Thankful Thursday

I decided to blog about things I'm thankful for.

1. Thankful I have a loving Heavenly Father who loves me just the way I am no matter what

2. Thankful I'm able to see good doctors and nurses to determine what's wrong

3. Thankful I have freedom of religion, and no one tell me when or how to worship

4. Thankful I have a family who is close and loving

5. Thankful I have a great job, and enjoy the people I work for and with

6. Thankful for friends who I can laugh, cry, and just simply enjoy life and have fun with

7. Thankful that God is teaching me so much about HIM

8. Thankful for laughter...heard you lose weight when you laugh

9.Thankful that I'm loved, and don't need a man or anyone else for that

10. Thankful for life in general...we aren't promised tomorrow

Word of God Speak

"Word Of God Speak"....Mercy Me

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say

[CHORUS]
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice

[REPEAT CHORUS 2x]

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay



This song was playing on the radio, and I realized that I don't always have to have the words to say. I can know that God hears and understands my every thought, emotion, etc. As in my previous post a lot has been going on, and sometimes I just don't know what or how to say what needs to be conveyed...it's okay though. Thank you Jesus for being all knowing, and understanding. I pray that you would just speak, and I would shut-up and listen to YOU!


Overall today was a good day. It's my day to be in both places. So from 8:30-12:00 I was in the Fine Arts Department, and then from 12:00-4:30 I was in the Christian Studies and Humanities Department. It's very quiet up there now that Summer School is over, and Centrifuge is done.

Tough Tuesday

I'm actually blogging on the correct day. Now there's a concept. I was in a little bit of pain this morning, but it seemed to subside as the day wore on. Please pray for NGU again...we got hit last night by another storm, and it flooded the admin building which already had the roof knocked off of it in the last storm.

I guess just like the old saying goes..."when it rains it pours." My dad's uncle passed away this morning...I don't really know him. One of the guys I was in youth group with lost his dad this morning to a long battle with cancer. He already lost his mom previously to cancer. Our neighbor across the street at our old house had to have part of his colon removed because it wasn't functioning properly. A girl at our church who is my age had a kidney transplant, but the kidney didn't take.

I have tons of thoughts running through my mind at this point, but they just don't seem to come out in writing. Please lift up these people in prayer, and be thankful for what God has blessed you with today. We often take things for granted such as health, life, etc.

Missed Monday

I'm getting bad about writing the day after something happens, but I guess this way I can at least remember what I did the day before. Anyways, the reason I didn't write yesterday was because I was tired of looking at a computer screen ALL day. I was literally typing up stuff from the 70's that were written on a typewriter. Mollie and I had a chance to hang out last night, and that was fun. This week at NGU is work week, and I'm actually missing helping out...painting, cleaning, etc. I go back to the urologist as well as the Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist on Friday. So please say an extra prayer about that.

Soulful Sunday

This morning we got up and got ready to head to church. Cindy goes to a very traditional church, but we enjoyed it. The pastor talked about "How to Get Rid of Your Old Man..." I know what you are thinking, but he was talking about getting rid of our sinful nature which we all have. It was a really good sermon. We then came home, and Cindy's dad had made a delicious roast, potatoes, carrots, and string beans for lunch. I would have to say it was very yummy! Leah and I got on the road around 3:00, and now I'm working on drinking lots of liquids to try and pass these STUPID stones. Might post again later tonight.

Sister Saturday

Ok I wasn't exactly with my sister, but I consider these girls as close as sisters. Leah and I slept in while Cindy went to Wal-Mart with her mom to pick up school supplies. Her mom does this every year...she collects school supplies to give to children that maybe can't afford things for the upcoming school year. We then went to Camden House of Pizza (CHOPS, and Cindy and I split a Stromboli, and Leah had something with noodles. Then Cindy gave us a tour of her town. After all that we came home and played more games...imagine that. For dinner we went to a little village area and ate at a place called Red Bowl..it was Asian food. The funny thing is we all had leftovers, but somehow we managed to find room for Marble Slab. I didn't feel the best, and it looked a bit stormy. There was a wonderful guy out in the middle of the village singing...we could have done without "singing." We stayed up playing games and talking until about 12:00. We always have a fun time together.

