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Sunday, February 07, 2010

Tim Tebow

Amen!

The following is Carolyn McCulley's post from her blog Radical Womanhood:

Often when there is a great deal of media coverage on a specific topic, I don't add my two cents on this blog. Especially in cases like the Haiti earthquake where I have no personal connections and my words are best spent in prayer.

Tebow But I'm going to jump in on the Tim Tebow Super Bowl ad controversy. I'm calling this ad campaign a success before it airs--or before most anyone has seen it. The reason is that the hysterical reaction from pro-abortion groups to a purportedly non-provocative ad has revealed the degree to which there is no "choice" in "pro-choice." (To whit: the jaw-dropping "logic" of Erin Matson, the National Organization for Women's new vice president, calling the Tebow spot "hate masquerading as love." What part of a mother's sacrifice and risk exactly is hate?!) That has led people who would normally support abortion rights to express dismay at the reaction to this pro-family ad, as it has been described. CBS may well have changed their position on what they consider an advocacy ad, but they have the right to do so. It's their policy. They can change it. In fact, I believe that due to this public discussion, the ad would be a success if even CBS bowed to the pro-abortion groups' pressure and pulled it before anyone could see it.

Why do I believe this? Because the stridency of the pro-abortion groups is backfiring on the general public. Washington Post sports columnist Sally Jenkins really nailed what's wrong with the critical reaction to this ad in a piece titled, "Super Bowl ad isn't intolerant; its critics are." While saying she is a pro-choice feminist, Jenkins acknowledges that "Tim Tebow is one of the better things to happen to young women in some time." Here are some of her common-sense observations:

I'm pro-choice, and Tebow clearly is not. But based on what I've heard in the past week, I'll take his side against the group-think, elitism and condescension of the "National Organization of Fewer and Fewer Women All The Time." For one thing, Tebow seems smarter than they do.

Tebow's 30-second ad hasn't even run yet, but it already has provoked "The National Organization for Women Who Only Think Like Us" to reveal something important about themselves: They aren't actually "pro-choice" so much as they are pro-abortion. Pam Tebow has a genuine pro-choice story to tell. She got pregnant in 1987, post-Roe v. Wade, and while on a Christian mission in the Philippines, she contracted a tropical ailment. Doctors advised her the pregnancy could be dangerous, but she exercised her freedom of choice and now, 20-some years later, the outcome of that choice is her beauteous Heisman Trophy winner son, a chaste, proselytizing evangelical.

Pam Tebow and her son feel good enough about that choice to want to tell people about it. Only, NOW says they shouldn't be allowed to. Apparently NOW feels this commercial is an inappropriate message for America to see for 30 seconds, but women in bikinis selling beer is the right one. I would like to meet the genius at NOW who made that decision. On second thought, no, I wouldn't. . . .

Here's what we do need a lot more of: Tebows. Collegians who are selfless enough to choose not to spend summers poolside, but travel to impoverished countries to dispense medical care to children, as Tebow has every summer of his career. Athletes who believe in something other than themselves, and are willing to put their backbone where their mouth is. Celebrities who are self-possessed and self-controlled enough to use their wattage to advertise commitment over decadence.

You know what we really need more of? Famous guys who aren't embarrassed to practice sexual restraint, and to say it out loud. If we had more of those, women might have fewer abortions. See, the best way to deal with unwanted pregnancy is to not get the sperm in the egg and the egg implanted to begin with, and that is an issue for men, too -- and they should step up to that.

Finally, after acknowledging that abortion affects the potential lives of future artists, doctors, scientists, inventors and even Heisman Trophy winners, Jenkins concludes with this sane observation:

Tebow's ad, by the way, never mentions abortion; like the player himself, it's apparently soft-spoken. It simply has the theme "Celebrate Family, Celebrate Life." This is what NOW has labeled "extraordinarily offensive and demeaning." But if there is any demeaning here, it's coming from NOW, via the suggestion that these aren't real questions, and that we as a Super Bowl audience are too stupid or too disinterested to handle them on game day.

