I love that I live in this century.
I know. We're in a recession. Kids are more distracted and more disrespectful than when Aristotle complained about teenagers. There are more horrors than I want to bring up here.
I'm not sure, though, that things are any worse than at other times in history. Have you read Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett? In typical Follett fashion, he describes in incredible detail and accuracy, what life was like in the Middle Ages. [They've made a mini-series of it.] If in modern warfare, it is horrible that we can drop one bomb and annihilate an entire city, then it is just as horrible to imagine that you had to look at a person in the eyes while you dug a sword into his throat. Each day, you couldn't be sure if you'd be hungry or full, if you'd have a bed or not. Or fresh water or not. If a Lord would chase them into the wilds or leave you be. If your child would get a wound that would fester. And kill him.
I am glad that I don't have to go foraging for food every day. That I get heat and light and water when I want. I am glad I can go to the hospital, that I can get a CT scan, an UltraSound within a week. I am glad I can call 911 and have people show up at my door. I'm glad I have glasses, and contacts. I'm glad every time I take an aspirin or an anti-biotic.
I can go on and on and on. Maybe I am just a wimp. But when I lay my head on that soft pillow, and pull the warm blanket over me, in my war house, I am thankful that I live in 2011.
Showing posts with label Things I Love Thursday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Things I Love Thursday. Show all posts
12.01.2011
11.24.2011
Things I Love Thursday 11.24.11
Thanksgiving Edition: I'm proud to be an American.
Don't touch that dial! Don't roll your eyes; give me a chance, here.
The other week, we were in Washington DC and Boo was given the choice to what to visit. He chose the Air & Space Museum and the Capitol. I have to say I was a little disappointed that he chose the Capitol. It sounded a little boring to me, but the trip was for him, not for me. As part of the tour, we had to watch a 12 minutes video. I was internally rolling my eyes. God can see my heart but fortunately my son can't.
Guess what? It was terrific. It took me outside of the nitty gritty ugliness of human behavior and made me look at the United States as it was meant to be. It reminded me of the basis on which this country was built: freedom of religion, all people are equal, we can say what we want.
I know, I know. Things are ugly right now. And depending on who you ask, things are ugly for different reasons.
But really, where else would you want to live? May God bless America. Please.
I pray that you will zoom out, put aside the gritty ugliness of all human beings for one day, and honor whatever good and beauty there is.
Don't touch that dial! Don't roll your eyes; give me a chance, here.
The other week, we were in Washington DC and Boo was given the choice to what to visit. He chose the Air & Space Museum and the Capitol. I have to say I was a little disappointed that he chose the Capitol. It sounded a little boring to me, but the trip was for him, not for me. As part of the tour, we had to watch a 12 minutes video. I was internally rolling my eyes. God can see my heart but fortunately my son can't.
Guess what? It was terrific. It took me outside of the nitty gritty ugliness of human behavior and made me look at the United States as it was meant to be. It reminded me of the basis on which this country was built: freedom of religion, all people are equal, we can say what we want.
I know, I know. Things are ugly right now. And depending on who you ask, things are ugly for different reasons.
But really, where else would you want to live? May God bless America. Please.
I pray that you will zoom out, put aside the gritty ugliness of all human beings for one day, and honor whatever good and beauty there is.
11.10.2011
Things I Love Thursday 11.10.11
I love to drive.
I love the adventure of looking for, and finding new places.
I love looking around me, letting my mind wander to different places. (As if I needed encouragement for that!)
I love having my son, or my husband, or friend with me so we can chat without interference.
Today, my son and I are going into Centre City. We're going to visit my friend, who is a Federal Judge. He's going to show us his office, the courtroom, the holding cell and the sally-ported elevator that brings the accused up to the courtroom.
Then we're going to Chinatown and get some "Viepamese" food, as he calls it. Then we rode the subway, all the way from one end of the line to the other, where it becomes the Elevated. [Where we saw a lady drink Thousand Island dressing, from the bottle. We could smell the vinegary dressing smell, which when, you smell it on the subway, smells rancid.] Where my son didn't know to be afraid of anyone and held the doors open for anyone and everyone, of every color, class and odor.
