Back from Sabbatical

I am back…and feeling inspired again. I always do this. I journal for a while and then get bored with myself and decide to distract myself with other endeavors. The sabbatical has done me some good…and I am feeling renewed and ready to take on the world.

Things have been going pretty stinking smoothly in my life, so, of course I am super suspicious that something is about to rock my world. Sounds a bit pessimistic you say…I say, that is how God works with me. J Who knows, maybe my life will be puppies and rainbows from here on out…I am smirking to myself as I type that last sentence. Silly Emily…

Recently I found out that I might have the opportunity to travel to Africa to do some church work. I could not be more excited. Service work is something that has been on my heart for a long time and I am so thankful and grateful that this opportunity presented itself. Now, I must get busy on preparing myself in a way God wants me to…to bring those people joy, blessings, and service!

Happy Hump Day everyone…I hope the awesomeness is abounding in your life!

Emily...In Summary

Katie Schultz's sister, who I have never met, posts some great quotes. This one, exactly, sums how I feel!

30 Songs that Changed My Life

The title is a bit dramatic, but seriously...these songs are seriously significant to me for various reasons. In homage to my insanely, rapidly approaching 30^th Birthday…without further ado…

My Favorite 30 Songs (In no particular order)

1. Love Will Keep Us Alive – Eagles

2. Forever and Ever Amen – Randy Travis

3. Stroll Over Heaven – Alan Jackson

4. Livin on Love – Alan Jackson

5. Ramblin Man – Allman Brothers

6. Little Miss Honky Tonk – Brooks & Dunn

7. If You’re Gonna Play in Texas – Alabama

8. Long Way Around – Dixie Chicks

9. Come to Jesus – Chris Rice

10. There’s Your Trouble – Dixie Chicks

11. Two of a Kind Workin on a Full House – Garth Brooks

12. Ace in the Hole – George Strait

13. Amarillo by Morning – George Strait

14. Pick-up Man – Joe Diffie

15. Cotton Fields – CCR

16. Tupelo Honey – Van Morrison

17. Meet Virginia – Train

18. Last Dance with Mary Jane – Tom Petty

19. Take the Money and Run – Steve Miller Band

20. Edelweiss – Julie Andrews

21. Living Fast Forward – Kenny Chesney

22. People Change – Kenny Chesney

23. Life’s a Dance – John Michael Montgomery

24. Gimme 3 Steps – Lynyrd Skynyrd

25. Down at the Twist and Shout – Mary Chapin Carpenter

26. Louisiana Saturday Night – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

27. Leave it There – Randall Goodgame

28. Ladies Love Country Boys – Trace Adkins

29. Home – Alan Jackson

30. Gotta Have You – The Weepies

Alcohol, Schmalcohol - I'm Over It!

In-de-ci-sion: Reluctance or inability to make up one’s mind; irresolution.

I am terribly indecisive. I make pro & cons lists, gather copious amounts of data, and wear my friends and family down with repetitive scenario analyses. My discussions with “The Doctor” on this topic have led me to the conclusion that I am a hierarchical decision maker…I need data…and plenty of it. The larger the decision is, the more information that I need to feel confident I am making the correct choice; however, in my strivings to place my life in the Lords’ hands, I am required to step-back and determine His will for me in all things.

For years, I have ridden the proverbial fence on the subject of alcohol and its presence, or lack thereof, in my life. I have abstained and partaken in varying gradients dependent upon my feelings at the time and at several points in my life, have been completely apathetic. I have struggled with whether or not I personally believe alcohol is a sin and what the Scriptures tell me about how I should conduct my life. I have had countless conversations with friends and family on both sides of the equation…all in the pursuit of gathering data.

Finally, I have arrived. Weary of internal turmoil, failing to see the value it adds to my life, exhausted in the analysis process, and cognizant of the happiness it brings another - I am finished. As unceremoniously as it entered my life, it exits and I have no doubt this is a continued part of the refining process my life has been experiencing. Sometimes we need that extra perspective to help us along the journey (at least I do)…and I am thankful for it.

Desirous never to return to the valley, I press onward striving for Christ alone to be the author and finisher of my faith!