Big ups to CBS for their commitment to this ad. They are smart enough to figure out how to capitalize from all of this media firestorm, of course. But I applaud their stance to support free speech, especially in matters of life and death.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Christmas

How can you beat having a Christmas that includes "Baby's 1st"? And of course, Madeleine is so sweet and easy going, it is even more delightful. Due to work and tea schedules, our family Christmas celebration was postponed to Monday the 28th. I'm still evaluating extended holidays and how I want to address them in the future. I was actually pretty tired that day after hosting the 11th annual tea at my home, and when I got dressed and came downstairs my energy was in great need of a boost. Enter my hero: Jared. He inquired of the plan and made himself immediately available to assist in whatever was needed. Together we planned the side dishes and got to work on preparing them. The family assembled at 2:30 to eat and then we exchanged gifts. My All About Madeleine book made for me by Tim. I look at it almost everyday and smile. Auntie Keeg made MJ a cute hair bow and a nice warm afghan. The family altogether minus my older brother Ron's family Gettin' crazy! My sister Pat and I managed to get our new granddaughters together for a photo with Santa. Madz was 6mos. and Sophie 2mos. Looking forward to many more Christmases and watching the families grow!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Life's Simple Pleasures

My backyard in the morning is so pleasant. I return from my walk, get my cup of coffee and sit down outside. The coolness of the morning, the soothing of running water and the cheerful singing of birds is very uplifting. We are still harvesting vegetables from our spring planting. It's been great eating fresh zucchini, spaghetti squash, green beans, and cherry tomatoes. We also have green apples growing and washington navel oranges. Lots of beautiful flowers to enjoy in the backyard as well. The cannas are blooming better this year than last year. This Orange Glory is one of my favorite day lilies and of course, our roses continue to produce. Miss Kitty is very happy when I'm in the backyard, she hangs out with me there and enjoys the morning before I must start the "to do" list and she must settle in for her nap. James 1:17 says every good and perfect gift is from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. I'm thankful.

Saturday, June 06, 2009

Madeleine

Tuesday, June 2nd was a remarkable day. The much anticipated birth of my granddaughter occurred. Lauren worked extremely hard through almost 24 hours of labor and the reward was a beautiful daughter named Madeleine Jael. Tim was an amazing coach and support to his wife. Madeleine made her appearance at 7:39pm. She weighed 7 lbs. 15 1/2 oz. and was 20 3/4 in. long. Of course she is the most beautiful child I've ever seen! ( along with my own three children who have each held the title of beautiful child at their birth) Lauren is recovering well and breastfeeding is progressing wonderfully. Tim will be home for almost a month to love his wife and bond with his new daughter. What a blessing! I get to snuggle Madeleine, and play with her. I am blessed!

Monday, May 25, 2009

Let Me Sum Up

Haven't spent much time blogging the last 4+ mos. Lots going on though. Just finished my first year as ATD as CBS. We had a great year! It encourages me so much to see women committed to studying the Word of God and allow it to change their hearts. The area-wide leadership conference in San Diego was full of inspiration and God-centered. CBS is an organization that prays and shepherds every member from the board of trustees to the baby in the nursery. Some of us gathered with Camilla Seabolt after the conference for a photo. Camilla is the Executive Director of Community Bible Study (far left in red jacket).On Valentine's Day, Alex and Keegan spent the day at Santa Monica and then to the Getty winding up in the garden at sunset. There, Alex proposed to Keegan and she accepted his proposal. They are planning a January 2011 wedding after both have graduated from college. Jared entered into the Paramedic Program at NCTI in March. He is working hard to keep his grades in the top percentile and will finish the didactic portion in September followed by his clinical and infield training. March also found Sally, Katie and myself taking a road trip to Utah. Our goal was to bring Mom home after she spent 3 mos. at Pat and Larry's home. What a sweet surprise to find that my niece Desiree is expecting. We thought that Avery would be their only child but now he will have a little sister, due in late Sept., early Oct. The Jonas Brothers Concert Movie was playing in the theatre while we were there, so we bought tickets and went to see it. Avery is all ready with his 3D glasses and popcorn. At the end of the movie, he was all tuckered out. There was much fun to be had, playing Wii. Kylie and Katie did "Dancing With the Stars". The morning we left to drive home, it was snowing. We hated to leave because we kind of wanted to enjoy some snow, but the schedules waiting at home demanded our return. April brought an engagement party for Keegan and Alex. It was that day that Keegan asked Lauren to be her matron of honor. A couple days later, Lori gave a very nice baby shower for Lauren at my house. Such an enjoyable time with family and friends....we are blessed! On May 1st Paul and I flew to Kauai with the Hermans for a fun and relaxing week. The Grittens timed their trip to coincide with ours and we spent some great hours with them as well. All my friends and family were praying that grandgirl would not make her appearance during this week. (More about Hawaii in another post) After returning from Hawaii, we drove up to Apple Valley with Tim and Lauren to look at a boat they'd found for sale. The boat was in very good condition and a great price so, they bought it! We went to Lake Elsinore to see how it would perform in the water. It runs great! May 16th, Sally hosted a baby shower for Tim and Lauren. It was a beautiful day in the park and lots of fun with family and friends. Sally and I experimented with fondant for the first time. Here is our pregnant lady... Lauren is holding the cute sweater that my Mom painstakingly crocheted for the baby. I also got to meet my new grand niece born on March 31st to April Valencia and Jason Rollins. Isn't she precious? So in addition to the celebrations of birthdays (Jared, Paul, Tim, Katie) and the usual holidays, that's what has been going on. Just in a holding pattern right now, working on the nursery layette and waiting for Baby Bergon to make her entrance.

