Lent, for me, is a time of preparation for Easter. So, I decided a couple weeks prior to Ash Wednesday that giving up FaceBook would be very beneficial for me. I decided this one day when I was in the middle of a project for someone and thought I'd sit and look at FaceBook a minute before getting to the project. One hour later.......ONE HOUR LATER..... I had truly spent one hour on social media looking at political rants and other posts that didn't need my attention.
Don't get me wrong, I love FaceBook. I love posting pictures of things and people and places. I love posting comments about silly things and more important, I love keeping up with friends and family. I love reading posts about adventures and children and life happenings. I love my on-line prayer group and other groups I belong to. But I just needed some time away. I wanted to spend the time focusing on things that are truly important to me. And I did!
I have learned in my, well, ever how many years on this earth, that anything we do should be done within reason. Use your common sense and don't let things get out of control. I know that sounds easy and I also know that it isn't always easy. People can become addicted to many things: alcohol, drugs, food, t.v., and just a multitude of other things. So used within reason, I have decided that FaceBook is not a bad thing.
I did miss some things while being away from FB. I missed knowing about the death of several (more than one) people. I was terribly sad about that. I didn't know they had died until much time later. I missed being able to read some articles my talented daughter had written. I have since subscribed to the publications online so I get them via email now. I missed seeing pictures of babies that had just been born. I missed those delicious recipes my friends were sharing. I missed seeing important events shared by out of town family. Sorry if I missed your birthday or anniversary or other special event. Oh, and I did miss a lot of birthdays locally too. Sorry about that. I'll catch you next year. I missed the beautiful pictures my cousin always posts. I missed the requests for prayer from specific individuals. Fortunately, I did get requests through private texts and messenger. I missed the funny memes that always make me laugh. Episcopal friends, check out those Episcopal memes....hilarious.
Then came the quarantine. Boy, did I really miss stuff. I missed the whole toilet paper thing. What was that about???? Church services that were posted through FB. Notifications about events happening. School messages from coworkers. Who knows what all I missed. I missed being able to post needs on FB. Like the fact that my church needs donations of food or money for the food pantry. Or asking for help in locating people in need during this crazy time. Or asking if anybody has any elastic!!!! I need some, by the way. So I did miss some stuff.
There are also things I did NOT miss. Political rants being at the top of that list. Lighten up, folks. I, too, have my opinions but I just can't bash people on FB for their beliefs. Bashing people on FB is not going to change their mind. Posting ridiculous satirical stuff needs to stop. It just makes people look stupid and it just gets people riled up. And doing it in the name of Christianity is the worst. I've heard from several people that the posts and comments since the virus hit have been almost comical. That one group or the other started the virus for one reason or another...Really??? You believe that. Check the facts. And speaking of checking the facts, one thing I did not miss at allllllll was someone posting something that was totally ridiculous or untrue that they believed without checking the source and the validity of it. Don't just post stuff because your first cousin's wife's mother's brother's uncle's dog's owner said it was true.....CHECK THE FACTS.
I did learn a couple things:
One, FB, used appropriately, can be a great thing. I love pictures and recipes and seeing people check in places. I love my prayer group and my church posts and hearing from family far away. And I like posting pictures and quotes and recipes and ideas and requests.
Two, when something or someone causes your blood pressure to rise, step away from it. And that is what I am going to do. Step away from things that are not positive to my being. Most of FB IS positive for me but the things that are not will go.
So to sum up my 40+ days in the wilderness of no FaceBook, I did and did not miss a lot. But I am so glad I stepped back and didn't give in. But be prepared for picture overload coming soon.
Stay safe, stay home and stay connected to the things that are positive.
Monday, April 13, 2020
Friday, October 11, 2019
I can only imagine.
It's that time of year where I get to remember things I should be doing this week-end. I should be planning a special visit to celebrate a 32nd birthday this week-end. I should have been shopping this week for a special gift. I should have been baking a favorite cake to be delivered. I should have been swept off my feet when I got out of the car by a strong handsome guy who hugs hard and tells me how much he loves me. I should have been excited to know I'd get to sit and laugh and talk and drink lots of coffee. I should be hearing about his new job practicing law or medicine or whatever career choice he had made to make the world a better place. I should be hearing about his new bride or kid or house or just anything. JUST ANYTHING!
But I'm not. I'm not doing any of those things this week or this year or any other week or year, for that matter.
