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You are here: Home / 2011 / Archives for July 2011

Archives for July 2011

Would You Quit the Internet?

July 29, 2011 by Amy 14 Comments

My answer may surprise you given that I asked the question of Twitter and Facebook and am now blogging my answer. My love for the Internet knows no strangers.

Here are the rules we formulated:

-No taxes are taken out.
-You would not or could not connect to the Internet again. As in, the stakes would be too high for you to do it (like an awful death) or you would be rendered incapable by some technology that does not currently exist.
-You would be able to continue your work-related Internet-required tasks. As in, I search Google often for programming -tips. I would be able to do that but could not, say, take a break at work and check my bank account.

My short answer: yes, I would do it. Send me the check, I’m out.

For sure, it would be HARD.

But my first reaction is come we were doing this less than 15 years ago! I fully remember the days of calling to get directions, checking the weather on the guide channel, looking in the phone book for a number, mailing checks for your bills, talking on the phone to friends and family to get updates.

But I do have to admit, times have changed and some things simply do not work the same. I have DirecTV now and do not have local weather on my TV. Many people do not have local numbers in the phone book since we have gone to cell phones exclusively. Companies we work with are not local at all. It’s not as easy to contact them or check your account. For sure, the playing field is different.

People have cited required services as a reason to say no, but even socially, some say we can’t live without it. With family and friends sprawled out over the globe, many keep up with them online. People stay in touch with breaking news online now. CNN, Yahoo, Twitter and Facebook and the like all keep us informed of what is happening.

But I would submit all these are niceties. There is nothing that I do that is not work-related that there is not some phone or paper alternative still. I can still write checks, call for phone numbers, listen to a weather radio, read the newspaper or watch the TV for news, write in a journal, send letters, call my bank for account information, call my family. Sixty years from now in 2071, though, who knows, that might not be the case. Will there even be checks or printed phone books and newspapers down the line? I’m going to guess no, in 60 years, things will be very different.

I am 33, if I live another 60 years then giving up the million dollars for the Internet is like saying I will pay $1300 every single month for every one of those 60 years to be able to go online. I just don’t think I’m willing to do that. If my cable service tried to charge me $1300 this month for the Internet I would say you can kiss my account goodbye!! I am perfectly content with using a phone book, making a call, writing checks, writing in my journal, calling my friends to check up. The question remains will our world continue in such a way that it is possible to live without the Internet? I think that’s the real question here.

So my answer is yes, with the world as-is, I take the money.

Now that I have my million dollars though, what do I do?

I would finally quit work and live off the million dollars in some way. And although one million dollars really isn’t enough for a family to live on for the rest of your lives, it is enough for us to supplement Scott’s income and keep us floating just fine. And I’m guessing I would be spending A LOT of time on the phone getting things done. Have you called an 800 number recently? Aye carumba!

My second option of what I would do is continue to work and use the money missionally. However, I just don’t see me giving up the chance to stay home with my girls.

Perhaps if I went the route of quitting, I would return to work at some point and use the additional money left missionally.

In closing though, giving it up would be HARD. The simple fact is life is changing and most of us are very reliant on the Internet. Beyond the social aspect, we do so many required tasks online. I’m very appreciative that I don’t have to pay for so many checks or sit on 800 number calls constantly or pay to print hundreds of pictures to share with family or handwrite these blog posts or make dozens of long phone calls every day! Yes, the Internet can be a time-waster but I think it is such a time(and money)-saver too. So while I would probably take the million dollars, I still think the Internet has value and I’m not quitting on my own volition anytime soon!

Filed Under: what i did today

Five Minute Friday: Still

July 29, 2011 by Amy 2 Comments

Start

Still. Be still and know that I am God. I can not help but think of that verse. How many times has that proven to be true? Only when I have submitted to the stillness have I heard the voice of God, known that He IS God. I lie face down on the soft carpet of my closet, temporarily my prayer closet, tears wetting the threads. How I yearn to know Him, know what He wants and desires. I have tried in my busyness to know Him. Lord, help me be patient. Lord, shut my mouth. Show me your compassion. Lord, what do I do. When do I go, when do I stop? My soul searches for his words, any word to know him. But it is not until I lay low in the carpet and be still that I hear him. Child, I am here. You can hear me now in your stillness. Be still and know that I am God.
One would think the default is to be still and it would take effort to actually do something. But it is in our nature to go, to move, to speak, to run, to do. Always going and never still. In an ironic twist, it takes effort to be still. Our way to know him is a conscious choice. And he wants us to choose him so badly. Stop and listen. Be still and know.

Stop

linked Gypsy Mama and her Five Minute Friday, hosted at (in)courage

Author’s note: I feel the need to add that God does speak at all times, not just in my stillness. I don’t mean to say you have to lock yourself in a closet to hear from him. But the times I do make myself still that way, I always know he is God and those were the times I was remembering while writing.

Filed Under: what i did today

Tucker Goes Diving

July 28, 2011 by Amy 2 Comments

We’ve realized Tucker puffy hearts water.  And it’s ironic since our dog Mattie puffy hates water.  Today we caught him on the “high dive” going to get his toy.

