My World Series Experience

Pictured above is my experience of the Chicago Cubs World Series!

The first two pictures, which were taken at Wrigley Field, are from last Friday, the night of the third game of the series. A small group of us had gone out to celebrate a birthday (insert confetti and salsa dancing emojis here) and, while passing the stadium on the way back, decided to stop off and walk around! Thankfully, we went in the middle of the game (around the sixth inning, as you can see) so it was pretty tame. There were a lot of police officers, so we felt very safe. The streets were pretty empty, most people crowded around the windows of bars, trying to get a glimpse of the screens with the game on. We wanted to go back either Saturday or Sunday night (the other two nights the games were played here in Chicago), but it just didn't work out with homework, etc.

Then, last night, the night that they won (!) I watched the game with just a few others on campus. Once that final out happened and we knew the Cubs had won campus went wild. The last picture is one I took from the stairwell of how many people were out in the plaza. Students were out there - the plaza and the streets beyond! - for several hours. I ended up staying in, observing some of the honking and hollering on the streets from the top bunk with my knitting while listening to an artist I discovered on Spotify (Sons of Korah - they put psalms to music!) which is about the most Rachel thing I could ever do. (;

These games brought up several interesting thoughts with friends, ranging from how cool it is to be here when they (finally!) won again, to the pointlessness of all this and the ridiculous amount of money that went into it. I can see both sides of the spectrum, but lean towards the latter. Every time I think of how "cool" it was to be here - to experience the hours of noise following the end of the game and the unity of the city - I immediately think of how prideful and insignificant it really is. Don't get me wrong, I would love a shirt that says something along the lines of "I Was in Chicago When the Cubs Won the World Series", but I could only wear it with the knowledge that I bought it just to show off how cool I am. That's my conviction about it all. It is a cool experience and something to talk about, but it's also just a silly game in which we pay people way too much money to entertain us. (:

- rl

Chicago Riverwalk

Another Sunday afternoon spent in the city. Ok, so this Sunday was not nearly as exciting (or extended) as the adventures of last Sunday, but it still included a new experience! This past weekend was the opening of one of the final parts of the Chicago Riverwalk Renovation.

When I think of a riverwalk I think of the one in San Antonio. The San Antonio Riverwalk is a site (sight??) to see! There are shops and restaurants right on the riverfront and it goes on for miles (or at least it feels like it). This Chicago Riverwalk is nothing like that...at least not yet. There are a few restaurants on the north side of the river and it only extends about half a mile, from what I can tell.

This outing was with a few good friends. Just a quick walk down to it with a stop at Trader Joe's on the way back. Oh, how I love being able to say that. I have yet to stop feeling thankful to God for this time in the city. To live in such an urban an environment for this time of my life is incredible. Particularly for me because I love getting to know where things are and how to get to them.

It's funny - a lot of my friends are stressing out this week over all that they have to do, and, while I do have a little less than they, I have had a lot of peace. I've been finishing assignments at a reasonable pace, not getting caught up in the stress. This is not unusual for me at the midway point of the semester. The craziness hasn't really slowed down, yet I have a much better handle on how classes are and what they require. I have developed a deeper interest in what I am studying, therefore making assignments easier because I am (at least a little bit) excited to complete them. Praise the Lord!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to start brainstorming what my next sermon will be on for my preaching class...

- rl

Founder's Week: Part One

Moody Church is so beautiful! I especially enjoy admiring the ceiling!

Tyler and Steve looking at something, while Chris and Emma look graceful for the camera. 

Do you see Waldo??

Three Moody choirs leading us!

Founder's Week is a tradition that has been going on for 96 consecutive years here at Moody Bible Institute! It's always in the first week of February, which is when D.L. Moody's birthday is. It's a lot of preaching and encouraging to the student body, as well as alumni and any one else, really.

This was the first night session I was able to attend, due to work. I work tomorrow night as well, but I'll be there for the conclusion of the conference Friday night! We've had some fun speakers in the morning and afternoon sessions, however. The highlight of those so far would have to be Phil Vischer, the creator of VeggieTales! Tonight Josh McDowell spoke on pornography, which was great. The greatest thing about it would have to be the conversations its starting. I would highly recommend giving the full message a listen. You can find more information on that here. Despite the temperature, I walked with a few people from bro/sis to Moody Church and back, which is about a mile away. It really wasn't too bad, thankfully, and allowed for some great memories to be made!

For now, though, I'm off to bed. It's looking like a roomie date will happen tomorrow with the Art Institute being the destination. Woo!

