Wonderful Surprise!

Wonderful Surprise!

Starting with a wonderful workout with Grandpa T, I new the rain was coming so I hurried to UBREAKIFIX to price getting my Surface fixed (again) and to ask about my cell phone (again but a different set of questions). Neither were open yet so I went to Barnes & Nobles. Without making it past the first set of doors (there are 2 sets of doors before actually being surrounded by books) I read a preface but then noticed it was time to go to the store.

After UBREAKIFIX suggested that I invest in a new Surface if the chip bothers me or effects the function, sadly I went to Verizon. At Verizon I was put on the waiting list and began visiting with a family who was also waiting. Sharon, Megan or Caleb recognized me or I just started talking because Caleb must have looked familiar but we never did pinpoint exactly how we met.

We learned about a few commonalities between us however our visit was cut short.  I was super excited to learn that they are Christians too. I thought we had met at Capernaum but I do realize I am great at fabricating events in life. I needed to talk with the other store so I was headed on my way.

I was given the same advice at the next store so it’s fine,  The day was so fabulous!!  I’m sure the divine appointment for today was definitely what happened at Verizon.  Thank you so much Sharon, Megan and Caleb for being a wonderful surprise!!!

Off Day?

Off Day?

My schedule did not allow my regular visits to either coffee shop today however I ran into exactly the right person who delivered a message that I know I could use everyday, but God wanted me to hear it today.

I ran into none other than my favorite mail carrier, Vicky who has been on way on a trip. She went to visit her son who had been having health issues suffering from one type of cancer. The health issues ended up being nothing that anyone could have been prepared for.  He went to the doctor for one type of cancer  but when asked her how her son is doing now, she looked at me and said, “he's dead.” brain tumors were found in his death came quickly.’

Not that I would normally have anything to say to someone who has just lost a child and was back at work so quickly, but I was at a loss of words. She thanked me for trying to brighten everyone's day  and told me not to take any moment in life for granted.This may not be a happy and peppy blog, however this is what I was given today, I'm not sure why, but I will nonetheless post it and pray for those who read it. Sometimes what you think cannot be used by God, will be used in more ways than you thought possible-- be ready! Even on a day that I feel "off," I will blog.

Be blessed!

No Shame!

What a difference  it makes befriending a person whose faith is obvious, living, and active. As a result, I recognize my burning desire to draw ever closer to Jesus Christ more easily and readily.. It's not that I can't do it myself... just yesterday I was reading a study some form or fashion that discussed the encouragement of others. How one is more likely to gain or refrain from a habit when encouraged by others. Not only can I take this into my personal life but also some people I met yesterday and and intend to see in the near future as she discussed the benefits of self-help books and groups.

As I recently woke up noticed that I have a prayer request for Jerry who's having triple bypass heart surgery in less than 2 hours. Please pray for him.

And while I'm at it, my family needs to have a great day and Elias is going to the doctor.

I normally don't post exactly what is recorded in my Prayer Journal but after receiving  a family member/ pastor’s Bible Study’s prayer requests from Georgia I am reminded of Jesus Christ’s omnipotence and I think this may become a new part of what I post.

I hope you have a great day and receive God’s blessings as He is here!

EVERYDAY!

EVERYDAY!

I had not arrived at Starbucks early enough to “overhear” the businessmen and business women’s conversations so my agenda continued. After going back home to get my cow appreciation day sign Hopping on the next bus, I met a friend from India and re-met a friend from Liverpool whom I see at least bi-monthly. I had purposely Left my electronics at home because I only planned to go to Chick-fil-a with my cow sign to get a free entree.

When I made it to the nearest bus stop headed toward Chick-fil-a I ran into Alicia. Alicia and I got to talking and she was headed to a store to fix her cell phones at a store called UBREAKIFIX!! What? I was just praying for a local store that might be able to fix my Surface. I went to a computer store yesterday as it had been recommended as a place that might be able to fix my damaged Surface. Although the first estimated price of $150 sounded high, after pricing them, if the crack/chip ever becomes an issue, repairing is the way to go! It was a total blessing to visit two different local stores that will fix damaged electronics for reasonable prices!

PRAISE GOD!!

