So it has been a solid month since my last blog post. If there are people out there who still go to this page, Im sorry for my long absence.
This blog will be short and sweet just to show you that Im still alive and doing well.
I have officially finished (and passed) my final semester as a student at Purdue. My 21 credit hour semester stretched me to my limits but i feel that it also prepared me for student teaching this spring. Ahh student teaching...something I have been excited for and yet dreading these past 4 years. But I am really excited to see what God will do. I love the school Im at and have fully enjoyed getting to know the teacher I will be working with.
It is crazy to think that in 5 months from now, I will be back in Bluffton, a college graduate. How does the job market look? It will be interesting but I trust that God has something special planned for me, even if that is subbing for a year or two.
But I don't want to think about that right now. Because right now, I am fully enjoying this time at home with my friends and family. I am loving every minute of it, every morning I sleep in, every game with my parents, every event with friends or the young group. College has been great and a blessing but I sure do miss Bluffton and the wonderful people here.
Perhaps a more in depth post will come later but I think its time to go play a game with Mom and Dad and maybe grab a good book and start reading.
Wishing you all a very warm and happy Christmas season. God bless.
Joel
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
I Am Second
In a world that is filled with being first, where most of our counterparts are living lives for themselves, there are some who are second. I Am Second is a Christian movement, a movement where Christians share their testimonies. All of the testimonies share that Jesus is in control and that He is number one. Go to the website iamsecond.com and find testimonies from Mike Huckabee, Michael W. Smith, Lecrae, Bethany Hamilton, Josh Hamilton, and my personal favorite is Chris Plekenpol. Or go to iamsecondpurdue.com and see testimonies from fellow Boilermakers.
I think now, I would like to share my story. The story of God being number one in my life.
It was the summer before my Freshman year of high school (or so i think). Like most, I was a good kid. I stayed out of trouble, I got my homework done, I obeyed my parents, I probably even called myself a Christian, but that summer God revealed that there is a whole lot more to being a Christian than to simply being good. It was in July, I was at Family Camp and I was having a blast. On one of the first days, there was a speaker, and I dont remember what they were talking on or even who it was, but they asked to take 15 minutes and go to our favorite spot at Family Camp and just spend that time with God.
I loved baseball. I grew up playing baseball. So naturally, my quiet time took me to the ball diamond. I sat down against the backstop with my Bible thinking that this was going to be a long 15 minutes. Little did I know that God would change my life.
I opened up the Bible, and even now, I cant remember what I read, but I was convicted. Whatever I read revealed that I was guilty and that I was sinner. All the things that I had heard growing up that I pushed off to the side, I now realized that I was a sinner. Thou I was a good kid, I was without a Savior. I gave my heart to God that day.
I wish I could say that since then, my life has been easy. The problem with that day in July was that I never told anybody. I never professed that I had given my heart to God. After the camp ended, high school started. Even then, I feel I stayed a good kid. The only problem though was that I was doing it all on my own. I didn't have a church to really fall back on, I didnt have a youth group. My freshman and sophomore years were good years, I had fun, but I probably could have done a better job of glorifying God.
It was my junior year that things got pretty crazy. My junior year I played baseball. I made the varsity team and we were good...really good. I am struggling to find the words to describe this period in my life. See, I was a Christian, however God probably wasnt first in my life. For about a six month period, it was baseball. It became an idol. I lived for baseball. Granted, I didnt throw Christianity away. As a team we always prayed together. Personally, I always prayed Psalm 115:1 before every game "Not to us, Oh Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory. Because of your love and faithfulness." That year, God blessed us with an amazing journey that ended with us winning the state championship with a record of 35-0.
Fast forward to my senior year, its Christmas break and all I can look forward to is January 7th, the first day of practice. This is every guys dream. All boys look forward to their senior year, being the team captain and leading the team. This was what I was longing for. Yet on Sunday, Jan. 6th, God pricked my heart.
