Welp, I had my wisdom teeth out on Wednesday. It all went pretty swimmingly, now I just can't open my mouth real wide, have a hard time chewing, and have to keep ice packs on my face. All in all I feel like a chipmunk. But it could have been worse, I'm just thankful that the pain has been manageable and the bleeding stopped the first day. However, being high on Lortab during the day, which makes me sleep, has thrown off my sleep schedule and I hardly got any sleep last night. So I'm going to try and not take the Lortab today and see if I can't get by on Advil and Tylenol. I still don't feel at my best, just kind of blah today. I'll probably stay on the couch and watch something pointless.
Twenty-six more days until I go back to school. This is rather exciting, but it also means that I need to start making a list of supplies I need, going through my old stuff, and getting those chapel summaries done. I got one chapel summary done the other day, I just have three more to do. They shouldn't be that bad, I have some days off next week from work so I can do them then. I'm looking forward to going back, it seems like this summer has been so long. I've loved being home, but sometimes, when one is back in Hattiesburg, it feels like one has not been away at all. Still, it's been nice being with the family and eating home food and just plain being home. But it's time to start back with a schedule now.
I would make this post longer, but I am really not thinking very straight right now. So I'm going to close and try to post at a later date when I'm on top of things. Bye all.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Oh look! An update!
While Bryant was in PA he picked up a few Calvin and Hobbes comic books. Naturally I have been reading them periodically since he got home, and it made me realize how much I love those books. Bryant and I used to read them all the time when we were younger. We'd start acting like Calvin and Mom would ban us from reading them. But then she's always either forget that she had banned us or took pity on us, because we'd get right back to reading them. The things that Calvin comes up with are priceless, and it made me think some about my childhood. That and the Andy Griffith episodes Bryant and I watched today reminded me that I had a pretty darn good childhood.
I saw on the American Girl Doll site that you can now create a virtual doll and play with her online. I was outraged. That defeats the purpose of having a doll! The company also discontinued the two dolls that I own... a further outrage. Whatever happened to kids using their imagination? Sometimes I look at all the crap that is invented for kids nowadays and I'm convinced we're trying to ruin the younger generation. We give them no room to create world of their own, to make swords out of sticks and pies out of mud. There's no room for kids to be kids now. Parents don't want to put up with their children so they stick them in front of a TV. Sure there are some exceptions to these parents, but I still am losing faith.
My brother and I were a little older when we started reading Calvin and Hobbes, obviously we wouldn't have been able to understand it when we were much younger. I guess Calvin and his tiger friend were staples of my 'middle school years' and maybe don't fit into what I'm ranting about. The Andy Griffith show was just a staple of my family, a TV show I grew up watching with my parents. But that was usually only an episode a day. The times I remember most growing up were spent out of doors. There's a picture on Facebook of Bryant and me taken when the family was camping. Both of us are dirty, a little sweaty, but so happy our smiles probably made our faces hurt. We were children and were allowed to act like children. Shouldn't that be the way the world works?
To be fair, I know kids at my church who have just as good of a time being children as I did, but the society today scares me. Kids are being given alternatives to playing outside and using their imagination. Computer games, video games, hand-held games, and portable DVD players are now provided readily to children. And then when they reach fifth grade their being given cell phones and immediately learn to text. What a convenient way to teach our children how to not pay attention to the world around them or communicate effectively with other humans. What gets me is when I see families go out to eat and spend the whole time texting. Or the parents who bring portable DVD players to entertain the children. Great parenting skills. I weep for those children.
Maybe I'm being pessimistic. Maybe there are more children who are given the freedom to enjoy their childhood, and maybe there is more communication going on with live people than I think. It just seems that every time I look around I'm seeing more and more disturbing inventions.
Childhood for me was exploring the woods behind Anna Beth's house, building forts, playing pioneer, jumping around in the sprinkler, playing man-hunt at church, playing with my real doll, and talking to my parents around the dinner table. Is this concept of childhood in danger? Will fewer and fewer children enjoy the wonders of nature and imagination? Or is there hope in mankind after all. I guess as long as we don't let technology rule our lives we'll be just fine. Still, it's something that worries me.
With that cheerful update, I shall go. Sorry to be depressing, I was just thinking about it today. Maybe tomorrow I'll have a few cheerful thoughts to blog about. And I can tell you about my crazy adventures. Oh wait.... that's my imagination talking. Guess my childhood was a little too effective.