Instead, I'm just imagining. Imagining what it would have been like. Imaging those talks and hugs and careers and wife and kids. Just imagining how it might have been to have had that son longer than 6 short weeks. Longer than 41 hard days. Would he have dark hair? Would he be tall? Would he call me early mornings just to tell me hi? Would he just pop in to talk and drink that coffee? Who knows. I'll never know.
Several years ago I had my wisdom teeth taken out. My mom went with me and they put me to sleep. When I woke up, I couldn't stop crying. Momma asked me why I was crying so hard and for a long time I couldn't tell her. Finally after I got home and settled I was able to tell her. While I was out, I guess I was dreaming. I was dreaming that I was in a white rocking chair, wearing a white gown and rocking my son who was wrapped in a a white blanket. As I was waking up, someone was taking him from me and I was crying.
As sad as that sounds, I can't help but believe that someday when I get to heaven, after spending a lot of time with the Father, something will tug at my white robe and I'll turn around and a small child will look up at me and say, "hey momma, it's me." What will that be like???? I can only imagine.
Don't get me wrong, I've had a great life these past 32 years. I have two amazing daughters and 5 fabulous grandkids. But I still just imagine.
So on this day before his 32nd birthday, I just get to imagine what it would have been like to have had him here. I know that eternity is way longer than 6 weeks or 41 days. I know that on this side of that eternity I have lots of questions. But I do rest in the assurance that someday alllllll those questions will be answered and it will all make perfect sense.
Rest in peace, sweet boy. And when I get there, tug hard.
William Alan Logan
10-12-87 to 11-20-87
But I'm not. I'm not doing any of those things this week or this year or any other week or year, for that matter.
Instead, I'm just imagining. Imagining what it would have been like. Imaging those talks and hugs and careers and wife and kids. Just imagining how it might have been to have had that son longer than 6 short weeks. Longer than 41 hard days. Would he have dark hair? Would he be tall? Would he call me early mornings just to tell me hi? Would he just pop in to talk and drink that coffee? Who knows. I'll never know.
Several years ago I had my wisdom teeth taken out. My mom went with me and they put me to sleep. When I woke up, I couldn't stop crying. Momma asked me why I was crying so hard and for a long time I couldn't tell her. Finally after I got home and settled I was able to tell her. While I was out, I guess I was dreaming. I was dreaming that I was in a white rocking chair, wearing a white gown and rocking my son who was wrapped in a a white blanket. As I was waking up, someone was taking him from me and I was crying.
As sad as that sounds, I can't help but believe that someday when I get to heaven, after spending a lot of time with the Father, something will tug at my white robe and I'll turn around and a small child will look up at me and say, "hey momma, it's me." What will that be like???? I can only imagine.
Don't get me wrong, I've had a great life these past 32 years. I have two amazing daughters and 5 fabulous grandkids. But I still just imagine.
So on this day before his 32nd birthday, I just get to imagine what it would have been like to have had him here. I know that eternity is way longer than 6 weeks or 41 days. I know that on this side of that eternity I have lots of questions. But I do rest in the assurance that someday alllllll those questions will be answered and it will all make perfect sense.
Rest in peace, sweet boy. And when I get there, tug hard.
William Alan Logan
10-12-87 to 11-20-87
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Packing for my cruise.
I'm not really packing for my cruise. I'm not going on a cruise. And if you ever hear anyone say, "Donna's going on a cruise", they are either lying or somebody hit me over the head. I don't do water. Dang, I barely like to get in the tub. I do like the ocean but from a distance, in my chair, on the sand, with a book. That's it. Never getting on a cruise ship. Nope, never.
So this morning when my sweet friend called and asked what I was doing I said, "packing for my cruise". My sister-in-law would respond this way when I'd call her up and ask what she was doing. "Packing for my cruise", she'd say. She was really using the vacuum or dusting or doing dishes. "Packing for my cruise" just sounded better than housework.
My friends response was "huh", (she knows me). I had to explain that yes, I was packing for a trip but not a cruise. We are road trippin' with some friends tomorrow and where we are headed appears to be having lots and lots of rain. So, prayers would be greatly appreciated. Anyway there are a few very important things that I always take with me and keep within reach. Either in a carry-on on a plane, or just beside or behind me in the car. Since we are driving, and I'll be in the backseat with my friend so the guys can talk about driving and cars, and work, and music and stupid stuff like that, I can easily grab my special things as needed.
