Yes...Mr. Coachy McCoacherson...I was right

Hey folks,

What a great weekend I had. It was very busy, but so nice to spend time with people that I love.   I had an amazing dinner with a great friend. Have I mentioned that I have amazing friends? :) We went to this little place down in the West Bottoms called R Bar, that makes me want to bust out my Charleston moves...Yeah, you are right, no one wants to see that. I have been thinking a lot lately about what is truly valuable in life and what keeps me going. I have started to make a list (surprise, surprise) and right at the top of the list is my relationships with others.

Jen and I spent tons of time talking about what was going on in our lives and sharing things that we struggle with. I am so thankful for strong, intelligent, female friends :)....and now, on to Mr. Coachy McCoacherson.
As a basketball referree, you quickly become accustomed to the constant questioning of your judgement, skill, and overall worth as a human being. Screaming profanity from the stands...I can't even hear you....screaming coaches from the sidelines....same thing; however, Monday, my friends, was a different story.

This was my first experience reffing at a private school. My partner warned me before hand that this coach was a screamer and a bit of a wild man. I thought it was a tad humorous when I met the coach and he was approximately my age and 5'6, but I digress. My partner was right. This guy yelled the whole game. Finally, in the third quarter he yelled directly at me. Now, I am the first to admit that as a ref (and a human) you sometimes make a mistake; however, my friends, in this case I was TOTALLY right.

I won't bore you with the details, but we got into a little bit of a friendly :) discussion and I stood my ground. He told me that if we were to review the tape that surely I would see that I had missed the call....I clearly, matter-of-factly stated that if we reviewed the tape...I would still be right ... as I was in that moment! You know, it seems like a really small thing, but that little incident made my day, because lately I have felt like the fight in me is dying... I still got it ladies!!!!




Sorry Coach...You are Wrong :)...Only I have a ponytail and am not a 60 year old man :)



God's Refining Fire

Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

My best  friend sent me these words yesterday right when I needed them! I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends. Lately, God has been working on my refinement. He has a long way to go, but He is started to make some real improvements. During any time of change, it is easy, at least for me, to feel out of control. Yesterday, God taught me another lesson in humility. Silly me to continue to believe that I have any control over my life. If I want Christ to be the author and finisher of my faith, I must submit to His will.

That is so incredibly hard for me to do. I have these conflicting desires to do God's will and have my life be a testimony of His love....and then my prideful, desires for achievement and success. I know this is something that I will always struggle with, but I am very thankful that God is working on my heart.

I have so many things to share about my recent trip to Mesoamerica. What an experience that I will be forever grateful for. I am forever a changed person and I am so thankful. My testimony of the Book of Mormon was strengthened immensely and my desire to serve others in foreign lands was magnified. I truly believe that God has given me some of my gifts and talents to do foreign service work. I don't know what that means yet, but I hope that when the time comes, I will be worthy enough to serve Him in anyway that he sees fit.  I will post pictures soon.

Today, I am focusing on what I am thankful for...My family, my hope in Christ, my friends, and for today...because, well....things change in the blink of an eye...and I am committing myself today...to living in the moment :). I know this is a pretty serious post, but some pretty serious things have been on my heart lately. I will not be satisfied with contentment...

I love you all,
Em

Snowmagedon - 2011

I, like any good Midwestern girl, love the romantic whiteness of a blustery day. I love snuggling up on the couch and reading a book without the guilt of feeling unproductive or lazy. I love putting on my Carhartt overalls (my new found love - thanks Ames) and running around in the snow and covering Miss Lola Bean in it. She, like her mama, also LOVES snow. Last night, I got home a little early and managed to completely cover the "Red-One", nose and all...in powdery whiteness. She looked hilarious! This morning, as I shoveled my way out of the snowy wonderland, I thanked God for placing within me the joy that I feel...in the small things.

My rambling spirit wanders on...Mexico here I come!!!

P.S. Happy Birthday Mary Kathryn and Happy Ground Days Hog to you all :P