I saw on the American Girl Doll site that you can now create a virtual doll and play with her online. I was outraged. That defeats the purpose of having a doll! The company also discontinued the two dolls that I own... a further outrage. Whatever happened to kids using their imagination? Sometimes I look at all the crap that is invented for kids nowadays and I'm convinced we're trying to ruin the younger generation. We give them no room to create world of their own, to make swords out of sticks and pies out of mud. There's no room for kids to be kids now. Parents don't want to put up with their children so they stick them in front of a TV. Sure there are some exceptions to these parents, but I still am losing faith.
My brother and I were a little older when we started reading Calvin and Hobbes, obviously we wouldn't have been able to understand it when we were much younger. I guess Calvin and his tiger friend were staples of my 'middle school years' and maybe don't fit into what I'm ranting about. The Andy Griffith show was just a staple of my family, a TV show I grew up watching with my parents. But that was usually only an episode a day. The times I remember most growing up were spent out of doors. There's a picture on Facebook of Bryant and me taken when the family was camping. Both of us are dirty, a little sweaty, but so happy our smiles probably made our faces hurt. We were children and were allowed to act like children. Shouldn't that be the way the world works?
To be fair, I know kids at my church who have just as good of a time being children as I did, but the society today scares me. Kids are being given alternatives to playing outside and using their imagination. Computer games, video games, hand-held games, and portable DVD players are now provided readily to children. And then when they reach fifth grade their being given cell phones and immediately learn to text. What a convenient way to teach our children how to not pay attention to the world around them or communicate effectively with other humans. What gets me is when I see families go out to eat and spend the whole time texting. Or the parents who bring portable DVD players to entertain the children. Great parenting skills. I weep for those children.
Maybe I'm being pessimistic. Maybe there are more children who are given the freedom to enjoy their childhood, and maybe there is more communication going on with live people than I think. It just seems that every time I look around I'm seeing more and more disturbing inventions.
Childhood for me was exploring the woods behind Anna Beth's house, building forts, playing pioneer, jumping around in the sprinkler, playing man-hunt at church, playing with my real doll, and talking to my parents around the dinner table. Is this concept of childhood in danger? Will fewer and fewer children enjoy the wonders of nature and imagination? Or is there hope in mankind after all. I guess as long as we don't let technology rule our lives we'll be just fine. Still, it's something that worries me.
With that cheerful update, I shall go. Sorry to be depressing, I was just thinking about it today. Maybe tomorrow I'll have a few cheerful thoughts to blog about. And I can tell you about my crazy adventures. Oh wait.... that's my imagination talking. Guess my childhood was a little too effective.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The Puritans Were On To Something
I was getting ready for bed tonight and decided to look up some Puritan Prayers. Sometimes I find it helpful to look up prayers that are already written out in addition to my own prayers. It is amazing how spot-on these prayers can be, how helpful and uplifting they are. Here is the Valley of Vision.
"Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly, Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory. Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up, that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart, that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, that to have nothing is to possess all, that to bear the cross is to wear the crown, that to give is to receive, that the valley is the place of vision. Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine; let me find Thy light in my darkness, Thy life in my death, Thy joy in my sorrow, Thy grace in my sin, Thy riches in my poverty, Thy glory in my valley."
It's so amazing how God uses the weakness in his people to bring about his will and his plan. I think I go around saying to myself, 'you need to be better at this, you need to fix this about yourself, you need to be stronger, you need to be better, you need to be perfect.' What I forget is that I don't have the ability on my own to be stronger, to be better, and certainly not to be perfect. I can't even imagine perfection, but God can. God is perfection and his perfect plan will be accomplished no matter what I do. I don't have to be perfect (I can't be perfect) because I have a perfect God. And this perfect God decided that the likes of me was worth saving? Was worth giving his only son up to die? I did nothing, absolutely nothing worthy of God's love. But God doesn't care.
I can just imagine when I stress out about my life ahead of me and get so worried about not listening for God, misinterpreting his plans, that God just laughs softly and puts me on the right track. I'm sure he's saying 'Oh, Lindsey, dearest. Don't worry, I know exactly where you need to be and what you need to be doing. Here's a nudge in the right direction, just stop worrying. I've got a much better plan than you could ever imagine. You think I've blessed you beyond belief? Well, here's another blessing. Oh Lindsey, why do you keep asking why I give you these gifts. Don't you know it's because I delight in giving you more, I delight in your joy. I cry with you, I laugh with you. I made you in my image, don't you think that you are precious to me?'
