no one loses the Super Bowl

Love this story.

"As World Vision sees it, in God's economy no one loses the Super Bowl"

wanna change the world?

You can.
For kindergartners in Vietnam.Join Jon Acuff at Stuff Christians Like.

Donate.
They raised OVER $30,000 in UNDER 24 hours.
So, he doubled the goal.

I like it.

GIVE ~ GIVE ~ GIVE

Want to Help?

This is Clarkdale Elementary School in Austell, GA- which is a part of the school district where I teach. It was flooded this past week during the rains in Atlanta. I can't even imagine if this was my school. I would be devastated. So much lost.
But, the kids are headed back to school tomorrow. They won't be at Clarkdale, but rather split between two nearby schools.

Obviously, the recovery is gonna take a while. Not only does the physical building have to be restored, students and teachers lost all of their supplies. (Last time I moved classrooms, it took 12 boxes to move all of my stuff!!)

If you live in the Atlanta area, you can partner with 11Alive and The School Box will be taking donations at any area School Box during the week of Sept. 26-27.
If you're not in Atlanta or just don't have time to go by The School Box, you can give online. You can give here. All gifts are tax deductible.

When is Love Biggest?

I hope you read Stuff Christians Like. Because it's hilarious. And true. And smart. And honest. And Jon Acuff is the man. You should start reading it today if you don't. I'm sure you don't have anything better to do but read hours and hours of blog entries.

Today he's writing about love.
And makes this poignant statement.

An act of love is amplified exponentially when it is given in response to an act of hate.

I've been thinking about it all morning.
This is EXACTLY what Jesus calls us to do. And be. His love for us is amplified times a million because we do so much to hate. It may not be hate in the way we think of it, but it's still hate. Doing exactly the opposite of what someone asks of you is not love- so it's gotta be something else.
I don't really know what else to say. But I think that this has challenged me. And opened my eyes. Not only to see my shortcomings. But also to see the times where God has given me an incredible measure of grace to be able to love people in light of their hate. And even bigger- to see where people have loved me in spite of my hate.

The closing of the SCL entry is this:
Hope is heard loudest when it's a response to hurt.

Comfort is heard loudest when it's a response to pain.

Love is heard loudest when it's a response to hate.

Let's be loud.

My friend told me that I needed to update my blog. I do. I have been crazy busy. Out of control. All good. But busy for sure!!

Here's where I've been....

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Went to Walking Wisely at Sharptop in Jasper- UH-mazing. This is me w/ some of my girls before the first night of worship. Such an amazing weekend-- I'm gonna miss my girls SO much next year!!

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Voddie Baucham came to my church for a 2 day conference. To say he wrecked me is a VAST understatement. And my BFF Adam came into town for the conference. Double win. Epic. If you've never heard Voddie, you are SO lacking. He is a thinking man's speaker. Absolutely challenged, pushed, and encouraged by hearing him speak.

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Went to Tuscaloosa for Alpha Phi initiation (so, I'm actually greek. Weird.) AnneTaylor and I made mom take a million pictures of us around the stadium. We're precious. We know.

We had to climb the wall to jump up here with these two fellas. Worth it? I think so.

My favorite pic. Cute of us. Over the greatest name in Alabama football history.

With THE Coach.

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More to come soon. End of the 9 weeks is upon us. I'll have more time soon!!

yeah. I teach 7th grade. You're welcome.

Things I've actually told 7th graders today:
1. Writing on bathroom walls is creepy. and weird. and just totally bizarre. Please don't.
2. If you've only been going out for 2 days, you can send a break up text.
3. Boys like to win. They like the chase. And sometimes when they catch you, the fun is over and they're no longer interested.
4. Don't text girls. They just read into everything you say.
5. I'm proud of you for studying for your math test. You're gonna do great.
6. When you're older, you need to read "He's just not that into you".
7. I want to love you- PYT- pretty young thing.


Well, my work here is obviously done. You're welcome, future of America, I've done my part!

but they were tears of joy

I cried for about 3 hours last night.

but, yall, they were tears of joy. and pride. and anticipation. and excitement.

I cried when the stations started to announce that Obama had won. But didn't REALLY start to cry until I saw it on Fox. Then I was done.

Pulled it together.

Then McCain gave his concession speech. I was impressed, humbled, and inspired by his words. He did a great job. I was annoyed with the disrespect coming from the crowd, but I loved that he graciously silenced them with his words, facial expressions, and gestures. I cried through the whole daggum thing. I love seeing unity when we're supposed to be apart. I LOVED that he said something about how sad it was that Obama's grandmother wasn't here for this- but because of THEIR (his and Obama's) beliefs, they knew she was in a better place, watching it going on. Loved that. Cried. and cried and cried. He is a hero. And our country is a better place because he helps lead and defend her.

Pulled it together.

Then my President-Elect Barack Obama gave his acceptance speech in Grant Park. And well, once again, I was inspired, challenged, and motivated to fight for the change I believe our country needs. I cried through the whole thing. I am ready. He is what I've been wanting. I don't want to be criticized for voting with a party; I want people to be excited about the way our nation leads our world. And I want to be proud to be proud. Today. I am. I am grinning. And tearing up. But proud. Of voters. Of our history. Of the history making events of yesterday. Of our leaders. Of our military. Of the different opinions. I am proud. So proud!

But I am excited. joyous. anticipating. proud.

just ready for it all to be over

I love America. I love democracy. I love debates. I love elections. I love voting.

However.

I am SO ready for election day to come and, more importantly, GO.

In the last weeks, the election has turned. For the worse. It's gotten dirty. And I don't just mean the Presidential election- the Georgia Senate race is annoying me the most. But, I am OVER IT.

Are there really undecided people out there??? I mean, maybe. But, it's really hard for me to believe that you are slightly educated about either candidate if you are undecided. Obama and McCain are extreme opposites in their basic fundamentals, so how can you still be torn? Maybe I'm being judgemental since I've been decided for a year now- but still. It's hard for me to understand.

The most annoying part to me is that a lot of people's choices are defended by the negatives of the "other guy".

Really?

You're only voting for your person because they're better than the alternative? That sucks. Why would you be ok with that???

Last week I was watching Greek. This is a silly ABC Family show about sorority/fraternity life at a small college. It's super.

But.
The point.

One of the characters said this:
"Great politicians are supposed to inspire people, not just be better than the alternative."

That really made me think. A lot.
Why do we vote the way we do? Are we inspired and voting FOR someone? Or are we just voting AGAINST someone?
I really hope that, as a nation, we are FOR stuff. Not just against something.

Are YOU inspired?

a short notice decision

So, I'm doing a Breast Cancer walk this Saturday. I decided today. Kinda short notice! BUT, one of my best friend's mother has been fighting breast cancer for a few years now-- and starts treament again soon. My mom lost one of her best friends to breast cancer a few years ago. So, it's something that (like most of you) has personally effected me. So, I'm gonna walk.

And I'm gonna try to raise money.

I know times are tight. And I know extra cash is not readily available. but, if you could even give $10, I'd be SUPER excited.

Click the link. Help make a difference :)

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer - 2008-2009