I know people who are afraid to go into the city. Who are afraid to, or don't want to drive more than 30 minutes at a time unless forced by job or hospital appointment. I am blessed to have a reliable car, a husband who supports my plans and the money to buy the gas.
I love the adventure of looking for, and finding new places.
I love looking around me, letting my mind wander to different places. (As if I needed encouragement for that!)
I love having my son, or my husband, or friend with me so we can chat without interference.
Then we're going to Chinatown and get some "Viepamese" food, as he calls it. Then we rode the subway, all the way from one end of the line to the other, where it becomes the Elevated. [Where we saw a lady drink Thousand Island dressing, from the bottle. We could smell the vinegary dressing smell, which when, you smell it on the subway, smells rancid.] Where my son didn't know to be afraid of anyone and held the doors open for anyone and everyone, of every color, class and odor.
I know people who are afraid to go into the city. Who are afraid to, or don't want to drive more than 30 minutes at a time unless forced by job or hospital appointment. I am blessed to have a reliable car, a husband who supports my plans and the money to buy the gas.
Drivin' in my car with the radio on.....
zoom zooom!
6.09.2011
3.17.2011
3.10.2011
Things I Love Thursday
I love my husband.
I love my son.
and.
I love my body.
I'm sure the first two comments did not surprise you, but did the third?
I have a new gig as a fashion writer at All Things Chic.
You will not see me make self-disparaging remarks, not because I'm perfect... oh wait, is that in itself a self-disparaging remark?? or catering to our common attitudes as women?? We women do it as a matter of course. And if we don't, we are hated.
Let's stop that now. I'm not being arrogant. I have come to know and accept and be with my body. So don't hate me, and stop hating your body, yourself.
Let's be like men. Stick out our beer bellies, scratch it, and say "look at my awesome bod!"
I love my son.
and.
I love my body.
I'm sure the first two comments did not surprise you, but did the third?
I have a new gig as a fashion writer at All Things Chic.
You will not see me make self-disparaging remarks, not because I'm perfect... oh wait, is that in itself a self-disparaging remark?? or catering to our common attitudes as women?? We women do it as a matter of course. And if we don't, we are hated.
Let's stop that now. I'm not being arrogant. I have come to know and accept and be with my body. So don't hate me, and stop hating your body, yourself.
Let's be like men. Stick out our beer bellies, scratch it, and say "look at my awesome bod!"
2.24.2011
Things I Love Thursday
I love my son's small school.
As he was entering Kindergarten, I had much to consider. He was on the young side of the age cut-off and he had some as-yet-undiagnosed "issues" I didn't know what to do with. I visited every school within a 20 miles radius and made an Excel chart of its features and detractions.
I wanted Montessori. I wanted a nice, clean, safe building. His school was not on the list. It was too small, too dirty, without air conditioning and frankly, I was not looking for a Christian school. All the wrong things. But the other schools were just. not. working. out. As I did my search, I came to realize more and more clearly the environment that would be best for him...and me. He was still filled with anxieties that needed to be carefully tended to. Even the small public school near our house seemed overwhelming. I finally went to visit West-Mont Christian Academy because I was running out of options...and time. Then, the school went through a major renovation that summer.
I had run out of excuses.
When I went, I was immediately drawn to the small environment. There is one classroom per grade. The school secretary sits right in the middle of the little lobby and can see everything going on. (I'm sure sometimes she wishes she didn't!) Everybody in that building knows everybody else's name. The principal gets hugs from all the kids; and he hugs them back. Because the school is so small, his Exceptional Ed class is one-on-one. I doubt I could get that at any of the tony private schools in the area. He loves his teachers and his teachers truly love him. He prays for them, and they pray for him.