Lord, grant that I will never cease to be amazed by your goodness, your love, your sense of humor. When I am in the depths of despair, let me never forget that you are suffering with me. You never promised that things would be easy, that I would be happy all the time. You simply promised that you would be on my side, feeling my feelings. You would be there to pick me up again, bring me out of the fire, stronger and better than I was before.
Help me to see that the Valley is a place of vision. Even in the darkest of times when I am at my weakest, help me to see you grace and goodness. Grant that I never turn my back on you, that every experience I go through would strengthen my faith. I can't wait to see what you have in store for me. But right now I will continue to be overcome by your goodness and love.
"O God, most high, most glorious, the thought of Thine infinite serenity cheers me, for I am toiling and moiling, troubled and distressed, but Thou art for ever at perfect peace. Thy designs cause thee no fear or care of fulfillment, they stand fast as the eternal hills. Thy power knows no bond, Thy goodness no stint. Thou bringest order out of confusion, and my defeats are Thy victories: The Lord God omnipotent reigneth."
"O God, may Thy Spirit speak in me that I may speak to Thee. Lord Jesus, great high priest, Thou hast opened a new and living way by which a fallen creature can approach Thee with acceptance."
"Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly, Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory. Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up, that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart, that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, that to have nothing is to possess all, that to bear the cross is to wear the crown, that to give is to receive, that the valley is the place of vision. Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine; let me find Thy light in my darkness, Thy life in my death, Thy joy in my sorrow, Thy grace in my sin, Thy riches in my poverty, Thy glory in my valley."
It's so amazing how God uses the weakness in his people to bring about his will and his plan. I think I go around saying to myself, 'you need to be better at this, you need to fix this about yourself, you need to be stronger, you need to be better, you need to be perfect.' What I forget is that I don't have the ability on my own to be stronger, to be better, and certainly not to be perfect. I can't even imagine perfection, but God can. God is perfection and his perfect plan will be accomplished no matter what I do. I don't have to be perfect (I can't be perfect) because I have a perfect God. And this perfect God decided that the likes of me was worth saving? Was worth giving his only son up to die? I did nothing, absolutely nothing worthy of God's love. But God doesn't care.
I can just imagine when I stress out about my life ahead of me and get so worried about not listening for God, misinterpreting his plans, that God just laughs softly and puts me on the right track. I'm sure he's saying 'Oh, Lindsey, dearest. Don't worry, I know exactly where you need to be and what you need to be doing. Here's a nudge in the right direction, just stop worrying. I've got a much better plan than you could ever imagine. You think I've blessed you beyond belief? Well, here's another blessing. Oh Lindsey, why do you keep asking why I give you these gifts. Don't you know it's because I delight in giving you more, I delight in your joy. I cry with you, I laugh with you. I made you in my image, don't you think that you are precious to me?'
Lord, grant that I will never cease to be amazed by your goodness, your love, your sense of humor. When I am in the depths of despair, let me never forget that you are suffering with me. You never promised that things would be easy, that I would be happy all the time. You simply promised that you would be on my side, feeling my feelings. You would be there to pick me up again, bring me out of the fire, stronger and better than I was before.
Help me to see that the Valley is a place of vision. Even in the darkest of times when I am at my weakest, help me to see you grace and goodness. Grant that I never turn my back on you, that every experience I go through would strengthen my faith. I can't wait to see what you have in store for me. But right now I will continue to be overcome by your goodness and love.
"O God, most high, most glorious, the thought of Thine infinite serenity cheers me, for I am toiling and moiling, troubled and distressed, but Thou art for ever at perfect peace. Thy designs cause thee no fear or care of fulfillment, they stand fast as the eternal hills. Thy power knows no bond, Thy goodness no stint. Thou bringest order out of confusion, and my defeats are Thy victories: The Lord God omnipotent reigneth."
"O God, may Thy Spirit speak in me that I may speak to Thee. Lord Jesus, great high priest, Thou hast opened a new and living way by which a fallen creature can approach Thee with acceptance."