Fabulous Friday

I know these are a couple days late, but I didn't check E-mail except once during the weekend, and that was for like 5 minutes. Friday was my day to work at NGU, but it was only until 12:00. So really wasn't bad at all. I stopped by Chick-Fil-A, and they were back up and running since there remodeling. Leah picked me up around 1:15 and we headed to Cindy's house. I wasn't feeling the best. It was nice to finally meet her parents. Her dad made us hamburgers, and then Susan (a former NGUer as well) came over, and we played Nertz, Farckle, Dutch Blitz, and Ubongo...of course I didn't win any games except Ubongo, but still had fun. I think we finally got in the bed around 12 something.

Tired Thursday

Sorry I didn't post last night. I came home around 6:00, and literally crashed. I didn't even realize I was that tired, but I guess I was. We are getting the Smart Machines at Curves, and I very excited. Each person will have their own little card specifically for them. So I went by there yesterday to sign up even though I can't work out agian until August 1st, and that makes me sad. Oh well it will be here before you know it. I went to the Joy of Toyko for dinner, and it was pretty reasonable and yummy food. Mollie is in class until 9:00, and Jody went to visit the grandmothers. So it was just me at the house. Tomorrow I'm heading to Cindy's house with Leah, and I'm excited. Dutch Blitz here I come!! If you've never played that card game you seriously should. It's tons of fun. I have to work today just until 12:00 though. It's usually pretty quiet.

Weird Wednesday

I tried taking it easy today, but I have been in some pain. Today I went back to NGU, and I didn't realize all the damage that had been done. Here are some of the pictures that have been taken on the damage. I can't take credit for taking them. Most of the damage was done on the roof of the Administration building and Neves. There are 900 Centrifuge Campers there this week as well. So it's certainly a blessing that no one was hurt.

Traveling Tuesday

I'm feeling so so today. Hopefully I will continue to progress, and pass those stones. I go back to the urologist on August 1st. so say a prayer that everything goes well, and I will pass these stones! I slept in this morning, and then worked on getting my dad's computer on wireless...so I had to speak with someone that barely speaks English once again. We got it working, but his computer is so old that it can't be password protected so we took it off. Then my mom and I went and got our toes done, and I headed back to Greenville. Hopefully I can stay put for a few weeks. Not sure what I will do at work tomorrow since NGU had damage from some strong winds that ripped through there last night. I'm certainly taking a book to read in case Internet or phones aren't working.

Laser Tag

Thanks for all the prayers this morning.I felt like I should have been playing laser tag, but it really wasn't as bad as I made it out to be. The lithotripsy went rather well, and the doctor certainly said it was a big one. so now I just have to pass the crushed up pieces, and hope that they got the majority of it when I go back August 1st. He said that sometimes they are to big, and they might have to do it again. So please pray that they crushed it sufficiently, and this will be the last of it. I had to be there this morning at 7:15, and didn't get home till about 1:00. I came home and literally slept until 4:00. My mom had cooked a nice dinner, and thankfully I haven't been nauseated. That's certainly a blessing. We finally got my mom's computer on wireless, and I will have to work on my dad's tomorrow, but his is an older model. I'm heading to bed!

Smooth Sunday

Almost didn't make getting this post in before 12:00. Today was a good day. My family and I went to church, and then went to Cracker Barrell...I LOVE that place! Then we ran a few errands, and that just drained me. My mom got a new computer, and we got a wireless router. I must have spent several hours hooking it up to find out that it was a bad router. Needless to say I was not happy. Well I'm done eating and drinking for the night. I can't have anything after midnight. If you think about it please say an extra little prayer for me in the morning at 9:30..that's when I have my lithotripsy done, and I'm a little nervous. I will try and update tomorrow, but from what I understand I'm going to be totally out of it.

Super Saturday

This morning I woke up and had breakfast with Jody and Mollie before they headed out for the day. Then I kind of just chilled for a little while longer. Got up and got ready, and then headed home for the weekend. That way I can be here for my lithotripsy on Monday. My mom is now addicted to Facebook. :) So been trying to teach her how to do that. We met up with my grandmother, aunt, and Amanda for dinner. Not much to blog about these past couple of days. I will try and update about my kidney stone stuff on Monday, but I will probably be out of it.