I was raised in the Apostolic Church. I liked it, I appreciated it, but I didnt know it was what I wanted at that time. Because what I wanted at that time was honestly this: popularity, baseball, and sure maybe even a girlfriend. Yet on Sun, Jan. 6, 2008, God opened up my eyes to how extraordinary the AC church was. Here I was just sitting in church and all of a sudden, I just fell in love with the church. The thought that came across my mind was "I can do this." I looked at the young group and noticed the support and closeness. I looked at the church and saw all the love. Yet what about baseball?
After church, I went home and had my wrestling match with God. Why did God have to step in. I had plans. I wanted to play baseball, go to Purdue, and then join the church. I tried to reason with God, "God, I need to play baseball. I can be such a light for You. Think of how I can glorify Your name. Remember Psalm 115:1 God!" Yet the conviction was still there. That night I went to a Bible study with some friends and teammates from school. Again, not sure what we even talked about but I left the Bible study that evening knowing that I had decision to make. I went home and had the talk with Mom and Dad. It was emotional but they were supportive of whatever my decision. I am not sure how it happened, but the next thing I knew, I was at my elder Ed's house. My battle with God and baseball had ended, amazingly, something I treasured so much, God took the desire away in a matter of hours. God opened my eyes to the tremendous opportunities that lied within the church. Again, the story does not end here.
The next day was school. How was I supposed to tell my coaches and teammates that I am not playing. Would my teammates understand? Ill be honest, Jan. 7, 2008 was probably one of the hardest days of my life. I told my coaches and teammates I wouldnt be playing. I had to clean out my locker. It was tough and Satan really worked me over. Are you really making the right decision? I wasnt sure anymore.
However, two things happened that I will never forget, probably changed my life. The first was Coach Gray. Coach Gray was a baseball coach. He worked more with pitchers and catchers and I was neither of those so I didnt really know him. But as I was cleaning out my locker, Coach Gray approached me. This was a convo I was not really looking forward to. He said "Joel, I want you to know I respect your church..." Oh boy, here it comes, nows the part about me walking out on my teammates. Instead, Coach Gray surprised me. He said "Joel, your decision to join the church is probably the best decision you will ever make. I am so happy for you." He then hugged me and said that if I change my mind, there is always a spot on the team. Wow...thank you God!
The last event is compliments of my sister in law Angie. It was in the midst of "did I make a right decision" I got a letter from Angie saying how happy she was for me. But in the letter she shared a verse that was perfect. Phil. 3:7 "But whatever was to my profit (baseball for Joel) I now consider loss for the sake of Christ." A long with that was attached a song called Knowing You. The conversation with Coach Gray and the verse and song changed everything for me. It was God saying that everything will be ok...He has a plan for me.
Since January 7th, God has continued to provide. There have been ups and there have been downs but God is faithful. If given the opportunity, I wouldnt change it. I am excited with where I am at and where God has placed me and I am excited to see whatever it is God has in store in this next stage of life.My prayer today, is still the same as it was on the baseball field so many years ago...Not to us, Oh Lord, not to us. But to Your name be the glory because of your love and faithfulness.
I think now, I would like to share my story. The story of God being number one in my life.
It was the summer before my Freshman year of high school (or so i think). Like most, I was a good kid. I stayed out of trouble, I got my homework done, I obeyed my parents, I probably even called myself a Christian, but that summer God revealed that there is a whole lot more to being a Christian than to simply being good. It was in July, I was at Family Camp and I was having a blast. On one of the first days, there was a speaker, and I dont remember what they were talking on or even who it was, but they asked to take 15 minutes and go to our favorite spot at Family Camp and just spend that time with God.
I loved baseball. I grew up playing baseball. So naturally, my quiet time took me to the ball diamond. I sat down against the backstop with my Bible thinking that this was going to be a long 15 minutes. Little did I know that God would change my life.