Thinking about Thirty....

In the spirit of my quickly approaching 30^th Birthday (2 months from yesterday), I have decided to intermittently include Top 30 Lists to pay homage to my first three decades. I hope you enjoy. My first 30 List is affectionately titled:

30 Things I Have Learned in (Almost) 30 Years!

• Always follow your gut feeling…always
• Even your closest friends and family will let you down… forgive them and move on
• Taking a bath helps a stomach ache
• A little mascara and lip gloss go a long way
• Bleaching your entire head of hair is not a good idea
• Raw cookie dough will not make you sick
• It is ok to dislike golf
• When people tell you who they are….believe them
• You can not singly be responsible for another person’s happiness
• Exercise always requires a sports bra J
• If you can not tell whether it is a shirt or skirt...you should not buy it
• The rules do apply to you
• Sweet, good, kind men should always finish first
• Tell people how you feel about them…even if they don’t reciprocate
• Live life without fear and experience true adventure
• It is ok to say “no” and free your schedule for things you enjoy
• Black and brown can be worn together if done tastefully
• Be kinder than necessary
• Cute high heels are almost always worth the pain
• Mistakes foster compassion for others. Never say never…someday you might find yourself there
• Lamar’s Long Johns are worth the calories
• Single guys normally don’t just want to be your friend
• Applying makeup in the car is sometimes a necessity
• American blow dryers do not work in Europe…even with an adapter
• It is better to be overdressed
• People notice hard work
• Repeating the same behavior will bring you the same results
• Expect speed bumps and freight trains…God often teaches us the most valuable lessons at our lowest.
• Accepting a challenge simply for the purpose of having a challenge…is pointless
• Nerds win…embrace it!  J

I love the Mountains...I love the Rolling Hills

As I get older, I have slowly realized the things about myself that never seem to change. I like sleeping late, rainy nights, long runs, and slow music in the morning. Lately, I am in love with the song "Come to Jesus" by Chris Rice. It comforts me, gives me hope, and reminds me that God always calls us back to Him. It is my hope, that one day I can fully live my life in response to my desires to serve God - completely.

This weekend was extremely productive. I was truly blessed. I was humbled by my mom's willingness to help me in the yard without even being asked and am so thankful for her support. I also got to spend some time with my grandfather and my sweet friend Lindsey. Lindsey has been such a wonderful friend to me over the years. I feel so blessed for my amazing friends.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the fantastic week that I had at Mountain Camp. I felt so privileged to be among the youth and to spend time in the presence of the Lord. Every year I am humbled and amazed by the campers preparation, intelligence, and humor. Serving them is easy. The Lord blessed us completely with great weather, not-so-great weather, beautiful hikes, and the opportunity to serve a person in need. There is nowhere I would rather have been that week than at Mountain Camp serving with my friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. I returned home to more amazingness. Thank you!

I have so many things to be thankful for and completely recognize that my blessings are only through God's grace. Onward I climb up the mountain...looking for Christ alone to be the author and finisher of my faith-

Traversing My Heart

Trite but true, “The only guarantee in life is that things will change.” Self-admittedly, I like change; however, change often stirs up your life in unfamiliar ways. These past few months have been full of rapid cycles of change. I am thinking differently about this world and my relationships with those in it.  

God has been putting on my heart things that I need to reconcile within myself and those I need to reach out to with arms of forgiveness.  When I think about the relationships that I struggle with – by far- my biggest struggle is that with my mother. Due to my own neurosis, and my life experiences, I have somewhat limited my relationship with her by how much I let her in. When I think about who I really am, it saddens me that she really doesn’t know or understand me fully. Now, my responsibility is to change that – to the extent that I can; however, the problem lies in not knowing how to do that. How do you open up when your instincts are yelling for you to protect yourself?

I often think that I haven’t given my mom the full opportunity to see who I am. I withhold details about my personal life due to fear of how things will be received and as a path of least resistance. Unfortunately, that precludes me from reaping the benefits of maternal support and love.  Deep within my soul, I know that my mother loves me more than herself and would do anything for me. How do I bridge the gap between that knowledge and actively opening up to her?  I am able to openly discuss compartmentalized topics with her with little to no reservation…the challenge becomes opening the flood gate and allowing her access to otherwise prohibited parts of me.  Here’s to the journey for continued growth. God’s patience with me is astounding.