Fun Friday

As I mentioned in the last post I was able to sleep in today until 11:30. So that was nice. I feel so bad because Jody is here, and I really haven't entertained her...kind of been a hermit since I haven't felt well. I was able to see Cindy and Leah this afternoon for only a few minutes so that was nice. It's Cindy's birthday today, and I hope she had a GREAT one! I was going to stop at the Chick-Fil-A and get a milkshake, but they are close for remodeling. I hope they hurry and get finished with that because I love to eat at that place!! So I came on home, and Mollie and Jody went to the pool. I'm not allowed to go because of the medicine I'm on which really stinks, but that means no more rashes so I will stay away from the pool for the meantime. Mollie cooked some salmon, and Jody cooked some broccoli, and I made baked potatoes. My mom got Facebook....what?? You go mom now you are with the times, and I hope it doesn't become to addicting. I'm heading home tomorrow in order to have lithotripsy on Monday for my kidney stone.
Here are some pictures from my mom's retirement party!

This is Ed (my sister's husband), Carla (my sister), Dena (the retiree), Dale (my dad)


This is Rodney Norvell (BCM Director at Furman and Greenville Tech), Jane Poster (she retired last year as the BCM Director at Columbia College), and Ken Owens (he is in charge of BCM Directors all over SC)



This is Cora (Administrative Assistant to Ken Owens...she also planned and made sure this entire luncheon was carried out)

Thursday Times

Yesterday was Pre-Registration at North Greenville, and so that made kind of a crazy day. I walked around campus a lot, and that stirred up my stone, but it can't move anywhere because of the stint. That's part of the reason I didn't blog last night. I came home with a horrible headache...so went to bed early, and I don't work on Fridays during the summer so slept until 11:30 this morning.

Retirement Luncheon

Today was my mom's retirement luncheon. It's hard to believe that she has been involved in students lives for 39 years. WOW! She was allowed to invite 10 special people, and then people from the convention joined us as well. It was certainly a good time had by all. Many words of encouragement and servant-hood were spoken about her today. She certainly is one of those ladies that always has a smile on her face, looks for the good in others, and just simply encourage people. I know I'm a bit partial...I mean she is my mom. She will certainly be missed, but someone said it well this afternoon when they said that she literally has created a legacy. I can't begin to imagine how many students she has impacted. Several people spoke, and one of those being Scott Smith who is like my second dad. He phrased it well when he quoted the verse that says..."Well done my good and faithful servant." I know that this chapter in my mom's life has come to a close, and she will simply have to turn the page, and see what God has in store for her next. I think it's exciting and scary to think about, but my all time favorite verse...Jer. 29:11 will see her through. I just hope and pray that one day I can be half the woman that my mom has been and shown me through the years. Happy Retirement mom, and don't party to hard :)

Hopefully I can get some pictures of the luncheon on here soon.

Totally Tuesday

Today I was able to go back to work, and just take it easy. I never thought I would be happy to be back at work, but after everything that's been going on it felt nice. I just made some copies, talked with Ginger, made some phone calls. Nothing to major. I felt as if all I did was drink and use the bathroom. I came home, and picked up Jody...Mollie's sister who is staying with us until school starts, and we went to Ingles to get some grocery items, and then came home made baked potatoes, and she made cookies. They were delicious. I'm heading to bed a bit early tonight so I can be well rested for my mom's retirement party tomorrow. :)

My good friend Jed reminded me that there are only like 162 days until Christmas...that means Christmas Music Listening Day is just around the corner!!!

Manic Monday

Today I slept in once again, but when I say slept in I don't mean late because my body just won't let me these days. So I woke up about 9:00 and took my medicine, and ate some leftover cake. Then I just played on the computer until time for my doctor's appointment at 1:00. He did another X-ray, and this time the picture was much more clearer, but he scheduled me for a lithotripsy to be done Monday morning at 9:30. From what I understand I will be heavily sedated, but will be conscience in order for them to give me directions on exactly what to do. They will literally use a laser to crush the 1 inch stone, and it will take about 45 minutes to an hour. I have to be at the hospital at 7:00am that morning. So if you are reading this, and think about it please say an extra little prayer for me. I headed back to Greenville this evening, and was able to see my roommate who I haven't seen in like 2 weeks, and also meet her sister Jody that will be attending North Greenville in the Fall. Well I'm pooped, and I think I'm calling it a night!

