FIRST SIGN OF SPRING?

I can't believe we're already in February of 2011. This continuing frigid weather must have me frozen in place as time marches on. I am pleased that Ponxatully Phil, or whatever his name, did not see his shadow and we will have an early spring. Hallelujah to that! I'm always reminded of the Bill Murray movie, Groundhog Day, this month. I think most of us have seen it and agree that it is quite an annoying premise, having to wake up day after day to the same, exact scenario unfolding around us, as we repeat the same day over and over. As I've embraced the constant theme of Christianity...that is loving and serving others, I've noticed how this movie can really show us an example of the best lived day in a Christian life. Just think about that next time, if ever, you get the chance to watch this movie. Try noticing how the main character begins by thinking totally of himself and his human needs. Eventually, he learns that his self-centeredness never brings true happiness or inner peace. It's not until he begins to really love his fellow man and begins to put their needs above his, that he becomes the person that God meant him to be. How awesome it would be to really get to live each day over until we got it right, before we are allowed to move on. Maybe we could try to live today how God wants us to live it, the first and only time we are given.

I had a great week last week. Not only was I able to go see the third Narnia movie, I was also able to go see one of my favorite country bands in concert. On more than one occasion I have been spiritually moved upon hearing a Rascal Flatts song. Their Broken Road and Everyday are two of the most awesome songs I know that express how God works in our lives. My sister actually won VIP tickets to the concert, so I was so happy to get to tell the guys, first hand, how much I truly appreciated their strong Christian influence on country music. Of course, they made light of how they took a lot of flack for letting Joe Don Rooney expose his backside during one of their videos, but they sure made their Christian roots known during their performance. It's always refreshing when big stars remind their audience that they are Christians first and foremost.

I'll be watching Gameday on ESPN soon as they'll be previewing tonight's game between UK and Florida. I hope our Wildcats can get their acts together by then. We have simply been spreading happiness throughout the SEC as we have traveled from Georgia to Alabama to Ole Miss this season. It's good to see happy SEC fans celebrate as they storm the court and embrace their teams after much needed wins against a ranked opponent. I just hope we can decide to spread some of that happiness our direction once in a while. I think we've now reached the point of a much needed win.

I've always been a Pittsburgh Steeler fan. This began with the adoration of a certain number twelve quarterback named Terry Bradshaw. I loved watching him play and devoted myself to his team and their seasons. I'll never forget the Immaculate Reception made by Franco Harris and the improbable finish of that game in the snow flurries so many years ago. I remained a Steeler fan even after Bradshaw moved on to his second career as a TV sports analyst and personality. I was happy the last time they won the Superbowl, seemed their city really needed it. However, I made a huge leap this post season as I became attracted to the Green Bay Packers. Their quarterback really fits the mold of the type of player I enjoy seeing lead their team. I'll be rooting for Aaron Rodgers and his team. Big Ben still needs to do some work on his character before I can feel good about cheering for the Steelers again. And speaking of quarterbacks with character, I'm thrilled to hear that our former standout quarterback, Andre Woodson, is coming back to UK to finish his degree and will be helping coach our three young quarterbacks while he's a student this coming year.

Well, I hope that has me caught up for 2011. I am still enjoying my current book, Choosing to See about the Steven Curtis Chapman family and their struggles and triumphs. I can't wait to get one of his current CD's. I have an older one that I enjoy immensely nd really look forward to hearing some of his newer works. His family is really an inspiration in this broken world in which we live.

I believe, like the groundhog predicted, Spring is just around the corner. I saw, what I believe to be, the first sign of the upcoming season this week while driving to town. How does the song go?......Dead Skunk In The Middle Of The Road? Yep, the little guys are out and about looking for love in all the wrong places. Guess it was about a year ago when I had four little white fuzzies get sprayed in the front yard...ah, memories.

I hope you have a great day and wonderful weekend. Go Cats.....Go Pack....stay warm and safe, luv, Susan