Go thy way unto thy brother, and first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I will receive you.

3 Nephi 5:72



Contentment: Friend or Foe?

The word “contentment” leaves a bad taste in my life.  In the past, to me, contentment has meant apathy, stagnancy, and lack of ambition; however, today, God’s movement in my life is causing me to rethink what it truly means to be content. Can contentment = happiness? Being the nerd that I am, of course I looked up the word contentment to find out more about it. According to the dictionary Contentment is defined as: the state of being contented; satisfaction; ease of mind…or Contentment (adj): to be mentally or emotionally satisfied with things as they are….

Did that clear things up for you? It certainly didn’t for me. If we are to be a humble, thankful people…does that mean we have to be mentally or emotionally satisfied with thing as they are? Is it ungrateful and sinful to strive for things beyond what God has already blessed you with?  1 Timothy 6- 7 says: “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment, let us be therewith content”.

Perhaps by restlessness comes from a lack of faith that God will provide me with all I need to be content.  I’ll get back to you on that thought….

Desirous never to return to the valley…I strive onward up the mountain…seeking for Christ, alone, to be the author and finisher of my faith.

Rambling Woman :)

The restlessness is back…and it is back in full force. I wonder if I am just innately restless and my soul will always long to wander. Does anyone else feel like this constantly or am I just insane? Goodbye 6 months of contentment…It was nice knowing you. J As my lens is changing, this time I wonder if the restlessness is something not of God....something that is trying to push me to feel I need to “attempt” to take back control of my life from Him. Well….it isn’t going to work this time. While I am restless (Am I Ever!), I continue to pray that God will lead me to my next whatever...and only He knows where and when that next whatever will be J

Lookout world…the traveling sisters are in the air again. Here we come Casper, Wyoming. You won’t even know what hit ya ;)

Come to the Mountain of the Lord

Rochelle developed a preparation guide for Mountain Camp this year. You can imagine my delight when I saw the title…”Forty Days of Preparation to Come to the Mountain of the Lord.” How perfect!!! The materials have been great, but today’s theme is particularly resonating with me…

James 4:7-8 -“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw high to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and he shall lift you up.” 

In the valley, I often experienced an absence of the Holy Spirit in my life. I rarely felt God’s Spirit, and if I did, I questioned its authenticity. While I was intellectually self-actualized and fully aware of the reason for the void, I felt paralyzed by my own apathy. Through prayer, fasting, and repentance the Holy Spirit is working within me to resist the devil….and he is, indeed, fleeing from me! I have been asking myself lately what I am willing to give up for the Lord? As I struggle with reoccurring sins…I am being honest with myself…is any amount of sin acceptable before the Lord? Will Christ accept my rationalization and procrastination? Of course, the answer is no; however, the catch is translating intellectual thought to practice. And so...I will

continue to cleanse myself and seek Him...because, well, afterall....what else matters?

We’re marching to Zion, beautiful, beautiful Zion, we’re marching onward to Zion the beautiful City of God

The Assent...

Happy Tuesday everyone! The sun is shining and the awesomeness is abounding. There are so many things to be thankful for today. Thank you all for your encouragement in weathering the storm and waiting for God to rebuild me in the way he desires. I truly am blessed with the most amazing, sweet friends. The journey has already been pretty fantastic (insert Fantastic Voyage lyrics here) - I can’t wait to see what is around the corner.

The Lord is definitely providing me with massive amounts of assistance on this journey of refinement. Strikingly, I have been amazed at the inner peace and the contentment, even if fleeting, that comes with submission. Wow, I can’t believe I just typed that last sentence, but that truly is representative of how my lens is refocusing. Unfortunately, paralleling the joy attached to changing my heart is the sadness in the realization of my blindness, pride, and stubbornness. Ambiguity in my life’s trajectory is dissipating each day…and with that, comes a profoundly clear picture of what I have been missing.