I opened up the Bible, and even now, I cant remember what I read, but I was convicted. Whatever I read revealed that I was guilty and that I was sinner. All the things that I had heard growing up that I pushed off to the side, I now realized that I was a sinner. Thou I was a good kid, I was without a Savior. I gave my heart to God that day.
I wish I could say that since then, my life has been easy. The problem with that day in July was that I never told anybody. I never professed that I had given my heart to God. After the camp ended, high school started. Even then, I feel I stayed a good kid. The only problem though was that I was doing it all on my own. I didn't have a church to really fall back on, I didnt have a youth group. My freshman and sophomore years were good years, I had fun, but I probably could have done a better job of glorifying God.
It was my junior year that things got pretty crazy. My junior year I played baseball. I made the varsity team and we were good...really good. I am struggling to find the words to describe this period in my life. See, I was a Christian, however God probably wasnt first in my life. For about a six month period, it was baseball. It became an idol. I lived for baseball. Granted, I didnt throw Christianity away. As a team we always prayed together. Personally, I always prayed Psalm 115:1 before every game "Not to us, Oh Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory. Because of your love and faithfulness." That year, God blessed us with an amazing journey that ended with us winning the state championship with a record of 35-0.
Fast forward to my senior year, its Christmas break and all I can look forward to is January 7th, the first day of practice. This is every guys dream. All boys look forward to their senior year, being the team captain and leading the team. This was what I was longing for. Yet on Sunday, Jan. 6th, God pricked my heart.
I was raised in the Apostolic Church. I liked it, I appreciated it, but I didnt know it was what I wanted at that time. Because what I wanted at that time was honestly this: popularity, baseball, and sure maybe even a girlfriend. Yet on Sun, Jan. 6, 2008, God opened up my eyes to how extraordinary the AC church was. Here I was just sitting in church and all of a sudden, I just fell in love with the church. The thought that came across my mind was "I can do this." I looked at the young group and noticed the support and closeness. I looked at the church and saw all the love. Yet what about baseball?
After church, I went home and had my wrestling match with God. Why did God have to step in. I had plans. I wanted to play baseball, go to Purdue, and then join the church. I tried to reason with God, "God, I need to play baseball. I can be such a light for You. Think of how I can glorify Your name. Remember Psalm 115:1 God!" Yet the conviction was still there. That night I went to a Bible study with some friends and teammates from school. Again, not sure what we even talked about but I left the Bible study that evening knowing that I had decision to make. I went home and had the talk with Mom and Dad. It was emotional but they were supportive of whatever my decision. I am not sure how it happened, but the next thing I knew, I was at my elder Ed's house. My battle with God and baseball had ended, amazingly, something I treasured so much, God took the desire away in a matter of hours. God opened my eyes to the tremendous opportunities that lied within the church. Again, the story does not end here.
The next day was school. How was I supposed to tell my coaches and teammates that I am not playing. Would my teammates understand? Ill be honest, Jan. 7, 2008 was probably one of the hardest days of my life. I told my coaches and teammates I wouldnt be playing. I had to clean out my locker. It was tough and Satan really worked me over. Are you really making the right decision? I wasnt sure anymore.
However, two things happened that I will never forget, probably changed my life. The first was Coach Gray. Coach Gray was a baseball coach. He worked more with pitchers and catchers and I was neither of those so I didnt really know him. But as I was cleaning out my locker, Coach Gray approached me. This was a convo I was not really looking forward to. He said "Joel, I want you to know I respect your church..." Oh boy, here it comes, nows the part about me walking out on my teammates. Instead, Coach Gray surprised me. He said "Joel, your decision to join the church is probably the best decision you will ever make. I am so happy for you." He then hugged me and said that if I change my mind, there is always a spot on the team. Wow...thank you God!
The last event is compliments of my sister in law Angie. It was in the midst of "did I make a right decision" I got a letter from Angie saying how happy she was for me. But in the letter she shared a verse that was perfect. Phil. 3:7 "But whatever was to my profit (baseball for Joel) I now consider loss for the sake of Christ." A long with that was attached a song called Knowing You. The conversation with Coach Gray and the verse and song changed everything for me. It was God saying that everything will be ok...He has a plan for me.
