Remembering . . . Memorial Day Reflections

The most powerful and enduring speech of modern times, in my opinion, was not written by a team of professional writers. It wasn’t scrolled down in bite-sized pieces on a teleprompter, or broadcast to millions of television viewers.

This speech was delivered to a crowd of about 15,000, nearly 150 years ago. It contained only ten sentences, and was delivered at a cemetery dedication.  It was two minutes long, followed an eloquent and well-received speech that was nearly two hours long, and was never intended to be the highlight or focal point of the ceremonies. 

Have you guessed it yet?

Graduating? 50 Do's, Don't's, and Random Things You Should Know

These insanely awesome, accurate, and proven tips are brought to you by: 

LaJoie Ward, a recent grad of "Yale by the Jail" (aka Broome Community College) with an A.S. and a 4.0 GPA

James Lex, a 4.0 GPA student with a knack for conquering exams using only a pencil and 5 granola bars.

Part 1: Tips 1-25 are dedicated to those grads who will soon be headed off to college.

1. Five energy drinks in a row = Bad Idea.
2. Professors will let you out early, especially when you pay attention.
3. Don't friend professors on Facebook!
4. Everyone is an expert at their own opinion—professors are DEFINITELY not an exception.
5. Don’t cut corners.
6. Don’t cut class.
7. Don’t cut up in class.
8. Unless you have very thick skin, avoid professors with a degree in sarcasm.
9. If the professor is a Yankees fan, consider your Red Sox hat a threat to your grade.

Oops, I Did it Again . . .

So, I managed to get myself caught up in responding to comments on a random news article. (Which is why I don't usually let myself read the comments . . . I can't help it!!) I was researching presidential hopeful Herman Cain and came across this article: Click Here :)

I couldn't resist commenting when I saw that nearly every comment on the article slammed Cain for his strong Pro-Life, Anti-Planned-Parenthood views.  I especially couldn't help but respond to this comment:

"So how many women that need abortion to save their own lives is Mr. Cain and the other far-right evangelical wingnuts willing to sacrifice for their own political ambitions?"

I "Love" This!

Hey everyone!  This was recommended to me by a friend, and I listened to all four parts today. It was REALLY good. This guy is a great speaker. His messages are clear, eye-opening, and quite funny in parts. :)  If you don't have time for all four, I'd recommend at least the first message.  I'll stop chatting and let you get right to it! :)


Here's the link to Pastor Andy Stanley's video message series on dating:
http://www.northpoint.org/messages/the-new-rules-for-love-sex-and-dating

The World Ends Tomorrow

If the world ends tomorrow . . .

Are you satisfied with your last day on earth?

Did you:

~love with total abandon?

~give till you had nothing left?

~make someone smile?

~find yourself closer to Jesus than ever before?

~stop to smell the roses, gaze at a sunset, or watch a child run and play, and thank God for the simple, but beautiful things in life?

~speak an encouraging word?

~throw your arms around a friend and hug them like you were going to squeeze the life out of them?

~laugh so hard you thought you’d cry?

~dance like no one was watching?

~take a wild leap of faith, trusting you’d land in His arms?

Love Talks #2: True Love Waits . . . While it Waits

Warning: This is tough. It’s a feat that not many people can accomplish. I’m still learning it; in fact, I just messed up royally right before sitting down to write this.  Proceed with caution.

Most Christians have heard the slogan “True love waits.” But did you know that’s only half of what love is?

See, I have this theory that you can be sexually pure, save yourself completely for marriage, and still not understand love. Actually, this idea isn’t mine—it’s God’s. As my friend and fellow blogger, James Lex,  pointed out in a short sermon he preached last year, Paul’s definition of love in First Corinthians 13 lists many things love is NOT, but it only lists two things that love IS.

Many of us have heard the “patient” part preached over and over.” Save sex till marriage.” “You just gotta wait.” “Someday, my prince will come.” And the list goes on.

Smarter Pants 2: The Demise of the Creamy White Jeans

“Let’s see, what to wear today . . .”

We find our heroine as she usually is on a Monday morning: carefully and meticulously creating the fantastic ensemble of clothing and accessories with which she will stun the unsuspecting outside world.

“Hmm, well,” she mused aloud, “I’m feeling kind of casual today, but blue jeans day at work isn’t ‘till Friday. Oh—I know!”

She leapt across the room in a single bound to open the drawer with a flourish. From the dark blackness of the back of the drawer, she pulled a fantastic pair of creamy, off-white jeans with slightly flared legs and designer stitching on the pockets. Perfect! A long-lost love was instantly rekindled.

Awesome Song Alert! "Something in Your Eyes"

Hey everyone! I've decided to start reviewing songs periodically, alerting you to some great songs and letting you know my opinion of them. I'll review the lyrics and, if possibly, post a link or video on here so you can listen to it for yourself! Enjoy!

"Something in your Eyes" by Shonlock

I first heard this song on Family Life Network's "Resound" station. I love the sound of it, but I particularly like the words of the chorus. "I see something in your eyes tonight, and it glows, letting me know, I'm never alone." 

Those words remind me of certain people who just seem to emulate the love of Christ. Have you ever met someone who just...glows? When they look at you, they smile, maybe speak a word of encouragement or give you a hug, or even just sincerely ask, "how are you...really?" Doesn't it just makes you feel the love of Christ, like you've just gotten a hug or a loving glance from Jesus himself? Warm fuzzies all over!

Osama No More

Unless you live under a rock or were participating in a total media fast (aka living under a rock), you probably heard the news about Osama Bin Laden’s death. 

Ever since I heard the news, I’ve been trying to figure out how to respond.  What I mean is that, although I’m glad that justice was finally served, I don’t know whether it’s really right to be glad about a human being’s death, however terrible that person might have been.  I can rejoice that he will no longer cause evil, death, and destruction, but should I be happy that his soul was abruptly sent to its eternal destination?