Nonetheless, I am encouraged. God loves me (and you) and truly desires our happiness. While I haven’t always magnified my discernment in traversing the mountain range of life, and I most certainly have left my map at home (or brought the wrong one) at times, I continue to climb the mountain of faith – resolute to never return to the valley.  

Luke 9:62: And Jesus said unto him, No man having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Send Me Forth, Oh Blessed Master

As children, we crave the freedom and independence of adulthood

As adults, we longingly wish for the days of our carefree youth

This past weekend, I was blessed with 16 high school and middle school students

We traveled to a rather ordinary place, but the experiences we had were extraordinary

The youth showed loved, compassion, and resounding determination to serve the Lord

I was uplifted simply by being in their presence

Friends, God is moving. He is a living God  who works in our lives today – seeking to bless us if we just turn to Him! The field is white ready to harvest… The needs are great, but the laborers are few. I am determined, more than ever, that my life will be a living sacrifice...of His love.

Send Me Forth, Oh Blessed Master

Send me forth, oh blessed Master! Where are souls in sorrow bowed,

Send me forth to homes of want and homes of care.

And with joy I will obey the sound and in thy blessed name

I will take the blessed light of the gospel there

Refrain
Call me forth to active service And my prompt reply shall be,
“Here am I! send me.” I am ready to report for orders,
Master, summon me, And I'll go on any errand of love for thee.

There are lives that may be brightened by a word of hope and cheer,
There are souls with whom life's blessings I should share.
There are hearts that may be lightened of the burdens which they bear;
Let me take the blessed hope of the gospel there.

 

There is work within the vineyard, there is service to be done.
There's a message of salvation to declare;
Send me forth to tell the story to the hearts of sinful men.
Let me take the blessed Christ of the gospel there.

 Oh, I would not be an idler in the vineyard of the Lord;
With the Christ the vineyard labor I would share;
Into hearts that know not Jesus I would speak the saving word;
Let me take the blessed joy of the gospel there

Giving Venus a Run for Her Money….

Have I mentioned that life is FANTASTIC right now J? Yesterday was insane and I slept less than 4 hours last night, but I had an amazing, blessed day! Sure today I am living on Diet Coke and No Doze (true story), but those precious life moments…the days that you truly live every single minute...are so treasured!

As I was sitting in prayer service last night, I really felt the need to focus on the pursuit of unity and Christ’s love for all of us. While Christ did come to divide believer from nonbeliever, He also came to show us how to love one another. I have so much work to do in this area. Can you imagine if every person was truly loving and looking for ways to serve their neighbors every day? We would have Zion tomorrow!

The rest of the evening was spent running, playing tennis (I am horrendous), and genuinely enjoying the company of wonderful friends. Having left the valley and striving to never look back, I prayerfully climb the mountain…earnestly seeking for Christ to be the author and finisher of my faith.

Weak and wounded sinner

Lost and left to die

O, raise your head for love is passing by

Come to Jesus

Come to Jesus

Come to Jesus and live!

It Really Is All About the Journey

God’s love is perfect

God’s love is just

God’s love is merciful

God's love is enough

God’s love is boundless, ageless, and pure

God’s love is all encompassing, steady, and sure

When life’s road gets bumpy and the going gets tough

God’s love saves us, because God’s love is enough

Wonderful Randomness...and Mountains!

Don't you find that life is so wonderfully random? My life has been a series of random encounters, events, and people. I have found so much happiness in those random moments ; however, recently the random universe seems to have a little more order.  As I have made a conscious effort to more closely align my life with God's Will, it is amazing how once random things start to become a little more intentionally designed. God is slowly showing me a small morsel of His Will through the people I have met and experiences that I have had lately. God has been placing people in my life who can empathize with my struggles and lovingly support me, but also who want/need to hear some of the lessons God has taught me. Isn't God's unconditional love astounding? He seeks to bless us when we seek Him.

Speaking of blessings, have I mentioned that I have spent the last three days in Denver? Colorado makes my heart smile like no other place that I have been in the world. Colorado feels like home and every time I visit my soul longs to be here permanently. It has always been such a struggle between simultaneously wanting to live close to friends, family and the church...and to run to the mountains...where God speaks to me every day through nature! I haven't figured out that internal struggle yet and I am leaving it to Christ to move me in the direction He wants me to go....but, I can't help wishing His plan involves Colorado :).

