Wednesday, July 27, 2011

The Day I Thought Would Never Arrive

Here it is.  Almost.  I leave tomorrow...on a jet plane!  A small jet plane.  I am heading into the wild blue yonder, the friendly skies, etc. etc. etc. to fly HOME! 
I must chuckle to myself, all the cliches in the world (a hyperbole) are popping into my head.

I finished my internship/summer job this evening.  It was a very nice last day.  I left things as neat and organized as I could, said my goodbyes, and went out to dinner with my cousins!  It was a wonderful time!  I love having the opportunity to spend time with them!

I have begun the trying task of packing.  Really, I am so tired of packing.  I just want to throw it all out (my clothes, mainly) and start from scratch.  After VA I fly back to FL, head to the beach, back to Orlando for a night, and then up to Columbia Daddy and I go.  I want this next week and a half to creep by slower than a snail!

Well folks, that's all for now!

Monday, July 25, 2011

"In My Own Little Corner"

TWO DAYS TWO DAYS TWO DAYS!
^ the number of days I have left of work.
THREE DAYS THREE DAYS THREE DAYS (less than)
^ the number of days until I go home for a visit : )

Now, today at work I found myself standing, gazing out the window.  Suddenly, "In My Own Little Corner" from Cinderella the Musical popped into my head!

I realized, that song fits me well.  I can be sitting in a room and be miles away.

And, just because this was always one of my favorite songs...

Oh my gracious, how I love this song!  Please take note of the way her dress swirls!

OkOk, just one more...maybe. 


Alright, I think I am done...only because I cannot find a good recording of the Stepsister's Lament.

I hope you enjoyed my walk down memory lane (my memory, maybe not yours).

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Weekend

I spent my weekend learning about the NYC Publishing industry, shopping, watching movies (three in one weekend), reading, lying on the beach, and relaxing!

I am anticipating Thursday with excitement!  I get to go home and see Mama, Michael, and so many others.  Then, back to FL for the beach, which is going to be fabulous!  And Aug. 8 I am back to school.  This semester is going to be grand!  My life will be very busy.  I will let you know how I handle it.

Oh, one thing I was going to do but didn't...I was going to begin packing this weekend.  Tomorrow.

I mentioned in an earlier blog my desire to read more and become more knowledgeable.  I have read many things this summer.  However, after my meeting yesterday morning I have decided I need to read more contemporary works.  If you have any recommendations, please let me know!  I am not well versed in literature past the '20's. 

Work tomorrow!  Going to be busy!

Friday, July 22, 2011

A Lesson....

This summer has been a lesson in "doing everything without complaining or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure children of God" Philippians 2:14-15.

Now, what do you think I have done far too many times over the course of the summer?
Exactly, I have complained....and argued a little.

I didn't say I had learned the lesson.

It is just so hard.  I somehow feel vindicated when I complain about the injustices done against me. 
But, when I vindicate myself I am disobeying God's Word.

I realize that God's Word trumps my need to feel vindicated, but I forget that and complain.

My summer internship is almost through.  I have learned so much this summer.  I hope I do not forget the hard lessons I have learned and the way that God carried me through.  The book of Psalms has blessed me greatly.  God is my fortress, my deliverer, my shield, my strength.  He has blessed me with a wonderful summer with Daddy and Pennisu, a job with income, a job that provides a learning experience and helps me evaluate what interests me and what does not, and, to top it all off, I get to go home next week for a quick visit!

So, to those of you who have heard me complain, thank you and I am sorry.
Thank you for listening and praying for me!
I am sorry for complaining.  It is not fun to listen to people complain, except to the complainer.

This is one lesson I would like to learn.  But, my inside likes to feel vindicated.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Words, Books, Society, Reality.

Today I have been discovering An Intimate Anthology, Louisa May Alcott.  It has been an inspiring experience to read about this woman who, surprise to me, did not enjoy writing "moral tales for the young."  She was so talented as to be able to write in a variety of styles and portray, even in those potential "moral tales", pieces of her own life and of that which she was passionate.

I have been re-inspired to write.  I want to put to paper words that are worthy to be read.  Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, I am becoming more and more aware of how difficult it is to write well.  I read portions of manuscripts and entire manuscripts and wonder what the standard is in today's society.  I need to go and spend some time in Barnes and Noble and peruse today's "literature."

A book I realized I need to re-read is Fahrenheit 451.  The book was written in a sense of "what if in the future..." in regards to books not being allowed, yet, we can look around and find the sales of hard copies of books have dropped since 2005, when book sales peaked (New York Times Magazine).  Electronic books are becoming increasingly popular.  Reality television shows are being created for everything!  If you thought one Bachelorette was enough, there is now one for country girls!  That is only one small example.  Is this book closer to what our society is facing than the author ever expected?

Friday, July 15, 2011

My "A Ha Moment" of the Day!

A light bulb went off in my head today while I was reading Genesis 26:4.
"...and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed."

This is not the first place where God says this, first to Abraham and then to Isaac. 
I pondered the meaning.  This morning I the realization that offspring did not mean every single one of Abraham's descendants.  Rather, offspring is referring to an individual.  An individual who did not come to earth as a human for several thousand is the offspring to whom God was referring.  Jesus.  A direct descendant to Abraham and Isaac.

Through Jesus ALL nations are being blessed!