One such special thing is Mr. Fuzzit. (Charly and I named it this.) If you've ever traveled with me, you know I MUST have this. I can't go anywhere overnight with out it. This blanket saved my life traveling to Africa several years ago on those long freezing flights. Janet Anthony and I snuggled under him on a flight from Narobi to Zambia and slept quite peacefully. So he goes where I go.
I will also have my favorite Croc flipflops. (These too, have traveled to Africa.) Perfect shoes for everything. Um, I have them on right now. Then there is my travel bag. In said bag will be a couple (or more) books, my current crocheting project for Sacred Craft at church, a notebook for writing, my Ipad, my scripture writing guide and last but not least, God's word.
Do you every go anywhere without your bible? I can't imagine walking out the door on a trip without mine. It, of course, had two amazing trips to Africa. It trekked with me through the bush country and through impoverished city streets of some very poor African villages. It sustained me when I was heartbroken from what I saw. It was my guide for knowing what to do and say. It held me up when I was lonely and sad and afraid. It was my guide to helping those who were seeking a better path. It helped me to know how to pray for so many in need.
For Father's Day, I wrote my dad a letter thanking him for some of the things he had taught me over the years. The first thing I thanked him for was teaching me about Jesus. For teaching me about the bible and how to use it and live by it and treasure it's words. And I also told him that I hadn't always done that but it wasn't because he didn't teach me. He has read the bible through more than 45 times. (We think close to 50 now). I just can't imagine that. 50 times???? Really?? I won't even state my own practice here. Too embarrassing.
So, yes, my bible is going. As a matter of fact, I've already done my studying for the day and my scripture writing and it is safely packed for the trip. And I'll be able to grab it at any given moment.
This summer when you're "packing for your cruise", take yours. You'll need it.
So this morning when my sweet friend called and asked what I was doing I said, "packing for my cruise". My sister-in-law would respond this way when I'd call her up and ask what she was doing. "Packing for my cruise", she'd say. She was really using the vacuum or dusting or doing dishes. "Packing for my cruise" just sounded better than housework.
My friends response was "huh", (she knows me). I had to explain that yes, I was packing for a trip but not a cruise. We are road trippin' with some friends tomorrow and where we are headed appears to be having lots and lots of rain. So, prayers would be greatly appreciated. Anyway there are a few very important things that I always take with me and keep within reach. Either in a carry-on on a plane, or just beside or behind me in the car. Since we are driving, and I'll be in the backseat with my friend so the guys can talk about driving and cars, and work, and music and stupid stuff like that, I can easily grab my special things as needed.
One such special thing is Mr. Fuzzit. (Charly and I named it this.) If you've ever traveled with me, you know I MUST have this. I can't go anywhere overnight with out it. This blanket saved my life traveling to Africa several years ago on those long freezing flights. Janet Anthony and I snuggled under him on a flight from Narobi to Zambia and slept quite peacefully. So he goes where I go.
I will also have my favorite Croc flipflops. (These too, have traveled to Africa.) Perfect shoes for everything. Um, I have them on right now. Then there is my travel bag. In said bag will be a couple (or more) books, my current crocheting project for Sacred Craft at church, a notebook for writing, my Ipad, my scripture writing guide and last but not least, God's word.
Do you every go anywhere without your bible? I can't imagine walking out the door on a trip without mine. It, of course, had two amazing trips to Africa. It trekked with me through the bush country and through impoverished city streets of some very poor African villages. It sustained me when I was heartbroken from what I saw. It was my guide for knowing what to do and say. It held me up when I was lonely and sad and afraid. It was my guide to helping those who were seeking a better path. It helped me to know how to pray for so many in need.
For Father's Day, I wrote my dad a letter thanking him for some of the things he had taught me over the years. The first thing I thanked him for was teaching me about Jesus. For teaching me about the bible and how to use it and live by it and treasure it's words. And I also told him that I hadn't always done that but it wasn't because he didn't teach me. He has read the bible through more than 45 times. (We think close to 50 now). I just can't imagine that. 50 times???? Really?? I won't even state my own practice here. Too embarrassing.
So, yes, my bible is going. As a matter of fact, I've already done my studying for the day and my scripture writing and it is safely packed for the trip. And I'll be able to grab it at any given moment.
This summer when you're "packing for your cruise", take yours. You'll need it.
