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This morning Chris and Chad (our pastors at West Ridge) were interviewed by the local Fox news here in Chicago. They were interested in the series we're doing right now called Pure Sex, and the word sex being flashed up on our church sign for everyone to see.

Check it out!!

WHIRLY!!

Last night for college group at WestRidge we all played this thing called whirly ball. Yes, whirly ball. It was such a sweet time! We had tons of peeps come out and we just had a great time together. Really building relationally. Anyways...whirly ball. So, as I have been taught the ways of the city, whirly ball is a game that was created in Chicago and there are actually only 2 locations in the US. (right here in the city.) We went to one of them, and basically it is a mix between bumper cars, lacrosse, and basketball. Who woulda thought right??? Check out the pictures!!

SHIFT CONFERENCE

Nick and I have been at a student ministries conference the past few days at WillowCreek about 30 minutes away from campus. The conference is one of the biggest in the nation, and we have been learning and hearing from some amazing people. Brian McLaren, Shane Claiborne, Charlie Hall, Dan Kimball, all sorts of sweet peeps.

Check out the site >>> www.shiftexperience.com

Old Stuff

Me and Nick have picked up a new hobby. Antique Shows. It's pretty fun, we've gone to a few the past few weeks and the last one we went to was at a horse race track. Really cool place, and we brought some friends with us this time. Nick and I are really into 40's and 50's stuff. We are usually the youngest people there by about....30 years. Gotta love old stuff, there's something quite intriguing about it.

Be

Something the campus pastor said last night that really resonated with me.

God said, "If you can't be with me, you have no business doing for me."

She went on to talk about the spiritual disciplines of solitude and prayer, something that I struggle with, because I love to be doing. This Saturday a group of us are going downtown without our cellphones, laptops, or anything else. And are just going to be with God in the midst of a very busy city. We have to discipline ourselves (just like Jesus did) to be alone with God.

I'll let you guys know how it goes. Hope everyone had a great Easter!

Coffee and Donuts

Yesterday morning, bright and early, about 15 of us got up and started giving out coffee and donuts on the street. We stepped out into the busy, traffic filled street that our church sits on, and simply wanted everyone who drove by to have a good day. So, to show them that we love them, care about them, we passed out coffee and donuts to help them start their day with a boost. And nothing in return. We wanted nothing in return. And that was the kicker that no one really seemed to understand. "What for?" "How much?" But when we said, "For you" and "nothing at all" they were stunned at the generosity. Generosity? All we did was give them a cup of coffee and a chocolote donut. How generous is that really? What a glimpse into the lonely, independent, and indivdualistic world we live in. It's about time we step out of our comfortable walls, safe churches, and exculsive relationships to open our eyes to a world full of loneliness. People are dying to be connected. Even if it means a stranger saying, "Hey, I care about you." No one takes that extra step out into the busy, fast-paced life that everyone is living. (me included) Well, let me tell you, the second you step out, it will be noticed. Love will be noticed. Jesus will be seen.

(p.s. that picture is of my adorable roommate pouring coffee!)

Spring Break in Mesa!

Nick and I just got back from spring break in Arizona! Nick made it through with meeting everyone, poor guy. But we had a blast! We went to church (RMCC), drove up to Sedona (gorgeous!), saw TJ play (stud), met friends, ate a lot, and soaked up every moment in the sun!

Classes start back up tomorrow! I'm looking forward to a drawing class I picked up this quarter and my other classes are still going well.
Thanks for you who keep checking in! I will keep giving glimpses into my crazy life here and all the AMAZING things God is showing me everyday.