Chuck,

This may sound kinda "out there" but, when I was a little kid, probably about 8, my family and I had a dog named Rascal. Rascal was just one of them dogs that, when you are a kid, he was just your best friend. We seemed to do about everything together, even eat off the same plate (yuk). It was really neat, because he was just like clock work, when I got on the bus for school he would trot down to my Grandparents house (probably 0.5 mile away, and would be back on the porch when I got home from school again! But, like all dogs, he had his flaws. Rascal was afraid of lightening and would open door and get in side houses or barns just to get away from it! One day it just started lightening really bad and I was scared that something had happened to Rascal, and was crying. So I said a little prayer, and about 5 minutes later my Grandmother brought him back to our house and stuck him in our barn. That was the only time she had ever done that and has never done it again, after that. Coincidence or just chance, well to this day, I still think someone else had their hands in on the matter! :)

This is a little strange for me but my coincidences happen most when it's associated with the number 9. To give an example, I once watched a movie, I can't remember the name right now but the girl had coincidences with the number 5 in the movie, something bad would happen to her daughter when she was 5 days old, 5 months old, 5 years old... On the other hand, my most meaningful and memorable experiences happened when it was associated with the number 9. My volleyball number was number 9 thats when I first noticed it, I didn't get to pick the number. I met my baby's father by meeting someone who's birthday was on the 9th. Adding the numbers together on my daughters birthdate equals 9 and she was 9 days over due. My employee number at my favorite job is number 9. My best friends birthday is on the 9th. My monavie number has alot of 9's in it. My apartment number is 9. And the things that had the biggest impact in my life had the number 9 associated with it.

Chuck - As I read your article, today, it took me back to a specific day when I was teaching Organic Chemistry. That partidular day, the class seemed to have a glazed look as I was covering some important but difficult concepts. Stopping the lecture, I looked at the class and said, "I know this material is difficult, but it is very important. Remember, I also was a student like you with all the problems both personal and with school, that many of you are having." I wanted to relate with their feelings. But, you must still stay focused. It was at this oint, that I spent about 20 minutes going into a personal story that took place when I was a in school. I had never given this story before or after this particular day. But, two weeks later, I knew why God had put it on my heart to tell this class that day. With much less detail and emotion the following was the story I gave them.

I had dated a girl my sophomore year and we became very close. I actually felt that she might be the person with whom I would spend the rest of my life. When summer came she returned to New York and I to my home in a Chicago suburb. The next fall, I was excited to see her again. But, she informed me that she had become engaged over the summer to her high school boyfried. If, that's not enough, she said that her parents moved from New York to a Chicago suburb and she asked if I would drive her home on the week-ends! I agreed having dinner at their home when we arrived. Needless to say I still liked her, but due to her engagement, remained only a friend. I gave the class even more details. Then finished by saying, "Because I never tried to break their engagement, though I believe I could have, God honored me with a woman a year later that was perfect for me. (Side note: this year will be our 50th anniversary.)

When I walked out of class, I remember wondering why I gave them that story. The next class period, I apologized to the class for taking up so much time with a personal story.

Two weeks later, a female student, from that class came to my office. She asked if I remembered when I told the personal story in class and then apologized for it. I quickly agreed to the memory. Well, she told me that she was engaged to someone in India. As she listened to my story, her thought was, if that happened to me, I'd kill myself. I remember the next worlds as though it was yesterday. She went on to say "Dr. Goetschel, I received aletter from fiance last night breaking off the engagement. Because of your story andhow God provided you with someone better, I'm here today." She added "Had it not been for that story, I would have killed myself last night!" But, as in your case, I believe God has another person who will be even better, just waiting for me. She finished by saying "I wanted you to know that story was for me. Thank you for my life.

Charlie Goetschel

Wow! Even your blog today is a divine appointment! My husband told me to come home and read your blog today - I did and know that we need to follow up on something.

