Remember the Source

I am in a new world. I have a short guideline on how to survive. Those around me are walking the same path I am though we all seem to be taking different approaches to our circumstances. I ask myself "why am I here"? The answer seems to be caught in a haze. The clarity has been removed because I look through a lens of uncertainty. I continually adjust my perspective. I still have not come to the conclusion that all is worth it but I know that some is worth it. Can I feel both? Is one the goal and the other collateral damage that comes with the territory? Can I truly have that which is perfect for my destiny or will I always have that shadow that slinks close to the edge of my dreams? I am a thinker. I am a doer. I am a restless soul that is searching for that thing that matters most. I have my family. I have my relationships and church. I have my faith in God. I have my health that was once on the brink of death. I have my moments. Moments when all is well and I have the strength to continue. I have my doubts. Doubts that envelop me and taint my view. A view that is supposed to be a beautiful landscape filled with opportunity and happiness. I don't want to miss a thing. I don't want to stumble and fall away from the very thing that gives me purpose.

You are my source of life. I can't be left behind. No one else will do. I will take hold of you. I need you Jesus to come to my rescue. Where else can I go? There is no other name by which I am saved. Capture me with grace I will follow you. You are the source of life and I can't be left behind no one else will do. I will take hold of you. I will follow you. This world has nothing for me. I will follow you.

Falling on my knees in worship giving all I am to seek your face. Lord all I am is yours. My whole life I place in your hands. God of mercy humbled I bow down. In your presence at your throne. I called, you answered. And you came to my rescue and I want to be where you are.

My life be lifted high. My world be lifted high. My love be lifted high. I called, you answered and you came to my rescue and I want to be where you are.

In the quiet in the stillness I know that you are God. In the secret of your presence I know there I am restored. When you call I won't refuse. Each new day again I'll choose. There is no one else for me. None but Jesus. Crucified to set me free now I live to bring him praise. In the chaos in confusion I know you sovereign still. In the moment of my weakness you give me grace to do your will. I am yours and you are mine. All my delight is in you Lord. All of my hope all of my strength.

I owe my life to the maker of heaven and earth. Only you can satisfy my soul. I need you more than anything. I love you more than anything. Anything.

I will listen to your voice. The voice of the one I love. He is calling my name. Come up higher and hear the angels sing. Come up higher my beloved. Come up higher leave this world behind You find me to be beautiful. I am running, Running after you. You have become my souls delight. Here with you I find my life.

Its a roller coaster and I am riding with no hands....

On what is turning out to be with of the scariest decisions I have ever made. 

I had no clue (even though many people tried to tell me) how scary owning my own restaurant was going to be. To go from working at a church with students and leaders on creating environments where people can experience a relationship with God and growth in their lives to a business that is as fickle as they come. I can literally walk in one day and every table is full and the servers are running around like chickens with their heads cut off because all 7 of their tables were seated at the same time and then walk in a day later and only 7 tables total are filled. Now dont get me wrong, 7 tables are better than no tables but when you have a lease payment that is crazy, a space that is large and a kitchen that is equipped as a small deli kitchen, creativity becomes a must need skill. 

With that knowledge I am thankful for my creative staff. I have some great servers. I have one that is consistent no matter the load or attitude of her day, I have 2 nurturers that are people lovers, I have a woman lover, ok make that 2 woman lovers and a new addition that is turning out to be a true servant at heart. Running this crew is a shepherd, a professional coffee lover who knows more about coffee then everyone put together and lastly a gentle soul that is expecting a child even as she serves everyone on the team.  This is just the front of the house! I have 7 more in the hot kitchen including my (superhuman) mom working hard to create a success out of Kaffe Blue. Of course last but not least is my dad who works for free and is my rock when I get discouraged. 

This month we are experiencing the September Slump. I am hoping that at any moment we will start clicking back up the track ready for the next spiral curve upside down spin and whatever else comes with the holidays. I will think of new ways to entice you in our doors, i will create new food that will make your mouth water, I will create an environment that will make you want to come hang out and talk with friends and the good part about all of this is I do not have to do it alone! 

Today I am thankful. That i have a roller coaster and the seats are filled with wonderful people that I work with every day. 