Since January 7th, God has continued to provide. There have been ups and there have been downs but God is faithful. If given the opportunity, I wouldnt change it. I am excited with where I am at and where God has placed me and I am excited to see whatever it is God has in store in this next stage of life.My prayer today, is still the same as it was on the baseball field so many years ago...Not to us, Oh Lord, not to us. But to Your name be the glory because of your love and faithfulness.
My name is Joel Reinhard and I am second.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Bucket List
As most of you know, this is my senior year at Purdue. It is crazy to think how fast the time as has gone here. This thought really occurred earlier this week as I was singing up to graduate. It is so weird for me to think that I am graduating college in six months. I reminisced in an email to my parents about it. A part of me says "Already?" In a way, it feels like I should still have another year left. Just enough time to go out to eat at A&W with the guys, go play some campus golf, more trips to the den, or a fountain run, another amazing spring break with the best guys. But this is it.
But at the same time, a part of me says "Its about time!" I have put in my fair share of late nights, early mornings, and long hours in the library. I have sweat enough walking to class in the summer and have trudged through enough snow in the winter. I have had enough 7:30 classes and enough final exams on a Saturday. Ive gone to my football and basketball games and have had enough great lunches at Triple XXX and probably way too many Den pops. Yep, Ive served my time Purdue.
Time sure have changed in my four years...a lot of the good times of the past are no more. A&W went out of business last year, the days of mission trips and trips to Tennessee and Florida are past. A lot of the guys I started with here at Purdue, who made such an impact on me, are either graduated or married. I guess a lot has happened in four years.
But enough of the teary eyed moments: since my time at Purdue is coming to a rapid end, here is the start of my bucket list for my senior year. (some are easily accomplishable)
BUCKET LIST
Fountain Run
Sled on Slayter Hill
Eat at Triple XXX before class
Ride the Boilermaker Special
Purdue vs IU basketball game
Eat at a Dining Court
Make an awesome video
Get a Milkshake at Pappy's Sweet Shop
Watch the sunset/rise from Slayter Hill
Enjoy the simple things
Get a job.
Now for you Boilermaker grads, I would love some input on what else I should include on my Bucket List. Or anybody for that matter, as you can see, it is not a very big list.
On Friday, May 11, 2012, I will say goodbye to the great times, fond memories, and stressful nights at Purdue. I will have to pack up 4 years of memories into the Aztek, hoping it will all fit with my diploma. Until then, I have work to do. Too many papers, too many exams, too many lesson plan.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
This will be random!
Start off by thinking this thought for me: How Great Is Our God!
Its been a long time since I have gotten on this thing. I guess the business of school has gotten the best of me. I am trying to think of what has happened since the inFamous Gold Fish Incident. Well, I have had a lot of papers and exams. All in all, I feel that I am doing good. Granted, at times I am overwhelmed but everyday, God provides enough grace to get me through and that is such a blessing!
How could I forget this...a few weeks ago, I watched the movie "Courageous." What a fantastic movie. I would add the trailer here but I am already planning on sharing a different clip that I have fallen in love with (that will come later in the post). Courageous is fantastic, if you havent seen it, I would highly encourage you all to go watch it. Watch by yourself, or with some close friends, your spouse, whoever. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will be challenged. Especially us men. Some say it only applies to the married men with kids but I would highly disagree. What a huge calling it was for all men to be leaders. To be in love with the Lord and with the word. A theme verse this year for me has been 1st Cor. 16:13-14 (fits in perfectly with the movie) "Be on your guard, stand firm, be men of courage, be strong. Do everything in love."