Home and Dentist Appointments
Well, after eleven days my family has traversed back home. The trip was fun, lengthy, but fun. I loved seeing York, Pennsylvania (Bryant's home for six months), as well as the surrounding area. When we visited Gettysburg it was a little warm to get out and walk around much, but we did the audio driving tour and that was great fun. The poor little man giving the tour sounded... kind of like Barney Fife when he recited the Preamble. Every time a new track came on the family mercilessly made fun of him. Despite this I learned some extremely interesting facts about Gettysburg and realized that radio communication is really helpful in battle. Because they had none in the Civil War. And things got messed up. It would have helped to have had radios. Such as the battalion of North Carolinians who veered too far to the left and got blown up by Union soldiers. If their commander had had a radio he could have told them, 'Hey guys, you're going a little too far left. Fix that plz, k thnx.'
Anyway, there are my thoughts on Gettysburg. Also, Pennsylvania towns really like round-abouts. Probably so they can make a town square and build nifty statues in the middle. But still, almost all the towns we passed through on the way to Gettysburg had round-abouts. I found it interesting. You will probably not.
Our drive through the mountains of North Carolina was just beautiful. It made you feel blessed to be alive. After this drive we camped in Alabama (I say camped, but we really just stayed in a cabin) and watched the World Cup final. I was rooting for the Netherlands, but I was kind of okay with Spain winning because of their amazingly attractive team. Yes I am that shallow.
Now that we are home, my days have been spent going to the dentist and getting everything taken care of that needs to be taken care of. I had two cavities filled today, next week I'm having some more filled and seeing an oral surgeon about getting my wisdom teeth removed. Those smart little teeth will have to be taken out before I go back to school, so... joy. Mom had to see the dentist this week too, so I kinda felt like we lived there the past couple of days. I don't mind too much since Dr. Tatum is an awesome-blossom, extra awesome, but I don't like getting shots in my mouth and having a constant weird taste in my mouth because of the fillings. *sigh*
Bryant's rolling on in to town tonight, he should be here anytime. He took a couple of extra days on the road to photograph and visit his friend Timothy at Auburn. I'm looking forward to having him home, it's nice to not be the only child in the house.
OH! I almost forgot. I bought Brothers in Battle, Best of Friends the other day and received it in the mail when I got back from my journey. It's a book written by two of the real guys in the company Band of Brothers was based on. I'm almost done reading it. It has been a wonderfully entertaining read, mostly because the two guys are funny little men from South Philly and talk as such.
This post has been more of a 'here's what's been going on in my life' rather than a 'here's some interesting thoughts of mine' but oh well. I don't really have any deep and profound thoughts today, just updates. Maybe next time I'll have something better.
Toodles!
Anyway, there are my thoughts on Gettysburg. Also, Pennsylvania towns really like round-abouts. Probably so they can make a town square and build nifty statues in the middle. But still, almost all the towns we passed through on the way to Gettysburg had round-abouts. I found it interesting. You will probably not.
Our drive through the mountains of North Carolina was just beautiful. It made you feel blessed to be alive. After this drive we camped in Alabama (I say camped, but we really just stayed in a cabin) and watched the World Cup final. I was rooting for the Netherlands, but I was kind of okay with Spain winning because of their amazingly attractive team. Yes I am that shallow.
Now that we are home, my days have been spent going to the dentist and getting everything taken care of that needs to be taken care of. I had two cavities filled today, next week I'm having some more filled and seeing an oral surgeon about getting my wisdom teeth removed. Those smart little teeth will have to be taken out before I go back to school, so... joy. Mom had to see the dentist this week too, so I kinda felt like we lived there the past couple of days. I don't mind too much since Dr. Tatum is an awesome-blossom, extra awesome, but I don't like getting shots in my mouth and having a constant weird taste in my mouth because of the fillings. *sigh*
Bryant's rolling on in to town tonight, he should be here anytime. He took a couple of extra days on the road to photograph and visit his friend Timothy at Auburn. I'm looking forward to having him home, it's nice to not be the only child in the house.
OH! I almost forgot. I bought Brothers in Battle, Best of Friends the other day and received it in the mail when I got back from my journey. It's a book written by two of the real guys in the company Band of Brothers was based on. I'm almost done reading it. It has been a wonderfully entertaining read, mostly because the two guys are funny little men from South Philly and talk as such.
This post has been more of a 'here's what's been going on in my life' rather than a 'here's some interesting thoughts of mine' but oh well. I don't really have any deep and profound thoughts today, just updates. Maybe next time I'll have something better.
Toodles!
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