Summertime Sunday

I slept in today, and was a bad girl, and didn't make it to church. My mom cooked some amazing homecooking and then Dennis and my dad worked on the computer for a little while. I basically took it easy, and then Amanda and my aunt left for the play that she is in, and we headed to Outback for my mom's birthday. Today was a pretty good day overall, and I was able to get some well needed rest. The reason I didn't post last night was because I ended up falling asleep during Extreme Makeover Home Edition because it was a rerun.

Slow Saturday

This morning I was able to get a little more rest than I have been, and that was very nice. Then I got up and just kind of moped around the house. My parents and I went over to my aunts house for some Chinese food, and to celebrate my mom's birthday. It was certainly nice to get out of the house for a little while, but still having to take things easy. It's for sure that there is NEVER a dull moment in the life of Cayman. I came back here after lunch, and started watching some movies, but ended up falling asleep. So here I am blogging. Is anyone even still reading these or I'm probably just typing and wasting time? I was supposed to head back to work on Monday, but that isn't happening. So just pray that everyone involved will be totally understanding.

Kidney Stone Woahs

Well I finally got settled, and was able to get a little sleep. We were trying to get my comfy so I wouldn't have to go to the ER because all they would do is give me some pain medicine and tell me to go see a urologist. So I made it through the night..thank you Jesus! Now when a kidney stone hits...you certainly know it. If you have ever had a kidney stone you know exactly the kind of pain and agony I'm talking about! NOT FUN TIMES TO SAY THE LEAST! I was literally climbing the walls because I was in so much pain. They think mine are hereditary, and hopefully will find out the cause of them. Anyways I made it to the doctor at 2:30, and he did several X-rays, and then sent me to the Outpatient Center to have a stint put in. The doctor thinks this one is about an inch so probably to big to pass. We will hopefully be able to determine what needs to be done on Monday at 1:00pm So needless to say I'm just taking it easy. What a way to spend a vacation...jaw stone, HORRIBLE allergic reaction to one of the medicines, and now a kidney stone...grrrr. If you think about it please say an extra prayer for me.

Turtle Tracking

I know it's Saturday, and I'm posting for Thursday. I will get to that in a moment. We got up around 6:30 this morning to go walk the beach and look for shells. We probably walked 5 or 6 miles easily. We also saw were turtles had come to shore during the course of the night, and laid their eggs. We actually stopped and took some pictures because one nest had to be moved because she laid them to close to the water. I didn't know that they only lay every 25 years, and once the babies hatch they make their way towards the water. We went to a few little shops on the island, and then came back and we all crashed. When I woke up I was having a MAJOR kidney stone attack. So my mom and I quickly got on the road back to Fort Mill. I felt bad because I felt as if I ruined everyone's vacation, and then Mrs. Scottie and Carla had planned a huge dinner, but we weren't able to enjoy it.

Happy Birthday Mom

Today was a good day. I was able to sleep in till 9:30, and then I sat in the hammock most of the day and read. I'm trying to figure out how I can have a hammock on my porch at the apartment in Greer...still thinking on that one. My sister and her mother-in-law went and looked at condos, and mom laid out. Today it my mom's 61st birthday. She is getting younger every single day. :) When Mrs. Scottie and Carla got back we went and sat out by the beach for a bit. The breeze felt wonderful down there. Then we came back and showered, and my sister and I took the ladies out to eat at The Plantation Grill. I got fried shrimp and fries. Then we rode around Edisto for a little while, and looked at some houses. Below are some pictures that we took. Hopefully I can post more later. My sister, Mrs. Scottie and I worked on making "boob" glasses. They are actually fun to make, and sell in the store for like $35.00 a piece.

