOESN'T WORK!  I put the two addresses in and kept it kept telling us that it was going to take 12 1/2 hours to travel 38 miles, so I quit using it."
Laughing her @! $ off she hands it back and says " You had it on walking direction!"   What? I didn't even know there was a "walking" mode. That's when a voice from the backseat, that sounded an awful lot like Kimi R. Burton said "Oops I changed that... "
33 minutes later we we at our destination. Let the party begin!

According to Plan

From many’s perspective,  it seems that  when  life  isn't all gumdrops and roses, God must not be at work in life. I knew my plans for the day included meeting with beautiful Mrs. Renee who has awesome curly hair. Prior to arriving at Starbucks I realized that one of my bags was wrapped around a wheel of my hotrod and dragging next to the ground- it was going to require major de-tangling. Arriving at Starbucks earlier than the meeting time, I didn't even think about trying to de-tangle my bag; I was running into a few of my friends-- many of the early morning businessman in their normal clothes.
I was so excited when Mrs. Renee and Peaches  arrived that I completely forgot about my tangled bag mishap and had to run home to do something I had forgotten to do before leaving my house. As I was driving my hotrod home I heard the scraping and tangling of my bag.  I got home and realized that I could not lift my hot rod high enough to pull it out from under the wheel while holding it up at the same time by myself.  I knew Grandpa T can fix anything, so I went to ask for his help. He was not available and I needed this to be done. I asked God for wisdom regarding this silly situation and sure enough, He provided.  
My mind was filled with the genius idea of carefully backing off a curb just enough so that the strings could be pulled out from under the wheel. Awesome idea and I knew the perfect place that it could be done!
I want over to the “perfect place” and and I thought that perhaps a should ask a person from the office to help. Right after I decided against a ride to find help, I was carefully backing one wheel off the perfect location and a man who a man who works at the complex came around me corner. He saw me doing what probably looked dangerous and perhaps even a little crazy. I explained the situation and he assisted. I carefully backed up my hotrod and he untangled the mess.
I had made it home completed the activity that I forgot to do this  morning and headed on my way. Now I was time to go back to the coffee shop so I could write. It was nice to arrive for the second time but not as many friends present so I can write. However very shortly Bob1 arrived and gave me and gave me amazing trinkets. I was completely re-excited when he told me for probably the 15th time that he used to be an architect.
Laying here awake at 3:51 in the morning I cannot recall anything out of the ordinary that happened I just think everything that happens is exciting in some form or fashion.
Even though I thought I knew my plans and had them laid out, I lay here and smile realizing that most of my day was not part of my plans. I think of the little things that could have been major catastrophe that were not because God knows the plans He has for me, plans to prosper and not to harm plans to give me hope and a future Jeremiah 29: 11.

Run!

Waking up this morning, so excited about the school year - - Ms. Montana, Mrs. Schar Mrs. Hall, Ms. D and I, are going to work together real hard to ease any fear.
Turning on the radio to a common children's show,
My mind was refreshed of certain Bible verses, it was no surprise that with God's voice-- still and subtle, My mind He did just blow!
As I was browsing through Facebook pages, I  began feeling a little down,
But I heard these Bible verses, It hit me like a ton of bricks my frown was flipped around :)!
The following Bible verses also referenced brought so much light to my life:"For if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come.” 2 Cor 5:17
“God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in faith and purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
“I’ve got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart…” Phil. 4:7
Turn my words over to Jesus and let Him use them. I love you Lord and I lift my voice to worship you oh my soul rejoice. Take joy My King in what you hear, let it be a sweet sound in what you hear.
If you want to be great in the kingdom of God, be a servant.

After that I went to Starbucks, where I bumped into many friends,
I was completely re-excited when I was reminded that the connections never end! (Missy, I met your co-worker Jim)!

I was reminded God's Word is timeless, it helps at any time.
That is all for now I'm running, running out another rhyme.