Monday, May 18, 2009

P.S. to 8 Things

I have one more thing to add to the things I wish I could do: I would like to whitewater raft down the Grand Canyon.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Eight Things

Well, I finally have some time to do the 8's that I was tagged for.

8 Things I'm looking forward to:
1. Becoming a grandma
2. Alex and Keegan's Wedding
3. Lake Mead in July
4. Lake Powell in September
5. Scrapbooking this summer
6. Bookclubs this summer
7. Seeing Jared graduate Paramedic school
8. Seeing Alex graduate from Biola

8 Things I did yesterday:
1. Baked and frosted cupcakes
2. Sculpted a pregnant lady out of fondant
3. Finished binding the crib quilt for my grandchild
4. wrapped gifts
5. watched parts of the biggest loser
6. Had Peony's for dinner
7. Talked with Alex, Keegan & Marcus about childhood books
8. Ate breakfast in bed (thanks Love)

8 Things I wish I could do:
1. Complete a Digital scrapbooking project
2. go to Yellowstone
3. go to Glacier National Park
4. Visit Canada
5. Waterski for longer times
6. Start walking again
7. See a broadway show in New York
8. Visit Spain

8 Books I have read/would like to read:
1. Feminine Appeal-Mahaney
2. Acts
3. Start Your Family-Watters
4. The Wise Woman & Other Stories-MacDonald
5. Moloka'i
6. Genesis
7. Humility-Mahaney
8. Sundays At Tiffanys-Patterson

8 Friends to tag:
Need more blogging friends :-)

Friday, January 30, 2009

Lake Powell

The annual meeting for the share holders of our house yacht Showtime was last Saturday. I couldn't attend because of a prior commitment, so Paul and Andrew made the trek to Pasadena and spent the day. The costs to moor the boat on the lake and to maintain the boat have all increased, which means our maintenance fees for this year have increased by 33%. One begins to ponder if it's really something we should continue in, then an e-mail arrives with a photo like this: *Sigh* Yup, it's worth it! In the row of houseyachts that are in the sunlight (middle of photo), the Showtime is 4th from the right side. Can't wait for September!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Christmas Time Is Here


The sky is downpouring right now. What a nice gift to have some cold weather and rain after so many days and months of hot, dry days. Jared came home early and said it was so cold and rainy all day. He stayed wet because of getting in and out of the ambulance to transport today. Last week, we had a wonderfully fun evening up in Oakglen at the Currier and Ives supper and dance. The picture above does not include the people who had to leave early due to rising early the next morning for work and/or not feeling well. We began the evening with appetizers and carolers dressed in 18th century costumes. A delicious dinner was served, and then we sang some Christmas carols together. After decking the halls with boughs of holly (grown there on the property) and trying the roasted chestnuts, we cleared the floor to dance. It was so much fun! I will post pictures soon. All of you who didn't attend this year, put it on your calendar for the first weekend in December next year! You won't want to miss it!