Eat More Chikin

Seriously, there is no greater place than Chik Fil A! (Ok, well maybe there is but for a poor seminary student who LOVES to eat out but has no money...there really is no greater place than Chik Fil A!)

I have always loved this beloved Chicken Establishment! I first loved it for it's oh so creative marketing schemes. All those cows with signs and banners saying "Eat More Chikin!" Those billboards never ceased to make me laugh as I made my commute to high school each morning!

I then loved Chik Fil A for its great food- those little nuggets, sensational waffle fries, and practically drinkable honey mustard! And then those lil chicken mini biscuits! As one of my friends described them today- God's gift to breakfast!! (I'm not sure the chickens would agree, but...

But I now love Chik Fil A for a new reason- FREE FOOD! (Those are some of the most beautiful words to me now! And sadly, I am not kidding!) But listen to how great this is. Our local Chik Fil A offers a free entree each and every monday if you bring your church bulletin with you! You simply turn in your bulletin and they in return hand the delicious chicken item of your choice!

I'm not sure if this is a STL thing or if it exists nation wide, but check into it at the Chik Fil A near you. I never heard about it in Dallas. I'm guessing because if they offered this deal in the Bible Belt they just might run out of chicken, out of money, and thus out of business... and those sweet advertising cows would end up on countless hamburgers instead of on roadside billboards across the nation!

Ok, I am off to do what I have procrastinated from all day... studying! Seriously, does it ever end? Don't answer that please! I don't want to know!

I will leave my closing remarks to some dear friends...

Going to Chapel

**Note, for those not reading too carefully, the title does not read "Going to THE Chapel." So for any of you who had gotten excited that I had gotten engaged within one month of being up here... I am so sorry to disappoint you! Check again in another month!

Haha..Right!

Anyways, the real title of intention of this post was to tell you about what has been one of the sweetest parts of my experience up here at Covenant so far... Going to Chapel.

Each Tuesday and Friday, the students, staff, faculty and families of Covenant gather together for a truly sweet season of worship- through singing, confession, prayer, and the preached word. Upon getting here, the advice over and over again has been - Go to chapel! Whatever you do, go to chapel! And from two short weeks, I can already see why this has been the overwhelming suggestion of most who have been a part of the community here!

What I have found in chapel is like water to my soul! It has beautiful opportunity for what I learned in class only moments before to descend from my head to my heart and leave my mouth in the form of confession or praise. It has been a place of release, where I can be so honest with the Lord about the gross realities of my life and then receive and be reminded of his grace for it. It has been a place of refuge in the midst of the body and before the Lord when my heart is heavy. It has been a place of rest from the great busyness and stress that already weighs on me. It has been a place of refreshment where I feel like my soul is just filled back up with the glorious truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It has been a place where I feel like I can just get lost- in the most amazing way, where I lose myself for even a few moments and get caught up in the glory of God and the wonder of the gospel!

I am so thankful for the fellowship of the body here, and really so thankful for the church. I often take for granted that the Lord did not call us to himself on an individual basis, but in calling us to himself, called us into a body, a community. That there is never a time as I walk on this earth, that I am in it alone. That I am surrounded by a cloud of witnesses that have gone before me and a community of fellow believers right now.

It is my hope and prayer that as school gets busier that the priority of going to chapel and of worship would not fade in light of the rising pressure of reading, tests, and papers. That the Lord would truly impress upon my heart the need to stop and worship, and that he would remind me of all the blessings I subsequently receive from it. And that I would never take for granted, the deep privilege it is to have this season in my life, where several times a week my day can stop and I can take place in corporate worship, and be caught up in wonder, love and praise!

Have a blessed Sunday!

Church Shopping

I grimace a little bit even as I type out the title to this post because there is something just not right in my mind about the whole concept of "church shopping." It is crazy how much our consumerism has seeped into our Christian culture- into my own heart- that church has become another place where we believe that we are entitled to have it "just the way we like it." I saw that so much in my heart in college, and have seen it resurface some in the past few weeks, and want so desperately to fight against it- that we might once again see the church as a worshipping body of which we are a part- to serve, to love, and to by God's grace, extend his kingdom.

But before I get carried away on a little soap box, my real intention of this post was to let you know that I believe today I found the church that I believe God is calling me to be a part of during my time here in STL, and I couldn't be more excited- South City Church.

I was initially so excited about the looking for a church or "church shopping" process but after only a few short weeks found myself so weary of it. As someone described to me this week, "I needed community like yesterday." Um, totally. And I also really needed a place to serve, to pour my life out "like yesterday" as well. And thus, I didn't want to spend my entire semester visiting all the 25+ PCA churches in STL plus all the other amazing churches up here. But after today, my second time at this church, I don't think I will even visit the remainder of the ones on my narrowed list and I am so thankful.

