A Greater Purpose

So, we all know that I love to write crazy, to the point blogs.  Today's is a little bit different- it's an advertisement of sorts.  When you click on my blog, you never know what might be that day's topic.  Usually, you can bet on it being a list of rules or something to do with football.  Well, my friend Andrew has started his own blog.  This blog, has a higher purpose.  


Andrew is currently a student at The Baptist College of Florida.  The focus of his blog is to discuss my #1 man- JESUS!  Andrew wants to use his blog to talk about everything in life, with a lot of focus on Christianity.  I personally love reading blogs, and I don't think anyone could pick a better focus.  


God's Word provides a shelter in times of trouble, answers for the curious, and directions for everyday life. As yall know, I have been trying to decide what path to take with my life.  I have a lot of questions, but more than questions, I have faith.  I trust God to lead me down the right path, being the path He wants for my life.  The following song lyrics basically describe my life right now:

In Christ Alone

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless Babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save

'Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live, I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From a life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man
Could ever pluck me from His hand
'Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I stand

I will stand, I will stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground, all other ground
Is sinking sand, is sinking sand
So I stand

I want to use this blog to remind everyone that when you face uncertainties in life or you are having a bad day, please remember, God is always on your side.  He has a plan for your life.  Andrew's blog can give you a little Jesus if you need it.  He just wants to use his blog as a place to express his opinions and beliefs, and maybe, even if it is just one person, will come to know more about Jesus through his writing.  When you get a minute, visit Andrew's blog- it's God's love and heart for others at work.  

akornegay.blogspot.com 

You saw WHAT on Facebook?!?

It has been entirely too long since my last blog.  With my abundance of time, I should be blogging- honestly, what else do I have to do?  I had to pick a super appealing topic for my grand reentrance into the world of "A Small Town Southern Girl" blog.  Blogs concerning Facebook have drawn a lot of attention and comments in the past, so I decided to revisit the topic.  This time, I solicited other people's opinions, and with the great commentary I received, it won't be the last time.  This blog once again hits on people's various pet peeves on Facebook.

1.  The whole idea of what I would like to label "Facebook Displays of Affection."  Simply put, please don't.  I can not tell you how many comments I got regarding this issue.  One rule will not even begin to touch every area of Facebook Displays of Affection; it requires subpoints.
          1A.  No mushy, gushy stuff on each other's walls or on your own statues.  Facebook has two phenomenal options to best serve individuals wishing to express their innermost romantic feelings for one another- Facebook messages and Facebook chat.  Both provide more private options.  They save you the embarrassment and everyone else the gagging.
          1B.  I have mentioned this once before.  However, two people mentioned this, so I decided to emphasize it one more time.  If you are not married or engaged, your Facebook status should not say so. If you are not married, you probably should not refer to your significant other has husband or wife- it's, well, stupid.
          1C.  If you and your significant other both have Facebook,  it is not necessary to write on each other's wall everyday.  That is overkill and unnecessary.
          1D.  I believe the ultimate Facebook relationship ridiculous award should be given to anyone that creates a fake Facebook for their significant other.  You have too much time on your hands, and you have serious trust issues.

2.  Relationship statues present an interesting dynamic for a couple.  A lot of people believe that if it's not on Facebook, it is not official!  I, along with many of my friends, believe that "it's complicated" should never be your relationship status.  If your relationship is that complicated, don't kid yourself- it's only a matter of time until you are single.  Also, if one of your friends goes from being "in a relationship" to "single"- you probably should not like it, that's RUDE!

3.  Facebook statuses always cause discussion.  This issue, too, requires multiple subpoints.
          3A.  Do not put every move you make on your status.  No one cares.
          3B.  Do not put what you eat for supper on your status.  That's creepy.
          3C.  Do not update your status every five minutes.  As Clair says, "Take that "ish" to Twitter!"
          3D.  Do not use extremely obscene language on your status.  Young children and people's grandmas may frequent your page.  You don't want to offend them!  Things such as War Damn Eagle are acceptable.  Using words more extreme, probably not acceptable.
          3E.  On that note, do not put up a status one day using the "f" word and one the next day featuring  a Bible verse.  I love people that love Jesus, but I do not love extreme hypocrisy.
          3F.  Do not flip flop between statuses about extreme party habits and your child or children.  This does not get you nominated for Parent of the Year.
          3G.  I understand the "I like it on..." statuses.  This is to promote breast cancer awareness.  If used appropriately, it serves the purpose; however, as always, some people have to make it vulgar and perverted.  Why must you certain people ruin a good thing?

