Insert Angry Faces Here

This quote is from a March interview, but I didn't here about it until today.

"I've got two daughters - nine years old and six years old. I am going to teach them first of all about values and morals. But if they make a mistake, I don't want them punished with a baby." (Barack Obama)

I am hopping mad.

What a world we live in. Just the other day a friend told me about a conversation he had with a foreign national. "I think people just value life way too much over here."

I had a lot to say about this, but now, as I type, none of it matters.

This world is a dark place without the Light of the Truth. It grieves me.

The Lord Has Done This!

I was in a wedding this weekend. My former suitemate, Megan McFall, became Mrs. Joseph Riddell in the most beautiful wedding I have ever attended. That's saying a lot, considering I've been to more weddings than I can count.

It wasn't because of the dress, it wasn't because of the flowers. It wasn't even because it was the most perfect fall day ever to grace the "armpit of Ohio." It was because of the Lord and His abundant love. He brought Joe and Megan together - and Joe and Megan together is a beautiful thing. As the Psalmist said, "The Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

There was so much rejoicing on Saturday, both with laughter and with tears (mostly my own). Watching Megan waiting patiently, peacefully, in the bridal suite for the time to finally arrive (she was so beautiful)! Watching Joe gaze at Megan as she walked down the aisle on her father's arm. Every minute of the day was blessed by the Lord and overflowing with His goodness, love, and beauty.

So much love. And so much joy. Joy for two people who are better together than they are apart (even though they are both amazing on their own). Joy because their relationship with each other has clearly deepened their relationships with the Father. Joy because as they learned to love each other more they began to love everyone else around them even more richly. Mr. and Mrs. Riddell are one of those rare treasures - a couple that you (that's a single you, not a couple you) are practically begging to be around (a rarity when talking about Grover relationships). I don't have to look any farther than these two to show you what I hope for in a relationship.

This was quite possibly one of the best weekends of my whole life.

"When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, 'The Lord has done great things for them.' The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."

JOY!

Hail to Thee, Our Alma Mater

I am going to see these wonderful people on THURSDAY!

The Constitution

Apparently "freedom of speech" does not apply to students in public schools.

While I think maybe this kid should have thought a little more before wearing this on a day meant to show patriotism, and also wonder how much he was encouraged by his parents, he definitely should not have gotten suspended. As a future school counselor, I would have LOVED to have a "how do you feel about this"/"tell me more" conversation with this boy.

I just had another thought though. Maybe I shouldn't be so surprised that free speech has its limits. Freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and freedom of assemnly have also been redefined when in a government funded public school setting.

Current Conclusion (subject to change upon further introspective reflection and collaboration - that's all I hear about these days): A person is not protected under the First Amendment at least until they finish high school. After that, well, it's a case by case thing.

Embracing Accusation

Great song from Shane and Shane.

The father of lies
Coming to steal, kill, and destroy
All my hopes of being good enough
I hear him saying, "cursed are the ones who can't abide"
He's right
Hallelujah, he's right

The devil is preaching
The song of the redeemed
That I am cursed and gone astray
I cannot gain salvation
Embracing accusation

Could the father of lies
Be telling the truth of God to me tonight?
If the penalty of sin is death
Then death is mine
I hear him saying, "cursed are the ones who can't abide"
He's right
Hallelujah, he's right

The devil is preaching
The song of the redeemed
That I am cursed and gone astray
I cannot gain salvation
Embracing accusation

Oh, the devil's singing over me
An age-old song
That I am cursed and gone astray
Singing the first verse so conveniently over me
He's forgotten the refrain - Jesus Saves!