Saturday, September 04, 2010

shh! Headache in progress

I'm an addict. I thought it would never come to this; but I have to face up to it sometime. I need to tell myself that this Drug is not the answer. Caffeine does no good, and I know that the fix is always temporary...

Such signs and propoganda... tsk tsk
Ugh, I admit it. I have a dependency from which I need to untangle myself.
At first I thought I could give it up cold turkey. I soon found out that this is a painful process, and there are other people that I interact with daily that I must consider.
The withdrawal symptoms are drastic and turn me into a monster.

Everything about coffee draws me in. And it's so easy to obtain... There are different levels of potency, and I was going for the high-concentrate stuff. Enough is enough, I must give this up.

But NOT using the cold turkey method.

I have a dull headache. My brain feels like everything is foggy. I snap so much more easily.  I feel...pathetic.

My advice: don't play with such drugs. Peer pressure is not always a good thing, and caffeine is nothing to play with. Once you start, you're hooked...
See, it's a slow downward spiral. You start with a fluffy frappé or over-sweetened fru-fru drink that has a hint of the coffee flavor...next thing you know, you're drinking the stuff straight and strong. I should have known I was going too far when some of my fellow coffee drinking friends commented on the super-strength of the coffee we were drinking (as I was downing my drink like water and wondering if I should have made my coffee stronger...)

I'm in a complaining and moan-y mood. Time for a run--some good old-fashioned endorphins. Better for me than a cup of coffee...

Maybe.


Friday, September 03, 2010

How doth he!



HOW doth the little crocodile


Improve his shining tail,

And pour the waters of the Nile
On every golden scale!
How cheerfully he seems to grin!
How neatly spread his claws,
And welcomes little fishes in
With gently smiling jaws!




-lewis carroll

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

For the Beauty of the earth

I'm in Gatlinburg!
It is gorgeous. At least the wilderness is.
As for the main drag downtown? It makes me shudder.
So tourist-y...But it is not all thorns. There are gems to be found among the rough.
Such as...
 the artisan store.  I appreciated the workmanship. Intricate carvings, handwoven cloths, jewelry, and last but not least, the pottery. [I want to take some pottery classes now.] There were some über cool mugs there. The only drawback was the price. With the price they were asking ($30 or so), I'd be hard-pressed to actually use the mugs. Perhaps they were just there to be displayed.
[I have a thing for mugs.]
Another store called The Honeypot had soy candles that smelled heavenly. I ended up with a coffee cup filled with a soywax candle that smells like roasted espresso. There was no choice. I had to buy it. [I hope it doesn't encourage me to drink more coffee...]
In many stores there were moccasins. I tried on a groovy pair, and came close to buying them. Not so close on the fringe coat that coordinated...

We are staying in a spacious rental house that has a lovely view.
Standing out on the deck, gazing out at the beauty, you get a sense of grandeur.
I can never decide. Mountains or Beach? Both have redeeming qualities.

We hiked out to a waterfall on Monday.

Swam in the cool pool, warmed up in our hot tub, took pictures, played pool...it's been a nice stay so far.
I also got to finish one of my books. The Oath by Peretti. Oh boy, that guy is a good writer. He keeps you interested. It is a difficult task to put one of his books down.

Tomorrow we're going on a long hike. I'm looking forward to it. Better make sure the camera batteries are charged.
But now it is hot tub time. Everything's cooling off, so it will feel lovely to soak in the warmness. We walked an extensive amount today around downtown. I think our three mile walk today was more exhausting than a 10 mile hike in the woods would have been...

Friday, August 27, 2010

take me home, country roads...

...my Mimi said that song would make her cry for homesickness.
It's high time that I come home "fer a spell"
Although my hometown is far from "country"...

I feel like I haven't been home but a week this summer. That one week was an outreach, so I wasn't really home at my house.

It has been a grand summer, for the most part.

the cliffs notes version of my summer:


  • The SAT (what a way to kick it off!)
  • Housesitting and dogsitting. That helped alleviate the stress of the SAT. 
  • Serving in MTYC's kitchen
  • counseling at MTYC for the middle girls 
  • the SPORT camp outreach! 
  • Cooking at HCBC
  • counseling at MTYC for the little girls
  • a week with my grandparents (on my mom's side) 
  • a week in Hilton Head! 
  • Back to my mom's parent's house
  • My Grandaddy Henline's funeral
  • A week with my grandparents on the other side

and now...
a few days here at home and I'm off again!

Well, this summer has been exceptional. I have learned much. Many lessons that I will be able to glean wisdom from in the upcoming years.

On another note: I'm glad that I know the Meaning of Life. Otherwise, I would be SO despairingly depressed. I would be in the absolute pits. Not knowing is a terrible feeling...

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

To Be Spoilt

Ahh, a week at Grandad and Gram's.
I have been utterly spoiled.
I'm now useless and good for nothing... it's a wonderful feeling.

Monday, August 16, 2010

One Shot.

Life is an interesting experience.
You only get one shot at it.
At any point it can be over.
Life is fragile.