4.  Facebook photos- best way to stalk people ever; requires subpoints.
          4A.  Please do not put trashy pictures online.  If you put trashy pictures online, I hope you get trashy messages.  Regardless of what your friends or baby daddy says, there is such a thing as too much cleavage or too short of a skirt.
          4B.  Also, a pregnancy test is a stick that you tinkle on- it's awesome when it says you are pregnant, but the whole world does not need to see it.
          4C.  If you have pictures of other people's children on your page, post respectfully.  You should not have more pictures than they do.
          4D.  Speaking of children- if you are having a wild party and your child is also present, please do not document this.  Albums featuring beer, cigarettes, and babies scream DHR!
          4E.  Do not set your profile picture to you and another girl if you are in a serious relationship.  Why would anyone even do this?  Apparently someone has in the past.

5.  If you are in a relationship, you should not continually send friend request to random members of the opposite sex.  That's looking for trouble.

6.  I know you might like to Farm or play with your Mafia, but most of us do not care about it at all.  If you consume your time with this type of activity, I am willing to search for you a new hobby.

7.  When you are posting information on Facebook, regardless of what form it is in, tread carefully when it comes to information about other people.  This person might be more private and offended if their business becomes public to the Facebook world.

8.  Do not put your emotional meltdowns on Facebook.  That is your personal business, and although it might feel right at the time, you will probably regret it later.

9.  Keep your family feuds off Facebook.  You have messaging or a telephone for this- other people really do not care about your personal disagreements.

10.  As always, check that grammar and spelling!

I know I have covered a lot of these issues before, but some people just need a refresher!  Remember, I am looking out for everyone's best interest.  Potential employers look at Facebook- what type of impression do you want them to have?  My friends and I look at your Facebook, and we are not really big fans of dramatic and flat out crazy.

Fanatic Fan Fundamentals

So, it is without a doubt, my favorite time of the year- FOOTBALL SEASON!  Everyday when I get on Facebook, I am reminded of some fans unbecoming behavior.  I am not pointing fingers at any specific team, because I know better than that.  Every team has fans that give their school a bad name.  In my neck of the woods, some schools have more of these rather obnoxious fans than others.  I want to help everyone out and provide a few rules that would make football season a lot smoother for fans of all schools.