 

 

I keep telling Scott we need to train him for those long distance jump contests dogs do, right?

Filed Under: what i did today

Girl Style

July 27, 2011 by Amy Leave a Comment

Dani was just blogging yesterday about her three daughters’ sense of style.  It’s been amazing to me to see my own girls’ style evolve as they have gotten old enough to pick their clothes.  For a very long time, Emma could care less about what she wore.  I put on a matching outfit and she didn’t think twice what was going over her head before school.  In the past year or so she has definitely started paying attention.

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Emma is feminine all the way.  One of her favorite outfits this summer is a tan animal print tank with gold glitter and a cream lace vest.  She loves her ruffled gold sandals.  Many of her things are light colors with flowers or a butterfly.  All very girly and stylish.  She likes delicate things that fit her small frame well.  If I would let her she would wear a simple tank and a short flair skirt all the time.  She also has a casual side to her and is very happy in t-shirts, jean shorts and converse tennis shoes.  This past winter she loved her skinny jeans and riding boots, as pictured above.

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Lexi is feminine as well but with an edge.  She likes bold, bright colors.  She doesn’t shy away from black or animal prints.  If something has sequins or glitter, she’s all for it.  She is a huge accessory girl.  Just today she was playing and had a black sequined hat, bright purple glitter scarf on with a hot pink, green and yellow printed tank.  The girl loves prints and color!  She’s been known to walk around in earrings and necklaces several sizes too big.  She likes to say she’s very “fashiony”.  But she also has a casual side to her and is happy in a simple shirt, cargo shorts and crocs.

It will be interesting in the next few weeks as we begin school shopping to see what they go for as they head into new grades.  With a summer nearly past us now they haven’t had their friends nearby to influence their style.  Just a few days ago Emma said she wanted converse high tops which seemed to come out of nowhere; they certainly did not get a love of high top converse shoes from me!  I can’t wait to see how their style evolves as they get into adolescence and teenage years, but then again, I think my wallet is screaming that it can wait!

Disclosure:
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and jcpenney blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate,
click here.

Filed Under: children

Life Stories

July 27, 2011 by Amy 11 Comments

MamaKatsLosinIt had a great post today about her top 10 life stories.  You know, the stories that haunt you no matter how old you get and get told over and over.  I figured it was as good a time as any to share a few of mine.

  • When I was a toddler one Easter morning, I became inconsolable which was very atypical.  My parents took me to the hospital only to find out I had a straight pin stuck in my uterus wall.  I had emergency surgery and still have a scar about 4” long on my abdomen.  I have to tell that one every single time I see a new doctor.
  • I ran into a screen door at my great-grandmother’s house and produced the scar on my chin.
  • I decided since I loved tuna so much that I would certainly love tuna cat food. I did not like tuna cat food.
  • And speaking of cans of food, one time I was trying to open one and when I grabbed the lid to pull it back the rest of the way, it sliced right through my finger. Blood went everywhere and I probably should have had stitches but if I remember right, my dad was in between health coverage.
  • Heather and I got in a fight and I pinched her so hard that she still has a few crescent shaped scars on one of her hands.
  • I was in the kitchen cutting something and complaining vehemently about the knife not working right.  I was using the wrong side.  Those triangle tipped ones are confusing!
  • I woke up and got ready for school but no one else was up.  I went upstairs and told my parents with force that they needed to get up and Heather needed to get up, we were all late!!  My mom looks at the clock only to find out I had gotten up and got ready at 3am.
  • My friends and I were in the Wal-mart check out line and I mentioned the “Eskimopie” (es-keh-moh-pee) candy bar.  Little did I realize it read "Eskimo Pie”.

I didn’t make it to 10 but I’m very sure my family and friends could recall some other ones.

Filed Under: what i did today

Living Proof Live – Charlotte and a Surprise

July 23, 2011 by Amy 7 Comments

Golly, the past 24 hours were so good.  So. good.

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I keep typing and backing up and typing something else.  Where do you start?  How do you put into words 6 pages of notes and a very full heart?  First I will tell you this.  And it is what I walked away with.  That story?  I’m gonna write it.  No lie Beth said the words “We always want our past to be our past.  To pretend like it never happened.  But we must use our past as our testimony.  We have to offer hope.”  There are many more things she said that completely confirmed my thoughts scripturally and enlightened more.  Above all, I walked away with the affirmation just once again just how much affection He has for me.  He is not tolerating me, he DELIGHTS in me.