Edisto here we come

Sorry still nothing really exciting or thought provoking to post about. Tried sleeping in this morning, but this morning as well as yesterday the yard men were out pressure washing yesterday and today hammering and banging all sorts of stuff around. I mean do you really have to start at 8:30 am on my vacation time? I guess so. So obviously there was NO sleeping in as hard as I can sleep, and I certainly tried to block it out. So got up and went to Curves again, and broke out once again. Then came home and finished packing. My mom and I started to Edisto about 3:00pm. It's pretty down here, but the drive took us a bit. We stopped at Dillard's in Columbia so that we could look for some blue/yellow shirts for Berkley Football..that's where my brother-in-law coaches. We ended up finding some...so everyone will look alike come game time. Then we headed on down here. I will try and take a picture of 3 big sights in Edisto. Trailer on stilts, mattress in a tree on a rope (like a hammock), and a tree that they decorate in the middle of the Marsh. All three of these are quite a site to behold. It was good to see my sister after her trip to Spain. We sat out on the porch and talked and enjoyed pictures, and now I'm just checking my E-mail, and fixing to hit the sack until tomorrow. Hope everyone rests well!

Monday, Monday

Today was a pretty uneventful day once again. I was actually able to sleep in till about 11:30 so that was exceptionally nice. Then I went up and was able to go to Curves. I think I got a little to hot because I broke out again when I got home. My mom cooked us some dinner, and then my dad and I watched some TV together. I didn't have to put on any lotion or take any medicine to sleep last night so that's a HUGE improvement. Is anyone still even reading these? My mom and I have decided to head to Edisto tomorrow instead of Wednesday because that way we won't waste a whole day driving. I think they have wireless down there so we shall see how blogging goes.

Serving Sunday

Hopefully my blogs will get a little more interesting the more I write, and not just a daily journal of what I have done during the day. This morning I woke up to my dad taking our dog out, and him rushing back inside to hand her over to my mom. He was going to help a man that had fallen down in the parking lot, and they think he had a heart attack. My dad is going to call over there tomorrow and check in on him. So then I got up and got ready for church. They were showing a few slides from Brazil where my parents went a few weeks ago to help build a house for a seminary professor and also work in the orphanages. Then my dad had gotten a gift card to Cracker Barrel so we went and made good use of it. I think I have mentioned before that I could eat my weight in their biscuits. YUM! We then headed to the Charlotte Airport to pick up Kent and Leah from their flight back from Texas. They landed, but ended up having to wait on their luggage for a few minutes. So we got them straight, and back on the road towards Greenville. Then we just came home, and I think all napped and watched bits and pieces of the Braves Game. My sister and brother-in-law were actually there, but had to catch a flight back to Charleston so they weren't able to stay for all 17 innings. That was one long, but good game! Go Braves! I'm writing this post a little earlier than usual because I'm plum tuckered out, and thinking about heading to bed here shortly, but not before I have my popcorn. :)

Home again, Home again

This is going to be a very short post, but my mom and I just made it home safely from the beach. We are planning on resting and washing clothes, and then heading out to Edisto on Wednesday to be with my sister, and her mother-in-law. I laid in the hammock for a bit again this morning, and just feeling the crisp, cool air made it so relaxing. Then we went two two shoe stores, and the Tanger Outlets. Today at the pool I saw an odd sight. There was this guy, probably around my age that came to the pool in his blue swim trunks, flip flops, and literally a white linen dinner jacket. I kept waiting for the bride to appear. I closely watched him, and he took off his jacket, went for a swim, and then asked some random girl if he could borrow her suntan oil, and proceeded to sun bathe. It was quite weird to say the least, and I tried to get a picture for my blog, but no such luck. There is NO telling who or what you will see at the beach. Signing off for tonight, because I need to be at church in the morning since my parents are sharing about their trip to Brazil a few weeks ago.

