Chipmunk

Chipmunk is my camp name this summer.  I work at a day camp and each staff member has a fun camp name that the campers and everyone calls them.  I received my camp name "chipmunk" because I am chipper.  But after this weekend I have another reason why I fit my camp name so well.

On Friday morning my four wisdom teeth were removed.  It was not the best experience of my life, and it probably was not the worst, but oh man it really hurt.  I thought I wasn't going to remember the surgery but I did, and the pain seemed to increase as the day went on.  Also the size of my cheeks increased which made me look like a "chipmunk." So for the past three days my life has consisted of sleeping, eating ice cream, and more sleeping.  But throughout this entire experience I have had the pleasure of learning how much my family cares about me.  My mother, father, and sisters have been doing whatever asked and more to make me feel comfortable and make my life easier.  I know I am extremely blessed to have such a wonderful and supportive family.  So, although getting my wisdom teeth out was not fun or enjoyable by any means, I have truly treasured this time of being near my family and realizing all over again how blessed I am to have such a loving family.  Thank you Lord!

I will be getting out of the house tonight!  I'm going to see the fireworks with my family!  Happy 4th of July!  Another amazing thing to be thankful for...Freedom.  Thank you to all the men and women whom have risked their lives for our freedom!

Wild Flowers

I spent the past weekend alone.  It was very interesting.  I learned fairly quickly I do not like to be alone.  I mean, I like to have "alone time," where I spend about an hour to myself each day, but other than that I really do not enjoy being alone.  This was an interesting fact to learn about myself because I always thought I did like to be alone.

Despite my loneliness this weekend I have a wonderful experience.  On Saturday morning I went on a drive to gaze at God's masterpiece.  The Lord's creation is indescribable.  Rolling green hills, bright blue skies with big fluffy clouds, wild flowers blowing in the wind, all the while the hot sun is bringing light to every corner of the landscape.  During this drive I experienced an encounter with God.  Simply being surrounded in the Lord's creation magnifies the Lord's greatness and power.  I love thinking about the Lord.  It is so awesome and amazing to think about the Lord, he created this beautiful world, and he loves you and me.  It is crazy isn't it!  But he does.  I am so thankful that God allows me to have faith, and allows me to experience his love, peace, and comfort.  

My goal for this week is to try to experience an encounter with the Lord each day.  Have a blessed and wonderful week!

Oh, yeah.  I ended up getting a little lost on my drive.  I was almost 30 minutes out of my town.  But that was okay, it was fun experiencing the excitement of not knowing where I was.  It was pretty cool.  (I also had a full tank of gas, and my cell phone just in case!)   :)

Labyrinthitis

I woke up a few mornings ago and the room was spinning.  At first I thought I was dreaming but then I realized the pounding and the movement of the room was all to real to be a dream.

Later that day I was informed my room was spinning on account of an inner ear infection I contracted entitled Labyrinthitis.  My inner ear was inflamed, and because this part of the ear also recognizes head movements, the inflammation causes balance issues.  How fun!  So for the past three days I have been sitting in bed watching too much television while the room continuously spins with every movement of my head.  I realize that I am describing my pain and frustration with the world at the moment in hopes that someone will share with me in my small pathetic self pity.  In a few days I am going to be fine, and I understand this, but in the moment sometimes it is hard to look past the pain your are feeling.

Everyday, all around the world someone is feeling pain.  Physical, Emotional, or Spiritual Pain.   I wonder how the world, how people, how individuals deal with their pain?  Losing a loved one, being diagnosed with cancer, losing a job, and so many more instances can cause deep indistinguishable pain.  So, how do people survive?  Where is the hope?

I know where my hope lies .  My hope and healing come from my faith in the Lord and in Jesus Christ.  I do wonder though, for those whom do not believe, where is your hope, where is your comfort?  I am not questioning because I want to "prove you wrong" in your beliefs.  I am simply curious and I wonder.  To live life without Christ as my hope and strength seems impossible.  So to those whom do not believe, what do you live for?  What encourages you to continue living even after indistinguishable pain and why?