1.  Show a little respect.  Think before you speak (or type).  Carefully consider, is your opinion really necessary?
2.  Stay positive.  Nothing bothers me more than when opposing fans write negative comments on what should be a positive status.
3.  You worry about your team,  I will worry about mine!  It is no secret that I bleed orange and blue.  My statuses concerning football are usually about either Auburn or Troy.  If my statuses are about other teams, they are not negative.  (OK, I can think of a couple of times that I kind of pushed it a little)  I get extremely tired of fans from rival schools posting trashy statuses about my team or any other team.  I am glad they are so concerned, but they can take that concern somewhere else.
4.  Focus on this century!  It is phenomenal that your team has won one trillion national championships in the past, but can we focus on the fact that they have won one since you were born.  This probably sounds like I am talking about one school specifically, and I am in that sense.  I am also talking about any other school that enjoys harping on past accomplishments.  I like living in the future and focusing on the team that is on the field.
5.  I always find that the worst fans are those that never attended the school and couldn't find the university if their life depended upon it.  If you are one of these people, sit down.  Please do not make your respective university look bad.
6.  If you do attend the university, then you should be educated enough to act appropriately.  You are the ones that are drag your school's name through the mud because of your inability to hold your tongue (or fingers).  I have great respect for other institutions and their athletic departments, I know not everyone feels the same way.  Having attended Auburn, I take pride in supporting my alma mater and being gracious and welcoming to visiting fans on game day and rivals on any day.
7.  On week one, please do not make your national championship predictions.  That is, well, annoying.  Anything can happen on any week in college football- SEC fans, you should know this best!
8.  When your team wins by 6 touchdowns, I do not need to hear about it all week.  I, for one, enjoy competitive football.  Competitive football entails two teams of equal talent fighting for a win.  Scores resembling 41-31 or 17-14 mean it was a good game, a score of 60-3 does not.  That simply means you won by a landslide, be the bigger person and be a little humble.
9.  If you attend one university, do not disrespect them by wearing opposing team's gear on game day at home.  That is ridiculous.  It does not make sense.  In my opinion, if you go to Auburn, and it's game day in Auburn, if you can't find your burnt orange and navy blue, you better just stay at home.
10.  I have not named any schools specifically in this blog, but in light of my team affiliation, I will use my last rule to name names.  I believe in Auburn and love it.  If you don't believe in Auburn and love it, don't tell me that on my status.  If you are wearing crimson and white and your status says Roll Tide, I won't be committing on it in a negative way.  The Auburn, Alabama rivalry runs deep in our state.  Some Alabama fans (and sadly some Auburn fans) just can not manage to keep their mouths shut throughout the season.  It literally makes my blood boil.  The Iron Bowl is two months away, don't hate on my team now.

I had the privilege of attending the school I cheer for every Saturday.  My university gave me a unique opportunity- the opportunity to forever call myself a member of the Auburn family.  The spirit of the Auburn family is not something that can be understood by everyone.  In fact, I grew up an Auburn fan, but I did not truly grasp the meaning of the "Auburn family" until I attended Auburn.  I am proud to forever call myself a member of this family.  Wherever I go in life, I will look forward to returning to the Plains and the unique War Eagle moments I might encounter.

I hope everyone is enjoying football season, but remember... keep your "fanatic fan" under control!

War Eagle!

My Hero is a Marine

"Freedom is not free, but the Marine Corps will pay most of your share."

- Ned Dolan

     Growing up, I lived in a small town that lacked much military activity.  The closest base was 45 minutes away- a man or women in uniform was not commonplace.  On September 11, 2001, the entire dynamic of our nation was changed.  We were a nation that had not seen serious, prolonged combat action since Vietnam.  Yet, our generation would soon become witness to a new war- little did I know the impact that war would one day come to have on my life.

     When I began my collegiate career, I became more familiar with the military.  My roommate Heather's dad was then a member of the Army, and her brother had just been commissioned into the Navy.  I met military brats from all around the world.  I got to see ROTC cadets in uniforms weekly- I definitely did not complain about that!  But really, I grew a greater respect for the men and women that fight for our nation.

     For several months, my best friend Jamie tossed around the idea of joining the Marines.  On a brisk, fall day in November of 2008, Jamie informed me that he had made his decision.  Six months after graduating from high school, he had decided to enlist in the United States Marine Corps.  That same weekend, he got "WARRIOR" tattooed across his back- a symbol of his future career and his commitment to fight for the ones he loves.

     In January, Jamie officially enlisted, and he left for Parris Island, South Carolina, on Mother's Day.  After thirteen long weeks, lots of letters, and a few tears, I got to watch Jamie graduate from basic.  Seeing my best friend walk across the parade deck with his unit literally gave me chills.  He was not the shaggy-haired teenager he had been just a few months prior.  Jamie had transformed into a man, more than that, he had become a Marine.

     From the day he enlisted, we all knew he would someday deploy.  Well, that time has come.  This time two years ago, we were putting hundreds of miles on my new car- riding around Eufaula and talking.  Now, he is preparing to deploy to Afghanistan as part of ongoing Operation Enduring Freedom.

     I have a new-found respect for both military men and women.  They are no longer merely a person in a uniform.  I now see them as someone's husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, or best friend.  After all, it is my best friend that wears the uniform of a United States Marine.  Military families have to be the strongest group of people on this earth.  They too are part of the war.  Although they are not in the war zone, they are left at home to worry, pray, and support their loved one.