Have you ever sat back and watched humanity?
Sitting on a bench in a busy thoroughfare; be it at the mall, downtown, in a restaurant, at the museum...  you get a look at humans.
We are so complex. Every person has their own story.
 They have their own tragedy, personal crisis, joyful moments...
It is easy for me to get wrapped up in what's directly affecting me, my own thoughts and introspective-ness.
I forget that what I do could be influencing or changing someone else's life.  I may be people-watching, but I'm sure that there's people watching me.
I am an example to others.
I'm called to be a light; am I shining? hmmm
It's something to think about.


Today I was reading different topics in the Bible.
I read about wisdom, generosity, and perseverance.
Then, I read a well-known passage, and it struck me in a new way (Matthew 5: 38-42, Jesus speaking):

"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."
Say whaaaat? It's been awhile since I've read the passage.
It sounds like a scary proposition, not resisting an evil person. Does that make me a doormat? Am I to be a super-pushover??
But further down in the passage, Jesus continues the thought (Matthew 6:25-27):

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
This seems to be my theme for this season of my life. God has got me in His hands. He will provide. What immense comfort there is in this thought!
I continued to read, and found this wonderful correlation in Romans 8
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.



What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So, I don't have to worry about being a pushover.  I have God-confidence. He is mighty to save, and (this is reverberating over and over for me) He is in control. He will give the ability to show such humility and servant-hood.

He has a plan.

Sunday, August 08, 2010

Home, home, home...

So good to be home after a month away! 


The beach was FABULOUS. Every day was perfect. 
God is so very good! 
My cup of blessing? 
Overflowing. 
To have such sweet loving friends as Britt, AL, and Ms. Debbie. :) 


So, I know I could take up lots of space listing blessings...
I've done it before (on paper) and...wow, just wow. 
It'll lift your spirits. 


So: home. 
I forced myself to unpack yesterday, going against my lazy grain. Really, it wasn't so bad. 
I dread unpacking. And packing. 
Packing in general. 
It is in such times when you must make hard decisions. (The blue blouse or the green one?...why can't I just have both? I know, I know...because that makes for a full suitcase...) 
It was nice packing to the beach.  I was already packed. 
See, the week before I was at my grandparents, and the week before that I was at camp, and the week before that I was cooking in another camp kitchen...
My clothes had been washed of course, but I was packed with a VERY FULL suitcase. I was used to living out of it. 


At camp, you go through clothes like nobody's business. (I don't go through nobody's business usually, but...) 
At camp, you wear crazy stuff that you wouldn't really wear anywhere else (a t-shirt with tofu fighting? really?)


But that was what I had to work with for my wardrobe. 


I was home for about 45 minutes before heading out to HHI. Just enough time to grab a few good books, a beach towel, and a few other beach-y items. 
Turns out I had PLENTY of stuff...


Anyways, today I played guitar for the Sunday school classes. 
The kids in there need some pumping up. Give me a few more Sundays, and they will be crazy...
maybe the teachers don't want that. 
hehehe 
I have PLENTY of silly songs up my sleeve...


Today I went running.
It's been a while since I've gotten to go. 
endorphins. Runner's high.
Mmmmmmmm.


It wasn't a long run, just 3 miles, but a start nonetheless. 
I've been staying active this summer. Things like biking, hiking, swimming, cooking (it's more active than you'd think!), doing stunts and falling down are all great; still, nothing like a good run. It gives you time to think. 
This run was great. I kept having Bible verses pop into my head. How cool and comforting. 

Then, to top off the night, Daddy bought some avocados! 
I have MISSED guacamole all summer. Poor, poor me. 
It's a super addicting something-or-other. My favorite. 
Not really a dip. I have my own secret recipe for it. (I've tweaked it recently. Shhhhh. Don't tell!)


Then, to make it an even better night, we watched Dr. Who. 
I am getting into Dr. Who. At first, I thought it was cheesy, silly, etc. 
Nope. It's a really riveting and interesting show... 


It was a very nice night indeed. 
Now I'll pop off to bed. I felt like blogging something, even it it is all rather rambly and not terribly cohesive. 
It's so annoying. I'll get going on an idea, and then have another great thought come forward. I'll want to write about that too. Next thing I know, my post is waaayyyy long. 


I need to stop following so many bunny trails. 


My sisters and I are going to make a video soon. 
We have to come up with (or narrow down) our theme for the video. 
If you have an idea, do comment. 
We love satire and goofiness. Nothing too serious. 


.....Argh, bunny trail! 


Alright. It is my bedtime. It SHOULD be my bedtime. 
Goodnight, reader! 

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

HHI

well, hh-hhii-i.
I've developed a stutter.
It's annoying, but...
no, not really. I'm in Hilton Head with some GREAT friends. This has been an awesome week, and I have A LOT to blog about. But guess what?
I'm on vacation.
It's lovely and not boring at all. There is SO so so so much to do!