MASQuerade Time

Its party time for Logan. Stir Fry Cafe Private room this Saturday. Rea took some pictures for us to make an invitation. Looking to be a good time. 

Thats my girl

Logan is 16 today. 

When I first learned that I was going to have a baby girl I dreamed about her laugh, her character, her sense of humor, her goals, her relationships, her face, her voice, her imagination, her hobbies, how she would feel in my arms. 

16 years has passed and her laugh is contagious, her choices are wise, she is known to be silly without caring what others think, she know God has a hope and a future for her, she surrounds herself with great people, she is beautiful, she sings like and angel, she dreams of things unknown, she trys new things without fear, she is exactly what God wanted for me to have in a daughter.  I am so very thankful for her. Happy Birthday Logan! Love mama. 

THIS PICTURE WAS TAKEN BY RAEANNA ANGLEN who has been a great friend in Logan's life. She caught Logan just as I see her. 

Its About TIme...

Well Shame On ME! Time has went and I have not shared in a while. To be honest, I am living a groundhog day moment. It seems that everyday looks the same and I find myself doing the same thing. 

Until Sunday... I am part of a class full of young beautiful professional women. Some as teachers others as stay at home moms. Together we are figuring out what defines us. As Denise was speaking Sunday I had one of those great moments when a phrase that I had heard many times took on a new meaning. It starts with Adam and Eve in the garden, then eating the fruit, then God coming to see them and finding that they have hid themselves. He asks where they are and they reply we are hiding because we are naked. (HERE IT IS) and God says "WHO TOLD YOU" you were naked. 

I am all about filters. Ways that I can control my responses so that they are good. Ways that I think so that I have joy not stress. This is my new filter. WHO TOLD YOU. Someone can tell me that I suck, now i ask who told me. Is that person someone that I need to listen to or is it someone that spoke out of line. Same with the good. I am great. Is that a person that speaks with influence? 

From now on when words start to frame my world I am asking WHO TOLD YOU. I will receive only that which is good for me, which builds me up, which sets me free, which makes me stronger. 

 As for my groundhog days, well we will see. 

Go ahead and tell me, I know you want to.

When I was a youth minister I used to love the games where you put roadblocks up in the room,  blindfold a student and watch them flounder around while team mates yelled at them which direction to turn to reach the finish line. Cruel? Maybe a little but this was a trust exercise that at the time I believed we all needed to experience. And, well yes, I found it amusing.

 I hope all of you out there that are watching me as I am blindfolded, floundering through the roadblocks that is my life, are finding it amusing as well. The one thing that I ask. If you are near the finish line please keep yelling directions to me. 

Trust is a crazy beautiful thing. I am so thankful for all the coaches, friends and loved ones in my life that I know would lay down their life me as I would for them. I have no idea what is in front of me and I am not sure which direction I am supposed to turn to keep from stumbling over that stupid chair that someone put in the way, either way its teaching me something and i am ready to learn. 

WHAT'S NEW FOR KAFFE BLUE

NEW HOURS: 

MONDAY-FRIDAY 7:30a - 5:00p

SATURDAY 9:30a - 5:00p

FULL LUNCH MENU 11:00a - 3:00p

EXPRESS LUNCH MENU 3:00p - 5:00p

WEDNESDAY LIVE MUSIC

ROSS ANGLEN NOON - 1:30p

What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man.

Let me take a moment and brag about that man of mine. 

This has been a hard week for Mark due to the Eastman situation. His passion for men and their success has become so evident as I watch him pray and weep for those that were dealt the news that they no longer had a job. The sensitivity around him reveals his character and love for all things that God has placed in his life. Some of these men he knows and has a relationship with, others he may not know personally but still grieves for their circumstance.

 I am honored to be the wife of a man that craves for men to rise to leadership, fulfill the role that God has called them to do, lead their house-holds with conviction, power and order. Love as Christ loves the church and pray for those in need. He will end up walking some of these men through this journey. Reminding them that they have hope. That God is in control. He will weep with them, pray with them.

 I get this privilege every day. I need to remind myself to sometimes  just shut up and listen. (I did say sometimes). Tell him that I love him. That i respect him above all other men. That I gain courage and strength from him. That he is one sexy hunk of a man. I Love that I was chosen to be his wife. 

