Blog-Linkity Goodness 1.28.10

A few web gems today...

1. God sent this message to me today via Donald Miller and his blog. I've been struggling for about a year now about fulfillment in Jesus Christ and how I just can't get enough to be happy. Click away and find out what I did.

2. A neat little ESPN story about Samford's head basketball coach and his "new lease on life" after suffering a seizure during a game on Saturday. That Andy Katz. He's a good 'un.

3. I think Annie Parsons and I are on the same page about this one. Especially about the parallels.

Good day to you.

Freedom Of Speech! As long as I agree...

One thing that irritates me to no end is when people cry "Freedom of Speech" when others oppose the opinions and beliefs that they hold. But when someone else's opinions clashes with what they believe, they want to cause an uproar and rally to make the opposing party cease and desist.

A recent example of this is Focus On The Family's "Celebrate Life" Super Bowl commercial that will feature Tim Tebow and his mother.

For those who don't know the story, the long and short of it is that while on a mission in the Philippines while pregnant with Tim, Tebow's mother got sick and it was suggested that she have an abortion.

His mother refused and a few months later gave birth to the person we know today as Tim Tebow, soon-to-be college football legend and my future husband (okay, maybe the latter part of the phrase isn't entirely true).

Opposing opinions are that the 30-second add "throws women under the bus" or implies that every child not aborted will grow up to be a legendary football player.

I beg to differ.

We know that some people just don't grow up to be fantastic, award-winning sports figures or movie stars or music legends. There are some people who have made bad decisions and gone down the wrong path or just basically are messed up mentally and emotionally and do things that we don't understand.

However, it is not our purpose or position to say if a child lives or dies. We cannot know at conception whether that child will turn out either way. Of course, there are circumstances in which a mother may have to choose between her life and her child's life. Mrs. Tebow chose to trust in The One who created her and who created her son to work out what his purpose was for both lives involved.

No one (besides God) could've known that that little baby would grow up to be Tim Tebow and have the effect on the world that he has had so far in his 22 or 23 years of life. Mrs. Tebow made a decision according to her beliefs. And you can't fault her for that anymore than you can fault her for wanting share her story.

Bare with me for a second. It's soapbox time.

I am a Christian. And I believe that everything that happens in our life is completely planned out by God. I also believe in the Ten Commandments. Do not make anything a priority in your life over God. Obey your parents. Don't lie. Don't steal. DO NOT KILL.

When you have an abortion, you are destroying what God has created. Therefore you are trumping God. And he doesn't stand for that. What right do we have to destroy what God has created? God's most prized creation is the human being. We are even more important to him than the angels. So I hope those who believe in abortion can see where we anti-abortion people are coming from.

I've never had to go through that circumstance nor do I ever wish that upon my worst enemy. I can't imagine what goes through a woman's mind when she is considering the termination of her pregnancy nor do I want to belittle that decision at all. I can imagine that it is not an easy decision. And I don't believe anyone is trying to make such a decision seem small and fleeting.

However, I want to give a viewpoint that I hope makes sense to pro-life and pro-choice advocates alike. The pregnancy rate outside of commitment (marriage) is astronomical. And there are definitely women who become pregnant who do not want to become mothers because they are not ready financially or emotionally. However, there are numbers of couples, just as astronomical, who cannot bear children at all. And who would rather give a child the life its birth mother cannot give it than see that child's life taken away from it before it even has a chance to life that life.

When a woman aborts, no matter how hard the decision may be, she is choosing to...as horrible as this may sound (it gives me chills to write this)... play God. And she is also choosing... (forgive me)..."the easy way out".

However...

Okay, now stepping down from my soapbox.

The main point that I think Focus On The Family is trying to make is not that abortion is wrong and that every woman who terminates her pregnancy is going to hell. Not at all. I believe they are telling their side of the story. They are telling a story of hope and purpose in which they feature a mom and her son who just happens to be making an impact on the world around him.