New School-Year

Filled with excitement about a new school year just over the horizon I how many stop on today's agenda. Wow I could have written my wheelchair to Starbucks, I noticed someone waiting for the bus and was urged to say hello which lead to a conversation. I stopped at Starbucks to say hi and wait because I had an appointment a Starbucks in a few hours. After waiting a little while and running into Kurt, Bob1, Alta, and Sherry,  I decided I should go find West colored tennis shoes as my meeting wasn’t for a few hours. Not remembering that my coworker had told me that she had ordered the West-colored tennis shoes she had many years ago, I stopped at a shoe store showing them pictures of her tennis shoes being positive that they must have them. After being reminded that the the shoes were from many years ago, I showed them another more recently purchased pair. that was also a West-colored pair. Although  the shoe store carried many  bright colored shoes they did not carry any purple and gold, West-colored, shoes. I tried on a few pair but was unsuccessful in finding the proper shoes.

I still had a little while before it was time to meet Christine so I decided to drop in and see if Kristy was working. To no surprise she was there and I was able to roll in and say hi. After running a few other errands and making other stops, I realized I was going to be late to meet Christine according to what we previously planned and I was late. but what man may consider late is often exactly on time according to God's clock. I soon found out that she was also running late and I just so happened to get on the the same bus that Christopher, the man I met near my house, was on, however I would soon be getting off at Starbucks to meet with Christine but because she was running later, Chris said he would wait at Starbucks with me.We discussed computers, jobs, and Church however our conversation did not go extremely deep--he had to get home and secure his accounts. He had a telephone mishap between the time we met and our second meeting. I was very shocked because during our first meeting he was explaining how awesome his phone was. This sounded all too familiar as I just went through a similar situation. After he had secured his accounts and I was still at Starbucks getting every last drop of summer for what it’s worth, he dropped in to chat and figure out is he could make it to a designated destination before closing time. He decided to play it safe and go tomorrow so we had a few more minutes to chat before the rain clouds rolled in and simultaneously my housekeeper called to let me know that she was headed to my house.  When I arrived home, my house smelled fresher than ever and I was so excited to chat with Ma.I was and am so excited about the new school year that I wasn’t sure I could sleep,but writing this blog has calmed me down and my bed is calling my name.   

He remains!!

He Remains
I went to Starbucks and met a very dapper looking businessman, Rich, said Hi after getting a "do I know you" look followed by the question. He reminded me that we met at Young Life’s Crooked Creek Ranch with Eugene Luning. He assured me that he is no businessman but he was dressed nicely.  As we were talking, a precious lady walked by.  Although the lady, Rudumpda came in to meet with her friends, she  asked me if I had gotten shoes. 
Gotten shoes? Now I was thinking of going to Payless to see if they carried any more of these great sandals I have but they were not open when I got out and about so I hadn’t gotten shoes yet. There I was at Starbucks  wearing what I thought were old raggedy sandals--  raggedy enough that in a lady comment about them. After looking at my feet I realized that I had on a newer pair of sandals. Out of mere curiosity asked why Rudumpda why she asked me if I had gotten new shoes. It turned out she remembered me from the first time we met-- when had admired and commented on her shoes because they were fantastic!  Her shoes were West colored Asics -- she had asked if I had gotten THE shoes. I had actually forgotten about the shoes until I talk to her. Having to be reminded what they look like, she even modeled them again for me again. :-)
Several things happened after the Starbucks visit that made me very sad, but I was encouraged by strangers, family, pastors and most importantly God’s word-- God gave me Peace -- “ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” John 14:27 (NIV).
Although I was a bit nervous about an ongoing situation, I was given Peace that passes all understanding. Glancing back at today’s devotion, I am reminded to relax in God’s presence.  If God is omniscient (knows everything) than I should ALWAYS relax. I need to be reminded of that everyday! I am simultaneously listening to Rocky Mountain Calvary’s mid-week service. Pastor Eric preached on joy and contentment. Although difficult events did happen, I was and am being reminded to be content.  God is with you through everything. No matter where life has me, I need to be content. No matter what I may be facing or I'm going to face, God remains and is with me for everything. 

One Location!!

One Location!

I was so excited to meet with friends, blog and do whatever else happened. “Whatever else happened” took place first creating today’s blog. Well I thought it would be today’s blog but divine appointments kept arriving-- all the way to the end...and the second end and the third end.

I had almost made it to my “office” at Starbucks and I was SUPER EXCITED to see Mrs. Renee and her husband Peaches.  Somewhere in the excitement, my cell phone cradle fell out of the bag it was in and I backed over it not knowing it was there. The cord ripped in half. I panicked.