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Be still my heart.
WOW. I'm just curious. Does time pass this quickly for everyone or just me? 31 years ago today, I had no idea that I would be giving birth to a beautiful baby boy within 24 hours. I had dreamed for years of having a boy. I had a beautiful healthy wonderful 2 year old girl and just imagined I would have another girl to be her little sister.
So it happened. This beautiful, healthy looking adorable bundle of male joy was mine. All Mine. Well, Lane's too, but you get the idea. A boy. Having grown up with a sister and having only had a daughter, I really didn't know what to do with a boy.
I guess it really didn't matter because just short of six weeks later, laying in the sweet arms of my momma, my precious son would peacefully pass way into the precious arms of The Father.
So many things happened within those few short weeks. So many things I remember now as lessons I would only learn many many years later.
I know all about God and His timing and His plan. But when people say that during a tragic time, it means nothing. Not.One.Single.Thing. This is one lesson I have tried to keep in mind over the years. You can say that to someone all day long but don't. Just don't. Give it time. Give them time. Maybe later than can hear that and understand that. Just make certain they are ready to hear it. They'll get there so be patient.
I look around me now and see all the beauty God gave me following this tragic time. Things in my life they may have never been had I not experienced this tragedy. Another daughter, more grandchildren. A great son-in-law. The list goes on.
Thirty-one years later, it is still fresh and sharp and painful. But I do know that there have been so many lessons that were so important. I smile at the memory of that sweet, perfect, beautiful boy that had my heart for 39 days and I know, without a doubt, that I have the sweetest most beautiful angel waiting on me in heaven.
I can't wait to see him again. Be still my heart.
So it happened. This beautiful, healthy looking adorable bundle of male joy was mine. All Mine. Well, Lane's too, but you get the idea. A boy. Having grown up with a sister and having only had a daughter, I really didn't know what to do with a boy.
I guess it really didn't matter because just short of six weeks later, laying in the sweet arms of my momma, my precious son would peacefully pass way into the precious arms of The Father.
So many things happened within those few short weeks. So many things I remember now as lessons I would only learn many many years later.
I know all about God and His timing and His plan. But when people say that during a tragic time, it means nothing. Not.One.Single.Thing. This is one lesson I have tried to keep in mind over the years. You can say that to someone all day long but don't. Just don't. Give it time. Give them time. Maybe later than can hear that and understand that. Just make certain they are ready to hear it. They'll get there so be patient.
I look around me now and see all the beauty God gave me following this tragic time. Things in my life they may have never been had I not experienced this tragedy. Another daughter, more grandchildren. A great son-in-law. The list goes on.
Thirty-one years later, it is still fresh and sharp and painful. But I do know that there have been so many lessons that were so important. I smile at the memory of that sweet, perfect, beautiful boy that had my heart for 39 days and I know, without a doubt, that I have the sweetest most beautiful angel waiting on me in heaven.
I can't wait to see him again. Be still my heart.
Sunday, November 6, 2016
America The Great
Make America Great....Again????
It was so nice to get that extra hour of sleep this morning. I woke up so totally rested on those wonderful clean sheets in my extremely comfortable bed. I didn't wake up hungry or thirsty or sick. I had had an amazing meal at Carrabba's last night with great friends so my tummy was full, possibly too full.
I was able to go to the church of my choice this morning and worship MY God without fear of persecution. Then I had a huge lunch (again, too much) and am now curled up in my favorite chair with my lap top and my dog watching a movie hoping to doze off in a bit. Later, I plan to head to Ingle's to do some grocery shopping ( I don't really need anything much but will probably over do it) then I'm heading to Belk's. I decided today I want a cute vest to wear with a pair of jeans to an event later in the week.
After this, I'm going to hit the pavement and get in a few miles before dark, I hope.
Tomorrow I will get up and head to work. A job I love and enjoy going to. Then I'll come home, hit the gateway and cook some supper or go out and grab a bite with the hubby. The rest of the week looks similar except for jury duty on Wednesday which is a civic duty not to be taken lightly. Then there is Tuesday...election day. I take this election very seriously. I've already voted but am anxious for the results.
Dang, life is grand!!!
For the most part, I've kept my opinions and views about the future president to myself. I know how I feel, I know why I voted the way I did and no one is going to change my mind. And I know I'm not going to change anyone's mind. And that's OK....We can agree to disagree....or can we????