I don't think they are condemning anyone. I think they are shedding light on a not-so-often thought about result to choosing life. A result that gives a child the opportunity to live and affect those around him in a positive way.

They are allowing women who find themselves in this position, and may be alone in their circumstances, to consider ALL the options. Either way, with any option a woman chooses, she will have to life with that choice for the rest of her life.

So, I say, stop crying mistreatment and chauvinism and let everyone have their voice. A lot of people have died for that voice.

Let it be heard.

They Say It's Your Birthday...

...Well, Happy Birthday to ya!

Today is my wonderful Daddy's birthday. If I'm as good at second grade math as I think, that makes him...um...58?

I know that most of you reading this would argue that you dad is also the coolest dad in the world, but I really have to say it. My dad is the coolest dad. in. the. world!

I owe everything I am to my dad (and mom). He's taught me to much and fixes everything from broken radiator hoses to broken hearts. He's also pretty darn crafty as well. When I was Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz my senior year, he made my ruby red slippers. And. They. Were. Awesome.

He's really good at scaring the poo out of the boys I've dated but also at embracing them as a part of the family (okay, maybe not ALL of them) and being that one person who is always there for them to talk to.

My most favorite memories when I was a kid were riding on his back/shoulders and riding in the trailor being the riding lawnmower/tractor. Although I'm too grown for those things now, I still feel like figuratively, my dad still carries me on his back when I'm to tired to walk, puts me on his shoulders when I can't see the main event, and lets me ride in the trailor when I'm afraid to walk through the tall grass.

As an adult (which is still a weird word to me because have you seen me play with my nephew?), my favorite thing is our theological, deep, thought-provoking conversations. Although sometimes I can get frustrated with the way he challenges what I say, I always come away grateful that he does it because if I'm not challenged, I won't know what I really believe.

My dad's been through a lot in his life, a whole lot more than someone like him should have to go through. But one thing that has been a constant has been his faith in God and God's faithfulness to him. My dad has an opportunity everyday to be a light for Jesus Christ in a world blanketed with the darkness of anger, resentment, abuse, addition and misunderstanding. And he takes that opportunity day after day. That can sometimes lead to an overwhelming feeling of weariness. When you're pouring yourself into saving others, you start to feel yourself drowning. Then you become the one that needs saving.

I think there are times when he might forget how much he is loved in this world (and out of this world), but I think in the past two years he has realized it's more than anyone can fathom. And the ringleader of that love is his Heavenly Father.

My dad has a saying: "Remember who you are...and Whose you are." He has been the greatest example of that saying to me.

There are so many things that my dad has done that I take pride in -- namely, playing football for Mississippi State. But my dad has done greater things that have had a bigger impact than just tackling a few people and putting a number of quarterbacks on their back.

My dad became a Christian in high school and since then, he has been on a mission to make an impact for Christ in every aspect of his life. He was a major player in Campus Crusade for Christ at MSU and is surrounded by many close friends who have dedicated their lives to impacting the world for God's glory.

He's taught me to believe in the power of prayer because it really does work. And to look for the small things. The details. Because God has a purpose even in the small things.

I can't think of a great way to close out this post. It's just not coming to me. But I will say that there's one thing I'm sure of -- 26 years ago, God gave me a daddy who would be the earthly image of him. Now, I don't know how many dudes auditioned for the part of my dad but God sure hit the nail on the head with this pick.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

The Marshmellow Test

This is the exact reaction I would have if someone did this to me with cookie cake.

Sometimes He Just Wants You To Say Yes

(I apologize that recently fun and usually sarcastic blog about my life has turned into a place where basically I preach. Not intended. It's just that God is working in my heart right now and he's given me things lately that I just can't NOT share with the world.)

I've been reading this precious girl's blog for a while and I'm sure I've shared about her before. I'm amazed everyday by her reckless abandon to obey God and be a part of his plan to accomplish his will in all nations. God, make me this passionate to see your glory and reknown across the world.