I was scheduled for an ultrasound and 1st trimester screening of my 4th baby today at 12:30pm. Because of my age, a whopping 37, I was highly encouraged by my doctors to have these tests done, and since these particular ones were non-invasive, I felt it was ok. It is something I have declined on my previous pregnancies, trusting that each child has been a gift from the Lord, and only HE could be the one to determine the outcome of each pregnancy, not me. So, I checked in today and as I was checking in, I ran into an old friend and his wife, checking out. In those brief few minutes of checking in and out, we were there at the same time. I re-introduced myself and he introduced me to his wife, also expecting. We had a nice conversation and went on our way. I didn't think much of it at the moment - mostly thinking of the tests that were about to take place. Then when I met with my nurse - she asked me why I was there. I replied that I was highly encouraged to be here by my doctors, even though, I myself was a little unsure. She asked me if the results of the tests today were to give abnormal results, would I go forward with invasive testing and I said no. She asked if abnormal results would cause me to be concerned or worry about my baby until his/her birth and I said probably to some degree - knowing that abnormal results could be totally false. She then offered to cancel my appmt and refund my co-payment if I was interested. I asked if I could call my husband and she agreed. My husband and I talked and agreed to cancel. What good would the results be to us? None, really. Except I would know the baby's sex 6 weeks earlier, but I can wait! So, we canceled and I left feeling a little confused and asking God, Why? That still small voice, really a feeling, or a thought placed in my mind and heart that "What if it was to get you to run into the couple checking in while you were checking out?" My husband and I have just begun a new business that we are hoping to create a future for our family while helping others achieve as well. And we have been praying for the Lord to lead us to the right people that He wants us to help. I think HE answered today - and I think I need to find this couple's contact information so we can follow up with them! I hope to be able to share fruit from this simple act of obedience of following up with someone He put into our lives...for whatever reason...only God knows...HE has placed them before us. It's up to us to act now and watch God do what only He can do! So, I was in a place I wouldn't normally have been and really didn't want to be and the Lord used it for His glory. Yes, divine appointments are real. And I am thankful that He is in control and not me and that "The One who called you is faithful and HE will do it!" 1 Thess. 5:24

Thanks Chuck for your encouragement! I have found your words/cds to be the truth and am thankful for who the Lord has made you and what you stand for.

Lynn

Chuck,

In May of 2005, I received a bad sunburn. Being the knuckle head that I was at the time, I got another one on top of that. Those sunburns developed into a very bad rash on all of my sun exposed areas. My doctor tried treating the rash with hydrocortisone creams, but with no results. After two months she decided to perform a biopsy on the rash. The result was a diagnosis of Lupus. I started seeing a Rheumatologist and a Dermatologist for more treatment. The disease progressed very rapidly resulting in Lupus Nephritis in my kidneys. Now I was seeing a Nephrologist as well. By January the disease had progressed to a point that required chemotherapy. I went through five sessions over a five month time frame. The treatment was not working. The doctors chose to punt and sent me to a team of specialists at the University of Michigan. They did the standard workup and reviewed and adjusted some medications as well as perform some blood tests. During the interview one of the doctors told me that he would be my guardian angel and we would get through this together. I made an appointment to see them the next month. That was on July 6th of 2006.

Just ten days later on July 16th, while attending church, I received a special message. The regular Pastor was out of town and had his father as the guest Pastor. God used him in a special way for me that day. At the end of the service he asked if there was anyone who was not sure where they would end up if they died that day. I started to tremble. I had many doubts about that very question. He went on to say something else that I don’t remember but then he said that he felt there was someone who wanted to come forward. From somewhere down inside I made the decision (or felt His urging) to go to the alter and accept Christ as my Lord and Savior that day. That day has been the most important day in my life.