Let us learn this lesson from Nehemiah: you never lighten the load unless first you have felt the pressure in your own soul. You are never used of God to bring blessing until God has opened your eyes and made you see things as they are. – Alan Redpath -

Where 2 or 3 are Gathered...

My friend Cara had this amazing idea to start a get together once a month. It is a time for people to bring food, share testimonies, and pray for one another. Tuesday, I got the opportunity to spend an evening completely in the presence of the Lord. With literally no silences, everyone shared testimonies, listened to prayer requests, and prayed for one another. The sense of unity was inspiring and truly encouraged my spirit. God is amazing and truly wishes to bless us when we turn to him.

Matthew 18:20- For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them

The Cowboy Rides Away

I am riding on a spiritual high from last week. Not only did I get to attend wonderful services every night, but I got the amazing opportunity to spend one of the nights in church with my grandparents. The spirit was there in abundance and I was overwhelmed to hear both of my grandparents sing the Spirit of God and Redeemer of Israel. As my grandparents get older I realize how precious those moments are… and that night…I again, counted by blessings.

Now…about this weekend…If only he was 20 years younger, single, and knew I existed... This weekend Mary and I got the amazing experience of seeing, the one and only Mr. George Strait, in concert in Columbia.  Not only is George a beautiful man, but what woman wouldn’t swoon when he sings Amarillo by Morning. Fantasies aside, Kates and I enjoyed a leisurely Saturday shopping in CoMo, antiquing in Rocheport, and even a little trip to Kleinschmidts where I purchased a sweet new pair of cowboy boots…not a bad little weekend if you ask me J.  Now I just need a cowboy….;)

Of One Heart and One Mind...

When I look back on my life, I hope that I remember the times of trial, times of laughter, times of joy, and most importantly the precious moments spent with the people who I hold dearest to my heart. There is nowhere on this planet that I would rather have been last night…than where I was. There are no friendships like the friendships shared among the saints….and my life has been no exception.

My heart woke up smiling, rejoicing in the opportunity that the day provided me…to be a blessing, to think of others before myself, and most importantly to love. I am working on forming new habits, changing my reality, and climbing the mountain of faith. Following Jen J.’s recommendation, today I began to write down my prayers. As they are answered I plan to write down the answers as well…that I might have testimonies and reminders of God’s love and diligence in answering our prayers.

I started with nine specific prayers. If I exercise persistence, discernment, and faith believing - I know God will answer my prayers. No shocker…first on my list is:

“Heavenly Father, Please help me to completely give my life over to you and to trust in your infinite wisdom and love. Please continue to show me the things that are keeping me from you and help me to release the need for control that has burdened me for way too long.”

The Awesomeness Abounds

.

It is amazing what happens when you take the time to listen…and hear the words of the Lord. Last night I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Conference of Restoration Elders and listen to the words of counsel from a friend. He challenged us to Rise, Return, and Rebuild. I felt like he was speaking directly to me as my heart, and life, have risen and are returning to Him.

I also had the pleasure of speaking with the ever-so-wise Amy Simpson aka Rita and one of my best friends in the whole -wide world. Ames really listened and helped me gain some perspective on the recent events of my life. She allowed me to be real…and man…sometimes you just need to “be real” about what is going on in your life and within your soul. I know the clouds will part and the sun will shine soon, because I have a wonderful family, amazing friends, and a Lord who gave His son to die for MY sins!

This morning I woke up feeling renewed and joyful! My joyful heart is bursting through- longingly- waiting for a time when it can fully rejoice again. The refiner’s fire is hot…but the awesomeness will soon abound!

And, of course, the dude…always abides J That is for you Rita.

Christ's Love Is Enough

When things seem to be closing in around me, I am re-learning to look to Christ for my strength and comfort. The arm of flesh is weak, but Jesus is strong. The journey is not easy, the path is rough, but Christ will sustain me in times of loneliness and sadness, because He wants me to completely give my life to Him. I have been so blind, but now, finally, I am beginning to see. I know God is breaking me down to build me back up.