  • Sandcastles.
  • Shopping. (I have a tie-dye sarong! soooo cool :) ) 
  • Skim-boarding.
  • Sashaying and skipping down the walkways in flowing skirts. And losing a flip flop to the harbor when I inevitably slipped....
  • Snoozing by the pool.
  • Splashing through rain puddles on bikes. It is FUN STUFF!! 
  • Standing in the waves
  • Surveying the landscape (there is so much to absorb with the eye. It almost overwhelms you! The beauty of the spanish moss, the picturesque beaches...) 
  • Sitting and watching girly movies. 
  • Snacking on salads. 
  • Sipping coffee.
  • Skittering away from alligators (haven't had to try it yet, but...I'm prepared) 
  • Singing in the rain. Singing anytime really. 


S.... uhhh, I can't keep the s thing up much longer... and we are headed out soon!
Hope that you, dear reader, are having a wonderful summer too!

Monday, July 26, 2010

His Hands


I have unanswered prayers



I have trouble I wish wasn't there


And I have asked a thousand ways


That You would take my pain away


That You would take my pain away






I am trying to understand


How to walk this weary land


Make straight the paths that crookedly lie


Oh Lord, before these feet of mine


Oh Lord, before these feet of mine






When my world is shaking


Heaven stands


When my heart is breaking


I never leave Your hands






When You walked upon the Earth


You healed the broken, lost, and hurt


I know You hate to see me cry


One day You will set all things right


Yea, one day You will set all things right






When my world is shaking


Heaven stands


When my heart is breaking


I never leave Your hands






Your hands


Your hands that shape the world


Are holding me, they hold me still


Your hands that shape the world


Are holding me, they hold me still





When my world is shaking


Heaven stands


When my heart is breaking


I never leave...


I never leave Your hands



Sunday, July 25, 2010

He's not finished with me yet...

Today I had that Brandon Heath song "Wait and See" stuck in my head...
There is hope for me yet


Because God won’t forget


All the plans He’s made for me


I have to wait and see


He’s not finished with me yet...
I'm trying to wait and see what His plans are. He knows them all of course, but to me, it is a mystery. I guess that's a good thing. God knows what I can bear. If I knew all about my future, I'd go crazy.  Life would lose some of its spice and excitement... anticipation is half of the fun.
I want my heart to be set up on those heavenly things, not the temporal things that will fade away. 
Matthew 6:23 is convicting to think about:

Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." 
I want to have what God wants in my mind. The things of men fade away. They don't last long.
As it says in Colossians 3:1-4:
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
I am dead. My life is in Christ. I feel joy in the thought that God has got me.

It doesn't always make sense, but I know that what God has in store is SO much greater than anything I could plan out for myself. I know that I can trust Him.
Time after time, after time, after time, He has shown Himself to be faithful and never has He let me down.
I'm glad, exuberant, joyful in the fact that I am His daughter, His princess. He's my Friend, my Brother, my King. Hallelu!!

...I just finished another week of counseling. I promise that at some point I will post about the fun and craziness of two weeks of counseling. The week was wonderful.
There are MANY funny stories that I could tell. (8-10 year olds are very joyful. They can be goofballs, but they also teach much...from the mouths of babes and all that)



...as for right now, I can say that whatever my lot,
He has taught me to say
that it is well,
it is well with my soul.

Sunday, July 04, 2010

Line, please!

Sometimes titles come to me instantly. Today, not so much.
Perhaps, if you are reading this, you might want to know what's going on in my sphere of influence.
Or perhaps not.
But, as this is my blog, I am going to post some of the happenings of the past two weeks:


After a fun week of housesitting, I was asked to come help out in a camp kitchen as a cook. Me? In a kitchen? heh heh heh.
No, really, I love cooking. I've just had some experiences with food that are potentially good stories (not now, but years later). I'm sure you can relate. Everyone has at least one crazy food story.
Anyways, back from that red herring. I went up the winding mountain road to camp with a broad assortment of bandanas (you have to have your hair covered to be in the kitchen) and a very full suitcase.


I'm an over-packer. I'm working on this issue.
 I always think that I'll be sorry that I didn't bring extra _________ (be it toothpaste, sunscreen or...) along with me. Because you know, that stuff is "impossible" to buy at the local wal-mart.


So I went up to camp (as you saw in my previous posts) and extended my cutting and saran wrapping capabilities. I worked with seasoned pros in the kitchen. They had all been there at least eight camp seasons.
I roomed with one of the cooks and her daughter, Julia. Julia was only 6, mind you, but her knowledge and ability was impressive.


The week went by quickly, Wednesday morning I went up the mountain with Meredith. It was about 6:15 or so, and it was GORGEOUS. The sun was already up. I was tired and I could tell that she was too, but it was a refreshing way to start the day. Overall, a very cool memory.




So the week flew by, and on the weekend, I went off-mountain with the summer staff to celebrate one of the staffers birthday. It was great fun. We ate at a Mexican restaurant that had some very cool t-shirts, grooved to live beach music, and saw a lovely and long fireworks display.


So, okay, the main deal: Middle Girl’s week.
Maybe it deserves its own post. I have a feeling that it will be long.
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

 It's been over five years since I last blogged.  Blogs aren't really cutting edge anymore, faded to obscurity under the glitzy allu...