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There is no way to fully explain all of what she talked about but I will hit the highlights.  Our two words for the weekend were HOLD FAST.  Hold fast and cleave to God.  She gave us eight reasons we needed to hold fast as an acrostic:

H: His affection is set upon you.  She went into the many ways he loves us.  But be assured he is loyal, faithful, emotional, passionate, devoted to you.
O: Only He is your praise.  The good of the universe loves YOU and wants good for you. Praise him.
L: Loving Him Awakens Your True Heart.  We do not know ourselves until we cling to him.  He is what makes life work.
D: Doing His will Does Us Good.  He cannot lead us wrong.  God uses everything that happens to you for your destiny.
F: Fleeing to Him means Fleeing From Him.  He is always with us.
A: Any Tighter Embrace Will Also Replace. Oh boy, do I know this one well.  We are supposed to love but when we cling to something else harder, it becomes a stronghold.
S: Satan Wants What You Have.  He wants your marriage, children, church but most of all your faith. 
T: The Lord is Your Life Col 3:1-4 Choose life.

 

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So good.  I wish every one of you could hear every word.  But I’ll just say this.  Hold fast to Him.  He is the answer.  Your life should not be a train wreck. If it is, fall into Him.  Hold on for dear life.  When you are walking with Him, things work.  It may not be easy but there is peace.  Whew, I could go on!

I do want to tell you about the lovely people I went with and got to meet. 

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Susan, Dani, Michele, me and Heather.  I was so happy Heather.  At the last second, she was able to snag one of their Siesta Scholarship tickets.  If you need one of those, it was so painless and such a blessing.

 

I also got to meet up with my good friend Becky 

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..and Beth who sadly I didn’t get a picture with.

And I’m especially happy to have finally met Boomama.  I have been a long-time reader of Sophie’s blog and let me just tell you she is a DELIGHT.  I’m not sure there is another way to describe her.  And she is the same in person.  She’s down to earth, and funny and Southern to every bit of her core.  I just love her. 

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OK, so I must quickly tell you about a surprise last night that happened after we got back from LPL.  Yesterday afternoon I talked to Emma.  I told her I was excited to see her in one day!  I talked to Scott last night just after we got out and he said the girls were asleep so I didn’t get to say good night.  When I got home, I went almost straight to sleep as my alarm was going off at 5:45am.  Scott called right at 11 and said, “I hate to do this but Corporal has to come get my radio to use it tonight can you go get it out of the closet and put it on the bench out front.”  So I did and when I walked out the front door, I saw car lights on and thought Corporal was already there.  I started squinting really hard when I saw a shadow of a child and saw that it was Emma!  “You’re kidding me”! I said when I realized it WAS Emma and Scott was also walking through the yard.  Scott had completely surprised me and travelled back that evening.  I can’t tell you how happy I was! 

So between the conference and having my babies back last night you can imagine I’ve been on cloud 9 today!  Hope your weekend is going well!

Filed Under: friends and/or family, spiritual stuff

A Friday Few

July 22, 2011 by Amy 1 Comment

The DHEC inspection this morning was painless.  The inspector was SO nice and flexible.  Less than 15 minutes but a few things we have to do. 

  • Outlet covers on all the outlets.  Half of ours have disappeared over the years and the new addition never got any. 
  • Cleaning supplies have to go on the 2nd of 3 shelves in the pantry instead of 1st. 
  • Cabinet door locks are needed in the bathroom where the medicine is.  At one time they were there and honest to goodness thought they still were. 
  • Daily medicine had to be moved from my yellow cabinet in the kitchen to the 2nd shelf in one of the kitchen cabinets. 

All painless and cheap.  Yay!  The DSS rep that is coming for the fire pre-inspection on August 3rd will check all these things.

Tonight is Beth Moore and I am ecstatic.  I get to go with Dani (&friends) and Heather and I hope to get to meet BooMama.  ECSTATIC.

I talked to Lexi today and like everyday, she says she misses me.  This morning I said, “I get to see you in one day!”  She gets panicky and says, “But I don’t want to leave the beach!!” I guess she’s doing quite fine.

Filed Under: adoption, children

Five Minute Friday: Full

July 22, 2011 by Amy 12 Comments

“Just write without worrying if it’s just right or not. For five minutes flat.”

There’s a story I want to tell.  My story.  From six long years ago.  But it’s a story of failure and shame and deceit and lies and a broken marriage.  And it’s hard to talk about.  But I know I need to share my story and I feel the fear shutting me down every time.  But God has bigger plans.  I know it, I feel it. He won’t let me go.  He never lets me go.  He has this plan and he’s going to do what he always does.  Makes beautiful things out of us.  He takes the worst of us and makes it the best of us.  Even kicking and screaming and wanting to forget it all.  He never lets us forget how he saved us from ourselves.  How without him we’d screw it all up over and over.  And it reminds us to stay close.  Stay away.  Stay submitted.  Surrendered. Redemption of our sin does more for us than perfection ever will.  So how can I say no?  How can refuse the Maker when he’s wanting to make something?  I am only a vessel, a piece of clay to be molded. I must remember this.  And write. 

 

I wrote this as part of theGypsyMama’s Five Minute Friday.  I didn’t pay attention that the prompt was “full” but it’s clear I am full.  Full of story.

Filed Under: what i did today

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Hey! I'm so glad you're here. I'm Amy, working mom of 3 in the Southern suburbs. I love Jesus, my family, books, chocolate and coffee. I write about faith, parenting, adoption, marriage, fashion, and design. Read more here

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