My blessings in life are abundant and my life is so fulfilling. Why does human nature cause us to focus on the deficiencies? I found out today that my friend has cancer. My sweet friend who would do anything for anyone in this world has cancer and it just seems so unfair…and I am worrying about my small bumps in the road –  Today, my prayer’s are with her, because well…she is amazing and I love her.

Hebrews 12:1-2: Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Mothers and Daughters...

My mom and I had one of those conversations yesterday that mothers only have with their daughters…and it was exactly what I needed. I left my parent’s house with my eyes puffy from tears, but feeling renewed and reassured. I have been going through a lot of things lately…and what do you know…my mom has been too. It is amazing how when you start to share your hopes, fears, and burdens with others…they reveal things about their lives that you never knew.

Vulnerability is so hard…at least for me. I like to feel strong, independent, and capable of anything and everything…but, you know sometimes I don’t feel that way. I am finally letting myself realize that that is ok.

Onward I climb up the mountain…striving for Christ alone to be the author and finisher of my faith.

 

Moody Mushroom...

I have been one moody mushroom lately.  Never in my life have I been as moody as I have been in the last few weeks. Man…I don’t know how people do it…I strongly dislike these fluctuations in my temperament, but I am learning that change is disrupting me to my very core. God has been calling me to change my reality…to push myself to cleanse my life of the things that are keeping me from fulfilling His purposes….and finally, finally I am listening.

A few months ago God stopped whispering and started shouting to me …Tired of my rebellion, God has resorted to direct scolding…and I don’t blame Him…I am often stubborn and prideful. Through this sifting period, God is requiring me to not accept mediocrity…to not be satisfied with giving some of myself…he is asking me…to give all. Lately I have felt in chaos and completely out of control with the direction my life is heading. You know what though….I know God is using one of my many weaknesses, the need to feel in control…to refine me…and I can’t wait, CAN NOT WAIT, for the rebirth J

Look out world!

I am blessed...

Awhile ago I was looking for some inspirational quotes. Today, as I was organizing my office I ran across one that I had written down. It is as applicable to my life today as it was when I found it and wrote it down.

"Choose feelings over logic, adventure over perfection, here over there, now over then, and always, love, love, love."

I choose feelings, adventure, here, now, and love!!!! I am blessed beyond measure and today I am counting my blessings...because only the Lord knows what tomorrow brings.

Busy Bumble Bee..

I rediscovered last weekend that I am terrible with down time. I want every moment of my life to reflect the joy that God has placed within my heart and in those moments of down time - I feel well...unfulfilled. God designed me to be a doer and when I don't have anything to do... I feel lost. My grandma said to me the other day, "Emily, you are always going somewhere or doing something. You just seem to always have to be constantly busy." Her observation did cause me to pause for a moment and reflect on her thought. Perhaps, I do need to slow down sometimes and just well...be.

The catch 22 here is that there are so many things that I value in my life, so many things that I love to do, and I don't want to waste one moment not exploring, learning, or helping someone. Someday, perhaps I will find a balance between the constant need to "go,go,go" and the need to relax and slow down. Who knows...crazier things have happened.

Happy Friday friends. Here is to the journey, climbing the mountain, and striving to make God the author and finisher of your faith!!

Em 

Preach on Sheryl....A Change WILL Do You Good

That IS deep Sheryl... Who knew Sheryl Crow could be so profound? I mean she is a Theta, but ya know. If you have been reading my blog lately, you know that I have been feeling God's movement in my life to make some major changes. While change is in fact GOOD, change is hard...and I am learning (once again...ughh) how much of a planner I am and how I like to think I am in control of my life.

That word "control" is such a powerful word when you think about it. In my perfect world, people respond to my needs and do things in my timing...what God requires is us to submit to HIS will and turn over that control to Him. Sheesh God, how about I just go to church once in a while. Just kidding... I want to follow His will, but that total submission is SUCH a process. I find myself worrying about things that I have ABSOLUTELY no control over.