I need a water to wine moment! Really!

Trying my best to get a wine and beer licence for Kaffe Blue. Working on 6 applications, a background check, a bond, insurance, a menu with prices, paperwork that I do not understand half the paragraphs, signing my life over and paying fees. I may get the May 4th appointment and make this thing a reality. Is it ok to pray over the beverage board! hahaha

Amen. 

WOW....and to think she is my baby girl.

Pictures by Rachel Anglen. Anglen Photography. 

Just needed to share how awesome my girl is inside and OUT!

Give Credit...Where Credit is Due

Sunday, Mark had a few men come to Kaffe Blue

 to pray for our business. It was awesome how these men:

•  walked around my dining room praying over each chair. A prayer of prosperity for the customer that would sit in that spot. A prayer for authentic relationships to be experienced inside Kaffe Blue as well as in their lives. That a positive environment would prevail. 
  
• in my kitchen a prayer of efficient work, healthy food, a great new design that promotes teamwork and energy. 
• in the breakroom-employees would find this workplace a sanctuary where God moves. A safe place. A place to learn leadership skills, positive character traits, integrity, loyalty, balance. Financially be blessed.  
• in the office - that knowledge would come quickly.  Finances to be healthy and prosper. Relationships to be steady and firm. Ability to invest in my suppliers more than just by purchasing food. 
• Meeting room - that businesses that used this room would be successful. Grow and expand to create opportunities for our region. 
• Private Room - that intimate milestone moments are created, engagement questions asked, announcement of coming grandchildren, anniversary celebrations. All to be beautiful moments blessed and covered by God. 

Well that was Sunday. Tuesday however did not appear to bring any of those things. Tuesday was a day straight from hell.  At first I was tempted to say the typical "satan is attacking what these men had put in place through prayer". Then I decided why would I give satan any credit for anything that happens in my business. ALL THINGS WORK FOR THE GOOD. I believe that every experience that came our way this week is a move of God. A sifting of the the bad from the good. I am reminded of the vision for KB and what our goals are. We will stand strong. We will be steadfast. We will honor and give credit where credit is due and that is to my God, Jesus Christ. 

As for Wednesday, Thursday and so on......Bring it! 

 

The Continuation of One Man's Dream....: Training video on how to fight a ninja...

The Continuation of One Man's Dream....: Training video on how to fight a ninja...

Just thought this was funny. 

Goalicious

Yes! February has come and gone and Kaffe Blue reached the amazing goal that was set! Thanks to all the hungry people who came in and put your dollar down. I am amazed at God and how He continually delivers even when our doubt takes over our brain. Great things are happening:

• architects are looking at kitchen and getting back to me with quotes
• gearing up to be open on Saturday for lunch
• bringing in a professional barista for coffee cuppings coming soon (tasting) 
• a new 52" tv has been added to the dining room
• a new 46" tv has been added to the private dinin room
• bar stools with backs are being picked up Monday

A new month, a new goal, the same great adventure! 

Funk will mess you up......

I am in a funk that will either make me or break me. 

FUNK defined:

a. A state of cowardly fright; a panic

b. A state of sever depression.

c. A cowardly, fearful person.

It's only been three weeks since stepping into this world of being a restaurant owner and I find it crazy that I can me jerked around by the need for success. Everything in me knows that this was and is designed by God to put me in a place where I can influence others and grow. How quickly satan can step in and try to make us (me) ineffective. Today I am going back to the WORD that I know. 

• I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. 
• He did not give me a cowardly spirit but a spirit of power, love and good judgment. 
• So do not fear, you are more valuable than many sparrows.
• If God is for me, who can be against me. 

I today choose to believe these principles that have been burned in my heart. I will walk in a faith-believing that He has a plan in my life for prosperity. I will risk boldly. I will not look backward but I will keep my feet moving forward. I will not be moved by silly emotion. When I get offended. I will respond correctly. I will show love and respect. I will confront quickly. I will dream. I will accomplish. I will not live fearfully. I will not be a coward. I will be successful. 

This is only a test. 

Everyday is Valentine's Day....

Today was... Valentine's Day. A day to celebrate love. But today, I did not get a valentine card. I did not get a box of chocolate. I did not get flowers. 