     The next eight months will not be easy.  Jamie is lucky.  He has more people than he knows who have already began praying for his safety.  His friends will be jealous of the amount of letters and care packages that he receives.  I will hang my yellow ribbon up, and it will not come down until my best friend's feet are on American soil again.  

     Today, say a little prayer for Jamie and all of those who are preparing to deploy with him and their families as well.  Pray for the men and women who are already in the Middle East.  Pray for the families of all of the military men and women that have paid the ultimate sacrifice in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.  I love my best friend, and I can't wait for him to be home again!

     

A New Path

Wow, I don't even know where to begin. Three weeks ago, I embarked on my law school journey. In just a few short hours, it will be over. It didn't last long, but it did leave a lasting impact. My short time in law school and the circumstances surrounding it provided life lessons that I will carry with me forever. I know some people may discount my choice and simply believe that I am a quitter or that I can't do it. If you hold those thoughts, please read on. I hope that you will be able to understand my reasoning, if not... frankly, I don't care.

I spent a large portion of my childhood believing that the one career path meant for me was law. Maybe it was because I was the granddaughter and daughter of a lawyer, maybe it was because I was working in the law office when I was in fifth grade. Whatever the reason, I long dreamed of the days I would walk the halls of Jones School of Law, becoming a third generation Jones student. On August 9, 2010, those dreams became reality.

During my senior year, I went back and forth when deciding whether to attend law school. One day, I wanted to be a great family and criminal attorney. The next day, I wanted to do work with my major- Communication. And the day after that, I wanted to teach high school or college English. I know, those are three very different career paths. Each of them had potential benefits and potential downfalls. Ultimately, on one cold day in February, I decided to attend law school. The days and weeks to come all focused on my upcoming graduation and transition into law school.

I found the perfect apartment in Montgomery. I bought furniture. In July, I moved into my beautiful, new apartment- away from my happy place, Auburn. I thought the next three years of my life were now set out before me. Again, I was wrong. During orientation week, my gut told me I had not made the right decision. I thought, heck, I was here now... I might as well try it.

Try it is exactly what I did. For two weeks, I attended classes, labored long hours over casebooks, and listened to never-ending lectures. I always thought I would love every minute of law school. Quite the opposite was true- I hated every minute of law school. It all felt meaningless to me. I became numb to everything around me. I realized my heart was not in it.

Somehow, I have managed to remain sane during the past eight years. In situations where I could have easily folded, I stood strong. Deep down, I know, law school would be the straw that broke the camel's back. So, you can chop up my decision to me not being strong enough, and on that account, you would probably be right.

I want to wake up everyday and go to a job that I love for the most part. I want to know I have options. I know that committing myself to complete three years of law school would only drive me to the crazy house and produce a degree that I may never use. I have decided to save myself the heartache and my Mama the money. I won't be completing law school.

I can honestly say that I have the most amazing family and friends. As I have pondered the situation over the past week, they have been supportive and loving. My biggest fear is disappointing the ones I love the most. I can make my decision today with the peace of mind in knowing that each of them loves me as much today as they did yesterday, and they only have my best interests at heart.

Mama, Vicki, Shelby, B.B., B.B. Daddy, Grandma, Jerrel, Jamie, Heather, Ms. Janna, Chris, Laura, Sarah, Mimi, Clair, Maria, Christy, Blayne, Justin, Logan, Ashley, and all of my other wonderful friends- today, you have reminded me of the greatest earthly gift God has given me, each of your friendship and love. You have listened to me freak out, cry, debate, discuss, and eventually peacefully make my decision. When I didn't think I was strong enough to make such a monumental choice, it was some of you that gave me the strength.

Please pray for me as I begin the new path in my life... where it may lead, I have no idea... but I am thankful to know that I have each of you on my side and to know it's in God's hands.

"In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song..."

Changed for the Good

"May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rain fall softly upon your fields, Until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand."

