Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Come Back, Cats!

Wow. That's really all I can say. Anyone who saw the Kentucky-Vanderbilt game will know exactly what I'm talking about. That was an amazing display of awful. I miss the days when Kentucky could be down by like 20 points with 2 minutes to go, and yet somehow they would always manage to pull it out in the end. I guess that's why I used to get so disappointed (especially in the tournament) when they would actually lose. I remember one year (probably elementary school) when my brother and I were dressed in all Kentucky gear with pom poms and all, rooting them on to a crazy comeback.....and they LOST! I can't remember if David did, but I know I threw my pom-pom down and cried. Pretty sad, or pretty hilarious, depending on how you look at it. Actually, it's both.

Anyway, where have all the Tony Delks, Jamal Mashburns, and Travis Fords gone?? I love Jodie Meeks, but people, he's got to have some help. Some of you were stepping up, but wow. We lost to Vandy. Badly. Not cool, not cool.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Today was a very hard day. We went to the funeral of a sweet, smiling, life-loving young lady. It's one of those days where I'm reminded of the Fall and of the fact this is not how God intended life to be. It's also one of those days when I'm reminded of God's unfailing love to His broken and sinful and selfish creation. Because of what Christ did on the cross, this life is not the end. Death is but the passing into eternal life, and for that I am overwhelmed with thanksgiving. I'm reminded of the Casting Crowns song, "Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth, would care to know my name?" I'm confident in the promises God has made in Scripture--that He has prepared a place for us, and that He will come back to take us to be with Him forever. I am confident in them because God is the faithful God who has always kept His promises. Reading His Word confirms this. My own life confirms this. He has never failed me yet, and I put all my hope in Him.

We sang a song today by Chris Tomlin called, "Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)." Something that has brought me joy today is knowing that Emily has received the promises. I still wait--we all still wait--for their fulfillment. But she has received the salvation promised her when she first trusted Christ to be her Savior and Lord. How beautiful. The song says, "My chains are gone, I've been set free. For God, my Savior, has ransomed me. And, like a flood, His mercy reigns. Unending love, amazing grace." I can praise God even though my heart breaks because her chains are gone and she's been set free to sing, dance, and love with complete abandon. I'm sure that's what she is doing--all three at once. Emily Long was an amazing person. I'm so thankful that I got to know her for a little while. On this side of heaven, the world is a little less bright, but now she shines in perfect reflection of the glory of God. I miss her.