Today's post spoke to my heart and I just wanted to share it with whoever is out there reading. It paralleled what I've been studying in my daily reading of God's word. I recently read the story of Abraham and Isaac, when God asked Abraham to kill Isaac as a sacrifice to him (Genesis 22:1-19). If you don't know this story, please go read it.

We all know how it ends. God shows again his great plan for redemption when he provides a ram in the thicket to serve as a substitute for Isaac. I don't think God's ultimate plan was for Abraham to kill his son. I think he was just testing Abraham's faith, seeing if he was willing to go the whole way with this obedient faith thing.

After reading Katie's post today, I think, no, I know (as does she), that God was doing the same in her heart. He just wanted to see if she was willing to say yes.

I think I'm getting to the point where God is about to ask me to say yes. I'm a little afraid, but God's given me his Word to look to so that I know the ending of the story.

Please continue to pray for Katie as she ministers to those who need it most. And pray for me as I try to be obedient and muster up the faith to just say yes.

Five Things Tag

Lydia tagged me on this survey and y'all know I love a good mindless survey. So here goes...

Instructions:
1) Answer five questioins with five answers.
2) Tag five other bloggers.

Questions:

1. Where were you 10 years ago?
- I was 16 and a junior in high school.
- Probably getting ready to cheer at a basketball game or practicing for Colonel's Classic.
- Dating a guy that didn't really appreciate me.
- Learning how to be a journalist from Mr. Avalon.
- Probably getting in a little trouble with Drew or Austin.

2. What is on your to-do list for today?
- Pack for the trip home (check)
- Get the cable fixed (check)
- Go to work (check)
- Email Jessica Owens
- Have fun times with the nephew

3. What five snacks do you enjoy?
- Gummies bears
- Grapes
- Any kind of chips and dip but favs are Moe's chips and queso or Pepper's/Bulldog Deli's chips and rotel
- Goldfish
- Ritz crackers

4. Where are five places you have lived?
- Briarcliff Circle in Jackson, MS
- Old Spanish Trail in Jackson, MS
- Rice Hall and McKee Hall at Mississippi State
- The MSU Kappa Delta House
- Birmingham, AL

5. Name five things you would do if you were a billionaire:
- Establish a charity/ministry with several different angles
- Put away money for my children's educations.
- Finally pay my dad for my computer.
- Take the family to New York for Thanksgiving, to Hawaii just for fun, and the Grand Canyon because dad's always wanted to go.
- Finally take my trip to Australia.

And now I tag:
1. Dad
2. Casey
3. LT
4. Rossie
5. Megan J.

I Can Transform Ya

I cannot get this performance out of my head. It was several months ago but I heard this song today while my iPod was on shuffle and it made me think of this video. Brilliant is all I have to say. If I ever have to perform a hip-hop dance routine (which could come up at any time, obviously), Tabitha and Napolean, I'm giving you a call. You're geniuses. Geniusi?

Blog-Linkity Goodness 1.20.10

That's weird that I just had to type 10 instead of 09. I mean I've done it for almost a month now but somehow it was more weird just now.

Anyway, here are some interesting bits that I've found around the internets lately.

1. My mom and I have discussed at length several times the unfairness of the SEC basketball schedule this year. (Yes, my mom and I discuss sports more than my dad and I do. Dysfunctional yet it works.) Due to the television deals the conference has made, many teams are playing Thursday-Saturday stint with little to no time to prepare. For example, in February, Mississippi State plays Ole Miss on a Thursday, Auburn on a Saturday and Kentucky on the next Tuesday. That's three games against three tough teams in six days. It does help that the games are all in Starkville but imagine if those were all road games. The Bulldogs wouldn't be given a chance going into the game against Kentucky. Anyway, all this to say, Jerry Tipton of the Herald-Leader in Kentucky wrote great article about this situation.