I did get however:

• A morning to sleep without interruption. 
  
• A time to lay in bed as long as I wanted. 
  
• My daughter coming to get in bed with me. 
  
• My son coming to get in bed with me. 
• My husband coming to get in bed with me. Actually, I noticed that together we totaled over 24 foot of legs in my bed at one time! 
  
• A slow morning getting ready and heading to Jan Mar for lunch. 
• A time of shopping at an antique store with Logan ( a cool vintage dress found) 
• A sweet movie with Logan while Mark and Connor saw an action movie. 
• A comment from Mark to the kids that "everyday is valentine's day for us". 
• A laugh when the kids thought that comment was funny (it's true though). 
• A realization about how true that comment is... no ups and downs-consistant love. 
• A night at Kingsport Grocery with new friends and food and fun!
• A great conversation about the journey my life has been. 
• A chance to tell how much I respect Mark for being able to lead our family (I am a little bold sometimes and may push hard but he always takes the lead). 
• A chance to kiss my kids goodnight. 
• A chance to lay beside a man that I love more now than I have ever dreamed possible. 
• A chance to think about church in the morning and how I love that in our life as well. 
• A moment to love my God and be thankful that everyday is Valentine's Day with Him.

KAFFE BLUE has a new owner

WOW! What a week. It flew by and I realize how much i love doing the things that I get to do. Tonight I sit and think "how do i get to explore so many venues of opportunities in my life" GOD is GOOD, all the time and all the time GOD is GOOD! 

Thank you to all my friends and family that came out this week to support my big adventure. You are GREAT. I can't image a life without each and everyone of you in it. Mom and Dad, thanks for everything. Dad looks cute with his little manager badge :). Cassidy for following me into many things. Denise for your prayers and encouragement. Marci for taking a day off work to come VOLUNTEER my first day open to ensure good service. Stacie for thinking I can do anything, Gina for the twitters that I get that you are thinking about me and wishing me well. Greg for making free breakfast for me to give out on Tuesday (ok Denise really made it but your idea). CF staff for coming and having your staff meeting at Kaffe Blue and then some staying for lunch! Matt for hanging out in the space and looking hip! Great marketing in my window Friday. Shannon Southerland for making KB his new office! MILLERS, what can I say, emails going out by the fireplace talking about what a great place i have. Missed you later this week! To everyone that came out to have some coffee or some food, cant mention everyone but you know who you are. LOVE LOVE LOVE you all! 

GOD is GOOD all the time! 

I have a real problem

WITH keeping my mind focused! All you who know me just snorted I know you did. 

I just dont understand how my mind works. Gonna brain dump a little, maybe that will help.?.

• 1am is my favorite planning time. 
  
• i can wake up at 7am and still not fall alsleep until after midnight.
• i can not make my mind "shut off" when i lay down. 
• i read 3 books at the same time (a fiction, a self help/leadership, a project oriented)
• i get bored easy with the same thoughts-ok that means TASK
• i like to mark off a list but hate making them (wheres M Cleek when i need him!) 
• now what was i just doing?                                     just kidding 
• i get overwhelmed if i dont surround myself with the right people 
• i am a starter
• i hate details - i can do them, but i hate them
• i hate talking on the phone - txt or twitter  is my favorite
• i sometimes dismiss important things in my life 
• let me create it and you run it.          my dream 
• cant stand to do the same thing over and over
• i miss teaching-might teach adult class. 
• NAH - maybe not adults (wouldnt understand my funny stuff) 
• i love networking (in person, remember no phone calls) 
• i dont fear many things - i like risk 
• dont care if i am rich but i like cash so i can do things with friends
• i love ideas 
• need the sunshine-wintertime shuts me down
• i have limited willpower-could get me in trouble
• right now telling myself -one thing at a time 

If you are a friend of mine or just someone with wisdom please dont hesitate to comment your thoughts. especially if they are help tips to bring my mind in line. Thanks all. 

Michele

Investment in our World

I got a comment tonight that my post was getting old. I have to be honest. I posted a note about my baby girl and just couldn't seem to write a new one. Her picture is so pretty (Raeanna Anglen took it) and I liked seeing it at the top of my page. Anyways, reality is it has run its course and I am movin on. 