South City seems to be really be a church that exists in the city for the city- with its aim, by God's grace, to restore and redeem South City-St. Louis with the gospel of Jesus Christ for the glory of God! I am excited about the the community of believers that seem to be there and about all the opportunities to do life and ministry in South City.

* Today, they even announced a new ministry to STL which for those of you who know me will know how much it stirred my heart- a Safe House for victims of Sex Trafficking. (This has been such a deep burden on my heart for a long time and I am so anticipating how the Lord might allow me to get involved in his ministry of compassion to these girls through this church!)

I know there will be much more to say about the church, and what is doing and how God is allowing me to be a part over the next months and years. But I wanted to say thank you to all of you who have prayed for me and counseled me in this area. Please pray that I would truly grow through and give myself to the ministry of this church, and that God would this particular manifestation of his church to radically transform my heart and radically transform this city of which we are a part!

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

The First Day of School...

Well friends, it finally got here. And when I say 'finally', I do mean finally- the first day of school.

Walking onto campus this morning felt like a complete out of body experience. As I got out of the car and walked to class I couldn't help but think of a friend of mine who posted sweet pictures of her children going back to school yesterday on her blog. The specific photo I had in mind was the one of her son crying in his dad's arms, a little bit anxious about the day ahead. I just kept thinking to myself "my sentiments exactly", and wishing my dad was here to drop me off at class.

* Note: this would not be the first time my dad was with me at my first day of grad school. Last year, I was taking a few classes in Dallas. On my first day of Greek, who I am greeted by when I walk out of class? My dad! He was just coming up to "look around the bookstore"- oh yeah, the one we didn't have:) Haha. I love you, Dad. We have a bookstore here, so feel free to come on up and check it out anytime!

Ok, so back to school. First class today: Sermon Preparation and Delivery. Now you might be wondering why I am in this class. My admissions counselor and the class TA assured me that this was the class for me. But as I walked in this morning to a room full of at least 60 men, I wondered the exact same thing. And I am pretty sure they did too.

It brought me back to my college days, where on the first day of class, as I walked in and sat down, I had this strange sense that I didn't quite belong there. This strange sense was confirmed when the teacher walked in, started speaking in Russian, and oddly enough, the whole class actually understood the strange sounds that were coming out of her mouth. That day I politely excused myself and proceeded to find my actual class that was right across the hall- in English!

But today, this was my correct class, so I was sitting there rather awkwardly and super intimidated. (I am sure you who know me can get a pretty good picture of what this looked like!) That is until, the one and only other girl, walked in right as class was starting. I think you could see the relief just sweet across my face! I introduced myself to her and only her (don't want to be THAT girl) after class. And now am feeling great about the class. I am pretty sure when its over I will be ready for my ordination in the PCA..

Haha. Right. For any of you who are freaking out, please sense the sarcasm:)

Overall the rest of the day went great. Spent some time studying in the student center. And by studying I really mean surfing the internet, drinking diet coke, and making new friends. Who really studies on the first day anyways?

I am really excited about my classes tomorrow, and am excited about the canoe trip I am going on on Saturday. Umm, could be a little scary. I am not the best at canoeing. And when I say 'not the best' I mean not good at all. Hopefully, I will arrive back home safe and sound and be here on the blog Sunday to give you a full report.

Thanks for all your prayers, calls, texts, etc. today. They were much appreciated. I sure have great friends! Have a great weekend!

Random Ramblings from STL...

Well friends, I have had a request to update the blog. And by "a" request, I do mean one. So Lindsay, this post is for you. Seriously, no rhyme or reason to this post here. Literally, just random ramblings from STL. For those of you who are not interested in this post, stay tuned for Monday's, it is going to be really special.

**Yes, I do sometimes plan out my blog posts days in advance. This may not be very bloggerish of me. But its my blog, I can do what I want:)

Ok, so anyways, back to the Random Ramblings from STL...

Random Rambling #1...On driving.

Learning my way around a new city = wasting a lot of gas. Tonight, I figured I would take "short cut" on my commute home from the seminary. My commute as of now is 6 whole minutes. Tonight I took a different turn out of the parking lot...25 minutes later, after a few REALLY dark streets, clearly a couple of wrong turns, and even a few episodes of backing up at an intersection I arrived home safe and sound. Definitely the route from here on out!

In addition, last week I printed out two pictures at Walmart to finish off the frames in my room. Total price of pictures- 47 cents! Well, it ends up that the Walmart I printed them off at was probably a good 20 miles away. Total spent on gas getting to and from Walmart- definitely more than 47 cents!

Random Rambling #2... On things I miss from Texas (besides people obviously).