When I went back to U of M in August the doctors again performed some blood tests and urinalysis, but this time they said that there was no sign of the Lupus and that my kidney function was improving. Some might say that it is coincidence; it was the drugs finally working. You and I know better. It was a “gift” from God. I know where it came from. There is no doubt. How do I go from a rapidly progressing disease in July, to a disease in remission in August?

There is more to the story, but that is the most important part.

On July 23rd, my wife of over twenty-one years told me she did not want to be married anymore. This was a devastating blow. I did not want a divorce. I can remember being so distraught and depressed. I was outside in our barn looking for a rope. By chance I sent a text message to three people as a cry for help to prevent something stupid from happening. Within seconds two of them called me back. One of them was the person that led me to the church were I was saved and the other was the person that witnessed to me in the church the day I was saved. Was this a coincidence? Why did I send that text message? It's all part of His plan.

As a side note, in September of 2006, I told my dad that I would go to that stupid meeting that he kept telling me about. I just wanted him to stop bugging me about it. I didn’t have time to be in a business. Jim and Delores Martin had a special message for me that day. Their passion led me into the TEAM where I found what had been lacking in my life. Now I had a church family and a team family. What a wonderful support system to help me get through the tough times of a divorce and raising three beautiful daughters. The Lord new I would need fellowship with good people.

Have you ever received a hug from Jesus? I have, on December 1st, 2006 while driving home from work. There is no mistaking the feeling of someone holding you and comforting you when you are in tears, yet I was the only person in the car.

“I am blessed and highly favored.” – Don Freeze

God Bless you brother,

Kevin Archambault

So many stories, if I look through the events of my life it almost seems set up. (smile). There have been events where I have taken action at a certain time and the stars seemed to line up and there are events where I know something bigger than me had a hand in the outcome.
One event I remember most was during a trip to Europe. I went to Europe by myself for a month + in the late 90's. I first went to Greece, I only expected to be there for 2 weeks, but I loved it, met tons of people and stayed another week. I left Greece and went to Paris for a 4 or 5 days, people where not very nice there so I left and went to Italy. Italy was beautiful, but again there was just not the same friendly interactions I experienced in Greece and being a high "I" I was starting to feel lonely and a bit homesick.. I had been in Italy a couple days and I headed over to Vatican City to see the museums and Sistine Chapel. I first went to ST. Peters Basicila, which was gorgeous. When I entered St Peters a women said there was a tour that had just started. I looked around and saw only one large group of people, so I joined it thinking it was the tour. I was listening for a few minutes when the tour guide stopped speaking and asked me in a very unkindly tone what did I think I was doing. I said listening, she then went off on me in front of all those people and told me I could not be there with out paying and who did I think I was..etc, etc.. until I was in tears and left. I had not purposely joined this group and I certainly didn't deserve that treatment, but I was still embarrassed, hurt and feeling all alone.
Soo, I went to see the museums and Sistine Chapel a good 3 hour tour. As I exited the Sistine Chapel I looked up and there was a friend of mine from a anonymous program I am a member of and her husband, about to enter the tour. WOW, What where the chances someone I know would be entering at the exact moment I was exiting? She gave me a big hug!! Exactly what was needed and everything was better.
Since I was at the Vatican, I am going to have to go with this is a bigger than that story.

Chuck,

As You know I have been out of work for about a year and interviewing etc that comes with that thing called a "job". Starting to feel a little down a few weeks ago when the phone rings and it is a guy I worked with a few years ago and he says he is going to have an opening and if I was interested in interviewing! I was and did and just got hired! Well that is where the rest of the story comes in....Last week funds starting to run low I borrowed some money from my in laws...ok that happens right? The next day they call me and give me the official offer and include a signing bonus...for the amount I borrowed from the family, of course I am thanking God for taking care of us and the next day the new company calls and says that instead of the amount they said to me for the signing bonus...they are increasing it, making it double what we talked about! Wait it gets better....On Sunday at Saddleback the message was about change and how hard it is and that you have to trust God, especially with a move that you do not really want to make! This stuff just does not happen...God is involved in all of this!