Patches left almost immediately (after exploring alternate options) to get a new cord for my charger. Finding out that the cord is not available apart from replacing the whole charger, Patches arrived with a magic saucer that charges my phone in a horizontal fashion (see picture). And one may ask,” Why do you let random people buy you things?” First of all, Renee and Patches are not random strangers, they go to Rocky Mountain Calvary (just because I don’t easily recollect memories is unfair. More importantly, Ms Renee actually reminded me of a time when her son was still on here on Earth that my mom would brought me to Church. My mom held my hand and walked with me to the seats closer to the front of the Church. Having memories brought up that I could actually remember was exciting.
Later, a war veteran , David, sat in the comfy chairs. With me being in my “hot rod” and David being an amputee, conversation was begging to be opened. Not really because I think Mrs. Renee opened by rearranging the chairs.

David was very open and very talkative about his injury :-)! Another friend, Kurt stopped by and  said “hi.” and although I had no clue what his name is, luckily Renee did.

To top it all off thus far, a conversation began between Gary and I, “I am a little Japanese (as I pinch my pointer and thumb together), what is your ethnicity?”

Gary: “Filipino”

Relief came over me and the wonderful conversation began.  Gary is an RN (doing home health care) and he occasionally works at Memorial Hospital. Memorial Hospital?!?

Me: “I was born at Memorial! Do you ever work with Dr. Corye?!?”

Gary: Occasionally.”

Me (full of excitement with look of just being electrically shocked)  “Dr. Corye was the obstetrician who delivered me!!”

Fingerspelling thoughts that are pertinent to the conversation but being polite and waiting my turn (the being polite part does not always work), Gary noticed. He explained that his daughter is taking ASL in college and wants to make arrangements for us to meet.  As I headed in a big circle (purposefully) towards the door, I stopped at a table where a man was wearing a shirt with a logo that I see pretty often--the USA Wrestling logo. A conversation was started and I was not only shaking with excitement, but i am pretty sure a tear or two was shed realizing that my Dream of a Lifetime” was and is really happening in this lifetime!!!

Now I needed to go home, although I had a 5 course breakfast, I was well past hungry and headed home. I wanted to go out with my niece, but God had different plans.  Shortly after arriving home homemade food was delivered and I was able to visit with Ma, and my niece and I have a date tomorrow.
I am so excited I was able to spend time with Renee, hear about her son, discuss psychological reasoning behind the decorations in my house (my room is decorated with my high school memorabilia…..yes friends...STILL :-)) . I was also able to watch her be God's hands and feet to two little boys. Meet AMAZING people and chat with Bob1 and Alta!

In the midst of everything, I found out that Peaches works with

or has used RMG Engineering.

After today, I have been reminded of almost all of my family in one location.

Just Around the Corner

Just Around the Corner
Not being in the best of moods when I first woke up, I decided to hit snooze a time or two. As I thought of a recent conversation with my brother-in-law, I thought I have to get out of bed :-). Eventually I did, forcing myself to do a little bit of a workout and get ready like I was getting ready for work.
I might be a little bit over the hill to get so excited about “happy notes” and perhaps these notes were not supposed to be that. However my step -mom left me a note on my table with special banana bread and a few other items. The note advised me about actions I need to take (and I am pretty sure that it was not supposed to put smile my face).
This morning as I was making sure that I had my morning schedule figured out when work begins again, I was so grateful to find the “happy notes” that it made me smile as my breakfast was so easily put together and consumed thanks to my mom who packages it so nicely (I had already consumed all but a few crumbs of the magnificent banana bread). Now I was at the door waiting… who would pick me up this morning …. Who would it be? Would it be Bid or Pops?
As I was I was waiting and making sure my supplies were ready, the time past. It seemed like hours but it was probably only a few minutes when I realized, “Kimi, you don't have to go to work yet, you still have time off silly.”
After receiving an invitation from a coworker for a faculty/staff gathering, my excitement about the upcoming year and all of the changes has been released!
Excitement has me shaking -- meeting new students, facing new issues. Oh and my former and new coworkers, it's going to be so wonderful! My gratitude for the job I have and all of the doors it has opened is immeasurable.
Having these thoughts prior to reading today's devotion, the correspondence between the two is incredible!
I also overheard D-11 employees at a coffee shop. When they mentioned the school that the work at, I remembered that's where one of my favorite co-workers will be working this year! I am so excited as the beginning of a new school year is just around the corner!