Happy 4th of July

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy 4th, and also Freedom in Christ. This is just a very minor thank you, but thank you to the men and women that serve our country day in and day out. Also I would like to thank my God who gives me grace, and freedom in Him, and only through Him can I be saved.
This morning we got up and went to breakfast, and I had pineapple, grapes, strawberries, biscuits, grits, bacon, and potatoes. It was delicious. It's called the Sea Captain's House, and it has an ocean view. Then we went to Garden City which was about a 45 minute drive from breakfast. We went looking for a specific chair for my "Aunt Bev," but no such luck. Then we went to a place called Painter's Ice Cream, and I got chocolate chip cookie dough. It was yummy as well. My mom enjoyed it because they had orange pineapple. Then we went to Belk's and stayed 3 hours there as well. Now remember last night we went to Dillard's and stayed there just as long. How you can only go to 2 stores and stay 6 hours. Then we went to the Five Guys, and I got a hamburger and some fries. Do you see a pattern here....all I feel like I have done is eat, eat, and eat some more. We came back to the condo, and watched some fireworks from the balcony. I was going to try and get some pictures, but couldn't get any good shots. Tomorrow mom and I are headed back to Fort Mill, and then to Edisto some time next week. Please say an extra prayer because tonight my sister and brother-in-law are flying back in from Spain. Again Happy 4th of July, and until tomorrow celebrate your FREEDOM!!!

Terrific Thursday

Today I was up and awake about 7:00....highly unusual for me especially on vacation. I then got dressed and headed to the nice hammock that was in the shade. I could hear the cry of babies, the crash of the waves, and feel the cool and crisp ocean air, but I got no sun! I literally laid in that hammock from 10:00am until about 3:30. I started reading Chicken Soup for the Ocean Lover's Soul, and ate some sunflower seeds. My mom was even nice enough to bring me some lunch. I watched Amanda and her mom swim for a little while, and then I was able to take a short, but well needed nap. We all came back upstairs and showered, and then went to Longhorn's to eat dinner. My mom and I shared some ribs, steak and baked potato. I think that was one of the juiciest must tender steak I had eaten in a LONG time. Then we went to the local mall, and spent 3 hours in Dillard's department store. Two of the ladies we are with are in wheelchairs so it was quite an ordeal, but fun nevertheless. Today was an overall good day, and we are going to this country cookin place in the morning for breakfast. Hope you have a GREAT 4th of July, and I will try and post some pictures tomorrow.

Weird Wednesday

Today I had planned on going to Curves again, but I was feeling a bit dizzy and like I needed to pass out so ended up not going. My mom and I got a bit of a late start, and headed towards the beach. We ended up stopping at Cracker Barrell. I could eat their biscuits ALL day...they are delicious. Then we worked our way down to Tanger Outlets, and I bought a few things there. They were having some really good deals. We finally all made it to the beach, and are staying at my "Aunt Bev's" condo. There are 7 us staying down here. So it could possibly be a condo full. It's my "Aunt Bev," her mom, my mom, me, "Aunt Anne," her daughter, Amanda, and their mom, "Mimi." Tonight we went to K&W Cafeteria, and I got a plate of vegetables. Then we went to Bi-Lo to get some snacks and lunch stuff for the rest of the week. Hopefully this will be another fun and relaxing week.

Timeless Tuesday

Today I made it to Curves once again, and was able to go around on the circuit twice so that was a blessing. At this Curves they actually have an actual machine you stretch on instead of using the floor. That was really nice, and I think I'm going to try talking the one back in Greenville into getting one. :) Ya'll are probably tired of hearing about this stupid allergic reaction, but it seems to be getting somewhat better. The only thing is that it might take 2-3 weeks to completely clear up. So no sun on this vacation for me. My mom and I asked some of the locals where we should go for lunch this afternoon, and we ended up at a place called Gilligan's by the water. The view was pretty good, and the food wasn't so bad just a little over priced for the little that we got. My mom and I split some potato skins, and then I got popcorn shrimp, fried okra, and corn on the cob. That was some good eatin. Then we came back and headed to the pool for a little while. It's nice to get in, but would love to have some sun with it. Met a lady out at the pool who was from Germany, and she had a gorgeous accent. So that was kind of cool. Then I had a random phone call from a former NGC(U)er, John Polk. It was nice to chat with him on the phone for a brief minute or two. He does Carriage Rides in Downtown Charleston, and it would have been neat to see him. Haven't talked or kept up with him for 2 years. Anyways my day was pretty un-adventuresome to say the least. Please continue to keep me in your thoughts and prayers...this medicine I'm on makes me eat EVERYTHING, and I'm sure that I have gained 20 pounds just being on it since Thursday. Please let me know if you are reading this. I think people have forgotten about me in just a short week. I will try to post more throughout the week, but access to Internet may be few and far between.

Can you believe it's already July? Where did June go??