See you on the roads!

There's no short version of this but I'll try. My husband and I were friends for years first, only seeing each other at business functions, never talking on the phone or going anywhere together. My mother and I had parted ways and I'd moved into my own apartment and unfortunately, we hadn't spoken for years. I was seeing a real conceited jerk and we were having yet another arguement. I called off our wedding, ran into the bathroom at his parents' and hit my knees. I cried out to God in the most emotional outburst to date. I told him I knew He had a plan for my life and this wasn't it, but I had no idea how to fix it. I asked God to literally pick me up from the road I was on and place me on the right path HE wants for me.

I got up, left, and for the first time in over 2 years, I went to my mother's house. She let me in of course, and her phone rang. She asked me to get it while she finished whatever she was doing. I said, "hello" and the voice at the other end of the line said, "hi". That's all...I knew it was Tim even though we'd never spoken by phone, I hadn't lived at that number for years (it's the only one he had memorized years earlier), and that night he drove down to see me and we began a two month talk about what I need, should be doing, and need to let go of. We were dating shortly thereafter and 10 months later we were married.

God had me where I shouldn't have been, but the only place Tim could've gotten in touch with me when he needed to. God arranged for Tim to call for the 1st time ever, out of the blue, just when I'd asked for help. We just celebrated our 16th anniversary and we're still best friends. I'd call THAT a divine appointment.

Thanks Chuck. In church this past Sunday one of the ladies shared a story about ‘paying it forward.’ While driving through a Starbucks on her way to work she decided to pay for the person in the next car behind her. The clerk was so taken back she ask what she did. She told her she worked at one of the local restraints as a waitress. Later that night several of the Starbucks employees came into her restraint and told her that the next 23 cars in a row followed her example. WOW! How many people then heard this story since? Karma, coincidence? Think GOD.

Virgil Cruse

Wow, such awsome stories from everyone. Makes me feel that my story may be a little silly...

In 1998 I was going about 75 MPH on Rt 490 northbound into the City of Rochester NY w/o my seatbelt on. (and yes, I am a leadfoot driver) This day was like many others - I was leading a pack of other fast drivers when to my surprise, I caught a glimpse of a shadowy figure in my back seat and a deep bass voice said "Slow down girl - get your belt on". When I tried to see the person there was no one there.

I became a little freaked out & decieded to take head, slowing down and getting out of the way of the other pack members while putting on my belt.

Less than 1 mile later, the entire roadway came to a complete dead stop. I was just barely able to stop myself (ended up about 3 inches from a Van's rear bumper).

As everyone just began moving again, I looked back in time to see a car vearing across all 4 lanes while trying to stop. That car ended up hitting me and If I hadn't put my belt on I would have been thru the windsheild.

Later - after the cops came to take the report of my accident I learned that the car(s) that had taken my spot in the lead of the pack had hit a deer and totaled their cars - Which a became a 6 car pileup with 2 fatalities (the front 2 cars).

I became quite certain that God wasn't done with me and that he had sent an angel to make sure I listened that morning.