What a high calling that verse is! I have also been challenged with a thought I heard on the radio the other day. The thought goes like this: "What if you wake up tomorrow morning and all you have is what you thanked God for." Just think on that, digest that quote. Do we thank God for the amazing blessings he has given us, and I mean AMAZING BLESSINGS. Like a roof, a computer, money in your wallet (or a plastic thing that substitutes for money), a job, a car, a family that loves you!
Yesterday, I had an interview with a school in West Lafayette for student teaching. It lasted over an hour and it was pretty intense. I am anxiously waiting to here back from them, hoping I am good enough for their program.
And now, Id like to share a video and some verses.
Last Friday, the PYG had our talent show, which we call Glory Night. It was a lot of fun with some good laughs. Maybe some videos will come later on. Maybe.
Here is what I really wanted to share in this post:
The other night I was drying home from Purdue. I was alone and it was just me and God (and some Adventures in Odyssey). That night, I drove and for a majority of the trip, there was an amazingly beautiful sunset. The verse of Psalm 19:1 kept running through my head. "The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands."
I hope you will take the time to watch this. It is more than powerful.
This video shows how amazing our God is. Another verse is Psalm 148:3-5 "Praise him sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens...let them praise the name of the Lord."
Have a great week and remember how great our God is!
Its been a long time since I have gotten on this thing. I guess the business of school has gotten the best of me. I am trying to think of what has happened since the inFamous Gold Fish Incident. Well, I have had a lot of papers and exams. All in all, I feel that I am doing good. Granted, at times I am overwhelmed but everyday, God provides enough grace to get me through and that is such a blessing!
How could I forget this...a few weeks ago, I watched the movie "Courageous." What a fantastic movie. I would add the trailer here but I am already planning on sharing a different clip that I have fallen in love with (that will come later in the post). Courageous is fantastic, if you havent seen it, I would highly encourage you all to go watch it. Watch by yourself, or with some close friends, your spouse, whoever. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will be challenged. Especially us men. Some say it only applies to the married men with kids but I would highly disagree. What a huge calling it was for all men to be leaders. To be in love with the Lord and with the word. A theme verse this year for me has been 1st Cor. 16:13-14 (fits in perfectly with the movie) "Be on your guard, stand firm, be men of courage, be strong. Do everything in love."
What a high calling that verse is! I have also been challenged with a thought I heard on the radio the other day. The thought goes like this: "What if you wake up tomorrow morning and all you have is what you thanked God for." Just think on that, digest that quote. Do we thank God for the amazing blessings he has given us, and I mean AMAZING BLESSINGS. Like a roof, a computer, money in your wallet (or a plastic thing that substitutes for money), a job, a car, a family that loves you!
Yesterday, I had an interview with a school in West Lafayette for student teaching. It lasted over an hour and it was pretty intense. I am anxiously waiting to here back from them, hoping I am good enough for their program.
And now, Id like to share a video and some verses.
Last Friday, the PYG had our talent show, which we call Glory Night. It was a lot of fun with some good laughs. Maybe some videos will come later on. Maybe.
Here is what I really wanted to share in this post:
The other night I was drying home from Purdue. I was alone and it was just me and God (and some Adventures in Odyssey). That night, I drove and for a majority of the trip, there was an amazingly beautiful sunset. The verse of Psalm 19:1 kept running through my head. "The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands."
I hope you will take the time to watch this. It is more than powerful.
This video shows how amazing our God is. Another verse is Psalm 148:3-5 "Praise him sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens...let them praise the name of the Lord."
Have a great week and remember how great our God is!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Indiana Wants Me
There is an old song called "Indiana Wants Me." The song is about a man who is in trouble with the police in the great state of Indiana. Well, as of this weekend, Indiana Wants Me...kinda. Let me explain. (Warning: you may see me in a new light after reading this post)
Its Saturday evening, I'm back in Bluffton hanging out with two great friends Ben Stoller and Kyle Kipfer. We are at the fair. Its getting late and the fair is winding down. Kyle and I were determined to win a goldfish...and after some unsuccessful attempts, the guy working the stand (aka carnie) gave us two goldfish. Ahh...finally, we now have our beloved goldfish. However, we had no intent on taking them home and the carnie only gave them to us because they were going to be dead soon. So, out of the kindness of our hearts, we figured we might advance that stages of nature by putting the poor little Goldfish out of their misery.