As I said, my electronics were not with me but I needed to find out about this store. Her and I went to the store where I asked a few questions and then we bere Chick-fil-a bound! Crossing the street I met the new General Manager for Amanda’s Cantina, but crossing a street only allowed for a quick conversation. Next I went to Verizon to find out some information. There I met Branden, Jenny and Brittany who all helped me as the issues I presented kept changing (and I still failed to price the chargers as they were not on the sales floor). Branden is a computer nerd and it's a big smile on my face and Jenny is so personable, and talked to me for a long time and I loved it :-) I spent a while there and was fantastic! One lady I met was so very thankful for God using me to encourage her to seek Him in everything she does.After speaking with a few customers they mentioned Matt Wylie. I know him!!! Matt is an AWESOME man I recently met at Peak Place WOO-HOO!

My night started to close with a stop at Starbucks. This time I ran into a few familiar faces and two businessmen having a live video chat meeting with coworkers.  I recognized one of the men from my college days at UCCS. I arrived home and was blessed when Jae called to pray with me. Now, if I had written more complete thoughts during the day, I could sleep. That would make life far too easy. So here I sit, 2.5 hours later, writing my blog.   I am so thankful for the amazing people I meet everyday! Most people are in your life to bless or be blessed by you. I think that as you pour out yourself to bless others, you are emptied to be refilled by God’s blessings.

Are You Proving or Are You Accepting

Are You Proving or Are You Accepting

Recently I was talking to a friend about God's grace. This friend and I have only known each other for a couple weeks so I don't know this friend’s life story and don't remember a certain situation being stressed or example given showing that God's forgiveness was needed (You ought not be laughing thinking “Kimi, you wouldn’t remember to breathe if it weren’t part of the parasympathetic nervous system). However God quickly reminded me of Romans and brought this verse to mind “For all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)

With that being said, I trust that I do not have to know everything about my friend, an area exists in my their life where forgiveness is needed.  An area, I thought?? That sounds so cute, and I say that like there are only little areas in one's life that need forgiveness. As a matter of fact, it's a large chunk in my life that needs forgiveness. And right now, God is saying Yes, even though the outbursts that you don't feel responsible for as they have only happened since your brain injury...Forgiveness is needed my friend. Although I want to break out in song singing  “I Am A Friend Of God,” I divert myself from the rabbit trail-- does that mean my filter is working?!?

There have been numerous times since my brain injury (and I’m sure there will be many more) that, for legal reasons, I had to prove myself (thanks for the terminology Bid). I understand that nearly everyone has to prove him or herself in some form or fashion everyday, but this is different. What I once had control of, I am having to re-gain control of.  It is the strangest concept as my mom pointed out (when life was calm) that I am only mean to my family. Verbally but almost too automatically, I said because you are my family and I know you will love me anyways.” Although that seems mean, after meeting people from different areas of the world (Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia today), so blessed to have such a kind, caring, and compassionate family that sticks together. In many places of the world this may not be the case.

I re-met Dan Woolley, a man I first met June 15th with Chuck Boudreau.  I became excited all over again when we discussed what God saved him from in a earthquake in Haiti and I remembered hearing about the earthquake.  I was given Dan Woolley’s book, Unshaken and am so excited to get started!  I did not want to go to Starbucks today as it was much later in the day, but after allowing God to direct my steps (or wheels), I was so blessed by being able to pray with Mr. Dan Woolley and being given his book!

Sorry about the incoherent writing, but while I wondered how this writing would tie into the title, “Are You Proving or Are You Accepting,” now it is clear that the title has numerous meanings. When a hardship is faced, will you try to prove that you can “fix” the problem, or will you seek God and accept what He has for you? The choice is yours!

Big Smile!

I woke up this morning in not the best of moods and I was debating whether to go to the early service or the later. The next thing I knew I found myself passing the fire station thinking that I will visit them after Church-- I'm sure they'd like to have some kind of quiet time in the morning. I arrived at Church and although the church was nearly packed, I happen to bring my own chair... my hot rod (electric wheelchair) :-).

Arriving at Church I was greeted by amazing friends and I noticed two of my friends, Leah and Matthew, were sitting down a row from where I was and it helped start my day off right when Leah made her way over to hug me. After an amazing sermon I ran into other friends. All the friends I had seen so far are regulars at this Church, but a HUGE surprise was yet to come. I left the Church after the major crowd was gone and the foyer was mainly full of ushers.  Thinking about my next stop, the fire station, I turned my head and saw Mr. Gary (Cpt. Green) at this Church! I had no idea that I would  run into  the first Colorado Springs Firefighter I had ever known at Church! His daughter and I used to do gymnastics in his backyard, in our backyard, gosh we were pumpkins for Halloween and oompa loompas in a local play!! My heart was so excited! On the way to Starbucks I stopped by the firehouse and saw one of the firefighters who saved my life on Christmas Eve. However my departure siren would soon sound and Starbucks would call.

