I guess the just being turned into just sleeping. I have pretty much been in bed or doing little to no movement activities for the last 24 hours. Very strange for me. I tried to go into work today at lunch and they sent me home. My 12 mothers said I looked exhausted and didn't need to be in the sneezy, coughing room. I did venture out to the Dilbone's a little bit tonight. It was good to laugh. I hope this is a short mono moment.

Anywayz, gotta go... I can barely concentrate to finish this post.


Things to smile about today:
:) getting little things done
:) 12 moms

Haven't blogged in awhile...
Not sure if there is a whole lot to blog about...

... just being.

So I tried to post earlier today. The results ended up being multiple errors, no post, and no time to type it all out again. So, here I am.

I have now finished my week of having a crazy schedule. Upwards (a basketball program designed to teach about God along with how to play bball) has consummed my evenings. Okay, not completely, but it kinda felt like it. However, I have met all of the coaches in my league and even held a practice myself. I was feeling really good when I found out that one dad on my team is the assistant coach for the girls bball team at the high school, and another dad on my team is the head coach! So cool! I have all the resources I need to get these girls the basics... now I can really focus on the spiritual side of things!

Tonight, after bball... D and I went to El Zarape. We had so much fun. There were a few waiters that kept walking by and smiling. As D said, "It's good for a girl's ego." THEN... as we were leaving, D did a little cha cha cha to the music that the band was playing, and the lead guitarist saw her. He gave her a thumbs up! AND... on top of that, there were about 5 waiters standing near the grill looking strait at us while we paid our bill. When I looked up once (at which time I realized they were looking at us), one of the guys pointed at his eyes. I couldn't help but smile. When I double checked to see if what I saw was real, he did it again and they were still looking at us! We walked out of there confident and laughing so hard. It was great! Not to mention the food was good too!

Anywayz, not much else has really happened. I'm reading a really good book titled Organic Church. It is so amazing to think on these things in such a new light.


Things to smile about today:
:) Friends delight
:) non verbal compliments

It's basketball season again! Woo hoo! (The actual sport of basketball doesn't exactly thrill my soul, but the opportunities with Upward does. :) )

Just an FYI, Upward is a basketball program for children in Kindergarten through 8th grade who want to learn how to play basketball (duh). However, at every practice and game, a biblical lesson is taught to the children. Not only do they learn how to play, but they learn what it means to have a friendship with God. So cool!

Anywayz, I am coaching 1st and 2nd grade again this year. In addition, I am overseeing 9 other teams. Thus far I have greatly enjoyed it, and after tonight, I will not have to go to so many practices.

My team practices on Monday nights. I got there early to prep and get things arranged. I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do with the actual practice, I just had some ideas. Then my girls get there with their parents. One father introduces himself and informes me that he is the assistant girls basketball coach at the BGHS and that the other dad that walked in with him is the head coach! How lucky of me! I should just turn the team over, but they don't want full responsibilty. They were actually really good with asking me what I wanted to work on next, ect.

Anywayz, I gotta run. I have 4 or 5 more teams practicing tonight. :)


Things to smile about today:
:) Friends delight
:) my classroom

I've been down in good ol Belle Center, Ohio for the last 24 hours. I'm helping mom and Mike get the office next door ready for the renter. I have learned how to use a nail gun... and have nailed several base boards and trim. I have learned how to use a table saw, although I have yet to use it. (It looks a little scary!) I've painted a lot, and I've had some good laughs. :)


Things to smile about today:
:) flipping Mike with water... he falls for it every time!
:) helping get a lot accomplished
:) spending time with new friends and family

Things to smile about today:
:) children learning
:) God's protection
:) just because

Got a mariage proposal today. He isn't exactly what I thought would be my knight in shinning armor and he didn't really get down on one knee... but it was the cutest thing in the world! :)

After school I was decorating the bulliten board at the main entrance to our school. One of the cutest 4 year olds in the world was walking out with his dad. (This 4 year old was in my former classroom... and everyday he asks me when I am coming back and has even cried a couple of times.) So, as he was leaving he says, "Hey Miss Erica." (Me) "Yes, J." (J gets a big grin on his face with the cutest dimples.) "I love you and I'm going to marry you!" With that, he ran out the front door leaving his dad behind and me laughing. His dad just grinned really big and said, "He's really missed you." In which I responded, "I can tell." Never will I forget that moment.


Things to smile about today:
:) a cute boy who wants to marry me
:) big things no longer on the "to-do" list
:) a quick trip home for the weekend

Things to smile about today:
:) silence
:) completion
:) day 16

Today was a good day. I got to sleep in a little and then join my mom and stepdad for lunch down in Findlay. As I was leaving BG, I saw someone that I have not seen for a few weeks. I hate to admit, but as soon as I recognized that person, a flood of emotion came and I actually started crying. I realized then that I did not have complete healing. At first I just begged God to make it go away. To finish the healing process. To rid my heart of those feelings. To end that chapter of my life story. Then I recognized that God's timing is perfect and that everything that happenes is for His good. So I started asking Him why now and how in the world was this for the good? I started to get angry and stated out loud that I have dealt with this enough and that I don't care to deal with it again. Then I repeated my questions: Why now and how is this for the good? That's when He responded. The answers that filled my heart were simple. Now, because it is My timing. The good, did you not ask Me to heal you?

I had forgotten what I had asked God to do just moments before I questioned His motive. At that point in time, a sense of peace came, the anger left, a humble spirit was present and I knew at a deeper level how much God loves me.

The whole conversation lasted about 20 min. Shortly after, I arrived at the restaurant and was able to enjoy lunch without that burden. :)

This evening, I got to soak up God's love again. I know that He is always present but something amazing happens when a group gathers specifically to be the church. A burden was lightened for someone tonight through prayer, encouragement, the Word, and the Holy Spirit. Not just one person delivered all of these things. Through discussion and listening, the Spirit brought to mind several things through several people to share.

My words are not doing it justice. (I never have been good with words. :) ) The best I can say right now is, you'll just have to experience it.


Things to smile about today:
:) lunch with mom and Mike
:) dinner with "family"
:) times with God
:) healing

Things to smile about today:
:) time spent with my roomie
:) good laughs with C
:) day 10 complete - in good standing

It was our first day back at school and I can tell! :) It's only 8:30 and I am ready to go to bed! It was also the first day of being in my new room. I think it went rather well. The children didn't seem to be effected by the teacher swap and only one child asked where Miss Emily was. No crying children... that is always a plus.. and we even had two new little girls. Both are 3 years old... one just turned three a few days ago. I spent most of the day observing and trying to learn the children's personalities. I am positive that everything will be fine... I just hope others join that boat soon.

It's day 8 of my "One * Day" journey. There are several meanings for this title... the most significant being "one day at a time". The overall goal? Being as healthy as I can be. The short term race is 42 days long. I am hoping that it sets the stage for the life long race. So far I have two comments: 1. God is my strength 2. the effect of 100 oz. of water... need I say more.


Things to smile about today:
:) the Lord's presence
:) continued strength
:) a visual of Dilbone with his guitar and Macee's new barbie headset (includes speaker) :)