Chuck, this is a story of something bigger than me.
I'll start this story by saying my very first relationship was with an Alcoholic, a falling down drunk, a bottle of Vodka a day Alcoholic. I didn't understand the Alcoholic but on a subconscious level I understood and knew the behavior and it was acceptable because I didn't know better. I allowed the physical and verbal abuse that comes with an Alcoholic. I am forever grateful for this Alcoholic because I found the help early on to understand why I chose and allowed these behaviors in my life and because of one of those anonymous programs I know my life is dramatically different.
This is important because when I was about 26,
I packed my vehicle in Washington D.C.
and drove across the country to Sunny Southern California.
Now my trip was not that well thought out,
in other words I had certainly not saved enough to be unemployed for long.
I first arrived in San Diego and got a job selling Kirby's but this just was not the work for me,
so I started looking for a place to stay and work in Los Angeles.
I followed one of my dreams and rented a boat to live on in Marina Del Rey,
but it rained for the entire first month I rented the boat,
plus I couldn't find a job and I was running out of money.
I was MISERABLE.
So what did I do? I called the Alcoholic, (they are so great when they are sober) lol
The alcoholic said come on back,
I'll take care of you,
you don't have to be Miserable.
Cell phones where not in existence yet so I was talking on a payphone getting soaking wet.
When I got off the phone I had pretty much decided to go back to D.C. where I was comfortable.
As I headed back to the boat the rain stopped for the first time in days,
I got on to the boat and looked down and there on the top of my pile of clothes was a shirt that said "Expect a Miracle"
I know that shirt was not on the top of the pile!!!
I'd never actually worn it before.
I made a choice at that moment to Expect the Miracle and not go back to what was comfortable.
2 days later I was offered 2 different jobs and the rain had stopped.
I have now been in Southern California for 15 years.
I am so Grateful for the divine intervention that cleared the skies and put that T-shirt on top of the pile, and for the intuition to pay attention, otherwise I would have headed back to the insanity.

Chuck:
My story is one that you just could not make up---and the lessons are ones that perhaps you could not get any other way.
On May 8, 2008, I was working on a Habitat for Humanity project in Glendale, CA. I have been working with HFH for approx 2 years, putting in 1-2 days per week. On this day, I was working with another volunteer on the second floor level of this condo project, building and erecting inside walls.
As things sometimes happen, I got a little too close to the edge of the floor, and managed to roll over the edge--falling a total of 20+ feet to the hard pack dirt below. My fall was initially broken (literally) by a first floor balcony and after striking this structure, I continued my descent to the dirt.
I was blessed in so many ways during this episode--by hitting the balcony on the first floor, it slowed my fall and pushed me away from the building, thus preventing me from striking my head on the concrete garage floor and abutments; I did not lose consciousness nor did I experience any spinal cord injury.
What I did incur were numerous fractured ribs, lumbar fractures, scapula fractures and a dislocated hip that required surgery to fully repair.
Now, one might ask how all this manages to translate to some sort of devine event in my life. Just prior to this event, my wife and I were faced with the prospect of becoming MonaVie Distributors and I was rebelling---I was not convinced that we should be pandering "Snake Oil" to our family and friends. Yes, I have been a good student of the Team system and have come a long way--obviously, I am still a work in progress.
Well, our wonderful uplines came to see me in the hospital a few days after my accident and brought with them a bottle of Mona Vie. Their gentle urging was based on their personal use and knowledge that this product has had remarkable impact on many lives.
I immediately started taking the MonaVie and while I could not attest to its healing properties or its effects on my recovery, I am convinced that my progress--described by several Doctors and Physical Therapists as "remarkable," is due in large part to this incredible product.
The bottom line to this whole episode is that I now believe that there was devine intervention in bringing me around and realizing that we not only have a hold of an incredible product, but that I have a responsibility to share this with as many people as I can. My wife and I are looking forward to Phoenix, even though I will be on crutches, and we are excited about becoming Distributors for MonaVie.
Thank you for all that you have done with Team--you are an inspiration to us.
And by the way, I am 61 years old and plan on being around a LONG time---especially now with the anti-aging properties of MonaVie.

Chuck – My divine appointment was a dinner with my former roommate from college that never should have happened, by human standards. Yet God intended all along for me and my roommate to have dinner in Houston, Texas on Friday evening, January 14, 2005 so that, together with the Holy Spirit, we could help him learn to heal the fracture in his marriage and his family created by his infidelity (that I didn’t even know about until he told me during dinner). I don’t think the specifics of his situation are that important to the story. The amazing part is how many “thin threads” came together to make that dinner possible. Before today, I have only told this story of the events that led to that dinner to two people – my roommate at the end of the evening, and my wife while driving across Houston back to my hotel that night. Yet I when I saw your post I felt moved to share it. Perhaps God has still more plans yet to be accomplished via this thread...