2. Paps is making history with his contract. Dude signed a one-year contract worth $6.25 million, the largest deal in history for a closer who was eligible for arbitration for the first time. Just one question, at 26 years of age, am I still eligible for adoption?

3. Last sports story. Promise. This was just too good not to share. Good times, Knoxville. Good times.

4. This post by Jon Acuff spoke straight to my heart and made me realize that sometimes God has a purpose for making us invisible.

5. This angers me to no end. People are dying left and right from curable injuries because plane after plane with medical supplies are not being allowed to land in Haiti. There is a hospital three hours from Port-au-Prince filled to the brim with injured people that is about to have to shut down because they don't have enough supplies to treat the people there.

It's frustrating to sit here in my comfortable chair in my sturdy office and on my comfortable couch in my warm home in from of my televisioni and watch the days go by where, in the midst of miracle after miracle of survivors being pulled from week-old rubble, the death toll escalates because people with broken legs and broken arms are dying because they aren't getting treated.

God, help these people!

24 Observations

24 observations. Not 24 observations. That would just be crazy. While I was losing sleep last night watching Jack Bauer save the world...again...I noticed some things that I just couldn't let slip. Here they are. Just to clarify, there aren't 24. It's just 6.

1. Why was Jack wearing a man purse when he approached the house of the slain victims of the assasain? Jack, a man purse? Really?

2. I'm pretty sure cursing at the man who just shot your wife in the leg and is now holding a gun to your head is not going to help your sitch-ee-ay-shun.

3. Why hasn't Jack (or Chloe for that matter) been promoted to CTU director yet? Chloe's attitude may be hindering her promotion but she and Jack both outsmart everybody, EVERY. TIME. You'd think these people would learn by now.

4. Do. Not. Underestimate. Chloe. Period.

5. It's funny how CTU 2.0 (Thanks to BooMama for that term) people think Chloe and Jack are idiots yet it's ironic that they both basically ARE CTU.

6. Say hello to Renee Walker, folks. The female Jack Bauer. Homegirl sawed off Russian dude's hand. SAWED IT CLEAN OFF. I have to say, I underestimated Renee.

Letters

Dear neighbors,

Contrary to popular belief per the noise coming from my apartment, I am not hosting the next edition of WWF Raw. If you happen to hear something that sounds like two 250-pound men body slamming each other on the floor, don't worry. It's probably just me watching Mississippi State basketball. And Saturday, that is why you thought there was an 5.1 magnitude earthquake happening on Shades Mountain because I was just a bit frustrated that WE COULD NOT HOLD ONTO THE BALL OR GET A REBOUND.

Sincerely,

Suddenly way more passionate about MSU basketball than football
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Dear Conan,

The past week has been one I'll never forget. I mean, I've always found you hilarious, but this week just took the cake. I've enjoyed your jabs at NBC and Jay Leno and if they kick you out and you move to FOX, you'll have at least one fan moving with you. Besides, I was a broadcasting major and, 2.5 million viewers sounds pretty darn good to me for a show that comes on while most people are going to sleep.

Love,

Someone who almost peed her pants laughing at least one a night this week
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Dear NBC and JayLeno,

You both screwed up. Jay, you gave your show to Conan. You can't take it back. It's called indian giving. And on the playground, that's like the worst thing you can do. Your show at 9 p.m. wasn't successful because it wasn't funny. And you are up against shows like Real Housewives of Orange County and 18 Kids and Counting. What do you expect? That's real entertainment. NBC? I think you should consider that you are toying with people's livelihood here.

Sincerely,

Team Conan
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Dear Tony Romo,


I have to say, I was rooting for you. I was hoping you'd put Brett in his place. But, again, you just couldn't get it done. Let's hope Drew and Reggie can make it happen next week.


Love,

Bummed in Birmingham
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Dear Jarvis Varnado,

You've made me fall in love with Mississippi State basketball all over again. You are my hero.

Sincerely,

A faithful fan forever