I am working on my Progress of Redemption class.  It is so amazing seeing little things that God did all for the redemption of His people.

I just have to wonder, why did He choose Abraham?

(If I have misinterpreted this, missed something, etc. please give your thoughts!)

Friday, July 8, 2011

Roaring Twenties...A New Decade Ready To Be Lived!

As of yesterday I entered my twenties.  When I say and think this I see ten years full of fun adventure just waiting to happen!  I have no idea what the upcoming decade will hold, but it is going to be filled to overflowing with life.  I am going to call these years my "Roaring Twenties."  I don't know, exactly, how they will turn out.  In fact, other than graduating, I have no idea what to expect.  The only plan I really and truly have is to graduate on May 12, 2012.

I look forward with great anticipation to the coming years.  I don't want to rush through them; I want to enjoy them.  However, I know I will rush at times because I always have.  I was turning three and couldn't wait to be four.  Yes, that is how it has always been.  Then, I have the day before my birthday (or days) where I am nostalgic and am not ready for the number change.  Then I remember, just like I am alive and therefore cannot avoid death, I am going to get a year older whether I like or not.  So, I come around and like it!

My teen years are over.  I have come of age.  I see it as stepping over a threshold into a new area of life.  Yesterday, at 8:32 AM I went out the back door and stepped back in to signify this image in my mind.  I have been extremely blessed with the parents God has given me!  I am extremely blessed with the brother he has given me!  My family, immediate and extended, are well put together and I am greatly thankful for them!

Also, the best part about my birthday is sharing it with Daddy!  I love the reactions from people when they hear that.  Last night Daddy, Pennisu, and I went out for dinner.  After being seated I opened my menu and on the inside was "Happy Birthday Scott and Kirsten!" I was so surprised!  They took the paper out and rolled it and sent it home with us!  When the manager stopped by to check on us and he heard it was both of our birthdays he said, "Wow!  What a great present!"  All the while smiling!  Then...so funny.  A couple of people stopped by our table to say Happy Birthday.  This one guy stopped by, and this is how it went":
Random Guy:  Is it an anniversary?
Pennisu: Yes.
Random Guy:  Who's?  Theirs? (Meaning me and Daddy)
Pennisu:  Yes.
Random Guy: *Look on his face*
Me:  No, it's our birthday.
Random Guy: Oh! *Relieved look*

Haha. Poor guy.

All in all, a wonderful day quietly spent : )

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Casey Anthony Declared Innocent.

I am not outraged, as many people seem to be, by the verdict given by the jury to Casey Anthony.

Something that frustrated me repeatedly through the process is that in the United States our courts operate (are supposed to operate) based on the words, "Innocent until proven guilty."

That is what was executed on this day, 5 July 2011.

There was not enough evidence to prove Casey Anthony killed her daughter.

We cannot assume her to be guilty.

The jury declared her innocent, but that does not mean she is not guilty.  It merely means the jurors took seriously the lack of evidence and the lack of "beyond a reasonable doubt."

Yes, a little girl died.  No, we should not hope that the mother is sentenced just so "justice" can be said to have been served.  Are we so bloodthirsty?  What if 25 years down the road it comes out that Caylee did drown?  What if it is discovered that her grandfather killed her?  What if, what if, what if....that is all we can say.

And, I was looking forward to watching America's Got Talent....but EVERY station in Orlando is covering this news.  Gah.

Monday, July 4, 2011

The 4th of July...A Few Thoughts

To begin, this is not meant to offend.  I am thankful to live in the USA and I love it here!  I have just been thinking a lot tonight and decided to process and share a little.

Over the past few years I have begun to notice that the holidays I once celebrated with meaning have become just a holiday.  I pause to remember what these days really mean and how I can actively remember that, rather than getting so caught up in the meaningless, money-making celebrations.

This day is the 235th anniversary of the birth of the United States of America.  When I stop and reflect I can only think of those (some) who came for freedom.  They had to fight for those freedoms.  Freedoms that many now take for granted.  What about the men who spent countless hours forming the documents on which we base our nation? 

No, I am not saying our founding fathers were all God-fearing men, because they were not.  But, they contributed to this nation I call my home.  Yes, I am sometimes caught up in "anti-America" thoughts because of my love of all things international, where I go to school, and my lack of agreeing with some of the things in this country.

I am, on this day, struggling within to have Patriotic Pride.  But, men and women have died for this country to continue to exist.  War has not touched our nation, as it has so much of the world, since the Civil War.  For that, we are blessed. 

But, why do we always reiterate "God Bless America"?  What is special about this country above the rest?  And, we have existed far less time than much of the world.  Why not "God Bless ____"?  Is it just because of the religion we claim for our country?

If you have thoughts, reasons, etc. I would love to hear!  I am just mulling and pondering on this July 4, 2011 while watching fireworks in multiple states and hearing many Patriotic Songs.

And....thinking of something a respected philosophy professor of mine once said.

To close, Thank You, Soldiers, for fighting, willingly, for the United States of America.  Thank you for putting your lives on the line for our freedome.  And, to the family members who have lost their loved ones who willingly put their lives on the line, and the cases where lives were forcefully taken, this day must mean far more to you than it ever will to those of us who have not lost in the way you have.

Uncle Michael, thank you for your service and your time spent in Iraq and Kosovo!
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