I was not “supposed” to be in Houston on that Friday night. My wife and I had flown to Houston the previous Friday night for a weekend business function, a New Year’s kickoff for our business since most of our business team was in Houston where we used to live. She flew back home on Monday morning, and I stayed in Houston that week to work. (I work as a project manager for a fairly large aerospace company, and many of my employees are in Houston even though I am not any longer.) My return ticket was for Friday morning. So why was I still in Houston on Friday night? Well, late Thursday afternoon I got a call from my boss asking me if I would be willing to stay in Houston a few more days until Sunday and represent upper management at the Houston office Christmas party on Saturday evening. He was originally going to fly down on Friday for it, but at the last minute HIS boss tapped him to work on a proposal that weekend, and none of the other managers were free to take his place at the party on such short notice. But since I was already in Houston, it would be simple if I could just stay there, if I was OK with that. After checking with my wife to make sure she didn’t mind, I said “Sure” and changed my travel arrangements so I could stay until Sunday. It was at that point that I called my roommate and arranged to meet him for dinner the next evening.

“But wait!” you say. “Your dinner with your roommate was on Friday, January 14.” That’s right. “That means the Christmas party was on Saturday, January 15.” That’s right. “Why would you be having an office Christmas party in the middle of January?” you ask. Because when the Houston office manager was finally free to book the office Christmas party that year, all the available and acceptable locations had already been booked up, and rather than take a less-than acceptable alternative, she decided to just delay the party until mid January. The reason she had to wait so long to book it was because the company we worked for was being bought by another company, and she didn’t know whether the new company was going to impose new rules on such things, or choose to have a combined party with other local parts of their operations, or what. The deal had been in the works for almost a year but finally fell through in the summer of 2004, and only then was she free to book the party. By then it was too late to get a place to hold the party in December.

But it turned out that it was all in God’s perfect timing to make sure that I was there, along with the Holy Spirit, to help my friend repair his damaged relationships with his wife and his children.

Thanks for providing us with this opportunity to share, Chuck!

John

Before you read the following story (by an Unknown author) I need to share a few perfect mistakes that the Lord has put in my life:

*After my taxes were done this year, I was told that I would owe money...again. I knew that I needed to increase my monthly deductions but had put off doing that the year before as I didn't want to decrease my monthly income by about $100 a month. I did it anyway knowing that God would see me through—even though I didn’t have a plan for Him to achieve that--like He needed 'my plan!'
*It started out with my apartment manager telling me that this same month I qualified for a $65 deduction in my rent. Coincidence?
*When I received my paycheck stubs in the mail, I was preparing for those increased deductions. Instead, the amount I received had increased THAT MONTH (due to an unexpected cost-of-living increase.) Coincidence that it happened in the same month?
*I then received a notice from my payroll office saying that my health insurance premiums were going up another $45 a month. On the last day of open enrollment, I received another notice telling me that I qualified for the same insurance-same coverage without have to pay ANY monthly premium at all—‘Is that something I’d be interested in?’ It was just a matter of re-coding it. Somehow I don’t think that was a coincidence either…
*The same month I was required to have my ten-year-old car smog-tested. As I’m sitting in the “waiting room” praying that the Lord would spare me the expense of having to have my car fixed, the mechanic walked in, dropped his eyes and shook his head ‘no’ and said “It didn’t make it.” That made me laugh out loud and asked him if he felt like a doctor. I knew the Lord would provide a way.
*I took my car into the mechanic and he told me I would qualify for up to $500 assistance for repairs through the Bureau of Automotive Repair Consumer Affairs.