Texas U-Turns. Never really knew how great they were until you didn't have them. Texas High School Football...ok really just the cheerleaders and the Belles from the games! But whatever, I miss it. Go Scots! Mexican Food. Not cool when Chipotle is now my idea of eating some good Tex-Mex. If you are tired of me blogging about Mexican food, there is any easy way to fix that...SEND ME SOME! Would MiCocina keep in the mail?

Random Rambling #3...On things I don't miss from Texas

... the 100 degree heat! It has been in the 70's here the past few days! What what! Can't remember the last time I wore a light jacket or wanted to sit outside on an August afternoon!

Random Rambling #4...On Sorority Rush...

I am still SOO into it. I tend to make fun of those women who are still into it so far out of college. Kinda scared I am going to be one seeing as I have been shamelessly stalking all my girls on facebook trying to see what they are pledging! To all my little Aggie girls, I have a subtle message for you...THINK THETA!

Random Rambling #5... On making friends.

Guess what! I finally made some!

Legit text sent to mom and dad last night after our new students welcome reception: "I made some friends!"

Legit response from mom "Wow! I am so excited for you! Call me later."

Don't worry I am really cool!!:)

I guess that is it for the random ramblings. Stay tuned for Monday's post, sure to be better than this one!

And since I can't have Tex-Mex food, I will leave you with a Tex-Mex farewell...

ADIOS AMIGOS!!!

Maybe on the Next Aisle...

Well, this title doubly describes my experience shopping at Schnucks this afternoon. Schnucks is the local grocer up here in St. Louis and I am pretty sure I will be a faithful shopper at Schnucks merely because of the name. Seriously, not much cooler than a store named Schnucks. Ok, maybe there is. But I just like saying it. Gives me a good laugh every time. Schnucks! Schnucks! Schnucks! :) Love it!

Also, for a good laugh there is a place nearby called Straubs. Not sure what they sell there, but whatever it is, I am going! Seriously, I am just getting in a good chuckle every time I drive down the street. But all this talk about Schnucks and Straubs, no matter how fun it is, is besides the point!

My experience shopping at Schnucks made me just a little bit sad and a little bit homesick. For probably a couple of reasons...

1. The fact that I was grocery shopping in general, and not going to dinner at MiCocina. I just love eating out and am maybe a little depressed that I no longer have the money to do so. Honestly though, there really aren't any great restaurants around here anyways- how could there be with no Mexican food. Who knows maybe I'll actually enjoy grocery shopping then. Dallas peeps, enjoy, we know food down there!

2. The fact that some of the few grocery items I do enjoy, I could not find on the shelves of Schnucks...like Honey Wheat Pretzels, good flat bread, my weight watchers yogurts, and duh... Blue Bell Ice Cream.

3. The fact that in my one hour- that's right, one hour of grocery shopping, I did not run into a single person that I knew! I found myself just hoping- maybe on the next aisle! Now, I realize that this is highly unlikely seeing as I know like 4 people in STL and they probably go to a different Schnucks! But regardless, I would get kind of excited every time I rounded my way to the next aisle, only to be faced with a bunch of random strangers.

I think that is one of the things I am going to miss the most- always having to allow for a few extra minutes for each of your errands because you are sure going to run into someone that you know. When a trip to the grocery store for me always inevitably included a few little chats with my girls, their parents, my friends!

Community is special and it is sweet. And it is such a joy and privilege to just do life with people. Today, I am missing that community I have at home- the faces I'd run into at the store, at the Y, and at JD's while I was getting my diet coke, the people that would honk and stop while I was on a walk.

But I am also hopeful and anxiously looking forward to the community that God will provide for me here- a people, friends, to live with and do life with, to know and be known by, to love and be loved by, a people with whom to share life, share joys, share burdens, share laughs. It's neat to think about the reality that some of the strangers I saw today- at lunch, at the coffee shop, at the store- may just become friends with whom I share my life and my heart!

What a day it will be when I have friends at Schnucks!! :) Can't wait!

For now, to my community, my friends, my fam, my girls in Dallas...I love and miss you! I'm so abundantly thankful for the community I have had and will always have with you!

Howdy from St. Louis...

Friends, family, and internet blogging pals...

"Greetings" from St. Louis, MO- also known as the Gateway to the West. Not sure what all that means, but I will get on my STL history and let you know ASAP!

I apologize for the delay in the blogging update, and promise to be better in the days ahead. Much has happened over the past few days. And since a picture is worth a thousand words, I give you many pictures and just a few words...

Karen, Me, Mindy, and Lucy getting ready to head off to STL. These three of my very best friends graciously offered to help me drive my car up to St. Louis...oh, and my Uhaul full of stuff. They could probably think of another word for it. I will just call it stuff- important stuff.

We tried to document each of us driving the U-Haul. Here are Lucy and I at stop #2! We were all pretty proud of our U-Haul driving. I think I may just be ready for my job at UPS!!

