Better than winning

Philip and I (Emily) have known each other for a little over 5 years and been married for a little over 4 and 1/2 years. He was made known about my love for Mississippi State University early on. And although he has adopted that affection, he is still learning some of the intricacies of what it means to be devoted to the Maroon and White.

This past Saturday, Mississippi State played basketball against our bitter, in-state rival, Ole Miss. Mississippi State has not had a stellar basketball season and we weren't anticipated to beat Ole Miss this weekend in Starkville (the home of Mississippi State). However, the Bulldogs pulled out a 73-67 victory against the Bears!

The next morning, as we were getting ready for church, I asked Philip if he wanted to wear his brown or maroon sweater. He answered, "The maroon one to celebrate Mississippi State's win!" His enthusiasm was right on and I gladly pulled out that maroon sweater. However, I did have to correct him on this one small point: "Honey, beating Ole Miss is better than winning."

Cowbells at the Memphis game

My beloved Mississippi State Bulldogs face the Memphis Tigers tonight. I'll be watching from the comfort of a friend's home. Philip lovingly volunteered to stay home with Anastasia so I could concentrate on the game - what a great husband, hey?

As I was purusing the internet for something worth reading about the game tonight, I came across For Whom the Cowbell Tolls . They had a Q/A answered by MemphisRoar.com. This particular question and answer that made me laugh:

Q8: Do you anticipate State fans being thoroughly searched this coming Thursday to prevent Cowbells from making it into the stadium?

Noise makers are banned from the stadium, so the plan is to have Ole Miss fans standing at the gate to "probe" all state fans suspected to be carrying them. I have even heard they have purchased some of the new full-body xray scanners. Prepare to be violated. [/failed joke] But seriously, the University has said that purses and anything carried in will be searched. Noise makers that make it past security will be confiscated by stadium security upon use.

Ring those cowbells!

Books are to be read according to their worth

I recently started reading God and Football: Faith and Fanaticism in the SEC by Chad Gibbs. It addresses a topic I have often thought about since I became a (Christian) believer in 1998. I had long before been a believer in Mississippi State.

Since being converted, when I have the occasion to go to a Miss. State football game - rather, one we win decidedly - there is a sense of excitement and joy and community and blissfulness that is rarely matched. However, I know that sensation may seem like sadness compared to what believers will experience in glory. What I do get sad about in those victorious Bulldog moments is the likelihood that many people will not share the thrill of rejoicing with me when Jesus returns.

But getting to the title of this blog entry: Gibbs writes about a subject worthy of focus. His introduction is enough to make any SEC loving Christian wince in knowing laughter. Namely, that SEC football is much more attractive than loving Jesus. He describes this with a light-hearted and serious combination that makes it easier to swallow, but true nonetheless.

However, I find myself not being able to read large portions of his book at a time. When I told Philip that tonight, with shame in my heart because his writing style is not lofty or hard to read, he replied, "Books are to read according to their worth."

In essence, Philip was saying that even though Gibbs may have a worthy subject, his tone and attitude can be abrasive as well as humorous, sometimes at the expense of the church. In humor, he takes shots at specific denominations (50, 61, 72/3). Although he is attempting to get a laugh out of his audience, he does it at the expense of the church. He is undercutting the very God he is attempting to seek. Gibbs emphasizes the unity of the fans at the games he visits but fails to promote the same among God's children.

So while I appreciate his quest to find a balance between loving his Auburn Tigers and the Almighty God, there could be more thought put into the ink he spills about Jesus' bride, the church. I look forward to finishing the book...but at much slower a pace than I had anticipated.

Mississippi State football

There are plenty of articles to read about Mississippi State football. However, I don't read them. I know that some would elate me, some would infuriate me and some would make me want to attend every football game this season.

I get all the Miss. State information that I want from my Daddy, my brother, John, and my friend, Alison. Between the 3 of them, I can be as well informed as I choose to be. Apparently, Dan Mullen is rather confidently optimistic about the Bulldog's upcoming football season. He's gone from praising our team's effort to praising their execution.

Now, most maroon-bleeding Miss. State fans are, at the most, cautiously optimistic. If we do have a winning season this year, Dan's attitude just may catch on. Of course, I bet that he wants his attitude to catch on before the season starts. I can't blame him - a positive attitude and belief go a long way. Henry Ford said, "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right."

If Mullen's change in vocabulary (from effort to execution) is any indication of whether or not the entire team thinks they can, I want season tickets!

Some would say I'm a glutton for pain...

Others would say I'm a good Mississippi State fan.

I love the 4th of July weekend. But because of an English tradition, not an American holiday. The Championships at Wimbledon happen every year over our Independence Day. I had the opportunity to attend Wimbledon in 2007. It was a wonderful experience! I didn't have a Centre Court ticket, but that didn't matter. It was raining, but that "dampen" the experience either...it was Wimbledon!

This past weekend, I was pulling for the Chech, Tomas Berdych, to beat Rafael Nadal, and the Russian, Vera Zvonareva to upset Serena Williams. I don't know if I could get more unpatriotic, but this whole incident will prove I am a Miss. State Bulldog even before an American. Don't get me wrong, I am very, very thankful for the liberties we experience in this nation. But I bleed maroon.

I think the reason that I always pull for underdog is because Mississippi State is usually the underdog. Choosing the underdog is a bigger risk but a bigger victory, too. (See also, the 2009 Egg Bowl.) Accordingly, I cheered for Zvonareva on Saturday and Berdych on Sunday. They both lost. Nadal and Williams are on their way to setting tennis records, but that didn't affect my choice.

So, some would say I'm a glutton for pain, but I maintain that I am just a conditioned Mississippi State fan.

Who let the Dawgs out?

Dan Mullen, that's who! Philip and I got to be one of the 55,365 witnesses of yesterday's Mississippi State victory over that "school to the North."

We wanted it more. Our Bulldogs played so well - DePasquale hit that long field goal in the first half, Lee and Relfs were connecting with their receivers, Dixon and Relfs were gaining yards on the ground. Even the defense got in the offensive-spirit and put some point on the board. I was (and am) so proud of my Bulldogs!

The sea of maroon and white was beautiful. Every time the Rebel fans went to chant "Hotty Toddy," cowbells silenced the attempt. Anyone wearing maroon was a friend - there wasn't a stranger in Starkville.

Dan Mullen was a great hire. The Clarion Ledger said that Mullen had a clock put in the locker room counting down to the kickoff of the Egg Bowl. That was almost 10 months ago, in January. That was obviously plenty of time to prepare for our biggest rival. Mississippi State won the bowl game that matters the most in Mississippi!

Yep, that's me with Tyson Lee after the game. Lee has been a wonderful and respectful asset to our team. Our offense will miss him and Dixon.