It’s comforting to know that those coincidences (or perfect mistakes) are more than just ‘a good thing’ – as my sister says ‘It’s a GOD thing!’ Thanks Chuck for letting me share God's Good Things that are never a coincidence! ~ Judi

The Perfect Mistake ~ A TRUE STORY
My mother's father worked as a carpenter. On this particular day, he was building some crates for the clothes his church was sending to orphanages in China. On his way home, he reached into his shirt pocket to find his glasses, but they were gone. When he mentally replayed his earlier actions, he realized what had happened. The glasses had slipped out of his pocket unnoticed and fallen into one of the crates, which he had nailed shut. His brand new glasses were heading for China!

The Great Depression was at its height and Grandpa had six children. He had spent $20 for those glasses that very morning. He was really upset by the thought of having to buy another pair. "It's not fair," he told God as he drove home in frustration. "I've been very faithful in giving of my time and money to your work, and now this."

Months later, the director of the orphanage was on furlough in the United States. He wanted to visit all the churches that supported him in China, so he came to speak one Sunday at my grandfather's small church in Chicago.

The missionary began by thanking the people for their faithfulness in supporting the orphanage. "But most of all," he said, "I must thank you for the glasses you sent last year. You see, the Communists had just swept through the orphanage, destroying everything, including my glasses. I was desperate. Even if I had the money, there was simply no way of replacing those glasses. Along with not being able to see well, I experienced headaches every day, so my co-workers and I were much in prayer about this. Then your crates arrived. When my staff removed the covers, they found a pair of glasses wedged between two blankets.

The missionary paused long enough to let his words sink in. Then, still gripped with the wonder of it all, he continued, "Folks, when I tried on the glasses, it was as though they had been custom made just for me! I want to thank you for being a part of that."

The people listened, happy for the miraculous glasses. But the missionary surely must have confused their church with another, they thought. There were no glasses on their list of items to be sent overseas. But sitting quietly in the back, with tears streaming down his face, an ordinary carpenter realized the Master Carpenter had used him in an extraordinary way.

There are times we want to blame God instead of thanking him! Perhaps it is something we ought to try more often, "Thank you, God, for not allowing my car to start this morning." He may have been saving your life from a car accident. "Lord Jesus, thank you for letting me lose my glasses. I'm sure they'll be put to good use or there is a lesson to be learned."

Always look for the perfect mistakes.

--Author Unknown

Chuck, After a being in the military for a short amount of time I was able to apply for a specialty school. I applied and when the posting came back for the orders I was assigned to a compltly different school and not somthing I had even thought of going to. The school was being a medic. I didnt have the first clue to anything having to do in the medical field. I learned in school I had an interest in this field and was able to pass. I was stationed in michigan and loved the field. After I got out I went to get my nursing degree and feel that I have a purpose to keep searching to find. I like to help people and its a field with alot of interesting parts to it. I dont belive I am done with it though I truly believe I am just getting a few of the prerequsites for the real adventure. I feel that I will someday be in Brazil. I started having an interest in this Country when we did a school project for a class called "World Food and Hunger". I was amazed when I learned that the More Project was based down there and I got severe goose bumps. The ride is just starting and I can't wait to see the path unfold. Many science teachers want to call it coincidence, I call it God's hand in motion. Thank you for your example of self discipline and perseverence, see you in July.

I read your blog periodically, but I have never felt to reply until this topic.

I think God-handled "coincidences" are a daily occurrence. There are even coincidences within coincidences. If we are in tune, God will show His hand everywhere.

BTW, Congrats on your engagement!

Speaking of which...I believe my most important coincidence was how God put my husband and I together.

Tom was a Freshman in college when I was graduating. We attended the same congregation and smaller activity group, but he was my second-youngest brother's age (I am the eldest of five). Also against him, his Spanish was Mexican instead of a more preferred dialect like mine (in my prideful mind at the time). So, I dutifully ignored him. After graduation, I moved to a far away city in the same state, thinking that I had seen the last of that college town of bitter-sweet memories.