Investment in our World: 

I am so close to closing on the restaurant. My days are filled with phone calls, meetings and contracts that I don't understand. I am also getting the chance to define the restaurant and what it will stand for. What I stand for. 

A few years ago I went to Catalyst, a leadership conference in Atlanta GA. The hallways were filled with non-profit organizations and merchandise. One caught my attention first because of its "look" and then because of its message. At the time I didn't have a venue to utilize this product so I put the info in a folder and forgot about it. Recently a great couple has brought

this concept to our church. As I was walking through and smelled the sweet aroma, it hit me! I now have the PERFECT venue! 

Land of a 1000 Hills Coffee.

They have transformed the simple act of drinking coffee into an opportunity to make a difference. "Drink Coffee, Do Good" it's that easy. They have designed a way for US to break chains that have bound thousands of Rwanda farmers, and allow them to enjoy the life that God meant for us. You can learn more about Land of 1000 hills at landof1000hills.com.

How is this coming to the restaurant: 

I emailed the people and asked them that question. We came up with a plan. 

1. Staff wear the nifty tshirts with the logo of the restaurant and Land1000 Hills. 

2. House coffee be Land1000Hills coffee. When a customer buys a cup money goes to Rwanda.

3. Sell the coffee in bags of beans for home roasting as well as some great mugs. 

     

   

I couldn't be more excited about the restaurant being able to support such an awesome organization. This stuff doesn't only get to happen in a church people! I will keep you posted to my open date and be sure and look for the Land of 1000 Hills coffee served fresh everyday. 

OH, and below is the blog and pic of that beautiful girl! 

Beautiful Girl

I pretty much have the most beautiful daughter in the world. I watch her when she doesn't know I am watching. She walks like a model, she talks with knowledge, she laughs great, she pays attention, she takes time to talk, she giggles at little things, she loves all people, she works hard in school, she sings like a rock star, she loves her church, she has great friends, she allows people to influence her to be better, she marches on the field like a pro, she isn't selfish, she is kind to her brother, she loves her mama and daddy, she pretty much LOVES, she leads all who will follow. If I was 15 I would die to be her friend. If Logan is in your life-you are a lucky person. Please let her know! 

HATER..of writing business plans

Weakness: 

Well tonight I had to sit and write out my official business plan for the restaurant. YES, I HATED EVERY MINUTE OF IT. I think I would rather have a tooth ache. It is crazy how I can sit and talk about my plans in vivid detail all night long but struggle so much to put it on paper. I know the benefit (and I appreciate benefits) but the drive still had to be motivated by cash. No, I didn't con Mark into paying me to write it, I just knew that if I didn't, then the goals I set for redesigning the kitchen and ideas for change in the restaurant would never happen. For some reason Banks like Business Plans. Go Figure. 

Now to the point: 

I am focusing on the "buts" in the Bible for my personal study. (Idea from Michael Robison)

Today it is:

Romans 12:12 Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world(myself), but be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Then I will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.  

If I can handle the little things then God will continue to allow me a chance to experience the BIG things. 

The reality is:

It is an exciting time to be me for me. God is confirming things in me that I had put on the back burner. He is setting up people in my life that will coach me to success. He is opening doors and closing others with His perfect timing, though I don't understand it at the time.  

Thank you to all who are supporting me in this adventure and I am glad to have you here experiencing it with me. 

Investment that is foundation of them all.

Had lunch with Denise yesterday. Thought I was investing in relationships but as it turned out I learned a nugget of truth from her. (which isn't unusual) She reminded me of  my investment with Jesus Christ and what it can look like right now. If you have been reading my entries you know that I am in HUGE transistion in my life. I like things to have a system and have a purpose. (Be in order of course my husband would say :D) hense the investments entry. Her reminder:

I have been teaching young people for many years and would study for the message they would receive on a Sunday, it would usually start with a book I read or a series I downloaded and made my own. Either way I was experiencing Words from God with the mind of teaching it to other people. She reminded me the joy and awesome gift I have to pick up the Word of God and read, revealing in the message God is giving to me for me.

I read a tweet from a twitter recently that suggested exploring the "buts" in the Bible. I am loving this knew adventure with listening to my God. 

Thank you Denise :)