Ben, Kyle, and myself walk into a dark alley way of Bluffton and begin throwing our prized goldfish high into the air or into the bricks of a building. (Wow this post is making me sound really evil) Anyways, these little guys were not dying, the water in which they were in served as a pocket of protection and took the brunt of the blows. Eventually, our work was finished.
As we were leaving the alley, four of the finest Bluffton Police Officers show up.
They received a report of animal cruelty. Really? Are you kidding me? These are goldfish...they have the attention span of 3 seconds! The cops then proceeded to shine their lights and interrogate, mainly Kyle (who is at this time holding both bags, one with a flopping/dying goldfish and the other with no goldfish) as to what we were doing. Threatening us saying that this is animal cruelty and its a misdemeanor and that we could go to jail for this. Wow...ok, this is getting serious. These guys mean business. They then ask for identification and say that Kyle's looks a little fake.
At this point in time, my parents show up, knowing beforehand our intentions with the goldfish. I thought we caught a break, the parents can help bail us out. The worst part is, my mom thinks its funny and is trying to get a picture of these 4 cops talking to these three, very intimidated, college aged guys. I told my mom the seriousness of our "crime." My mom then started laughing and we realized, we had been had. I was personally looking for Ashton Kutcher. The cops then laughed it off while we, and especially Kyle were relieved that it was all one big practical joke.
Turns out that after we "won" our fish, we bumped into my mom and told her our evil intentions. We then went to the alley. My mom went and saw a cop, who my mom knew. She told him what we were doing and that he should scare us a bit. This cop, then grabbed three of his friends...and the rest is history.
The pranking war has officially begun.
Its Saturday evening, I'm back in Bluffton hanging out with two great friends Ben Stoller and Kyle Kipfer. We are at the fair. Its getting late and the fair is winding down. Kyle and I were determined to win a goldfish...and after some unsuccessful attempts, the guy working the stand (aka carnie) gave us two goldfish. Ahh...finally, we now have our beloved goldfish. However, we had no intent on taking them home and the carnie only gave them to us because they were going to be dead soon. So, out of the kindness of our hearts, we figured we might advance that stages of nature by putting the poor little Goldfish out of their misery.
Ben, Kyle, and myself walk into a dark alley way of Bluffton and begin throwing our prized goldfish high into the air or into the bricks of a building. (Wow this post is making me sound really evil) Anyways, these little guys were not dying, the water in which they were in served as a pocket of protection and took the brunt of the blows. Eventually, our work was finished.
As we were leaving the alley, four of the finest Bluffton Police Officers show up.
They received a report of animal cruelty. Really? Are you kidding me? These are goldfish...they have the attention span of 3 seconds! The cops then proceeded to shine their lights and interrogate, mainly Kyle (who is at this time holding both bags, one with a flopping/dying goldfish and the other with no goldfish) as to what we were doing. Threatening us saying that this is animal cruelty and its a misdemeanor and that we could go to jail for this. Wow...ok, this is getting serious. These guys mean business. They then ask for identification and say that Kyle's looks a little fake.
At this point in time, my parents show up, knowing beforehand our intentions with the goldfish. I thought we caught a break, the parents can help bail us out. The worst part is, my mom thinks its funny and is trying to get a picture of these 4 cops talking to these three, very intimidated, college aged guys. I told my mom the seriousness of our "crime." My mom then started laughing and we realized, we had been had. I was personally looking for Ashton Kutcher. The cops then laughed it off while we, and especially Kyle were relieved that it was all one big practical joke.
Turns out that after we "won" our fish, we bumped into my mom and told her our evil intentions. We then went to the alley. My mom went and saw a cop, who my mom knew. She told him what we were doing and that he should scare us a bit. This cop, then grabbed three of his friends...and the rest is history.
