He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands! Starbucks/ Devine Appointment #71618

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands!

Waking up not having a laid out schedule of one my day, I was a little uneasy. I knew I had a meeting with Frank this morning but being that there was a 15-minute difference in travel time from one of the coffee shop to the other (Peak Place or Pikes Perk), there was an issue. Both of them have PP as an acronym- the mnemonic device I use to remember things so I was unsure of the exact meeting place. I can credit my over planning and short-term memory failure here. This was put in my calendar on the day the appointment was made and it had alerts starting at 4 this morning this morning. However, I pushed those alerts aside to Facebook Mr. Frank at 4:30 this morning panicking about where we were supposed to meet. But all turned out well and we had such an amazing meeting!! The way God orchestrated everything we talked about was absolutely incredible! Ya know, most of the time 1 exciting encounter would be enough for the day and being that today I only had a couple hours to meet people, I went to Starbucks to dictate the incredible meeting.

Wanting some quiet time to reflect on do you have that address took place I rode my hot rod from one coffee shop to the other. Just about the time I was approaching the other coffee shop, God said, “Oh no. don't think it's over yet! I have so much more for you!“ before I even made it Starbucks there was a lovely couple walking their bikes on the side of the sidewalk. I thanked them for moving over and we started talking. He mentioned how we had met before and his mom is Jayme McConnellogue  What?!? Since getting promoted I have only seen her once!

Getting to Starbucks I was ready to tell them about my pleasant mishaps and purposely not getting my tea after I paid yesterday. Expecting the worst, I was prepared for being sad. Why I get so uptight and worry about frivolous things is beyond me. The first barista that I explained it to was actually just working at this Starbucks for the day but talked to the supervisor, Ashley as another barista, Courtney wrote me a note. When explaining the situation to Courtney I took at least five minutes but it was so wonderful to hear her explain to Ashley what happened using clear and concise language. I have a lot to learn :-)

As I'm sure you've read my previous blog about meeting Emily Hanenburg, the wonderful Rocky Mountain Classical Academy teacher at Barnes & Noble; today  I was so excited to learn that the three ladies in Starbucks at the tables next to me all work at The Classical Academy in some form or fashion! I absolutely love to make connections between people so I can remember them easier and I think everyone should know everybody else even if the connection formed in my head is really no connection at all.  After meeting Emily who works at a branch of the Classical Academy and then meeting 3 women who all work at The Classical Academy each in different disciplines, none who knew my recent friend or the first teacher I knew who worked at The Classical Academy a while ago... I am learning that the world is kind of a big place. However it's mind-blowing to think that we serve a God who's got the whole world in His hands!

Sunday 7/15/18!

The Flash! Devine Appointment # 71418

Woke up first thing this morning crying for no reason. After getting ready (and for a reason unbeknownst to me) I put on the clothes laying on my bed-- a Flash shirt. With tears still dripping, I headed for the bus. I got on the bus to go to Wal-mart because it was open this early and the other two stops that I needed to make, Verizon and Michael’s were not. I got to Wal-mart and I wasn't sure why was there so I was going back home when I realized why I was was there - Bible cover, that's what I needed (they had one online so of course they would have it in the store, right)! However they ended up not carrying Bible covers but someone suggested Barnes & Noble so I headed over there. Barnes & Noble did not open until 9 and it was still super early. I met a few people and chatted until the store opened
Still crying I was looking around Barnes & Noble when a conversation began with the manager. Shortly thereafter another customer, Emily, and I began chatting.  As she shared what she did I got very excited, struggled to recall a friend's name but could describe her, she blurted out the name. In my head I got super excited and did a few toe touches. Quickly it became very clear that our meeting was a divine appointment. Although Starbucks is where I usually go to write, the past few blogs have shown me that it doesn't have to be in any particular place, God is everywhere! Emily and I prayed and had a great conversation.  I love how God is showing up all the time--especially when I’m darting around (with no sense of direction) like The Flash! Now why I didn’t wear this shirt to the movies (and wore it today) is clear!
I made my way around town in My Hotrod like the Flash!

Give me a break!

Went to Church last night with Jess Jao and didn't realize till I arrived at church that I was wearing a totally inappropriate dress. The only time it mattered was at the beginning when I was running into people I haven't seen in awhile, in the middle when I ran into more friends, and at the end running into pastors and oh-- more friends. This was a completely bad idea! Wait, idea?  I didn't take two seconds to look at what I had on .  Anyhow the service - the real reason I was there, was absolutely amazing! I learned that I would definitely need to listen to the next day because entirely too much stimulation was created that late in the evening. All of that to explain why I wasn't getting up at 4:30 this morning and it was running a little late. But wait, there's more... when I finally got done working out and headed to the office it was clear it was going to rain. I got there and realized I forgot something at my house so I went back home to pick it up and then got back to the office. As soon as I got there I've looked at my text messages and realized that my Bid would soon be at my house to work on my printer and I needed to be home. So I turned around and went back home. When all was said and done in my house I open the door and it was raining. So here I sit writing more than I would ever would have gotten written at the office, at my house. I woke up and totally wanted to cry this morning but so many activities were taking place I didn't have time and then I wanted to cry later but activists superseded crying anyways.