The Power to Change It

The Power to Change It

I woke up this morning and after having bandage catastrophes as I was trying to prevent blood from going everywhere. The panic was initiated by the bandaged catastrophe but continued by facing a minor change in the way food was packaged in my fridge. Writing these blogs are so fun-- I am pretty ridiculous if you don’t take into account the tremors and muscle spasms that are caused from reaching to certain levels.To an onlooker it would seem like a small change, however it caused major catastrophes during my morning preparation of breakfast. I panicked, I freaked and I called my housekeeper to discuss the incident and the catastrophe it almost caused.

The key word here is “almost.” I am always so worried about things that almost happen that forget to enjoy life and what IS happening.  I was excited about meeting Lily tomorrow but that is a full day and a half away, I was ready for today to be a non stimulating very relaxing day. I remembered that yesterday I went to see my friend, Kirsten who is the manager at a vision clinic near where I live. She had mentioned that we should grab lunch together sometime and I was really excited and I had woke up thinking that perhaps we could do it today. Within minutes of that crossing my mind, I received a text from her saying that we should grab lunch today!

As I mentioned, I need to learn to focus on what is happening in life.

What is happening?!? I arrived at the coffee shop and it was very calm so I began to journal. Sooner than later a beautiful Vietnamese woman and Mr. Brian Teel sat in the infamous comfy chairs. For those of you who our new readers of my blog, the  comfy chairs are right next to the handicap table-- where I set up my “office.”

Mr. Teel, director of Resource Exchange International (REI), is someone I've met before. I did not recognize him right off hand, but as I began talking to him I realized who he was. He introduced me to a beautiful Vietnamese lady and explained her part in REI - Vietnam. It was a very interesting meeting to be a spectator of although I had a lunch meeting soon.

I left in time to make it to lunch with Kirsty and to my surprise, I treated to lunch! I stopped by the fire station and right when I stop by, they were all gathering for lunch.  Lunch was rather calm but when most the firefighters left the firefighters doing clean up were very funny :-). Then it was time for me and make my way back to Starbucks and continue journaling.

I made it Starbucks and I was greeted by Alta and Bob1. Bob gave me more music and gave me specific directions. I am really excited to listen to it and he told me there is great music to give grandpa and mom anytime. I talked to a beautiful Korean lady who had wonderful hair and her husband was very comical when he said, “I did that to her.” She had blond hair with Asian facial features.

I stopped by Starbucks and was again treated to tea.

    Leaving Starbucks my phone took a trip itself and left my presence. I am hoping my phone will find it’s way home or be found. However, time keeps on tickin’ Keeps on tickin’ into the future! Although meeting amazing people not once but twice at Starbucks, being treated to lunch, visiting with the firefighters AND being treated to Starbucks (the second time). I am so excited about tomorrow that I better call it a day! I can sleep knowing that I changed my bad day into a great one!

All in One!

All in One!

To no surprise at all when I get to Starbucks earlier in the morning there are more business men and women who stop by for meetings prior to work. I was finally “on time” (first thing this morning)  to Starbucks and the door was opened by a nice gentleman, Brian Ramsey. He was with another gentleman at the wheelchair accessible table and I noticed they both had their Bibles opened.  They offered to move, but I asked them  not to and asked if I could sit near them because I wanted to eavesdrop on their Bible study-- I don't know if it's called eavesdropping when you tell them you're going to listen :-)  They were very inviting and encouraged me to listen.

I was very aware of the book of Job and what he had gone through, but listening to their Bible study on 1 Peter encouraged me to read that book tonight! I was invited to join them, and I will when possible. I can’t wait to meet next week!  I also saw Mrs. Renee who always has a green drink. I was super excited to order the green drink one day, but quickly found out that it isn’t for me. John Brown, a friend that I had met years ago (I think) was also there and treated me and his girlfriend, Tara to drinks. Although my Starbucks visit started out with a bang, today was a pretty quiet day.