Our first St. Louis adventure... the Cardinals game! Nothing like a hot dog, a margarita, and Albert Pujols hitting a home run to welcome us to STL. We had a great time!

This is the City Museum. The weirdest, but maybe the most fun place in STL. It is like a massive McDonald's play place... but much better, and still super fun for those of us who are now over 36" tall. We had a blast! Come visit and I will take you there!

There are caves in this museum. Here I am venturing into a dark hole, an unknown abyss all alone. Hopefully this is not metaphoric of my move to STL!

Just call us Jonah! Hanging out in the mouth of a fish!

Here Lucy is coming out of a hole of rubber gloves! Nasty...yes! But a great pic!

Loved this pic of Karen in the mirrors!

Blueberry Hill... one of the most famous restaurants in all of St. Louis. There is a wall of pictures of the famous people who have eaten there! Next to go on the wall... Karen, Lucy, Mindy, and Caroline. Be sure to look for us when you go!

I have moved in with a great family here in STL who have graciously allowed me to live in their basement while I get my feet on the ground. This is my super cute room. I put it together all by myself!

Haha! Right! I NEVER hung even a thing on the walls my last 2 years at the Hawkins. Chalk this one up to my wedding planner best friends and my pal, Lucy! They did an amazing job. And my cute little room really feels like home!

Little desk area! They managed to use every decorative thing I had in one room...every picture, every cross. They even let me put all my books on the bookshelves! Thanks girls! Ya'll are the greatest!

Overall, things have been pretty good. Other than my mini breakdown the first night I was here, I have felt really at peace. (I woke up at 4 am wanting to go home!) I was so thankful for my friends being here and helping get adjusted. And now, I am even thankful for the Greek test I have to take on Thursday because it gives me something to do to fill my days!

Best part of today....I found a coffee shop to study at with free Wi-Fi and unlimited refills of Diet Coke. If this is any indication of what STL is like, I am pretty sure I am going to like it here.

Worst part of today...watching Nastia and the other American Gymnasts perform in Dallas from my bedroom in St. Louis. But whatever, I'm over it!

Right...

Seriously, thank you for your love, support, texts, calls, emails, and prayers! They have been so appreciated and the prayers so felt. I am missing all my sweet friends and fam in Dallas! But so looking forward to what's ahead!

I'll keep you posted. So be sure to tune in to the blog every once in a while!

meet me in st. louis

Well, I just got back today from St. Louis... the great midwestern city that will be my new home in just about a month! It was just great, and I honestly couldn't be more excited about getting up there!

(For those of you who don't know already because I haven't written about it on the blog...I am now going to go to seminary up in St. Louis at Covenant Theological Seminary. About 6 weeks ago, the Lord completely pried my hands off the plans I had been holding onto so tightly for so long, closed the door to Philly, and opened so clearly this door to go to St. Louis! It has been so evident to me that this is his plan, his path for me, and I just can't wait to walk in it!)

I know this next phase of my life is going to be such a learning experience for me, and these past few days were a little taste of it. Here's just a bit of what I learned and experienced in these past few days...

I have experienced so deeply that God is FAITHFUL and does in fact provide for all our needs. I have seen him provide for me in so many ways... with some scholarship $$ I never thought I would get so late in the game, a place to live with a great family, potential job opportunities, and a few great friends already in STL. I have seen his hand in so very much, and i haven't even gotten up there already!

I learned and experienced that for us as believers, all of life is ministry--whether it is the official job that pays the bills or not. We really are the light, the aroma of Christ in a world that desperately needs him. I am excited about a taking a break from working in the church for a little bit, and hopefully finding a job in the real world where I can be the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus Christ! Please pray for me...that I might live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ!

I learned that you absolutely cannot live in St. Louis and not be a Cardinals fan. And even as a self diagnosed fair-weather fan and ultimate bandwagon jumper, I am excited to be a real fan of a fun team with character and history. (Oh and hopefully a team that wins some games too... the Aggies are KILLING me!!)

I learned that sadly, over my time in Highland Park, I have become way too used to "the bubble" and now think driving over 10 minutes to get anywhere is far away. Ridiculous... i know!

And finally, I learned and experienced first hand that Mexican food outside of Texas is AWFUL... seriously, I ate the worst quesadillas of my life this week. And seriously, how do you mess up a quesadilla?? Yo no comprende! Besides it being cold outside...oh, and leaving everyone I know, my biggest fear about moving from Tejas is the lack of good Tex-Mex. But, I must say, I am glad I discovered it now, so I can eat my fair share before I go.

So...if you are looking for me in the next month or so, your best bet is probably Manny's, Mi Cocina, Mia's, or Mattitos...I'll probably just be chillin there eating fajitas with guac and probably drinking in the queso.

Don't judge me.

And come the middle of August, if you want to find me... Meet Me in St. Louis!