- rl

The Current Situation: One Year Later

It has been a year since this blog post, which is my most viewed post so far. It's been 364 days and eight hours (give or take) since I wrote that post, so here's what this year's situation is:

I am going to college this fall! While I have not technically paid my school bill yet, I have the money for it. I haven't paid it because I have to change my insurance plan or something on it, and I'm honestly just too tired to deal with that right now. I'm fairly certain we can do that when we get there, so that's when it will happen.

So am I glad I stayed home for a year and just worked? Yes. The introvert in me is about full, I think, so now I'm ready to get moving and see things. There have been so many little things I would not have been able to experience if I had gone to school. I have grown exponentially from working. I've made some fantastic friends through work. I regret not getting a second job, but I can't change that now.

Today I went to REI with one of my mom's coworkers who lived in Chicago during college, and she gave me fantastic tips on layering for the weather. It's going to involve lots of online sale stalking, but I have a few months before I really need the gear. While we were out she also gave me solid tips on using the el and general safety tips.

Regarding a job once I'm there, I have already applied for one on-campus job, and if I don't get that then I'll apply for more once I get there. I have also spoken to the operator of the Chick-fil-A I work out and he is going to help me connect with the store near Moody when I'm ready.

What am I most nervous about? It's not my safety or the cold, but the academics. I did not ever really care about my grades in high school, but I think, after some adjustment time, I should be able to get a good routine down that works for me.

We leave in 4.5 days. It has not sunk in yet. While my closet is packed up and my room is in disarray, it still does not feel real. I have thought about this school every day for a solid three years now - that's over 1,000 days! I have not visited the campus, so I'm eagerly awaiting my first sight of it. I have the maps almost memorized, so I don't think I'll be too confused, at least not regarding which building is which.

Please pray for us during this time. I say "us" because it's an adjustment for a lot of people. First and foremost, the health for everyone. Then for our vehicle, which is our van, nearing the 200,000 mile mark. Stan (our name for the van) will need lots of prayer to make it there and back! And, of course, for my classmates. I believe most international students have either started their journey to Moody, or will be in a few short days. (They move in before the regular new student orientation). Then for everyone else as we flock to the great city of Chicago next week.

- rl

Self Portrait (32/52)

222/365

I packed up my closet today. Woah. I separated my t-shirts a few weeks ago between those I want to take with me and those I want to leave here, but just had them sitting out until I got around to packing them up. Today was that day. I loaded up a suitcase with t-shirts, blouses, jeans, socks, and sweaters/winter-y clothes that have been put into a space bag until it gets cold. I also put my few dresses and skirts into a garment bag with hangers for all my clothes. My caring mother spent most of yesterday cleaning all my bedding. It's been sitting in a big box in our dining room since last June, so it all needed a good clean.

I didn't spend all day doing this, though. Today we went to the church of my choosing, seeing as how it was my last Sunday before we left. I chose Bent Tree Bible Fellowship in Carrollton because that's the church my parents were saved and baptized at. Pete Briscoe gave a fascinating sermon that made me rethink, and change, the little description I have on my social media sites. I'm not a "sinner saved by grace". I mean, I am, but I'm more of a "saint who sometimes sins". I know it sounds a little weird at first, but you'll have to just listen to the sermon for yourself to understand.

We came home and ate lunch, then my mom and I headed out to use up some gift cards and get a few things. While I hate spending money, it had to be done. It was convenient that this was tax free weekend, though!

I only have one week left until I fly the nest. (Although I definitely wouldn't say I'm really leaving the nest, seeing as how I will still have a lot of things here.) It does not feel real yet. I have something to do every single night. I think I have almost everything either packed up or ready to be packed up. The main concern for us is that our van can make the trek. The poor thing is 13 years old and has already made many long trips. Please pray that it will get us all there safely, and last even past the trip! Talk about a ride of faith.

- rl

(p.s. this is part of my 14 goals for 2014. You can view all my goals here.)

Feasts of Israel

217/365

Tonight we joined a small group of people to experience and learn about the Feasts of Israel. It opened my eyes to things I had no clue about, and which I think will be beneficial as a Bible student. If you ever have the opportunity to learn more about the Jewish culture and history, I would recommend doing so. I still have lots more to learn about it all, and I think it's a topic I'll blog about again one day when I understand things better.

Thank you to Mike and Michelle for their hospitality, knowledge, and hearts for such a memorable evening.

- rl

(p.s. this is part of my 14 goals for 2014. You can view all my goals here.)

Commitment

165/365

Tonight I witnessed little sister, as well as ten or so other young teens, commit themselves to the Lord - heart, mind, and body. Love you, Bri.

- rl

 (p.s. this is part of my 14 goals for 2014. You can view all my goals here.)