My friends are brilliant (true story)...and it seems that they always have the right things to say at the right time. Today my friend Lacy, who is also my wonderful hairstylist, and just found out she is having another BOY, said something that really made me think...She said, Emily, I am so proud that you identified an issue in your life and dealt with it instead of just pretending that everything was fine. Now, what Lacy doesn't know is the journey it took me to get to there lasted a really long time, BUT the important thing is that I am trying to move myself to that higher plane that God requires us to aspire.

Onward up the mountain I will climb...I will not be discouraged...because I am walking in faith and victory, for the Lord my God is with ME!!

Peace out homeslices-

Putting My Money Where My Mouth Is

Well...I am now living my motto for 2011:

"When you decide to step off the stone of fear... Your feet and heart are free to step through the doorway of faith."

Here is to faith...and climbing the mountain! I hope you all will join me on my journey. 

Bad Barb's Birthday Photo Shoot

Bean Town Or Bust

This week has been full of ups and downs. I started off the week pretty sick with a really cool bronchitis bug and now I am ending the week with a trip to Bean Town to see my very good friend, and partner in many crimes, David Jacob Reisman...get married! I hoped to find a new dress, but alas, no time and let's be honest....I don't need another dress :) BUT, this one sure is pretty!!

Today, the sun is shining and God seems to be smiling down on us giving us hope that spring is just around the corner. I sure hope so.

This week I was able to make it to church again for Prayer Meeting (2 weeks in a row!!!) and share one of the testimonies I received recently. It was also so uplifting to hear the testimonies of others. I hope that I continue to make this a priority in my life.

Katy and I FINALLY got our pictures taken for mom's birthday! Her only request is that we give her a picture of us for every birthday. Well, we are behind and still owe her a picture from last year. NOTHING like waiting until the last minute. Thanks to Jana, we were able to get some pictures taken and will have them in time for Barbara Ann's Birthday! We already have the next pic planned...it's going to be amazingly awkward!!! Stay tuned.

Well, it's off to Boston for me.

America the Crazy

Really America, are we only capable of journalism that pertains to Charlie Sheen's latest bender and who will be on Dancing with the Stars? For what I am about to say...I must add a disclaimer: I, as much as the next girl, really enjoy a good, brainless magazine. I might even check People.com every morning before I start my work day, but seriously...the world is in economic crisis, entire countries are imploding, and the American media is spending its time counting and recounting Charlie Sheen's rants and raves. It is ridiculous that I know that his girlfriends are called "the goddesses" and that his wife has a restraining order on him, but you would pretty much have to be living in a hole these days to avoid the barrage of junk floating around.

I, unlike Charlie Sheen, have had a good week. Hospital Land is going well and finally, things have slowed down a little. I got to spend my Tuesday night with Vern and Ruthel (Gpa and Gma) and Wednesday night in church. One of the major reasons that I moved back to Missouri was to be near my grandparents. Unfortunately, it took a major health event in my family for me to realize that I was not spending the kind of time that I need to with them. In this world, there is no place that I would rather be...than at my grandparents house. It is a safe, cuddly, blanketed place that scares the world away and where everything is sweet, simple, and filled with sugary goodness. I got to spend 3 whole hours with the amazing, kind people who are my grandparents...and I counted my blessings. I am trying to do more of that these days.

As for church, I forgot how much I enjoy prayer service. I hate to admit this, but that was the first Wednesday night church service I have been to in over a year. For me, it's a time of meditation, focus, and contemplation. It's in these times that the still small voice whispers to me and counsels my soul. My dear friend William happened to be at church that night as well and we were able to sit together. I was eagerly anticipating the opportunity to share some testimonies, as I have had so many lately; however, time didn't allow for it. That's ok, I will carry the message on my heart until the next opportunity to share...maybe next week! After the service, I was blessed again by the time I was able to spend with William. We were able to talk, really talk about what was going on in our lives and he listened, really listened. At the end, he said something that moved me...changed my frame of reference...and made it impossible, absolutely impossible for my life to ever be the same. Wow-


Vern Alma



Ruthel Ellen





My favorite red head

 



Psalm 100:5: For the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endureth to all generations.

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 :)