The pranking war has officially begun.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
The Joys of Irresponsibleness/Bucket List
Bucket Lists. We all have them. Ranging from things we would like to do or places where we would like to go. This being my senior year at Purdue, it is time for the Bucket List to make an appearance. I have not exactly decided what will go on my Bucket List...but what I do know, is I can cross something off of it right now.
I have always wanted to go home on some random occasion. Well this past week, in probably the busiest weeks of the semester thus far, I did it. But let me give you some background and the play by play of how it happened.
There is something that is very near and dear to my heart called the Bluffton Street Fair. If you haven't heard of it or haven't been, you are missing out. The entire city of Bluffton (or most of it) is shut down and blocked off due to the fair. It is the Worlds Largest Free Fair, so yeah, its kind of a big deal! This was always a highlight growing up and still is. During the week of street fair, the Reinhard kitchen was always closed. Every night, we would hit up the fair with the family. On Tuesday nights, the opening day of the fair, they have a parade. For the parade, my whole family gathers together to watch the parade go by. In the parade you see the Mayor, the bands, the military, businesses, boy scouts, girl scouts...get the picture. Speaking of picture... this is Bluffton Street Fair at its finest:
Unfortunately, the past three years at Purdue have prevented me from going to the opening day parade....So...its Tuesday. I havent been in home in 5 weeks. Tuesdays are my big day of class from 7:30-2:45 (no breaks). The whole day, I am getting emails on my phone from my family talking about the fair. What they are looking forward, what they are going to eat, what games they will play yada yada yada. My parents made it known that they set up our chairs a whole 12 hours before the parade even started (if you want to hear a funny story, ask me about my mom being a "winner") Just to give you an idea, 20 emails over the course of the day were sent. Yep, we are pretty hard core Street Fairers.
OK...BACK TO LIVE ACTION....Im in a computer lab working on my Political Analysis homework (sounds like a winner right). Its 3:30...and the idea starts to formulate in my head. "Humm..if I leave by 4, I could get home by 6:30, in time for the start of the parade...but what about my hw and exam and gas being so expensive..." It was like a Mastercard commercial popped into my head:
Gas=$40.
Food=$10
Skipping class=uh?
Seeing the look on Mom's face=Priceless.
By 3:45, Im on the road and not a soul knows (except for my brother at Notre Dame because I wanted to rub it in). My parents, my family, my roommates, all where left in the dark. To spare details and save room: the drive was long but I got there and time and yep, you should have seen the look on my family's face.
Being at the fair was great. I ate delicious foods, I played the Mouse Game. It was great. But being with my family was even better. Can't wait to spend more time with them this weekend (yep, you guessed it, Im gonna go back for some family and fair)
I could tell you a lot lot more: but I have to figure out how to do my hw from the class I skipped. Ooops.
Oh and of course: My Bucket List:
Random Trip Home
Maybe this weekend I will update you about my awesome evening last night!
I have always wanted to go home on some random occasion. Well this past week, in probably the busiest weeks of the semester thus far, I did it. But let me give you some background and the play by play of how it happened.
There is something that is very near and dear to my heart called the Bluffton Street Fair. If you haven't heard of it or haven't been, you are missing out. The entire city of Bluffton (or most of it) is shut down and blocked off due to the fair. It is the Worlds Largest Free Fair, so yeah, its kind of a big deal! This was always a highlight growing up and still is. During the week of street fair, the Reinhard kitchen was always closed. Every night, we would hit up the fair with the family. On Tuesday nights, the opening day of the fair, they have a parade. For the parade, my whole family gathers together to watch the parade go by. In the parade you see the Mayor, the bands, the military, businesses, boy scouts, girl scouts...get the picture. Speaking of picture... this is Bluffton Street Fair at its finest:
Unfortunately, the past three years at Purdue have prevented me from going to the opening day parade....So...its Tuesday. I havent been in home in 5 weeks. Tuesdays are my big day of class from 7:30-2:45 (no breaks). The whole day, I am getting emails on my phone from my family talking about the fair. What they are looking forward, what they are going to eat, what games they will play yada yada yada. My parents made it known that they set up our chairs a whole 12 hours before the parade even started (if you want to hear a funny story, ask me about my mom being a "winner") Just to give you an idea, 20 emails over the course of the day were sent. Yep, we are pretty hard core Street Fairers.
