Proud to be a Longhorn

Thursday night was bittersweet. The Texas Longhorns lost the National Championship to Alabama 37-21. The loss was frustrating for all Longhorn fans. It was even more so because Colt McCoy was injured in the first few minutes of the game. The last report I read said that he had a sprained shoulder and possibly a pinched nerve and that it was Coach Brown's choice not to put him back in the game. So,a true freshman QB went in to play and did better than I expected.

As hard as it must have been for Colt not to play in the National Championship and the last game of his record-setting college career - this is where the sweet part comes in. HE STILL GAVE GLORY TO GOD! In an emotional interview Colt said that he was still "standing on the rock". My first reactions was that this is an incredible witness to his teammates, the Alabama team, coaches, friends and anyone watching. It's easy to praise God when you win the game or win the award or get what you want. It's much harder to praise Him in the storm but that's what Colt did. I'm not saying he is perfect. But I was proud to be a longhorn fan and proud to be a christian.

I saw several facebook status' about this. One that was my favorite said "it's ok. He is second." If you haven't seen the video on yotube with Colt and Sam Bradford you shoud watch it! I don't know if any of Colt and Jordan Shipley's teammates have come to know Christ through them. But, my prayer that night was the God heals their emotional and physical wounds, that He grows the seeds they have planted with their outspoken love for Christ. I saw another facebook status from a family at Westover Hills (where I grew up and where Colt and Jordan attend church) that said "...God has great things in store for him and I am not talking about football." I have heard that the Longhorns motto for this season is Jeremiah 17:7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him". I pray that God will continue to use these Godly men to spread His word and glorify His name. I am proud to be a Longhorn.

Abilene

I was in Abilene all last week for Kadesh at ACU. The theme this year was Revolution and it deserves its own post within the next few days.

As much as I enjoyed Kadesh, just being in Abilene has nice. It is so familiar and comfortable that it makes me happy. I was able to eat Chicken Express and Taco Bueno - neither of which we have in Colorado. One of my favorite things was Cajun Cones! These are truly the best sno-cones on the entire planet and I ate way too many of them. There are a lot of flavors that I like but one of my favorites is the Blue Hawaiian. It is actually a sno-cream, is bright blue and tastes deliciously like coconut.

Sunday we went to church at Highland (where I went while at ACU). It was one of Mike Cope's last sermons there as the preacher. I tend to have a huge smile on my face whenever he says "pour through me the gift of preaching" as he prays before each sermon. After church I went to lunch with the Shilcutt family and my brother and sister-in-law at El Fenix. I miss Abilene Mexican food.

After lunch I went with Jackie Beth to her parent's house and we hung out at the pool. I guess I am no longer a true Texan because I got a sunburn even after using sunscreen. Admittedly, I did not use a super high SPF, but still.... Anyway, it was not very comfortable for a few days and then turned into a tan. The worst part was my ankles. My feet got pretty swollen because of the heat and even bruised turning an ugly purple color on the tops and sides. It doesn't neccesarily hurt it is just uncomfortable. I called the doctor's office on Tuesday and a nurse said just to keep them elevated while I sleep. That helped a lot but they were pretty big again each evening. I know the heat made this worse so hopefully it will at least be a little better now that I am back in Colorado.

I have several pictures of the trip that just haven't made it onto the computer yet but I will add them in the next few days.

Spring = Bluebonnets

On of my favorite things about Spring was always seeing bluebonnets. The lack of bluebonnets is also something I do not like about Colorado. Don't get me wrong, I think I am so lucky to live where there are mountains, elk, lots of bog rocks to climb etc. In fact, Josh and I are going up to Evergreen tomorrow. But I still miss the bluebonnets, so I thought I would post a few pics I found on the internet up here just to remind me that they are out there and Spring has started. I actually did see some daffodils this morning so that was a good reminder too.

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Blessings from disappointment

Today was a huge disappointment for a lot of people when OU was ranked above Texas in the BCS. When I first found out I was really bummed...but no matter what happens there is a bright side. I was in Austin off and on this past week. I also read several articles about Jordan Shipley, Colt McCoy and even Tech's Graham Harrell. They are all strong christan men who have their faith as a priority. Colt and Jordan both attend Westover Hills Church of Christ where I grew up. I even caught a glimpse of Colt at church today. Jordan recently went and talked to the Westover Youth Group.

Anyway, the point of all this is that while I was wallowing in self-pity because my team didn't get the bid to go to the Big 12 Chamionship, I realized that this disappointment could be a great opportunity. If Colt and Jordan (as well as other UT players) are the type of men that they have the reputation of being then I believe that they will handle this situation by relying on their faith and still finding joy in Christ. What I have prayed for is that the other players will see how they respond and that seed will be planted in their hearts.

Don't get me wrong, I really really really hope there is still a chance for the Longhorns to go to the Championship. - I did read an article that says that have a slim shot if Missouri beats OU http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/01/sports/ncaafootball/01side.html?_r=1 - But even if they don't even play in a big bowl game, its ok. God is bigger than football. I feel kind of stupid writting about this because in the grand scheme of things this is just one college football season. But even if it seems silly, God can use this situation to further His kingdom and I'm sure that he can use 2 Longhorn football players who Him.


I really just like this picture....

A Time of Mourning

On Saturday night something tragic happened - the #1 Texas Longhorns lost to Texas Tech. The first half was miserable and the Horns didn't play well at all. Then during the second half they were able to rally and scored to get the lead with 1:29 left in the game. Unfortunately that was enough time for the Raiders to score again and win. Heartbreaking to say the least. But, it's ok, it's not over.

To Colt McCoy and the rest of the team: Don't give up yet. I still like you and will still root for you.

Longhorn Football

I grew up a lot of different places but I consider myself my Austin, Texas. Part of the greatness that makes up Austin is University of Texas, specifically Longhorn Football. In honor of this great football team I will have posted some pictures...

Vince Young after winning the Championship!



UT Tower after Championship



Coach Mack Brown



Colt McCoy



Major Applewhite's last game