Going home the driver recognized me from many moons ago when I wasn’t confident or neurologically stable enough to take the city bus and rode metro mobility. After getting home I was visited by my All-in-one Ma who left a trail of wonderful food as she left.

Who Plans Your Day?

Who Plans Your Day?

Waking up wanting to be in a great mood, it seems like all of the thoughts going through my head were negative. A friend and told me yesterday to “toughen up buttercup” as I was mentioning the trike accident as I was trying to secure the bandages. Monday morning I wondered “why do you care to have bandages on?” Until the day’s first incident, then I realized why I wanted the bandages on. I had been contemplating on whether to go to the fire station to visit my friends or not so I wasn’t totally surprised when happenings of the morning brought me to the fire station in actual need.

After giving ready this morning I was headed to Ross to visit my friends and exchange a jacket. Being super excited to see my friends they saw wounds and asked what happened. As I was explaining and showing them my wounds, I bumped my arm on the counter and it began to bleed profusely. Being a clothing store and not a medical supply store, my friends did the best they could with the supplies available to bandage my arm. I thanked them for the first bandage job, and assured them I was heading to the fire station to have a more secure bandage put on. Although the firefighters chuckled at the makeshift bandage from Ross, I am very appreciative of the bandages applied at both places today!

As I went by Academy kids Vision to see Kirsten, I was super excited she was able to talk momentarily when we decided to make lunch plans. I continued to Wal-mart where I bumped into a co-worker from Target, Trish. I am used to seeing Trish at work where she is by herself but today was different. She had told me that she has foster children but I couldn’t picture her with small children.  However when I saw her today there were many little feet following her. The energy, the smiles, and me hope that these children displayed was so heartwarming! I have so much respect for Trish as being a foster mother must be such a difficult opportunity to fulfill. I would definitely grow attached to the children I had taken care of, but it also must be rewarding given the opportunity to be such an important part in a child's life.

It was a little later and what I had planned, but I did not make it to Starbucks until about noon and there was not anybody in the comfy chairs and it was pretty. There was only one other customer there-- a businessman. He was working  and appeared as if he did not want to be interrupted but I knew the right time would come.  After picking up my drink the time had come -- I found out that he is Japanese and his friend owns Jun -- oh yeah, his name is Jun, too!! It just so happened that within 2 minutes of meeting him, my alarm went off to call Bachan. He overheard my conversation with Bachan and asked me a question pertaining to my filled-with-excitement-conversation when we spoke again.

Jun left and soon a woman with two elementary aged children showed up. One of the children asked about my wheelchair after the communication door was opened.  I learned that the girls start school tomorrow (District 49) and the mom was taking them out on one more summer outing.  After finding out that I work at a school, the mom asked me about my thoughts on Common Core and we agreed about it being a new learning process for everyone.  

Although I thought that my excitement had capped as I was ready to leave, in walked a man who is 6’10”! After picking up my final refill, Pastor Michael Sabo, lead pastor at Black Forest Chapel, recognized me from our previous meeting. He explained that he had ordered my book for his grandchildren and I became even more excited!. He was there to meet with a pastor from First Southern Baptist Church in Canyon City and discuss electrical equipment issues. I was given the opportunity to pray with them which brought on an easier closure and exit.

Before leaving I noticed a lady outside having her car towed. She was obviously having car trouble and had two young children with her. After praying with the pastors, my heart was bublin’ over with God’s presence and I was given the perfect opportunity to pray with the lady and her sons.  All I could think about was the wonderful trip to Mississippi in the Sabb.  Oh how I love my life!!  Although today had not gone according to my plans, I was reminded Whose plan I need to heed to and follow everyday-- Jesus Christ’s!

The reason for the excitement build up!

On my modified run AKA riding my recumbent trike I took a spill and have scrapes all over. Luckily a neighbor came outside to take her dog out. She found me flipped with my feet stuck in the petals. She woke her husband up to throw my broken trike in his truck back to my house. Recently Ben was telling me about his chain being broken and/or coming off. As I was riding, I was just wondering how the chain could fall off.  I thought it was a weird concept.  It’s not so weird now!
I thought I cleaned my wounds well so I went to Starbucks. At Starbucks I ran into Sherry, my friend who is from Okinawa, Japan. She noticed the scrapes  everywhere and offered to go to Walgreens to get Neosporin but I told her I would go home because I had some. When I arrive home I realized I had many types of oral creams but no Neosporin. I got back on the bus to get some, By the time I got black to Starbucks Sherry was already gone however my friend  Joe was there. Joe was there along with Bonnie and Siamak.  I was able to say hello when I received a text from Stephanie, a friend who lives in California. She was in town and wanted to grab lunch!
Over lunch Stephanie and I had amazing fellowship and awesome discussions about life.  We talked about how God has answered major prayers in her life and her mother came to know Christ before cancer took her Home. Stephanie also encouraged me about being persistent in prayer!