OK...BACK TO LIVE ACTION....Im in a computer lab working on my Political Analysis homework (sounds like a winner right). Its 3:30...and the idea starts to formulate in my head. "Humm..if I leave by 4, I could get home by 6:30, in time for the start of the parade...but what about my hw and exam and gas being so expensive..." It was like a Mastercard commercial popped into my head:
Gas=$40.
Food=$10
Skipping class=uh?
Seeing the look on Mom's face=Priceless.
By 3:45, Im on the road and not a soul knows (except for my brother at Notre Dame because I wanted to rub it in). My parents, my family, my roommates, all where left in the dark. To spare details and save room: the drive was long but I got there and time and yep, you should have seen the look on my family's face.
Being at the fair was great. I ate delicious foods, I played the Mouse Game. It was great. But being with my family was even better. Can't wait to spend more time with them this weekend (yep, you guessed it, Im gonna go back for some family and fair)
I could tell you a lot lot more: but I have to figure out how to do my hw from the class I skipped. Ooops.
Oh and of course: My Bucket List:
Maybe this weekend I will update you about my awesome evening last night!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Looking Forward and Looking Back
Press play...listen and continue reading.
You know, I have had a lot of good days in my life. I have had a lot of great weeks. Just right off the bat, I can think of so many great days/times in my life…Like when I was younger and I was able to spend the day hanging out with my 3 older brothers. Or a day spent with friends swimming and hanging out. The Friday or Saturday nights with the family where we would order a pizza and then watch a movie. The Saturdays during the summer when I would go play baseball with my dad. Or go get Panda Express with my mom. The day I became a Christian, that was a great day. The countless hours working at Pizza King were great times. Winning the state championship in baseball was an amazing experience. The Sunday nights at my Grandparents with the family hanging out and playing games. The vacations to Gatlinburg with the family, those were great times. Mission trips to Jamaica and Mexico were amazing. Weekends at church retreats were magnificent. The Passion Conference has been an awesome experience. Being at Purdue has made an indelible impact in my life. Last spring, I went with the PYG down to Peachtree City, GA, that was an amazing weekend. Spring break I had the most amazing trip with some amazing friends. This summer going to Gettysburg and Myrtle Beach with the family. The weekends and summers spending time with some adorable nieces and nephews…oh so many memories. I’ve had some great talks. Some great memories. Some great praise singings. Some great laughs. AMAZING FRIENDS AND FAMILY. So why am I bringing all this up?
Because…
“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.”
Isn’t that just so awesome to think about. I have had a great run here on earth, loving every minute of it. I am beyond blessed. But I also have so much yet to experience. I cannot wait to graduate, to get my first teaching job, to fall in love with the girl that God has picked out just for ME, for that first kiss, to hold my child, to grow old with the people I love the most.
There is so much to look forward to but even then, nothing can compare! “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” Doesn’t that just blow your mind! All of these great times here on Earth are NOTHING compared to ONE day in HEAVEN!
The thought of eternity used to really scare me when I was younger and not a Christian. It would make my head hurt. I could not comprehend the thought of forever. What am I going to do? Won’t I get bored? But to think that all of those thousand awesome experiences I have had on earth, they won’t even compare to just one day in Heaven.
And now, enjoy this video by my good friend Francis Chan reminding us about this life and what is important:
Wishing you the very best for the remainder of the week. Praying for you all, appreciate you all, love you all. God bless...until next time.
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