As I sat in the car line today, waiting for my special treasure, I was telling my friend about all the imperfections of the school...the cranky kids in his class, the cranky teacher last year, the paint chips. Then I remembered how grateful I was to be guided to the right place, despite what I thought was best.
As he was entering Kindergarten, I had much to consider. He was on the young side of the age cut-off and he had some as-yet-undiagnosed "issues" I didn't know what to do with. I visited every school within a 20 miles radius and made an Excel chart of its features and detractions.
I wanted Montessori. I wanted a nice, clean, safe building. His school was not on the list. It was too small, too dirty, without air conditioning and frankly, I was not looking for a Christian school. All the wrong things. But the other schools were just. not. working. out. As I did my search, I came to realize more and more clearly the environment that would be best for him...and me. He was still filled with anxieties that needed to be carefully tended to. Even the small public school near our house seemed overwhelming. I finally went to visit West-Mont Christian Academy because I was running out of options...and time. Then, the school went through a major renovation that summer.
I had run out of excuses.
When I went, I was immediately drawn to the small environment. There is one classroom per grade. The school secretary sits right in the middle of the little lobby and can see everything going on. (I'm sure sometimes she wishes she didn't!) Everybody in that building knows everybody else's name. The principal gets hugs from all the kids; and he hugs them back. Because the school is so small, his Exceptional Ed class is one-on-one. I doubt I could get that at any of the tony private schools in the area. He loves his teachers and his teachers truly love him. He prays for them, and they pray for him.
As I sat in the car line today, waiting for my special treasure, I was telling my friend about all the imperfections of the school...the cranky kids in his class, the cranky teacher last year, the paint chips. Then I remembered how grateful I was to be guided to the right place, despite what I thought was best.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. - Proverbs 3:5
2.10.2011
Things I Love Thursday
I am "inspired" by my friend Jo-Lynne, who was inspired by Jill to talk about what I love. Glass half full. Jo-Lynne thinks February is dull and drab. Pshaw! Pshaw, I say
Seriously, I *love* February. But it's easy for me to say because I am not adversely affected by the winter months. I know several people very close to me who are, so I know it is a real issue. Here's what I love about February:
Seriously, I *love* February. But it's easy for me to say because I am not adversely affected by the winter months. I know several people very close to me who are, so I know it is a real issue. Here's what I love about February:
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| New Florence, PA |
- Snow. We Christian-type folks always hope for a white Christmas, but I notice people around these here parts do not want it to stay. I think if it started snowing at 5:00 Christmas Eve and melted the day after Christmas, it would be hunky-dorry. Not me. I love me my snow. The kind that stays. I grew up in central Pennsylvania, where it is not unusual to see mounds of snow in parking lots in April. Around balmy Philadelphia though, usually, after a couple of months of pretending to snow, we might get a real snow around this time of year. I remember how drab the world seems after the leaves fall and before the snow comes. And when it comes? It always reminds me of the glory of God - how He covers our sins ...so that we are as white as snow.
- Snow. Did I say this already? Speaking of memory, here's a funny one. You can insert "menopausal" for "elderly:" "
Two elderly ladies had been friends for many decades. Over the years, they had shared all kinds of activities and adventures. Lately, their activities had been limited to meeting a few times a week to play cards.
One day, they were playing cards when one looked at the other and said,
Now don't get mad at me. I know we've been friends for a long time, but I just can't think of your name! I've thought and thought, but I can't remember it. Please tell me what your name is...
Her friend glared at her for at least three minutes; she just stared and glared at her. Finally she said, How soon do you need to know?
OK, so. Snow: The Sequel: I love watching Boo play in the snow. That kid is never cold, and he loves to be outside whether it's 9 below zero or 9 above 100.
2011 
2010 
2009
3. Happy Birthday to Me!! It's my birthday month. And though the delight of getting one year older is waning, I still love being surprised by my HH with something delightful, no matter how many times I tell him not to get me anything.
I think Three is a perfect number for Thing I Love Thursday. And finishing about me, right? ;-)
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