Homer's Coffee House

Sometimes people are really fun to watch. Whether they are with other people or by themselves, I know for a fact that Homer's gets a ton of different people in here each day. I think of my job not as just a drink server, but as a social worker. We get people in here that are what Jim and Louise call them "EGR's" -Extra Grace Required. Homer's loves to see all different types of people come through the doors. Today I realized how fortunate our community is to have a place like Homer's. Disabled people, shy people, young people, old people, musically inclined people, youth groups, loners, you name it....they are here. People make for good stories, but most of all, they make up the kingdom of God with whom God is pleased. You can be the greatest or the least. It doesn't matter, God loves us just the same. During this holdiay season, God has shown Himself in Homer's, as me and the rest of the staff observe the family and friends that gather here.

Sometimes people are really fun to watch. Whether they are with other people or by themselves, I know for a fact that Homer's gets a ton of different people in here each day. I think of my job not as just a drink server, but as a social worker. We get people in here that are what Jim and Louise call them "EGR's" -Extra Grace Required. Homer's loves to see all different types of people come through the doors. Today I realized how fortunate our community is to have a place like Homer's. Disabled people, shy people, young people, old people, musically inclined people, youth groups, loners, you name it....they are here. People make for good stories, but most of all, they make up the kingdom of God with whom God is pleased. You can be the greatest or the least. It doesn't matter, God loves us just the same. During this holdiay season, God has shown Himself in Homer's, as me and the rest of the staff observe the family and friends that gather here.

How old ARE you?

What if our actual age was how we felt or acted and not our chronological age? A conversation might go something like this:

“I saw Bob the other day.” “How is he?” He’s about 26.” “Really the last time I saw him he was 65.” “Joe is looking good to, he’s 34.” I’m glad to hear that, I was afraid he was going to be 83 forever.” “I saw Sarah last week. You know, she’s been 65 her whole life.” “Is Dave still 13?” “Always.”

If you didn’t know when you were born, or didn’t look in a mirror, how old do you think you would you be? I’ve always been 30.

Jim

So, I figured that I haven't really done a lot with this lately, so let me bring you all up to speed of where I am today. I find myself asking questions like where will I be in 3 years from now? Where do I want to be 3 years from now? In 3 years I will have hopefully finished school and following God's plan and where my heart is. But for sure, I know my heart is in people. I am such a people person.

As of right now, I am doing everything that I can to study my hardest and hopefully get into the Social Welfare program at the University of Kansas. Rock Chalk Jayhawk! This was a huge burden on my heart because I don't want to go away, I love it here too much but at the same time I wanted to get away and get the whole "college experience" or maybe finding Mr. Right there. I wanted to go to school, but a couple of months ago my attitude on school was a lot different. I prayed really hard about it and got opinions from people (whether I had a choice or not) and I knew in my heart that if God wanted me to go on and if I felt called to go on, He would lay it all out on the table for me.

I stand now in my faith that God did exactly that. I went to my counselor's office and we were chatting about school and I have a dear friend who goes to KU now and I thought about it before. But there is so much that I want to do, how do I choose one thing? Well...she layed on the table the brochure to the Social Welfare program at KU and it was everything that I wanted and more.

I thank God for giving such a loving, supportive family at home and at Homer's. My life now feels God-driven and it is nice to know that He is driving and I am not.

-Christy

On our recent trip to France, we were surprised to find reasonably good espresso drinks available from vending machines. Unlike the sugary coffee flavored drinks we see here in Quick Trips and the like, these were real coffee drinks brewed on the spot.

Europeans have had access to high quality coffee longer than we have in the USA, and the cultures are quite different; still, this may be a sign of things to come. In fact, I am surprised that the coin-op espresso machines were introduced there first since Americans are more the "grab and gulp" types.

When the espresso/latte/tea vending machines reach our shores, I expect the companies that will be hurt the most will be the big national chain(s) that already act like big vending machines - the ones that rely on drive-thru windows, fully automatic espresso machines, have all paper cups, and discourage community.

Those of us who rely on relationships, encourage people to linger over their mochas and lattes, and offer a high degree of personal service can expect little competition from a vending machine.

What do you think? Click on comments below.

Jim

The parade was fun. A good group of Homer's crew and friends marched down the street to the tune of "Saving the World..One Latte at a Time." Did a lot of waving and greeting. Here's what it looked like from where I was sitting.

Jim

Hey everybody!! Christy here and I am telling, not asking you, I am telling you that you all need to come and join us in the Overland Park Parade. If you have not already heard about it, stop by Homer's and pick up a flyer about when and where to meet. We are meeting at 1:00pm on Saturday near 78th and Floyd. Louise is directing us under her drill instruction in the parade. Wear your attire: red shirt, jeans, and bring your favorite coffee cup. Come! I promise you it will be a blast. All the cool people are going to be there!

- Christy

Thank you for your encouragement and support in riding in the MS150 bicycle tour. The tour was 88 miles on Saturday, September 9, and 62 miles on Sunday, September 10. It was a rainy start from Lee’s Summit but the rain had cleared by the time we had gone about twenty miles. The skies were overcast, but no rain until the very end on Sunday.

Tim Andersen, from the Homer’s staff, and I rode most of the way together, but we also met up with about a dozen other people that we knew from church or the coffeehouse. Overall there were about 2,000 people on the ride. It was a wonderful time of camaraderie and fun.

I have turned in the money that I collected to the MS Society, but there are a few people who have not yet completed their pledge. If you have not sent in your pledge, please do so. Of course, you can still give more. The Multiple Sclerosis Society is a great organization.

The stated purpose of the bike tour is to raise money to fight MS, but about every rider has his or her own reasons. Mine was to prove to myself that I can still ride a bicycle 150 miles in two days. I did and I was not particularly tired or sore - only a blister or two. Praise the Lord.

There will be more of us riding next year. Please plan to join us.

Jim