Build Up

Build Up

As I  was going for a new adventure Monday morning it dawned on me why the principal talked to me… I have the District 11 Professional Development  bag on the back of my wheelchair! Now that is the logical reason for the principal striking up a conversation with me but I enjoy thinking that it's my amazing smile that displays my terrific outgoing personality that is responsible for her initiating a conversation.

Setting up an area at Starbucks I had reminders going off reminding me of an appointment. I ignored the first alarm as it was 5 hours prior to my appointment. I was almost positive I could  stop by to visit with other “regulars” before my appointment.  Surely enough, shortly after arriving, Bob2 showed up and my excitement began to fester.. Later a lady who smiled back at me like we knew each other entered. After ordering her coffee she confirmed that we did indeed know each other….my excitement grew to explosion level!.  I also met a man who’s profile resembled my brother-in-law’s. This man was Salud who is from  Saudi Arabia. He is here studying computer engineering

Tuesday As I  was going for a new adventure this  morning it dawned on me why the principal talked to me… I have the District 11 Professional Development  bag on the back of my wheelchair! Now that is the logical reason for the principal striking up a conversation with me but I enjoy thinking that it's my amazing smile that displays my terrific outgoing personality that initiated conversation.  After realizing that I met the fantastic Bah’i family minus Devon.

Last night I had an amazing steak delivered by my mother from my brother-in-law along with other amazing food from my sister  :-)  Thinking in a reverse, I also had a wonderful time with  Bid who enabled me to spend more of my life summertime at Starbucks and Peak Place. She has a unique gift of refreshing my thinking. It must be wonderful being retired but still working in the field of education as she educates me everyday :-) This definitely presents the place for a bunny trail but I just want to say that I am trying to be educateable every day (prayers in this area appreciated!

The coffee shop wasn't too busy today although I did see a few friends and did meet a new friend, Joe. After meeting him, he shared that he is also a writer. Joe and I had a nice discussion about writing and were able to encourage each other. Our time was cut short by another appointment, but another meeting was scheduled. I’ve had an awesome helper, but please pray for a job she applied for as she won’t need two jobs if she gets this one. YEAH!

With today’s excitement being low-key, I am praying for a prepared heart as I need rest and/or God has surprises around the corner. I am banking on the former, and hoping for the later. What if this time is just a build up?

Almost Summer's Closing Time

I had been notified earlier this week that I needed to find a way to Church (aka go to Rocky Mountain Calvary). I had listened to bits and pieces of the sermon and fellowshiped Saturday night and went to bed planning to watch the sermon in entirety Sunday morning. As 4:30 rolled around this morning (Sunday) I woke up thinking it was Monday. Not hearing the crazy, early morning, weekday shows on the radio I checked and re-checked the day. Slowly the previous night’s activities came to mind.  I was ready for Church in nothing flat when I became aware that the Holy Spirit was urging me to actually go to RMC this morning. Rolling into Church I was greeted by my favorite people.

As I entered the sanctuary I noticed a “friend.” I thank Jennifer Ulrich for this new meaning of friend-- when I first started assisting at Capernaum, a group of Young Life, Jennifer turned me on to the idea of calling others with disabilities friends. This was hard for me to understand at first much like it is for others, but that’s neither here nor there. My new friend, Jesse and Paul filled me with useful information and unintentionally settled my heart during worship. I relocated to the area I normally sit in during the sermon so I was able to see and focus better. The sermon was absolutely amazing and eased my worries that had been brought up, discussed and prayed for last night.  

Heading home to gather a few items, I was met by a man that I haven’t seen in 2 years. When we first met I don’t think he had a stable job and was dealing with other issues in his life. We went to Peak Place to catch up and he told me that he is now a computer programmer and has put those previous issues away!