The one thing that gets me over and over again, is the slogan, "Make America Great Again". Again??? Are you serious? Have you looked around just today?? Not great?? What about the food you had today, the clothes you have on right now? The job you will go to tomorrow? America not great?
Go to a third world country for two weeks and then come back and say America isn't already great!! Go ahead..I dare you. I dare you to say America isn't great when children in a third world country can't go to school because the cost of the required uniform for the year cost $30.00 which is the equivalent of a year's salary for their parents. I dare you to say America isn't great when you see a mother grinding dirt to mix with water to dry and make wafers for her children's next meal. I dare you to say America isn't great when you see a small man take a make shift cup and dip it in the trickle of water equal to about 2 cups, in a filthy stream to get a drink and an animal come up and drink the same filthy water..Go ahead, I dare you to say America isn't great. When children are covered in sores and flies and disease and couldn't go to the doctor if there even was one available. God ahead and say America in't great when you put your head on your comfy pillow tonight and people in a third world country put their heads on the dirt. Go ahead, I dare you to watch as people cry and hold on to you begging to come back to America with you because they, too, know how great it is. They're not laughing and calling America a joke..they are begging to come here. To sleep in clean beds and eat clean food and get an education and to live as we do. America is NOT a joke and the world knows it.
I just about promise that after this election and the votes have been tallied (not rigged), nothing much will truly change. We won't be a third world country. Hillary won't kill babies and she won't come take my guns (things I've heard recently).
So, next time you say or hear someone say we need to "Make America Great Again", remind them how great they have it AND will continue to have it.
America IS great...God bless America and our new president...whoever she is.....
It was so nice to get that extra hour of sleep this morning. I woke up so totally rested on those wonderful clean sheets in my extremely comfortable bed. I didn't wake up hungry or thirsty or sick. I had had an amazing meal at Carrabba's last night with great friends so my tummy was full, possibly too full.
I was able to go to the church of my choice this morning and worship MY God without fear of persecution. Then I had a huge lunch (again, too much) and am now curled up in my favorite chair with my lap top and my dog watching a movie hoping to doze off in a bit. Later, I plan to head to Ingle's to do some grocery shopping ( I don't really need anything much but will probably over do it) then I'm heading to Belk's. I decided today I want a cute vest to wear with a pair of jeans to an event later in the week.
After this, I'm going to hit the pavement and get in a few miles before dark, I hope.
Tomorrow I will get up and head to work. A job I love and enjoy going to. Then I'll come home, hit the gateway and cook some supper or go out and grab a bite with the hubby. The rest of the week looks similar except for jury duty on Wednesday which is a civic duty not to be taken lightly. Then there is Tuesday...election day. I take this election very seriously. I've already voted but am anxious for the results.
Dang, life is grand!!!
For the most part, I've kept my opinions and views about the future president to myself. I know how I feel, I know why I voted the way I did and no one is going to change my mind. And I know I'm not going to change anyone's mind. And that's OK....We can agree to disagree....or can we????
The one thing that gets me over and over again, is the slogan, "Make America Great Again". Again??? Are you serious? Have you looked around just today?? Not great?? What about the food you had today, the clothes you have on right now? The job you will go to tomorrow? America not great?
Go to a third world country for two weeks and then come back and say America isn't already great!! Go ahead..I dare you. I dare you to say America isn't great when children in a third world country can't go to school because the cost of the required uniform for the year cost $30.00 which is the equivalent of a year's salary for their parents. I dare you to say America isn't great when you see a mother grinding dirt to mix with water to dry and make wafers for her children's next meal. I dare you to say America isn't great when you see a small man take a make shift cup and dip it in the trickle of water equal to about 2 cups, in a filthy stream to get a drink and an animal come up and drink the same filthy water..Go ahead, I dare you to say America isn't great. When children are covered in sores and flies and disease and couldn't go to the doctor if there even was one available. God ahead and say America in't great when you put your head on your comfy pillow tonight and people in a third world country put their heads on the dirt. Go ahead, I dare you to watch as people cry and hold on to you begging to come back to America with you because they, too, know how great it is. They're not laughing and calling America a joke..they are begging to come here. To sleep in clean beds and eat clean food and get an education and to live as we do. America is NOT a joke and the world knows it.
I just about promise that after this election and the votes have been tallied (not rigged), nothing much will truly change. We won't be a third world country. Hillary won't kill babies and she won't come take my guns (things I've heard recently).