- Irish Blessing

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."

"One more day, one more time, one more sunset maybe I'd be satisfied, but then again, I know what it would do, leave me wishing still for more one more day with you."

- One More Day, Diamond Rio

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."- Dr. Seuss

"Every now and then soft as breath upon my skin, I feel you come back again, And it's like you haven't been gone a moment from my side, Like the tears were never cried, Like the hands of time are holding you and me, And with all my heart I'm sure we're closer than we ever were."

- I Believe, Diamond Rio

"Some people come into our lives and leave footprints in our hearts and we are never ever the same."- Flavia Weedn

It's hard to find words that are adequate to celebrate the life of someone who changed my life in so many ways. My relationship with Tylor taught me the true meaning of love. His actions showed selflessness and showed me how a girl should truly be treated. God bless the men that have come after Tylor, because they have big shoes to fill. I am blessed to know that I was the girl meant for Tylor, and I hold his love in my heart everyday. Three years may have passed since Tylor's death, but it seems like yesterday. Today, let us not mourn for the life taken far too young, but let us all celebrate the time we had with Tylor and remember his wonderful smile and big hugs!

Tylor Scott Gibson

August 8, 1987- August 25, 2007

"Because I knew you, I have been changed for the good..."

The Heartbreak It Brings

The more time I have to sit around and think, the more I realize the heartache caused by the month of August. For some reason, it feels like everything bad that happens in Eufaula, happens in August. I use to love the month of August- it meant my birthday and starting school! The last time I looked forward to August was in 2002.

When I started my freshman year at Eufaula High School, I never imagined how different my life would be that same time the next year. As most of you know, I lost my dad on August 26th of that year. Who would have thought, that in the prime of his life, he would have been taken away? Not me. I can still picture him as he and Mama drove Laura and me to Wildcats practice that Monday night. They dropped us off, and I said I love you. That was the last time I saw my Daddy. The days following his death seem like a blur. What I do remember, is the outpouring of love and support my family received from our community. The line that filed through the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church at my dad's visitation proved he made an impact in not just my life but in the lives of so many people that he met across the years.

"Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am so glad that you gave. One by one they came, far as the eye could see. Each life somehow touched by your generosity. Little things that you had done, sacrifices that you had made. They were unnoticed on this Earth, in heaven now proclaimed."

It's hard to believe that was almost eight years ago. Wow, the time has flown. Since then, I have graduated high school, graduated college, started law school, and sadly buried someone else I love. On August 28, 2007, we buried my boyfriend, my love Tylor. This was five years to the day we buried my Dad. It took me a long time to come to terms with Tylor's death. I lived with the reality that Tylor was in Troy to see me; however, I eventually grasped the idea that God has a plan for each person- when God wants you home, it's on his terms.

"And I'll praise You in this storm, and I will lift my hands, for You are who You are, no matter where I am. And every tear I've cried, you hold in your hand, you've never left my side, and though my heart is torn, I will praise you in this storm."

Having my heart broken once was devastating, having it broken twice was unthinkable. I found a strength that I did not know I possessed in the wake of my loses. God never gives a person more than they can handle. Sometimes, I seriously questioned if he had given me too much. The month of August brings anew all of the old memories, a painful past.

"When we've been here ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's praise than when we first begun."

On two very hot August days, five years apart, I watched two men that forever changed my life be laid to rest. Today, I was reminded that another great man lost his life in August- August 16, 1982 to be exact. I can honestly say, although I never knew him, I would not be here if it were not for him- my Mama's dad, Granddaddy Jack. I carry all three of them in my heart everyday; afterall, it was him after whom I was named. It gives me peace of sorts to know that I have an army of guardian angels watching over me everyday. Regardless of the amount of time that passes, I do not think one August will ever come and go without breaking my heart. I make it my goal to celebrate the lives of these great men, but I always wonder how different life could have been.

"It ain't fair, you died too young. Like a story that had just begun, the death tore all the pages away. God knows how I miss you, all the hell that I've been through. Just knowing no one could take your place, I wonder who you'd be today."