Other thoughts that came to my mind when brainstorming about what to write for today included:

• I am the luckiest girl as very recently I have seen Bachan, Grandpa T and many of my immediate family members
• Went on my first trike ride with TRP and got to see Alan, Al and tons of my friends and their families     
• School starts in less than a month and I am so excited to see what God has planned.

Divine Ease dropping?

Divine Ease dropping?

The past few days have been busy,

a whirlwind to say the least.

And then last night my friend came over,

And with him, he brought a feast!

He mentioned he had kimchi

and odds and ends from his place,

As he began heating up the meal,

I had the biggest (internal) smile upon my face!

The first course resembled  a food called goulash,

a wonderful concoction I've not  had since I was a child.

Oh but this was only the beginning my taste buds were already dancing

but this dance was all but mild.

The entree to come was something

I don't remember ever having before,.

According to my friend  there are two reactions--

Either you love it,

or you food will soon say hello to the floor!

The first kimchi I had was spicy, as I am such a wimp.

However the next was so amazing, I was all but inhaling the food--

And told to slow down or I might become a blimp.

It was pretty early the next morning, And God had shown up every step thus far of my day,

When I arrived at Starbucks and begin to set up my “office,”

I was greeted by none other than the amazing Pastor Erik Galloway!

Again I am shaking with excitement and I’m not sure-- I don't know why…

A lady that overheard me talking to a friend and that new friend's sister has a TBI!

The connections were (and are) endless, I began to share what I do,

The lady has a daughter who works for District 11 too!!!

The next person who sat in the chairs,

the chairs right next to me,

Was a very observant neurologist

By my actions it was my brain’s injuries, that he could all but see!

I thought “this has to be it,

I ought to start praying and trying to write a poem”

Much to my surprise God’s plans were different

I would not write until the clouds chased me home.

After my new friends came and left,

A man arrived and sat in a nearby chair,

The man looked similar to many others,

Because this man, he had no hair!

Overhearing their conversation,

the Lord put these two men on my heart.

Come to  find out one of the men is a pastor,

of whose congregation I occasionally was a part!

Now the clouds were coming,

and the rain was on it’s way in.

It is time for me to head home,

And on this poem I will begin.

Future?

I am so excited about how the Lord organizes events of my day. First thing this morning I was sad that I did not get a call to go work out but then I remembered I asked Grandpa T not call as sometimes I need to sleep. Unfortunately I do not know if I my sleep will be interrupted until about three o'clock in the morning. That is when I'm either up for the morning or God wakes me up with ideas of what I need to pray and write about.

After my failing attempts to go back to sleep, I rode my trike only a little bit when, like being stung like a bee, I remembered that my sister and neighbors are having a garage sale (street sale?) and my itch to check it out began-- check it out my memory may be coming around….yeah!! I went to her house and hung out for a while and watched people come and find treasures then leave.  Two shoppers even recognized me from Starbucks!?! Then an awesome friend took me to run errands.  He (Mr Elias) even brought me dinner a while later while I was writing

While at the coffee shop, even though the shop was much more calm than normal (partly because of the crazy rerouting of traffic) I knew I was there for a reason. I was able to visit with a friend, meet some new people, and best of all I was able to have much needed quiet time. My life recently has been surrounded with praises and prayer requests that I needed to lay at His feet but it was too busy to process. Now I’m not saying that requests have to be made at a certain time or place, I just process previous thoughts better given time and when in certain environments and a coffee shop is one of them.

It’s curious how I intend to sit at coffee shops to journal and doors are opened to converse with previous strangers. More often than not these “strangers” uncover areas I need to pray about for them and it reveals areas I need prayer for as well. Ryan, one of these “strangers” was having a good day until he made it to Starbucks and locked his keys in his vehicle. What he had planned to be a quick stop in the coffee shop turned out different. He informed me that his wife works at the airport and I knew that is an a prayer request in itself.       

Finally at the coffeeshop it dawned on me that when Jae told me previously that he was going to hike Mt. Princeton today that I should have written it down under today’s date immediately! --EPIPHANY!!-- When given prayer requests about future events, record them under future date in journal!! I am so thankful for this down time I have been given.