The first situation started as I was arranging all of my shenanigans on the table.  I started talking with a couple who serve at a nearby Church. The lady plays the organ at a nearby Church and it was mentioned that the man, Jerry is having triple bypass surgery Wednesday and would appreciate prayers. After having amazing fellowship and prayer, Jerry and his wife left. I talked to others including two amazingly beautiful women who are Korean. Then my favorite lady who is very multicultural ladies brought one of her twins in as the other twin was "too excited about a show that was coming on today" and stayed at home.

Once they left I was able to talk to a man who had been there longer than I had and I was really thrilled to learn it was Scott-- a man I had met before and he had given me his card! I knew there was a reason I didn’t throw away that Faricy Boys card as I thought… “Kimi, what are YOU going to do at The Faricy Boys...I mean really?  Hot Rod (electric wheelchair) tune-up?....I doubt it--Tony (my hot rod repair man) might not think that correcting the damage from auto men working on a wheelchair is too much fun or very funny at that :-(. Soon two friends, Mary Jo and Roy who are deaf showed up.

Mary Jo is a friend who used to work at the Wal-mart near me. I would get so excited when I couldn’t find an item anywhere and would run into her. I would finger - spell what I was looking for and she would show me the correct sign while she simultaneously showed me the location.  Another friend was with Mary Jo.  We all had an awesome conversation and I learned so much!  

As my night is coming to a close, I talked to a friend, Jae, who is newish to the country although he was “born in the States.” I was and still am in shock but an amazed and awestruck shock that a man wanted to pray before we got off the phone!

Not at the Cowboy Church this Sunday...

I woke up this morning in not the best of moods and I was debating whether to go to the early service or the later. The next thing I knew I found myself passing the fire station thinking that I will visit them after Church-- I'm sure they'd like to have some kind of quiet time in the morning. I arrived at Church and although the church was nearly packed, I happen to bring my own chair... my hot rod (electric wheelchair) :-).

Arriving at Church I was greeted by amazing friends and I noticed two of my friends, Leah and Matthew, were sitting down a row from where I was and it helped start my day off right when Leah made her way over to hug me. After an amazing sermon I ran into other friends. All the friends I had seen so far are regulars at this Church, but a HUGE surprise was yet to come. I left the Church after the major crowd was gone and the foyer was mainly full of ushers.  Thinking about my next stop, the fire station, I turned my head and saw Mr. Gary (Cpt. Green) at this Church! I had no idea that I would  run into  the first Colorado Springs Firefighter I had ever known at Church! His daughter and I used to do gymnastics in his backyard, in our backyard, gosh we were pumpkins for Halloween and oompa loompas in a local play!! My heart was so excited! On the way to Starbucks I stopped by the firehouse and saw one of the firefighters who saved my life on Christmas Eve. However my departure siren would soon sound and Starbucks would call.

The first situation started as I was arranging all of my shenanigans on the table.  I started talking with a couple who serve at a nearby Church. The lady plays the organ at a nearby Church and it was mentioned that the man, Jerry is having triple bypass surgery Wednesday and would appreciate prayers. After having amazing fellowship and prayer, Jerry and his wife left. I talked to others including two amazingly beautiful women who are Korean. Then my favorite lady who is very multicultural ladies brought one of her twins in as the other twin was "too excited about a show that was coming on today" and stayed at home.

Once they left I was able to talk to a man who had been there longer than I had and I was really thrilled to learn it was Scott-- a man I had met before and he had given me his card! I knew there was a reason I didn’t throw away that Faricy Boys card as I thought… “Kimi, what are YOU going to do at The Faricy Boys...I mean really?  Hot Rod (electric wheelchair) tune-up?....I doubt it--Tony (my hot rod repair man) might not think that correcting the damage from auto men working on a wheelchair is too much fun or very funny at that :-(. Soon two friends, Mary Jo and Roy who are deaf showed up.

Mary Jo is a friend who used to work at the Wal-mart near me. I would get so excited when I couldn’t find an item anywhere and would run into her. I would finger - spell what I was looking for and she would show me the correct sign while she simultaneously showed me the location.  Another friend was with Mary Jo.  We all had an awesome conversation and I learned so much!  

As my night is coming to a close, I talked to a friend, Jae, who is newish to the country although he was “born in the States.” I was and still am in shock but an amazed and awestruck shock that a man wanted to pray before we got off the phone!