About two years later, notification finally reached me (after two more moves and another city) that my graduation had not gone through. My last class had been posted as incomplete and by then had turned into an F. I was stunned and frustrated. Apparently, the final paper (essentially my thesis for Honors Anthropology) had gone missing. The professor was not there the day I turned it in. I thought I remembered handing the paper to a secretary to put in my professor's inbox, but the details were unclear. The paper had long since vanished.

I debated cutting my losses. Afterall, I was out of school, in the work force, not even using my specific degree in my chosen location. However, I had worked too long and hard to earn my degree with a dual major, dual certificates, and a minor. Besides, there was still that dream of one day going to grad school... I decided to figure out what it would take to reinstate my graduation and get my degree.

I found out that because the class had turned into an F, I had to re-enroll at the University and retake the class. Could I do it long-distance? Sure! All I would really need to do for the grade is resubmit the paper. Joy! Things seemed to be going my way.

Regrettably, as I delved into my computer and files on disk, I found to my horror that not only was my paper gone, but all of the research, contacts, etc. had disappeared as well. My youngest brother liked to tinker with computers and had wiped everything clean in an attempt to "get my computer working like new." Hard copies of anything had long been shredded or otherwise recycled. I was told that due to the situation, a long distance option would no longer be permitted and my only recourse would be to return to the University to complete my education.

I didn't see how that was going to happen. I had two jobs: a great full-time one and a beloved part-time one. I had ample opportunities for acting and expanding my talents. My friends were there. I had more dates in the short time I was there than the entire time I had been at the University. Even some of my family members had moved to that same city. I thought God wanted my life to unfold at that location.

God certainly works in mysterious ways. I began having extreme pain and fatigue which led to an inability to work at all. (Much later after many doctors and too many tests, I was told I had a debilitating form of fibromyalgia). I lost my jobs. I was unable to pursue my hobbies and interests. I couldn't socialize with friends and family. The devestating reality was that I was also without means of supporting myself.

At that crucial time, my sister and her husband graciously invited me to live with them until I could get my feet back under me. They happened to live in the same town as my University. I moved in with them that summer and made arrangements to retake the failed course in the fall. Since it was a research class, I was told that as long as I maintained periodic contact with my professor, I didn't have to physically attend any classes. I was allowed to do my work on my own time at my own pace for as long as the semester lasted (with the possibility of time extensions to accomodate my physical needs).

I believe in putting God first, so I made sure I attended church. At first I attended with my sister and her husband. Unfortunately, their congregation had no young, single people my age and I hungered for that association (as well as the ultimate hope of becoming the wife of a believer and a mom of children I could raise up to the Lord); so, I opted to attend one of the congregations affiliated with the school.

At the end of summer, our congregation split into four others to accomodate the influx of returning students. I discovered I had been erroneously assigned to the wrong summer group. The Sunday after I finally attended the correct congregation (based on residential addresses), Tom walked into the same meeting. He was living a short distance from my sister's home.

There's certainly more to that story, but the long and short of it is that we have now been married seven years with two sons. I earned my degree in Anthropology and Political Science with a minor in Spanish (emphasis in teaching) and certificates in International Relations and Cross-Cultural Communications. My fibromyalgia is (if not cured) significantly better (Thanks, Mona Vie!) and I look forward to raising my family with a husband who loves me.

Another coincidental side-note: During a business conference in Salt Lake City, my husband and I could not get a hotel room with the rest of our group. In the elevator of our hotel, we met a man who was also staying there. We struck up a conversation and I noticed a badge on his chest with his name and a title that said something like "Kekchi Translator." I said a few things to him in Kekchi (I learned Spanish and Kekchi (a Maya language) while living in Guatemala a number of years ago.) He told me that for as many years as I had been away, my pronunciation was really good. He then informed us that he was looking for Kekchi translators to help him with several long-term projects. That story is not finished yet...