So, next time you say or hear someone say we need to "Make America Great Again", remind them how great they have it AND will continue to have it.
America IS great...God bless America and our new president...whoever she is.....
Thursday, December 31, 2015
The End
Well, the end of another year is upon us. Really upon us in like an hour and 45 minutes from right now as I type this. I have been thinking over the past couple days how exactly to sum up this last year. I really have no words that truly summarize my year. I find it totally and completely impossible to put words to the remarkable year I had. Yes, the good, the bad and the ugly are all included in my year. But I think that without the good, the bad and the ugly, my year would have meant so much less to me. You see, with out the bad stuff, the good stuff might not look so great....
To be totally honest, I am really having a hard time remembering just how bad some things might have been. To other people in my life, those bad things might have been harder or meaner. We had some challenges. Some events that were hard and sad and. at times, heart wrenching. We did survive. Nobody died and we are all able to smile and laugh and love. You see, God held our hands the entire year. He never left us and he never forgot us. Yep, he held our hands and our heads up and hearts together. Thank you God for this amazing year of challenges. Thank you for holding it all together and for keeping smiles on faces and love in our hearts.
There were some amazing things this year. Elizabeth and her kids moved back to KM. Just up the hill. I can look out my sun room and see her house. How wonderful that has been. Oh, it may not be forever but for now, it is great. Now, I don't see them everyday but knowing they are close is comforting.
There have been some other great things in my life this year. But one of the greatest and most wonderful things to ever happen in my life was my mission trip to Africa. If you had told me last New Year's Eve that in 2015 I would be going to Africa to serve as a missionary, I would have laughed in your face and called you crazy. God had this amazing plan for me and it all quickly and perfectly fell into place in 2015. WOW.....
So, what does 2016 look like? What amazing plans does God have for me? I can't begin to imagine and will not try to plan. God will let me know when the time comes. This is something I have totally learned this past year.
To all my family and friends, my wish is that you will have the love and laughter that makes life so wonderful. That you will have the patience to listen and follow the plans of the Father. That you will be healthy and happy and wise in your daily life. That you will look to what is important and focus on that. That you will expect the unexpected to come into your life and guide you to something you never ever thought possible. That your relationship with God will grow and strengthen you in the year ahead. Happy New Year.
To be totally honest, I am really having a hard time remembering just how bad some things might have been. To other people in my life, those bad things might have been harder or meaner. We had some challenges. Some events that were hard and sad and. at times, heart wrenching. We did survive. Nobody died and we are all able to smile and laugh and love. You see, God held our hands the entire year. He never left us and he never forgot us. Yep, he held our hands and our heads up and hearts together. Thank you God for this amazing year of challenges. Thank you for holding it all together and for keeping smiles on faces and love in our hearts.
There were some amazing things this year. Elizabeth and her kids moved back to KM. Just up the hill. I can look out my sun room and see her house. How wonderful that has been. Oh, it may not be forever but for now, it is great. Now, I don't see them everyday but knowing they are close is comforting.
There have been some other great things in my life this year. But one of the greatest and most wonderful things to ever happen in my life was my mission trip to Africa. If you had told me last New Year's Eve that in 2015 I would be going to Africa to serve as a missionary, I would have laughed in your face and called you crazy. God had this amazing plan for me and it all quickly and perfectly fell into place in 2015. WOW.....
So, what does 2016 look like? What amazing plans does God have for me? I can't begin to imagine and will not try to plan. God will let me know when the time comes. This is something I have totally learned this past year.
To all my family and friends, my wish is that you will have the love and laughter that makes life so wonderful. That you will have the patience to listen and follow the plans of the Father. That you will be healthy and happy and wise in your daily life. That you will look to what is important and focus on that. That you will expect the unexpected to come into your life and guide you to something you never ever thought possible. That your relationship with God will grow and strengthen you in the year ahead. Happy New Year.
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Out of Africa
I think I am finally getting my head wrapped around the fact that I am back on US time. WOW. I guess that's what you call jet lag. don't like..... sleep has not been easy these last few days. Bed by 9:00 or 8:00 or 7:00, up at 3:00 or 4:00. Napping at weird hours in the afternoon and early evening. Stomach issues that are a little understandable considering the eating habits of the last couple weeks. Still having trouble with just about everything I put in my mouth. May never eat chicken again.
