Today has been brought to you by the letter "s"-- spanish, starbucks, and snow -- an interesting day.

I didn't know when I started this morning that it would turn out to be a letter day from Sesame Street.

Today has been brought to you by the letter "s".  Spanish, Starbucks, and snow.  Though some of the other activities begin with other letters, those make for an alliteration example. ☺

My morning exercise routine started off with a walk at Greenway Farms in Hixson, TN.  There was a beautiful patch of water with a thin frozen top.  It was inviting, but not too inviting.  You could easily tell that it wouldn't hold much weight.  It wasn't ready for ice skating, but it was pretty to observe. ☺

Then I was off to the dentist.  Not much to share there, except that it was a good visit and my teeth and gums are healthy.

I had a few minutes to spare prior to taekwondo class.  I decided the best way to fill that time was coffee and reading for my theology class.  Off to Starbucks to use my Christmas gift cards.  While I was reading my book and sipping on my mocha, I heard my second language being spoken.  I looked up.  In the corner were three women speaking Spanish.  I smiled to myself and went back to reading.  I didn't eavesdrop.  Honest.  But it did make me happy to hear the language.  I'm dorky like that.  I got to speak Spanish some last week in Florida.   Hearing it, speaking it, worshiping in it.... it makes me happy.  Well, worshiping in the language can sometimes penetrate my soul at a deep level and bring tears to my eyes too.  But, I digress.

When it was nearing time for me to head over to the taekwondo studio, I thought about saying something to the women.  I knew they would likely think I was a little wacky, but I decided to go ahead and approach them.  In their language, I permission to interrupt and proceeded to explain that I speak the language and that it did my heart good today to hear them speaking.  I also mentioned that I wasn't listening; only that I heard and noticed.  Then I wished them a good day and left.  Who knows what they thought of the gringa who had addressed them and left.

For me, it was a blessing.  You see, before my morning walk I had a conversation with my District Superintendent about being on the Holston Conference Hispanic Ministries Team.  I said "yes".  I am excited about this opportunity.   The 2 year bilingual Academy for Spiritual Formation affirmed me in my calling and my gifts and graces for Hispanic ministry, but there hasn't been much opportunity to get very involved.  There is a good explanation for that-- seminary.  Seminary has rightly been my focus.

After a great workout at taekwondo (my first time back since the holidays), I headed home.

I saw a snowflake come down from the sky.  Then it began to flurry at a faster pace.  It wasn't sticking on much, but it was beautiful to watch.  I went outside twice to hear the swishing sound that snow makes as it falls.  That is also a wonderful thing.  The snowfall has lessened now and this won't be the time that we get our "big" snow here in the state of Tennessee.  I am hoping for at least one big snow this season.  One that allows for sledding, building snowmen, making snow angels, and having snow ball fights.  Snow is wonderful.

What a day this has been.

Now to cap it off with some more theology reading!

What encounters have you had today?

May you be blessed and encouraged along your journey,

Debra ☺

A day of unexpected joys and surprises....

You wouldn't think that going for your yearly doctor appointment would turn into one of the highlights of your day, especially considering it was the ob-gyn appointment.

However, upon my arrival this morning to the office, I noticed the workers were dressed up in costume.  I saw a superman, a spider man, an underdog, several tutus.  They said, 'just wait until you see the doctors.'  Okay, I admit, that was a little scary. ☺

My nurse had bat stuff on her and was creatively using a skirt as a bat cape. She had a tiny pumpkin and a bat on her head.  I saw an "incredible" character in his bright red and yellow looking underwear/pajamas.

If you really want to know what I was thinking, it was this:  OF ALL DAYS for me to be "courteous" and leave my phone in the car.  Oh, the pictures I could have taken!! ☺

When my doctor came around the curtain, I was looking at batman.  6 pack abs, mask, etc.  Weird, but cool.  He did take off the mask to chat with me, but as I heard him in the hallway, without the mask, he was "Bruce".  He said the abs got in his way and he wasn't sure how long he'd be able to work in the outfit.

But it was a fun time.  It made an otherwise not so fun doctor visit fun. ☺

From there I went to visit some folks at different hospitals.  I was early to one hospital, having misread my email.  "on Tuesday" (I finally figured out) meant next week; it wasn't in reference to earlier this week.

At the next hospital, after finally finding parking on the top outside section of the parking deck, I made my way inside and ran into one of the ladies in the Bible Study I lead twice a month.  I was able to check in with her and see how she was doing and also see how the lady was doing who had been in the hospital, learning that she had been moved to rehab.  This hospital didn't have as many folks in costumes, but there were a few. 

I had a good visit with the folks I was there to visit and pray with and then headed out.  I enjoy hospital visits.  Long before I started seminary, I visited folks in the hospital... to be with them, to chat with them, to pray with them.  I still remember visiting Lucy one day.  She was someone I attended Grace UMC with.  I was visiting her and the hospital chaplain came by.  She told the chaplain her chaplain was already with her.  If folks want, I read Scripture.  Sometimes I'm not the best person for hospital visits.  If you've got stitches and I make you laugh, that can be painful.  But, visiting folks in the hospital is something I've done for many years and it's something I really enjoy doing.  It is a blessing to attempt to bring some love, light, and joy into the situation.... and it's an honor and privilege simply to be in the ministry of presence.   It's not just hospitals, but homes and living facilities too....  There have been some good God moments and thin spaces over the years.  But, for the most part, it's simply a time to simply be.

After that, I headed to Starbucks for my free... FREE... birthday drink from my rewards card.  I wasn't going to make it to taekwondo, so what better way to celebrate the last day of the month?!?!  A venti salted caramel mocha!  Good thing I walked two miles this morning!

When I walked into Starbucks, I noticed one worker had a necklace of green lights.  But, the worker taking my order seemed "normal" until I finally realized her outfit was a BI-LO outfit, with a "Walter" apron and nametag.  Funny how it took me a few minutes to realize that she was in costume.  Since I was heading to BI-LO next to shop and my husband works with them, it took a few minutes to register in my brain that she was out of place.  That made me smile.

Oh, the odd things in a day that can make one smile.  Costumes in unexpected places.  Visits to hospitals.  Free coffee drinks.

Another unexpected joy and surprise is that my blog for the month of October has gone over 5,000 hits.  That's a new record.  That is mind boggling and humbling for me. 

To cap off my day, here are words of wisdom from Jesus Calling from today:

"Learn to listen to Me even while you are listening to other people.  As they open their souls to your scrutiny, you are on holy ground.  You need the help of My Spirit to respond appropriately.  As him to think through you, live through you, love through you.  [...] Be a channel of My Love, Joy, and Peace by listening to Me as you listen to others." (October 31)

Scripture references: Exodus 3:3; 1 Corinthians 6:19; John 7:38-39

That is my prayer for each day.... that I listen to God so that as I listen to others, I will be that channel, that open vessel.

May you be blessed with unexpected joys and surprises along your journey and may you be a blessing to others as you listen to God while listening to others.

It is my prayer that we all grow into better listeners.

Blessings on your journey,

Debra