Self Portrait (22/52)

Today we watched Ragamuffin with a couple who've been family friends for years, and it was incredible. Either the movie or today's sermon at Bent Tree from Pete Briscoe. Both were inspiring in that I'm more motivated to treat everyone like Jesus and live with more purpose. These aren't new concepts to me, but they're obviously things I'm always going to have to work at, since I am only human.

This self portrait is not connected with that paragraph, except for the fact that I got ten rows done today (between movie watching and self portrait taking...) which leaves me with only eight rows to go before I can start the decreases. I'm so ready. This project is right at a month old now. If I don't bind off this month I may completely lose my knitting mojo.

- rl

(p.s. this is part of my 14 goals for 2014. You can view all my goals here.)

Time to Cherish

"Bo!"

Dad making dinner. Obviously, I wasn't much help. (139/365)

Honey and ?? (I forgot...) chicken.

Jasmine rice

Tonight I was chatting with my mom and she mentioned a thought she had earlier in the day about making most of this time before I leave (93 days!). I couldn't agree more. It made me think of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, which is a passage I love. It relaxes me.

- rl

(p.s. this is part of my 14 goals for 2014. You can view all my goals here.)

God (& Book!) Lovers

136/365

Tonight I hung out with one of my best friends. We talked about school - Moody Bible for me, and A&M Nursing for her - as well as our favorite (and least favorite...) fictional worlds, all while sitting outside Dairy Queen enjoying this beautiful, and rare, cool Texas weather. At the end of the hour, she handed me a bag of books - a few she was returning, and most were being lent to me to get read before I leave in August.

(I now have 1.6 billion books to read. This is pile #3 in my room, and that's not including the 26 I have on a list on our library's online catalog, just waiting for me to check them out. Maybe this will be the first summer that I actually get some reading done???)

- rl

(p.s. this is part of my 14 goals for 2014. You can view all my goals here.)

Dallas Theological Seminary: 2014 Commencement

Today I got to hear Dr. Paul Nyquist (the President of Moody Bible Institute) speak, then see Amanda, my mom's coworker and our family friend, walk across the stage summa cum laude with her Master of Arts. Such a cool ceremony. I won't even lie, I teared up hardcore multiple times just thinking about how this is the type of community I've entered now. I've only watched part of a Moody Commencement Ceremony online, but it's crazy to me that I'm not only going to be a Moody student, but a Moody alumni.

- rl

My Night at Catalyst

Jesus Culture led us in worship.

The venue - Bent Tree Bible Fellowship - was packed.

Francis Chan spoke.

Then Jesus Culture came back out and led a few more songs.

121/365

"Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!" Philippians 3:8-11

Tonight I was able to make it out to an evening at Catalyst Dallas.

I went last year, but only after having my dad take me out of school halfway through the day, eating lunch at Qdoba, and then spending the afternoon/evening at this event. It was my senior skip day, of sorts. (;

This year it just kind of fell in place yet again. I dropped my dad off there this morning, then went home and took little sister to school before taking myself to work, then getting off work, running a few errands, then coming home and quickly making dinner only to drive back to Carrollton to attend the evening session with Jesus Culture and Francis Chan.

While it would have been a luxury to be able to attend this whole conference, I'm looking forward to the many conferences held at Moody each year. Only 111 days now!

- rl

(p.s. this is part of my 14 goals for 2014. You can view all my goals here.)

Lent + A Plan

For Lent this year I gave up all beverages except for milk and water. I never thought I would be able to do that. I've always been so attached to soda, but it really wasn't too awful. Sure, it was a tad torturous to have to smell Dr. Pepper when I got a drink for someone at work, and I definitely started craving it in the last week or so, but besides that I was fine. I considered continuing on this path, then decided against it. I definitely am going to cut back on my intake of it, but I still want to have it sometimes. Maybe one day I'll try the flavored water stuff my mom has been doing the last few weeks.

Now onto the second part of this post: starting today, I will be reading the entire Bible before I move into my dorm on August 20. I attempted something similar to this last year, but didn't get very far in. This time around I'm going to do it. I'm starting in the New Testament, then reading the Old Testament. You are more than welcome to join me in this endeavor. I created a Google doc here which lists the passages by the day. I wrote this all out on notecards that I'm going to hang on my wall so I can mark off each day. I also included how many days until I move in, but I didn't think anybody else really cared about that part. You can print out the document and keep it in your Bible or something if that works for you.

Let me know if you're doing it as well so we can keep each other accountable! I have about two days of wiggle room in there for myself, and I hope to not go over that. If you want to start this another day, however, then feel free to.

- rl