Western Omelette

Western Omelette
I was told before heading to bed that I would be picked up for breakfast in the morning. She told me then where we going but after all of the excitement at Starbucks I had completely forgotten. I texted her to find out but after I got home and all the commotion was gone I thought about it and I remembered where we were going. On the way to breakfast we had an awesome conversation about how God's Will is going to happen when all is said and done. And we both described a time that we thought we knew the perfect way but it didn't end up that way but the way it ended up will be good and perfect no matter what we think.
Arriving at the restaurant, Western Omelette, I noticed it was already extremely busy. Bill, the man at the front counter, got my attention shortly after we walked in and described how he was and is disabled. He later described how God kept him strong through everything that he has dealt with and told me a little about it. Growing up on a Navajo reservation with a disability must have been so difficult; having a disability with all of the accommodations city life offers is hard enough. To me, having a disability seems to create a connection with other people who are disabled or have gone through a significant loss. I've had a mother who lost a child make a connection because she sees her loss as similar to the loss I had when I lost abilities and independence. There have been a whole host of reasons that I have observed people explain as to why they feel a connection. Weather it's a perfectly abled person who's dealt with a loss of some sort, to another disabled person, and even caregivers - - I am completely amazed at the connection some people make. It is finally starting to make sense why I was once told that I make friends wherever I go. It's not so much I'm always intentionally trying to make friends, but I have been put in this position, obviously disabled with an outgoing personality, to foster conversations involving other’s outlook and/or acceptance of life with a disability. This as well as gaining further acceptance of my own disability and way of life. At least my conclusion for today :-). I hope you have the most amazing Sunday yet!

Devine Appointments Starbucks #7718

Divine Appointments Starbucks #7718

After going to see Ant-Man and the Wasp with Jason, I went to The Office. With the inside not being very busy, I was going to head home to write. As I first entered, I noticed a lady sitting alone. After I got situated I waited a little while before striking up a conversation, but I just couldn't ignore the Voice telling me to speak to her. I had a conversation starter planned-- she reminded me of my Aunt Regina. Fortunately God had a much deeper plan-- there was much more to this Divine appointment.

This lady, Patty, shared her struggle in dealing with the “lack of community” feeling she has in Colorado as opposed to in the South (Waco, Texas) and after living in Mississippi for about a decade, I could empathize with her. God opened many doors to a very meaningful conversation and it was evident why I ended up there today, but wait, there’s more!

Searching for words to express my thoughts, I asked Bradley for help but he directed me to Ashley. She gave me great ideas but because I didn’t put them in my notes immediately that train (of thought) departed. I found out that she goes to Calvary Worship Center and excitement overflowed my heart!

Ready to head home I realized that I messed up my hot rod and thought to ask Bradly if he could fix it. Luckily he was off the clock and took the time to fix it before he left. Boy oh boy am I so thankful for the people God puts in my life! Bradley fixed my chair and I headed home. As God used me to remind Patty to be on the lookout for the many ways that God shows up, I too needed to be reminded of that; there is always more than I anticipate to any and every Divine appointment.

Reunion?

I woke up this morning super excited about the coffee get together with the Summer Coffee and/or Hillside group. When I first arrived at Peak Place I was instantly drawn to Frank Sinclair. Come to find out Frank was a pastor.Athough I know it but at the moment never realized it, even though this wasn't my normal Starbucks, God put these people in my path. Frank and I talked for a little while as more teachers showed up to Peak Place. Before going to sit down and talk with the teachers, I noticed a few people who were signing. I turned away from what I was doing and went over and started signing. Find out, one of them is the assistant wrestling coach at CSDB! I talked to him for a little bit with my very limited sign language and then I turned my attention to the educators. I was going to say teachers however I'm not a teacher and neither is Mrs. Mehlhop. I believe at one time everyone had been at Westsider so there was a common thread. Although it has probably been many years, in my brain it seems like yesterday that I worked with Angel Chavez and Denise Gutierrez (I am throwing an internal party right now because I spelled her name before looking it up). Oh wow! I also was able to visit with Jean…. Speaking of feeling like yesterday, I didn't realize until just now that Jean Mehlhop no longer at West-- wow! This was a reunion type event… that is why a few people were saying that… but I just went along with it. If you were in my brain, you would see me doing me sign for  “oh, I got it!”

Although  I don't remember her name, I met this awesome lady! I don't even remember what grade she teaches but if any of you were there, she sat next to me (Kim, and I think she teaches SPED?). And no, there were no other EAs there, but that did not matter to me. Sorry that this is not very incoherent, but I'm just writing my random thoughts now. I hope you guys have an amazing weekend and don't forget smile! Thanks Daddy!

I absolutely love being included in this and thank you guys so much!

Starbucks Adventure #7518

After not having a morning episode of sadness, I was so sad that I was slow on the elliptical; I heaven to my office. Right after I rolled in, there were two absolutely beautiful cowgirls? cow ladies? Sierra Silva Girl of the West and Kayla Summers Aide to Girl of the West and Barbra. I instantly thought of Pastor Boyd and the Spruce Hill Church, boy do I miss them!

Soon after the ladies of the West departed I ran into Eric Galloway and then Dave when all the sudden I realized I have to run errands! But wait... there's more.

I was leaving the office when I saw a gentleman that was sitting far away from me and I was going to talk to him however he got up and was leaving as well and held the door for me. I'm not sure if it was planning on sitting outside or if he was trying to leave, nonetheless a conversation between us began. His name is Matthew Miller and he's the Pastor at Grace Baptist Church. We had a nice little chat and I was invited to speak at Church he pastors! Being that my hours at the office are limited today, it is incredible how God orchestrates each thing in His children's lives. Who would have thunk?

Then I ran into Bonnie and her niece Olivia who is Persian Cuban in European so I was able to meet her fruit salad family (Bonnie's term not mine :-)). Just about the time I had to leave Sherry came in  and made me so excited 🤓!