Crucifying Tim Tebow

I don't understand the football world's fascination with Tim Tebow. I would get it if it were based on his skill, or his ambition, or his success. It's the current obsession fans and commentators seem to have with his faith. Or, I suppose more accurately, their lack of it.

Tim Tebow has never been shy about his beliefs. Is he perfect? No, I'm sure not. But do I believe he is sincere and truly believes what he says he does? I do. I hear so many athletes insincerely thank God for their successes, it is refreshing to see someone appear to genuinely mean it and live it out.

And yet, people complain. They whine. People are all up in arms whenever his arms are up. I don't hear nearly this much commotion about Steeler's Troy Polamalu, who in my opinion is far "showier" in his faith. So what's the big deal with Tebow?

Is it because he's the new golden boy? Fresh blood? People just love to have something to complain about? I mean, in the grand scheme of college/professional athletics, is Tebow REALLY the one we should be complaining about?

What about the druggies who think they are above the law? What about the quarterbacks who cheat on their wives, send explicit photos to random women, beat or harass their latest conquests, take animal cruelty to a new level? The coaches who shower with young boys, or the college players with dollar signs in their eyes much too soon? I have heard far more negative reactions to Tebow's faith than I have over the aforementioned horrors...

And I've certainly had enough of the whining.

 

Why do we try to bring down a success story instead of embrace it? Are people just that jealous? Bitter they didn't have the God-given talent and work ethic to "make it big"? This young man was not supposed to be great at college ball: he worked hard and became the best. He was not supposed to translate well to the NFL: he busts his butt each day to silence the critics and give hope to his team. I believe that drive and ability only comes from realizing it is a GIFT, and how quickly it can be taken away. And yet, he is still faced with constant criticism: shame on him for raising his arms to God. He recognizes where the credit is due, and takes a half-second to acknowledge that after a touchdown pass or big play. BIG DEAL.

I say, shame on all of you critics. You cry for free speech, and in the next breath want to take his away because it doesn't suit you. It's a two-sided coin, my friends, and his actions hurt you not the slightest. Let's begin celebrating not a perfect person, but a far superior young man in his efforts to become great, and the fact that he knows to whom all the glory should be given. I only hope my son(s) pursue their dreams and goals with such gusto, and have the courage to remain steadfast in their faith, even if the world is set on crucifying them for it.

Cajun Chili

To continue with my obsession with cold-weather soups, I have been trying to perfect chili for quite some time. I didn't really look up recipes or anything, but just kept throwing stuff into the pot that I liked until I came up with what I think is the perfect combination for the best chili! It was a total whim to take a Cajun twist, but I'm so glad I did - check it out!

Cajun Chili

The Stuff:

1 lb. ground beef

1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped onion (I like red onion but any will do)

1 can chili-ready tomatoes

1 can chili-ready beans

1 can black beans, rinsed until water runs clear

1 can corn, drained

2 cans tomato sauce (cans are the same size as the corn/beans/tomatoes)

The Spice:

3 Tb. chili powder

1 Tb. onion powder

Cayenne pepper, to taste

Cajun seasoning, to taste (I think ours is from Penzey's Spices, but hopefully you can find this at any grocery store)

The Stir:

Brown burger and onions together, crumble, and drain of grease. Put the burger/onion mix in the crock pot. Add everybody else into the pot (I'm channeling my inner Rachel Ray and personifying my ingredients). Set crock for the amount of time you want the soup to simmer (I recommend at least 4 hours to let the flavors mix). Once it's hot, do a "taste test" to see if you need more spice. I usually add quite a bit more chili powder and several tablespoons of Cajun seasoning to mine. If you like spicy, go heavy on the Cayenne pepper. Being pregnant, and married to a guy who likes middle-of-the-road spice, I don't do this, but you could add jalapenos. Oh, and speaking of the hubs, he doesn't like beans, anything too spicy, or tomatoes, and he LOVED this recipe!

Serve with the usual: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and crackers or chips. I prefer Fritos Scoops with mine! Jiffy corn bread is the perfect, simple accompanying side, in my opinion :) 

I sure love a hearty, healthy, EASY dinner! If you come up with a chili variation I need to try, let me know!

Boy or Geal? ANNOUNCEMENT

So who was right? If you remember, Brady was pretty sold on the idea of the baby being a boy. In fact, he recently told me that if it was a "geal", that he wouldn't like the baby! Ahhh, the words of a two-year-old :)

Well I think everyone predicted a girl, even Joel and I! We were a little surprised on Wednesday when the technician turned to us and said, "Well, he's right....we have a boy here!" 

Brady, not so surprised, declared with a smirk, "I KNEW it was a boy....I told you...."

It's true, we would have loved to add a girl to the family, but are excited that Brady will have a little brother to harass and bully love and play with. And, needless to say, Brady is pretty excited! He also likes to point out the "wee-wee" on the ultrasound photos....oh dear.

We are currently in the midst of finishing our basement, which in a ranch home is quite an undertaking (more on that some other day), and while I had grand plans for a little girl nursery, it will be so much less stressful (and easier on the checkbook!) since we already have what we need for this little guy.

Most importantly, everything checked out normally, baby is growing perfectly, and, maybe not so important but still - I'm not yet a whale! :) Although Halloween candy might do me in.

Hopefully soon I will be getting to some posts on the basement project, the nursery, a garden recap, some pregnancy updates, and more....stay tuned!