But what an amazing trip. I could just stop typing this now because no matter how many words I put down, how many pictures I show or how many stories I tell, nothing will ever be enough. There are simply no words or pictures that can explain my time in Zambia. No words or pictures can explain how those people made me feel, how they looked at us when we came into their village, how they welcomed us into their world, how they loved us with true, undeserving love, how they showed me how a true Christian should live. There are things I experienced that will forever be etched in my mind. People and views and words and songs that I will never forget.
Since coming home, I have had a wide assortment of thoughts and feelings (lack of sleep or strange sleep patterns do this to a person). I have learned so much about myself and the world around me. . Things I hope I never forget.
Here are 20 of the things on my long list: (in no specific order)
1). Hug your toilet on a daily basis. I mean seriously....go hug it.
2). Eat your veggies....these are precious resources
3). Conserve energy. It may not always be available
4). Take your kids to get a Happy Meal. (I know it's not healthy but once won't kill them.)
5). Take your job (whatever it is) seriously and be dedicated to it. Not everybody has one.
6). Hug your toilet.
7). Enjoy a long, hot shower. I mean really enjoy it.
8). Touch a tree
9). Listen to the music....really listen
10). Kiss a snotty nosed kid on the head....you won't die.
11). Hug your toilet.
12). Pray for any missionaries you know(or don't know) their sacrifice is huge
13). Look people in the eye...really look
14). Smile at somebody...It might be the only one they get for a while
15). Be thankful for every single solitary thing you have and remember where it came from
16). Take absolutely nothing for granted
17). Play in the rain and mud
18). Eat strange berries from a tree (under the guidance of a professional)
19). turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth. Water is precious
20). Hug your toilet
But I think the most important thing I learned was that people are the same no matter where they are. We are all doing the same thing. Surviving from day to day. Now, it may be in a completely different way and in a completely different country, but isn't that really what we are trying to do? Just survive? Somebody in Sunday school today said that life is life and living is living. We may do it differently but it's still living. And no matter how different they live or how different the country is, we have one God that loves us; one God that we can live for. The same God that loves me here in little Kings Mountain loves those beautiful people I met in the remote villages of Zambia, Africa.
I think that's pretty cool.
But what an amazing trip. I could just stop typing this now because no matter how many words I put down, how many pictures I show or how many stories I tell, nothing will ever be enough. There are simply no words or pictures that can explain my time in Zambia. No words or pictures can explain how those people made me feel, how they looked at us when we came into their village, how they welcomed us into their world, how they loved us with true, undeserving love, how they showed me how a true Christian should live. There are things I experienced that will forever be etched in my mind. People and views and words and songs that I will never forget.
Since coming home, I have had a wide assortment of thoughts and feelings (lack of sleep or strange sleep patterns do this to a person). I have learned so much about myself and the world around me. . Things I hope I never forget.
Here are 20 of the things on my long list: (in no specific order)
1). Hug your toilet on a daily basis. I mean seriously....go hug it.
2). Eat your veggies....these are precious resources
3). Conserve energy. It may not always be available
4). Take your kids to get a Happy Meal. (I know it's not healthy but once won't kill them.)
5). Take your job (whatever it is) seriously and be dedicated to it. Not everybody has one.
6). Hug your toilet.
7). Enjoy a long, hot shower. I mean really enjoy it.
8). Touch a tree
9). Listen to the music....really listen
10). Kiss a snotty nosed kid on the head....you won't die.
11). Hug your toilet.
12). Pray for any missionaries you know(or don't know) their sacrifice is huge
13). Look people in the eye...really look
14). Smile at somebody...It might be the only one they get for a while
15). Be thankful for every single solitary thing you have and remember where it came from
16). Take absolutely nothing for granted
17). Play in the rain and mud
18). Eat strange berries from a tree (under the guidance of a professional)
19). turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth. Water is precious
20). Hug your toilet
But I think the most important thing I learned was that people are the same no matter where they are. We are all doing the same thing. Surviving from day to day. Now, it may be in a completely different way and in a completely different country, but isn't that really what we are trying to do? Just survive? Somebody in Sunday school today said that life is life and living is living. We may do it differently but it's still living. And no matter how different they live or how different the country is, we have one God that loves us; one God that we can live for. The same God that loves me here in little Kings Mountain loves those beautiful people I met in the remote villages of Zambia, Africa.
I think that's pretty cool.
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